Goyal said the global demand for these products is about Rs 1 lakh crore, which can grow up to Rs 10 lakh crore in the coming years and asked startups to come out with solutions that help in growth of the sector. He also said the cooperative sector, farming sector and the trade sector will assist the organic sector to grow in the future.
The United Nations projects India's economic growth at 6.6% for FY26. This growth will be driven by strong private consumption and investment growth. In 2024-25, it is projected at 6.8%. The South Asian region is expected to grow due to strong performance in India. However, rising oil prices could affect growth projections.
Deven Sangoi and his sister Meghana Gosar settled a front-running case with the Securities and Exchange Board of India by paying ₹91 lakh. They agreed to a six-month voluntary debarment from the markets. The regulator found evidence of front-running involving 266 equity trades and 76 equity derivatives trades during its probe.
Telecom operators in India are urging the DoT to accept Trai's definition of international traffic, which could increase telcos' SMS revenues by over ₹400 crore annually. The new definition will help prevent international messages from being misclassified as domestic, addressing a longstanding issue involving multinational companies and e-commerce giants.
The finance ministry is conducting an analysis of retail inflation to understand interstate variations and suggest corrective actions. While many states had lower inflation than the national average, issues like limited crop output and supply chain disruptions contribute to higher inflation in others.
Even the minuscule 1% cases picked for scrutiny are based on credible information available with the department through third-party reporting, they said, pushing back against the criticism of aggressive income assessment notices. The scrutiny happens only in those cases flagged by algorithm-based data analytics, and where the probability of tax additions is very high.
The Indian government is considering incentives for battery component manufacturing to support the electric vehicle industry. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is identifying components that need financial support. This plan aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen the local ecosystem for electric mobility and battery storage. Discussions and decisions on specifics are ongoing.
In January, the Reserve Bank of India accepted almost 77% of the notified amount in buyback auctions of government securities. Banks bid aggressively due to deficit liquidity in the banking system. The auctions received bids worth ₹45,710.2 crore for a notified amount of ₹25,000 crore. The RBI accepted ₹19,217.5 crore.
The Way Home Season 3 Episode 2, The Way We Were, releases on January 10, 2025, at 9/8c on Hallmark Channel. This season explores the Landry family's past through time travel, focusing on the 1970s timeline.
Airbus SE delivered 766 aircraft in 2024, just below its 770 target. The A321neo model constituted 60% of these deliveries. Airbus also secured 826 net orders, bringing its backlog to 8,658 planes. The company considers 2024 a good year despite a challenging environment, according to Christian Scherer, the CEO of Airbus's commercial aircraft unit.
Bharti Airtel is narrowing the revenue market share gap with Reliance Jio in Indian telecom, driven by strong mobile broadband user additions. In 2024, Airtel's share rose to 38.6%, while Jio's increased to 41.6%. Analysts expect Jio to gain some share in 2025 with lower tariffs and a 5G ramp-up.
The verdict for the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital rape and murder case is expected on January 18, following an investigation involving Kolkata Police and CBI. A civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, is the prime accused. Questions remain among the West Bengal Junior Doctor's Front.
Spotify India reported a net loss of ₹143 crore for 2023-24, a 58% decline compared to the previous fiscal. Operating revenue surged 93% to ₹321 crore. Subscription revenue increased by 90% to ₹167 crore, and advertising revenue soared 114% to ₹135 crore. The platform's monthly active users are 70 million, with increased engagement.
Due to the wildfire, Ben Affleck was forced to evacuate his $20.5 million Pacific Palisades home and seek refuge at his ex-wife Jennifer Garner's home.
In December, India shifted crude imports from Russia, the US, Venezuela, and Brazil to Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Angola, and Nigeria due to reduced exports from the former group. Russia's monthly share dropped to 33.4% as higher domestic refining needs limited exports. India secured alternative supplies primarily from Iraq and the UAE.
Outgoing US envoy to Japan Rahm Emanuel said the firms are more focused on increasing their stock value than on investing in production capacity. This has contributed to delays in weapons shipments, which could harm US security and weaken American alliances, he said in an interview on Wednesday.
The BJP's manifesto committee for Delhi assembly polls suggests providing 300 units of free electricity, Rs 2,500 for women, and 500 units free for temples and Gurudwaras. Amit Shah plans to meet pradhans of slums as part of voter outreach, while BJP leaders emphasize unity and strategic focus in the elections.
India is focusing on tax reforms for economic growth, consumption boost, and attracting foreign investments. Dhruva Advisors' CEO shares his perspective on simplifying tax laws and addressing litigation. The budget may offer personal tax relief and improved TDS compliance. The Vivaad se Vishwas scheme is beneficial for old cases but may need improvements.
Joe Biden’s administration is in high-stakes negotiations with the Taliban, proposing the release of a senior al-Qaeda operative and close aide to Osama bin Laden. The deal aims to secure the freedom of American detainees held in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on the Indian diaspora to contribute towards India's development, praising their global impact and urging them to visit less-known towns for heritage tourism, invest through Gift City, promote 'Made in India' products, and expand the scope of OCI cards to further generations.
The Gujarat government intends to implement guidelines to limit children's mobile phone and social media usage, emphasizing the importance of reducing screen time. These guidelines will encourage more outdoor and study activities. An existing ban on mobile phones in primary schools will be enforced more strictly, with awareness campaigns involving teachers, students, and parents.
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Ltd’s net profit for Q3 grew by 26% to Rs 425.4 crore, driven by higher interest income, increased loan sanctions, and lower borrowing costs. Revenue rose 36% to Rs 1,698 crore. The company's loan portfolio expanded to Rs 68,960 crore, supported by increased disbursements and improved asset quality.
UP Police has established 10 digital lost-found centres at Mahakumbh, equipping them with waiting and medical rooms, refreshment areas for women and children, and 55-inch LED screens. Meanwhile, the income-tax department raided former BJP MLA Harvansh Singh Rathore's residence in Madhya Pradesh, finding gold, unaccounted cash, property documents, and four crocodiles.