India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
New Delhi, Aug 22 (PTI) Online gaming platforms, including Dream11, My11Circle, WinZO, Zupee, and Nazara Technologies-backed PokerBaazi, have halted their real-money online gaming offerings, following the passage of the Online Gaming Bill by Parliament on Thursday. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, seeks a blanket ban on all forms of online money games, while promoting e-sports and online social games. Online fantasy game My11Circle, owned and operated by Play Games24x7 Pvt Ltd, in a social media post, said it is suspending all gaming services that involve real money. Popular fantasy sports platform Dream11, which has had brand endorsers like Indian cricketers MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, and Bollywood actor Kartik Aryan, also shut its shop. "As per The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, cash games and contests have been discontinued on Dream11," the company's website said. Nazara Technologies, in a regulatory filing, said Moonshine Technologies Private Ltd, the parent company that owns and operates the online poker platform PokerBaazi, has halted its real-money gaming offerings in the wake of the legislation. "Pursuant to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament on August 21, 2025, and pending enactment, we wish to inform that, as a matter of abundant caution and in due respect of the government's mandate, Moonshine Technologies Private Limited, an associate company in which Nazara Technologies Limited holds a 46.07 per cent stake, has ceased offering real money online gaming operations," it said. PokerBaazi, in a post on X, said user funds remain completely safe and will be accessible for withdrawals. WinZO, which held a portfolio of over 100 real money games, said it is "responsibly withdrawing impacted offerings" in full compliance with the law of the land, effective immediately. Its real money gaming portfolio includes games like Rummy, Solitaire, Dehla Pakad, Fantasy Cricket, and Poker. Mobile Premier League (MPL) has also suspended all of its real-money gaming offerings in India. "Effective immediately, we are suspending all gaming offerings involving money on the MPL platform in India. "Our foremost priority is our users. While new deposits will no longer be accepted, customers will be able to withdraw their balances seamlessly. However, online money games will not be available on the MPL platform anymore," it said in a LinkedIn post on Thursday. MPL has over 120 million registered users across Asia, Europe, and North America. Gaming platform Zupee has also announced the discontinuation of all its paid games. However, Zupee's free titles, like Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania, will continue to be available for all users, the company said in a statement. "Due to the enactment of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, add cash and game play have been discontinued on Rummyculture. We are awaiting clarity from government authorities on the enablement of withdrawal services," Rummyculture said in a statement on its website. According to the India Gaming Report 2025, India accounts for approximately 20 per cent of the world's gaming user base and 15.1 per cent of all global gaming app downloads. The Indian gaming sector, valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 9.1 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 19.6 per cent. The country has attracted nearly USD 3 billion in foreign direct investment in the sector over the last five years and is home to 1,888 gaming startups. While the legislation is being welcomed by a large section of the industry as a positive step that safeguards the integrity of the ecosystem, dissenters argue that blanket restrictions may stifle segments of the gaming market. Ananay Jain, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, said while the legislation provides a clear regulatory environment that reduces legal uncertainty and fosters innovation, there are challenges and potential negative impacts. "By setting clear boundaries and imposing strict penalties on operators, advertisers, and financial intermediaries associated with prohibited games, it enforces accountability and safeguards users. However, there are challenges and potential negative impacts," he said. Calling the bill a double-edged sword, Jain said the blanket restrictions on certain real-money games may stifle segments of the gaming market that were previously generating significant revenue, particularly in mobile gaming and tournament-based platforms. "Smaller startups and emerging developers may face compliance burdens and financial strain due to penalties and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Bill could slow the pace of certain innovations in skill-based monetised platforms as companies navigate a complex legal landscape," he said. Industry bodies representing real money game players -- India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports(FIFS) -- in a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday raised concerns over the bill, saying the online skill gaming industry is a sunrise sector with an enterprise valuation of over Rs 2 lakh crore and annual revenue exceeding Rs 31,000 crore. PTI ANK ANK BAL BAL
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that on his first day in office he would impose a 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the trade of illicit drugs. "On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump said the tariffs would remain in place until the two countries ...Read More >
While Trent Boult was signed for Rs 12.50 crore, the Mumbai-based franchise spent an amount of Rs 9.25 crore to land Deepak Chahar. Mumbai Indians' have assembled a lethal pace attack at the two-day IPL 2025 auction held in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). The five-time IPL champions had already retained their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the auction. At the mega auction, MI decided to acquire the services of two other quality fast bowlers - Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. While Boult was signed for Rs 12.50 crore, the Mumbai-based franchise spent Rs 9.25 crore to land Chahar. Reacting to the po ...Read More >
Panaji (Goa) [India], November 27 (ANI): Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, known for his films with gripping storylines, shared his experience of being part of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and discussed his upcoming project, Wives of Bollywood. Speaking with ANI, he said, "I am very happy to be here. I have been attending for almost 20 or 22 years. I have been involved in various capacities -- sometimes as part of the standing committee, sometimes as a jury member, and sometimes as the chairman. It's a place where filmmakers from all over the world, as well as different sta ...Read More >
Affinidi's IDC InfoBrief explores challenges faced by digital-native businesses in delivering customer value through data. It highlights the importance of hyper-personalisation and data privacy as businesses transition to Experience-Orchestrated models, particularly in Asia. The report stresses the necessity of holistic identity management for competitive advantage. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Affinidi has unveiled an IDC InfoBrief, showcasing the vital need for businesses to adopt Experience-Orchestrated (X-O) strategies. The report, based on a survey of digital-native businesse ...Read More >
Air India launched a Black Friday Sale with discounts up to 20% on domestic flights and up to 12% on international flights to various destinations. The sale is available through the airline's website and mobile apps. Additional savings are possible with waived convenience fees and specific payment methods. The airline continues offering student and senior citizen discounts.Air India on Friday launched a limited-time Black Friday Sale offering discounts of up to 20 per cent off base fares for domestic flights within India. The Tata-owned airlines will also offer up to 12 per cent off base fares ...Read More >
* Commoditisation and similarity of products and services with competitors will have the most significant impact on how businesses deliver customer experiences over the next two years, according to the latest IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Affinidi * However, businesses who are looking to hyper-personalise their products as a competitive differentiator are facing several obstacles in addressing the privacy-personalisation dilemma, with 56% of them highlighting data collection and management to be a key challenge. * To truly enhance customer experiences through more personalised insights, they m ...Read More >
Air India is also offering additional discounts through various payment offers, so you can enjoy even more savings. Air India has launched its limited-time Black Friday Sale, offering up to 20 percent off base fares for domestic flights and up to 12 percent off on international flights to destinations like the United States, Europe (including the UK), Australia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The sale is available exclusively on Air India's official website and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The sale runs from 00:01 IST on 29 November 2024 to 23:59 IST on 2 December 2024. The travel peri ...Read More >
Hong Kong, December 3, (ANI): Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, i ...Read More >
Hong Kong: Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, interviewed by Radio ...Read More >
(Also read: Sakshi Dhoni's touching gesture for Bengaluru family who wanted pic with MS Dhoni on flight) Known for his calm and composed demeanour on the cricket field, Dhoni, often referred to as "Captain Cool", surprised his followers with his spontaneous and energetic participation in the cultural dance. The video presented a side of the iconic cricketer that fans don't usually associate with the man famed for his leadership during India's 2011 ICC ODI World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup victories. The legendary cricketer's willingness to embrace and enjoy local culture while spending time wi ...Read More >
US, Spain, Thailand, China, Tokyo, Munich, and more will showcase Marriott International's trailblazing luxury experiences, offering transformative travel in 2025. At the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, Marriott International, Inc. has unveiled an exciting new phase of global expansion. The Luxury Group is introducing a range of innovative brand extensions, including luxury tented camps, remote lodges, and personalized experiences, all designed to elevate Marriott's position as a global leader in premium hospitality. With a portfolio that includes renowned names such as T ...Read More >
Mumbai, December 4: The domestic benchmark equity indices closed in green on Wednesday as buying was seen in PSU bank and realty sectors. The investors are keenly watching the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting which will announce its decision around the repo rate on Friday. Banking stocks rose amid volatile sessions in the market due to the possibility of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut by the central bank. Sensex settled at 80,956.3, higher by 110.58 points, or 0.14 per cent, while the Nifty ended at 24,467.45, up by 10.30 points, or 0.04 per cent. Stock Mark ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
Bigg Boss 18: Shilpa Shirodkar is termed 'biggest backstabber' after Vivian Dsena... Deepak Kalal fights with passenger in flight? Know the truth behind viral video Delhi court fixes Nov 28 for hearing former CM Arvind Kejriwal's plea over sanction copy in... Where will the Champions Trophy 2025 be played? ICC to take final call on THIS date Amid divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan recalls telling Amitabh Bachchan he made 'big mistake' by... Deepinder Goyal's Zomato opens Rs 8500 crore QIP share sale, sets floor price at Rs... Delhi Capitals co-owner pens emotional fare ...Read More >
India's D. Gukesh is set to face reigning World Chess Champion Ding Liren in Game 3 of the 2024 World Chess Championship at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. After losing the first game, Gukesh managed to hold Ding to a draw in the second round while playing with Black. In Game 3, Gukesh, now with White, aims to reduce Ding's lead and fight for an equal footing in the series. The match will be streamed live on platforms like FIDE's YouTube and Chess.com, with live updates available on Sportstar’s match blog. Fans can follow all the exciting action as it unfolds. ...Read More >
Aishwarya Rai recently attended the Global Women’s Forum in Dubai, where her name appeared without the "Bachchan" surname, sparking social media buzz amid ongoing divorce rumors with Abhishek Bachchan. Speculations intensified after Aishwarya attended a wedding solo with daughter Aaradhya, while Abhishek was elsewhere with his family. Rumors also linked Abhishek to actress Nimrat Kaur. Breaking his silence, Amitabh Bachchan addressed these rumors through a blog post, urging readers not to believe unverified information marked by "question marks," emphasizing the harm of baseless speculation. T ...Read More >
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Import tariffs expected to be implemented by the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could lower economic growth and inflation in the 20 nations sharing the euro, European Central Bank board member Piero Cipollone said on Tuesday. Most economists agree that the possible tariffs would impact growth, though views diverge on the effect on consumer prices. Some argue the U.S. trade barriers will push up the value of the dollar, making imports of key commodities more expensive, while likely retaliation from Europe will also raise costs. Cipollone, speaking i ...Read More >
H.E. Josel Francisco Ignacio, current Ambassador of the Philippines to India shares his credentials with President Droupadi Murmu On 16 November 1949, the Philippines and India, the two independent democracies would forge diplomatic ties. The two republics were born just a few years apart, first set out on the road to their bilateral friendship and collaboration. This inaugurated a period of closer government interaction, commerce and investment, and other bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Building on much common ground in history, democratic ideals, socio-economic imperatives and aspi ...Read More >
The global smoke grenade market is expected to grow from $297.24 million in 2023 to $456.46 million by 2031, driven by a 5.5% CAGR. Military, law enforcement, and emergency services are the primary sectors fueling demand, especially for tactical operations, training, and crowd control. Advances in technology have led to safer, more effective smoke grenades, while commercial uses in activities like paintball and film production are rising. Environmental concerns are promoting the development of eco-friendly products. North America leads the market, with rising military expenditures further boos ...Read More >
Trump warns BRICS nations against replacing US dollar Dec 2 (Reuters) - A gauge of emerging market stocks rose on Monday, driven by positive manufacturing data from China and expectations of continued policy support from Beijing, while India's rupee hit a record low because of weaker-than-expected economic data. As of 0932 GMT, the MSCI's index for emerging market stocks had risen by 0.7%, on track for its biggest percentage gain in over three weeks. China's blue-chip CSI 300 climbed 0.8%, and the Shanghai Composite index jumped 1.1% after a private survey indicated that Chinese factory act ...Read More >
MS Dhoni stole the show with his charming presence and enthusiastically matched the steps with his fellow dancers. It has hardly been a week since MS Dhoni broke the internet with his pout selfie. The former Indian captain has once again gone viral for a video that captured him dancing to a folk song along with his wife Sakshi and some friends. The clip is claimed to be from a wedding ceremony in Rishikesh. Joined by some local folk artists, Dhoni was seen grooving to the beats of the popular "pahadi" song- Gulabi Shahara. The former World Cup winning-skipper stole the show with his charming ...Read More >
The U.S. dollar continued its strong run on Monday, bolstered by soaring Treasury yields and expectations of limited Federal Reserve rate cuts. Meanwhile, the yen steadied ahead of a key speech by Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, where he may hint at a possible rate hike in December, with markets pricing a 55% chance of such a move. Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato's warning on yen intervention caused a temporary pullback, while the dollar index touched a one-year high of 107.07. Analysts forecast further dollar gains as U.S. economic policies and performance outshine global peers. K ...Read More >
The Minister for Information, Communication, Technology and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi has unveiled government plans to extend internet connectivity to all sub-counties through a loan acquired from the Exim Bank of China. Baryomunsi said that with the US$150 million, government will go beyond its ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs) and district headquarters) to connect all sub-counties to the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI). "This is vital for ensuring that all regions benefit from the digital economy. Last mile connectivity, the final segment connecting the NBI to ...Read More >
Magic Badalona will challenge Ripoll Warriors in a thrilling double-header, comprising the fiftieth and fifty-first matches of the ECS T10 Spain 2024, at the Montjuïc Olympic Ground, Barcelona on November 28th at 1:15 PM IST and 3:15 PM IST, respectively. Get the best RIW vs MGC Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 50th and 51st match of the ECS T10 Spain 2024. Expert analysis and more. The cricket tournament has witnessed intense competition among participating teams. Notably, Ripoll Warriors have played three matches this season, securin ...Read More >
OnePlus has released a new OxygenOS 15 update (CPH2573_15.0.0.305) for the OnePlus 12, bringing promised AI features such as AI Retouch, clarity enhancement, unblur, and reflection removal for photos, along with AI Notes. The update also enables live photo sharing with nearby iOS devices and includes the November 2024 Android security patch. Currently rolling out in batches in India, the update will expand to North America, Europe, and global markets next week. The update enhances both functionality and security, delivering on OnePlus' commitment to improving user experience with innovative AI ...Read More >
Alia Bhatt has always shared a special bond with her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, and their close relationship is often evident on social media. On Shaheen's birthday, Alia made the day even more special by posting a heartfelt wish on Instagram, referring to her sister as "her life." Alia Bhatt shares heartfelt birthday wish for sister Shaheen Bhatt with adorable selfie, watch The Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani star shared an adorable selfie with her sister Shaheen. In the photo, Alia looked radiant in a floral outfit, while Shaheen wore a chic orange dress. Alongside the image, Alia wrote, "Happy ...Read More >
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched the Quantum Embark advisory program to help businesses prepare for the emerging quantum computing era. The program comes as quantum stocks, like IonQ, see significant growth, driven by innovations in drug discovery, cryptography, and materials science. Companies like D-Wave and Rigetti are advancing quantum technologies, with D-Wave focusing on optimization problems and Rigetti on scalable quantum systems. Despite early financial losses, these companies are gaining traction with government contracts and commercial clients. As quantum computing evolves, in ...Read More >
Uber has launched India's first Shikara ride on Srinagar's Dal Lake, offering a unique and scenic experience. This new service allows passengers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake while riding in a traditional Shikara boat. Booking is easy through the Uber app, with rides available daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. This initiative aims to boost tourism in the region while providing locals with a new way to experience the lake. With Uber's entry into the Shikara market, visitors can now enjoy a blend of modern convenience and traditional charm on Dal Lake. ...Read More >
IMAGE: Vikrant Massey in The Sabarmati Express. At 46, Quentin Tarantino said he would quit Hollywood at the age of 60 after he directs his 10th movie, reasoning he wouldn't want to linger on past his prime. He's 61 now and still deciding on the script of his much-hyped grand finale. Academy-award winner Daniel Day Lewis announced he would hang his boots in 2017 only to make an exception, seven years later for son Ronan's direction, Anemone. Back home, Vikrant Massey is grabbing headlines by his sudden decision to retire from films. 'Coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time ...Read More >
Rupee has maintained its position as one of the best performing Asian currencies, despite the ongoing challenges and geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State for Finance on Monday said that this stance indicates India's strong economic fundamentals. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, he mentioned that Rupee's is market-determined, not limited to any target or specific level. He noted that, as of November 19, 2024, the domestic currency had dropped 1.4 percent against the US dollar in the current calendar year (CY) 2024 and decline was primarily driven by ...Read More >