Ajinkya Kawale, Business Standard

Stories by Ajinkya Kawale, Business Standard

RBI restrains commercial card payments by a network

RBI restrains commercial card payments by a network

Rediff.com   16 Feb 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on Thursday issued orders restraining commercial transactions routed through intermediaries by a card network. The central bank, without naming the card network, said the intermediary with an arrangement with the network, did not have the authorisation to function under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act. This led the regulator to suspend the arrangement till further notice.

Paytm shock: Fintech cos wary as frequent regulatory actions hurt sentiment

Paytm shock: Fintech cos wary as frequent regulatory actions hurt sentiment

Rediff.com   13 Feb 2024

Following the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) action against Paytm Payments Bank, participants in the fintech ecosystem have turned their attention to giving priority to compliance with regulatory norms. Fintech industry players say the episode will ensure adherence to such measures. Executives Business Standard spoke to said companies should have clarity on their requirements.

Is Son Preference Hurting India?

Is Son Preference Hurting India?

Rediff.com   9 Feb 2024

A cultural preference for sons in India may be expressed as 'son preference' or 'daughter aversion', arising from patrilocality, patrilineality, the cost of dowry, and old-age support from sons.

Fintechs boost hiring, strengthen leadership

Fintechs boost hiring, strengthen leadership

Rediff.com   8 Feb 2024

In the backdrop of the crisis brewing at Paytm Payments Bank, major fintech companies are ramping up their workforce and inducting new faces in their leadership teams, industry sources said on Wednesday. Users will not be able to add funds to their Paytm Payments Bank Wallet after February 29, though they will still be able to use the services and the existing balance in the wallets, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) diktat. Industry sources said that competitors to Paytm are investing heavily in offline payments while doubling their salesforce.

Paytm: What's working and what's next?

Paytm: What's working and what's next?

Rediff.com   7 Feb 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred Paytm Payments Bank from most operations, including taking deposits and fund transfers with effect from March 1, 2024. The curbs on the bank come amid several alleged failures such as violations of know-your-customer (KYC) norms. Under such a scenario, here's what works for customers using Paytm Payments Bank, according to the company.

Paytm denies any Enforcement Directorate probe into money laundering

Paytm denies any Enforcement Directorate probe into money laundering

Rediff.com   5 Feb 2024

One97 Communications Ltd (OCL), the parent firm of fintech major Paytm, has denied reports about any investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the company, its associates, and its founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Vijay Shekhar Sharma. The company, in an exchange filing on Sunday, said it had cooperated with the authorities when users or merchants on its platform were subject to enquiries in the past. "We would like to set the record straight and deny any involvement in anti-money laundering activities.

What If Trump Wins A Second Term?

What If Trump Wins A Second Term?

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2024

Although India-US relations have strengthened significantly in recent years, partly because of the security situation in the region, the Indian policy establishment would have to be prepared to protect India's interests in a world that could get more unpredictable.

Is The Worst Over For IT Industry?

Is The Worst Over For IT Industry?

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2024

Certain changes in the past two or three years could have a long-term structural impact on the IT services market.

Why Fog Grounds Flights?

Why Fog Grounds Flights?

Rediff.com   16 Jan 2024

The phenomenon of fog is largely Delhi-centric. 'Airlines may think that we only have conditions of extreme fog on a few days every year, and spending a pilot's time and the airline's money on training can add up to its expenses.' 'So, they may prefer holding it for a few days.'

Indian crypto firms welcome US SEC approval for bitcoin ETF

Indian crypto firms welcome US SEC approval for bitcoin ETF

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

The securities regulator's approval for the first US-listed exchange traded funds (ETF) to track bitcoin has given Indian cryptocurrency companies hope that the move would create domestic support for the digital assets. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday approved 11 ETFs for bitcoin, perhaps the most popular virtual currency. It would enable investors to access bitcoin without challenges such as setting up wallets or accounts with crypto exchanges that have previously suffered cyberattacks or implosion.

2023: 2nd Warmest Year Since 1901

2023: 2nd Warmest Year Since 1901

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

The five warmest years in Indian weather history have occurred in the past 14 years -- the others being 2009, 2017 and 2010, in order of intensity.

Stock Market: Which Sectors Delivered?

Stock Market: Which Sectors Delivered?

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

The biggest bounce is in the realty sector, where the industry index jumped 80%. There's been a turnaround also in automobiles and ancillaries (up 45%). The pharma and health care indices have a welcome return of roughly 35%.

Tour operators in Maldives feel the heat as row escalates

Tour operators in Maldives feel the heat as row escalates

Rediff.com   10 Jan 2024

The diplomatic rift between India and Maldives, coupled with the suspension of flight bookings on one of India's major travel portals, has sent jitters down the spine of tour operators in the island nation. The Maldivian Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), a forum for travel agents, has stressed that the Indian market is important to the success of tourism in Maldives.

Interim Budget 2024-25: Funds to boost reach on fintech industry wishlist

Interim Budget 2024-25: Funds to boost reach on fintech industry wishlist

Rediff.com   8 Jan 2024

Indian fintechs and associated entities are hoping that the Union Budget 2024 will provide a boost and empower firms to extend their reach beyond Tier-II regions, with an emphasis on supporting enterprises led by women. The fintech industry, which has witnessed regulatory reforms over the last year, expects the Budget, scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, will further encourage financial inclusion, empower micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) with lending solutions, and push for upskilling initiatives for the country's young workforce.

Indian airlines slapped Rs 2.75 cr fine in 2023

Indian airlines slapped Rs 2.75 cr fine in 2023

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2024

The aviation regulator slapped fines amounting to Rs 2.75 crore on Indian airlines in 2023, marking a 39 per cent rise in financial penalties from Rs 1.97 crore in 2022. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it imposed fines on domestic carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, AirAsia India and SpiceJet for issues related to non-compliance in 2023. The regulator also carried out a record number of 5,745 surveillance activities in the year to ensure compliance by airlines, aerodrome operators, and aviation personnel among others.

Paytm looks to rationalise employee costs by revising hiring strategy

Paytm looks to rationalise employee costs by revising hiring strategy

Rediff.com   2 Jan 2024

Sources close to the development told Business Standard the company was exploring different ways to save on its employee costs and had laid off a few employees on "performance" grounds. "We will see a similar development for the next few months. "The company is fine-tuning its hiring policies and implement rigourous measures to look into employee performance," a source said.

The IPL's Pay Problem

The IPL's Pay Problem

Rediff.com   1 Jan 2024

Lower-paid IPL players, domestic or foreign, should be able to try their luck in other T20 tournaments.

Good News For Android App Developers

Good News For Android App Developers

Rediff.com   30 Dec 2023

For many developers, it may not be a sufficient saving to make it worth creating and maintaining alternatives.

Navi Mumbai international airport's commercial launch expected in Dec 2024

Navi Mumbai international airport's commercial launch expected in Dec 2024

Rediff.com   26 Dec 2023

The outer structure of Navi Mumbai International Airport's first terminal building is almost ready. Exactly behind the under-construction building, stands a partially demolished hill. Executives from the airport company are now hopeful the hill will be flattened by mid-January, paving the way for the first commercial take-off by December next year.

2024 Challenge For INDIA Grows Every Day!

2024 Challenge For INDIA Grows Every Day!

Rediff.com   18 Dec 2023

If they wish to have any chance next year, the Congress and the alliance must quickly settle all issues, draw up an alternative agenda, and create a cohesive campaign.