Author: Shehnaz Beig
Shehnaz Beig
Shehnaz Ali Siddiqui is a Corporate Communications Expert by profession and writer by Passion. She has experience of many years in the same. Her educational background in Mass communication has given her a broad base from which to approach many topics. She enjoys writing around Public relations, Corporate communications, travel, entrepreneurship, insurance, and finance among others.
In the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the European Union, a key area of focus has emerged: the alcohol industry. The ninth round of talks, which began today, could potentially see significant changes in import duties on European alcohol in India. Duty on European Alcohol May Drop to 50% in 10 Years Currently, European whisky and other alcoholic beverages face a hefty 150% import duty when entering India. However, sources suggest that India might agree to gradually reduce this duty to 50% over the next decade. This would involve an annual reduction of 10%, a move…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights India’s innovation-driven growth and tech collaboration at a roundtable with leaders from top US technology firms in New York During his recent visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a significant roundtable discussion with the heads of leading American technology companies. This event, held at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, was a major highlight of his trip. The meeting, attended by 15 prominent CEOs of companies that specialize in advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and semiconductors, showcased India’s immense potential and drive towards technological growth. Growing Confidence in…
Losing a loved one often brings profound life changes, and for Dr. Syed Sabahat Azim, the tragic death of his father led to a life-altering decision. Once a dedicated IAS officer, Dr. Azim chose to leave his prestigious post and step into the world of healthcare entrepreneurship. His mission? To make affordable healthcare accessible, especially for those living in rural areas. Today, he is the founder of Glocal Healthcare Systems (GHS), a chain of hospitals that provide medical care at affordable prices, changing the lives of thousands across India. Leaving IAS for a Bigger Mission Dr. Azim’s life took a…
Starting a business may seem daunting, but certain opportunities can be both easy to manage and highly profitable. One such business idea is growing and selling bonsai plants. With the rising demand for these plants, especially as decorative items and symbols of good luck, the bonsai plant business can help you earn lakhs of rupees from the comfort of your home. The best part is that the Central Government even provides financial assistance for those who wish to venture into this business. Two Ways to Start Your Bonsai Plant Business If you’re thinking of starting a bonsai business, there are…
Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has agreed to comply with the Supreme Court of Brazil’s demands after a lengthy standoff. The platform was banned in Brazil in late August for failing to follow court orders related to controlling hate speech. After initially refusing to comply, X has now agreed to the court’s conditions, paving the way for the platform to resume operations in the country. X to Appoint Legal Representative in Brazil One of the Supreme Court’s key demands was for X to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, a requirement for foreign companies to…
Gone are the days when you had to visit a bank to deposit cash. With a new facility introduced for UPI users, you can now deposit cash directly into your account through ATMs without the need for a debit card. Axis Bank and Union Bank of India have already rolled out this feature, and it is expected to be available across other banks and ATMs soon. This new service, known as UPI-ICD, has been launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Through this system, you can deposit cash into…
After months of restrictions, IIFL Finance received some relief on September 19, 2023, when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted the ban that had prevented the company from giving new gold loans since March 2023. Nirmal Jain, co-founder and managing director of IIFL Finance, shared his thoughts on the situation in an interview, shedding light on the valuable lessons learned and the company’s future plans. Risk Can Come from Unexpected Places, Compliance is Non-Negotiable Nirmal Jain emphasized that one of the biggest takeaways from the six-month ordeal is the unpredictable nature of risks in business. He pointed out that…
China is stepping up its efforts to boost its economy by making loans cheaper and increasing liquidity. In a rare move, the country’s top three financial regulators will come together for a press conference, signaling the seriousness of the situation. This comes after a series of interest rate cuts, with the latest aimed at providing financial support ahead of the country’s National Day holidays. Loan Rate Cuts Signal Urgent Action The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has cut the 14-day reverse repurchase rate from 1.95% to 1.85%. This latest cut is part of a broader push by the central bank…
The tragic death of a 26-year-old employee from Ernst & Young (EY) has sparked widespread concern about the toxic work environments many professionals face in India. Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant who joined EY just four months ago, passed away, and her family claims her death was due to extreme pressure and long working hours. Her case is not an isolated one, and many are now questioning the practices of multinational companies (MNCs) operating in India. A Husband’s Account: The Dark Side of Corporate Life Bangalore-based Akash Venkata Subramaniam recently shared his own family’s troubling experience with EY. In…
Vodafone Idea (VIL), one of India’s major telecom players, has announced a significant step toward advancing its 5G and 4G network infrastructure. The company has awarded a massive ₹30,000 crore contract to technology giants Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung. This deal, signed for three years, focuses on providing 4G and 5G network equipment to enhance VIL’s service capabilities across India. This is not just another deal but the largest telecom equipment contract awarded by any Indian operator this year. As Vodafone Idea battles its debt burden and strives to reclaim its market position, this deal represents a major turning point in…