Uniformity of rules should be the playbook across sectors. Different rules, whether for telecom players, retail entities or online businesses, would invariably trigger the level-playing questions.
In 2021, the government allowed telcos to convert interest on deferred spectrum payments and AGR dues into equity. This made it the single largest stakeholder in Vodafone Idea.
Govt became shareholder in VI last yr after it approved company’s plans to convert Rs 16,000 cr of interest liability it owed govt into equity. Price of Vodafone stock has risen post FPO.
If successful, FPO is expected to not only increase company’s competitiveness & slow its ongoing loss of market share, but also to significantly reduce risk of a duopoly in the industry.
Centre directed the mobile service provider to convert into equity all the interest related to payments for spectrum and other dues owed to the govt for use of airwaves.
Among the country's three major telecom players, including Bharti Airtel and Jio, the govt package was seen as a bailout for Vodafone Idea, which was on the verge of bankruptcy.
Central to China's growth model was the property sector — housing construction, land sales, and real estate investment. The consequences of that dependency are now becoming evident.
After dominating India’s crude imports since 2023, Russian supplies slowed amid US sanctions, but a 30-day ‘waiver’ amid West Asia tensions could now push flows back towards 2 mbpd.
Trump has ushered in the age of humiliation. His method is to push around America’s friends rudely and publicly. He knows none of them can afford to fight back.
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