Here are the top personal finance news of the day:
Mark Zuckerberg, founder of WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, has said that the microblogging platform has launched a new feature using which users can lock their personal chats. Users will also be able to lock conversion in a WhatsApp group. With the help of password or biometrics, users will be able to lock their individual and group WhatsApp chats. Moreover, chats will also not show in the notification received by the users. This will make WhatsApp chats more privatised and secure. Now, people will not be required to lock the entire WhatsApp. They can instead lock individual chats to maintain privacy.
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Kotak allows customers to block debit card on WhatsApp
Well! WhatsApp does not have only one use. You can use the micro blogging platform to access all your banking needs! Banking becomes more convenient for customers of Kotak Mahindra Bank. Account holders will now be able to access banking services at fingertips sitting at comfort of their home on whatsapp. Customers can enquire about their account balance, get mini-statement, block and unblock debit card. This will make it easier for customers to manage their finances on the go. To start Kotak’s WhatsApp Banking service, account holders can give a missed call on 9718566655 from their registered phone number. Or they can send type and send ‘help’ to ‘022 6600 6022’.
Railways to launch one-stop solution app for passengers
A new app is coming exclusively for railway passengers. The app is known as PIPOnet. Passengers can use the app to book rides of Ola and Uber. They can even use this app to book train tickets, platform tickets, book porters at railway stations, stay, order food and many other things. User will also be able to access contents of entertainment platforms like Netflix. Citizens in small towns like tier 3 and 4 towns of India will also be able to avail of services available on this app.
Women workers should get 9 months maternity leave: Niti Aayog
Women workers may get nine months of paid maternity leave in the country. The government is planning to make it mandatory not only for public sector companies but also for private companies to give nine months of paid maternity leave to employees. The government had passed bill for paid maternity leave back in 2017. According to which, employees are entitled to paid maternity leave for 6 months and 2 weeks in the country.
NSE declares Rs 80 dividend for FY23
Next news is for shareholders of hospital chain, Rainbow Children’s Medicare. Shareholders will get dividend of 3 rupees per share for financial year ending 2023. The National Stock Exchange has also recommended a share of 80 rupees for FY23. Dividend payment date in case of both these firms is 30 days within the respective AGMs. Stock prices of HDFC Bank and HDFC tumbled on Tuesday as they turned ex-dividend. India’s largest private lender had earlier recommended a dividend of 19 rupees per share. While, HDFC had announced a dividend of 44 rupees per share. HDFC Bank fell more than 1% to close at 1,646 rupees. While, HDFC plummeted more than 2% and its share price closed at 2,722 rupees.
FIIs raise stake in Equitas SFB, Sona BLW in Q4 FY23
Two companies saw substantial growth in FIIs inflow in the March quarter of financial year 2023. According to a report by Business Standard, these two companies are Equitas Small Finance Bank and Sona BLW Precision Forgings. FIIs stake in Equitas small finance bank increased from just 4% to north of 25% in the March quarter. While, that in Sona BLW increased considerably from 11% to few notches above 24%. Apart from these two stocks, FIIs have also raised stake in companies in Marksans Pharma, Jindal Stainless and LT Foods in the said quarter.
Lava Agni 2 price set at Rs 21,999
India’s home grown smartphone manufacturer, LAVA, launched Lava Agni 2 smartphone. The mid range smartphone will be available at a price of 21,999 rupees on May 24 on Amazon. Customers can get 2,000 rupees discount with plastic cards of various banks. The 50 mega pixel camera smartphone will sport a 6.78 inch curved AMOLED display and 4,700 mAh battery. It will run onAndroid 13, The smartphone houses 8 GB RAM and has 256 GB storage capacity.
Honda shares glimpses of Elevate’s sunroof
Well we have a good news for all those who are eagerly waiting for Honda’s mid size SUV, Elevate. The Japanese automobile manufacturer on Tuesday shared glimpses of rooftop of the SUV flashing its sunroof to the viewers. The mid-size SUV will be powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine which Honda uses in City. There will also be strong-hybrid version but there wont be any diesel version. Expected price will be around 11 lakh rupees. The Japan based auto manufacturer is slated to launch the SUV on June 6, 2023.
Vodafone, Amazon plan mass lay-offs
And lay-offs continue. Global telecom service provider, Vodafone said it would will kickstart mass lay-offs around the world. 11,000 employees will be retrenched from its global workforce. On the other hand, e-commerce giant, Amazon has said it will further retrench 500 more employees from its global workforce. Ever since the global giant had jumped on bandwagon of companies which had kick-started the lay-off saga all around he world, Amazon had set a plan to fire a total of 18,000 emoloyees from its workforce.
