The Economic Times
The Economic Times Bumper Apple crop! India’s iPhone exports pass Rs 1 lk cr
Apple has reached over ₹1 lakh crore in iPhone exports from India in 2024. Exports hit a record $12.8 billion, up 42% from the previous year. Local value addition increased to 15-20%, and domestic production surged nearly 46%. Apple secured $9 billion in exports in 2023, benefiting from the PLI scheme for smartphones.
The Economic Times Amnesty Scheme for customs may be announced in Budget 2025-26 to reduce litigation: Experts
There are estimates that over 40,000 cases were pending in various courts and tribunals pertaining to customs duty alone. Another consultancy firm EY India said customs litigations are pending at various forums for a very long time and the same require time and effort to be spent by both the taxpayer and the government in resolving them.
The Economic Times SC stays GST action against e-gaming cos
Market players saw the SC stay as a relief for online gaming companies, which had received show-cause notices alleging GST evasion of Rs 1.1 lakh crore. As the GST Act allows govt to impose a penalty of up to 100% of the tax demand, the total liability could potentially be Rs 2.3 lakh crore
The Economic Times Infosys likely to start rolling out pay hike letters in February
The hike is for the appraisal period from September 2022 to October 2023, for which eligible employees received their rating letters in December 2023.
The Economic Times Companies rushing to hire consultants, but not in traditional way
Indian companies are drawing professionals from top consulting firms with competitive pay to drive their growth. Major conglomerates are hiring these experienced professionals for roles requiring decision-making and strategy expertise. There is a high demand for individuals with extensive consulting experience as companies expand into new business areas and seek transformation.
The Economic Times Flipkart may lead $35-40 million round in its Super.money
Super.money, started by Flipkart senior executive Prakash Sikaria, is among the big focus areas at Flipkart for its financial services and lending business and has emerged as one of the fastest growing Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps.
The Economic Times Need to see TCS Q3 show in larger macro context: CEO K Krithivasan
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) chief executive and managing director K Krithivasan spoke to us about the company’s third quarter earnings, which were below expectations, technology spends, and more. Edited excerpts:
The Economic Times PepsiCo names Nitin Bhandari as beverages chief
PepsiCo India has appointed Nitin Bhandari as the new head of its beverages business, effective from March 31, 2025. He will succeed George Kovoor, who is retiring to pursue other interests. This change comes amidst intense competition in the soft drinks market, with significant developments in the bottling partnerships of both PepsiCo and Coca-Cola in India.
The Economic Times India's M&A activity sees 38% jump in CY24, $35 billion IPO pipeline
India's M&A activity surged by 38% in CY24, reaching $109 billion, driven by Indian conglomerates and global private equity investors. The equity capital market fundraising reached $74 billion, with an active IPO pipeline. MNCs increasingly prefer India as a monetization route.
The Economic Times Kumbh Mela: India Inc. turns holy dips into marketing goldmines
Companies are spending 70% of their marketing budgets on the Kumbh Mela, focusing on six holy dips. They are using digital innovation, social media, and influencer collaborations to engage with the mass gathering of pilgrims. Businesses aim to gain visibility and reach tier 2 and 3 city consumers, as well as international visitors.
The Economic Times Union Budget 2025 should focus on job creation, consumption push and PLI for MSMEs
At an ETCFO panel discussion on the expectations from the Union Budget, corporate leaders and experts say key reforms are needed to power the economy, address wage stagnation and urban employment challenges.
The Economic Times Perplexity AI looks to expand in India, seeks new talent for strategic growth
Perplexity AI, led by IIT Madras graduate Aravind Srinivas, is seeking to expand in India. The company recently secured $500 million in funding. The role involves travel and meeting with strategic partners in a fast-paced startup environment. Srinivas, previously at OpenAI, stands at the center of the debate on skilled immigrants' contributions to the US.
The Economic Times Small small but premium: FMCG bets on ‘access packs’ to boost demand
Companies like Hindustan Unilever, Britannia, ITC, and Colgate Palmolive are introducing smaller, lower-priced packs of premium products to boost demand in urban markets. This strategy aims to attract price-sensitive consumers and increase accessibility amid weak urban demand. Smaller packs are helping drive trial, push impulse purchases, and prevent customers from switching to lower-priced local brands.
The Economic Times India's economy expected to be 'little weaker' in 2025, says IMF chief
Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, predicts India's economy will be slightly weaker in 2025 due to global uncertainties, including US trade policies. While the US performs better, the EU stalls, and China faces deflationary pressures, India's GDP growth in 2024-25 is expected to slow to 6.4% amid manufacturing moderation, sluggish investment, and geopolitical tensions.
The Economic Times With lower hikes, MNCs in India to start 2025 on cautious note
Multinational companies in India are planning flat to slightly lower salary hikes for 2025 due to global economic uncertainties. GCCs are offering the highest, though marginally lower increments than last year. Most salary projections across sectors, including technology, financial services, and manufacturing, show slight declines or remain steady compared to FY24.