On December 25, 2024, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has released the provisional payroll data for October 2024, showing a net addition of 13.41 lakh members, indicating a growing trend in employment opportunities and an increasing awareness of employee benefits, aided by EPFO’s successful outreach programs. In October 2024, EPFO enrolled approximately 7.50 lakh …
The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector is considered one of the safe defensive investments in the financial market, given its resilience during economic downturns and constant demand for everyday essentials. However, in a world where consumer preferences shift rapidly, understanding the dynamics of this sector can provide invaluable insights for investors, businesses, and consumers alike. …
India’s economy is projected to grow at a rate of 6.5% in FY25 and FY26, according to the EY Economy Watch December 2024 report. Despite headwinds from declining private consumption and investment, achieving this growth will require significant government capital expenditure and a strategic investment roadmap to address the domestic and global challenges. Decline in …
As per news reports, On December 20, 2024, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $500 million loan agreement to bolster green and sustainable infrastructure projects. The loan, with a sovereign guarantee, will be extended to the India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to support projects aligned with India’s climate …
India’s FMCG market has always been fiercely competitive, with brands constantly vying for consumer attention. In 2024, this competition brought out some remarkable winners. Based on consumer reach points (CRPs), Kantar’s latest report showcases the top FMCG brands that dominated the Indian market. Let’s look at the top 10 brands and what makes them stand …
South Korea’s bakery industry is enjoying its moment in the spotlight, thanks to the rising global popularity of Korean culture and cuisine. In the first eleven months of 2024, the country’s bakery product exports soared to a record $440 million, marking an impressive 8.3% growth compared to the same period last year. This remarkable feat …
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, convened on Saturday, December 21, 2024, and made several key decisions. The Council decided to impose an 18% GST on the margin value from the sale of used electric vehicles (EVs) by businesses. Additionally, it clarified that caramel popcorn will continue to …
India’s foreign exchange reserves have dropped $1.98 billion, reaching a six-month low of $652.87 billion as of December 13, 2024. The reserves had touched a record high in the week ending September 27, when they reached $705 billion. Reserves Declined Last Week For the previous week, reserves dropped by $3.24 billion, bringing them down from …
In a significant shift in the global energy market, oil prices have dropped below $70 per barrel, raising concerns over slower demand growth, especially in China, the world’s largest importer of crude oil. As of Friday, the price of Brent crude futures fell by 39 cents, settling at $68.99 per barrel. Similarly, US West Texas …
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a new initiative, the “Past Risk and Return Verification Agency” (PaRRVA), to combat misleading claims about investment returns. This agency will verify the risk-return metrics of services offered by investment advisors, research analysts, algorithmic trading platforms, and similar entities. Mandatory Verification for High Return Claims …
