International Gemmological Institute (IGI) shares are set to debut on exchanges Friday with an expected 33% listing gain, based on a grey market premium of Rs 135. The IPO, subscribed 35 times, will fund acquisitions and general corporate purposes. IGI holds a 50% market share in India for certifications and is the second largest globally, with revenue of Rs 788.

Sri Lanka will allow vehicle imports again. The ban was put in place in 2020. Public transport imports are allowed now. Imports of cars for personal use will resume in February 2025. Importers must sell vehicles within three months. This move aims to boost the economy and state revenue.

Concord Enviro Systems' IPO, worth Rs 500 crore, opens today, closing December 23. Priced at Rs 665-701 per share, the offering combines fresh equity and an offer for sale. Analysts recommend subscribing, citing the company's strong growth and market position in water treatment solutions. The IPO proceeds will fund subsidiary investments.

Bangladesh's interim government accuses Adani Power of breaching a power supply agreement by withholding tax benefits. Dhaka seeks to renegotiate the 2017 deal, citing higher costs and lack of competitive bidding. The dispute escalates as Bangladesh falls behind on payments, and Adani Power halves electricity supply.

Donald Trump's return to the presidency and China's economic struggles create uncertainty in 2025 commodity markets. Trump's tariff threats could disrupt global trade, while China's response, including potential supply chain disruptions and currency devaluation, adds to the complexity. Traders are expected to adopt a cautious approach, focusing on actual policies rather than rhetoric.

Rising gold prices in India have led many families to opt for lightweight, lower-carat jewellery. With gold prices up 22% in 2024, buyers are choosing 18-carat over traditional 22-carat gold to save costs. Advances in manufacturing allow for lighter, traditional designs. The share of 18-carat gold in sales has increased significantly, from 5-7% to over 15% in two years.

The Income Tax Department is reaching out to taxpayers and non-filers via SMS and email regarding mismatches between their reported transactions in the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for FY 2023-24 and 2021-22. This campaign encourages filing revised or belated ITRs and allows taxpayers to provide feedback on their AIS information.

Sri Lanka's debt restructuring introduces a novel governance-linked bond, incentivizing improved financial management. This innovative instrument offers reduced interest rates if Sri Lanka meets revenue and transparency targets, potentially saving millions. Investors view this as a precedent for future debt deals, linking governance to bond performance, but its success remains crucial for wider adoption.

BN Group is investing USD 1 billion to expand its edible oil operations into Africa over the next five years. The plan includes building three manufacturing facilities and acquiring palm plantations, targeting a 20-25% EBITDA margin. The expansion aims to establish BN Group as a global FMCG player, starting with a direct-to-store retail model.

Italy's economic growth is slowing down. The country faces challenges like weak businesses and low public investment. Experts blame an outdated business model and resistance to green initiatives. Spain, meanwhile, is growing much faster. Italy's debt is rising, and its sluggish economy may worsen the situation. Economists suggest focusing on education and research to address the issues.

India has no set timeline for comprehensive virtual digital asset regulations, citing the need for international collaboration. The government is balancing investor protection with innovation while mitigating risks. Meanwhile, UPI has successfully linked with Singapore's fast payment system, facilitating cheaper, real-time cross-border transactions.

Bitcoin soared to a new high above $106,000. President-elect Trump's comments on a potential US bitcoin reserve boosted the cryptocurrency. Smaller crypto ether also saw gains. Trump aims for US leadership in crypto. Other nations are exploring crypto reserves. Skepticism remains about bitcoin's role. Bitcoin has surged since Trump's election. The crypto market's value doubled this year.

The government has postponed the introduction of 'one nation, one election' bills in the Lok Sabha. The bills, initially scheduled for Monday, will be introduced later this week after financial business concludes. This delay allows the House to prioritize supplementary grant demands. The bills, circulated among members last week, aim to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

The Centre's air quality panel has strengthened its winter pollution plan for Delhi-NCR. Stricter measures include mandatory hybrid learning for schools during severe pollution and expanded vehicle restrictions. Inter-state buses will face earlier entry bans, and BS-IV diesel MGVs and LCVs will be restricted within Delhi. Staggered office timings are also planned.

The Trump transition team has recommended eliminating a requirement for companies to report automated vehicle crashes, a move that could benefit Tesla. The recommendation aims to reduce excessive data collection. Tesla has reported the majority of crashes under the current rule and has been the subject of several NHTSA investigations.

China's November exports slowed to 6.7% growth, while imports declined by 3.9%, missing forecasts. This trade weakness comes as Beijing seeks to bolster its economy post-pandemic. The rising trade surplus reached $97.4 billion. These figures follow pledges of monetary easing and arrive amidst tariff threats from then U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Political turmoil in France and Germany threatens Europe's economic modernization efforts, hindering companies' global competitiveness. The timing coincides with challenges posed by Trump's return and trade tensions with China. With these major EU economies in crisis, concerns rise about the region's ability to address its economic weaknesses and sustain its aging population.

Rebels swiftly overthrew the Assad regime in Syria, with President Bashar Assad reportedly fleeing Damascus. The opposition declared victory as insurgents entered the capital and other key cities, prompting celebrations and the government's offer of a transition.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP over proposed GST increases. Yadav claims the move will fuel corruption, not revenue. He argues the 'one nation, one tax' slogan is false. The GST council is yet to finalize the rate changes. Yadav believes higher taxes lead to more evasion and corruption.

South Korea's opposition parties filed a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, following his brief imposition of martial law, which led to troops surrounding parliament. Impeachment requires support from two-thirds of parliament and at least six Constitutional Court justices.

India is reducing its reliance on Russian defense equipment, shifting instead to Western suppliers, particularly the US and France. This realignment aims to balance ties with both Russia and the US, amidst ongoing defense manufacturing collaborations and the backdrop of the Ukraine war accelerating the decrease in Russian arms imports.

Tesla and Elon Musk face a legal challenge as a Delaware judge voids Musk's $56 billion compensation package despite shareholder support. Tesla might appeal the ruling, devise a new plan, or settle the lawsuit. Restoring the old plan could result in significant accounting and tax burdens.

New Delhi will see a milder winter in 2024-2025 with fewer coldwave days and higher than normal minimum temperatures. This follows the second warmest November since 1901. The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal maximum temperatures for most parts of India, except for the south Peninsular region, where normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are expected.

Bangladesh has reduced its power purchase from India's Adani Power by half due to decreased winter demand, payment delays, and a foreign exchange shortage. Adani cut supply in response, and Bangladesh maintains payment of old dues while negotiating lower prices, aiming to reduce high costs and subsidies associated with Adani's rates.

Italy's tax system disproportionately benefits the wealthiest 7%, resulting in a regressive tax structure that exacerbates inequality and challenges public finances. Despite high overall tax rates, favorable terms for the wealthy and the self-employed contrast sharply with higher burdens on middle and low-income workers, prompting calls for reform.

Delhi's air quality improved slightly but remained in the 'poor' category with an AQI of 273 on Monday morning. This improvement followed 32 consecutive days of 'very poor' and 'severe' air quality. Experts attributed this change to dry northwesterly winds and ample sunlight. The air quality remains harmful to sensitive groups.

The Reserve Bank of India is expected to maintain the current benchmark interest rate due to high inflation exceeding the set limit. This decision will be announced on December 6, 2024. Experts believe rate cuts may only be possible in February if inflation decreases. Growth forecasts may also be revised due to disappointing GDP figures.

Congress criticised the Modi government for allegedly manipulating inflation data. The party claimed the government prioritises showing low inflation figures instead of addressing the actual problem. Congress cited potential changes to CPI weightage and past instances of data manipulation as evidence. It also mentioned high fuel prices and the burden on the working and middle classes.

The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has launched a night cleaning initiative in an effort to combat the city's 'very poor' air quality. The drive began in Khan Market and will be expanded to other areas with the support of market associations.

Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized the importance of price stability for sustained economic growth. He stated that the RBI is committed to bringing down retail inflation to 4% on a durable basis. Das highlighted that the central bank's focus is on anchoring inflation expectations and ensuring the effective transmission of past rate actions to the broader economy.

India's Chief Economic Advisor, V Anantha Nageswaran, cautioned Indian businesses against relying on a weak currency to boost exports. He emphasized that while a weaker currency can make exports cheaper, it shouldn't replace productivity and innovation. Nageswaran urged companies to focus on enhancing productivity, research, and development instead of depending on currency fluctuations for competitiveness.

Delhi Police have taken decisive action to combat the city's worsening air quality by ordering e-commerce and social media platforms to halt the online sale and delivery of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory.

India's Finance Ministry has updated guidelines for capital restructuring by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), requiring a minimum annual dividend payout and introducing measures like share buybacks and splits to enhance shareholder value.

Guinness, Diageo's flagship stout, faces growing competition in the UK as pubs and drinkers seek alternatives due to price hikes. Rivals like Heineken's Murphy's are gaining traction, capitalizing on frustrations with Guinness' pricing and support. While Guinness remains dominant, the stout market is diversifying, with new entrants and non-alcoholic options like Guinness 0.0 attracting consumers.