COVID 19 and its Impact on Global as well as Indian Economy

Things are moving fast with the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. On March 12 WHO declared that the virus is now a pandemic and President Trump announced 30 day ban on all travel from EU to the US. If the virus spread continues the Analysts fear that the Global Economy may slip into recession. If the Economy slips into recession it will slip for two consecutive quarters i.e. six months period. The Supply chains are affected. Various sectors such as Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Service, Transportation, Tourism, Hospitality industry etc will badly impacted. Digital Banking and Online Shopping will increase.

Covid-19 relief package: FM announces Rs ₹1.7-lakh crore package for poor and migrants under the Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Scheme.

Covid-19 relief package: FM announces Rs 1.7 trn plan for poor and migrants under the Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Scheme.. Package announced includes both food security and cash transfer components.

Cabinet approves merger of 10 PSBs into 4

The Cabinet approved the amalgamation of the 10 public sector banks (PSB) into 4 PSBs that was announced on August 30, 2019. The nod was given today and the merger would come into effect from April 1, 2020. The Cabinet’s approval will lead to the merger of –
Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India into Punjab National Bank;
Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India;
Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank; and
Allahabad Bank into Indian Bank

Union Budget 2020 – Highlights, Key Takeaways, Detailed Analysis & Impact on various Sectors

The Union Budget has been structured on the overall theme of “Ease of Living.” The Finance Minister said that the Union Budget Aims: To achieve seamless delivery of services through Digital governance; To improve physical quality of life through National Infrastructure Pipeline; Risk mitigation through Disaster Resilience; Social security through Pension and Insurance penetration.
The budget is woven around three prominent themes:
Aspirational India in which all sections of the society seek better standards of living, with access to health, education and better jobs. Economic development for all, indicated in the Prime Minister’s exhortation of “SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas, SabkaVishwas”. Caring Society that is both humane and compassionate, where Antyodaya is an article of faith.

The three broad themes are held together by

Corruption free – policy-driven good governance
Clean and sound financial sector.

The three components of Aspirational India are- a) Agriculture, Irrigation and Rural Development , b) Wellness, Water and Sanitation and c) Education and Skills

Economic Measures to Boost Economy by the Finance Minister

To boost liquidity in the market, the government has cleared dues worth more than 60% of 32 CPSEs in the last two months.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, held a press conference on the measures taken to boost economy. Chief Economic Adviser K. Subramanian, gave a presentation on Major Interventions to Boost Economy.Rs 20kcr proposals likely to get nod in 2 weeks; FM promises support to any sector that needs help. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman promised support to any other sector that may need help following a finance ministry presentation on ‘Major Interventions to Boost the Economy’ in the Capital on Friday.

Corporate tax cut, MAT relief: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman’s press conference and Impact on Economy

The NDA government slashed corporate taxes in the boldest economic step yet in its second term in an attempt to awaken animal spirits and revive private investment. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday slashed corporate tax rates worth ₹1.45 trillion paid by domestic manufacturers, making the country one of the lowest tax regimes in Asia.

How the mergers will impact your bank accounts, debit cards and EMIs?

About a week ago the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman announced the consolidation of 10 public sector banks into four mega state-owned ones. Retail customers including account holders of amalgamating banks are likely to get affected.

10 public sector banks merged into four

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces 4 mega bank mergers. FM said that the creation of next-generation banks was imperative for India to become a $5 trillion economy in the next five years. The reforms in the banking sector come after the government announced a slew of measures to revive growth in the Indian economy.

FinMin plans 16-point ‘Key Responsibility Area (KRA)’ to push PSBs

The Finance Ministry has taken a note that the Market Share of PSB’s is declining while that of Private Banks is declining and therefore MOF has planned to address the issue of declining share of 18 Public Sector Banks based on the Performance Indicators in certain Key areas. Now onwards Performance indicators will assess how…

Consolidation of regional rural banks on government agenda

India is eyeing a mega revamp of its regional rural banks (RRBs) and the plan includes consolidation of these lenders for better operational efficiencies in line with the government’s big rural focus. The plan that the finance ministry is drawing up also envisages RRBs adopting differentiated banking strategies, such as targeting specific sectors, for a…