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.
India's tobacco sector is a double-edged sword: it sustains 45.7 million livelihoods while fueling a public health crisis that kills prematurely and burdens the economy. Our Civitas white paper identifies a "development trap" -- a self-reinforcing cycle in which economic dependence on informal production of tobacco thwarts effective control, leaving 266.8 million users, primarily SLT (Smokeless Tobacco) and beedi consumers, without adequate cessation support while exposing workers to precarious conditions. To escape, India must transform the sector by investing in cessation, prioritising formalisation, fostering innovation, and creating alternative livelihoods that align growth with health. The trap is evident in the informal economy. Beedi rolling employs millions, often women and children, in exploitative conditions, which is documented in the US Department of Labour's list of goods produced by children and forced labour. Workers earn meagre wages (Rs 100/day for 700 beedis) and are exposed to tobacco dust without protection. Workers face significant health implications, with death rates among beedi smokers 64 % higher than those of non-tobacco users (Pulitzer Centre). Informality also characterises much of SLT production, which has historically evaded tax and regulatory oversight, undermining public revenues and control measures. Policy provisions, such as the "cottage industry" tax exemption for unbranded beedis, have facilitated tax leakage and kept cheaper, more harmful products widely accessible, particularly among low-income populations. This informality sustains poverty, with the lowest-wealth households 2.54 times more likely to use tobacco, facing higher risks and lower quit success. Politically, the trap deepens. In beedi-dependent regions like West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, industry influence sways elections, blocking reforms. Tobacco's economic significance to states (0.45 million hectares cultivated, US$1.45 billion in exports) has made meaningful reforms difficult to achieve. Although India has committed internationally through the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to reduce tobacco-related harm, policy decisions sometimes contradict this. For instance, production limits on Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco are eased to boost exports, signalling that revenue is being prioritised over health. Addressing this public health issue needs reforms that must simultaneously improve public health outcomes, preserve employment opportunities, and maintain or increase government revenue. Tobacco sector transformation must therefore prioritise formalisation, modernisation, and alternative economic pathways. Formalise by shifting beedi/SLT from cottage industries to regulated factories and adopting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This protects workers from hazards, raises wages, and generates jobs: processing 1 million kg creates 500 direct and 1,500 indirect roles. Complementing this, re-skilling via vocational programmes has proven effective. Pilots in Bihar show beedi rollers transitioning to tailoring, yielding sustainable incomes. Modernise production by adopting a "Produce less, earn more" approach. The recent FCV caps doubled farmer earnings from Rs 124/kg (2019-20) to Rs 280/kg (2023-24). Biotechnology innovations, such as low-nitrosamine strains optimised for pharma-grade nicotine in Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs), could further enhance value. India exports 9 % of global leaf by volume but only 6 % by value -- capturing processing could add US$150 million annually, doubling smallholder incomes to Rs 14-17 lakh. A multisectoral Tobacco Sector Transformation Council, anchored under PMO or NITI Aayog, would ensure integrated policymaking. It should include ministries such as Agriculture, Labour, and Biotechnology, alongside key stakeholders, including farmers and manufacturers, with representation beyond the dominance of a single industry player. Its mandate should prioritise integrated policies that balance health, livelihoods, and revenue, focusing on measurable outcomes such as reduced prevalence and disease tracking, with guardrails like carcinogen limits for new products. Regulatory tools must be strengthened by extending Track-and-Trace (T&T) to all products and launching public reporting apps for violations. This combats illicit trade, often under-represented in surveys like GATS. Supporting transitions out of tobacco is also essential. Micro-enterprise initiatives, handicraft programmes, and vocational training can protect vulnerable populations, reduce child labour (currently estimated at 1.7 million in beedi rolling), and provide sustainable incomes. Concerns about job losses are often raised during reform, yet evidence suggests that modernisation and formalisation create better employment opportunities. Reduced tobacco cultivation also frees land for food crops, contributing to food security. A 2 % tobacco prevalence could prevent 1.4 million deaths, generating significant healthcare savings. This approach is not anti-industry but pro-progress. By guiding tobacco production through a managed transition, India can simultaneously protect livelihoods, improve public health, and promote equitable development.
nion Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje cited statistics in the Lok Sabha on Monday to show that youth unemployment rates in India were lower than global levels. The minister cited a report by the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Institute for Human Development (IHD) which states that the worldwide youth unemployment rate was 15.6 per cent in 2021. Further, as per World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, 2024 by ILO, globally, in 2023, the youth unemployment rate was 13.3 per cent. On the other hand, the latest annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS ...Read More >
The Reserve Bank of India raised the interest rate caps on Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank (FCNR-B) deposits to attract more capital inflows, amid pressures on the rupee. Starting December 6, banks can offer higher rates -- up to 400 basis points for 1-3 year deposits and 500 basis points for 3-5 year deposits -- until March 31, 2025. This move comes as the rupee faces volatility.The Reserve Bank of India on Friday announced a raise in the interest rate caps on the Indian diaspora's foreign cu ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 8 (ANI): The upcoming union budget 2025-26 should focus on giving personal tax relief to common taxpayers by raising the basic exemption limit in the new tax regime from Rs 3 lakhs to Rs5 lakhs and reducing tax rates, suggests global consulting and professional services firm Ernst & Young India (EY India). EY India also asks for deferring tax deduction at source (TDS) on PF interest rate (above 2.5 lakhs) until the withdrawal stage to reduce compliance burden. In the previous budget TDS rate rationalization was undertaken to a certain extent. To further simplify th ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: The state budget has introduced a significant hike in land tax, with rates increasing by 50% across all slabs. The minimum tax rate, previously Rs 5 per are (2.47 cents), has been raised to Rs 7.50, while the highest slab rate has risen from Rs 30 to Rs 45 per are. Kerala Budget 2025: Rs 20 crore allocated for Vijnana Kerala Project to boost student employability The government anticipates an additional revenue of Rs 100 crore through this revision. In panchayat areas, land measuring up to 8.1 ares will now be taxed at Rs 7.50 per are, while for land exceeding this limit, ...Read More >
Mumbai, Feb 10: The rupee on Monday plunged 45 paise and moved closer to the 88 per US dollar-level, weighed down by the strength of the American currency tariff concerns, but eventually settled at 87.45, up 5 paise, following RBI intervention. The American currency gained in the overseas market after US President Donald Trump's plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, along with reciprocal tariffs targeting countries taxing US exports. The move has added jitters over the global trade war with China's reciprocal duties coming into effect, they said. At the interban ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 5 (PTI) The rupee snapped its two-day losing streak and closed 8 paise higher at 85.79 against the US dollar on Thursday, supported by positive domestic equities and a rise in Asian currencies. Forex traders said overnight softening of crude oil prices favoured the rupee. However, a strong US dollar index capped sharp gains. Besides, market participants are now keenly awaiting the outcome of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) monetary policy meeting for further cues, they said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit witnessed a volatile trading session -- it opene ...Read More >
Nagpur: Forced or allured conversion is violence, and bringing tribal brethren back to their original fold is correction, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat during the valedictory function of RSS' Karyakarta Vikas Varg-II at Hedgewar Smruti Mandir premises in Reshimbagh on Thursday.Bhagwat was responding to concerns raised by the chief guest, former Congressman and minister in Indira Gandhi's govt, Arvind Netam, who warned the gathering of swayamsevaks that widespread conversions threaten the identity and existence of India's tribal communities. "If this contin ...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 >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Fintech firm BimaPay Finsure on Thursday said it has entered into corporate insurance financing and aims for Rs 20 crore in premiums in 2025-26. Launching the pilot phase with insurance partners, BimaPay said the initiative will allow businesses to pay premiums in easy equated monthly instalments (EMIs) instead of bearing the burden of full upfront costs. Also Read | Who Is Pinaki Misra? From Age to Family Background and Net Worth, Here's All About BJD Leader With Whom Mahua Moitra Reportedly Married. The company aims to finance over Rs 20 crore worth of premiums by t ...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 >
Mumbai, November 26: The final allotment for the NTPC Green Energy IPO has been confirmed, and investors can now check their status through bank debit messages or online platforms such as the BSE, NSE, and Kfin Technologies. The shares of NTPC Green Energy, which opened for subscription on November 19 and closed on November 22, are set to be listed on the stock exchanges on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. The public offering received strong investor interest, with the issue oversubscribed by 2.42 times, according to the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Analysts maintain a positive long-term outlo ...Read More >
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.49 against the greenback, registering a fall of 2 paise over its previous close The rupee fell 2 paise to trade at 84.49 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Friday (November 29, 2024) dragged down by significant foreign fund outflows and month-end dollar demand from importers. Forex traders said the rupee remains in a weakening mode due to dollar demand from importers and foreign banks. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.49 against the greenback, registering a fall of 2 paise over its previous close. On ...Read More >
New Delhi: PwC India's report, titled Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2024-28: India Perspective, brings promising insights into the country's showbiz industry. The report reveals that Indian entertainment and media industry is projected to surpass the global growth rate of 4.6 per cent by achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3 per cent. It is on its way to reaching a market size of Rs 365,000 crore (USD 44.2 billion) by 2028. So, where does India rank globally? The United States currently leads the market by revenue, followed by China. India, on the other hand, holds th ...Read More >
Mumbai: The RBI is likely to reduce the key interest rate by 25 basis points this week after keeping it on hold for two years, complementing the Union Budget initiatives to push consumption-led demand, though the sliding rupee continues to be a concern. As the retail inflation has remained within the Reserve Bank's comfort zone (less than 6 per cent) for most of the year, the central bank can take rate action to boost growth hit by sluggish consumption, opined experts. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the repo rate (short-term lending rate) unchanged at 6.5 per cent since February 20 ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...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 >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) Gold prices fell Rs 200 to Rs 79,100 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday amid a firm trend in international markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity settled at Rs 79,300 per 10 grams in the previous session. Snapping a three-day losing run, silver climbed Rs 500 to Rs 92,000 per kg on Wednesday. It closed at Rs 91,500 per kg on Tuesday. In the last three sessions, the white metal plunged Rs 5,500 per kg. The price of gold of 99.5 per cent purity slipped Rs 200 to Rs 78,700 per 10 grams from the ...Read More >
Mumbai: The rupee declined 14 paise and touched the crucial 86.00-mark (provisional) for the first time against the US dollar Friday as it failed to resist pressure from a stronger American currency and huge outflow of foreign funds. Surging crude oil prices overseas and negative sentiment in domestic equity markets also weighed down the Indian currency, forex traders said. Also, dollar strengthened on increased demand amid the anticipation of restrictive trade measures by the new US administration after Donald Trump takes over as president January 20. At the interbank foreign exchange, the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 2 (PTI) Global automobile makers including Mercedes Benz, Skoda-Volkswagen, Hyundai and Kia have shown interest in manufacturing electric cars in India, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Monday. The said companies have expressed interest during the stakeholder discussions between the government and the industry regarding the 'Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India', the detailed guidelines for which were unveiled by the minister. While the scheme was notified on March 15 last year, its guidelines were issued on Monday. Offici ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Backing embattled Adani Group, rating agency CRISIL Ratings on Friday said the conglomerate has sufficient liquidity and operational cash flows to meet debt obligations and committed capex and that there has been no negative actions so far by lenders and investors following the US indictment of group founder chairman. The Adani Group, which has the flexibility to reduce certain discretionary capital expenditure (capex) depending on developments in financial markets and future capital availability, has a healthy Ebitda and cash balance that reduces its dependence on external debt to ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR : Unable to regulate retail price of the potato even after normal flow of the tuber from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, the state government has decided to provide the kitchen essential to consumers at a subsidised rate through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED). In the first phase of its market intervention initiative, the state government has procured 60 tonnes of potato from Uttar Pradesh through NAFED and the same will be available ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) Gold prices climbed Rs 500 to Rs 80,900 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday due to persistent buying by retailers and jewellers, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity finished at Rs 80,400 per 10 grams in the previous trading session. The yellow metal has jumped nearly Rs 2,000 in the past three sessions. Silver also rallied Rs 700 to Rs 97,000 per kg on Thursday. The white metal settled at Rs 96,300 per kg in the previous session. The price of gold of 99.5 per cent purity also surged Rs 500 to Rs 80,5 ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Coworking firm Incuspaze, which provides managed flexible office spaces to corporates, is looking to raise USD 25 million (over ₹210 crore) to expand its business across major cities before planning to launch its Initial Public Offer (IPO). Established in 2016, Incuspaze has a presence in 44 locations across 18 cities with a total portfolio of 40 lakh square feet. "We plan to add another 2 million (20 lakh) square feet in our portfolio by the end of December 2025," Incuspaze founder and CEO Sanjay Choudhary told PTI. In view of the growing demand for flexible workspa ...Read More >
Trump's pressure on countries to remain tied to a US-dollar-based financial system could backfire, with potential increased motivation for BRICS to create alternatives. While the dollar's dominance persists due to existing economic strengths, recent global currency agreements indicate a cautious shift away from reliance on the greenback.Donald Trump's pressure on countries around the world to stay anchored to a US-dollar-based financial system is a tactic that risks backfiring, market watchers say. Dollar dominance looks set to continue for the foreseeable future and emerging nations' idea of ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 10 (ANI): The stock market ended Tuesday's trading session on a subdued note, with the benchmark indices showing little movement. The Sensex edged up by 1.59 points, closing at 81,510.05, while the Nifty declined by 8.95 points to end at 24,610.05. Also Read | Parliament Winter Session 2024: Congress, INDIA Bloc Allies Move No-Trust Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar; Alleges 'Proceedings in Upper House Conducted in Partisan Manner'. In the Nifty pack, 23 stocks advanced, while 27 ended in the red. Among the top gainers were Shriram F ...Read More >
India Budget: The Union Budget 2025-26 should prioritise giving tax relief to common taxpayers by raising the basic exemption limit in the new tax regime from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh and lowering tax rates, according to Ernst & Young India (EY India), a global consulting firm. EY India also recommended delaying the tax deduction at source (TDS) on provident fund (PF) interest above ₹2.5 lakh until the withdrawal stage to reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers. Also Read: India to simplify decades-old income tax filing rules in Budget In the last budget, some TDS rate rationalisation was intro ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
Mumbai: The rupee slumped to its all-time low of 84.76 (provisional) against the US dollar after dropping 8 paise on Wednesday amid a strengthening greenback and increase in crude prices. Forex traders said a positive trend in domestic equity markets and foreign fund inflows supported the local unit at lower level. At the interbank currency exchange, the rupee opened at 84.66 and traded in the range of 84.65-84.76. Eventually it settled at 84.76 (provisional), 8 paise lower than Tuesday's close of 84.68. Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, said, the rupee lost initial ...Read More >
New Delhi: Gold prices slipped below Rs 79,000 per 10 kg in the national capital on Wednesday due to poor offtake by stockists and retailers amid weak global trends, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity fell by Rs 150 to Rs 78,850 per 10 grams. It had closed at Rs 79,000 per 10 grams in the previous session. Price of gold of 99.5 per cent purity extended the losses for the third straight day, declining by Rs 150 to Rs 78,450 per 10 grams from the previous close of Rs 78,600 per 10 grams. However, silver rose Rs 100 to Rs 92,500 per kg. On ...Read More >