Leo Dryfruits and Spices Trading has opened its IPO for subscription from today until January 3, offering 48.30 lakh equity shares with a price band of Rs 51-52 per share. Proceeds will support working capital, branding, and marketing. The company saw a 70.56% revenue increase in March 2024, with profits rising 79% YoY.
Israel's Minister of Defense announced new economic sanctions targeting a fundraising campaign for wounded Hezbollah terrorists, following the deadly 'Operation Grim Beepers.' The campaign raised tens of thousands of dollars on various crowdfunding platforms, which were intended to support and restore Hezbollah's operational capabilities, significantly impacting their funding routes.
Investors expect the U.S. stock market to achieve more gains in 2025 after two strong years. This optimism is driven by a solid economy, moderating interest rates, and pro-growth policies from incoming President Trump. Corporate profits are anticipated to be robust, though concerns about inflation and high stock valuations persist.
The Income tax department disposed of 2,40,000 grievance cases during 2024, including 1,75,000 through the E-nivaran platform.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te welcomes equitable and dignified exchanges with China but questions Beijing's goodwill, citing restrictions on tourism and student interactions. He calls for democratic unity against threats from authoritarian nations like China and Russia, emphasizing the importance of defense, security, and a robust democratic supply chain.
CCI has approved the acquisition of certain shareholding in Fourth Partner Energy by IFC, ADB, and DEG to support its expansion in renewable energy. Additionally, CCI cleared Mars Inc's $35.9 billion acquisition of Kellanova, a leader in global snacking and frozen foods, to enhance its product offerings.
Shareholders who buy the stock at least one day before the ex-date are eligible for the offers as settlement happens the next day. Those buying the stock on the ex-date are not eligible for dividends/splits/bonus issues etc.
India's fiscal deficit reached 52.5% of the annual target in the first eight months of this fiscal year, due to increased revenue expenditure and muted growth in net tax revenue. Capital expenditure revived but accounted for only 46.2% of the annual target. ICRA forecasts a slight shortfall in the 4.9% fiscal deficit target.
Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma faces crucial decisions for the final Test against Australia. With Shubman Gill's recent performances warranting inclusion, Rohit may need to adjust the line-up, possibly at the expense of Washington Sundar, a specialist pacer, or even himself, to keep India’s WTC Final hopes alive.
The protest strike in Katra, Jammu's base camp for Mata Vaishno Devi temple, has entered the seventh day as locals call for the cancellation of a proposed ropeway project. The protests, which began on January 25, have seen arrests and a hunger strike, with health officials monitoring fasting protestors.
India's core sector output grew by 4.3% in November, a four-month high, up from 3.7% in October. This growth reflects the fading impact of heavy rainfall earlier. Cement led with 13% growth. Coal, steel, electricity, refinery products, and fertilizers also saw positive growth. However, crude oil and natural gas declined.
Taiwan detected two Chinese aircraft and seven naval vessels near its territory, with one aircraft crossing into its ADIZ. This follows previous sightings of increased Chinese military presence, which Taiwan views as a threat to its sovereignty. NATO criticized China's expanding military capabilities and aggressive posture towards Taiwan.
The GST compensation cess fund might have a ₹1.37 lakh crore shortfall by March 31 due to ₹50,000 crore interest on Covid loans. An additional ₹13,000 crore compensation may be required after reconciling audited accounts. The Centre is confident cess collections until March 31, 2026, will address this shortfall.
India has proven its ability to drive transformative change through initiatives like UPI and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The NCAP 2.0 offers a chance to address air pollution with enhanced strategies, multi-modal data integration, and AI, aiming for WHO air quality standards by 2047 through collaboration, innovation, and increased investment.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen as they threatened continued attacks on Israel and Red Sea ships without a Gaza ceasefire. The strikes targeted command centers, weapons facilities, and received condemnation from Houthi leaders, who vowed to keep supporting Gaza. Ceasefire negotiations remain challenging.
The Centre intends to consult with states to curb excessive taxation on mining operations, addressing concerns from the sector. This follows a Supreme Court ruling allowing states to impose additional taxes, as seen with Karnataka's new levies. The meeting will focus on high taxation, mining lease delays, and improving mining operations.
Concerts are making a successful return in India with artists like Diljit Dosanjh and international acts like Coldplay drawing large crowds. This resurgence is fuelled by Gen Z and a growing middle class. Despite infrastructure challenges, social media helps artists connect with fans. Companies like Zomato and Swiggy are investing in live entertainment, highlighting its potential.
A protest by MWM in Karachi turned violent as police used shelling to disperse crowds, leading to stone-pelting by protesters and injuries to officers. Legal action is promised against damages. MWM protests support Parachinar's sit-ins for justice amid ongoing violence.
The International Labour Organisation will reassess India's social protection coverage to include in-kind benefits such as free ration and state-level schemes. This could increase coverage to over 57% from the current 48.8%. The Indian labour ministry is working with the ILO and gathering necessary data for this reassessment.
Initiating a trade war with India is not beneficial for the US as previous policy shifts under the Trump administration showed temporary setbacks followed by recovery. India's trade surplus with the US declined initially but later resumed growth due to resilient and strategic responses from India.
The finance ministry commits to supporting Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited's recovery through innovative financial mechanisms and debt restructuring. Union steel minister HD Kumaraswamy emphasizes that Prime Minister Modi supports the revival, stressing its importance for achieving India's long-term developmental goals and enhancing manufacturing capabilities.
2024 included intensifying geopolitical strife, a U.S. presidential election and shifting speculation regarding the path of Fed policy in the coming year.
In 2024, India's money gaming industry faces severe challenges due to new regulations, including a 28% GST and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita law. These constraints led to the shutdown of GetMega. The industry grapples with legal definitions of 'skill' vs 'chance' games, impacting their viability and investor interest.
Pre-IPO funding rounds and secondary transactions will remain key avenues for liquidity, as startups prepare for listings and attract fresh capital. Industry executives said that smaller IPOs will also gain prominence, offering diversified opportunities for new investors.
