CATEGORIES

India's economy may grow 6.6% in 2025, 6.7% in 2026: UN report

The Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.6 per cent in 2025 and 6.7 per cent in 2026, supported by solid private consumption and investment growth, according to the United Nations (UN) flagship report, World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025, released on Thursday.

CEASE & DESIST

RBI's quick shift on NBFC curbs

E-way bill generation rebounds in Dec

E-way bills, or electronic permits generated by businesses for transporting goods within and across states, touched the second-highest level in December in 24 months, growing 17.6 per cent year-on-year to reach 112 million, according to data released by Goods and Services Tax Network portal.

Bank officers' union calls for two-day nationwide strike on February 24-25

The All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) on Thursday announced a two-day nationwide strike, tentatively scheduled for February 24 and 25, in response to pressing concerns affecting its members and the broader banking industry.

Sovereign AI: A strategic imperative for the coming wave

The age of artificial intelligence (AI) is here, with AI representing a major strategic opportunity and a national security imperative.

Tuhin Pandey takes charge as revenue secy

Replaces Arunish Chawla, who was appointed to the post on Dec 25

For ARCs Eyeing MFI Loans, Price Matters

With increasing stress in the microfinance institution (MFI) segment and banks looking to offload non-performing portfolios, asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) believe these assets hold limited value.

'When movies connect, they go to another level'

At 1,745 screens, PVR Inox is the largest multiplex chain in India. But the ₹6,200 crore (2023-24 revenue) chain has seen its stock being hammered in the market. The buzz is that the cinema business is in trouble. Its managing director, AJAY BIJLI, in a quick chat with Vanita Kohli-Khandekar, talks about the state of the movie business and his prognosis for 2025. Edited excerpts:

Ticket prices may make 2025 a hit after dud 2024

Pushpa 2: The Rule broke box-office (BO) records not only due to Allu Arjun reprising his role as Pushpa Raj but also because of a surge in the movie's average ticket price (ATP).

Fall in ₹, Win Some, Lose Some for Auto Industry

While exporters benefit, import-dependent firms expected to struggle

Rupee volatility likely to drive imported car prices off course

Luxury car sales touched 51K units for first time in '24

Recovery agents in demand as banks' unsecured loan stress rises

Between Jul and Dec, number of such agents grew by almost 50%

Import stats for gold, silver, electronics lowered for Apr-Nov

The central government has revised downwards the import data for precious metals such as gold and silver by $11.69 billion and $950 million, respectively, during the first eight months of the financial year (2024-25), Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) data showed.

One-time Customs amnesty scheme likely in Budget

The Union government is considering introducing a one-time amnesty scheme in the FY26 Budget to be presented on February 1, similar to the Vivad Se Vishwas scheme for income tax, to resolve pending Customs disputes, a senior government official said on condition of anonymity.

Now playing: The making of one cinema market

In 2024, Indians bought 883 million movie tickets, 6 per cent fewer than in the previous year.

Indian cos vie to top future tech adoption chart

Employers in India are planning to outpace global adoption in certain future technologies as companies operating in the country are heavily investing in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), energy technologies, robotics, and autonomous systems, said the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its latest \"Future of Jobs\" report released on Wednesday.

India's AI push gains force amid PM's power talks with tech leaders

As India eyes global leadership role in artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held a series of meetings with top tech captains over the last few days, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, former Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka and Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, to turn the plans into reality.

Govt May Mandate Airlines Share Weather Data With Met Dept

The government is planning to make it mandatory for domestic airlines to share weather data captured by aircraft during takeoff and landing with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which senior officials say will significantly enhance forecasting capabilities.

A GOLD STANDARD IN NEED OF ANSWERS

As India's electoral system stands on the verge of a landmark, it searches for ways to tackle freebies, inducements, black money, and vitriol

Cement firms set to see decline in profit

Pricing weakness to eat into earnings; growth demand to be in single-digit

Markets end with minor losses as FPIs go on selling spree

India's benchmark indices ended with minor losses on Wednesday amid foreign portfolio investor (FPI) selling.

Sebi Okays 4 New Public Offers

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has approved the initial public offering of four companies including Dr Agarwal's Health Care and Casagrand Premier Builder.

SC to Sebi: Review Sahara group's property proposals for development

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to examine proposals submitted for the development of the Sahara group's property in Mumbai's Versova by two developers - Oberoi Realty Ltd and Valor Estate Ltd.

Sebi warns Ola Electric over disclosure norm violation

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has issued an administrative warning to EV maker Ola Electric Mobility over certain violations of disclosure norms.

Jefferies, Bernstein bets on RIL lift stock over 2%

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) shares were buzzing in trade on Wednesday, as the scrip rose up to 2.4 per cent to an intraday high of ₹1,270.70 per share on the BSE in an otherwise weak market.

Production ramp-up, realisations to drive gains for ONGC

Global energy markets are experiencing weaker demand. The strong US dollar is also influencing crude and gas prices.

2024's record NFO run extends into new year

Six equity MFs launched in January so far, with 2 being industry firsts

46 Million Demat Accounts Added in '24, Tally at 185 mn

The number of dematerialised (demat) accounts in 2024 rose by 46 million, marking an average addition of 3.8 million accounts per month.

Foreign policy begins at home

In his latest book, Dhruva Jaishankar explains the origin and meaning of the Sanskrit words Vishwa Shastra, used in the title, as \"treatise of the world\". As he writes, \"For it to be India's world, a Vishwa Shastra is necessary\".

Metros and riders

Planning requires rethinking for improved outcomes