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 [India], April 3: For millions of Indians travelling abroad each year, one of the first challenges after landing has nothing to do with immigration queues or luggage belts. It is the scramble for mobile connectivity -- navigating unfamiliar telecom stores, paying steep roaming charges, or going without data until hotel Wi-Fi becomes available. A rapidly maturing technology is now poised to make that experience obsolete. Also Read | Airline Seat Policy Rollback: Govt Suspends 60% Free Seat Selection on Flights After FIA and Akasa Air Raise Concerns. The travel eSIM -- a digital SIM embedded directly in modern smartphones -- is transforming how international travellers stay connected. And with India's outbound travel market growing at a record pace, Indian travellers stand to be among the biggest beneficiaries of this shift. What Is an eSIM? Also Read | Suzuki Burgman Street 2026 Launched: Price, Specifications and Key Features. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a programmable chip built into a smartphone that eliminates the need for a physical nano-SIM card. Instead of swapping cards at a foreign airport, travellers can purchase and activate a data plan remotely -- often in under two minutes -- and land at their destination with mobile data already active. While the technology has existed since 2016, mass adoption has accelerated significantly. Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely from the iPhone 14 series in the US market, and flagship Android devices from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and Xiaomi now widely support eSIM. In India, where smartphone penetration continues to climb and the iPhone user base is expanding rapidly, eSIM-compatible devices are increasingly commonplace. The Roaming Problem for Indian Travellers India's outbound travel market has seen sustained growth, with an estimated 28-30 million Indians travelling internationally in recent years. Popular corridors include Dubai and the Gulf states, Singapore and Southeast Asia, Europe (particularly the UK, France, and Switzerland), the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Business travel, family visits, leisure holidays, and the growing trend of destination weddings all contribute to rising numbers. Yet international roaming remains a significant expense. Major Indian telecom operators offer international roaming packs, but daily charges of ₹500-1,500 are common for even modest data usage. Over a week-long trip to Europe or ten days in the United States, roaming costs alone can add ₹5,000-15,000 to the travel budget -- a meaningful sum, particularly for families and young professionals travelling on tighter budgets. Purchasing a local SIM card abroad brings its own difficulties. In countries like Japan, South Korea, and across Europe, the process often involves ID verification, language barriers, and time lost in queues. For many Indian travellers, the result is a frustrating first few hours in a new country spent sorting out connectivity instead of exploring. Travel eSIMs address this directly. An Indian traveller departing from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru can purchase and activate an international data plan before leaving home -- on a familiar device, in a matter of minutes -- and arrive abroad fully connected. BazTel: Low Cost, Zero Complexity Among the growing number of travel eSIM providers targeting the global market, BazTel has drawn attention for its combination of aggressive pricing and a remarkably simple activation process. The Australian-founded company offers data plans across more than 160 countries, with prices starting from approximately ₹85 (US$1) -- positioning it as one of the most affordable options available to Indian travellers. What distinguishes BazTel from competitors such as Airalo, Holafly, and Saily is the ease of its setup. Most eSIM providers require users to scan a QR code, download a companion app, or manually navigate device settings -- steps that can be confusing, particularly for first-time international travellers or older family members. BazTel has simplified this through its one-click dashboard installation: users purchase a plan on the website, press a single button, and the eSIM installs directly on the device. No QR code is needed. No app download is required. No technical expertise is necessary. For an Indian family preparing for a holiday in Dubai, a young IT professional heading to the US on a project assignment, or a group of friends planning a trip to Thailand or Bali, that simplicity translates into one less thing to worry about during pre-departure preparations. The process takes under two minutes and is compatible with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, OnePlus handsets, and most other eSIM-enabled smartphones. Coverage Aligned with Indian Travel Patterns BazTel's coverage spans the destinations most frequented by Indian travellers. The UAE -- Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain the single most popular international destinations for Indians -- is fully covered with affordable plans. Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are included for the large Southeast Asian travel corridor. The United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and the broader Schengen zone are available for European trips. The United States, Canada, and Australia -- key destinations for business, education, and family visits -- are also covered, along with Japan, South Korea, and the Maldives. Multi-country regional plans are particularly relevant for Indian travellers on extended itineraries. A couple touring Europe across multiple countries, a backpacker exploring Southeast Asia, or a business traveller visiting clients in several Gulf states can remain connected on a single eSIM without purchasing separate plans at each stop. The Market Outlook The global travel eSIM market is expanding rapidly, driven by wider device compatibility, falling data costs, and growing consumer awareness. Airlines, online travel agencies, and hotel booking platforms are increasingly integrating eSIM purchases into their checkout flows, making connectivity a standard component of trip planning. For Indian travellers, the timing is particularly relevant. The rupee's value against the dollar, euro, and dirham means every expense abroad is closely watched. Replacing daily roaming charges of ₹500-1,500 with a pre-paid eSIM that costs a fraction of that amount is one of the simplest ways to control costs without sacrificing connectivity. As India's middle class continues to expand and international travel becomes more accessible, demand for affordable, hassle-free connectivity solutions is expected to grow substantially. The Bottom Line The era of landing abroad and scrambling for mobile connectivity is drawing to a close. Travel eSIMs offer a faster, cheaper, and significantly simpler alternative to traditional roaming and foreign SIM cards. For the tens of millions of Indians heading overseas each year -- whether for business, family, education, or leisure -- providers like BazTel (baztel.co) present an accessible entry point: plans from approximately ₹85 across 160+ countries, setup in under two minutes, and the assurance of landing connected. In an age where a working smartphone is as essential to international travel as a valid passport, that convenience carries real value. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
In a historic move, U.S. Justice Department antitrust regulators are pushing for a court order that would force Google to sell its Chrome browser. This request follows a ruling in August, which determined that Google had unlawfully monopolized the search market. Additionally, the department aims to impose restrictions on Google's artificial intelligence practices and its Android operating system. This unprecedented legal action targets one of the world’s largest tech companies, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. government's efforts to curb monopolistic practices in the digital indus ...Read More >
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 >
New Delhi [India], November 26 (ANI): Spiritual guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru, on Tuesday came out strongly and expressed grave concern over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent ISKCON leader in Bangladesh. Taking to social media platform X, Sadhguru highlighted the shift from a democratic to a theocratic and autocratic system in Bangladesh, stressing the importance of understanding the value of an open democracy. He pointed out that persecution based on religion or demographic weaknesses is not in line with democratic ideals. Also Read | UK Horror: Transgender ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26: A day after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the PAN 2.0, the Income Tax Department on Tuesday issued a detailed clarification on the project based on a list of 11 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide taxpayers with a deeper insight into the new system. 1. What is PAN 2.0? PAN 2.0 Project is an e-Governance project of the Income Tax Department for re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services. The objective of the project is to enhance the quality of PAN services through the adoption of the latest technology. Under this pr ...Read More >
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday instructed officials to formulate proposals for constructing an iconic Deep-Technology building in the capital city of Amaravati. "I had built Hi-Tech City structure in Hyderabad to promote information technology. Now, it is time to embrace Deep-Tech and Artificial Intelligence to take advantage of the opportunities arising out of the latest technology," he underlined while reviewing the New IT Policy at the state secretariat. The Chief Minister announced that the state government will provide Rs 25 lakh as seed fundin ...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 >
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 >
The Indian government launched the Rs. 1,435 crore PAN 2.0 project. Announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the project aims to establish the PAN number as a common business identifier across all government digital systems. PAN 2.0 Project Launch The Rs. 1,435 crore PAN 2.0 the project aims to establish the PAN number as a common business identifier across all government digital systems. CCEA Approval The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the project under the Income Tax Department. As per Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaish ...Read More >
Travellers on Schengen visas can add two more countries to their Europe itinerary from 2025On your next trip to Paris, make sure to add one more iconic stop to your itinerary -- Notre Dame, as the beloved cathedral reopens after five years of restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. The tragedy that nearly destroyed the iconic church in April 2019 sparked an outpouring of global emotion. Now, the cathedral -- described by historian Jacques Hillairet as "the house of the people" -- is set to open its gates on December 7, following an immense restoration effort involving a thousand skil ...Read More >
Mumbai Indians (MI) made strategic moves in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, securing New Zealand pacer Trent Boult for ₹12.50 crore. MI owner Akash Ambani praised Boult’s invaluable skill in swinging the new ball, acknowledging the team’s struggles when he wasn’t playing for them in recent years. The franchise also acquired England’s Reece Topley for ₹75 lakh and New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner for ₹2 crore. MI further strengthened their spin department by signing young Afghan talent Allah Ghazanfar for ₹4.80 crore, who has impressed with his performances in international cricket. ...Read More >
Galaxy S25 leaks show the same charging speeds as S24Listed on FCC, Geekbench, BIS, and 3C sitesThree models: S25, S25', S25 Ultra with 45W charging A recent certification leak shows that the upcoming Samsung flagship phone, the Galaxy S25, may feature the same charging speeds as this year's Samsung Galaxy S24 series. The leak was found on the FCC certification website. The smartphone has previously also appeared on other certification websites like Geekbench, BIS, and 3C. But what does that mean for the consumer? A smartphone showing up on certification websites means that the device's resea ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
The chip makers around the world felt the relief of a rumor suggesting that the sales curb to China could be less severe than previously expected. But the news didn't necessarily translate in a strong rally. ASML (NASDAQ:ASML) - Europe's biggest chip equipment maker that predicted a 30% fall to its Chinese revenue next year - closed 0.22% lower yesterday, while Tokyo Electron - which was up by more than 6% yesterday - couldn't extend gains at today's session. With US markets paused for the Thanksgiving break, France was at the heart of the attention yesterday. The political drama, there, only ...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 >
New Delhi [India], November 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party leader and in-charge of the party's National IT Department, Amit Malviya, on Monday, criticised the Congress party's 'hypocrisy' over their stance on the Adani Group, pointing to past investments and agreements made with the corporate conglomerate by Congress-ruled states. Taking to social media platform X, Malviya referenced Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's recent "public admission of accepting money" from the Adani Group on November 10, 2024, pointing out that this acknowledgment contradicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's ...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 >
India Quality Conclave 2024: Driving Excellence in Quality Management Presto Group proudly presents the India Quality Conclave 2024, set to take place on November 30 at Crowne Plaza, New Delhi. This transformative event will bring together industry leaders from packaging, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors to discuss cutting-edge quality improvement practices. Key highlights include strategies for cost reduction, boosting QC team productivity, and ensuring hassle-free audits. Attendees will benefit from keynote speeches, case studies, panel discussions, and a special book launch, Per ...Read More >
Also Read: Google Maps Accident: 6 life-saving tips to avoid mishaps while driving in India Based on the Geekbench listing, the device, identified as the Nothing A059, is expected to pack an 8-core processor. This configuration is similar to what you get with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, with four cores clocked at 1.8GHz, three cores clocked at 2.4GHz, and one core clocked at 2.5GHz. As for the benchmarks, the device scored 2,813 points in the multi-core test and 1,149 points in the single-core test. This test was performed on Geekbench 6.3 for Android. The listing also reveals the memo ...Read More >
day after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the PAN 2.0, the Income Tax Department on Tuesday issued a detailed clarification on the project based on a list of 11 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide taxpayers with a deeper insight into the new system. PAN 2.0 Project is an e-Governance project of the Income Tax Department for re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services. The objective of the project is to enhance the quality of PAN services through the adoption of the latest technology. Under this project, ITD is consolidating all processes ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: An Enforcement Directorate team undertaking searches in a cyber fraud linked money laundering case was allegedly attacked here on Thursday, officials said. The agency has registered a police FIR about the incident that took place at a farmhouse that was raided by ED officials in the Bijwasan area of southwest Delhi that falls under the Kapashera police station. An Enforcement Officer (EO) suffered minor injuries during the attack. He is continuing with the searches after he was given first aid, officials said. The probe pertains to a case against the PYYPL app. The alleged accus ...Read More >
Amazon India's first Black Friday Sale starts Nov 29, offering huge discounts on electronics, home appliances, fashion, and more. Amazon India is gearing up for its first-ever Black Friday Sale, bringing the globally celebrated shopping bonanza to Indian customers. Starting November 29, 2024, and running until December 2, this five-day event promises incredible discounts across categories like electronics, home appliances, fashion, and more. Top brands such as Apple, Samsung, Sony, and LG are on the roster, making it a prime opportunity to snag premium gadgets and household items at unbeatabl ...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 >
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed further recovery of an outstanding tax demand from news portal NewsClick, directing the company's banker not to release any more money to the tax department based on a 2023 notice, and allowing the portal to use its two bank accounts for daily operations. The order was passed by a bench headed by justice BV Nagarathna on an application moved by PPK Newsclick Studio Limited, which alleged that ICICI Bank was not allowing the company to use its accounts despite a top court order to this effect passed on August 9. The tax department had raised the demand again ...Read More >
Infosys has announced an average 85% performance bonus for eligible employees in Q2 FY25, reflecting its strong financial performance. The bonus, paid to mid- and junior-level staff, will be credited with the November salaries, with individual payouts varying based on performance. This follows Infosys' impressive 4.7% rise in Q2 net profit and a revenue increase of 5.1%, leading to an upward revision of its FY25 revenue guidance. The bonus payout surpasses the previous quarter's 80%, with Infosys outpacing rivals like TCS. Employees are also awaiting salary hikes, with revisions expected from ...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 upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, expected in 2025, may feature significant design and performance upgrades. Leaks suggest a return to aluminium frames, replacing the titanium used in previous models, alongside a revamped rectangular camera module made of aluminium. The Pro models might also sport a hybrid rear panel with aluminium and glass for enhanced durability and aesthetics. Performance upgrades include the A19 Pro chip, built on TSMC's 3nm process, promising faster speeds and better efficiency. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could feature 12GB of RAM, marking a first for Apple’s flagship ...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 >
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 >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Pioneering furniture fittings solutions brand Hettich India is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem where everybody thrives. Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh Concert in Kolkata 2024: Planning to Attend Dil-Luminati Tour, Don't Miss These 5 Must-Try Local Foods. This honor is especially meaningful, with an overwhelming 95% participation from employees helping Hettich India. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a fam ...Read More >
Mumbai, November 29: The Indian stock market opened in green on Friday as buying was seen in the Media and Pharma sector in early trade. At around 09.44 a.m., the Sensex was trading at 79,369.57 after gaining 325.83 points or 0.41 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,019 after rising 104.85 points or 0.44 per cent. The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1345 stocks were trading in the green, while 876 stocks were in the red. Nifty Bank was up 224.45 points or 0.43 per cent at 52,131.30. Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 56,397.95 after gaining 97. ...Read More >