Nilim Daimari

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, stated that the ‘Starship should be able to make it to the moon in less than 5 years.’ Additionally, a recent tweet announced that people will soon be sent to Mars by the company.

Elon Musk, a widely discussed billionaire, unveiled his strategy to relocate one million individuals to Mars. The announcement was made through X (formerly known as Twitter), with Musk stating, ‘We are strategizing a detailed game plan to transport a million people to Mars.

He further emphasized, ‘Civilization only overcomes the single-planet Great Filter when Mars can sustain itself even in the absence of supply ships from Earth,’ he added. In response to a post declaring, ‘Starship is the largest rocket ever built and it’ll take us to Mars,’ Elon Musk stated, ‘Civilization only passes the single-planet Great Filter when Mars can survive even if Earth supply ships stop coming.

Musk replied to users’ inquiries about the launch of Starship to the Red Planet, stating, “One day, a trip to Mars will be like a flight across the country.”

Last week, the SpaceX founder expressed confidence that the “Starship should be able to make it to the moon in less than 5 years.”

Highlighting the significance of SpaceX’s Dragon spaceship, Musk mentioned it will take astronauts further from Earth than they’ve been in over half a century. He emphasized that substantial effort will be needed to establish sustainable living conditions on Mars.

In January, Musk articulated his hope that SpaceX will send humans to the Moon within the next eight years.

“Eight years from now, I believe we will have landed on Mars and sent people to the Moon,” stated Musk. Additionally, he expressed his ambition to establish a base on the Moon.

According to the X owner, “Humanity should have a moon base, cities on Mars, and be out there among the stars.” Reflecting on the future, Musk previously remarked, “We should have a base on the moon, like a permanently occupied human base on the moon, and then send people to Mars. Maybe there’s something beyond the space station, but we’ll see.”

Musk’s aspirations extend to the third Starship flight test this year, with hopes that it will reach orbit and demonstrate the spacecraft’s reliable deorbit capability.

A social media post by a user, claiming to have found a worm crawling in a Cadbury chocolate purchased at Ratnadeep Metro Ameerpet, has ignited a flurry of online discussion. The accompanying video purportedly shows the alleged contamination, prompting widespread chatter and concern among netizens.

The post has garnered significant attention, with users expressing shock and questioning the quality control measures of the renowned confectionery brand. Cadbury’s response to this incident is awaited as consumers seek clarification and reassurance regarding the safety of their products.

This incident underscores the importance of stringent quality assurance protocols in the food industry and highlights the impact of social media in amplifying consumer concerns. As the online conversation continues, consumers await further updates and clarification from Cadbury regarding the alleged contamination.

Robin Zaccheus, an X user, has shared a video on social media depicting a worm discovered in a Cadbury chocolate bar. Alongside the video, Zaccheus posted an image of a receipt from the store where he purchased the item, providing additional context to the incident.

The post has garnered significant attention, sparking widespread discussion and concern among consumers. Zaccheus’ documentation of the alleged contamination underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the food industry.

As the video gains traction online, consumers are calling for swift action and clarification from Cadbury regarding the incident. This development further highlights the impact of social media in amplifying consumer grievances and shaping public perception of brands.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds and Cadbury’s response to the situation becomes clear.

Zee Media’s Official Statement: Clarification Regarding Trading Activities of External Guests on Zee Business Channel – February 10 Update.

Zee Media Corporation Limited issued a statement via BSE filing, clarifying that external guests, known as Noticee(s), appearing on Zee Business Channel have no formal relationship with the company beyond their TV appearances. The company also confirmed that SEBI has not issued any orders against it regarding this matter.

Zee Media Corporation Limited reiterated in a recent BSE filing that the company has no involvement in the trading activities of external guests, known as Noticee(s), appearing on Zee Business Channel. Additionally, the company clarified that SEBI has not issued any orders against it in this regard.

This clarification follows SEBI’s action on 8 February against 15 guest experts of Zee Business channel for unlawful trading activities. SEBI alleges that these entities made unlawful gains totaling ₹7.41 crore from such trades, which were shared with guest experts based on prior agreements.

Zee Media’s statement underscores its stance of non-involvement in the trading practices of external guests and its compliance with regulatory standards amidst the ongoing scrutiny by SEBI.

Zee Media Corporation Limited has issued a statement regarding the recent directive from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The statement clarifies that SEBI has instructed the company to preserve and maintain all records, documents, and materials related to Noticee Nos. 11 to 15, as well as content from concerned shows, until SEBI issues a final order.

This directive comes amidst SEBI’s ongoing investigation into trading activities involving guest experts on Zee Business Channel. Zee Media emphasizes its commitment to compliance with regulatory requirements and states its intention to cooperate fully with SEBI throughout the investigation process.

The directive from SEBI signifies a crucial step in the regulatory investigation, and Zee Media pledges to adhere to the prescribed measures as it awaits the final order from SEBI.

SEBI, the market regulator, has revealed a list of guest experts allegedly involved in unlawful trading activities on the Zee Business channel. The list includes names like Simi Bhaumik, Mudit Goyal, Himanshu Gupta, Ashish Kelkar, Kiran Jadhav, Ramawatar Lalchand Chotia, SAAR Securities India Private Limited, Ajaykumar Ramakant Sharma, Rupesh Kumar Matoliya, Nitin Chhalani, Kanhya Trading Company, Manan Sharecom Private Limited, SAAR Commodities Private Limited, Partha Sarathi Dhar, and Nirmal Kumar Soni.

SEBI’s directive also requires these guest experts to pay a total of ₹7.41 crore. According to SEBI, these individuals appeared on the Zee Business channel between 1 February 2022 and 31 December 2022.

In its 127-page order, SEBI stated, “The facts of this case demonstrate a clear scheme of manipulation to harm the interest of investors by misguiding them to take positions in securities so that profit makers could make profit at the cost of such investors.” This action underscores SEBI’s commitment to safeguarding investor interests and maintaining the integrity of the market.

In a significant development, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed restrictions on all 10 entities allegedly involved in unlawful trading activities on the Zee Business channel. This move comes as part of SEBI’s ongoing investigation into market manipulation.

SEBI has restrained these entities, including Simi Bhaumik, Mudit Goyal, Himanshu Gupta, Ashish Kelkar, Kiran Jadhav, Ramawatar Lalchand Chotia, SAAR Securities India Private Limited, Ajaykumar Ramakant Sharma, Rupesh Kumar Matoliya, and Nitin Chhalani, from engaging in any buying, selling, or dealing in securities, either directly or indirectly, until further orders are issued.

This restriction highlights SEBI’s commitment to maintaining market integrity and protecting investor interests. The regulatory body continues to take decisive actions to address instances of market manipulation and ensure a fair and transparent trading environment. Further updates on this matter are anticipated as SEBI’s investigation progresses.

State-run Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has soared to new heights, crossing the ₹7 lakh crore market value mark and securing the fifth position among India’s most-valued companies. This milestone follows a 6% surge in LIC’s shares on Friday.

LIC reported a remarkable 49% year-on-year surge in standalone profit after tax, reaching ₹9,444 crore, with net premiums rising by 5% to ₹1,17,017 crore. The company’s Q3 results also showcased a 46% increase in the value of new businesses and an 8% rise in revenue, totaling ₹2.1 lakh crore.

The achievement underscores LIC’s stellar growth, with its stock witnessing an impressive 86.26% rise in the past 12 months. Surpassing ICICI Bank, LIC now ranks fifth in market valuation, trailing behind industry leaders like Reliance Industries Ltd, Tata Consultancy Service, HDFC Bank, and Infosys.

Reliance Industries Ltd leads the market cap chart, trailed by Tata Consultancy Service, HDFC Bank, and Infosys. Notably, LIC has surpassed ICICI Bank to claim the fifth spot as the most-valued company.

Reliance Industries Ltd commands a staggering market capitalization estimated at ₹19.62 lakh crore. This colossal valuation is attributed to the company’s extensive operations and robust presence across various market sectors. Reliance Industries boasts a strong foothold in sectors such as energy, petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and natural resources, contributing significantly to its formidable market standing.

During the third quarter of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Reliance Industries Ltd achieved its anticipated results, with EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) registering a noteworthy 15% year-on-year increase, reaching ₹407 billion. This impressive growth can be attributed to robust performances in the retail and digital sectors, demonstrating the company’s resilience and strategic positioning in key market segments.

On Saturday, the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was announced by the JSW Group, marking the initiation of a monumental project in Cuttack and Paradip. This ambitious venture entails a staggering investment of Rs 40,000 crore, focusing on the development of integrated electric vehicles (EV) and EV battery manufacturing facilities.

The JSW group’s strategic entry into the state was made public through this MoU, amidst competitive offers from other states. This announcement is a pivotal component of the company’s broader plan to venture into electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. As part of this initiative, the company had previously disclosed a joint venture, wherein it would own a 35% stake in a newly-formed collaboration with SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd, the parent company of MG Motor India, focusing on EV production.

JSW has outlined its investment strategy for the project, which will be executed in two phases. The first phase involves an investment of ₹25,000 crore in Cuttack for establishing an electric vehicle and battery manufacturing complex. In the second phase, ₹15,000 crore will be allocated for setting up an EV components manufacturing complex in Paradip.

JSW has outlined its investment strategy for the project, which will be executed in two distinct phases. The company intends to allocate ₹25,000 crore for the development of an electric vehicle and battery manufacturing complex in Cuttack. Additionally, an investment of ₹15,000 crore is earmarked for establishing the EV components manufacturing complex in Paradip.

The company will also embark on establishing an ecosystem for manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) in Odisha, a state that currently lacks the robust vehicle manufacturing infrastructure present in states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

“By integrating our operations within Odisha’s vibrant ecosystem, we aim to create a symbiotic relationship that benefits all stakeholders, fostering growth and innovation, and generating numerous high-skilled job opportunities. It’s a testament to our belief in Odisha’s potential and our dedication to contributing positively to its economic landscape,” commented Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of JSW Group.

The ambitious project will feature world-class advanced technology and encompass various components. This includes a 50 GWH EV battery plant catering to both mobility and energy storage systems, commercial e-vehicles, and passenger electric cars. Additionally, the project will incorporate the production of auto components such as e-powertrain, lithium refinery, copper smelter, and related component manufacturing units.

In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the company will establish an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) plant for electric vehicles and components within the same integrated complex. This venture, according to the company, is slated to become the world’s largest single-location project in the sector.

JSW aims to create a substantial number of jobs through this project, with a projected 11,000 employment opportunities anticipated to be generated — 4,000 in Cuttack and 7,000 in Paradip. Furthermore, the project is expected to stimulate job creation in ancillary and support services, catalyzing the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and unlocking numerous opportunities in the auto component supply chain and services sector.

This partnership not only underscores the state’s favorable investment climate but also reflects the government’s strategic initiatives to position Odisha at the forefront of India’s electric vehicle (EV) and green technology sectors. In support of this endeavor, the state government of Odisha will extend its backing through a special package of incentives aimed at fostering the growth and success of the project.

We are keenly focused on leveraging the opportunities presented by the new age sectors, aiming to create high-skill job opportunities for the people of Odisha. Through our collaboration with the JSW Group, we are setting the stage for a future where innovation drives our industrial growth, ensuring that the youth of Odisha have access to the skills and jobs that will define the next generation of economic development,” expressed Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha.

As for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech, here’s a comprehensive 3-minute summary:

In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined a series of measures aimed at steering India’s economy towards recovery and growth. She emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and revitalizing key sectors.

The Budget prioritized healthcare, with an allocation of Rs 2.23 lakh crore towards healthcare spending, including funds for COVID-19 vaccination and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, a new scheme, PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, was announced to boost healthcare infrastructure in rural and urban areas.

To stimulate economic growth, the government announced a National Infrastructure Pipeline with an investment of Rs 111 lakh crore over five years. This includes investments in sectors like roads, railways, ports, airports, and urban infrastructure.

The Budget also focused on job creation and skill development, with initiatives such as the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana aimed at promoting employment generation.

In line with the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Budget introduced measures to promote clean energy and reduce pollution. This includes the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission Urban to provide piped water supply to all households.

To support the agriculture sector, the Budget proposed the allocation of Rs 1.5 lakh crore towards agricultural credit and the expansion of the Operation Green Scheme to include 22 perishable products.

The Finance Minister also unveiled several reforms to streamline taxation and boost investor confidence. This includes the simplification of tax compliance procedures and the introduction of a faceless dispute resolution mechanism for taxpayers.

Overall, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech outlined a comprehensive roadmap for India’s economic recovery and growth, with a focus on healthcare, infrastructure development, job creation, environmental sustainability, and tax reforms.

In an effort to combat the rising tide of digital fraud, the government has taken decisive action by blocking a staggering 1.4 lakh mobile numbers that were implicated in financial scams, as revealed in an official statement.

The proactive stance against fraudulent activities comes amidst growing concerns over the vulnerability of financial systems to cyber threats. Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi led the charge by chairing a high-level meeting dedicated to bolstering cybersecurity within the financial services sector.

During the meeting, held on Friday, a comprehensive range of issues related to cybersecurity were deliberated upon, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of financial transactions. Among the key topics discussed was the seamless onboarding of banks and financial institutions onto the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) platform.

Notably, the integration of banks and financial entities onto the CFCFRMS platform through Application Programming Interface (API) integration emerged as a focal point of discussion. This strategic move aims to streamline the reporting and management of cyber fraud incidents, enabling swift and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

The meeting, marked by a spirit of collaboration and urgency, underscores the government’s proactive approach to tackling the evolving landscape of digital fraud. By blocking 1.4 lakh mobile numbers associated with financial frauds and prioritizing cybersecurity measures, authorities are taking concrete steps to safeguard the financial well-being of citizens and bolster confidence in digital transactions.

As the threat of cyber fraud continues to evolve, the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing cybersecurity resilience within the financial services sector remains paramount. With ongoing efforts to fortify defenses and leverage technology-driven solutions, the government is poised to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure a secure digital ecosystem for all stakeholders.

Stay tuned to Bystox for further updates on government initiatives and developments in cybersecurity aimed at protecting financial integrity and fostering trust in digital transactions.

Ashneer Grover, Founder of BharatPe, Criticizes RBI’s ‘Punitive Action’ Against Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL), Labels it as ‘Overreach’ and Questions Treatment of Fintechs by the Regulator.

Ashneer Grover, the Founder of BharatPe, Voices Deep Disappointment Over the Absence of Essential Legislation to Support Indian Startups. In His Critique, Grover Highlights the Existence of a $20 Billion ‘Glass Ceiling’, Suggesting that Once this Threshold is Reached, the Only Direction Seems to be Downward. He Emphasizes the Structural Unpreparedness of India for Nurturing Big Startups, Contrasting the Organic Emergence of Startups Over the Last 10 to 12 Years with the Lack of Proactive Legislative Support. Grover Also Criticizes the Government’s Eagerness to Associate with Startup Founders for Photo Ops, While Pointing Out the Glaring Gap in Legislative Initiatives to Facilitate Startup Growth and Sustainability.

Ashneer Grover Raises Concerns Over Lack of Recognition for Startups’ Systemic Importance Despite Their Significant Contribution to India’s Economy. With 111 Unicorns Driving Growth Rates of 6-7.5%, Grover Highlights Their Role in Attracting Maximum Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Generating Employment Opportunities. However, He Criticizes the Absence of Legislative Support for These Startups, Noting That Public Issues Arise as They Scale Up.

Paytm ‘father of all fintechs’, says Grover

Ashneer Grover Recognizes Paytm’s Pioneering Role in India’s Fintech Sector, Describing it as the Foundation for Various Ventures, Including BharatPe. While Emphasizing his Role as BharatPe’s Founder, Grover Credits Paytm for the Existence of BharatPe, Stating, ‘Paytm is the Father of All Fintechs in India; If it Didn’t Exist, BharatPe Wouldn’t Have Existed.

He Highlights Paytm’s Contribution in Introducing and Popularizing QR Code Scanning for Money Transactions in India, Which Laid the Groundwork for Other Fintech Players like Google Pay, PhonePe, BharatPe, and Pine Labs. Grover Expresses Disappointment for the Startup Community Over the Regulatory Actions Taken by the Central Bank.

Grover Criticizes RBI’s Stance

In a critique of the RBI’s approach, Grover contended that the punitive measure of license cancellation was excessively harsh. He attributed this decision to a lack of trust in younger individuals, particularly those around the age of 40, who are often perceived as mavericks in the industry.

According to Grover, regulatory skepticism stems from the traditional mindset of decision-makers within the RBI, typically individuals around 60 years old, who may harbor doubts about the ability of younger individuals, particularly those around 40 years old and labeled as mavericks, to effectively manage complex systems.

“In the RBI, decision-makers are usually around 60 years old, bringing with them extensive experience in managing banking systems. However, there seems to be a hesitancy to trust a 40-year-old, especially if they’re perceived as a maverick, with the responsibility of overseeing critical systems,” Grover remarked.

He further elaborated, “This lack of confidence extends to those in positions of authority involved in regulatory processes in India. Specifically, there’s a skepticism towards individuals in their 40s with backgrounds in computer science or programming when it comes to handling operational systems. This mindset appears to reflect a broader perspective entrenched within the institution.”

Message is ‘fintechs are not important’, says Grover

Grover highlighted Paytm’s significant milestone as the first startup in India to secure a payments bank license almost five years ago, noting that the logical progression for the company was to obtain a small finance bank license as part of its expansion plans. However, he expressed disappointment over the RBI’s decision to revoke the PPBL license, which consequently dashed any hopes of obtaining the small finance bank license.

Questioning the rationale behind this decision, Grover suggested that there exists a perspective within the RBI that innovators and pioneers often operate on the fringes of traditional banking norms, leading to disagreements on whether these boundaries are being exceeded.

“In the RBI’s view, Paytm is not considered systematically important. ‘If it dies, it dies, what do we care?'” Grover remarked, criticizing the regulatory body’s actions as punitive punishment compared to the measures taken against traditional banks. He further added, “I think it is an overreach.”

RBI’s Action: Paytm Payments Bank to Cease New Deposits from March, Citing Non-Compliance

Paytm Payments Bank: A Promise of Sincerity – “No Fear, No Greed, No Entitlement”.

Since its inception in May 2017, Paytm Payments Bank has not been a stranger to controversy, frequently finding itself at odds with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Over the course of its seven-year existence, the bank has encountered numerous run-ins with the regulatory body, resulting in at least five penalties issued by the RBI for non-compliance issues. Despite its relatively short time in operation, Paytm Payments Bank has faced a tumultuous journey marked by regulatory challenges and compliance hurdles.

The recent crackdown by the central bank has left users, merchants, and investors of Paytm Payments Bank in a state of anxiety. Despite this, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not provided specific details regarding the reasons behind the action or the severity of the violations at the payments bank. This lack of clarity from the RBI has further compounded the challenges faced by users and merchants, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.

Following persistent non-compliances and material supervisory concerns, Paytm Payments Bank has been barred from offering nearly all of its core services. Effective February 29, the bank will no longer be able to accept deposits or top-ups in any customer account, nor will it be able to provide services such as prepaid instruments, wallets, FASTags, National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), and more. This stringent action by regulatory authorities underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the need for immediate remedial measures.

According to RBI data as of December 2023, Paytm Payments Bank boasted an impressive infrastructure with over 7 lakh point of sale (PoS) terminals, 3.52 crore UPI QR codes, and 3.23 crore debit cards. Additionally, the bank’s website reports a substantial user base, including over 30 crore wallets and 3 crore bank accounts. With over 10 crore KYC customers and a steady monthly growth of 4 lakh users, Paytm Payments Bank continues to expand its reach. Notably, the bank also holds the title of being the largest issuer of FASTags, having issued over 80 lakh units to date.

Allegations of money laundering and foreign exchange violations have surfaced against the company, although Paytm has vehemently denied these accusations. A spokesperson for Paytm Payments Bank stated, ‘We are not in a position to comment on the issue as Paytm Payments Bank Limited is under the supervisory engagement of the regulator.’ This response highlights the sensitivity of the matter and underscores the ongoing regulatory oversight facing the bank.

RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J emphasized that the current supervisory action taken against Paytm Payments Bank is a result of persistent non-compliance. He explained, “Such supervisory actions are invariably preceded by months and, at times, years of bilateral engagement where we not only point out deficiencies but also provide more than adequate time for them to take corrective action.” This statement underscores the regulatory process preceding the action and highlights the importance of compliance within the banking sector.

Despite the supervisory action taken against Paytm Payments Bank, the RBI has not provided detailed insights into the specific issues that led to the regulatory measures. Furthermore, the central bank has not offered any commentary on its planned course of action following the recent developments. Following inquiries from the Finance Ministry, the RBI has committed to releasing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) addressing concerns surrounding its actions sometime in the coming week. This announcement comes approximately two weeks after the initial curbing of operations at the bank, indicating a forthcoming attempt to address public inquiries and provide clarity on the situation.

Bilateral relationship was a term frequently used by RBI officials when addressing questions from the media regarding the future of Paytm. This term underscores the ongoing dialogue and engagement between regulatory authorities and the company, suggesting a collaborative effort to address issues and ensure compliance within the banking sector.

Even in previous actions taken against the payments bank, the regulator has seldom provided detailed insights into the factors that prompted its actions. The RBI’s communication regarding a penalty of Rs 5.4 crore imposed in 2023 was one of the few instances where limited commentary was offered. On that occasion, the regulator cited a breach of KYC (Know Your Customer) guidelines as the reason for the penalty.