General Awareness

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY - August 2018

Aug 2018

Dec 26, 2025

Axis Bank Unveils Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans for MSMEs

Axis Bank has launched Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The release states unsecured loans ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, designed to bolster daily cash flow for small businesses across the country. The product is digitally enabled to expedite onboarding with minimal collateral requirements, targeting merchants such as retail shops that need ready working capital. Repayment is aligned with daily business cash flows, enabling quicker disbursement than traditional term loans. The launch broadens Axis Bank’s SME financing portfolio and offers a streamlined alternative to traditional credit lines for daily operations.

Axis Bank launches Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans for MSMEs
Unsecured loans from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
Digital onboarding with minimal collateral
Designed to support daily cash flow for small businesses
Repayment linked to daily sales; faster disbursement than term loans

RBI Grants Final Payment Aggregator Licence to Mswipe Technologies

Reserve Bank of India has granted the final Payment Aggregator licence to Mswipe Technologies Pvt. Ltd., enabling the Mumbai-based fintech to operate as a fully regulated payment aggregator across both online and offline channels. The licence allows direct onboarding of merchants and the aggregation of multiple customer payment instruments under a single regulatory framework, simplifying onboarding and settlement. It also permits inward and outward cross-border transactions, subject to RBI rules and compliance standards. Mswipe’s ecosystem already includes online payment gateways and in-store tools such as point-of-sale terminals and QR-based acceptance. The licence strengthens the company’s compliance framework and expands cross-channel payment capabilities for merchants nationwide.

RBI grants final Payment Aggregator licence to Mswipe Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
License enables cross-channel processing for online and offline payments
Direct merchant onboarding and consolidation of payment instruments under one framework
Permits inward and outward cross-border transactions under RBI oversight
Integrates online gateways with in-store POS and QR-based solutions

Dec 23, 2025

India Sees Rs 492 Billion Debt Sale by States and PSUs in a Single Day

Indian markets faced a heavy debt supply on Tuesday as states and state-owned entities planned to raise 492 billion rupees in a single-day debt sale. The issue targets include 332 billion rupees from states, 60 billion from Power Finance Corporation, and 100 billion from Bank of India through infrastructure bonds. Market participants cited a demand-supply mismatch as fixed-income yields rose following an RBI rate cut earlier in December. Analysts warned about the challenge of absorbing such a large float amid ongoing investor caution and rising redemptions in the next financial year. The move signals a higher-than-usual debt supply cycle as the government seeks funding for infrastructure and development programs.

States and PSUs plan 492 billion rupees in one-day debt sale.
Major contributors: 332b (states), 60b (Power Finance Corp), 100b (Bank of India).
Yields have risen due to supply surge; RBI policy stance weighs in.
Indicates elevated funding needs for infrastructure.

Oman Launches First Polymer One-Rial Banknote

Oman has introduced its first polymer one-rial banknote, signaling a shift in currency design and security standards. Issued by the Central Bank of Oman, the polymer note will enter circulation from 11 January 2026 and will circulate alongside existing paper-based notes as legal tender. The move underscores a push toward more durable currency and enhanced security features, reducing wear and counterfeiting risk. The transition will be managed to ensure a smooth exchange of old and new notes, with both notes remaining valid until a full phase-out, if any, is announced by monetary authorities.

Central Bank of Oman issues first polymer one-rial note.
Circulation begins January 11, 2026; coexists with paper notes.
Polymer design enhances durability and security.

Ambuja Cements Board Approves ACC and Orient Cement Amalgamation

The board of Ambuja Cements, a member of the Adani group, approved the amalgamation of its subsidiaries ACC Ltd and Orient Cement with the parent company to create a pan-India cement powerhouse. The merger is intended to unlock operational efficiencies by standardising manufacturing and logistics, and by enabling efficient capital deployment across the enlarged network. The consolidation aims to simplify the network, branding, and sales-promotion spends, leading to cost rationalisation. Management expects margin enhancement of at least Rs 100 per metric tonne as a result of the integration, along with elimination of structural duplication and faster, more agile decision-making. Regulatory clearances and detailed integration planning will follow the board’s approval.

Ambuja Cements to amalgamate ACC Ltd and Orient Cement with itself.
Objective: pan-India cement powerhouse with improved logistics and manufacturing efficiency.
Cost rationalisation through branding and promotions optimization.
Projected margin uplift of at least Rs 100 per metric tonne.
Reduction of duplicated structures and faster decision-making expected.

Dec 21, 2025

Finance Ministry Unveils New Logo for Regional Rural Banks (21)

To strengthening rural banking in India the Ministry of Finance has unveiled a new common logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). The move is aimed at creating a single and unified brand identity for RRBs across the country, following a major consolidation exercise under the principle of "One State One RRB." The announcement reflects the government's broader effort to modernise rural banking institutions, enhance public trust, and improve the visibility of RRBs as key drivers of financial inclusion and rural development.
Reflecting themes of progress and growth, in rural and remote areas, the logo reinforces the values embodied by RRBs. These include:
Upward Arrow (Symbol of Progress): Represents growth, development and advancement in rural economies.
Hands (Symbol of Nurturing): Conveys care, support and a helping hand to rural communities.
Flame (Symbol of Enlightenment): Signifies warmth, knowledge and empowering rural populations.
The colours of the RRB logo have been so chosen to convey the objectives of the RRBs. Dark blue signifies finance and trust, while green signifies life and growth, reflecting their mission to serve rural India.

SEBI Allows Zero-Coupon Bonds to Be Issued in Smaller Denominations

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has allowed zero-coupon bonds to be issued in reduced denominations of ₹10,000 by modifying the conditions under which issuers can lower the face value of non-convertible debt securities and non-convertible redeemable preference shares (NCRPS) issued through private placement.

Dec 20, 2025

RBI MPC Minutes Point to More Rate Cuts in 2026

The Monetary Policy Committee's December 2025 minutes indicate scope for further policy easing in 2026 due to a slowing economy and subdued inflation. The central bank had cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in December 2025, bringing the total easing to 125 basis points for the year. GDP growth projection for FY2026 was raised to 7.3% from 6.8%, with H1 2026 growth expected to be around 6.7–6.8%. The committee maintained a neutral stance, while one member urged a more accommodative policy. External risks, including U.S. tariffs, remain a consideration.

MPC December 2025 minutes hint at further cuts in 2026.
Repo rate lowered to 5.25% in December 2025; 125 bps in 2025.
FY2026 GDP growth projected at 7.3%; H1 around 6.7–6.8%.
Neutral stance; one member favored more accommodation.

Hurun Rich List 2025: Deepinder Goyal Tops India’s Self-Made Entrepreneurs

The Hurun Rich List 2025 ranks India’s wealthiest self-made entrepreneurs, with Deepinder Goyal, founder and chief executive of Eternal (formerly Zomato), topping the list. Goyal overtakes Radhakishan Damani of DMart, highlighting the growing influence of digital startups. The top three are completed by Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal of InterGlobe Aviation, whose company is valued at about ₹2.2 lakh crore. Several well-known startup founders from Razorpay, Zerodha, and Dream11 dropped out of the top ten, reflecting ongoing valuation volatility in India’s startup ecosystem and shifting wealth dynamics amid rapid tech-led growth.

Deepinder Goyal tops Hurun Rich List 2025 among self-made Indians.
Goyal leads ahead of Radhakishan Damani of DMart.
InterGlobe Aviation founders Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal among the top three.
Several startup founders from Razorpay, Zerodha, and Dream11 dropped out of top ten.

Shashwat Sharma Named Airtel India MD & CEO; Gopal Vittal to Executive Vice Chairman

Bharti Airtel announced a leadership transition with Shashwat Sharma named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel India, effective 1 January 2026. The appointment, approved by the Airtel board, marks a key step in succession planning and strategic restructuring at the senior management level. Sharma will lead Airtel India's operations, product strategy, and market execution across the consumer and enterprise segments. Gopal Vittal, currently Vice Chairman and Managing Director, will become Executive Vice Chairman, and will continue as a whole-time director for five years from January 2026, subject to shareholder approval. The changes aim to ensure leadership continuity while sharpening focus on long‑term strategy and governance.

Shashwat Sharma appointed MD & CEO of Airtel India, effective January 1, 2026.
Approval by Airtel board signals formal succession planning.
Gopal Vittal moves to Executive Vice Chairman role; retains as whole-time director for five years.
Transition subj. to shareholder approval; emphasis on long-term strategy and governance.

Dec 19, 2025

Reliance Consumer Products buys majority stake in Udhaiyams Agro Foods

Reliance Consumer Products Limited acquired a majority stake in Tamil Nadu‑based Udhaiyams Agro Foods Private Limited for an undisclosed sum. The previous promoters, S. Sudhakar and S. Dinakar, will hold minority stakes post‑transaction. The deal expands Reliance’s FMCG footprint in southern India, diversifying supply chains and consumer reach. Officials did not disclose the transaction value, but the acquisition aligns with Reliance’s strategy to scale agrifood brands through consolidated ownership and expanded distribution networks across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.

Buyer: Reliance Consumer Products Limited
Seller: Udhaiyams Agro Foods Private Limited promoters
Stake: majority acquired; promoters retain minority stake
Location: Tamil Nadu
Purpose: expand FMCG footprint and distribution

Air India wins Best Domestic Airline at Travel + Leisure Awards 2025

Air India was named Best Domestic Airline at Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025 for the second consecutive year. The award reflects passenger feedback gathered through reader votes, emphasizing comfort, service quality, and reliability. The recognition comes as Indian travelers increasingly value consistent service across routes. Air India’s ongoing modernization program and fleet upgrades have contributed to improved passenger experiences. The award highlights consumer trust and strengthens Air India’s brand as it expands its domestic network and international partnerships.

Award: Best Domestic Airline, Travel + Leisure Best Awards 2025
Method: reader votes
Significance: second consecutive win
Context: emphasis on comfort and service quality
Impact: strengthens Air India’s domestic and international brand

Amazon Pay rolls out biometric authentication for UPI payments in India

Amazon Pay has launched biometric authentication for UPI transactions in India, enabling users to approve payments with a fingerprint or facial recognition rather than a PIN. The feature applies to UPI payments initiated via Amazon Pay for purchases and P2P transfers up to ₹5,000. The security design relies on device-level biometric verification, with a PIN fallback if authentication fails. Early user feedback shows strong acceptance, with over 90 percent of customers opting to use biometrics for eligible peer‑to‑peer UPI transactions. For higher value transfers beyond ₹5,000, users will continue to enter their UPI PIN. The rollout strengthens Amazon’s position in India's digital payments space.

Biometric authentication added for UPI via Amazon Pay
Valid for transactions up to ₹5,000; higher amounts require PIN
Over 90% adoption among eligible P2P UPI transactions
Device-level biometrics; PIN as fallback
Expands presence in India's digital payments market

TikTok seals joint venture deal to resolve U.S. market access concerns

ByteDance’s TikTok has signed binding agreements with U.S. and global investors to operate its U.S. business through a joint venture, in a move aimed at addressing national security concerns and ending a threat of a forced sale. The JV will be equally owned by a group of investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX. The deal is expected to close on 22 January 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The arrangement positions TikTok to resume broad market access in the United States while maintaining a controlled ownership structure.

JV partners: Oracle, Silver Lake, MGX
Ownership: 50/50 between investors and ByteDance (JV)
Goal: resolve U.S. market access and security concerns
Closure target: 22 January 2026
Impact: potential return to broad U.S. operations

Tamil Nadu inks MoU with Schneider Electric for ₹718 crore expansion

The Tamil Nadu government and Schneider Electric signed a memorandum of understanding on 18 December 2025 to expand manufacturing units in Chennai and Coimbatore and establish a new unit in Hosur, at a total project cost of ₹718 crore. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Secretariat in Chennai. Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam attended the event. The expansion and new unit are expected to generate over 600 jobs, enhancing the state’s electrical and energy management manufacturing capabilities and supporting Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth trajectory.

MoU signed on 18 December 2025
Projects: expand Chennai/Coimbatore units; new Hosur unit
Total cost: ₹718 crore
Expected jobs: 600+
Attendees: CM Stalin, Industries Minister, Chief Secretary

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