Indian tax authorities have demanded Samsung and its executives to pay $601 million in back taxes and penalties for misclassifying telecom equipment imports. The company was accused of evading tariffs, with seven executives facing fines. Samsung claims compliance with the law and is exploring legal options.
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Employees in India can expect a 9.4% salary increase in 2025, driven by economic growth and high demand for skilled talent. The automotive sector leads with a projected 10% rise, while manufacturing and engineering follow closely. Voluntary attrition is anticipated to stabilize at 11.9%, and 37% of organizations plan workforce expansion to meet demand.
Stock market recommendations: Mirae Asset Sharekhan's Somil Mehta recommends buying NTPC and HUDCO shares. NTPC, exhibiting a flag pattern breakout, is suggested for purchase between Rs 355 and 365, targeting Rs 390 with a stop loss at Rs 340.
Yes Bank has shown a significant rise in net profit to Rs. 612 crore for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, up from Rs. 231 crore in the previous year. The bank’s net interest income and non-interest income have seen considerable growth, while asset quality has improved, and provisions have reduced substantially.
The Budget reduced customs duty on imported motorcycles and cars. Bikes with engines over 1,600cc face a 30% duty, down from 50%, while smaller bikes now have a 40% duty. Imported cars over $40,000 have a 70% duty instead of 125%, but a new 40% agriculture cess keeps the cumulative duty at 110%.
The Indian rupee hit a record low against the dollar, closing at 84.85. Sanjay Malhotra's appointment as RBI governor sparked speculation of a dovish policy shift, with analysts predicting a rate cut as early as February. This expectation, coupled with India's weak economic outlook, could further depreciate the rupee to 86 by March 2025.
India's November vehicle retail sales rose 11.2% to 32,08,719 units, driven by a 15.8% surge in two-wheeler demand due to festive spillover. However, passenger vehicle sales dipped 13.7% to 3,21,943 units, hampered by weak sentiment, limited product variety, and a lack of new launches, despite some support from rural markets.
The government approved a Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme to enhance credit availability for micro, small, and medium manufacturing sectors, under the Make in India initiative. The scheme provides 60% guarantee coverage for loans up to Rs 100 crore, aiding MSMEs in financing equipment and machinery purchases.
Global capability centres (GCCs) are increasingly recruiting talent from IT services companies, with up to 48% of their workforce now sourced from these firms. Offering higher salaries, GCCs attract professionals in emerging tech areas and are expanding recruitment efforts to new locations within India.
Air India's profitability is under pressure due to the falling rupee, which increases operational expenses. The airline mitigates some of this impact by pricing international flights in foreign currencies. However, rising costs and a competitive market make it challenging to increase fares, affecting profitability. Air India is adapting to this situation amidst an ambitious transformation and expansion plan.
Coal India Ltd. has invested Rs 5,570 crore in corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects over the last ten years, focusing on education, healthcare, sports, skill development, and women's empowerment. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose and Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt commended the company's efforts, particularly in tribal areas and coal-bearing regions.