Category Archives: economy

TCS skips post-earnings presser to mark Ratan Tata’s death anniversary

**TCS Skips Post-Earnings Press Conference to Mark Ratan Tata’s Death Anniversary**
*By Mudit Dube | October 8, 2025, 04:18 PM*

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s leading IT services company, has cancelled its post-earnings press conference for the second quarter (Q2) results. The event, originally scheduled for October 9, falls on the death anniversary of Ratan Tata, prompting the company to call off the media address out of respect.

While the press conference has been cancelled, an analyst call will still proceed as planned on October 9.

### Honoring Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group and an iconic figure in Indian industry, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86 due to age-related health issues. TCS’s decision to cancel the media interaction on the anniversary of his death reflects the deep respect for his legacy.

### Board Meeting and Changes in Schedule
Earlier, on September 22, TCS announced a Board of Directors meeting set for October 9. During this meeting, the board is expected to review and approve the audited standalone financial results for the quarter and six-month period ending September 30, 2025.

In a separate filing on September 23, TCS had initially confirmed that its leadership team would address the media at 5:30 PM on October 9, followed by an earnings conference call at 7:00 PM. However, the media address has since been cancelled due to the observance of Ratan Tata’s death anniversary, while the analyst call remains scheduled.

### Market Outlook for TCS Q2 Results
Analysts anticipate moderate revenue growth for TCS in Q2. Some clients are expected to reduce business, and the company might face some share losses.

Axis Securities projects a 3.5% quarter-on-quarter growth in topline revenue, largely driven by the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector, Hi-Tech clients, and favorable cross-currency movements. However, they also forecast a 21-basis-point decline in EBIT margin, attributed to wage increases, higher investments, and lower utilization rates.

Investors are also closely watching TCS’s restructuring efforts, which include plans to separate around 12,000 employees. This move is aimed at sharpening the company’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology priorities.

Stay tuned for further updates on TCS’s Q2 performance and strategic initiatives.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/tcs-cancels-q2-press-conference-due-to-ratan-tata-anniversary/story

Villar Land valuer told to explain trillion-peso tag

MANILA, Philippines – The appraiser of the assets of Villar Land Holdings Corp. has been ordered to explain its trillion-peso valuation of the listed firm’s properties as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) deepens its investigation.

The Office of the General Accountant at the SEC issued a show cause order against E-Value Phils Inc. regarding the valuation figures.

https://business.inquirer.net/551323/villar-land-valuer-told-to-explain-trillion-peso-tag

HDFC Bank cuts MCLR: How much could your EMIs drop?

**HDFC Bank Cuts MCLR: How Much Could Your EMIs Drop?**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 04:30 PM*

HDFC Bank has announced a reduction in its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR), a move set to benefit borrowers with loans linked to this benchmark. The bank has cut the MCLR by up to 15 basis points (bps) for certain loan tenures. (For reference, one basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.)

**Revised MCLR Rates**

Following the revision, HDFC Bank’s MCLR rates now range between 8.45% and 8.65%, depending on the loan tenure. Here are the details of the rate cuts:

– **Overnight MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.55% to 8.45%
– **One-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 15 bps from 8.55% to 8.40%
– **Three-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 15 bps from 8.60% to 8.45%
– **Six-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.65% to 8.55%
– **One-Year MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.65% to 8.55%

**What is MCLR?**

MCLR stands for Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate. It is the minimum interest rate that a bank is required to charge on loans. This rate determines the baseline interest applicable to various loans and generally remains fixed for borrowers until updated as per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) guidelines.

The RBI introduced MCLR in 2016 to improve the transmission of monetary policy changes into lending rates effectively, making the lending process more transparent and responsive to economic shifts.

**How Will This Affect Your EMIs?**

With the reduction in MCLR, borrowers with loans linked to these rates can expect a decrease in their Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). The exact drop in EMIs will depend on the remaining loan tenure and the outstanding principal amount. However, even a small cut in interest rates can lead to noticeable savings over time.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this rate revision impacts your loans and financial planning.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/hdfc-bank-slashes-mclr-by-up-to-15-bps/story

Benign September inflation perks up Philippine stocks

MANILA, Philippines — Investors were quick to take advantage of lower priced stocks on Tuesday, with the local bourse lighting up green after the inflation rate turned out to be lower than expected.

By the closing bell, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) recovered by 1.39 percent or 83.51 points to end at 6,083.83. Likewise,

https://business.inquirer.net/551274/benign-september-inflation-perks-up-philippine-stocks

This is Modi government’s stance on cryptocurrency in India

**Modi Government’s Stance on Cryptocurrency in India**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 04:24 PM*

**What’s the story?**
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently clarified the Indian government’s position on cryptocurrency. During his two-day visit to Doha aimed at boosting trade and investments between India and Qatar, Goyal stated that the government neither promotes nor discourages cryptocurrencies but focuses primarily on taxing them.

**Taxation Focus**
Goyal emphasized that the government intends to regulate cryptocurrencies through heavy taxation rather than imposing an outright ban. “As far as cryptocurrency, which is not backed by the Central Government, while there is no ban as such, we are taxing it very heavily,” he said. This approach is designed to protect people from getting trapped in unbacked cryptocurrencies that lack a support system.

**Digital Currency: India’s Sovereign Digital Rupee**
In addition to regulating existing cryptocurrencies, India is planning to introduce a sovereign digital currency backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). According to Goyal, the new digital rupee will possess features similar to stablecoins and will incorporate blockchain-based traceability to ensure transparency and compliance. “Our idea is that this will only make it easier to transact,” he added.

**Tax Regulations on Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)**
India has established a clear tax framework for virtual digital assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, although it does not recognize them as legal tender. The Union Budget for 2022-23 introduced a 30% tax on income generated from the transfer of VDAs. This tax rate applies regardless of any profit or loss incurred in other transactions within the taxpayer’s portfolio. Additionally, a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) was implemented on all crypto transactions exceeding ₹10,000 starting July 1, 2022.

This balanced stance reflects the Indian government’s cautious approach towards cryptocurrencies—regulating through taxation and planning its own sovereign digital currency, while avoiding an outright ban.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/we-are-not-encouraging-cryptocurrency-says-piyush-goyal/story

This is Modi government’s stance on cryptocurrency in India

**This is Modi Government’s Stance on Cryptocurrency in India**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025 | 04:24 PM*

**Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Clarifies Government Position**

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently clarified the Indian government’s stance on cryptocurrency during his two-day visit to Doha aimed at boosting trade and investments between India and Qatar.

Goyal emphasized that the government neither promotes nor discourages cryptocurrencies but imposes taxation on them. “We have not been encouraging cryptocurrency, which does not have sovereign backing or which is not backed by assets,” he stated.

**Heavy Taxation Instead of a Ban**

Unlike some countries that have banned cryptocurrencies outright, India has chosen a different approach. Goyal explained that the government intends to regulate cryptocurrencies primarily through heavy taxation.

“As far as cryptocurrency, which is not backed by the Central Govt, while there is no ban as such, we are taxing it very heavily,” he said. This strategy aims to protect people from falling victim to unbacked cryptocurrencies lacking any formal support system.

**India’s Plan to Introduce a Sovereign Digital Currency**

In addition to regulating private cryptocurrencies, India plans to roll out a sovereign digital currency backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This new digital rupee will share characteristics similar to stablecoins and will feature blockchain-based traceability to ensure transparency and compliance.

“Our idea is that this will only make it easier to transact,” Goyal remarked regarding the upcoming digital currency.

**Clear Tax Framework for Virtual Digital Assets**

India has established a defined tax framework for virtual digital assets (VDAs), such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs, despite not granting them legal tender status.

In the Union Budget 2022-23, the government introduced a 30% tax on income earned from the transfer of VDAs. This tax rate applies regardless of any profit or loss from other transactions in the taxpayer’s portfolio. Additionally, from July 1, 2022, a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is levied on all crypto transactions above ₹10,000.

**Summary**

To summarize, the Modi government’s approach to cryptocurrency emphasizes regulation through significant taxation rather than prohibition. While discouraging unbacked cryptocurrencies, the government is moving forward with its own digital currency initiative to facilitate easier and more transparent transactions in India’s financial ecosystem.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/we-are-not-encouraging-cryptocurrency-says-piyush-goyal/story

Trump says his intervention was ‘very effective’ in India-Pakistan conflict

US President Donald Trump on Monday described his use of tariffs as a measure to stop wars, calling them a vital tool for peacekeeping. He further asserted that his communication with India and Pakistan during their recent conflict was “very effective,” claiming his actions helped end the battle between the nuclear-armed neighbors through trade.

“Tariffs are very important for the United States. We are a peacekeeper because of tariffs. Not only do we make hundreds of billions of dollars, but we’re a peacekeeper because of tariffs,” Trump said during an Oval Office interview, according to reports by news agency PTI.

The US President emphasized that without the “power of tariffs,” multiple wars would still be ongoing. “I use tariffs to stop wars. If you look at India and Pakistan, they were ready to go at it. Seven planes were shot down. They were ready to go at it. And they are nuclear powers. And I don’t want to say exactly what I said, but what I said was very effective. They stopped. And that was based on tariffs. It was based on trade,” he added.

India, however, has consistently denied any third-party intervention in the conflict. The tensions escalated after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

Following four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes, India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict. India has maintained that this cessation of hostilities resulted from direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also made it clear in Parliament that no foreign leader requested India to halt Operation Sindoor.

President Trump has claimed multiple times that he ended seven wars during the second term of his administration, including conflicts involving India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, Congo and Rwanda, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Since May 10, when Trump announced via social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night” of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeatedly stated that he “helped settle” the conflict between the two countries.

Trump added that out of the seven wars he ended, at least half were due to his “ability at trade and because of tariffs.” “If I didn’t have tariffs to throw around a little bit, you would have at least four wars raging right now, with thousands of people a day being killed,” he said.

(With inputs from PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/what-i-said-was-very-effective-they-stopped-donald-trump-on-india-pakistan-conflict-23597574

5 Philippine biz leaders on Fortune’s list of ‘Most Powerful Women’ in Asia

MANILA, Philippines — Five women leaders in the Philippine corporate world have landed on Fortune Magazine’s list of Asia’s 100 Most Powerful Women for “leveraging regional and global volatility for business advantage.”

Among them, Mynt president and CEO Martha Sazon is the top-ranking business leader from the Philippines, securing the 37th spot on the prestigious list.

Sazon is recognized for her outstanding leadership and strategic vision in steering her company through challenging times, positioning it for sustained growth and success.

https://business.inquirer.net/551151/5-philippine-biz-leaders-on-fortunes-list-of-most-powerful-women-in-asia

Congress slams Centre over delay in relief for rain-hit farmers in Maharashtra

The opposition party has accused the government of delaying aid to rain-hit farmers in Maharashtra, attributing the hold-up to bureaucratic processes.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal strongly criticized the BJP for its indifference towards the farmers’ plight. He urged the government to provide immediate relief without waiting for a formal proposal from the state.

https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-floods-centre-delaying-financial-aid-to-rain-hit-farmers-in-state-alleges-congress-23597456

AMD shares surge 25% on chip supply deal with OpenAI

**AMD Shares Soar 25% Following Major AI Chip Supply Deal with OpenAI**

*By Mudit Dube | October 6, 2025*

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has entered into a multi-year agreement to supply artificial intelligence (AI) chips to OpenAI, marking a significant milestone for both companies. This landmark deal is expected to generate tens of billions of dollars in annual revenue for AMD and offers OpenAI an option to acquire up to a 10% stake in the chipmaker.

The partnership serves as a strong endorsement of AMD’s AI chips and software capabilities and aligns with the company’s strategic efforts to deepen its presence in the fast-expanding AI market.

**Market Reaction: Shares Surge 25%**

Following the announcement, AMD shares jumped 25% in premarket trading. Forrest Norrod, AMD’s Executive Vice President, described the deal as “certainly transformative, not just for AMD, but for the dynamics of the industry,” highlighting its potential to reshape the AI chip landscape.

The agreement involves deploying hundreds of thousands of AMD AI chips and graphics processing units (GPUs), representing a capacity of six gigawatts over several years beginning in the second half of 2026.

**OpenAI to Establish 1-Gigawatt Facility Using AMD Chips**

A key component of the deal includes OpenAI’s plan to establish a one-gigawatt facility powered by AMD’s next-generation MI450 series chips starting next year. This facility is expected to kickstart revenue generation for AMD shortly thereafter.

AMD anticipates that this partnership, combined with ripple effects from other customers, could bring in more than $100 billion in new revenue over the next four years.

**Context and Industry Impact**

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed confidence that the collaboration with AMD will help the organization build sufficient AI infrastructure to support its ambitious projects.

This development follows NVIDIA’s announcement to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and supply at least 10 gigawatts of its systems. Meanwhile, OpenAI continues to work on developing its own AI-specific silicon in partnership with Broadcom, underscoring its multi-faceted approach to building robust AI hardware capabilities.

This deal marks a pivotal moment in the AI hardware sector, emphasizing AMD’s growing influence and OpenAI’s commitment to scaling its AI infrastructure through diverse strategic partnerships.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/amd-inks-multi-year-ai-chip-deal-with-openai/story