Bitcoin plummeted over 20% from a January high of $109,350 to $85,000, erasing nearly $300 billion in market value due to ETF outflows, geopolitical tensions, and institutional sell-offs. Experts see potential further drops to $74,000 amid economic instability. While fears of a prolonged downturn persist, some view it as an opportunity given crypto's strong fundamentals.
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UPI continues to set records, with March seeing 1,830 crore transactions worth Rs 24.8 lakh crore, a 36% rise in volume and 25% increase in value year-on-year. The platform now processes 59 crore transactions daily, averaging Rs 79,910 crore in daily value, showcasing significant growth.
Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla identifies the “Trump factor†as influential in global dynamics for 2025. The US is a vital market for the conglomerate, which has invested over $15 billion there. Birla highlights India's emerging industrial strengths, exemplified by Apple's ecosystem shifting to India and UltraTech Cement's significant growth, reflecting India's role in global manufacturing.
Telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have launched new voice and SMS-only plans for prepaid users in India following TRAI's revised tariff rules.
Companies in India are expected to see an average salary increment of 8.8% in 2025, slightly down from 9.0% in 2024. While 75% of companies aim to maintain or reduce pay hikes due to muted revenue growth, top performers may receive 1.7 times higher increments than average employees, with a focus on optimizing costs and talent differentiation.
Adhil Shetty, CEO of BankBazaar, urges Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to raise the 30% income tax threshold to ₹18 lakh in Union Budget 2025, restructure the tax brackets, and introduce a 30% flat deduction on gross income.
India and Indonesia discussed the potential sale of BrahMos missiles, highlighting local defence production expansion and bilateral cooperation. PM Narendra Modi and Indinesia President Prabowo Subianto committed to fighting terrorism and enhancing defence collaboration.
Flipkart cofounder Binny Bansal has donated Rs 70 crore to establish the Binny Bansal Institute for Inventing the Future (IIF) at Plaksha University. The institute aims to tackle global challenges through AI, blockchain, and robotics. Plaksha University, supported by various donors, focuses on cross-disciplinary learning and partnerships to drive tech education and convert research into real-world applications.
Sebi exempts the Indian government from making an open offer to Vodafone Idea shareholders, as the government plans to acquire over 34% stake by converting spectrum dues into equity. This move, aimed at protecting public interest, will help VIL maintain its customer base and enhance telecom penetration in India without changing company control.
Cognizant has increased the retirement age in India to 60 from 58 to align with market practices and retain experienced talent. The new policy, effective from November last year, also states that unvested stock awards will be forfeited upon retirement and pension funds will close at 58.
The Reserve Bank of India plans to sell government bonds worth Rs 4.73 lakh crore to State Governments and Union territories in January-March 2025. The RBI aims to ensure non-disruptive auctions, considering market conditions, and will notify details of borrowings and participants prior to auctions.