CropLife India has urged the government to reduce GST on agrochemicals to 12 per cent and maintain a uniform 10 per cent customs duty for raw materials and formulations. They also demand a 200 per cent weighted deduction on R&D expenses, while warning that higher customs duties could make crop protection products less affordable for farmers.
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High attrition rates in private sector and small finance banks are a significant risk factor, causing operational disruptions and increased recruitment costs. The Reserve Bank of India highlights the importance of strategic measures, including improved onboarding, training, and competitive benefits, to retain talent and ensure stability within the banking sector.
Dhaka has been behind on payments to Adani Power since supply started in July 2023. It owes several hundred million dollars for energy that has already been supplied, though the two sides dispute the exact size of the bill.
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.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI app, has achieved the top spot in Apple's App Store productivity category, surpassing ChatGPT. Founded by Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek’s R1 AI model is noted for its efficiency and low cost. It’s gaining global attention for its strong performance and has been praised by industry leaders, though some remain skeptical about its development costs.
In 2025, HR will be shaped by hybrid work models, mental health focus, DEI advancements, and AI integration. Demand for specialized talent and rising CXO salaries will be notable trends, with green energy and AI-driven sectors leading in compensation. Skill development remains crucial for workforce competitiveness.
Global investors including Temasek, IHC, and Alpha Wave Global are investing in Haldiram's, valuing the company at $10 billion. These investments will help Haldiram's expand in the US and Middle East. The company plans to go public within the next two years.
As of December 31, 2024, 98.12% of the Rs 2,000 banknotes withdrawn by the Reserve Bank of India have been deposited back into the banking system. Only Rs 6,691 crore remain with the public out of Rs 3.56 lakh crore since demonetisation in May 2023.
The BJP-led Delhi government, under chief minister Rekha Gupta, is developing a new excise policy designed to boost revenue while ensuring transparency and avoiding societal issues. Drawing inspiration from successful excise policies in other states, the forthcoming policy aims to be "foolproof." This initiative follows the scrapping of the previous AAP government's excise policy due to corruption allegations.
SBI chairman C S Setty emphasized boosting India's capital markets by increasing listed companies, promoting spot transactions, and leveraging technology for cost reduction. He highlighted the importance of tracking fund utilization for investor trust, addressing MSME credit challenges, and securing climate finance for India's net-zero goals.
Samsung reported a 129.85% year-on-year surge in Q4 operating profit, reaching 6.5 trillion won. Despite this growth, it fell short of the previous quarter due to challenges in meeting AI chip demand and increased R&D expenses. Competition from SK hynix and market conditions contributed to the dip in profits.