General Awareness

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY - December 2018

Dec 2018

Aug 17, 2025

NTPC Becomes First PSU to Adopt Global Standard for Power Supply Continuity

NTPC Limited, India's largest power producer, became the first public sector company in the country's power industry to implement a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) aligned with ISO 22301:2019, the international benchmark for business continuity management systems (BCMS).
NTPC said the plan would strengthen its ability to maintain uninterrupted power generation and supply in the face of unexpected events.

India Welcomes First Sovereign Rating Upgrade in 18 Years to 'BBB'

India received its first sovereign credit rating upgrade in 18 years, with S&P Global Ratings raising the country's long-term rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-' and the short-term rating to 'A-2' from 'A-3', while keeping the outlook stable.
This upgrade reflects India's robust economic growth, sustained fiscal consolidation, and policy stability. The stable outlook indicates that continued policy stability and high infrastructure investment will support India's long-term growth prospects.

Aug 16, 2025

Tata Motors Enters Dominican Republic

Tata Motors forayed into the Dominican Republic market through a strategic partnership with Equimax, its authorised distributor.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the company's global expansion strategy and introduces a tailored portfolio of commercial vehicles designed to meet the evolving needs of the region's logistics, infrastructure, and last-mile delivery sectors.
The Dominican Republic presents a high-potential market aligned with Tata Motors' commercial vehicles' global growth ambitions.

Centre Unveils Two-Slab GST Overhaul: 5% and 18% Rates, 40% for Sin Goods

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is set for a major overhaul as the Centre proposes a simplified two-slab system of 5% and 18%, along with a 40% rate for select sin goods like tobacco and pan masala. The proposal—part of the next-generation GST reforms—is expected to be taken up by the GST Council in September or October 2025 and could come into effect as early as the third quarter of FY 2025-26.
Two Main Slabs
5% slab: Will include most daily-use and common goods; 99% of items currently taxed at 12% will move here.
18% slab: Will include white goods and aspirational items such as TVs and refrigerators (currently at 28%).
40% rate: Reserved for five to seven sin goods—including tobacco and pan masala—replacing the existing compensation cess.

Aug 15, 2025

IBM's New Mumbai Office Inaugurated by CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated IBM's new office in Mumbai. Far more than just a corporate milestone, the CM declared the opening as a pivotal step toward shaping the future of both Maharashtra and India.
Highlighting the transformative potential of emerging technologies, he emphasised that Maharashtra is embracing the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Maharashtra through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

Ravi Narayanan Appointed CEO of SMFG India Credit

In a significant development for the Indian non-banking financial sector, Ravi Narayanan, former Group Executive at Axis Bank, was appointed CEO of SMFG India Credit.
The appointment of Ravi Narayanan is seen as the first major leadership overhaul at SMFG India Credit since its acquisition by the Japanese financial giant, SMFG. Narayanan, who previously led retail liabilities, branch banking, and products at Axis Bank, brings with him extensive experience in India's retail banking landscape.

Aug 14, 2025

H. E. Zeenat Kureshi, India's First Woman to Hold the Prestigious GCC-India Trade Commissioner Role

H. E. Zeenat Kureshi became India's first woman to be appointed as the GCC-India Trade Commissioner under an international chamber of commerce. This historic appointment placed her at the forefront of strengthening luxury diplomacy and economic cooperation between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Zeenat Kureshi is pioneering the role of Trade Commissioner in the luxury sector--a domain that blends high-value commerce with cultural exchange. Her work focuses on building strategic alliances between premium Indian industries and the GCC's expanding luxury markets.

Bank of Baroda Introduces Global UPI Services via bob इ Pay App

In a significant move to enhance the scope of digital payments, Bank of Baroda rolled out international UPI features on its official app, bob इ Pay. This update enables cross-border UPI transactions, making it easier for resident Indians and NRIs to engage in secure and real-time global payments. With this, the bank became one of the first public sector banks to align closely with the evolving global UPI ecosystem.
The new features introduced include UPI Global Acceptance, Foreign Inward Remittance, and dedicated UPI access for NRIs. These additions transform bob इ Pay from a domestic payment tool into a global digital transaction platform.

Aug 13, 2025

Cabinet Clears Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an investment proposal worth Rs. 8,146.21 crore for the construction of the 700 MW Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Shi Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh. The project is expected to be completed in 72 months.
The project will be executed through a joint venture between North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The Centre will provide Rs. 458.79 crore as budgetary support for roads, bridges, and associated transmission lines, along with Rs. 436.13 crore in Central Financial Assistance for the state's equity share.

VinFast Auto India, HDFC Bank Partner for Auto, Inventory Financing

VinFast Auto India partnered with HDFC Bank to provide auto and inventory financing for its exclusive dealer network.
The partnership, VinFast's first with a banking institution in India, aims to offer a seamless suite of credit solutions ahead of the company's highly anticipated launch.

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