RBI proposes additional use cases for CBDC pilot projects, including programmability and offline functionality. This will allow government agencies to ensure payments for defined benefits and corporates to program specified expenditures. Additional features like validity period and geographical areas can also be programmed.

British American Tobacco (BAT) plans to partially sell its 29.03% stake in India's largest cigarette maker, ITC Ltd, as part of its efforts to create financial flexibility. This follows the company's recent divestment of assets and exit from certain markets. However, the stake sale process is complex due to a 100-year history with ITC and India's foreign direct investment rules.

Reported Consolidated quarterly numbers for EFC (I) are: Net Sales at Rs 172.08 crore in December 2023 up 553.9% from Rs. 26.32 crore in December 2022. Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 16.53 crore in December 2023 up 671.3% from Rs. 2.14 crore in December 2022. EBITDA stands at Rs. 62.66 crore in December 2023 up 1071.21% from Rs. 5.35 crore in December 2022.

State Bank of India plans to sell its entire stake in Yes Bank, with a block deal being the preferred method. The sale is estimated to be worth Rs 5000-7000 crore and will help boost SBI's balance sheet liquidity. There will be no taxes or lock-in period for SBI on the sale of shares. The decision is expected to be discussed soon by the SBI Board.

Power Grid Corporation's share price rose nearly 7% after reporting profitable quarter and announcing second interim dividend of Rs 4.50 per share. The stock is near its 52-week high of Rs 289.40 and has gained 80% in the last year, outperforming the Nifty's 23% return. Revenue and EBITDA increased marginally, expenses were down. Trent shares also surged 23% due to strong Q3 results.

Goa's Chief Minister presented a budget for the year 2024-25 with a revenue surplus of Rs 1,720 crore and an expected GSDP growth of 13.87%. He also announced an amnesty scheme for illegally operated homestays and received financial assistance from the Centre. Despite liabilities, no additional taxes were imposed due to effective measures like curbing revenue leakages.

On Thursday, gold prices in India fell by Rs 70 to Rs 63,300 per 10 grams due to a drop in the global market. Silver prices remained unchanged at Rs 74,600 per kilogram. HDFC Securities' Senior Analyst predicts that spot gold prices will continue to follow international trends. In the global market, gold was trading at USD 2,029 per ounce while silver saw a slight increase at USD 22.29 per ounce.

Monte Carlo Fashions reported a 2.95% decrease in net sales and a 10.47% decrease in net profit for the quarter ending December 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. EBITDA also decreased by 6.25% and EPS went down from Rs. 41.63 to Rs. 37.27. Despite these declines, the company's shares on NSE closed at 682.65.

In the December 2023 quarter, KPR Mill reported a decline in net sales of 13.28% compared to the same period in 2022. However, their quarterly net profit increased by 7.15%, with EBITDA also showing a 6.26% increase. EPS has also risen from Rs. 5.11 to Rs. 5.47. The company's shares closed at 779.05 on February 07, 2024.

Reported Standalone quarterly numbers for Sanghvi Movers are: Net Sales at Rs 167.04 crore in December 2023 up 36.38% from Rs. 122.48 crore in December 2022. Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 61.28 crore in December 2023 up 76.46% from Rs. 34.72 crore in December 2022. EBITDA stands at Rs. 120.74 crore in December 2023 up 47.78% from Rs. 81.70 crore in December 2022.

On February 8, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a 'white paper' on the Indian Economy in the Lok Sabha, aimed at exposing economic mismanagement under the Congress-led UPA government from 2004 to 2014. This release comes ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the current NDA government seeks a third term in power.

Ramco System has reported their standalone quarterly results for December 2023, showing an increase in net sales by 4.39% and a decrease in net loss by 31.12%. Their EBITDA has also increased by 129.64%. The company's shares closed at 320.45 on February 07, 2024 with a 9.00% return over the last 6 months and 36.71% return over the last 12 months.

Medanta-operator Global Health Ltd reported a 53.2% increase in net profit at Rs 123.54 crore for the October-December period. Revenue also rose by 20.9%, and EBITDA jumped from Rs 160 crore to Rs 212 crore, with an EBITDA margin of 25.5%. The hospital operator's strong financial performance is a promising sign for the current financial year.

John Cockerill India's standalone quarterly results for December 2023 show an increase in net sales by 20.35% and EBITDA by 22.55%, but a decrease in net profit by 9.35%. The EPS has also decreased. Its shares have given positive returns over the last 6 and 12 months. Promoters and promoter group hold non-encumbered shares.

The last date to make tax-saving investments for the financial year 2023-24 under the old tax regime is March 31, just two months away. It's recommended to start early in April to avoid last-minute stress and rushed investment decisions. There are various options like ELSS, PPF, NSC, etc., but it's vital to assess risk tolerance and long-term goals before committing to long-term products.