Banks are offering better deposit rates to attract customers amid liquidity shortages. IDBI Bank launched a scheme for individuals aged 80 and above, with higher interest rates. Similarly, Bank of Baroda introduced a liquid fixed deposit scheme allowing withdrawals in units of Rs 1,000, with extra benefits for seniors.
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The New Income Tax Bill 2025 aims to simplify tax laws in India, focusing on simplifying language, reducing litigation and compliance, and removing obsolete provisions. It introduces a taxpayer's charter, merges TDS/TCS sections, and aligns terminology with international norms. Likely effective from April 1, 2026, it promises streamlined processes without major tax rate changes.
Bitcoin experienced its first weekly decline since Trump's election win, dropping over 7% due to the Fed's cautious policy outlook. This impacted the broader crypto market, which fell about 10%. Experts predict a choppy short-term outlook but remain bullish for Bitcoin into early 2025, with a significant options expiry event expected on December 27th.
Rising global cocoa prices have led to a surge in chocolate costs this Valentine's Day, with chocolate makers like Amul and Smoor Chocolates increasing prices. Companies like Mondelez, Hershey's, and Nestle are also dealing with unprecedented cocoa cost inflation and may implement further price hikes. Consumers already facing inflation now have to spend more on chocolates.
The DGCA issued a warning letter to Akasa for lapses in dangerous goods carriage found during a December 2024 inspection. Violations included unchecked electronic devices with lithium batteries and shipments over permissible limits. Akasa admitted the lapses and took corrective actions. The DGCA warned Akasa to ensure future compliance and submit an internal audit report within 30 days.
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is driving a significant increase in trucking activity, with up to a 40% surge anticipated. Truck rentals have risen sharply, particularly on the Delhi to Prayagraj route. The highest demand is seen for transporting FMCG, fruits, vegetables, textiles, and petro products. CNG transport is also increasing due to event-specific requirements.
Infosys reported an 11.46% rise in net profit to Rs 6,806 crore for the December quarter FY25, driven by growth in financial services and manufacturing. Revenue growth boosts its FY25 guidance to 4.5-5%. The company added 5,591 employees, planning to hire over 15,000 more this fiscal.
India's IT sector has shifted towards automation, leading to a collective net headcount reduction of 2,587 in the December quarter. Major firms like TCS, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra saw workforce declines. Experts believe this trend will continue, with the IT sector adding fewer employees compared to the previous year. Increasing revenue productivity has decreased the need for headcount growth.
Restaurants are upset with Swiggy and Zomato for launching standalone apps, Snacc and Bistro, which deliver quick meals using customer data, moving beyond their role as marketplaces. Restaurants plan legal action, citing unfair competition, while expressing concerns about potential customer migration to private-label products sold on the new apps.
India's foreign exchange reserves have seen a significant decline of USD 8.714 billion, dropping to USD 625.871 billion for the week ended January 10. The reduction is attributed to revaluation and the Reserve Bank of India's efforts to stabilize rupee fluctuations, with foreign currency assets reducing by USD 9.469 billion.
Analysts have issued varying ratings on major companies like Tata Motors, GMR Airports, HAL, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, underlining prospects based on recent developments. Factors such as expected tariffs, new orders, profitability forecasts, and government support significantly influence these ratings, indicating trends in the market.