Cover Story
- Nilesh Baddi, a Mumbai-based software engineer, used to invest intermittently in mutual funds and keep most of his savings in fixed deposits. He has now shifted completely to mutual funds and enrolled for a systematic investment plan, or SIP, in tax saving mutual funds.
"Vedanta can fundamentally be another Exxon, BHP"
Vedanta chief Anil Agarwal is on a roll with global prices of zinc and aluminium rising sharply over the past few months. Business Today's Rajeev Dubey spoke to Anil Agarwal on the way forward. Anil Agarwal has seen his fortunes change with an upswing in commodity prices.
How linking Aadhaar with PAN affects banking, mutual funds, income tax
Aadhaar linkage could improve access to several financial servicesBitcoin-like currencies could be hi-tech fraud, stay away from MLM schemes selling virtual money
Bitcoin, the oldest and the largest circulated currency, was launched after the subprime mortgage crisis in 2008. To bail out their financial institutions, governments of developed countries printed their currencies in billions.
India's Chabahar vs China's Gwadar: New Delhi plays tic-tac-toe with Beijing
India has been making a concerted effort to spread its influence across Asia, both to its east and west, countering China at every step. A flawed telecom story is unfolding at the Anil Ambani-controlled Reliance Communications. Uncertainty over taxation of income from digital businesses of multinational companies is back in headlines.
Different Strokes
International hotel chains are using a multibrand and asset-light strategy to grow faster. Several changes are shaking up the structure of the travel sector. Sarovar Hotels and Resorts is looking to conquer new frontiers after the acquisition by the Louvre Group. A boutique hotel chain promises a fine blend of extravagance and out-of-the-box experiences. Tourism in India accounts for 10 per cent of GDP. It's also the third-largest foreign exchange earner. Still, the country's share of international tourism has much scope for improvement.
Lower Taxes Ahead
Bowing to pressure from traders and perhaps with the sentiment in poll-bound Gujarat, the GST Council at its 23rd meeting in Guwahati, removed 178 items - including most consumer goods - from the 28 per cent peak bracket. The December meeting of the WTO at Buenos Aires is likely to witness some heated debates between India and some of the developed nations on eliminating farm subsidies. Bonds worth Rs 1.35 lakh crore are being issued to recapitalise public sector banks. While the government is egging on multinational medical device manufacturers to make in India, domestic manufacturers say they are a neglected lot. A total of 649 companies that have declared results for the September quarter showed net sales growth of 5.8 per cent year on year as against 9.6 per cent in the previous quarter. Criticism over demonetisation appears to have put the government in an overdrive. India has jumped 30 positions to reach the 100th spot in the World Bank's annual Ease of Doing Business ranking of 190 nations. It has been close to 10 years since India started taking renewable energy seriously. Here is what it has achievedGoodWorkLabs: Making Great Strides
With an emphasis on design thinking, the IT products start-up has quickly built an impressive clientele. This year, Indias largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki, is the second best performing stock among automobile companies in the world. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, has launched a portal for effective and transparent implementation of food laws. How not to increase followers on social media 21st Century Fox is holding talks to sell most of the company to Walt Disney Co.
"Firms that can re-invent themselves are not constrained by demand"
Francisco DSouza, CEO of IT services major Cognizant, still writes code. There is a reason. "Not because I'm billable but because you got to know," he says. The world of technology services is changing and employees are in an era of "life-long learning". If they don't learn, they become obsolete. DSouza, however, remains an optimist. He tells Business Today's Goutam Das that the demand for technologists and services work is not ebbing despite automation and a growing chorus of protection in key markets for Indian IT. Armed with war chests, global distressed funds are eyeing troubled assets in India.
Gearing Up For An Electric Future
India's automakers will have to make a lot of effort to survive the coming electric vehicle revolution. With the iPhone X, all that glitters is, indeed, gold. The 5.8-inch, bezel-less screen when switched on offers a vibrant OLED display. Now Get striking out-of-focus blur in your pictures without investing in a dual-camera smartphone How the dairy industry is benefiting from the Internet of Things.
The Future of Travel
The possibilities and scope for the application of machine learning in travel are endless
Earn Your Coffee break
A few, not-so-hard lifestyle changes can help you prevent and deal with diabetesCulture Eats Strategy For Breakfast
The Business Today HR Knowledge Forum discussed gripping HR issues that impact industry on a day-to-day basis. Clever strategies for an organised luggage bag and comfortable travel Hand-picked luxury offerings from the world of fashion, travel, timepieces, jewellery and home decor.
Leaderspeak
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, tells Sumant Banerji about what he learnt from the gurus
Mining Badshah
Commodity prices have risen sharply in the past year and a half. Global zinc prices have more than doubled.
Dark Truths
An engaging account of the journey of coal, and its significance in India's history, economy and politics.
Cash Flow Issues? Reset Your goals
"As Patra has adequate insurance cover via term plan, he should think of converting other policies to paid-up status" says, Financial Planner Pankaj Mathpal If you or your family have funds lying with financial institutions for a long time, it is time to track and claim your dues.
"Telematics will help ascertain correct premium"
Pushan Mahapatra, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBI General Insurance, talks with Teena Jain Kaushal on how the industry is gearing up for changes. Managing your money can be tricky. Send your queries and top-notch industry leaders will help you resolve any issue.
