Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar to enhance foxnut production and processing. She also announced plans for a new urea plant in Assam. The budget aims to accelerate growth and enhance the spending power of the middle class.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may use the cash reserve ratio (CRR) for regulatory intervention instead of liquidity management. The report by SBI suggests the CRR should be a countercyclical liquidity buffer, and a revision of RBI’s liquidity strategy and policy rate framework is needed.
The RBI has announced the final redemption price for the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2016-17 Series IV at Rs 8,634 per gram. Issued in March 2017 at Rs 2,943 per gram, investors earned a 193% return over eight years, excluding interest. SGBs provide capital appreciation, tax exemptions, and periodic interest, making them an attractive investment option.
China's manufacturing activity expanded for the third month in a row in December, with the PMI reaching 50.1. This growth comes amid efforts to combat a property market crisis, weak consumption, and high government debt. However, experts believe more fiscal stimulus is necessary for full economic recovery. The non-manufacturing PMI also showed improvement, rising to 52.2.
On January 19, 2025, Melania Trump launched the MELANIA meme coin, which quickly achieved a $4 billion market capitalization within 30 minutes. This launch affected the TRUMP meme coin, reducing its market cap by $5 billion. The MELANIA token allocation raised ethical concerns, with 90% held in a single wallet and significant portions allocated to team vesting and treasury.
TCS CEO K Krithivasan attributes the company's sequential lackluster performance to deferred discretionary spends by clients and seasonality. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about future business prospects, managing potential changes in immigration regulations, and leading advancements in AI and software engineering for improved productivity.
Consumer-centric companies are witnessing a surge in sales as Valentine's Day approaches, with increased demand for jewellery, apparel, premium chocolates, and curated experiences. Quick commerce platforms like Zomato are capitalising on the spike in demand for flowers, cakes, and desserts. Retailers report sales on par with the festive season, boosting Valentine's Day's commercial appeal.
Ankura Hospitals, a Hyderabad-based healthcare provider, has secured funding of Rs 165 crore from the Asian Development Bank to support its expansion plans. The strategic investment will enhance its facilities and healthcare services across India, particularly in pediatric, maternity, and gynecology care. Ankura currently operates over 1500 beds across 14 hospitals in multiple states.
Adani Wilmar (AWL) is acquiring GD Foods, maker of the Tops brand, to strengthen its presence in the kitchen essentials segment. AWL will acquire 80% shares for Rs 603 crore, with the remaining 20% bought over three years. This move expands AWL’s product range beyond staples to sauces, pickles, and more. Funded through internal accruals and IPO proceeds, the acquisition aligns with the company’s pan-India growth strategy.
Banks will be closed in Gujarat, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand on April 10, 2025.
In Q2 FY25, the microfinance industry contracted, with delinquency rates increasing to 4.3%, driven by defaults in loans overdue by 30 to 180 days. The industry's portfolio decreased, and measures were discussed to advocate a credit guarantee scheme, operational funds for Northeast India, and improvements in financial practices, governance, and cybersecurity.