Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 6th pre-budget consultation meeting with experts and representatives from the health and education sectors on Monday in New Delhi. The discussion was part of the formal exercise to prepare the Union Budget 2025-26, set to be presented on February 1, 2025. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including …
Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) witnessed a ~13% decrease in their loan disbursals during the September 2024 quarter, primarily driven by a 23% dip in urban loan sanctions, according to recent industry data. Long-Term Loans Lead the Decline The drop in loan disbursals was significantly influenced by a sharp 50% fall in long-term loans, those with …
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to develop a system allowing users of NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) and RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) to verify the name of the recipient’s bank account before transferring funds. This measure aims to reduce errors and prevent fraud during online …
In 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced several key reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, curbing speculative trading, and strengthening the financial ecosystem. However, the year was overshadowed by controversies involving Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, which slowed the pace of reforms, experts observed. Tackling Derivatives Frenzy SEBI implemented 6 measures to address …
With the surge in digital payments, cyber fraud incidents have significantly increased, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s December Financial Stability Report (FSR). These frauds often involve innovative methods, causing substantial financial and emotional damage to victims. Need for Awareness and Mule Account Identification The RBI report highlights the importance of preventive awareness …
As we enter 2025, several important changes are set to reshape the financial and regulatory landscape. These updates simplify processes, enhance user benefits, and improve accessibility across various sectors. Here’s a breakdown of the significant updates to look out for in January 2025. EPF ATM Service Starting in 2025, Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account holders …
As we step into 2025, the Indian economy is set to face a series of pivotal events that will influence financial markets and shape future economic trends. Key developments, such as central bank policies, the Union budget and crucial economic data releases, will have profound implications for inflation, interest rates, and global growth. Market participants, …
ICICI Bank has projected India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) to remain at 1.1% of GDP for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25). The bank’s report highlights key shifts in India’s external economic position, influenced by a widening trade deficit and outflows of foreign portfolio investments (FPI). On December 30, 2024, ICICI Bank share price traded up 0.95%, reaching …
India’s domestic air cargo industry is on the brink of remarkable growth, with a forecasted annual growth rate of 6.9% over the next two decades, as highlighted by the businessline. This growth is attributed to several factors, including a booming e-commerce sector, a strong manufacturing base, and supportive government reforms. Key Drivers of Growth 1. …
In its India Progress Report released last month, CRISIL, a credit rating agency, highlighted that India’s smartphone exports have grown at an impressive 50% CAGR between 2019 and 2023, making it the second-largest mobile handset manufacturer by volume. However, India’s electronics market remains relatively nascent, comprising only 4% of the global market. The global electronics …
