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A Chronological Glimpse into India's Privatization Journey

 India's privatization journey has been a cornerstone of its economic reforms, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing the government’s financial burden.  A brief chronological look at key privatization milestones: In 2000, the government divested Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) and Modern Food Industries , marking the start of its privatization wave. BALCO was sold to Vedanta Limited, while Modern Food Industries became a part of Hindustan Unilever. The following year, CMC Limited joined the Tata fold, eventually merging with TCS in 2016. Several other entities, including Lagan Engineering , Hindustan Zinc Limited , HTL Limited , and Paradeep Phosphates Limited , transitioned to private ownership in 2001. In 2002, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited and ICICI Bank were privatized, with ICICI Ltd. merging into ICICI Bank. Reliance Industries acquired Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited , which was fully merged into its operations by 2007. Privatization continued with J...

Quick Commerce vs. Kiranas: The Evolving Retail Landscape in India

The rise of Quick Commerce (Q-Comm) platforms like Swiggy Instamart , Blinkit , and others marks a significant shift in India’s retail sector, challenging the traditional dominance of kiranas—neighborhood stores that have been the backbone of the country’s grocery and household supply chain for decades.  Quick Commerce (Q-Comm) Speed and Convenience The hallmark of Q-Comm is its promise of ultra-fast delivery—often within 10 to 30 minutes. This appeals to urban consumers who prioritize time efficiency and convenience. Whether it’s a last-minute grocery need or a forgotten ingredient for dinner, Q-Comm fulfills these demands with remarkable speed. Product Variety These platforms offer a supermarket-like range, including fresh produce, dairy, snacks, and even premium grocery items. Their inventory is curated to cater to urban tastes and preferences, often featuring niche or imported products alongside everyday essentials. Urban-Centric Model Q-Comm thrives in metro cities where high ...

RBI Projects 7.2% GDP Growth for FY 2024-25 Amid Strong Domestic Activity

  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected a real GDP growth of 7.2% for FY 2024-25, driven by strong domestic economic activity. The repo rate remains unchanged at 6.50% to maintain price stability while supporting growth. CPI inflation edged up to 5.1% in June 2024, primarily due to food inflation, though fuel remained in deflation. The financial system is resilient, with improvements in the NBFC sector and Urban Cooperative Banks. The current account deficit moderated to 0.7% of GDP in 2023-24. The RBI proposed measures to enhance the digital lending ecosystem and ease tax payments and cheque clearing through UPI enhancements. Aspect Details Real GDP Growth Projection 7.2% for FY 2024-25 Repo Rate Unchanged at 6.50% Inflation CPI inflation at 5.1% in June 2024, driven by food inflation Financial Stability Resilient financial system, strong NBFC sector and Urban C...

Budget 2024: All about new short-term and long-term capital gains tax rates

  Category New Tax Rates and Regulations (2024-25) Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax Rate 12.5% (increased from 10%) Exemption Limit ₹1.25 lakh (increased from ₹1 lakh) Classification Listed financial assets held for more than a year are classified as long-term Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) Tax Rate on Certain Financial Assets 20% Tax Rate on Other Financial Assets and Non-Financial Assets Continue to attract the applicable tax rate Securities Transaction Tax (STT) Hike on F&O Securities Increased by 0.02% Income Receipt on Share Buyback Taxed in the hands of recipients Additional Announcements Tax Litigation Introduction of Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024 PM Awas Yojana - Ur...