The Indian telecom sector's quarterly revenue is expected to cross ₹1 lakh crore in the next two to three years. This growth is driven by higher tariffs and increasing data consumption. The shift from 2G to 4G and 5G is also contributing. Despite some macro headwinds and industry challenges, the sector remains optimistic about its future revenue outlook.
Congress leaders and other dignitaries attended the 'Akhand Path' ceremony at late Ex-PM Manmohan Singh's residence. The prayer event was held in memory of Singh. Former Vice President Mohammad Hamis Ansari was present. Notably, Rahul Gandhi was in Vietnam, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's absence was also noticed.
Rural poverty in India declined to under 5% in 2023-24, surpassing urban areas, thanks to higher consumption growth among the bottom 0-5% decile and government initiatives like direct benefit transfer. Overall poverty in India is now around 4-4.5%. The urban-rural consumption gap also narrowed due to these efforts, according to SBI Research.
The Congress has expressed concerns over the dip in GST net revenue collection as per recent data, warning the government against potential cuts in social welfare schemes like MGNREGA. The party attributes this dip to a deeper economic issue, citing stagnant rural wages and sluggish consumption growth.
Foreign-branded smartphone shipments to China, including Apple's iPhone, witnessed a steep fall of 47.4% year-on-year in November, as reported by CAICT. This follows a similar decline in October, with increasing competition from domestic brands like Huawei, affecting Apple's market share in the world's largest smartphone market.
Financial services secretary M Nagaraju launched a revamped 'Baanknet' portal aimed at streamlining property e-auctions from all public sector banks. This platform consolidates e-auction properties information from PSBs, providing a one-stop destination with automated payment gateways and KYC tools, making it simpler for buyers and investors.
In December, the number of new companies incorporated fell by 15.1% year-on-year, while LLP registrations grew by 12.3%. This marks the sixth consecutive monthly decline for companies. Analysts expect this trend to change in the next fiscal year, with economic growth expected to rebound despite current urban consumption uncertainties.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at four locations in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, connected to DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan and other accused. This is in relation to alleged violations of RBI guidelines and cheating by bank officials during demonetisation. The malpractice reportedly enabled individuals to bypass government restrictions aimed at curbing black money and counterfeit currency.
Arvind Kejriwal accused PM Narendra Modi of not delivering on promises from a decade ago. Kejriwal highlighted AAP's achievements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He criticized the BJP for demolishing slums without providing alternatives and claimed BJP's housing promises are far from being met, leaving many still without permanent homes.
The government is planning to create a digital public infrastructure similar to the UPI framework for the logistics sector. This initiative aims to streamline paperwork and enhance ease of operations in logistics. Minister Piyush Goyal said it would make decision-making faster and more cost-effective. Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and other states are classified as achievers in the 2024 logistics index.
India plans to ease conditions in the production-linked incentive scheme for speciality steels. This includes lowering investment and plant size requirements for cold rolled grain-oriented (CRGO) projects. The aim is to boost local CRGO steel production, reduce import dependency, and support the expanding power sector, particularly with the integration of renewable energy.
Yusen Logistics India has agreed to lease nearly 200,000 sq ft of warehousing space from Macrotech Developers at Palava near Mumbai for over five years. The move aims to enhance its distribution network in India. This facility is part of Lodha Industrial & Logistics Parks (LILP) and aligns with the strategy of expanding in key logistics hubs.
On the eve of the assembly elections announcement, PM Narendra Modi accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government of widespread corruption over the last decade, citing scams in various sectors including liquor contracts, education, health, and pollution control. Modi also inaugurated several development projects worth over ₹4,500 crore in Delhi.
An editorial in Saamana praised Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for his work in developing Gadchiroli. Fadnavis spent New Year in the Naxal-hit district, launched projects worth ₹6,200 crore, and witnessed the surrender of 11 Naxalites. The editorial welcomed his efforts to transform Gadchiroli into a 'steel city' and benefit the entire Maharashtra.
China will expand consumption subsidies to cover smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to boost domestic spending. This comes as part of a national trade-in programme, currently applicable to home appliances and cars. The move aims to offset potential impacts of new US tariffs on Chinese exports and encourage companies to upgrade equipment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized achieving 100% renewable energy in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep during the Island Development Agency meeting. He directed the MNRE to implement the 'PM Surya Ghar' scheme and stressed the collaboration of central ministries for comprehensive infrastructure development and tourism enhancement.
CBS's compelling procedural drama Matlock, featuring Kathy Bates as the Madeline "Matty" Matlock, has impressed audiences, leaving them eagerly wait for future episodes.
Rising input costs are squeezing profits in the manufacturing sector, driven by higher raw material expenses and weakening demand. As costs outpace sales growth, the sector faces pressure in maintaining profitability amid growing input and output price indices. This leads to reassessment of pricing strategies and visible slowdown in industry growth.
The United States has approved a $3.6 billion sale of advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Japan. This move is intended to enhance Japan's defense capabilities amid China's assertive actions in the Pacific and to support US foreign policy goals in the Indo-Pacific. The sale awaits Congress approval.
Alcohol Cancer Warning: Recent research confirms the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warns that even moderate drinking increases cancer risk. Alcohol is responsible for about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Stronger warnings and guidelines are urged.
Had the jail not been a biennale venue, many people may not have connected with art at all although the festival has a wide variety of locations. And had it not been for the biennale, we may never have made the effort to see Alipore Jail, much less step through a doorway signposted as 'Gallows'.
Netflix UK will see several titles leave the platform throughout January 2025. These removals include movies, shows and specials across various genres.
Buying a smartphone has been one of the most important decision one individual has to actually make during recent times. So the individuals looking to buy a best pick among the smartphones in the year 2025 should check out the top 10 anticipated ones.
India and Iran reviewed their relationship, focusing on Chabahar port development, trade, and economic cooperation. They discussed ways to resume Iranian crude oil procurement, regional issues, and boosting tourism. Both sides stressed Chabahar's role in Afghanistan's reconstruction and their commitment to deeper multilateral cooperation in organizations like the UN, BRICS, and SCO.
The BJP will launch a fortnight-long 'Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan' campaign on January 11 to connect with Scheduled Castes and highlight the contributions of B R Ambedkar to the Constitution. Vinod Tawde will lead the initiative, which counters Congress claims of disrespect by Amit Shah and promotes the Modi government's adherence to constitutional values.
