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moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/leading-auto-companies-tata-motors-m-m-to-get-incentives-worth-rs-246-crore-under-pli-scheme-12902127.html

Leading auto companies Tata Motors, M&M to get incentives worth Rs 246 crore under PLI scheme

As part of the PLI scheme, incentives of 13-18 per cent are offered for components related to EVs and hydrogen fuel cells, while other Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) components receive incentives of 8 per cent and 13 per cent..Related stories.

Leading automotive companies Mahindra & Mahindra as well as Tata Motors are set to recieve incentives worth Rs 246 crore for FY24, likely to be paid during Q4FY25, as claimed under the PLI scheme. Shares of auto companies were sharply higher on January 2, riding on strong sales growth in December as well as the PLI benefits. Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy said he was satisfied with the progress made by auto original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in localized manufacturing. Tata Motorsreportedly submitted an incentive claim of Rs 142.13 crore, based on FY24 sales.Mahindra & Mahindrasubmitted an incentive claim of Rs 104.08 crore, based on incremental sales for FY24. As part of the PLI scheme, incentives of 13-18 per cent are offered for components related to EVs and hydrogen fuel cells, while other Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) components receive incentives of 8 per cent and 13 per cent. Auto stocks were in the fast lane on January 2, with heavyweights like Eicher Motors, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, M&M, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motorsroaring ahead by up to 7 percent. The rally fueled the Nifty Auto index to its biggest single-day gain in six months, turbocharged by better-than-expected sales figures. As of September 2024, the PLI scheme has already facilitated an investment of Rs 20,715 crore in the sector, leading to incremental sales of Rs 10,472 crore, as per a government official. More eligible applicants under the PLI scheme are expected to commence production of auto and auto components soon. FY25 marks the first year of incentives for car companies under the new PLI scheme which will run till FY29.

2025-01-02 15:48

2025-01-02

15:48

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/vivo-to-launch-its-first-mixed-reality-headset-in-2025-all-the-details-12902150.html

Vivo to launch its first mixed-reality headset in 2025: All the details

AR headset.

Vivo has announced plans to compete in the mixed-reality headset market by announcing the release of its new virtual reality headset in 2025. The company will most likely use Android XR OS for this device and aims to offer a better experience than the Apple Vision Pro. Chinese electronics giant Vivo is all set to enter the mixed-reality (MR) headset market soon. Earlier this week, the company announced that it will release its first virtual reality device in 2025 as it is expected to compete with other major players in the MR space, including Apple’s Vision Pro and Samsung’s Project Moohan. Vivo’s first mixed reality headset to launch in 2025: All the details As per reputed tipster Digital Chat Station, Vivo, at a local event in Beijing, announced the launch of its first mixed-reality headset, which is expected to share similarities with Apple’s Vision Pro. The headset prototype is tipped to be available in September 2025, and it will reportedly undergo ‘high-fidelity prototype experiences’ in several cities in China by the end of this year. Further, as per GSMArena, Vivo is most likely to use Android XR OS-based for this MR headset, similar to Samsung’s Project Moohan, which will launch later this year. A Vivo company executive has also suggested that the actual sale date remains unclear and will depend on the readiness of supporting content ecosystems. This reported announcement builds upon the confirmation of the development of an MR headset by Yu Meng, Vice President of Imaging at Vivo, at the Vivo Imaging Conference in July last year, where he highlighted that the company’s first MR headset is scheduled for a 2025 launch.

2025-01-02 15:46

2025-01-02

15:46

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/lalu-yadav-cooks-up-a-storm-in-bihar-doors-open-for-nitish-kumar-to-rejoin-mahagathbandhan-12902181.html

Lalu Yadav cooks up a storm in Bihar: 'Doors open for Nitish Kumar to rejoin Mahagathbandhan'

The association between Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar goes back to the days of the JP movement in the 1970s. (File Photo: PTI).Related stories.

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections slated to be held later this year, Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav dropped a bombshell when he said he was ready to welcome incumbent Chief Minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar back to the Mahagathbandhan fold. "Nitish Kumar can join us and work together," Lalu said in a recent interview to a YouTube channel, reiterating that his doors remained open for the public and Nitish Kumar. "If Nitish decides to return, we would welcome him...there would be no issues in working together again." The remarks assume significance for multiple reasons. First, Lalu's remarks signal a potential change of heart -- particularly after his son and former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav's outright rejection of any future prospect of the RJD allying with Nitish Kumar's JD(U) again. "Nitish Kumar will not be taken back even if he wishes to return. Bringing Nitish back would amount to hurting ourselves," Tejashwi had said earlier. After lalu's remarks, however, Tejashwi appeared to have toned down his stand on Nitish. "We have already spoken our mind. When journalists ask, Lalu Ji might have said it to cool things down, what is the problem with it?" he said. Last week, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra also made a similar remark in response to queries from journalists. "Politics is all about possibilities. If Nitish Kumar grows fed up with communal forces and decides he has had enough of the BJP, we will decide (on aligning with JDU)," he said. RJD spokesman Mrityunjay Tiwari also echoed similar views and pointed to the BJP realigning with the JD(U) despite shutting the door on him. "What is the big deal? The BJP realigned with Nitish Kumar a year ago, not long after Amit Shah had declared that the doors were shut on him. At least, our leaders have never resorted to such empty rhetoric. Let a situation arise, and a decision will be taken accordingly," he said. The remarks also come amid reports of a subtle disagreement between the alliance partners -- BJP and JD(U) -- over projecting Nitish as the NDA's CM face in the coming Bihar elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently did not deny the possibility of the NDA entering the Bihar polls with the same strategy it had adopted in Maharashtra, a state it won without projecting a CM face. Most recently, a remark by BJP leader and Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha created a stir with his remarks on the 100th birth anniversary of Atal Bihar Vajpayee. The dream of the former Prime Minister, Sinha said addressing a gathering, would not be fulfilled till the BJP forms a government of its own in Bihar. These incidents have given fodder to the Opposition RJD, which emerged as the single largest party in the state in the previous Assembly elections, to take potshots at the ruling alliance. Realising the sentiment within the JD(U), the BJP's state unit has made it a point to repeat that it will go into the Bihar polls with Nitish as the CM face. Last month, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, formerly seen as a detractor of Kumar, showered rish praise on the JD(U) supremo, stating that Nitish deserved a "Bharat Ratna". Meanwhile, the RJD has been quick to point out that the appointment of Arif Mohammad Khan as the new Bihar Governor has not gone down too well with some JD(U) leaders who see him as "pro-BJP". If it is any indication, Nitish, who was in Delhi last week, abruptly returned to Patna despite a meeting scheduled between him and BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda the same evening. It is believed that discussions on seat-sharing could have taken place between other leaders of the two parties. Meanwhile, responding to reporters on Lalu's latest remark, Nitish remained dismissive. "Kya bol rahen hain…Chodhiye na. (What are you talking about… let it be.)," he said. JD(U) leader and Union minister Lallan Singh also denied any misgivings within the NDA. "We are with the NDA and with full firmness. I cannot react to what people say – there is freedom of expression, people can say whatever they want."

2025-01-02 15:46

2025-01-02

15:46

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/new-orleans-terror-strike-may-have-ripple-effects-12902167.html

New Orleans terror strike may have ripple effects

15 people have been killed while almost 40 have been injured in an attack in New Orleans on Jan 1..Related stories.

Millions of ‘happy new year’ messages were exchanged between family and friends across the globe as 2025 was being ushered in but the New Year has got off to an unhappy start. One that is inauspicious but alas, predictable. The terror virus that kills innocent citizens struck again - this time in New Orleans, US, wherea pickup truck was deliberately driven into a large crowdof New Year revellers on Wednesday (January 1) in the French Quarter of the city. Reports at the time of writing confirmed 15 people killed while almost 40 have been injured. The perpetrator of this dastardly act has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas.Jabbar, a military veteranwho was born in America, served in the US Army for 13 years and his tenure in uniform included a deployment to Afghanistan. The accused, Jabbar was shot dead by security forces in the encounter that followed the murderous mayhem. US President Joe Biden has condemned the horrific incident and added that the FBI had discovered videos posted by Jabbar on social media hours before the attack. In these videos he reportedly expressed being inspired by the Islamic State group and voiced a desire to kill. Don’t jump to conclusions These are early days after this terror attack and prudence is warranted. While an IS linkage has been revealed by the FBI,  who have also indicated that preliminary investigation suggests that Jabbar may not have acted alone, jumping to hasty conclusions about this terror act representing a resurgence of the IS and jihadi terrorism in the US would be premature. But yes, this incident will pose a challenge for the new Trump administration that will assume office on January 20 and the first statement from the president-elect is instructive. Trump described the New Orleans attack as ‘evil’ and asserted: “When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the fake news media, but it turned out to be true. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before.” Here the default position is evident, wherein the political barbs that marked the Trump campaign continue unfettered - which is to castigate the Democrats, the fake news media and point the finger at the outsider, the illegal immigrant, for endangering    American lives. US’ main domestic terror threat comes from Right Wing extremists This is palpably counterfactual in the New Orleans case, for the accused Jabbar was born in the USA and had served in the American military. Hence the implied accusation is more politically motivated to stoke a domestic extreme Right Wing sentiment that smears the immigrant – particularly those from the Islamic faith. The New Orleans killing is the latest in a series of gun-related deaths that continue to plague the USA and the statistical summary is revealing.According to a US   survey: ‘As of October 2024, there were five people charged with jihadi terrorism in the United States in 2024, four of whom were male. In 2023, there were a total of ten people charged with jihadi terrorism in the United States: nine of whom were male.’ The survey said that after 9/11, more than 500 people have been charged with terrorism in the US, with 2015 seeing the largest spike. However, contrary to the popular perception about jihadi terror – the survey highlights that domestic right-wing extremism is far more prevalent in the US than jihadi terrorism. The numbers are stark. From 2014 to 2023, 19 percent of extremist-related killings were caused by perpetrators affiliated with Islamist extremism, while 76 percent of extremist-related killings were carried out by criminals affiliated with right-wing extremism – many of them white Americans. Whether New Orleans will be dealt with from an objective internal security policy perch to address deeply embedded structural inadequacies in American society, media and state machinery - or cynically exploited to garner short-term political advantage is moot, though all the signals being exuded by Trump 2.0 in the run up to January 20, such as senior government appointments do not augur well. If IS link’s confirmed, it spells trouble for other nations too New Orleans and the link with the IS, if proven to be correct, has wider implications – even if it is a lone-wolf operation. The loss of innocent lives to any form of terror - anywhere in the world should be deemed unacceptable; and the resurgence of jihadist ideologies and related violence is an internal security challenge for all nations. South Asia is vulnerable and each country has its own post 9/11 experience. Constant vigilance has become the leitmotif of this century after 9/11 and airport security protocols are symbolic. Terror perpetrators seek to disrupt the rhythms of normalcy and sow fear in the citizenry. That objective should be denied and a calm counter-terror resolve has to be progressively internalized by state and society. Envisioning a happy 2025 must not be jettisoned.

2025-01-02 15:41

2025-01-02

15:41

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/bull-party-on-d-street-sensex-jumps-1-500-pts-to-reclaim-80-000-nifty-hits-24-200-as-it-auto-stocks-surge-12902116.html

Bull party on D-Street: Sensex jumps 1,400 pts to close near 80k, Nifty above 24,150 as IT, auto stocks surge

Eicher Motors, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Maruti Suzuki, and Shriram Finance were the top gainers on the Nifty..Related stories.

Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex roared on January 2, notching their biggest single-day rally since November 22, 2024. Driving this surge were auto stocks, fueled by stellar December sales, and a bullish IT sector outlook that injected a fresh dose of optimism into the markets. Today's gain has added a massive Rs 6.11 lakh crore in market capitalisation. At close, the Sensex was up 1,436.30 points or 1.83 percent at 79,943.71, and the Nifty was up 445.75 points or 1.88 percent at 24,188.65. About 2,312 shares advanced, 1,496 shares declined, and 108 shares unchanged. Follow our LIVE blog for all the latest market updates "The robust December auto sales data has not only uplifted sentiment but also reaffirmed that the economy is making a gradual positive turn. It underscores the belief that the second half of the year, particularly the third and fourth quarters, will be strong in terms of growth," Narendra Solanki, Head of Fundamental Research at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers said in a conversation with Moneycontrol. "With Nifty nearly 9 percent off its peak, I see this as a meaningful correction. The market appears to have bottomed out, and I don't expect further significant declines. This is an opportune moment to start accumulating quality stocks for the medium to long term, rather than waiting for another dip," he added. Also read:Startup IPO party to continue in 2025: 25 firms expected to list on bourses Auto stocks hit the fast lane on December 2, with heavyweights like Eicher Motors, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, M&M, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motors roaring ahead by up to 8 percent. The rally fueled the Nifty Auto index to almost 4 percent, its biggest single-day gain in six months, turbocharged by better-than-expected sales figures. The IT index cruised over 2 percent after CLSA and Citi said that revenue growth in the sector is likely to improve further in the December quarter and 2025. Stable demand commentary, improvement in client sentiment following the US elections and the recent sharp rupee depreciation versus the US dollar are tailwinds for earnings in the IT sector, the brokerage added. Meanwhile, the Nifty PSU Bank index led by SBI, Bank of India and Bank of Baroda pared all losses to trade almost a percent higher, extending gains for a third session in a row. Nifty Pharma and Realty also staged massive comebacks to trade in the green. The small and midcap indices showcased robust trends following broad-based buying. While the midcap index traded 1.2 percent higher, the smallcap index traded 0.6 percent in the green. "While mid-caps and small-caps as indices may appear richly valued compared to their historical averages, there are still excellent stock-specific opportunities within this space. It’s a time to focus on individual ideas rather than looking at the broader index," Solanki added. Read more:Sensex soars over 1,400 pts, Nifty rallies past 24,150 on Q3 earnings optimism: Top factors at play Index heavyweight Bajaj Finserv shares rallied 8 percent on January 2 after Citi maintained a bullish view and opened a ’90-day catalyst watch’ window for the stock. Analysts expect only a marginal uptick in Q3 credit cost to 2.2-2.25 percent. AUM is also expected to grow 6 percent QoQ, aided by mortgages, sales financing, securities lending, and new businesses. Eicher Motors was the top gainer on the Nifty, rallying almost 9 percent following an impressive 25 percent increase in December sales to 79,466 units year over year. Exports recorded a 90 percent surge from the year-ago period after the company exported over 11,000 units of Royal Enfield. M&M shares rose 4 percent after Citi maintained its 'buy' call citing strong volume momentum throughout 2024. The growth in domestic UV volumes highlights the success of new model launches, while tractor sales have also remained robust, with domestic volumes surging 22 percent year-on-year. Citi believes that another good harvest season could act as a further catalyst, potentially providing a boost to tractor volumes. "Having achieved 23770, a consolidation is expected. A collapse is less likely, while a direct rise above 23850 could trigger a 24025 move, but not much beyond. We are yet to see evidence of momentum, keeping volatility the dominant theme," Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said. Eicher Motors, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Maruti Suzuki, and Shriram Finance were the top gainers on the Nifty. There were just two losers on the index -- Sun Pharma and Britannia Industries.

2025-01-02 15:36

2025-01-02

15:36

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/apollo-green-in-talks-with-foreign-players-for-green-hydrogen-tech-12902072.html

Apollo Green in talks with foreign players for clean hydrogen tech

File photo.Related stories.

IPO-bound Apollo Green Energy is in talks with international players for green hydrogen technology to expand its renewable portfolio given its target to achieve a Rs 10,000 crore project pipeline this year, Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Gupta told Moneycontrol in an exclusive interview. Apollo Green, which provides engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services, is looking to go public by the second half of 2025. Although India is actively looking to develop the technology indigenously as part of its clean energy transition, companies are currently relying on foreign partners for various aspects of green hydrogen production, such as electrolysers  and fuel cells, which are critical to the green hydrogen value chain.   Previously, companies like Reliance Industries and Larsen & Toubro had announced technology partnerships for manufacturing electrolysers. "We're focusing on getting the right technology and maybe we'll get it manufactured by somebody else. Also, my teams are working on identifying projects. Rs 10,000 crore is a large portfolio target, so green hydrogen would definitely comprise a part of it," Gupta added. He did not specify the names of the technology partners, but mentioned that the projects could potentially kick off this year.   "We are in discussion with two large technology providers  who are keen to enter India, so we would be the channel partner to offer their solution to Indian companies," Gupta explained, adding that Apollo will be solely focussing on the EPC side of developing the green hydrogen facility. Green hydrogen (GH2 or GH2) is hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water, using renewable electricity. It is considered  a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Renewable ambitions Within 14 months of its strategic pivot towards renewable projects, Apollo bagged  three solar deals awarded by state-run hydropower company NHPC worth Rs 3,500 crore.  The company is executing a 40 MW fixed tilt solar project in Odisha, a 50 MW a floating solar project (first of its kind) in Kerala, and a 200 MW solar project with tracker technology in Gujarat.  It is also executing a project in Bihar for 1,50,000 smart solar street lights. "Going forward, AGEL will also expand its footprint in wind, hybrid, green hydrogen, and battery storage solutions," Gupta added. Operating in eight states, the company manages a diverse portfolio of projects, including 400 MW of solar installations. The company has been involved in the execution of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions, a major contributor to pollution, in power generation. However, it has now decided to break away from conventional EPC projects, and aims to have up to 80 percent solar projects. Of the Rs 10,000 crore portfolio, the company aims to allocate 90 percent towards renewable energy projects, with the remaining 10 percent focused on conventional EPC, which includes water and electrical distribution projects, etc. "We have a clear deployment plan and want to give value to our investors. We have a growth strategy in place  so that they are able to reap the rewards of  partnering with us," Gupta said. The company is targeting a topline of Rs 1,100 crore in FY 25, with plans to go public by Diwali.

2025-01-02 15:35

2025-01-02

15:35

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/jubilant-food-stock-hits-3-year-high-brokerage-firms-optimistic-about-margin-recovery-in-near-term-12901971.html

Jubilant Food stock hits 3-year high; brokerages optimistic about margin recovery in near-term

Brokerage firms reveal brighter outlook for Jubilant Food with margin recovery.Related stories.

The stock of Jubilant Foodworks Ltd. have hit a 3-year high today, up by 1.89 percent, following latest outlook by brokerage firm reports. It is currently trading at Rs 753.20, and trading volume is currently at 1,610,760 shares. In a report by Kotak Securities, the brokerage firm highlighted that Jubilant is doubling down on its core brand, Domino's, prioritising volume growth while maintaining a focus on gradual margin expansion. The report further emphasised that Popeyes, another key brand for Jubilant, is undergoing a recalibration of its store expansion model with a strong emphasis on profitability. Kotak expects Domino's to accelerate its same-store sales growth in the second half of the year, leading to an upward revision of revenue forecasts and a target price increase to Rs 690 per share. Jefferies also issued a 'High Conviction Buy' rating for Jubilant Food with a target price of Rs 1,000 per share. The research firm anticipates an improvement in the company's outlook, particularly in same-store sales, which are expected to grow in the mid to high single-digit range. Additionally, Jefferies believes that Jubilant Food's margins have reached their lowest point in early 2024 and are poised for further improvement. HDFC Bank acknowledged the challenges facing the pizza category, including price sensitivity, intense competition from regional and local players, and inflation. Thus, leading to increased downgrading to other QSR offerings or value pizza options due to the higher average order value of pizza (Rs 450-500). The lack of significant product innovation (e.g., cheese burst pizza) has also hindered same-store sales growth. Yet, significant steps to address these challenges through value offerings and innovative product launches has been quite a shield for Jubilant, says the report. Based on these efforts, HDFC Bank expects Jubilant to report strong operational performance in FY25, with SSSG recovery and cost optimisation measures driving margin improvement. The report maintains a 'high-conviction' stance on Jubilant with a target price of Rs 690. Kotak and HDFC expect margin recovery to be gradual due to factors like continued investments and competitive pressures, whereas Jefferies appears more optimistic on the pace of margin improvement. In contrast, Kotak Securities, while acknowledging Domino's India's potential for growth with an expected acceleration in SSG/LFL to 9 to 10 percent in Q3 of FY 2025 (from 2 to 3 percent in H1 of 2024), expresses concern over Jubilant's expensive valuation.

2025-01-02 15:30

2025-01-02

15:30

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/force-motors-shares-rise-over-10-as-firm-bags-order-for-2-429-units-of-diesel-ambulance-12902154.html

Force Motors shares rise over 10% as firm bags order for 2,429 units of diesel ambulance

Force Motors shares rise over 10% as firm bags order for 2,429 units of diesel ambulance.

Force Motors shares rose over 10% on January 2 as the company bags order for 2,429 units of diesel ambulance to Health & Family Welfare Dept, Uttar Pradesh. The nature of the contract is manufacturing and supply of 2,429 units of BSVI Diesel Ambulance and the contract is to executed by March 2025, said Force Motors in a stock exchange filing. At 3:05 pm on January 2,Force Motors shareswere trading 10% higher at Rs 7,300 apiece. The market capitalisation of the stock is Rs 9,657 crore. The 52-week high of the stock is Rs 10,277 crore and 52-week low is Rs 4,250.

2025-01-02 15:16

2025-01-02

15:16

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/ipo/indo-farm-equipment-ipo-subscription-status-today-day-3-issue-subscribed-fully-niis-qibs-retail-indo-farm-gmp-status-today-12902114.html

Indo Farm Equipment IPO subscription soars to 200 times on Day 3 so far; NIIs, QIBs lead amid strong GMP

Indo Farm Equipment IPO subscription soars on Day 3 of bidding so far; NIIs, QIBs lead amid strong GMP.Related stories.

Indo Farm Equipment IPO continues to garner robust subscription on day 3 of bidding amid strong investors participation. The initial public offer ofIndo Farm Equipment Ltdreceived 200 times subscription on the final day of bidding on Thursday. The initial share sale got bids for 168 crore shares against 84.70 lakh shares on offer, as per NSE data at 3:10 PM. Non-Institutional Investors part garnered 470.23 times subscription while the quota for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) got subscribed 91.91 times. The portion for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) fetched 184.48 times subscription. Earlier, it garnered a little over Rs 78 crore from anchor investors. Check All IPO NewsHere Indo Farm Equipment IPO GMP Today Price According to market observers tracking the grey market premium activities, the shares of Indo Farm Equipment are commanding a GMP of about 40 percent in the unofficial market. Investorgain quoted a GMP of Rs 86, singalling a gain of 40 percent on listing of shares on the exchanges. The issue has a price band of Rs 204-215 per share. The Rs 260-crore initial public offering (IPO) has a fresh issue of 86 lakh equity shares and an Offer-for-Sale (OFS) of 35 lakh equity shares by promoter Ranbir Singh Khadwalia. At the upper end of the price band, the IPO size has been pegged at Rs 260 crore, placing the company's market capitalisation at over Rs 1,000 crore. Indo Farm Equipment shares will be listed on the exchanges on 7th January, while the allotment is expected to take place on 3rd January.

2025-01-02 15:14

2025-01-02

15:14

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/manu-bhakar-d-gukesh-harmanpreet-singh-and-praveen-kumar-to-be-honoured-with-major-dhyan-chand-khel-ratna-award-12902128.html

Manu Bhakar, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh and Praveen Kumar to be honoured with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

Manu Bhaker.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced on Thursday that Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award -- the country's highest sporting honour -- will be conferred on Olympic double medalist Manu Bhaker, Chess World Champion Gukesh D, Hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic Gold medallist Praveen Kumar. The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organised function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025 (Friday) at 1100 hours, the Sports ministry said in an official statement. The 22-year-old Bhaker became independent India's first athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics with her bronze-winning show in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events in August. In the same Games, Hamranpreet led the Indian hockey team to its second consecutive bronze medal. The 18-year-old Gukesh, on the other hand, became the youngest ever World champion while also helping the Indian team win a historic gold in the Chess Olympiad last year. The fourth recipient will be para high-jumper Praveen, who was crowned the T64 champion in the Paris Paralympics. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over the period of the previous four years.

2025-01-02 15:04

2025-01-02

15:04

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/768-pedestrians-killed-in-bengaluru-in-3-years-karnataka-yet-to-table-active-mobility-bill-12902123.html

768 pedestrians killed in Bengaluru in 3 years, Karnataka yet to table Active Mobility Bill

An online petition on Jhatkaa.org titled ‘Pass the Active Mobility Bill: Make Karnataka Walking and Cycling-Friendly’ has garnered 5,430 signatures..Related stories.

Pedestrians remain vulnerable on Bengaluru’s roads, with 768 fatalities reported in the last three years. India's tech capital recorded 248 pedestrian deaths in 2022, 287 in 2023, and 233 in 2024 due to road crashes. Traffic police officials said in a statement they have implemented measures to identify and rectify accident-prone ‘blackspots’ across the city. “The efforts have paid off, leading to a significant reduction in pedestrian deaths in 2024—a 23.17% decrease compared to 2023,” said MN Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru city traffic). However, complaints about encroached or missing footpaths force pedestrians to walk on the main carriageway. Complaints about two-wheelers riding on footpaths are rampant, and wider pavements are largely confined to Bengaluru’s Central Business District. Also read:Six months on, London-like transport authority to ease Bengaluru’s traffic chaos remains on paper According to a road safety report on the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region (BMR) for 2019–2022, a total of 5,604 fatalities were recorded on BMR roads. Two-wheeler riders accounted for 58 percent of these deaths, while pedestrians made up 29 percent, together comprising 86 percent of the total fatalities. Of the 1,882 pedestrians who lost their lives during this period, 81 percent of the victims were men. Senior citizens aged over 60 years were the most affected age group (26.2 percent of fatalities). Fatal collisions with motorcycles (27 percent) and light motor vehicles (25 percent) were the primary causes of pedestrian deaths. Meanwhile, Karnataka's Active Mobility bill is yet to table the draft Active Mobility bill, prepared by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) in December 2021, in the Karnataka Assembly.  An online petition on Jhatkaa.org titled ‘Pass the Active Mobility Bill: Make Karnataka Walking and Cycling-Friendly’ has garnered 5,430 signatures. Also read:How poor last-mile connectivity has hit public transport use DULT commissioner Deepa Cholan was unavailable to comment. Transport planner Satya Arikutharam said, “The draft bill promotes walking and cycling in urban areas across the state and safeguards the rights of pedestrians and cyclists by mandating safe, accessible, and connected networks. Despite public consultations, it has not been tabled.” Arikutharam added that DULT lacks a full-time commissioner. “Though the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) Bill received the governor’s assent, the government has not established the authority. Karnataka should follow Singapore’s example, which was among the first to implement active mobility laws.” Also read:Women Metro passengers travel shorter last-mile distances but pay more than men: Study Srinivas Alavilli, a public transport campaigner, said, “Speed-calming measures, pelican signals, and at-grade pedestrian crossings are essential. Every citizen is a pedestrian and must have the first right of way in our cities.” He said that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is working on making 75 junctions safer for pedestrians under the Suraksha Mission. “Pedestrian signals must allow a minimum of 30 seconds for crossing, and major junctions should include pedestrian islands.”

2025-01-02 15:02

2025-01-02

15:02

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/lg-gram-laptops-with-ai-features-unveiled-ahead-of-ces-2025-article-12902106.html

LG Gram laptops with AI features unveiled ahead of CES 2025

LG Gram.Related stories.

LG has unveiled its new generation of Gram laptops ahead of CES 2025. The new models including the Gram Pro, Gram Pro 2-in-1, Gram, and Gram Book. The laptops come with LG's advanced gram AI technology. The 2025 gram laptops are powered by Intel’s next-generation processors, They promise to offer improved performance over previous models. The Arrow Lake-powered gram Pro models are designed for high-performance tasks, while the Lunar Lake models feature Microsoft’s Copilot+ functionality for productivity and creativity. LG Gram laptops: Specifications and their features The 2025 LG gram laptops are powered by LG’s gram AI, offering both local and cloud-based AI features. The gram chat On-Device feature allows users to process data locally using AI algorithms, ensuring faster and more secure operations without needing a network connection. Users also have access to cloud-based AI services through gram chat Cloud, powered by GPT-4o. Key features include Time Travel, which allows users to revisit past web pages, documents, and media, and integration with personal calendars and emails for efficient management of schedules and communication. The laptops are equipped with Intel’s next-generation processors: the Intel Core Ultra H-Series (Arrow Lake) and Intel Core Ultra V-Series (Lunar Lake). The Arrow Lake models focus on improving traditional PC performance, while the Lunar Lake processors are optimized for AI-driven experiences, including features like real-time video subtitle translation and AI image generation. Notable models in the lineup include the gram Pro 17Z90TR, which features an Arrow Lake CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, suitable for graphic design, video editing, and gaming. The gram Pro 16Z90TS is the first model in the series to feature Copilot+, a new functionality for enhanced productivity. Weighing just 2.73 pounds and measuring 0.49 inches thick, it offers excellent portability. The gram Pro 2-in-1 (16T90TP) comes with a wirelessly chargeable stylus pen and has received a CES Innovation Award for its design. The LG gram Book model 15U50T offers an entry-level option with a 15.6-inch Full HD display, 720p HD webcam, and expandable storage options, combining gram series features with a more affordable price point. All new gram laptops also support gram Link 2.0, allowing seamless connectivity with various devices and platforms, including iOS and Android smartphones.

2025-01-02 15:01

2025-01-02

15:01

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/indian-states-fundraising-may-get-expensive-amid-record-borrowing-investors-say-12902112.html

Indian states' fundraising may get expensive amid record borrowing, investors say

State governments are responsible for a considerable share of total government spending, which has led to an increase in borrowing over the last few years..

Indian states will have to pay an additional premium over central government securities to meet their record high borrowing target for the three months through March, which could further pressure banking liquidity conditions, investors said on Thursday. BY THE NUMBERS States aim to raise 4.73 trillion rupees ($55.22 billion) in January-March, highest-ever for any quarter, and nearly three-fourth the amount raised so far in this financial year. This, along with the central government’s 2.79 trillion rupee debt sale, will take the overall supply to 7.52 trillion rupees. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT State governments are responsible for a considerable share of total government spending, which has led to an increase in borrowing over the last few years. Long-term investors such as insurance companies, provident funds and pension funds are major investors for state debt, with bulk supply in papers with maturities of 10-year and beyond. These investors are also large buyers of ultra-long central government bonds, and heavy sale of debt from states could push yields on the central 30-50 year bonds higher. Heavy state borrowing would also increase the country’s debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio, though the centre is adhering to fiscal prudence with lower fiscal deficit and borrowing targets. GRAPHIC MARKET REACTION The spread between government’s 10-year and 40-year bond yields rose to 28 basis points from 25 bps a week ago, as long-term investors turned cautious for investment in the ultra-long duration. KEY QUOTES ”The more-than-expected supply will see the spread between the 10-year government and state bond yields to rise to 40 bps from less than 35 bps,” said VRC Reddy, treasury head at Karur Vysya Bank. ”It needs to be seen if states follow the issuance calendar, and in such a case some more widening of spreads cannot be ruled out.

2025-01-02 14:53

2025-01-02

14:53

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/committed-to-smooth-transition-for-residents-say-developers-of-nargis-dutt-nagar-slum-project-12902110.html

Committed to smooth transition for residents, say developers of Nargis Dutt Nagar slum project

Still in talks with locals, authorities over Nargis Dutt Nagar slum project, committed to smooth transition, say developers (Representational image).Related stories.

A consortium of developers who are taking up the potentially-lucrative Nargis Dutt Nagar slum rehabilitation project in Bandra (West) said that they remain in talks with locals, and authorities such as local elected officials and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in order to ensure a smooth transition for locals. The slums, located off the approach ramps of the Bandra Worli Sea Link, may fetch the developers a topline of around Rs 10,000 crore, according to observers, due to the highly-sought-after location of the project. Roshni Developers, an entity linked to Omkar Developers, is leading the rehabilitation component of the project, with the RC Group as the project partner, while listed developer Godrej Properties will manage the free-sale component of the project, expected to be nearly a million square feet, according to some observers. Last week, representatives of developers, local elected officials, and administrators appointed by the SRA held a meeting with around 1,200 residents of the slum, in which officials and developers claimed that they have been assured "full cooperation" with regard to the future of the project. However, some residents said that they have been left in the dark about the rehabilitation process, and have expressed apprehensions that they may be forced to leave the area once the rehabilitation process starts. According to the developers, it has identified an initial list of residents who are eligible for rehabilitation, and work is on to deem the eligibility of other residents at the slum. "Out of 1,515, a total of 851 tenants were deemed to be eligible for rehabilitation after completing the necessary due scrutiny and compliances. Roshni Developers has taken the responsibility for facilitating the eligibility process of the remaining tenants to review their applications in adherence to the SRA rules and norms and the work in this direction has been underway," said a spokesperson for Roshni Developers, which is leading the rehabilitation component for the project. The spokesperson added that it is following "all SRA norms" in the project, such as rent payments to eligible tenants and a regulatory corpus. That corpus is required for the upkeep of the rehabilitated building, including for amenities such as elevators, water, and common electricity connections. In a statement toMoneycontrol, Godrej Properties said that its involvement will begin after the slums are cleared, but did not comment on the revenue potential of the project. "We are pleased to be associated with the Nargis Dutt Nagar slum redevelopment project. Under this joint venture with Roshni Developers, the company's role will start once the slum structures are vacated by Roshni Developers. As the project is currently in its initial stages, we would not comment any further," said a company spokesperson.

2025-01-02 14:48

2025-01-02

14:48

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/centre-preparing-to-implement-revoked-farm-laws-through-backdoor-arvind-kejriwal-12902137.html

Centre preparing to implement revoked farm laws through backdoor: Arvind Kejriwal

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.Related stories.

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the BJP would be responsible ”if something happens” to the protesting farmers in Punjab who are on an indefinite fast over a set of demands, including a legal guarantee on MSP. Kejriwal, in a post on X, also claimed that the Centre is preparing to implement the now-revoked three farm laws ”through the backdoor” by calling it a ”policy”. He said copies of the new ”policy” have been sent to all states for their views on it. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast for over a month and has refused medical aid. The AAP-led Punjab government has termed the newly announced draft policy on ‘National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing’ as an attempt to backdoor entry to the three central agri laws passed in 2020. After a yearlong protest by farmers, the Centre repealed the laws. Kejriwal posted on X that while the farmers were on a fast unto death in Punjab, the BJP, due to its arrogance, was not talking to them. The AAP supremo charged that the BJP-led Centre accepted farmers’ demands three years ago but is now reneged on it. ”Why do the BJP have such arrogance that it does not even talk to anyone,” Kejriwal asked. ”May God keep the farmers who are on an indefinite protest safe, but if something happens to them, the BJP will be responsible for it,” he said in a long post in Hindi. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, when asked about holding talks with the protesting farmers to end the logjam, said on Wednesday that the government will act as per instructions by the Supreme Court on the ongoing farmers’ protest at the Punjab-Haryana border. The Supreme Court is hearing a matter against the AAP-led Punjab government for not complying with directions to hospitalise farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. On Thursday, the apex court pulled up the Punjab government and said its officials and some farmer leaders are creating a false impression in media that attempts are being made to break farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast. Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh denied any such attempt to complicate the situation and said efforts are being made to persuade Dallewal to take medical aid without breaking his fast. Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre into accepting the agitating farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) on crops. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.

2025-01-02 14:44

2025-01-02

14:44

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/working-group-set-up-for-wholesale-price-index-revision-mapping-roadmap-for-new-series-12902118.html

Working group set up for Wholesale Price Index revision, mapping roadmap for new series

Committee setup for WPI revision.Related stories.

The government has set up a working group to revise the Wholesale Price Index base year to 2022-23 from 2011-12 and bring it in line with other economic data. The Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand-led working group will also recommend changes to the price collection mechanism and computational methodology. The 18-member group will have nominees from the ministry of statistics and programme implementation, DPIIT, consumer affairs, economic affairs and the RBI. It shall also have Soumya Kanti Ghosh, chief economist of the SBI Group, noted economist Surjit Bhalla, and prime minister’s economic advisory council member Shamika Ravi. Crisil chief economist DK Joshi, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management MD Nilesh Shah, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch economist Indranil Sengupta will also be members of the group. The committee will lay a roadmap for the transition to the Producer Price Index series from the current WPI. “It will examine the methodology for compilation of PPI approved by the Technical Advisory Committee on Statistics of Prices & Cost of Living and suggest further improvement in compilation and presentation and recommend a roadmap for the switch over from WPI to PPI,” said the government. The working group will submit its report within 18 months. Aligned together The WPI revision is expected to align the index which captures wholesale inflation, primarily focusing on manufactured products, with CPI and GDP revisions. Moneycontrolhad earlier reported that thenew CPI and GDP revisionswill be available from February 2026. The government is also weighing a revision in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), using 2022-23 as the base year. The process for CPI revision is already underway with the government using 2022-23 as base year for weights and 2024 as the year to determine the prices.

2025-01-02 14:42

2025-01-02

14:42

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/currency/india-rupee-onshore-ndf-arbitrage-widens-new-all-time-low-in-sight-12902111.html

India rupee onshore-NDF arbitrage widens, new all-time low in sight

The dollar index, hovering at its highest in more than two years, is currently well supported amid expectations that U.S. President Donald Trump will raise trade tariffs..

The heavy demand for the U.S. dollar in the non-deliverable forward (NDF) market had widened the arbitrage with the Indian onshore market, putting more strain on the rupee and sending it just shy of another lifetime low, traders said on Thursday. The rupee declined to 85.7900 per U.S. dollar, not far off the all-time low of 85.8075 hit last Friday. It opened on a weaker note, at 85.7025, and has been under pressure since. The rupee hit record lows regularly in December due to the run-up in the dollar index and U.S. Treasuries. The dip in India’s growth rate, a wider trade deficit and a slowdown in capital inflows have compounded its woes. Amid this, speculators have been lapping up the dollar in the NDF market vis-à-vis the rupee, which has spurred arbitrage opportunities with the onshore over-the-counter (OTC) markets. For instance, the one-month dollar/rupee NDF rate on Thursday was 4-6 paisa higher than the onshore OTC rate, per traders. ”It’s not only the 1-month, there is good arbitrage across maturities,” said the head of FX and rates trading at a private sector bank, while pointing out that the difference between the two rates had widened on Thursday. ”With the New Year kicking off, it would seem new money is going to work (in the NDF market).” To exploit the arbitrage, market participants buy dollar/rupee in the onshore OTC — which raises the pair’s value in that market — and sell it in the NDF market. ”Unless we see a major change in the outlook of the dollar, you can’t expect NDF to let up” and the rupee will ”labour”, a currency trader at a bank said. The dollar index, hovering at its highest in more than two years, is currently well supported amid expectations that U.S. President Donald Trump will raise trade tariffs.

2025-01-02 14:38

2025-01-02

14:38

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/moneycontrol-pro-panorama-the-retail-revolution-12901899.html

Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | The retail revolution

The total number of retail investors crossed 10 crore in August 2024..Related stories.

Dear Reader, The Panorama newsletter is sent to Moneycontrol Pro subscribers on market days. It offers easy access to stories published on Moneycontrol Pro and gives a little extra by setting out a context or an event or trend that investors should keep track of. The remarkable rise of retail investors in India's equity market over the past decade is not just a fleeting trend; it reflects a profound transformation in the financial landscape. Since the onset of the pandemic, retail traders have emerged as significant players, with their holdings—both direct and through mutual funds—surging more than tenfold. According to a recent report byMoneycontrol, the total number of retail investors crossed 10 crore in August 2024, and in just five months, this figure climbed to approximately 10.9 crore by December 2024, marking a historic increase of 2.3 crore investors within a single year, as highlighted in the National Stock Exchange's (NSE) annual data report. This surge is indicative of growing wealth and an increasing awareness of market dynamics among Indian citizens. Retail investors now hold 17.6% of the market capitalization of NSE-listed companies, up from 10.9% a decade ago. Direct holdings account for 9.6%, while mutual fund investments have risen to 8%. Such statistics underscore the expanding participation and the evolving strategies of these investors, who are increasingly gravitating towards small and midcap stocks—sectors that have significantly outperformed benchmark indices in recent years. The geographical penetration of retail participation is equally striking. The NSE report reveals that registered investors are now present in 99.84% of India's pin codes, with notable concentrations in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh—states representing one-third of the investor base. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in new registrations, surpassing Maharashtra, signalling a shift in investment demographics and accessibility. Moreover, the demographic profile of investors is changing. The median age has dropped from 41.1 years in 2020 to 35.8 years in 2024, alongside an increase in female participation, which now stands at 24% of the total investor base. This younger demographic is crucial as they bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to engage with market complexities. However, despite their growing numbers and contributions to market liquidity, retail investors often find their influence overshadowed by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). While retail buying through systematic investment plans (SIPs) has outpaced FII withdrawals, market movements still tend to align more closely with foreign investments, particularly in frontline stocks that dominate indices. As we look ahead, the true test for this class of retail investors will come during market downturns. Many have adopted aggressive strategies chasing higher returns—a tactic that may face challenges when faced with inevitable market corrections. The resilience and adaptability of these new entrants will be critical as they navigate potential bear markets for the first time. Investing insights from our research team Why will water infra stocks be in focus in 2025? Sky Gold: Shining growth prospects What else are we reading? The Household Consumption Survey data for 2023-24 doesn’t fit premiumisation narrative Budget Snapshot: STT collections to take a beating, thanks to SEBI curbs Investors in FMCG stocks await urban demand recovery in 2025 India’s dependence on urea imports reduces, focus should turn to Nano fertilisers Can renewable energy do better than last year in 2025? Startup Street | Crystal ball gazing for 2025 Auto component industry’s capex plans to continue despite growth moderation Donald Trump’s ‘Maganomics’ will damage growth, economists tell FT polls(republished from the FT) From Syria to Myanmar: Why national armies struggle against rebel forces in civil warsIndia is shooting itself in the foot on trade — againMarkets Attractive valuations, stronger earnings could see large-caps lead charge in 2025, says Canara Robeco MF Technical Picks:HDFC Bank, DIXON, Infosys, Bajaj Finance Shishir AsthanaMoneycontrol Pro

2025-01-02 14:34

2025-01-02

14:34

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/tiktok-or-tick-tock-china-s-short-video-craze-may-be-on-the-wane-article-12902024.html

TikTok or Tick, Tock? China’s short video craze may be on the wane

TikTok.

Remember when TikTok’s Chinese sibling, Douyin, and other platforms like Kuaishou and WeChat dominated screens across China? Well, those days might be coming to an end. For the first time, the number of users on these short video platforms has dropped—and not just by a little. Between December 2023 and mid-2024, the user base fell from 1.35 billion to 1.05 billion, as per a report published on The South China Morning Post. That’s a staggering loss of 300 million users in just six months. Is TikTok losing its charm in China? It’s a surprising twist, especially considering how short videos exploded in popularity over the past few years. From 2018 to 2023, platforms like Douyin saw their user numbers skyrocket from 648 million to over a billion. It wasn’t just about the numbers–these apps were minting money through ads, live streaming, and e-commerce. But as the user base grew, the pace slowed. Growth rates dropped from a brisk 19% annually to a mere 4%. Now, it seems the market has hit its limit. Why the sudden drop in popularity? Analyst Ma Shicong from Analysys has told The South China Morning Post that this slowdown was bound to happen. “We’ve reached a ceiling,” Ma said. “The industry needs to evolve to stay relevant.” And evolve it has. Platforms are now exploring niche areas like short dramas, AI-powered video creation, and group live streaming to keep users hooked. And speaking of change, the audience is shifting too. Teenagers (ages 10 to 19) now make up 15.2% of users, up from 13.2% in 2021. Older users, those over 50, are also increasing, climbing from 27.4% to 29.8%. Meanwhile, the 20-to-49 crowd—once the core audience—is either stagnant or shrinking.

2025-01-02 14:01

2025-01-02

14:01

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/personal-finance/g-secs-may-retain-the-shine-in-2025-but-equities-likely-to-slow-down-say-fixed-income-experts-12902042.html

G-Secs may retain the shine in 2025, but equities likely to slow down, say fixed-income experts

The Monetary Policy in 2024 remained tight with high real rates..Related stories.

The year gone by saw India's benchmark stock exchanges soaring around 8 percent, but the earnings may slow down in 2025 in the face of unabated geopolitical concerns and an anticipated hit to equities from the tariff plans awaiting to be unleashed by US President-elect Donald Trump. The spotlight, therefore, could now be on the debt market, which too yielded around 8 percent returns last year. In a world of volatile equity markets and diminishing returns from traditional assets like real estate and gold, fixed-income investments stand out for their stability and predictability. 2024: A year of fixed-income stability Following rate hikes in prior years, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained a steady rate policy in 2024, creating a calm interest rate environment. Investors earned steady returns as well as saw capital appreciation during year. The 10-year government security (G-Sec) yield reflected this stability, starting the year at 7.18 percent and closing it at 6.75 percent level. “India's inclusion in the JPMorgan Global Bond Index (GBI-EM) and Bloomberg's index in 2024 marked a significant milestone, propelling the country into the global investment spotlight. The subsequent inclusion in the FTSE Russell index, scheduled for September 2025, is poised to further solidify India's position as an attractive destination for foreign portfolio investment,” said Vishal Goenka, co-founder of IndiaBonds.com. 2025: What's on the cards? The Monetary Policy remained tight with high real rates through 2024. While central banks around the world began reducing rates from the second half of the calendar year, in India, higher and sticky food inflation kept the headline inflation elevated, leaving the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cautious in providing any form of policy accommodation. Also read |Health insurance cover for five years: Here's what you should know about multi-year plans The MPC, however, changed the policy stance to ‘neutral’ giving it more flexibility towards further policy actions and reduced the cash reserve ratio to infuse primary liquidity into the system. Geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures are likely to keep on influencing global markets. “We envisage 2025 as constructive for Indian fixed-income markets. The policy makers will have to address the slowing growth momentum through 2025. While the direction of the fiscal policy is likely to remain on a path of prudence, any form of accommodation to aid growth will have to be done by the monetary policy,” said Jalpan Shah, head of fixed income at TRUST Mutual Fund. According to experts, the RBI has some space of policy easing through a 50-75-basis point interest rate cuts in the year. “The reduction is likely to benefit interest rates across the government securities as well as the corporate bond curve,” Shah said. Suresh Darak, who founded Bondbazaar, said 2025 is poised to mark a technological revolution in the bond market, driving greater transparency in the secondary market for institutional investors. “A robust secondary market historically fuels substantial growth in the primary market, as was witnessed in equities. The bond market could experience a similar trajectory,” he said. Bond market: The road ahead India's fiscal deficit for the financial year 2025 is projected at 4.9 percent of the GDP. Continued fiscal discipline may stabilise the yields. Further, inflation is cooling globally but remains a key concern domestically, influencing the RBI's monetary policy stance. Also read |Seven money resolutions for a financially secure 2025 According to Abhijit Roy, chief executive officer of GoldenPi, the current 10-year government bond yield is in the range of 6.8-7 percent. “The yield stabilisation depends on inflation and rate cut possibilities. Further, the demand is supported by domestic institutions like insurance firms, pension funds, and growing retail participation,” he said. Where to park your money? As per Roy, fixed-income assets, especially government bonds, remain attractive with 6.8-7 percent yields compared to volatile equity returns. Edelweiss Mutual Fund expects bullishness in government securities (IGBs) to continue in 2025 as growth will take precedence over inflation. The fund house suggests that IGBs and AAA-rated CPSE bonds maturing in 5 to 15 years look attractive from at least two years of investment horizon. Also read |Five tax-saving hacks that can reduce your outgo in 2025 Experts also suggest that investors should look for opportunities to earn relatively higher returns from high quality bond portfolios.

2025-01-02 13:58

2025-01-02

13:58

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/zepto-streamlines-structure-ahead-of-ipo-with-new-marketplace-entity-12901986.html

Zepto streamlines structure ahead of IPO with new marketplace entity

Zepto co-founders Aadit Palicha (L), and Kaivalya Vohra (R).Related stories.

Zepto, the quick-commerce unicorn, has set up a new entity, Zepto Marketplace Private Limited, to simplify its operations ahead of its IPO later this year, according to sources familiar with the development. The company currently operates under a business-to-business (B2B) model. Its Indian arm, Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd—founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra—procures goods from brands and sells them exclusively to a fixed set of companies managing the Zepto platform under a licensing agreement for consumer-facing sales. Its rivals such as Zomato-owned Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart have long had a marketplace approach, enabling multiple sellers to list products directly for consumers. Now, Zepto also appears to be following suit. It registered Zepto Marketplace Private Limited on October 22, 2024, likely signaling an eventual move away from its B2B model. This shift could align Zepto's operations closely with its publicly listed peers, Blinkit (owned by Zomato) and Swiggy Instamart (part of Swiggy), as it finalises plans for anIndia listing later this year. “Zepto’s current model is very confusing and it is likely that the company wants to make its business model more clear and transparent to all investors ahead of its IPO,” one of the persons cited above said. “By registering a different entity, Zepto Marketplace Pvt Ltd, the company will likely rejig operations to ensure that its business model is the same as rivals Blinkit (owned by Zomato) and Swiggy Instamart (operated by Swiggy) since these business models are known and already understood by investors,” the person added. Once a uniform business model is in place, it will help investors, especially the public market ones, evaluate Zepto’s operating metrics better against its rivals and draw parallels with competitors, sources toldMoneycontrol. However, another source familiar with Zepto's workings clarified that the new entity has been registered only to move the internet platform and the intellectual property (IP) the company has created on the tech side. This person said the move, of having its tech business on a different balance sheet, will help separate out different units of the business from each other. "The company is anyway running an e-commerce platform with that IP. The business model, despite a new entity, doesn’t fundamentally change," the person added. Zepto did not reply to Moneycontrol’s queries. The current model Under the current structure, Zepto licenses its brand name and operations to three companies: Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers and Commodum Groceries. These three companies purchase their stock from Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd, and sell to end consumers via the Zepto platform. In essence, Kiranakart Technologies is a B2B company that sources and buys products directly from brands and sells it to Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers and Commodum Groceries, Zepto’s three licensee companies. These companies then sell to the end consumer. For every sale that the three companies make using Zepto’s platform, they pay a licensing fee to the latter. Sources also suggested that Zepto will look to reduce concentration on the three companies (Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers and Commodum Groceries) and has already added more sellers, and will continue to expand its seller and distribution base, with the help of the new entity. In the coming months, it is likely that more seller other than Geddit Convenience, Drogheria Sellers and Commodum Groceries, will also sell on the Zepto platform. Zepto’s rivals, however, follow a different approach. In the case of Blinkit, companies such as Hands On Trade, 90Minutes Retail and several others purchase from brands and then sell the goods to B2B wholesalers who then further sell to other companies (B2C sellers) that are listed on the Blinkit platform. Blinkit’s holding company, Zomato, seems to have designed its business structure in a way that ensures compliance with the foreign direct investment (FDI) norms while keeping itself away from the scope of consolidation or Related Party Reporting. In India, global e-commerce companies can operate independently as marketplace businesses. However, foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations prohibit global retail companies from operating independently in offline retail. FDI in multi-brand retail is allowed only up to 51 percent and that too with local partnerships. Even then, government approval is required. However, 100 percent FDI is allowed in food retail (under the government approval route) to run and operate both online and offline for food produced and manufactured in India. ALSO READ:Quick commerce on Govt radar; ministries assess impact on kirana stores Even Swiggy Instamart has designed its business structure in a similar fashion where it has companies such as Scootsy,Lynk Logisticsand others that act as B2B wholesalers. These companies then sell products to other firms that act as dark store operators which then further sell to the B2C sellers listed on the Swiggy platform. Simply put, both Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart have an additional layer of sellers and distributors. Zepto does not have this extra layer but is likely that the structure may change after Zepto Marketplace Pvt Ltd is set up. Revenues not comparable Zepto recorded revenues of Rs 4,455 crore in FY24which was significantly higher than Blinkit’s Rs 2,301 crore and more than 4X of Swiggy Instamart which had recorded Rs 1,100 crore during the year. A gap that wide, despite Zepto having a lower market share, and lesser average order values (AOVs) than industry leader Blinkit, raised a few eyebrows. However, Zepto, because of the structure of its business, reports the gross merchandise value (GMV) from its B2B business, and not the final revenue it earns from the transactions, as per sources. The accounting style is widely followed by other e-commerce companies as well, they added. However, both Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit report the final revenue they earn from the transactions, based on their take rates, and not the GMV, because of which there is a big difference in the financials. In FY24, Zepto recorded a GMV of around Rs 5,500-6,000 crore, the source close to the company, cited above, said. “So, Zepto’s comparable revenue would be 15-20 percent of Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,000 – which is roughly Rs 870-1,150 crore, more in line with rivals” the source said. 15-20 percent is the take rate or commissions that quick commerce companies typically get from the total GMV. GMV is the total value of goods sold over a period of time, before deducting other items like discounts, fees, or returns. It only measures sales volume, and not the revenue generated by those sales. Zepto has registered a new entity at a time when it is preparing to go public in a $500 million IPO, as reported exclusively byMoneycontrol. The company is also diversifying revenue streams by launching aseparate food delivery appand entering new geographies as it looks to race past rivals and gain more market share in a red-hot $6 billion market.

2025-01-02 13:55

2025-01-02

13:55

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/hyundai-india-unveils-creta-electric-to-be-offered-in-four-variants-shares-rise-2-12902036.html

Hyundai India announces CRETA Electric, to be offered in four variants; shares rise 2%

Hyundai India announces CRETA Electric, to be offered in four variants; shares rise 2%.Related stories.

Hyundai Motor India on January 2 unveiled the Hyundai CRETA Electric following which the firm's shares rose over 2%. "This groundbreaking electric SUV combines bold design, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled safety to set new benchmarks in India’s EV market. Designed to lead, the Hyundai CRETA Electric promises to redefine the market with its electrifying performance, futuristic design, and user-centric innovations," said Hyundai in a stock exchange filing. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said: “The Hyundai CRETA Electric marks a significant milestone for HMIL as our first localised electric SUV. Hyundai Motor Company has established itself as a pioneer in EV innovation with revolutionary and award winning EVs like IONIQ, and the Hyundai CRETA Electric is no different. Continuing the strong legacy of the CRETA brand, the Hyundai CRETA Electric combines design, technology, and exceptional safety to inspire confidence in electric vehicles among Indian customers. With the addition of this electric powertrain, we now have a CRETA for everyone. We are confident that the Hyundai CRETA Electric will set a new standard in quality for electric SUVs in India and will redefine the success of EVs in the country.” On January 2, thecompany's sharesrose 2% to trade at Rs 1,854 apiece. The stock was listed on stock exchanges in October. The car comes with two battery pack options: 51.4 kWh (Long Range) and 42 kWh offering driving range of 473 km and 390 km, respectively. Here are the Hyundai CRETA Electric features: • "Electrified Appeal – The Hyundai CRETA Electric sets a new benchmark in design with a pixelated graphic front-grille with integrated charging port and a pixelated graphic lower bumper. Complementing the front design, the pixelated graphic rear bumper, and the LED tail lamps offer an innovative and electrifying appearance. • "Active Air Flaps (AAF) – With unique Active Air Flaps (AAF), Hyundai CRETA Electric offers an all-new standard both in terms of style and performance. The active air flaps are strategically integrated to manage the air flow and help in cooling the vehicle components & improve aerodynamic performance. • "Aerodynamic Design – The Hyundai CRETA Electric is equipped with R17 (D=436.6mm) Aero Alloy Wheels with Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) tyres, enhancing aerodynamic performance and contributing to improving the range efficiency," said Hyundai. With 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 7.9 seconds in (Long Range), the Hyundai CRETA Electric delivers thrilling performance for urban commuters, families, and adventure seekers alike, the company said. The Hyundai CRETA Electric can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 58 minutes (DC charging), while the 11kW Smart Connected Wall Box charger can charge from 10%-100% in 4 hours, the company added. The Hyundai CRETA Electric will be available in 4 variants – Executive, Smart, Premium and Excellence with 8 monotone and 2 dual-tone color options including 3 Matte colours to "suit every style".

2025-01-02 13:50

2025-01-02

13:50

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/video-shows-new-orleans-attack-suspect-dodging-police-barricade-before-crashing-into-crowd-12902023.html

Video shows New Orleans attack suspect dodging police barricade before crashing into crowd

Witnesses allege that the barricades put in place were not sufficient (Image: Screengrab/X).

Multiple videos of the deadly New Orleans attack have surfaced on social media. The suspect in the attack has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a US citizen from Texas, who was killed in a firing with police after ramming the crowd. Wednesday’s attack, wherein the suspect drove his pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revellers, reportedly killed 15 people and injured about 30. A video that has gone viral on social media platforms shows the attacker allegedly navigating around a police cruiser barricade just before the major attack. The footage shared on X shows several vehicles crossing the barricade in congested streets. Witnesses allege that the barricades put in place were not sufficient. “We have these hydraulic steel barriers from past events. Those barricades were not up, period. They had the flimsy orange ones that you could just push over with your finger,” a witness told CNN.JUST IN: New footage shows the moment Shamsud Din Jabbar allegedly navigated around a police cruiser barricade to carry out the terror attack.According to local reports, the city of New Orleans was replacing Bourbon Street bollards.We have these hydraulic steel barriers frompic.twitter.com/gTSQAEHvyACollin Rugg (@CollinRugg)January 1, 2025 Jabbar was killed by the police after he exited the truck and opened fire on responding officers. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that the suspect was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.” FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan, meanwhile, said at a news conference, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible." What US President Joe Biden said on the New Orleans attack? Following the incident, US President Joe Biden said, “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.” "The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he's inspired by ISIS, expressing the desire to kill," Biden said of the New Orleans suspect.

2025-01-02 13:50

2025-01-02

13:50

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/behind-richest-cm-chandrababu-naidu-s-wealth-wife-s-huge-stake-in-dairy-firm-12902057.html

Behind richest CM Chandrababu Naidu's wealth, wife's huge stake in dairy firm

Related stories.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu whose name recently appeared as the richest chief minister in a report of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), is wealthiest on account of his family's shareholding in a dairy firm. According to reports, about 82 per cent of the Rs 931 crore wealth attributed to Naidu is on account of his wife Bhuvaneswari Nara's 24.37 per cent stake in Heritage Foods Ltd - the milk and dairy product retailer set up in 1992 and listed on bourses in 1994. Naidu, notably, does not own any shares in Heritage Foods Ltd. Bhuvaneswari Nara's stake in Heritage Foods worth Rs 763 crore has been counted as Naidu's wealth in the ADR report. Explaining the context, Heritage Foods officials said the company is a pure-play daily product retailer and not in any crony capitalist sector like infrastructure, according to PTI. A retail firm, which does not get any government subsidy or other support, can only grow if its products are accepted by masses. And this company was set up when Naidu was just an MLA. He became chief minister of the state after the firm got listed on stock exchanges. They said in the early 1990s Naidu's home district of Chittoor in united Andhra Pradesh was the state's largest milk producing district. In 1992, there was a milk surplus and there was a marketing crisis for the milk farmers. And the then finance minister Manmohan Singh liberalised the economy in 1991-92, opening up several sectors for private capital. The dairy sector too was liberalized and private entrepreneurs were encouraged to invest in milk processing and marketing. Spurred by this opportunity, Naidu set up Heritage Foods in 1992 with an initial capital of Rs 50 lakh and set up Heritage Food's first milk chilling unit in Chittoor. For this, loans were taken from Bank of Baroda, they said adding Naidu was the managing director of Heritage Foods for two years. When Naidu became a minister for the first time in 1994, he quit the post and his wife became an executive director and subsequently managing director. Heritage Foods went public in 1994 and had a market capitalisation of Rs 25 crore when it was listed in 1994. The mcap rose as the company grew. Loans taken from Bank of Baroda and other nationalized banks towards expansion activities were paid back and post COVID, Heritage Foods was declared a debt-free company, they said. Presently, Heritage Foods has a total market value of Rs 4400 crores, revenues of Rs 3750 crores, and operates in 12 states of India. It has an asset value of Rs 600 crores. It is well regarded for quality dairy products, and distribution is their strength. Presently the business is managed by Bhuwaneswari Nara who is Managing Director, and Nara Brahmani (daughter-in-law of Naidu) who is executive director for the last 10 years. Brahmani is wife of Nara Lokesh, is a graduate of Stanford business school who has worked in leading global dairy companies. (With PTI inputs)

2025-01-02 13:49

2025-01-02

13:49

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/delhi-police-set-to-approach-mha-over-vip-security-cover-to-30-former-lawmakers-report-12902063.html

Delhi Police set to approach MHA over VIP security cover to 30 former lawmakers: Report

The Delhi Police is set to approach the MHA to decide whether the identified individuals will continue to have security cover..Related stories.

The Delhi Police has identified at least 30 former lawmakers who enjoy VIP security cover despite the completion of their tenure and is set to approach the Ministry of Home Affairs to decide on whether or not to continue with their protection, The Indian Express reported on Thursday citing sources in the know. This list includes 18 former Ministers of State and 12 former Members of Parliament, the report states. The list was drawn after an audit conducted by the security unit of the Delhi Police after noticing that multiple people continued to had security cover and that a review had not been undertaken for several years, the report said citing a source in the Delhi Police headquarters. "After the audit, the security cover of many people was removed. But it also found that many MoS, MPs and other persons, even after completing their designated tenure, still had security cover," the report quoted a source as saying. Among those named in the audit report include Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Devusinh Chauhan, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Jasvantsinh Bhabhor, John Barla, Kaushal Kishore, Krishna Raj, Manish Tewari, PP Chaudhary, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Rameswar Teli, SS Ahluwalia, Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Som Parkash, Sudarshan Bhagat, V Muraleedharan, former Army chief General VK Singh and Vijay Goel, the report said citing sources. "There are three MoS: Ajay Bhatt, Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Bishweswar Tudu, whose profiles have been changed, but they still have security cover of Y-category as per their last portfolio. As per the audit report, all former MoS still have three PSOs, and four police personnel at their homes," the source said. Also named in the audit report include former MPs Gautam Gambhir, Abhijit Mukherjee, Dr Karan Singh, Maulana Mahmood Madani, Naba Kumar Sarania, Ram Shankar Katheria, Ajay Maken (now Rajya Sabha), K C Tyagi, Parvesh Verma, Rakesh Sinha, Ramesh Bidhuri and Vijay Inder Singla. "Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik, former SAD MLA Deep Malhotra, former AAP MLA Rajendra Pal Gautam, former ED Director Karnail Singh, former Delhi Police Commissioner S N Srivastava, former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, former MLA V K Malhotra also have security cover,” report quoted a source as saying. According to the Delhi Police, the security review of 'Protected Person' was conducted as per procedure upon the completion of their tenure. A letter has been sent to the MHA for a final decision on the matter by the security division of Delhi Police.

2025-01-02 13:39

2025-01-02

13:39

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/it-hiring-growth-rate-near-double-digit-says-info-edge-demand-for-entry-level-talent-picking-up-12902061.html

IT hiring growth rate near double digit, says Info Edge, demand for entry-level talent picking up

GCCs are hiring in big numbers in India, Info Edge pointed out, along with Big Tech companies as well as startups. Info Edge had started to witness double-digit billing growth during Q2FY25, a pre-cursor to growth in hiring..Related stories.

IT hiring is slowly getting back on track, and though still not near the post-Covid demand, the industry is witnessing near double-digit growth rate, Hitesh Oberoi of Info Edge said on January 2, adding that the company's non-IT recruitments continue to do well. The Naukri JobSpeak report for December showed that AI-related jobs saw a rise of 36% on year, with only three of the 16 sectors being tracked seeing a fall. The total job index rose 9% on year as well as on month-on-month basis. In conversation with CNBC-TV18, Hitesh Oberoi said demand for high-quality artificial intelligence professionals is very strong, especially from good institutions, who are also commanding higher salaries compared to regular IT services professionals. "Premium IT talent gets paid Rs 8-10 lakh per annum as starting salary," Oberoi said. "This is how it starts. First, the demand for premium talent picks up, then it spreads," he added. Info Edge said they too have ramped up their AI hiring, and using the tools to become more productive. Info Edge said they will soon be launching new products created by AI to boost revenue pool for the company. "Generative AI will go mainstream this year," said Hitesh Oberoi. GCCs are hiring in big numbers in India, Info Edge pointed out, along withBig Tech companies as well as startups. Info Edge had started to witness double-digit billing growth during Q2FY25, a pre-cursor to growth in hiring. With IT hiring humming once again, Info Edge said the company should target revenue growth in the teens going forward. The company added that they will want to see the non-IT hiring improve further. "Certainly things are beginning to look up for entry-level hiring across all levels. It is only a matter of time before things get back on track," Hitesh Oberoi said. Read More:Startups to ramp up hiring in 2025 after drop in layoffs and improved funding IT companies had in recent years over-hired, which had led to a large bench, thus bringing down the utilisation rate. Now, the utilisation rate is back to pre-Covid levels, observedInfo Edge, adding that replacement hirings are commenced, even in big IT services companies, which will create demand. "A lot of people will also start moving to GCCs, and some of these will be from IT services companies. As a result, the attrition cycle will start," said Hitesh Oberoi. In non-IT segment, the demand for entry-level talent is picking up in non-metro cities, and small towns in the south India, observed Info Edge, adding that the economy has to continue to do well for the hiring to continue to improve. "We should continue to growt at least 6% per annum. In the past, we have seen that whenever India grows at 6-7% growth rate, we run out of talent very quickly if it sustains for 2-3 years," Oberoi said. Up until now, there was a overhang of Covid on hiring, and there was little hiring for a while. However, if India continues to grow at this rate, there will be an employability and skill issue, said Info Edge. The company said they will aim to make 99acres and Jeevansathi businesses profitable in FY26.

2025-01-02 13:39

2025-01-02

13:39

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/what-is-one-nation-one-subscription-all-about-centre-s-game-changer-scheme-for-r-d-12902018.html

What is One Nation One Subscription? All about Centre's game-changer scheme for R&D

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Union Education Ministry on January 1 (Wednesday) launched the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) programme. The scheme aims to provide easy access to scholarly research to students. Around 18 million students, spanning government-funded higher education institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), will enjoy free access to a trove of academic journals and research articles. Currently, access to academic journals for higher education institutions is managed through ten separate library consortia under various ministries, with individual institutions also maintaining their own subscriptions. What is ONOS (One Nation One Subscription)? The ONOS initiative will provide equitable access to approximately 13,000 scholarly journals published by 30 international publishers. By consolidating subscriptions under a single national platform, the scheme will enable 1.8 crore students, faculty members and researchers from diverse disciplines, including those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, to access world-class academic resources. The scheme will be coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC). The government has allocated around Rs 6,000 crore for the ONOS initiative, covering the calendar years 2025, 2026, and 2027 as part of a new Central sector scheme. The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative will help in streamlining the fragmented system by providing unified access to national and international journal publications across all academic disciplines. Under ONOS, all government higher education institutions — including universities, colleges, and Institutions of National Importance — will have seamless access to these resources on a single platform. How will ONOS benefit India’s R&D infra? The initiative offers several key features. It will provide unified access to national and international journal publications for all government higher education institutions (HEIs), universities, colleges and Institutions of National Importance through a single platform. This centralisation will eliminate duplication of subscriptions, significantly reducing unnecessary expenditures on overlapping resources. Additionally, a single national subscription will enhance the government’s bargaining power with publishers, securing better deals. The scheme will also enable data-driven insights by tracking journal usage patterns across the education ecosystem, supporting informed decision-making. ONOS may turn out to be a game-changer in addressing critical gaps in India’s research infrastructure. By democratizing access to premium academic resources, it will empower students and researchers from under-resourced institutions and rural areas. The initiative is set to promote research excellence by exposing users to cutting-edge global research that will in turn lead to innovation and improved quality of output across disciplines. A unified platform will also encourage interdisciplinary studies. Furthermore, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ONOS emphasizes the role of research as a driver of educational and national development. The ONOS initiative stems from recommendations in the NEP 2020, which proposed the establishment of a National Research Foundation (NRF) to nurture and promote research and development (R&D) across India’s academic ecosystem. According to NEP 2020, “If India is to become a leader in these disparate areas, and truly achieve the potential of its vast talent pool to again become a leading knowledge society in the coming years and decades, the nation will require a significant expansion of its research capabilities and output across disciplines.” Building on this vision, the central government constituted a core committee of secretaries in 2022, chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor, to negotiate favorable terms with publishers for the ONOS initiative. Earlier this year, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established to oversee research funding and policy implementation. The cost negotiation panel successfully secured agreements with major international publishers, paving the way for the scheme’s rollout. Making an impact The One Nation One Subscription platform will empower students from remote and rural institutions by providing free access to premier journals and enhancing their global competitiveness. The initiative is also expected to strengthen academia-industry connections by facilitating access to the latest research, fostering innovations with practical applications. Moreover, by offering researchers top-tier resources, ONOS will enhance India’s research output.

2025-01-02 13:32

2025-01-02

13:32

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-and-two-other-games-coming-soon-on-sony-playstation-plus-article-12901997.html

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit and two other games coming soon on Sony PlayStation Plus

Sony PlayStation.Related stories.

Sony has revealed the first gaming titles of 2025 that are coming for PlayStation Plus members. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe will kickstart 2025 for PlayStation Plus members. When will the games be available? According to Sony, the three titles will launch on January 7 for PlayStation Plus members. The three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members until February 3. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League This is an action-adventure third-person shooter game from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. Featuring an original narrative set within an expansive open-world city of Metropolis, the game puts the four DC Super-Villains on a collision course with an invading alien force and DC Super Heroes who are now laser-focused on destroying the city they once vowed to protect. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit The all-time popular title is now updated with enhanced visuals, cross-platform multiplayer – including the asynchronous competition powered by Autolog – plus all additional DLC content, Sony says that "this is the ultimate edition of Criterion Games’ critically acclaimed Need for Speed debut.” Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe expands the world of the original game with new content, new choices, and new secrets to uncover. The labyrinth has just gotten bigger. In addition, the game has been visually upgraded to reflect modern technology while faithfully preserving the tone of the original game. Accessibility features have also been added to the game, including localization of in-world text, colorblind options, and content warnings, as per Sony.

2025-01-02 13:30

2025-01-02

13:30

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/startup-ipo-party-to-continue-in-2025-25-firms-expected-to-list-on-bourses-12901955.html

Startup IPO party to continue in 2025: 25 firms expected to list on bourses

Startup IPOs in 2025.Related stories.

After a series of successful public listings in 2024, the startup initial public offering (IPO) party is set to carry over into the new year, buoyed by healthy public market activity and the strong performance of already-listed startups. At least 25 new-age companies are expected to go public in 2025, according to a list compiled by Moneycontrol, a significant increase from 13 in 2024. Should all these listings materialise, it would mark the highest number of startup IPOs in a single calendar year, setting a new record. New-age companies like Ather Energy, ArisInfra, Avanse, Aye Finance, BoAt, Bluestone, Cardekho, Captain Fresh, DevX, Ecom Express and Fractal are likely to IPO in 2025. Infra.market, Innoviti, InCred, Indiqube, Ofbusiness, PhysicsWallah, PayU, Pine Labs, Ullu Digital, Shadowfax, Smartworks, Zappfresh, Zepto and Zetwerk are the others that are also likely to join the list. "We will probably see another 10-20 companies, or even more, go public from the startup ecosystem (in 2025),” Sandeep Singhal, co-founder and Managing Partner, WestBridge Capital, toldMoneycontrolin an interview. "This will be the year of maturity. Today, there are maybe 15 venture-backed companies that are public. But when that number triples, and these companies start to show credible financials quarter-on-quarter, the whole ecosystem will get strengthened," he added. Last year,13 startup IPOs collectively raised over over Rs 29,000 crore ($3.4 billion, with bumper listings from Swiggy, Ola Electric, and FirstCry. In 2025, the total fundraise amount is likely to increase further as more companies line up to tap the public markets. List of startup IPOs likely in 2025. This marks a notable recovery from the subdued years of 2022 and 2023, when just two and five startups, respectively, made their stock market debuts. As many as 10 of these newly-listed venture-backed IPOs have since been trading over their issue price, as realistic valuations have attracted retail investors, data showed. The biggest draws The largest IPOs of 2025 are expected to come from startups such as contract manufacturerZetwerk, SoftBank-backedOfBusiness, and fintech unicornPine Labs, each looking to raise $1 billion. Quick commerce leader Zepto, construction materials platformInfra.market, AI unicornFractal, and edtech startupPhysicsWallahare also among the major IPOs expected, with each targeting around $500 million. The fintech sector is set to dominate the IPO landscape, with as many as six companies set to go public.Aye FinanceandAvanse Financial Serviceshave already filed their IPO papers, whilePayU, Pine Labs, andInCredare expected to list later in the year. Investors suggest that IPO-bound companies that demonstrate strong financial performance – including profitability, strong governance, and market leadership – will have a distinct advantage in generating investor interest. “The path to an IPO has become more deterministic for startups, with a clear list of dos and don’ts for all to follow. Controlled burn, improving margins, greater operating cashflows, seasoned team members, disciplined forecasting and budgeting are hygiene factors for any startup looking to IPO,” said Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner, 3one4 Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm. While companies like Infra.market, Aye Finance, Fractal, and OfBusiness, have reported strong financials recently, firms includingAther Energy, andArisInfra– which have witnessed flat growth and mounting losses – may have to do more before going ahead with their listing plans so they can be rewarded by public market investors. Other notable names headed for stock market debuts include logistics firms Ecom Express and Shadowfax, apart from brands like Bluestone, BoAt, and CarDekho. Given thesuccess of smaller-scale IPOsin 2024, like that of Unicommerce, Mobikwik, and Awfis, and impressive small and medium enterprise (SME) listings from TAC Security and Menhood, companies headed for modest IPOs – such as Zappfresh, and Smartworks – may also find themselves doing well. Rise of pre-IPO rounds As startups head towards the public markets, pre-IPO funding and secondary transactions, which drove a big chunk of the funding growth in 2024, are set to rise in parallel. Several IPO-bound firms, including Zepto, PhysicsWallah, Rebel Foods, and Oyo, among others,raised large rounds last year. Pre-IPO rounds are typically priced at a discount compared to the IPO price, enabling investors to buy shares at a more favourable valuation, allowing for greater gains. Over the past year, these rounds have unlocked newer pools of capital for startups in the form of HNIs and family offices, say bankers. “Pre-IPO activity is likely to rise (in 2025), serving not just as a valuation benchmark but as a strategic opportunity for investors to pare stakes and optimize IPO size,” said said Gaurav Sood, Managing Director and Head – Equity Capital Markets, Avendus Capital. “These rounds are attracting new capital pools, with HNIs and family offices actively taking concentrated positions due to strong alpha generation, enhancing cap tables and reducing post-listing stock overhang,” he added. For instance, fintech startup Aye Finance hasraised Rs 110 crore debt from Northern Arc, and ASK Financial, and is nearing another debt deal over Rs 200 crore with Goldman Sachs (India) Finance. Pick-up in funding After strong public market activity buoyed funding activity among startups last year, funding is set to surpass the levels of 2024, as macroeconomic headwinds subside. Companies, whether IPO-bound or at an early stage, exhibiting improved financial performance will be able to raise funds, say investors. Industry watchers are of the view that India’s long-term macroeconomic stability will be a driving force behind venture capital and private equity investments in startups. “For patient capital, India offers a rare combination of systemic growth and a policy environment designed to amplify entrepreneurial activity, making it an essential locus for long-term investment strategies," said David Wilton, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at homegrown investment firm Oister Global. Regardless, for new-age companies to keep up the current momentum, the key will be to concentrate on “building sustainable businesses while reducing the dependency on external capital,” said Pai.

2025-01-02 13:28

2025-01-02

13:28

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/banks-treasury-income-to-remain-muted-in-q3-on-narrow-yield-movement-of-govt-securities-12902044.html

Banks’ treasury income to remain muted in Q3 on narrow yield movement of govt securities

Treasury Income.Related stories.

Treasury income of banks is likely to remain muted in third quarter of the current financial year due to narrow movement of yield on government securities throughout the quarter. This, after the banks have reported a sharp jump in the treasury income in second quarter of current fiscal year. “As the yield on the government securities moved in the narrow range, it is expected that Indian bank’s treasury income to remain muted. The muted growth in treasury gains will be after the bumper gains in the Q2, where the bond market has witnessed 25 bps reduction in yield,” said Sanjay Agarwal, senior director of banking, financial services and insurance at CareEdge. The yield on the government securities have moved in 2-4 basis points (bps) range between October and December, which is expected to keep income from these securities lower for the banks. Usually, when the bond yields falls, prices on the bond increases leading to increase in profitability for banks in treasury. Whereas, when it moved in narrow range, it keeps treasury gains lower. According to the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) data, yield on 10-year benchmark bond stood at 6.76 percent on December 31, as compared to 6.750 percent as on September 30. The yields have moved in a narrow range due to low demand from foreign portfolio investors and stable domestic conditions. Further, sluggish growth and widened merchandise trade deficit, and rising US Treasury yield kept yields on government securities in the tight range. In the second quarter of current fiscal year, banks have reported a sharp jump in their treasury income by 50-150 percent, on back of easing bond yields. Banks that reported sharp increase in treasury gains or income in Q2FY25 are Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, YES Bank, and South Indian Bank, as per the analysis. In the July-September quarter, treasury income of YES Bank increased to Rs 65 crore, from Rs 19 crore in a year ago period, which translated to an increase of over 200 percent. South Indian Bank reported treasury income of Rs 106 crore in the second quarter of the current financial year as compared to Rs 37 crore in a year ago period, up by 186 percent. Agarwal further said that elevated treasury gains had led to significantly profitability for banks in second quarter. However, this source is likely to be not available this quarter.

2025-01-02 13:14

2025-01-02

13:14

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/bajaj-finance-shares-jump-over-5pc-as-citi-maintains-buy-on-q3-optimism-sees-up-to-17pc-upside-for-stock-12901974.html

Bajaj Finance shares jump over 5% as Citi maintains 'Buy' on Q3 optimism, sees up to 17% upside for stock

Bajaj Finance shares jump 5% as Citi maintains 'Buy' on Q3 optimism, sees up to 17% upside for stock.Related stories.

Bajaj Finance share price surged over 5 percent in Thursday's trade after analysts at the brokerage Citi reiterated its 'Buy' rating on the stock. The stock climbed to an intraday high of Rs 7,306.05 on the NSE, marking a 5.34 percent gain from its previous close. Over the past two sessions, Bajaj Finance shares have gained nearly 7 percent. The broader finance and NBFC sector also saw a positive movement, with the sectoral index rising 2.01 percent during the day. Citi has set a price target of Rs 8,150 forBajaj Finance, indicating a potential upside of 17.51 percent from Wednesday's closing price. The brokerage highlighted expectations of loan growth stability, supported by a 3-5 basis point (bps) positive bias in net interest margins (NIM). "Key support is coming from segments like mortgage financing, sales financing, and new business ventures," Citi noted in its report. It also flagged a marginal rise in credit costs, estimated between 2.2 to 2.5 percent. Citi further emphasised that updates on the company's ongoing management transition would be crucial in assessing its long-term prospects. TwinBajaj Finserv Ltdshares also jumped nearlyh 9 percent on rub-off effect. The counter has been gaining for the last two days.

2025-01-02 13:11

2025-01-02

13:11

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/from-deepika-padukone-to-diljit-dosanjh-bollywood-celebs-celebrating-birthday-in-january-article-12901957.html

From Deepika Padukone to Diljit Dosanjh: Bollywood celebs celebrating Birthday in January

Birthdays in january.

January is a time of renewal and joy, as it signals the end of the festive season while ushering in fresh beginnings. No matter what lies ahead, this month inspires optimism, encouraging us to leave the past behind and embrace a hopeful tomorrow. January is not only the start of a new year but also the birth month of several prominent figures. From Bollywood stars like Deepika Padukone, Sidharth Malhotra, Hrithik Roshan, Diljit Dosanjh, Farhan Akhtar, and Preity Zinta, to South Indian icons such as Vijay Sethupathi, Sundar C, Suresh Menon, and KJ Yesudas, January 2025 will see numerous celebrated birthdays in the entertainment industry. January 1: Vidya Balan: Known for her versatile roles, Vidya recently received acclaim for her performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 as the OG Manjulika and continues to choose impactful roles in cinema. Nana Patekar: A seasoned actor known for his powerful performances, he was last seen in Vanvas, where his role was widely discussed. Tanisha Mukherjee: The actress, known for her roles in films like Neal ‘N’ Nikki, has been focusing more on her personal life and social media presence recently. Remya Nambeesan: Popular in Malayalam cinema, she was seen in the thriller-horror, Estate and continues to build her career in South Indian films. Aishwarya Rajinikanth: Daughter of Rajinikanth, she is focusing on her directorial projects, with the release of Lal Salaam in the pipeline. Her divorce with south actor Dhanush was finalised in 2024. January 3 Naresh Iyer: A celebrated playback singer, Naresh recently worked on the music for Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal and continues to engage in music across languages. Nikki Galrani: Known for her roles in Tamil and Malayalam films, Nikki recently appeared in Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal and continues to be active in the South Indian film industry. January 4: Aditya Pancholi: An established actor, he has been in the news for his past controversies but continues to remain a relevant figure in the industry. Jiiva: A Tamil actor, Jeeva's recent work includes Black and Yatra 2, and he remains beloved in the South Indian film industry. Ramana: A veteran actor in Tamil cinema, he remains active in supporting roles. His latest movies include Ramana Avatara, Uruku Patela and Mercy Killing. January 5: Deepika Padukone: Deepika has been in the limelight for her role in Singham Again. The actress became a mother in 2024 and is currently taking a break from films. Uday Chopra: After a break from acting, Uday has shifted focus to producing and managing his production company. January 6: Diljit Dosanjh: A singer-actor, Diljit made waves in 2024 with this Dil-Luminati concert that he concluded on 31st December, 2024 in his hometown, Ludhiana. AR Rahman: A legendary composer, Rahman who continues to create iconic soundtracks, had an eventful year in 2024 as he got separated with wife, Saira Banu after 29 years of being married. Bipasha Basu: Bipasha is working on her comeback, recently making her return to acting in web series and digital platforms. Koena Mitra: After a break from acting, Koena Mitra is now focusing on digital content and being active on social media. Supriya Pathak: A veteran actress, Supriya has continued to play important roles in both Bollywood and television, with her recent work in Luv Ki Arrange Marriage, she starred opposite Annu Kapoor, Avneet Kaur and Sunny Singh. Mohit Madan: The actor has been seen in several supporting roles in Bollywood films and television shows. Bhagyaraj: Known for his roles in Tamil cinema, Bhagyaraj is still regarded as a key figure in the industry and is involved in film direction and scriptwriting. January 8: Yash: The KGF star’s popularity soared globally with KGF: Chapter 2 (2022), and he remains a box-office sensation. January 9: Farhan Akhtar: An actor, director, and producer, Farhan was last seen in Toofaan (2021), and his upcoming project is Jee Le Zaraa, starring Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. Farah Khan: The choreographer-turned-director continues to make waves with her recent projects, she will be next seen as a judge on Celebrity Masterchef on Sony TV. Prashant Raj: Known for directing Kannada films, Prashant’s recent work has been Rajathrav**ha (2022). G. Mahendran: A Tamil film actor, Mahendran remains active in the industry, often appearing in prominent roles. Nithin Sathya: Known for his roles in Tamil cinema, Nithin has recently been focusing on acting and production. January 10: Hrithik Roshan: Known for his superhit films, Hrithik's War 2 and Krishh 4 are highly anticipated. Kalki Koechlin: Recently active in indie films, Kalki's portrayal of unique characters continues to gain praise. Drashti Dhami: A TV actress, Drashti is known for her roles in Geet and Madhubala. She is also working on digital platforms. Drashti recently embraced motherhood in 2024. Suresh Menon: A versatile actor, Menon continues to appear in comedies and supporting roles. KJ Yesudas: A renowned playback singer, Yesudas continues to be an icon in the music industry. Aishwarya Rajesh: A popular actress in Tamil cinema, Aishwarya's recent projects include Sivakasi (2022). Allu Aravind: A well-known film producer, Allu Aravind’s latest project is record-breaking, Pushpa 2: The Rule. Allu Aravind is the father of popular actor Allu Arjun. January 11 Fatima Sana Shaikh: The actress will be next seen in Anurag Kashyap's Metro.. inn dino alongside Sara Ali Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur. Sukumar: Director Sukumar was widely acclaimed for his direction in the record breaking Pushpa 2: The Rule. January 12 Mithila Palkar: Mithila gained fame with Little Things (2016) and continues to build her acting career across films and OTT. Sakshi Tanwar: Known for Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Sakshi continues to be part of television and digital series. January 13 Sayaji Shinde: A veteran actor in Marathi and Hindi films, Sayaji continues to play important roles in regional cinema. Imran Khan: Known for films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Imran has been on a hiatus but remains a loved figure in Bollywood. January 15 Neil Nitin Mukesh: Neil has recently worked in Bypass Road (2019) and continues to be active in film projects. January 16 Sidharth Malhotra: Known for his hit films, Sidharth’s next project is with Janhnvi Kapoor named Param Sundari creating buzz. Kabir Bedi: A veteran actor, Kabir remains active in international projects. Navdeep: Known for his roles in Telugu films, Navdeep continues to feature in supporting roles. Nellai Siva: A Tamil actor known for supporting roles, Siva continues to be active in the film industry. Vijay Sethupathi: A celebrated actor in Tamil cinema, Vijay Sethupathi continues to work on multiple projects in Tamil and Hindi. His last film Maharaja was widely acclaimed, January 17: Javed Akhtar: Legendary lyricist and poet, Javed Akhtar is known for his extensive contribution to Bollywood music. His most recent work includes writing lyrics for the 2024 films Bad Newz and Maidaan Rasika Dugal: Known for her role in Delhi Crime,Rasika Dugal's latest work is Shekhar Home, an Indian adaptation of Sherlock Holmes in which she plays Iraboty and she's set for more impactful roles. Disha Pandey: Disha is a Tamil actress known for films like Vamsi (2010) Ali Abbas Zafar: Ali, the director of Bharat and Sultan, is working on his next directorial project, a superhero film titled Mr. India (upcoming). January 19 Varun Tej: The Telugu actor last appeared in Gandhi Talks (2024) and is awaiting the release of his upcoming film VT 13.January 21. Varun had an eventful 2024 as he got married to his lady love, lavanya Tripathi. January 21: Sundar C: Tamil director and actor Sundar C’s recent directorial venture was Aranmanai 4 (2024). Karthik Raj: Karthik Raj starred in the web series The Family Man (2023) and continues to rise in popularity for his gripping performances. Karthik Raj latest movies include Doodi, 465 and Naalu Peruku Nalladhuna Edhuvum Thappilla. January 22 Naga Shourya: Naga Shourya’s latest film was Rangabali. He's gearing up for an upcoming film titled Police Vari Hecharika. Namrata Shirodkar: Known for her roles in Vamsi and Bride and Prejudice, Namrata is actively involved in her husband Mahesh Babu’s productions. January 24 Riya Sen:  Riya, known for her roles in Style and Shaadi No. 1, recently appeared in Pagglait (2024) and is working on more content-driven projects. Subhash Ghai: The iconic director of Taal and Khalnayak continues to mentor new filmmakers and is involved in producing future projects. January 26 Naveen Kasturia: Naveen, known for his role in TVF Pitchers, is seen in the recent The Test Case (2024) and is preparing for new ventures in both films and web series. January 27 Bobby Deol – Bobby’s latest film Apne 2 is in production, and he is also part of the web series Aashram 3. He got widely acclaimed for his role in Animal alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. Deepshikha – Known for films like Koyla, Deepshikha has starred in Dil Dhadakne Do and continues to appear in smaller roles and projects. Shreyas Talpade – Shreyas known for his role in Dhol 2 got widely acclaimed for lending his voice for the hindi dubbed of popular film, Pushpa 2: The Rule starring Allu Arjun. Sameer Dattani – Sameer’s most recent project was Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai and he's now part of several upcoming indie films. Vikram Bhatt – The director of Raaz and 1920 has been involved in directing several web series and short films. Shehnaaz Gill – After the success of Bigg Boss and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), Shehnaaz is focusing on her film Sab First Class alongside Varun Sharma. January 28 Shruti Haasan : Shruti’s recent appearance in Salaar (2023) was well-received. She's now set to appear in coolie alongside Rajnikanth. January 31 Preity Zinta – After her long hiatus, Preity appeared in Ishq in Paris (2023), and she's now focusing on her personal life and philanthropic endeavors. Amrita Arora – Amrita has been largely away from films and has been seen occasionally in social media posts and events. Amy Jackson – After her role in 2.0, Amy Jackson is working on a series of international projects. Amy got married to Ed Westwick in 2024.

2025-01-02 13:10

2025-01-02

13:10

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/auto-stocks-rev-up-as-december-sales-surge-drives-nifty-auto-to-a-6-month-high-12902019.html

Auto stocks rev up as December sales surge drives Nifty Auto to a 6-month high

Nifty Auto becomes top sectoral gainer on January 2.Related stories.

Auto stocks hit the fast lane on December 2, with heavyweights like Eicher Motors, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, M&M, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motors roaring ahead by up to 7 percent. The rally fueled the Nifty Auto index to its biggest single-day gain in six months, turbocharged by better-than-expected sales figures. Eicher Motors was also the top gainer on the Nifty, rallying 7 percent following an impressive 25 percent increase in December sales to 79,466 units year over year. Exports recorded a 90 percent surge from the year-ago period after the company exported over 11,000 units of Royal Enfield. Follow our LIVE blog for all the latest market updates Shares of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSI) extended their gains for second straight day to rally 5 percent on January 2 on bullish management commentary on the strong car sales seen in December. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer - Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited told CNBC-TV18 that dealer network stock is for just nine days and that the auto major has over 2 lakh pending bookings. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd on January 1 reported a 30 percent rise in total wholesales at 1,78,248 units in December 2024 as compared to 1,37,551 units in the same month a year ago. Also read:Attractive valuations, stronger earnings could see large-caps lead charge in 2025, says Canara Robeco MF Automaker Mahindra & Mahindra extended gains for a second session in a row after it clocked an 18 percent jump in sport utility vehicle sales to dealers in December at 41,424 units due to strong demand. It reported sales of 35,174 units in the year-ago period. Mahindra, India's second-biggest SUV maker by market share, has remained resilient amid a broader slowdown in car sales that pressed manufacturers and dealers into offering hefty discounts. As a result, Citi maintained its 'buy' call citing strong volume momentum throughout 2024. The growth in domestic UV volumes highlights the success of new model launches, while tractor sales have also remained robust, with domestic volumes surging 22 percent year-on-year. Citi believes that another good harvest season could act as a further catalyst, potentially providing a boost to tractor volumes. Shares of Tata Motors jumped as much as 2 percent to their day’s high of Rs 765 on the BSE as the company reported a 1 percent year-on-year growth in its December 2024 sales numbers at 76,599 units versus 76,138 units in the year-ago period. Read more:Sensex surges 1,000 pts, Nifty reclaims 24k as auto, IT stocks bolster bullish sentiment; PSU banks suffer Hyundai Motor India shares rallied over 2 percent after it unveiled the highly anticipated Hyundai CRETA Electric."This groundbreaking electric SUV combines bold design, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled safety to set new benchmarks in India’s EV market. Designed to lead, the Hyundai CRETA Electric promises to redefine the market with its electrifying performance, futuristic design, and user-centric innovations," said Hyundai in a stock exchange filing. At about 1 pm, Nifty Auto was trading at 23,797, higher by 2.8 percent from the last close.

2025-01-02 13:08

2025-01-02

13:08

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/buy-signature-global-target-of-rs-2000-motilal-oswal-2-12902009.html

Buy Signature Global; target of Rs 2000: Motilal Oswal

Buy.

Motilal Oswal's research report onSignature Global Signature Global (SIGNATUR), with its strong presence in strategic locations in Gurugram, is on track to capitalize on the ongoing demand, guided by a strong project pipeline of 24.3msf. With a projected 35% CAGR growth in pre-sales over FY24-27, the company is set to cumulatively collect INR285b. Its strategic shift from the affordable to mid/mid-premium segment is expected to drive a strong cumulative OCF of INR95b. This will enable the company to turn net cash positive and reinvest in land to fuel future growth. Outlook We reiterate our BUY rating with a TP of INR2,000/share, indicating a 50% upside potential. For all recommendations report,click here Signature Global - 02012025 - moti

2025-01-02 13:07

2025-01-02

13:07

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/sensex-higher-nifty-rallies-past-200-dma-on-earnings-optimism-and-consumption-revival-top-factors-at-play-12901908.html

Sensex soars 1,000 pts, Nifty rallies past 24,000 on earnings optimism and consumption revival: Top factors at play

Sensex higher, Nifty rallies past 200-DMA on earnings optimism and consumption revival: Top factors at play.Related stories.

The stock markets in India extended gains on January 2 with the benchmark indices surging over 1 percent each. Sensex surged over 1,000 points and the Nifty 50 moved above the crucial 23,950 level to rally past 200-DMA, helped by buying in banking and IT stocks, optimism around quarterly earnings and a favourable technical setup. The BSESensextouched an intraday high of 79,542.69, climbing 1,035.28 points or 1.31 percent. NSENifty 50index advanced 328.45 points or 1.38 percent at 24,071.35. Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Tata Consultancy Services emerged as top gainers during the session. Key factors behind the market rally 1) Healthy GST Collection: The December GST mop up rose by 7.3 percent on-year to Rs 1.77 lakh crore, reflecting a rebound in consumption activities. Analysts believe this uptick signals improving economic momentum, which could bolster investor sentiment. "Despite increased refunds for both domestic and export sectors, the robust GST collection reflects steady demand and a healthy economy," said Abhishek Jain, Partner, KPMG. 2) Favourable Technical Trends: The Nifty moved above its 200-day moving average, a crucial technical indicator, providing support to the rally. “Having achieved 23,770, consolidation was expected. A move above 23,850 can push the index towards 24,025,” noted Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services. He added that while volatility remains a concern, a collapse appears unlikely at this stage. The Household Consumption Survey data for 2023-24 doesn’t fit premiumisation narrative 3) Earnings Optimism: Strong business updates from key sectors such as automotive and financials have raised expectations for Q3 earnings. Prominent players likeMaruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, andCSB Bankhave reported promising trends, offering a positive outlook. “Luxury consumption sectors such as jewellery, aviation, and hospitality are expected to deliver robust numbers,” said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services. Stock Market LIVE Updates 4) IT Sector Boost: The IT sector, a key driver of the rally, saw its index rise by a percent on January 2. CLSA and Citi both are projecting an improved revenue growth for IT companies in the December quarter, supported by stable demand and the recent rupee depreciation. "Improved client sentiment, especially in the US, coupled with currency tailwinds, will aid IT sector’s earnings," said analysts Sumeet Jain and Shubham Agrawal at CLSA. The rally extended across sectors, with significant interest in pharma, FMCG, and energy counters. Ajit Mishra, Senior Vice President, Research at Religare Broking, highlighted, “The second week of consolidation suggests that the trend is likely to persist. Traders should focus on stocks showing stronger momentum, particularly in pharma and FMCG.” Analysts also noted selective momentum in heavyweight stocks, which has helped the market sentiment further.

2025-01-02 12:54

2025-01-02

12:54

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/bangladesh-rewrites-textbooks-ziaur-rahman-declared-independence-not-sheikh-mujibur-rahman-12902017.html

Bangladesh rewrites textbooks: 'Ziaur Rahman declared independence, not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman'

A vandalised portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founding father of Bangladesh, lies on the floor of a damaged studio of the state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) in Dhaka. (File Photo: AP).Related stories.

New textbooks for primary and secondary school students across Bangladesh will state that Ziaur Rahman declared the country's independence in 1971, The Daily Star reported on Wednesday. The textbooks, until now, stated that the declaration was made by 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. "The new textbooks for the 2025 academic year will state that 'on March 26, 1971, Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh, and on March 27, he made another declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu'," AKM Reazul Hassan, chairman of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board told the daily. The distribution of the new textbooks, with several other changes, among the students began from January 1. The information has been included in the free textbooks where the matter of the declaration was mentioned, the NCTB chief said. Since 2010, a year after Sheikh Hasina came to power for the second time, the textbooks had mentioned that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence via a wireless message just before he was arrested by the Pakistan army on March 26, 1971. However, people involved in the process of making the changes did not find this claim to be based on facts. "Those who revised the textbooks found that it wasn't a fact-based information that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sent the wireless message [declaring independence] while being arrested by the Pakistani army, and so they decided to remove it," writer and researcher Rakhal Raha, who was involved in the process of making the changes, was quoted as saying in the report. However, this isn't the first time that textbooks in Bangladesh have seen such changes which have depended on which regime is in power. While supporters of BNP believe their party founder and also former president of the country Ziaur had made the declaration, the Awami League has always contested the claim. When the Awami League was in power from 1996-2001, the textbooks stated Sheikh Mujib made the declaration of independence and Ziaur Rahman read out the announcement. On the other hand, when the BNP was in power from 2001-2006, it was stated that Ziaur had made the declaration. The country saw the first such change in history in 1978 during Ziaur’s reign as Bangladesh President, when it was proclaimed that it was Bangabandhu who made the declaration of independence. In 2010, a year after Sheikh Hasina came to power, the third volume of ‘Bangladesh Independence War: Documents’, published in 1978, presenting Ziaur as the proclaimer of independence, was declared null and void by the Bangladesh Supreme Court. The development comes months after Hasina was removed following a popular agitation last August, leaving the BNP and anti-Awami League parties with considerable influence in the interim government. On August 5, protesters desecrated the statue of Mujib in Dhaka and torched his residence where he was assassinated along with several members of his family in a coup in 1975. Amid the attempts by Bangladesh's interim government to remove Mujib's legacy, particularly the proclamation that he declared Bangladesh's independence, several reports suggest otherwise. "Pakistan was thrust into civil war today when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed the east wing of the two-part country to be ‘the sovereign independent People’s Republic of Bangla Desh'," stated the US Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA’s) now-unclassified report to the White House dated March 26, 1971. The minutes of the Washington Special Actions Group Meeting on March 26, 1971, chaired by then US National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger, also has a mention of Mujib’s declaration through a radio broadcast. While telling Kissinger why the talks between Pakistan military dictator Yahya Khan and Mujib broke down, then Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Richard Helms said: "A clandestine radio broadcast has Mujibur Rahman declaring the independence of Bangla Desh."

2025-01-02 12:47

2025-01-02

12:47

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/ashok-leyland-jumps-5-as-dec-auto-sales-beat-street-estimates-12901970.html

Ashok Leyland jumps 5% as Dec auto sales beat Street estimates

Over the past 6 months, the stock of this CV player has declined nearly a percent.Related stories.

Shares of Ashok Leyland surged 5 percent to Rs 233 per share on January 2 after December sales figures turned out to be better-than-expected. Over the past 6 months, the stock of this CV player has declined nearly a percent, as compared to 0.2 percent decline in the benchmark Nifty 50 index. The company's total sales jumped by 5 percent year-on-year (YoY) to 16,957 units in December, whereas medium and heavy commercial vehicles sales rose by 8 percent YoY to 11,474 units led by the truck segment. Catch all the market action on our LIVE blog However, light commercial vehicle sales declined by 11 percent YoY to 5,483 units in December, as against 5,524 units. Meanwhile, truck sales rose by 11 percent and bus sales declined by 3 percent YoY for December. In the prior month, the automaker had announced price hike of entire CV range by up to 3 percent effective from January 2025. "Inflation and higher commodity prices have necessitated this price increase. This move will help mitigate a part of the input cost impact," the company stated. In Q2FY25, the automotive sector reported a subdued YoY performance. Revenue grew at a YoY rate of 2.9 percent to Rs 3.1 lakh crore, while EBITDA and net earnings declined by 2.4 percent and 7 percent to Rs 39,564 crore and Rs 18,240 crore, respectively. Going ahead, analysts at Ventura Securities expect demand revenues to sustain for tractors on the back of rural demand revival, however, growth in 2W, PV and CV could remain in single digit.

2025-01-02 12:45

2025-01-02

12:45

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/new-orleans-attack-all-about-shamsud-din-jabbar-the-isis-inspired-us-army-veteran-behind-truck-attack-that-killed-15-12901991.html

New Orleans attack: All about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the ISIS-inspired US Army veteran behind truck attack that killed 15

Prior to his Army service, Jabbar briefly enlisted in the Navy in August 2004 through a delayed entry program but was discharged within a month (Image: Reuters).

In the tragic New Year's Day incident in New Orleans, the FBI has identified 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran from Texas, as the suspect. Jabbar, originally from Beaumont, Texas, is accused of driving a Ford pickup truck into a crowd, leaving at least 15 people dead and many others wounded. Police described the act as “very intentional”, adding that the attacker was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did”, BBC reported. Jabbar was armed and exchanged fire with law enforcement, injuring two officers before being fatally shot by police. Who was Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the New Orleans attack? - Shamsud-Din Jabbar reportedly served in the US Army for 13 years including a deployment to Afghanistan. - Jabbar served in the Army as a human resource specialist and information technology specialist from 2007 until 2015. He then joined the Army Reserve as an IT specialist until 2020, holding the rank of staff sergeant at the end of service, Reuters reported citing an Army official. He was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010, the official stated further. - Prior to his Army service, Jabbar briefly enlisted in the Navy in August 2004 through a delayed entry program but was discharged within a month. - In the recent past, Jabbar was reportedly involved in a series of businesses. - Court records reveal that Jabbar was divorced in 2022, terminating a five-year marriage. The couple had one child. Prior to the attack, there is no indication of a violent criminal history on his record, according to reports. - According to Texas records, Jabbar was charged with a misdemeanor in 2002 for a property theft and arrested in 2005 for driving with an invalid license, the Reuters report added.JUST IN: New footage shows the moment Shamsud Din Jabbar allegedly navigated around a police cruiser barricade to carry out the terror attack.According to local reports, the city of New Orleans was replacing Bourbon Street bollards.We have these hydraulic steel barriers frompic.twitter.com/gTSQAEHvyACollin Rugg (@CollinRugg)January 1, 2025 - Hours before the attack, the US Army veteran had posted a video on his social media saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressed a desire to kill. President Joe Biden said Wednesday evening that the FBI found the videos the driver posted to social media. He called the attack a “despicable” and “heinous act.” - FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan said that Jabbar was not solely responsible for the attack. - He studied at George State University from 2015 to 2017, graduating with a degree in Computer Information Systems, according to BBC. The report also says that he was married twice. The attack injured about 30 other people, including two police officers wounded by gunfire from the suspect. It took place around 3:15 a.m. (0915 GMT) near the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, opens new tab, an historic tourist destination known for its music and bars where crowds were celebrating the New Year. (With agencies inputs)

2025-01-02 12:25

2025-01-02

12:25

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/vodafone-idea-bank-loans-in-spotlight-after-rs-24-800-cr-bank-guarantee-waiver-12900773.html

Vodafone Idea bank loans in spotlight after Rs 24,800-cr bank guarantee waiver

Vodafone Idea.Related stories.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) is set to benefit significantly from the government’s recent decision to waive bank guarantee (BG) requirements for telecom operators, potentially unlocking crucial funding for the cash-strapped company. Analysts believe this move resolves a major deadlock that has hindered Vi from securing debt financing which was contingent on the BG waiver as well as further conversion of regulatory dues into equity in the beleaguered company. The waiver, which extends to Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel as well, aims to alleviate financial burdens across the sector and stimulate investment in digital infrastructure. On December 27, the government informed the telecom operators that BGs of Rs 33,000 crore would no longer be required. Vodafone Idea stands to gain the most, with BG obligations totaling Rs 24,800 crore. A December 30 report by Citi Research highlighted the significance of the waiver, noting that it clears the path for Vi to negotiate loans. Vodafone Idea has been attempting to raise Rs 25,000 crore in loans and Rs 10,000 crore in BGs or letters of credit, complementing the Rs 24,000 crore already secured through equity. Citi indicated that this development could improve Vi’s cash flow, allowing for expanded investments in network infrastructure. Shiv Putcha, founder of Mandala Insights, toldMoneycontrolthat the waiver eases liquidity pressures and boosts lender confidence. "The BG waiver allows Vi to redirect funds towards network expansion and operational enhancements. This is a positive move for the telecom sector as a whole," Putcha said. Vodafone Idea has faced challenges in deploying 4G and 5G services due to funding constraints tied to BG obligations. Ashwinder Sethi, principal at Analysys Mason, stressed that the waiver accelerates Vi’s ability to invest in its network. "Debt funding is crucial for Vi’s growth and market position. This waiver addresses key lender concerns and unlocks capital for spectrum acquisition and infrastructure," Sethi said. During Vi’s Q2 FY25 earnings call in November 2024, CEO Akshaya Moondra highlighted how BG requirements had been impeding cash generation and operational improvements. The development is expected to have ripple effects beyond Vodafone Idea. Indus Towers, Vi’s key tower infrastructure partner, could benefit from the telco’s improved financial position. Citi Research pointed out that Vi’s progress in raising funds would support Indus Towers’ stability and revenue streams. Vi has expressed optimism about the waiver, noting that it allows the company to prioritise network expansion and 5G rollouts. The BG waiver applies to spectrum auctions between 2012 and 2021, while more recent auctions in 2022 and 2024 already benefited from reforms. Moneycontrolreported in June that a consortium of lenders, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), had given in-principle approval for a Rs 14,000-crore loan to Vi. The funds would be disbursed in tranches, with proceeds directed toward repaying creditors, rolling out 5G services, and bidding for spectrum. Other lenders, including Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Union Bank, have also expressed informal interest in financing Vi. However, SBI later clarified that no formal approval had been granted. “We may advise that SBI or any consortium with SBI as the lead bank has not accorded any approval whatsoever to the captioned company,” SBI said in a statement. Moondra had earlier shared that banks had insisted on equity fundraising before loan approvals. Vi’s broader plan involves raising Rs 25,000 crore and securing non-fund-based facilities up to Rs 10,000 crore. The BG waiver, as per analysts, strengthens Vi’s case as it continues its efforts to turn around operations and compete more aggressively with market leaders Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The government’s decision reflects its ongoing efforts to stabilise the telecom sector and promote digital infrastructure investments, fostering competition and accelerating India’s transition to 5G and preventing a duolopy in the telecom market.

2025-01-02 12:22

2025-01-02

12:22

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/eicher-motors-shares-surge-over-6-as-firm-s-december-motorcycle-sales-rise-25-12901976.html

Eicher Motors shares surge over 6% as firm's December motorcycle sales rise 25%

Eicher Motors shares surge over 6% as firm's December motorcycle sales rise 25%.Related stories.

Shares of Royal Enfield-maker Eicher Motors rose over 6% on January 2 as the company reported 25% jump in motorcycle sales in December. In a stock exchange filing, the company said its total motorcycle sales in December rose 25% to 79,466 units as against 63,387 units in the year-ago period. The company's international business outperformed by rising 90% to 11,575 units. At 11:50 am on January 2,Eicher Motors shareswere trading over 6% higher at Rs 5,199.5 apiece. The market capitalisation of the stock is Rs 1.43 lakh crore. B Govindarajan, CEO, Royal Enfield said, “As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a truly remarkable year for us at Royal Enfield. We’ve launched some category-defining motorcycles through the year and it is encouraging to see the response to our recently launched motorcycles both in India and international markets. As we gear up for 2025, we are looking forward to sustaining our growth momentum and continue inspiring our riding community across the globe with Pure Motorcycling initiatives across the board.” "Royal Enfield commenced operations of its first fully owned and operated CKD assembly facility outside India in Samut Prakan, Bangkok. The new plant highlights the brand's commitment to the Thai market and the wider APAC region. With a modern 57,000 sq. ft. setup and an installed capacity of over 30,000 units annually, the facility is Royal Enfield’s sixth CKD assembly unit globally, joining existing plants in Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nepal," said Eicher Motors in a statement. Royal Enfield’s premium line-up includes electric vehicle brand, Flying Flea - including the Classic-styled Flying Flea C6 and Scrambler-styled Flying Flea S6 - that recently showcased in Milan. It also includes the, Bear 650, Classic 650, Guerrilla 450 modern roadster, Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Super Meteor 650, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 twins, the Shotgun 650, the new Himalayan adventure tourer, the Scram 411 ADV Crossover, the iconic Bullet 350, Classic 350 and the new Goan Classic 350.

2025-01-02 12:13

2025-01-02

12:13

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/can-trigger-higher-taxes-hinder-infra-development-jm-financial-flags-risks-of-election-freebies-12901951.html

'Can trigger higher taxes, hinder infra development': JM Financial flags risks of election freebies

Capex, already vulnerable, is likely to bear the brunt of swelling fiscal burdens.

A recent note by JM Financial highlights the adverse impacts of election freebies announced by state governments, stating they undermine fiscal discipline, disincentivise work, and weaken investment prospects. These populist measures, primarily aimed at economically weaker women and tribal communities, have become central to poll strategies across the states. While proponents view them as tools to stimulate consumption and mitigate rising costs, JM Financial warns they often strain state finances. Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana exemplifies the fiscal burden. The proposed hike in monthly payouts from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 will escalate outflows from Rs 46,000 crore (1.1 percent of GSDP) to Rs 65,000 crore (1.5 percent). This increase, the note says, could trigger higher taxes, borrowing, or capex cuts, jeopardizing infrastructure development. Capex, already vulnerable, is likely to bear the brunt of swelling fiscal burdens. With state budgets heavily skewed towards revenue expenditure (revex), states like Maharashtra may sacrifice growth-focused initiatives to accommodate cash transfer schemes. This trend is mirrored in rising fiscal deficits, with Madhya Pradesh (4.1 percent), West Bengal (3.6 percent), and Himachal Pradesh (4.7 percent) surpassing the FRBM Act’s 3.5 percent ceiling. JM Financial cautions that while freebies may offer short-term relief, they pose long-term risks: escalating deficits, rising debt, and stalled development. The price of electoral generosity, it warns, could fall heavily on future generations.

2025-01-02 11:54

2025-01-02

11:54

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/south-indian-bank-sprints-3-on-healthy-q3fy25-business-update-12901937.html

South Indian Bank sprints 3% on healthy Q3FY25 business update

Over the past 3 months, this smallcap stock has surged modestly by 3 percent.Related stories.

Shares of South Indian Bank surged 3 percent to Rs 26 per share on January 2 after it reported a steady October-December quarter (Q3FY25) business update. The lender's gross advances rose by 12 percent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 86,965 crore in Q3, while deposits grew by 6.2 percent YoY to Rs 1.05 lakh crore. CASA ratio, meanwhile, fell to 31.1 percent during the quarter as compared to 31.8 percent in the year-ago period. Catch all the market action on our LIVE blog The Kerala-based lender also reported a steady Q2FY25 performance. It reported 11 percent YoY growth in interest income and profit-after-tax (PAT) increased by 18.2 percent YoY. Asset quality also improved, with GNPA/NNPA at 4.4 percent/1.3 percent. Analysts at Geojit Financial Services had shared an "accumulate" rating on this smallcap following its Q2 results. They believed that the lender, under the new management, was realigning its balance sheet with quality lending and improved CASA mix. "We expect credit growth of 12 percent during FY25-26. As the percentage of new book increases, RoE is expected to be ~13 percent by FY26. As a result, we remain optimistic about the company’s long-term growth," the brokerage firm said. Around 6 brokerages cover South Indian Bank as 4 suggested "buy" ratings on the counter and 2 recommended "hold" call. Over the past 3 months, this smallcap stock has surged modestly by 3 percent, as against 2 percent decline in the Nifty Smallcap 100 index. Last year, South Indian Bank shares had hit 52-week high of Rs 37 per share on February 2.

2025-01-02 11:51

2025-01-02

11:51

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/bangladesh-court-rejects-bail-plea-of-hindu-monk-chinmoy-das-12901912.html

Bangladesh court rejects bail plea of Hindu monk Chinmoy Das

Bail plea of Chinmoy Das has been rejected.

A Bangladesh court on Thursday (January 2) rejected the bail plea of jailed Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in the country on November 25 in connection with a sedition case. Following a 30-minute hearing involving arguments from both sides, Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam rejected the bail plea, Dhaka-based The Daily Star reported. A bench of 11 lawyers of the Supreme Court took part in the high-profile bail hearing today. Reacting to the development, Radharamn Das, vice president of Iskcon Kolkata, told ANI, "It's a very sad news. We know that the entire world was keeping an eye on this. Everyone was expecting Chinmoy Prabhu will get freedom in the new year - but even after 42 days, his bail was rejected in a hearing today. Bangladesh government should ensure that he gets justice." Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested last month at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while travelling to Chattogram for a rally. He was denied bail and sent to jail till January 2 by a court in Bangladesh. Earlier, Radharamn Das had expressed hope that Chinmoy Krishna Das would get justice in the court hearing scheduled on Thursday. He said the organisation will hold prayers for Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh on the first day of 2025, as they have been doing over the past month. "In the last two hearings, we observed that his lawyers were not allowed to appear, and we hope that tomorrow, his lawyers will be able to represent him," Das added. Bangladesh's minority Hindus, which constitute only about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, have faced hundreds of attacks in 50-odd districts of the country since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5.

2025-01-02 11:49

2025-01-02

11:49

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/mfin-defers-capping-lenders-to-each-borrower-by-three-months-other-covenants-come-into-effect-12901945.html

MFIN defers capping lenders to each borrower by three months, other covenants come into effect

MFIN has deferred to April 1 its plan of implementing a cap on lenders to each borrower..Related stories.

Microfinance Industry Network (MFIN), the self-regulatory body for microfinance, has confirmed to have deferred to April 1 its plan of implementing a cap on lenders to each borrower, citing time required to change the IT and back-end system. Speaking toCNBC-TV18, MFIN's Alok Misra said, "changes to IT and engine room systems will take time." He added that MFIN will implement the lending cap in three months' time, with 'other covenants being implemented from January 1'. Earlier, on January 2,Liveminthad reported citing people familiar with the development that MFIN deferred the plan to implement limiting lenders per borrower to three starting April, as it would give them enough time to manage delinquencies. On October 17, RBI had taken action against four NBFCs and NBFC-MFI, citing 'material supervisory concerns', and asked entities to cease and desist sanction and disbursal of loans. These entities wereAsirvad Micro Finance, Arohan Financial Services, DMI Finance, and Navi Finserv, as per central bank's notification. RBI said it had observed concerns in the pricing policy of these companies in terms of their weighted average lending rate (WALR) and the interest spread charged over their cost of funds, which were not in adherence with regulations. Read More:RBI crackdown on few NBFC-MFI not industry wide issue, says MFIN CEO Alok Misra Subsequently, MFIN had introduced the new cap in November, with key changes being the measure to reduce number of lenders to a borrower to three, from previously four. MFIN also recommended to cap the indebtedness of a MFI borrower to Rs 2 lakh. MicroFinance Institutions Network (MFIN) and Sa-Dhan - the SROs for microfinance sector - had last yearintroduced proactive steps, incuding adoptionof certain guardrails. A recent note by Emkay had said that the MFI stress is likely to inch up during Q3FY25, even as MFIN tightens guardrails.

2025-01-02 11:37

2025-01-02

11:37

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/at-least-10-injured-in-mass-shooting-outside-new-york-night-club-12901952.html

New York mass shooting: At least 10 injured in shooting outside Queens night club

Image courtesy: New York Post.

At least 10 people have been injured in a mass shooting incident outside a night club in Queens, New York, reported New York Post. The incident comes just hours after 15 people were killed and 30 were injured after a US Army veteran with an ISIS flag on his truck rammed his vehicle into revelers in New Orleans' crowded French Quarter on New Year's Day. According to the NY Post report, the shooting took place outside the Amazura night club in Jamaica around 11.20pm. The victims have been rushed to the nearest hospitals and no casualties have been reported so far.

2025-01-02 11:35

2025-01-02

11:35

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/rupee-declines-to-85-76-as-strong-dollar-demand-weaker-yuan-puts-pressure-12901946.html

Rupee declines to 85.76 as strong dollar demand, weaker yuan put pressure

rupee.Related stories.

Indian rupee again came under pressure in the early trade on January 2 as the strong demand for dollar continues, decline in the offshore Chinese yuan, and foreign fund outflows by foreign portfolio investors, currency experts said. At 10:50 AM, Indian rupee was trading 12 paise lower at 85.7625 against the US dollar, as compared to 85.7113 at open and 85.6488 at close in previous trading session against the greenback. “Buying of dollar continues with FPIs net sellers in equities daily, and market waiting for trump inauguration to take the next call,” said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP. Adding to this, Dilip Parmar, a foreign exchange research analyst at HDFC Securities, said weaker yuan and PMI number slightly lower than previous numbers also put pressure on local currency. On January 1, 2025, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling as they sold equities worth Rs 1,782 crore on January 1, while domestic institutional bought equities worth Rs 1,690 crore on the same day. Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex extended their gains for second straight day on January 2, helped by gains in auto, IT, and bank stocks. Metal and realty stocks started off the trading session on a weak note. During the weakening of rupee, the Reserve Bank of India intervenes to sell foreign currency and protect the rupee, which reduced the country’s foreign exchange reserves. India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $8.478 billion to $644.391 billion as on December 20, 2024. On January 1, Moneycontrol reported thatIndian rupee is likely to remain under pressure in 2025due to expectations of a strong dollar driven by the US Federal Reserve’s rate trajectory and US government policies under the new President. Further, geopolitical tensions and the Indian Union Budget in February will be important factors influencing the rupee’s movement, experts added.

2025-01-02 11:31

2025-01-02

11:31

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/days-before-delhi-cafe-owner-puneet-khurana-s-suicide-wife-shared-post-on-social-media-on-toxicity-abuse-12901909.html

Days before Delhi cafe owner Puneet Khurana's suicide, wife shared social media post on 'toxicity, abuse'

The wife of Delhi cafe owner Puneet Khurana, who died by suicide on December 31, posted a cryptic message on social media just days before the tragedy. In her post, Manika Pahwa said that she was subjected to "toxicity and narcissistic abuse" and was now free, adding that feminism suits her. Khurana, 40, the owner of popular Woodbox Cafe in Delhi,was found hanging in his housein Model Town on New year's Eve. The couple, co-owners of the cafe, were going through a divorce. On Monday, a day before he died, Khurana had recorded a conversation with his wife in which both of them can be heard fighting over business-related issues. In her social media post, Pahwa didn’t name anyone directly but shared her belief that kindness, love, and respect should be extended to everyone. She also hinted at higher powers deciding what was best for those who had wronged her. "Well feminism suits me, as idealistic values are my core & feminism means giving & getting mere respect. To one another. No slave treatment, and no stopping some girl to speak her mind (sic). Even a house help, guard, rikshawala, a tiny kid deserves respectful treatment. Once a coward fought with me that 'respect has to be earned'. Ufff! What disgrace na? I disagree, respect has to be given to each and everyone. If not then you lost the respect baby. Phew! Maybe that's why in India, we address people with 'aap', 'bhaiya', 'didi' to even strangers, isn't it?" she wrote. She wished that "these abusers get to see the mirror someday" and understand the value of kindness, love, understanding, trust, wisdom, affection and care, adding that they are more important than money, property and gold. 'Was upset with wife' According to Khurana's family, Puneet was “upset” with his wife. The two got married in 2016. It was also learnt that the couple was into a business tussle regarding their café. On Wednesday, Khurana's sister told news agency ANI that Pahwa had instigated him. She claimed that Manika and her family members forced Puneet and "stressed him out". She alleged that they also instigated him by saying: 'you can’t do anything, die by suicide if you dare.’ The case bears similarities to the recent suicide of Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash, who left behind a 24-page note accusing his wife and her family of harassment. Subhash, 34, committed suicide in December after he claimed that his in-laws had been torturing him emotionally and legally.

2025-01-02 11:30

2025-01-02

11:30

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/ncp-reunion-on-cards-clamour-grows-in-ncp-after-ajit-pawar-s-mother-prays-for-unity-at-pandharpur-12901947.html

NCP reunion on cards? Clamour grows in NCP after Ajit Pawar's mother 'prays for unity' at Pandharpur

Ajit Pawar had rebelled against his uncle Sharad Pawar in 2023 and later joined the Mahayuti government with several NCP MLAs..Related stories.

A new year prayer by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's mother seeking to end the political feud in the family and a reunion between her son and his uncle and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has spurred calls for a reunion from both factions. On Wednesday, Asha Pawar, mother of NCP president Ajit Pawar, who caused a split in the Nationalist Congress Party and trumped his uncle in the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, visited the holy town of Pandharpur and prayed for a reunion of her son Ajit and his uncle Sharad Pawar. "All disputes should end… Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar should reunite," she told reporters after her visit to the Vithal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur, adding that she also prayed for "all wishes of Ajit Pawar" to come true. Notably, this isn't the first time that calls for a reunion between the two factions have emerged less than a month after the Assembly elections left the Sharad Pawar faction facing its worst crisis ever. This time though, the expression is more pronounced. Reacting to the wishes expressed by Ajit's mother, senior NCP leader Praful Patel said that the NCP sees Sharad Pawar as their deity. "Sharad Pawar is our deity. We have a high degree of respect for him. If the Pawar family comes together, it will make us extremely happy. I consider myself a member of the Pawar family," he told The Indian Express. Similar sentiments were echoed by fellow party MLA Narhari Zirwal who said he would personally Pawar Sr. to reunite with Ajit. "It felt odd to have left Sharad Pawar saheb...Many feel likewise. Now I will go to him and urge him (and Ajit) to come together. Pawar saheb has been relentlessly working for people from different sections of the society. And he continues to do so." NCP spokesperson Amit Mitkari said that the view expressed by Asha Pawar was one harboured by every worker of the NCP on either side of the divide. He, however, warned that "some NCP(SP) leaders" like Jitendra Awhad and Sharad Pawar's grand nephew Rohit Pawar could prove to be a "hurdle" in a reunion. "They will never like the two coming together… But Asha tai’s prayers are the prayer of every karyakarta of both NCP groups…We all feel we should come together," Mitkari said, adding that the reunion will require efforts from both sides. Reacting to Mitkari's statement, Awhad sought to distance himself from what he termed as a family matter. "If Asha Pawar is saying that Pawars should come together, then what can I say? It is their family matter. They will have to take the call…What I think does not matter," he said. Notably, even the BJP has expressed no reservations about the idea and ruled out any objections on the party's behalf if such a reunion were to materialise. "No, NCP ally BJP would have no problems...If the two Pawars are coming together, there is no reason for the BJP to object...They (Ajit and Sharad) have to decide," Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. Ajit split from the NCP in June 2023 and took 40 MLAs with him. He later aligned with the BJP and Shiv Sena and joined the Mahayuti government. In the Maharashtra Assembly elections held in November, the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar finished the last among the six major parties in the fray, winning only 10 of the 86 seats it contested. In the 36 constituencies where the two NCP factions went head to head, Ajit Pawar's NCP bagged 29 seats, including Pawars' bastion of Baramati.

2025-01-02 11:27

2025-01-02

11:27

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/shivraj-singh-chouhan-writes-to-atishi-accuses-delhi-govt-of-being-anti-farmer-12901907.html

Shivraj Singh Chouhan writes to Atishi, accuses Delhi govt of being anti-farmer

Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday wrote a letter to Delhi chief minister Atishi and criticised the AAP government for not implementing several pro-farmer schemes of the Centre in the national capital. In his letter, written in Hindi, Chouhan told Atishi that Delhi government has no sympathy for farmers, who are "upset and worried" due to the non-implementation of many welfare schemes by AAP. "Due to the non-implementation of many farmer welfare schemes of the Center by the Delhi Government, the farmer brothers and sisters are being deprived of the benefits of these schemes. I had earlier also written a letter to you and informed you about the problems of the farmers of Delhi, but it is a matter of concern that your government has not resolved these problems," he said. Chouhan said that politics should not pose a hurdle when it comes to the welfare of farmers. Chouhan also criticised former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing the AAP supremo of exploiting elections for political gain by making grand announcements. “As soon as Kejriwal came to power, instead of taking public welfare decisions, he cried about his own problems,” Chouhan said. Highlighting that the AAP has governed Delhi for the past decade, Chouhan pointed out that the party had failed to implement "the farmer-friendly schemes of the Central Government" in the national capital.

2025-01-02 11:21

2025-01-02

11:21

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/agri-picks-report-january-02-2025-geojit-financial-services-12901949.html

Agri Picks Report January 02 2025: Geojit Financial Services

commodities.

Geojit Financial Services's report on Daily Agri Picks The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 (Apr-Mar), with an overall outlay of INR 695.15 billion from FY22 to FY26, the government said in a release. The decision will help in risk coverage of crops from non-preventable natural calamities for farmers across the country till FY26. Farmers in Maharashtra have sown rabi crops over 5.8 million hectares as of Monday, up 21.6% on year from 4.7 million hectares in the same period last year, according to a report released by the state agriculture department. Chana acreage in the state so far rose 16% on year to 2.6 million hectares from 2.2 million hectares last year. The total area sown under all pulses in the state was 2.7 million hectares, up from 2.3 million hectares a year ago, according to the report. Chana accounted for 45.3% of the total rabi acreage in the state so far. Rabi crops are sown after the southwest monsoon and harvested between January and April in the state. Besides chana, the major rabi crops grown in the state are wheat, jowar, barley, oats, chana, mustard, and peas. The state has achieved 106.6% of its normal acreage of 5.4 million hectares. The acreage under jowar as of Monday rose to 1.5 million hectares from 1.3 million hectares last year, the report showed. The area sown under wheat also rose to 1.1 million hectares from 747,140 hectares a year ago. Similarly, the acreage under maize was 408,659 hectares, up from 256,419 hectares last year.The area sown under all oilseeds so far was 53,610 hectares, up from 52,668 hectares a year ago. Under oilseeds, the acreage under safflower fell to 31,268 hectares from 36,993 hectares last year, according to the report. The water level in dams across Maharashtra was 77.7% of the live storage capacity as of Tuesday, compared with 61.9% a year ago, according to data from the state water resources department. For all commodities report,click here 02012025 - co

2025-01-02 11:20

2025-01-02

11:20

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/goa-carbon-shares-rise-6-as-company-resumes-operations-at-bilaspur-12901904.html

Goa Carbon shares rise 6% as company resumes operations at Bilaspur unit

Goa Carbon Ltd. saw increase in its share price after the company announced the resumption of operations at one of its key production facilities.Related stories.

Goa Carbon Ltd.stock gained on January 2 after the company announced the resumption of operations at one of its key production facilities - Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. As of 10:35 AM, Jan 2, the company's stock had risen by 6.73 percent, trading at Rs 743, up by Rs 46.85. According to an exchange filing, the company's operations resumed on January 1, 2025, stating, "The kiln has been lit, and production has returned to normal from today." Follow for more live updates As of the end of the September quarter, the promoters of Goa Carbon held a 59.72 percent stake in the company. Small shareholders, those holding up to Rs 2 lakh in authorised share capital, own about one-third of the company. Notably, domestic mutual funds and foreign institutional investors did not have significant holdings in Goa Carbon during this period. The company’s products are essential for industries involved in aluminium smelting, graphite electrode production, and the manufacturing of titanium dioxide. These products are also used in metallurgical and chemical processes. Goa Carbon operates three manufacturing units across the country, with the Bilaspur unit being the smallest. This facility has a licensed capacity of 40,000 TPA (tonnes per annum) of Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC). The other two plants, located in Goa and Paradeep (Odisha), have significantly larger capacities, at 1,00,000 TPA and 1,68,000 TPA, respectively. During Q2FY 2025, Goa Carbon reported a net loss of Rs 10.12 crore, compared to a net profit of Rs 28.96 crore in Q2 FY 2024. Revenue from operations declined by 45.82 percent year-on-year to Rs 122.51 crore in Q2 FY25. As observed by CNBC-TV 18, the stock has shown consistent positive returns over the past five years, including a 20 percent gain in 2024.

2025-01-02 11:15

2025-01-02

11:15

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/flights-delayed-as-dense-fog-drapes-bengaluru-airport-lowers-visibility-12901929.html

Flights delayed as dense fog drapes Bengaluru airport, lowers visibility

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) officials said that flight operations were impacted by visibility as low as 50 meters between 5:19 am and 7:40am..

As many as eight flights were delayed at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Thursday morning because of poor visibility caused by dense fog. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) officials said that flight operations were impacted by visibility as low as 50 meters between 5:19 am and 7:40am. "Eight flights were delayed by more than 15 minutes, including two international flights to Phuket and Dubai," said a BIAL spokesperson. Domestic flights to Chennai, Goa, Pune, and Nagpur were also delayed. In December 2020, KIA's south runway was upgraded to support CAT-IIIB operations, a navigation system enabling aircraft to land in low-visibility conditions. However, the north runway remains a CAT-I runway, with upgrade work on.

2025-01-02 11:15

2025-01-02

11:15

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/budget/union-budget-2025-electronics-industry-seeks-zero-tariff-on-pcbas-camera-modules-connectors-article-12901910.html

Union Budget 2025: Electronics industry seeks zero tariff on PCBAs, camera modules, connectors

electronics.Related stories.

Handset makers and electronic gadget companies have urged the finance ministry to simplify the import tariff structure in the Union Budget for 2025-26 by bring the levy on parts, inputs, and sub-parts of sub-assemblies or components such as PCBAs, FPCs, camera modules, and connectors down to zero from 2.5 percent. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) stated that high tariffs on sub-assemblies and their components significantly increase the manufacturing costs, hindering India’s global competitiveness. The ICEA stressed on the need for a zero-tariff structure to bolster the sector. “India’s current tariff regime is among the most complex globally, with multiple rates (0 percent, 2.5 percent, 5 percent, 7.5 percent, 10 percent, and 15 percent, plus surcharges). This complexity, especially in sub-assemblies and components, impacts global competitiveness and export potential,” said ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo. “We are confident that these measures will simplify the duty structure, enhance competitiveness, and drive investments, contributing to India’s journey towards becoming a global electronics manufacturing leader.” In a recent letter, the ICEA shared its recommendations with Sanjay Malhotra, revenue secretary to the ministry of finance.Moneycontrolreviewed a copy of the letter. The association also urged the ministry to categorise FPCBAs under a new HSN Code at 10 percent duty. FPCBAs are now classified as PCBAs, though their functionality is more aligned with connectors. To support domestic television manufacturing, the ICEA recommended reducing the duty on sub-assembly inputs for open cells to 0 percent. It said the current 2.5 percent tariff on inputs affects the competitive edge and discourages local production due to an insufficient differential duty. The ICEA also sought rationalisation of duties on components for hearable or audio devices to support the emerging domestic industry. “The ICEA recommends retaining the existing duty rate on all components and inputs used in hearables and deferring the duty increase outlined in the 2025-26 PMP, as the domestic industry is still in its growth phase,” the association stated. This measure would provide the necessary time for domestic production to scale up and for the supply chain to mature. Mohindroo said it would also help reduce costs and address rapid technological advancements and frequent product modifications. The association further highlighted the need to address inverted and convoluted duties on inductor coil modules, stating that the current structure increases costs, complicates customs processes, and causes clearance delays, ultimately impacting the supply chain efficiency. The body also suggested easing the levy on car display inputs from 15 percent to zero. This, and similar duties on parts like BLUs, cover glass, and open cells, create an inverted and convoluted duty structure, reducing cost-effectiveness. “Display manufacturing is similar across segments. To encourage and build scale for display assembly manufacturing in India, all inputs for display assembly, irrespective of the end use, should be at zero duty to align with the duty structure of mobile phone displays,” the ICEA said.

2025-01-02 11:07

2025-01-02

11:07

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/cybertruck-blast-tesla-chief-elon-musk-says-bomb-placed-inside-caused-explosion-12901872.html

Cybertruck blast: Tesla chief Elon Musk says 'bomb' placed inside caused explosion

Earlier, on Wednesday, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, killing one person and injuring seven others.Related stories.

Tesla chief Elon Musk on January 2 said the blast of a Cybertruck in Las Vegas was 'not related' to the vehicle and a 'bomb' or 'fireworks' placed inside was responsible for the explosion. “We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion,” the billionaire said in a post on X.We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.https://t.co/HRjb87YbaJElon Musk (@elonmusk)January 1, 2025 Musk alsotermed the incident as a “likely act of terror”. Earlier, on Wednesday, the Tesla Cybertruck blew up in flames outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, killing one person and injuring seven, and the FBI was investigating whether the blast was an act of terrorism, officials said. Videos taken by witnesses inside and outside the hotel showed the vehicle exploding and flames pouring out of it, as it sat just outside the hotel. The incident occurred just hours after a man drove a truck into crowds of New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans, killing 15. The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is part of the Trump Organization, the company of President-elect Donald Trump, who will return to the White House on January 20. Soon after the incident, Musk said Tesla’s senior team was investigating the blast, saying “We’ve never seen anything like this”. With agency inputs

2025-01-02 11:04

2025-01-02

11:04

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/ssmb29-launch-mahesh-babu-ss-rajamouli-movie-begins-with-pooja-ceremony-article-12901877.html

SSMB29 launch: Mahesh Babu, SS Rajamouli movie begins with pooja ceremony

SSMB29 launch: Mahesh Babu, SS Rajamouli movie begins with pooja ceremony.Related stories.

The buzz around the much-awaited film SSMB29, directed by SS Rajamouli and starring superstar Mahesh Babu, has been gaining momentum over the past few days. Fans and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting any updates about the project, which is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases in Indian cinema. As the much-anticipated film is set to be launched today, its lead actor Mahesh Babu arrived in Hyderabad to kick off the project. The launch will begin with a simple pooja ceremony, marking the start of the filmmaking process. The event is expected to be a low-key affair, with the focus on seeking blessings for the film’s success. Fans are eagerly anticipating updates as the project, directed by SS Rajamouli, begins its journey, signaling the start of what is likely to be another landmark in Indian cinema. Mahesh Babu was spotted arriving at the venue in his sleek Range Rover, adding a touch of glamour to the low-key event as he prepared to launch the much-awaited film. His presence marked the beginning of the film’s exciting journey, further fueling the anticipation surrounding the project.#MaheshBabuon the way for the Pooja Ceremony of#SSRMB#SSMB29pic.twitter.com/CBf3O0GLyYGulte (@GulteOfficial)January 2, 2025 As per reports, alongside Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumar will also be playing pivotal roles in the film. With SSMB29, Priyanka Chopra will make a comeback in Indian cinema after six-years. According to latest reports, Rajamouli is still working on the film’s pre-production, and the film may commence it’s regular shooting later. KL Narayana is producing the film. Rajamouli’s recent location scouting trips to Borra Caves in Araku and Amboseli National Park in Kenya suggest that he’s seeking fresh, unexplored settings for his next film. His interest in the mysterious Borra Caves particularly piques curiosity about the story. Rajamouli’s meticulous creative vision promises to deliver an extraordinary cinematic experience. The film’s script is penned by veteran writer-director Vijayendra Prasad, with MM Keeravaani composing the music.

2025-01-02 11:02

2025-01-02

11:02

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/manufacturing-pmi-slips-to-a-12-month-low-of-56-4-in-dec-12901901.html

Manufacturing PMI slips to a 12-month low of 56.4 in Dec

Manufacturing activity declines in December.Related stories.

India’s manufacturing activity closed the year at a 12-month low of 56.4 in December compared with 56.5 a month back, according to a private sector survey released on January 2. December marks the second consecutive month of decline in activity. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index had declined in November from a reading of 57.5 in the previous month. The index, however, averaged over 57.5 in 2024, compared with 56.8 in the previous year. "India’s manufacturing activity ended a strong 2024 with a soft note amidst more signs of a slowing trend, albeit moderate, in the industrial sector," said Ines Lam, economist, HSBC. The pace of growth of new orders was the slowest in a year, but there was some positive momentum on the export side. New export orders rose at the fastest pace since July, according to HSBC. Producers also breathed some relief on the inflation front, as input inflation declined from the previous month. However, charge inflation rose faster indicating better pricing power for firms. "Anecdotal evidence showed that demand resilience supported pricing power," HSBC stated in the release. There was some positive news on the employment front as well, as job creation reached its fastest pace in four months. "Around one-in-ten companies recruited extra staff, while fewer than 2 percent of firms shed jobs," HSBC stated. Outlook for the coming year was also stronger, but there were concerns around rising competition and higher inflation. India's inflation has surprised on the upside, with food inflation showing no signs of cooling off. Vegetable and pulses inflation has remained high throughout the year. India's inflation eased slightly in November, but remained above 5 percent for yet another month. "Optimism reflected advertising, investment and expectation of favourable demand. Sentiment was nevertheless curbed by concerns around inflation and competitive pressures," according to HSBC's survey of 400 manufacturers. The Indian economy slumped in the second quarter, with growth slipping to a seven-quarter low of 5.4 percent. Manufacturing prospects don't look good with yet another decline in manufacturing PMI. The PMI reading at 56.8 for the quarter was lower than 57.4 witnessed in the July-September quarter. India's manufacturing growth had declined to 2.2 percent in Q2FY25 compared with 7 percent in the first quarter of the year.

2025-01-02 10:59

2025-01-02

10:59

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/stock-market-holidays-2025-list-dates-when-nse-and-bse-will-remain-shut-check-trading-holiday-calendar-12901880.html

Stock Market Holidays 2025 List: Dates when NSE and BSE will remain shut – Check trading holiday calendar

Check full list of BSE, NSE holidays in 2025.

While major stock markets around the world observed a holiday on New Year’s Day, with no trading on January 1, 2025, the Indian stock markets remained open as usual on Wednesday. The Indian stock markets – the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) – will observe their first holiday of 2025 on February 26, for the occasion of Mahashivratri. According to the official holiday calendar released by the BSE and NSE, the stock markets will remain closed on 14 days this year. These include major religious festivals such as Eid, Diwali, and Christmas, as well as national holidays such as Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti. As financial markets gear up for a better run in 2025, here’s the complete list of BSE and NSE holidays:MahashivratriFebruary 26,2025WednesdayHoliMarch 14, 2025FridayId-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id)March 31,2025MondayShri Mahavir JayantiApril 10,2025ThursdayDr.Baba Saheb Ambedkar JayantiApril 14,2025MondayGood FridayApril 18,2025FridayMaharashtra DayMay 01,2025ThursdayIndependence DayAugust 15,2025FridayGanesh ChaturthiAugust 27,2025WednesdayMahatma Gandhi Jayanti/DussehraOctober 02,2025ThursdayDiwali * Laxmi PujanOctober 21,2025TuesdayDiwali BalipratipadaOctober 22,2025WednesdayPrakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak DevNovember 05,2025WednesdayChristmasDecember 25,2025ThursdayWhen is Muhurat trading this year? In 2025, the festival of Deepawali will be celebrated on October 21. As per the NSE, the schedule of 'muhurat trading' on Laxmi Pujan will be announced via a separate circular in October. Which trading holidays are falling on Saturdays and Sundays? The current holiday calendar includes only 14 non-trading days, as four gazetted holidays fall on either a Saturday or Sunday. In India, stock markets do not operate on weekends. The four holidays falling on weekends are as follows:Republic Day26-Jan-2025SundayShri Ram Navami06-Apr-2025SundayBakri Id07-Jun-2025SaturdayMuharram06-Jul-2025SundayThis year, April and October will have the most stock market holidays, with three trading holidays each. In April, the stock markets will remain closed on April 10 (Mahavir Jayanti), April 14 (Ambedkar Jayanti), and April 18 (Good Friday). In October, the stock markets will be closed on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra), October 21 (Deepawali), and October 22 (Diwali Balipratipada).

2025-01-02 10:54

2025-01-02

10:54

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/csb-bank-shares-3-higher-on-strong-deposit-growth-healthy-gold-loan-book-12901911.html

CSB Bank shares 3% higher on strong deposit growth, healthy gold loan book

Shares of CSB Bank are higher by more than 3% on January 2, after the lender posted strong deposit growth with healthy advances against gold jewellery for the December quarter. The business update shared by CSB Bank on January 1 showed that the total deposits grew by 22.17% on year to Rs 33,406 crore during Q3FY25, and advances against gold and gold jewellery rose by 36.28% YoY to Rs 13,018 crore. Gross advances reported by the bank were at Rs 28,914 crore, higher by 26.45% on year. CSB Bank is one of the oldest private sector lenders in India with an existence of over 100 years. This is being updated.

2025-01-02 10:53

2025-01-02

10:53

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/apple-may-rename-its-most-affordable-iphone-in-2025-article-12901918.html

Apple may rename its most affordable iPhone in 2025

iPhone se.

Apple is rumored to launch the successor to the iPhone SE 2022 in 2025, but this time, the device might not bear the expected name, "iPhone SE 4." Instead, reports suggest that Apple could introduce it as the "iPhone 16E." While the accuracy of these claims remains uncertain, it appears Apple may adopt the "16E" moniker to align the new phone with the iPhone 16 series. The name game of Apple’s most affordable iPhone Tipster Majin Bu has made the claim on Twitter aka X, that the iPhone SE will no longer be known as the SE but iPhone 16E. “Based on what my source has reported, it seems that the new iPhone that Apple will unveil in 2025 will not be called iPhone SE4, but iPhone 16E. It should feature a design similar to the iPhone 14, with an OLED display and an action button. The available colors will be white and black.” he tweeted. Similar pieces of news were shared by a Japanese website as well as by a Chinese leaker. iPhone SE expected specs and design The upcoming iPhone SE 4, rumored to be called the iPhone 16e, is expected to bring significant upgrades compared to its predecessors. Ditching the older iPhone 8-style design, it may adopt a look similar to the iPhone XR or iPhone 12, with a 6.06-inch OLED display replacing the smaller 4.7-inch LCD. This change promises better visuals and a more modern user experience. A major shift is the replacement of the Touch ID home button with Face ID, allowing for slimmer bezels and aligning the design with Apple’s latest trends. The iPhone 16e is said to match the screen size and full-screen design of the standard iPhone 16, giving Apple’s lineup a more cohesive look. Performance-wise, the device will reportedly feature the A18 chipset and 8GB of RAM—doubling the memory of previous models—for smoother multitasking and support for advanced AI and machine learning features. With 128GB of storage, it will offer ample space for everyday needs. The camera system also sees a big upgrade with a 48-megapixel rear camera.Positioned as a budget-friendly option, the iPhone 16e combines premium features with affordability.

2025-01-02 10:52

2025-01-02

10:52

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/maruti-suzuki-shares-extend-gains-for-2nd-day-on-bullish-management-commentary-post-december-car-sales-12901916.html

Maruti Suzuki shares extend gains for 2nd day on bullish management commentary post-December car sales

Maruti Suzuki shares extend gains for 2nd day on bullish management commentary post-December car sales.Related stories.

Shares of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSI) extended their gains for second straight day on January 2 on bullish management commentary on the strong car sales seen in December. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer - Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited told CNBC-TV18 that dealer network stock is for just nine days and that the auto major has over 2 lakh pending bookings. "All product segments fired on all cylinders in December, monthly household incomes are not increasing in-line with vehicle costs," said Banerjee. "Dealer network stock is for just nine days, with over 2 lakh pending bookings. Maruti will unveil plans for a complete electric vehicle ecosystem at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo," added Banerjee. He further said that the company will stay technology agnostic to maintain market share. At 10:45 am on January 2, Maruti Suzuki shares were trading 3% higher at Rs 11,545 apiece. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd on January 1 reported 30% rise in total wholesales at 1,78,248 units in December 2024 as compared to 1,37,551 units in the same month a year ago. Overall domestic sales, including that of light commercial vehicles and supplies to Toyota Kirloskar Motor, were at 1,32,523 units last month as against 1,06,492 units in December 2023, up 24.44%, MSI said in a regulatory filing. Total domestic passenger vehicle (PV) sales were at 1,30,117 units in December 2024 as compared to 1,04,778 units in the same month a year ago, up 24.18%, it added. MSI said its exports in December were higher at 37,419 units as compared to 26,884 units in the same month a year ago.

2025-01-02 10:49

2025-01-02

10:49

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/petronet-lng-shares-down-5-as-citi-note-mentions-critical-view-by-pngrb-on-tariffs-12901893.html

Petronet LNG shares down 5% as Citi mentions critical view by PNGRB on regasification tariff

The regulator said Petronet LNG has been 'profiting immensely' by escalating tariff for regassification at its Dahej terminal every year, and not passing on the benefits of capacity expansion and better utilisation..Related stories.

Shares of Petronet LNG are lower by more than 5% in early trading on January 2, weighed down by critical comments by natural gas regulator PNGRB regarding tariffs, and a note by Citi that has put the stock under a 90-day negative watch. Natural gas regulator PNGRB has said that the company seems to have made profit at the cost of gas consumers, and is seeking a framework to bring the regasification activities under its purview. The regulator saidPetronet LNGhas been 'profiting immensely' by escalating tariff for regasification at its Dahej terminal every year, and not passing on the benefits of capacity expansion and better utilisation. "Rising charges while capacities have increased along with over 90% capacity utilisation has led to the company (Petronet LNG) being able to profit immensely at the cost of gas consumers," PNGRB said in a recent paper. "As new terminals are established nationwide, they follow the same tariff basis as Dahej, which needs reconsideration," PNGRB added. The regulator is of the view that the need to bring regasification activities under its purview will ensure fair pricing and efficient utilisation of LNG's import infrastructure. The process of regasification is used to convert liquefied natural gas (LNG) back into natural gas. Read More:Petronet LNG Q2 Net Profit rises 4% on year to Rs 849 crore The comments are being seen as an element of uncertainty, or risk to the pricing power of the company that it has historically enjoyed. Citi has maintained a Sell on the stock with a target price of Rs 310 per share, with a view that the latest PNGRB observation is a meaningful regulatory risk for the company. Read More:Petronet LNG - Why investors should book profit PNGRB in the paper noted that despite expanding capacity at Dahej terminal, Petronet LNG's re-gasification charges too have escalated every year, now at an enhanced level for the entire capacity. Petronet LNG has two regasification terminals, the bigger one at Dahej, Gujarat and other at Kochi, Kerala. Shares of Petronet LNG were higher by 45% in 2024, and have a market capitalisation of over Rs 49,000 crore. The company trades at 13 times its estimated earnings per share for the coming year, and 14 times the trailing EPS. The stock is priced at 2.9 times book value, as per Bloomberg data.

2025-01-02 10:33

2025-01-02

10:33

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/aye-finance-secures-rs-110-cr-debt-nears-deal-with-goldman-sachs-ahead-of-ipo-12901860.html

Aye Finance secures Rs 110-cr debt, nears deal with Goldman Sachs ahead of IPO

Representative image.Related stories.

IPO-bound SME lender Aye Finance has raised Rs 110 crore indebtfrom Northern Arc, ASK Financial, MAS Financial, and CredAvenue, to fuel its NBFC operations. The A91 Partners and Google’s CapitalG-backed company is also in the final stages of closing another deal with Goldman Sachs (India) Finance, the non-bank finance arm of Goldman Sachs in India, for raising an additional debt. This follows a similar debt deal with the global investment firm in August 2024, in which Aye closed a Rs 212-crore business loan securitisation transaction. The company did not respond toMoneycontrolqueries seeking comment on the development. The latest debt was raised through a private placement of 11,000 Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs), each of Rs 1 lakh, according to company filings seen byMoneycontrol. Investors in the deal included Northern Arc Capital, ASK Financial Holdings, MAS Financial Services, and CredAvenue. The Gurugram-based MSME lender looks to hit the primary market soon to raise Rs 1,450 crore from the initial share sale,Moneycontrolreportedexclusively. The public issue will consist of fresh shares of Rs 885 crore, and an offer-for-sale of Rs 565-crore shares by existing shareholders, according to draft IPO papers filed on December 16. Alphabet, Elevation Capital, LGT-backed Aye Finance plans to float Rs 1,450-crore IPO, files draft papers with Sebi A91 Partners, CapitalG and Alpha Wave will sell their stakes through the public issue. Other selling shareholders include LGT Capital, MAJ Invest Financial, Harleen Kaur Jetley and Vikram Jetley. Elevation Capital V (formerly, SAIF Partners India V) is the largest shareholder in Aye Finance, with a 16.19 percent stake, followed by LGT Capital Invest Mauritius with 14.13 percent and Alpha Wave India with 11.21 percent. Axis Capital, IIFL Capital Services, JM Financial, and Nuvama Wealth Management are appointed as the book-running lead managers for the issue. The firm, which competes with listed peers like SBFC Finance and Five-Star Business Finance, recorded a 291.5 percent growth in profit for fiscal 2024 at Rs 171.7 crore, up significantly from Rs 43.8 crore in the previous fiscal. Net interest income grew by 68.8 percent to Rs 622.2 crore, compared to Rs 368.5 crore a year back. Disbursement an expense, collection is revenue: Fintech founders decode realities of SME lending Founded in 2014, Aye Finance primarily lends to micro-businesses like kiranas/general stores, dairies, manufacturers, and traders with an annual turnover of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore. With an average ticket size of Rs 1-1.5 lakh, hypothecation loans and quasi-mortgage loans comprised 92 percent of the AUM as of June 30, 2024.

2025-01-02 10:24

2025-01-02

10:24

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/india-is-shooting-itself-in-the-foot-on-trade-again-12901868.html

India is shooting itself in the foot on trade — again

The government knows that creating new jobs, particularly in manufacturing, must be its priority..Related stories.

President-elect Donald Trump hasrenewedhis threat to impose a tariff wall on Indian imports to the US. One of the few recognizable threads knitting together the tangle that is Trump’s long tenure in public life is a disdain for “unfair” tariffs. India is often singled out for failing to reciprocate America’s generally low import taxes. If India charges us 100 per cent tariffs, Trump asked, do we charge them nothing for the same goods? Trump was, however, barking up the wrong tree. The real problem with India’s trade policy lies in a seemingly innocent administrative procedure that doesn’t sound half as dangerous as tariffs. Most people operating in India today don’t complain about import taxes so much as they do about non-tariff barriers to trade. In particular, companies are flummoxed by a new weapon in the bureaucrats’ arsenal they call “Quality Control Orders.” QCOs are apparently innocuous demands that imports into India satisfy quality standards. In practice, however, they have become over the past two years an instrument to restrict imports and minimize competition. India’s commerce ministersaidin October that more than 700 have already been issued; he’saimingfor 2,500. They cover multiple goods — shoes, toys, steel, honey, chemicals. In private, officials say that something of the sort is vital to protect consumers from low-quality Chinese imports. In practice, however, the QCOs actually target imports from everyone else as well. And they are completely unpredictable: Companies complain that new varieties and specifications are often arbitrarily added to the list. Nor are the certifying authorities — usually the sleepy Bureau of Indian Standards — in any way ready to deal with a deluge of applications from domestic and foreign companies. They simply don’t have the capacity to keep up. If India actually wanted to protect consumers, then it would — like many other nations — simply exempt goods from this requirement that had cleared regulatory and quality barriers in tightly monitored markets such as the European Union. It would be hard for any official to claim with a straight face that India has higher and more rigorously applied standards than the EU. The absence of exemptions of this sort reveals that the real aim of QCOs is to control imports without doing anything as provocative (to Trump and others) as raising tariffs. Indian officials should know better. This country has had decades of experience with such import restrictions before liberalization took hold three decades ago. The inevitable consequences include inflation, the growth of monopolies, failing small businesses, and a collapse in productivity and competitiveness. Domestic industries are already beginning to point this out.Garment makers, for example, may be forced to use only local sources for their raw yarn or the chemicals with which they treat it. In effect, that would give some companies a monopoly and allow them to raise input prices limitlessly. The costs of complying with a QCO are so high, other sectors worry, that only the largest companies will be able to use imported goods in their value chain. And yet others point out that their supply chain has now been fragmented — engineering goods exporters,for example, no longer know whether the specialty steels they might need will be imported or held at the border for failing to comply with QCOs. “Thousands of containers” of imported steel, some from China, are stuck at Indian ports — each one representing a contract that a local manufacturer has failed to fulfil. QCOs are a classic example of an Indian specialty: self-harming policy, often produced with the best of intentions. The government knows that creating new jobs, particularly in manufacturing, must be its priority. That means nurturing small companies in the sectors that create a lot of jobs for every rupee spent. But the policies it chooses instead hurt labour-intensive sectors like garment and leather to protect big, capital-intensive firms such as steelmakers. Officials state that they know most new Indian jobs are created in petite firms; but they put into place policy that hurt them in order to protect larger ones. And finally, they wind up causing companies to limit their ambitions, and thus the size of their factories, to match the Indian market and not the entire world — after all, who can risk signing an export deal when the imports you need to fulfil that contract might get held up by some officious port administrator? Donald Trump needn’t worry that India’s trade policies are designed to benefit New Delhi at the expense of others. In fact, they’re set up to hurt us most of all. Credit: Bloomberg

2025-01-02 10:21

2025-01-02

10:21

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/kotak-mahindra-bank-shares-gain-as-citi-research-upgrades-to-buy-sees-16-upside-12901842.html

Kotak Mahindra Bank shares gain as Citi Research upgrades to 'buy', sees 16% upside

Kotak Bank shares have traded flat on the bourses, slipping around 2 percent over the past 12 months..Related stories.

Private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. shares emerged in the top gainers on the Nifty 50 pack in trade, after receiving an upgrade from international brokerage Citi Research on January 2. Citi Research upgradedKotak Mahindra Bankto a 'buy', with a target price of Rs 2,070 per share, indicating an upside of nearly 16 percent from the previous session's closing price. According to the brokerage, Kotak Bank's strong loan growth momentum will continue to grow. The bank's personal loan segment is expected to gather pace, supported by improved delinquency trends, signaling healthier asset quality. Credit cost expectations, which have already factored in higher levels, remain a point of focus. Citi also notes a tweak in the bank's medium-term growth outlook, emphasizing its relatively low beta as a stable investment characteristic. A significant trigger for the bank's future performance would be the lifting of regulatory restrictions, which could unlock further growth opportunities. In 2024, the Reserve Bank of India barred the private lender from onboarding new customers through its online and mobile banking channels and issuing fresh credit cards as deficiencies in the areas of IT inventory management was found. Follow our market blog to catch all the live updates In November 2024, the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) approved for the bank to acquire the unsecured personal loans portfolio of Standard Chartered Bank's India unit. Kotak Mahindra Bank had initially announced this acquisition in October, agreeing to purchase Standard Chartered's India personal loan book for Rs 4,100 crore. This move is part of Kotak's strategy to bolster its presence in the retail credit market and drive customer-centric growth. The acquisition will help the bank scale up its operations and increase its focus on the affluent salaried segment of customers.

2025-01-02 10:07

2025-01-02

10:07

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/ipo/anya-polytech-fertilizers-share-price-stock-lists-at-22pc-premium-over-ipo-price-on-nse-sme-12901858.html

Anya Polytech & Fertilizers shares list at 22% premium over IPO price on NSE Emerge

Anya Polytech & Fertilizers shares listed on NSE Emerge platform on January 2..Related stories.

Anya Polytech & Fertilizers shares listed with a premium of 22 percent on the NSE Emerge platform on January 2, following a bumper subscription to its Rs 44.80 crore SME issue. The stock ofAnya Polytech & Fertilizers, manufacturer of HDPE & PP bags and zinc sulphate fertilizers, listed at Rs 17.10 per share on the NSE Emerge over its IPO price of Rs 14, a premium of 22.14 percent. The company's market valuation post listing of shares stood at Rs 205.20 crore. Check All IPO NewsHere The IPO was priced in the range of Rs 13-14 per share with a lot size of 10,000 shares. The issue was subscribed over 400 times in the primary market. The company, which also manufactures micronutrient mixture and trades in the single super phosphate, raised Rs 12.74 crore through its anchor book on December 24. Uttar Pradesh-based Anya Polytech plans to utilise IPO proceeds for capital expenditure & working capital requirements. Further, the some funds will also be used for setting-up 1 x 2 TPH biofuel pellet plant by Yara Green Energy, and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

2025-01-02 10:05

2025-01-02

10:05

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/short-call-markets-set-for-a-slow-start-in-2025-amid-global-uncertainty-m-m-paytm-in-focus-12901891.html

Short call | Markets set for a slow start in 2025 amid global uncertainty; M&M, Paytm in focus

Short call weaves niche topics on Indian markets and trading strategy.Related stories.

2024 was like riding a rollercoaster: smooth sailing in the first half, then a sudden drop in the second. The year kicked off with solid returns, but by the second half, the major indices barely budged. Large-cap indices gave moderate returns, while mid- and small-caps had a much more exciting ride with solid gains. Healthcare and realty stole the show, while banks and consumer staples fumbled. Automobiles were cruising ahead in H1, but then hit a speed bump, losing much of their momentum in H2. IT stocks had a similar plot twist: a slow start, but a strong comeback in the second half. But, let’s not sugarcoat it—when you factor in inflation and the depreciation of the rupee, the overall returns were rather "meh." Looking ahead to 2025, it might feel like deja vu from the latter half of 2024. The market will likely wander aimlessly until there's more clarity on some big issues. And guess what? We have got a list of challenges: expensive valuations, rising earnings expectations that might not live up to the hype, and sluggish consumption demand. Throw in the uncertainty of the new US administration’s policies and rising geopolitical tensions, and you have got a recipe for a bumpy ride ahead. The behavior of domestic investors will be especially intriguing—will they stay in the market or hit the brakes when things get rocky? And with the 2026 budget on the horizon, it’s like waiting for a big reveal that could set the tone for the next chapter. Mahindra & Mahindra (Rs 3,082, +2.5%) Stock rose after company posted high teens growth in December. Bull Case: Nuvama expects PV growth to be in double digits, driven by M&M. Positive customer sentiment and a favourable base should aid tractor sales, further aiding growth. Bear Case: While pricing of XEV 9E is aggressive, YES Securities believe there can be cannibalisation to company’s existing product portfolio. The BE 6e is designed to rival Tata Curvv, MG ZS, and MG Windsor while XEV 9e to rival yet to be launched Tata Harrier EV and Sierra EV. One 97 Communications (Rs 986, -3%) NPCI extends deadline to implement transaction volume cap on UPI volumes Bull case: Paytm could benefit from the extended UPI transaction volume cap deadline, giving it more time to scale and adapt its offerings. With its strong brand recognition, expanding ecosystem, and growing customer base, Paytm remains a significant player in India's digital payments space. Bear case: The extended deadline for the UPI volume cap may benefit the market leaders, PhonePe and Google Pay, further solidifying their dominance in the payments space. Paytm could struggle to keep up, facing slower growth and increasing pressure on its market share. (with input from Vaibhavi)

2025-01-02 10:04

2025-01-02

10:04

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/garena-free-fire-max-redeem-codes-for-january-2-2024-win-exciting-rewards-daily-like-cool-skins-diamonds-and-more-article-12901882.html

Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for January 2, 2024: Win exciting rewards daily like cool skins, diamonds, and more

Garena Free Fire Max.Related stories.

The developer, 111 Dots Studio, has just released a fresh set of redeem codes for Garena Free Fire MAX today, Thursday, January 2, 2024. Players looking to unlock exclusive items can now claim these codes. Remember, these codes are redeemable only on the official game website at reward.ff.garena.com. Be prepared with your login details to use the active codes and earn various rewards. The updated Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for today are now live on the official website for registered players to access easily. These codes typically go live after midnight on reward.ff.garena.com. Act swiftly to claim the active codes, as they come with an expiration time. Familiarise yourself with the game's guidelines to avoid any issues. Garena Free Fire MAX has gained popularity in India for offering registered players exclusive features and opportunities to win in-game items. The MAX version gained significant traction from players following the ban of PUBG Mobile. These in-game items can greatly assist players in advancing through levels and defeating enemies. Be sure to collect the free weapons by claiming the active codes daily to enhance your gameplay experience. Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for today, January 2 FFPSTXV5FRDM: Pushpa Emote – Hargiz Jhukega Nahi Plus Gloo Wall – Fire Hai MainFFW4FST9FQY2: Bunny Warrior BundleFTY7FGN4XKHC: Legendary Frostfire Polar BundleVY2KFXT9FQNC: Golden Grace ShotgunXF4SWKCH6KY4: LOL EmoteYFW2Y7NQFV9S: Cobra MP40 Skin + 1450 TokensFFPSYKMXTP2H: Pushpa Bundle + Glue Wall SkinFY9MFW7KFSNN: Cobra BundleFW2KQX9MFFPS: Pushpa Voice PackFXK2NDY5QSMX: Yellow Poker MP40 Flashing Spade Garena Free Fire Max January 2: How to redeem codes Step 1: Visit redemption website by clicking - https://reward.ff.garena.com/ Step 2: Login using credentials from one of the platforms like Google, Facebook, Huawei ID, X, Apple ID, or VK. Step 3: Once you log in, you will be directed to a page where you can input the 12-digit redemption codes. Step 4: On successfully redeeming the codes, you can collect your rewards from the in-game mail section.

2025-01-02 09:52

2025-01-02

09:52

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/clsa-downgrades-wipro-to-hold-following-recent-outperformance-cuts-target-to-rs-303-12901866.html

CLSA downgrades Wipro to 'hold' following recent outperformance, cuts target to Rs 303

Wipro shares have rallied 17 percent since July 1, 2024, after CLSA gave the stock a double-upgrade..Related stories.

Information technology giant Wipro Ltd. shares tumbled over one percent in the opening trades on January 2, after the IT player received a rating downgrade from international brokerage CLSA. Hong Kong-based CLSA downgraded Wipro shares to 'hold', cutting the target price to Rs 303 per share. The stock has been downgraded following its recent outperformance, said the brokerage. CLSA expects Wipro to remain a laggard with flat CC growth on a sequential basis in Q3. Further, in 2024, Wipro saw earnings downgrades of one percent, while the PE rerated from 19.7x to 24.4x. The next leg of rerating for Wipro can only be achieved if it starts growing in-line with its IT peers, added the brokerage. At 9.45 am,Wiproshares were trading at Rs 300.85 on the NSE, up 0.2 percent after trimming its morning losses. Follow our market blog to catch all the live updates CLSA had given Wipro shares a double-upgrade on July 1, 2024, with the rating revised from 'Underperform' to 'Outperform' and the target price raised to Rs 607 from Rs 431 per share. Wipro shares have rallied 17 percent since July 1, 2024. The brokerage firm anticipates no further adjustments to Wipro's FY25 guidance and said it has noted a stabilization in discretionary demand, which is helping the outlook. CLSA expects Wipro to provide Q2 constant currency revenue growth guidance in the range of 0-2 percent. In an exchange filing in June 2024, Wipro had said that a leading US communication services provider has awarded a contract to the company for managed services for some products and industry-specific solutions. The $500 million deal is expected to be spread over a period of five years. Wipro's announcement of a $500 million deal this quarter has also been received positively by CLSA.

2025-01-02 09:50

2025-01-02

09:50

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/sensex-nudges-higher-nifty-above-23-800-on-auto-banking-shares-broader-markets-quiet-12901847.html

Sensex nudges higher, Nifty above 23,800 on auto, banking shares; broader markets quiet

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finance, Tata Motors, Dr Reddy's, Shriram Finance and Maruti Suzuki were the top gainers on the Nifty..Related stories.

Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex are off to a decent start on the bourses on January 2, extending gains for a second session in a row, helped by gains in auto and bank stocks. Metal and realty stocks started off the trading session on a weak note. At about 9:30 am, the Sensex was up 252.00 points or 0.32 percent at 78,759.41, and the Nifty was up 77.35 points or 0.33 percent at 23,820.25. About 2012 shares advanced, 969 shares declined, and 130 shares unchanged. Follow our LIVE blog for all the latest market updates "We expect volatility to continue and then markets will take cues from the Q3 earnings and potential shifts in U.S. policies under the new president Donald Trump," Aishvarya Dadheech, Founder and CIO of Fident Asset Management said in a conversation with Moneycontrol. He added that macroeconomic indicators remain strong, valuations are largely attractive, and foreign inflows could stabilize. The analyst believes FIIs might resume buying in March or April if earnings show resilience. However, near-term risks include the rupee's performance against the dollar and potential earnings misses which could prolong foreign selling. On January 1 2025, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling as they sold equities worth Rs 1,782 crore on January 1, while domestic institutional bought equities worth Rs 1,690 crore on the same day. Also read:Retail Power: Retail holdings rise more than 10x over the last decade In today's session, Nifty Auto, FMCG and Infra index gained in the range of 0.5 percent. Auto stocks were buzzing in trade after multiple companies reported their December sales data. The likes of Tata Motors, M&M and Maruti Suzuki kept the index in the green. Meanwhile, the Consumer Durable, PSU Bank, and Metal index slipped in the red. The broader market, comprising small and midcap indexes traded flat. Dadheech is optimistic about mid-and small-cap stocks, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, real estate, and hospitals. "The broader market is expected to outperform large caps due to stronger earnings growth," he added. Among individual stocks, Tata Motors shares edged higher over a percent after it reported a marginal 1 percent year-on-year increase in total domestic sales for December, with 76,599 units sold compared to 76,138 units last year. Passenger vehicle sales, including electric vehicles, rose 1 percent to 44,289 units from 43,675 units. However, total commercial vehicle sales declined 1 percent to 33,875 units from 34,180 units in the same period. Read more:Kotak's Nilesh Shah sees many dark clouds that can impact growth in 2025, but suggests crucial reforms to grow double-digit Wipro shares slipped after CLSA downgraded Wipro to a 'hold' rating. The downgrade comes after the stock’s recent rally, with the brokerage expecting Wipro to remain a laggard due to flat constant currency QoQ growth in Q3. M&M shares extended gains after Citi maintained its 'buy' call, citing strong volume momentum throughout 2024. Domestic utility vehicle volumes benefited from new model launches, while tractor sales posted a robust 22 percent year-on-year growth. Citi sees another good harvest season as a potential positive driver for the stock and expects continued strength in tractor volumes. "The nifty advanced for a second day yesterday on better breadth but we have to take into account that this is a low liquidity period, so price moves in both directions can be exaggerated. That said, there is a very large cluster of resistance between 23,876 and 23,970 should the rebound continue - this is also where the 200-DMA sits," Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities said. "Short-term support has now moved higher into the 23,545 - 23,640 area, with a downside extension at 23,460. The regime though for now, is one of weakness unless bulls can reclaim 24,150 on a closing basis," he added. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finance, Tata Motors, Dr Reddy's, Shriram Finance and Maruti Suzuki were the top gainers on the Nifty. NTPC, HDFC Bank, Hero MotoCorp, and TCS were the major laggards.

2025-01-02 09:44

2025-01-02

09:44

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/wordle-january-2-2025-hints-and-answer-to-solve-today-s-puzzle-article-12901867.html

Wordle January 2, 2025: Hints and answer to solve today’s puzzle

Wordle.

Wordle, the popular word puzzle game, continues to challenge players with its daily five-letter word guessing game. Created by Josh Wardle, the game has captivated millions worldwide with its straightforward rules and engaging format. Players have six attempts to guess the day's word, receiving feedback through colour-coded tiles: green for correct letters in the right spot, yellow for correct letters in the wrong spot, and grey for letters not in the word. Wordle’s mix of logic and vocabulary offers daily fun, brain-teasing experience. For those struggling with today’s Wordle puzzle, we’ve covered you with hints and clues to guide you toward the solution. If you’re still stuck after that, we’ll reveal the answer as well. Hints and clues for Wordle January 2, 2025• Today’s word is a verb.• It contains two vowels.• The word starts with the letter ‘C’.• There are no repeating letters in today’s word.• The word means to select or pick. These hints should help narrow down the possibilities. If you’re still unsure, keep reading for the answer. Wordle January 2, 2025: AnswerThe Wordle answer for today is ‘CHOSE’. If you haven’t solved it yet, give it a try before the puzzle resets tomorrow. Remember, Wordle’s simplicity and charm lie in its ability to test your vocabulary and deduction skills daily. How Wordle worksWordle can be played via The New York Times’ website. Simply guess a five-letter word, and based on the feedback, refine your next attempts. The game tracks your streaks and win rates, making it even more rewarding to play daily. Wordle has inspired spin-offs like Dordle, Quordle, and Heardle, catering to different interests while maintaining its core puzzle-solving concept. While it’s primarily a web-based game, Wordle has become a global phenomenon, uniting players worldwide with its shared daily challenge.

2025-01-02 09:26

2025-01-02

09:26

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/bengaluru-metro-yellow-line-titagarh-to-dispatch-first-train-on-jan-6-says-tejasvi-surya-12901856.html

Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line: Titagarh to dispatch first train on Jan 6, says Tejasvi Surya

The 19-km-long Yellow Line was supposed to be operational in 2021.Related stories.

After missing multiple deadlines, Bengaluru Metro's long-awaited Yellow Line (RV Road-Bommasandra), which connects Electronics City—home to companies like Infosys and Biocon—is finally on track. "We now have the first train ready to be dispatched to Bengaluru on January 6. Titagarh Rail Systems has committed to delivering the second train by the end of January or the first week of February and the third in April. Thereafter, they will deliver one train per month and scale up to two trains per month by September," Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya said on January 2. "I have requested the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs to visit the manufacturing plant on January 6, flag off the trains to Bengaluru, and inspect the plant to help expedite the process. I will also be present in Kolkata for the event," Surya added. Also read:Prototype train for Bengaluru Metro's Purple Line shipped from China's CRRC He attributed the delay in the Yellow Line's operations primarily to the unavailability of trains. "The start of Namma Metro's Yellow Line operations has failed to meet the deadlines set by Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), causing frustration for all of us. Over the past few months, I have been consistently following up with the train manufacturers—Titagarh Rail Systems—to expedite production. Several roadblocks, including securing VISAs for engineers, were resolved. Titagarh even set up a dedicated line for manufacturing trains for BMRCL." Surya also urged BMRCL to work in parallel to obtain all necessary CMRS (Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety) approvals to avoid further delays. "Like all of you, I’m equally frustrated with the repeated delays in the start of the Yellow Line. I will do everything possible to get this project rolling soon. It won’t be long before the Yellow Line starts operating. That’s a promise," he said. BMRCL officials confirmed that operations will begin with three trains, running at a frequency of every 30 minutes. The frequency will improve as more trains are added every month. Also read:How a two-headed bird and Lalbagh glass house inspired Bengaluru Metro's driverless train design Titagarh Rail, which primarily manufactures aluminium coaches, is producing stainless-steel coaches for the first time. “The process is time-consuming, as Titagarh personnel, many of whom are new to metro car manufacturing, must meet CRRC's quality standards. Tasks such as welding, gluing, and crimping are being supervised by CRRC engineers,” a source said. The prototype of the first six-coach train for the Electronics City Metro was shipped from Shanghai on January 24, reached Bengaluru on February 14, and is undergoing trials. The 19-km Yellow Line, originally slated to open in December 2021, has faced repeated delays. Although civil works are complete, train procurement has hindered connectivity to Electronics City. Supply chain challenges, compliance with the ‘Make in India’ initiative’s 75 percent local production requirement, Covid-19 disruptions, FDI norms, and trade restrictions with China contributed to the delays. CRRC subsequently partnered with Titagarh Rail Systems to meet local manufacturing mandates. While prototypes for both Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) and Distance-to-Go (DTG) systems were made in China, the remaining 34 trainsets (14 CBTC and 20 DTG) are being manufactured in India. Also read:Major stations first: Bengaluru Metro scrambles with plan B for Electronics City line due to train crunch

2025-01-02 09:19

2025-01-02

09:19

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/attractive-valuations-stronger-earnings-could-see-large-caps-lead-charge-in-2025-says-canara-robeco-mf-12901849.html

Attractive valuations, stronger earnings could see large-caps lead charge in 2025, says Canara Robeco MF

Valuations are another critical factor favouring large caps, as per the fund house, which believes that after years of muted returns compared to mid- and small-cap stocks, the large-cap space is now positioned as an attractive option for investors..Related stories.

Large-cap stocks, which have seen a subdued performance in recent years, could lead the charge in 2025, according to a latest report by Canara Robeco Mutual Fund. The fund house attributes this to attractive valuations and potentially stronger corporate earnings. Why large caps? Despite continued challenges, the fund house believes that 2025 could be an opportunity for large caps. The report notes that while the Nifty 100 index, which tracks the performance of India’s largest companies by market capitalisation, has seen its share in the total market cap dip to near all-time lows, this  creates a substantial opportunity for mean reversion, where valuations return to their historical norms. What this means is that large caps, which are currently undervalued compared to broader indices like the Nifty 500, present an investment case for them to outperform other segments in 2025. These stocks are typically industry leaders and more resilient making them more capable of navigating global market volatility and capitalising on long-term economic trends, as per the report. Valuations are another critical factor favouring large caps, as per the fund house, which believes that after years of muted returns compared to mid- and small-cap stocks, the large-cap space is now positioned as an attractive option for investors. “The domestic large-cap universe currently stands near its 3-year historical average while being undervalued against the Nifty 500 broader market index. This may open an opportunity for the large-cap space to be favourable for the upcoming period as per our belief,” as per the report. The third major reason, according to the fund house is that large caps could gain from a potential revival in foreign institutional investment (FII). The report notes that while FIIs seemed to have favoured other markets like China in 2024, the relative undervaluation of Indian large caps and improving earnings could attract fresh inflows. “Given the historical relationship between the parameters examined, this implicit volatility might favour the large cap category in a subsequent year," the report suggests. 2024 - Challenges across segments The report highlights that the Indian stock markets faced challenges in 2024, including general elections, Union Budget, tepid corporate earnings, inflation, Reserve Bank of India's interest rate stance, and extreme weather conditions. Hence, according to their estimates, growth could weaken in 2025 owing to sticky inflation and delays in state investment, which leads to declining urban consumption. "After a near four-year bull run, Indian equities have begun to consolidate in the last three months as growth and urban demand have slowed. It’s natural for the markets to let off some steam after a significant bull run,” stated the report. Outlook for 2025 and sectoral view Overall, the report suggests that Indian economy remains robust among large markets, with a significant improvement in the Current Account Deficit (CAD), which is expected to stabilise at around 1 percent for FY2025. Additionally, domestic macro and micro indicators remain steady, supporting a focus on earnings growth, which outpaces most emerging and developed markets. Another advantage going ahead could be the resumption of government spending and employment. Despite global uncertainties, the report notes that strong corporate and bank balance sheets, resilient consumer spending, and government reforms like GST, lower corporate taxes, and Production Linked Incentives (PLI) could drive growth going ahead. The AMC remains positive/neutral on most sectors except for metals and auto.

2025-01-02 09:14

2025-01-02

09:14

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/from-syria-to-myanmar-why-national-armies-struggle-against-rebel-forces-in-civil-wars-12901748.html

From Syria to Myanmar: Why national armies struggle against rebel forces in civil wars

There are plausible factors that prevent national armies from effectively dominating the rebel forces. (Representational image).Related stories.

When the US launched off-and-on airstrikes on Syria during 2017-18, the Syrian army under President Assad resisted the offensive operations and managed to survive. Subsequently, the Syrian army managed to have an upper hand, cornering the rebel forces to desolate places. Yet, when the rebels marched through different cities towards Damascus this time, the Syrian army did not put up any fight. History, in fact, is replete with numerous such instances when national armies, hitherto highly organised, disciplined and trained in offensive or defensive operations in inter-state wars, have often lost the plot against internal warlords and rebel forces. Perhaps the most embarrassing example of a well-trained national army losing to a rag-tag rebel group is of the erstwhile US-trained, financed and weaponised Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The US, despite spending $2.3 trillion during 2001-2021 in Afghanistan, could not tame the Taliban and had to negotiate its troops’ withdrawal in April 2021. As the withdrawal completed in August 2021, the so-called well-organised and highly disciplined ANSF simply vanished against the marching Taliban forces. In June 2023, the Wagner Group, the Russian-funded and promoted private militia, turned against the patron and charged towards Moscow. The march seemed a cakewalk against a military superpower that has advanced technological weaponry in all categories, spends the third largest defence budget in the world and maintains a military that has big-time fighting experience. Only deft political handling could save Kremlin from big military embarrassment. In Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) is waging an inconclusive civil war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since 2023. The latter effectively controls Sudan’s one-third territory. In Myanmar, the Arakan Army and other rebel forces have captured border provinces one after another and there is a remote possibility of the military junta even falling down! Fragility of National Armies Against Rebel Forces It appears that the vast manpower, killer weaponries and budgetary resources do not assure national armies in chalking out effective domination or elimination strategies against rebel forces. Very few national armies have managed outright victory against rebel forces. We do have one contemporary example of the Sri Lankan army decimating the LTTE in 2009, after protracted conflict for decades. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), despite an intensive campaign against Hamas for last fifteen months, is ‘less than victorious’. The latter is down but not out! It appears that most national armies have to suffer ‘pangs of parallel co-existence’ with the rebel forces for protracted periods. The rebel forces have sizeable cadres and enjoy local support. Wherever they are weak and not able to out rightly challenge the national armies, they resort to teasing games like sporadic attacks, targeted killings, and terrorise the state, its infrastructure and armed machinery. The trend has only increased over the years! Challenges of Different Warfare There are plausible factors that prevent national armies from effectively dominating the rebel forces. First, national armies are trained for conventional warfare against hostile state counterparts. The enemy is known. The territory to be captured or defended is known. War strategies are designed in keeping with expectational cannons of inter-state warfare. Such things do not happen in case of intra-state, non-state, or civil war.  The rebels are dispersed or hidden amongst wider population. Physical face-off or confrontations are usually avoided. Very few state responses are through specialised counter-insurgency warfare strategies where well-trained police and paramilitary forces do better and are able to distinguish between citizens and enemies. Second,numerical preponderance and asymmetrical warfare have only relative meaning in civil wars. Intra-state or civil wars are mostly fought with small weapons. While these small weapons have become increasingly lethal and precise, they are also available in the grey market for an asking. For example, drones are easily available with the rebel forces in almost all states suffering from civil wars. Additionally, most rebel forces do get some financial and logistical sponsorship from a neighbouring state. These factors induce a semblance of symmetry in the so-called asymmetrical warfare. Third, large national armies often find it difficult to make immediate adjustments to high-tech revolution in military affairs (RMA). Some of these armies become victims of pomp and show, ceremonies, archival command and control and resist organisational changes to synchronise with military innovations and new weapons. For example, most west Asian armies suffer from poor combat competencies and do not undertake military exercises. Some armies get obsessed with commercial activities and interfere in civic administration. These engagements, whether in isolation or in totality, affect their combat capability vis-à-vis rebel forces. Only small national armies like the IDF in Israel have constantly innovated and remained steps ahead of the rebels. Resolving Civil Wars and Strengthening Armies On a holistic basis, democratic approach offers a ray of hope. Democratic states and societies allow rebel forces the ‘safety valve’ space to convey their aspirations. It also allows the national armed forces to display ‘united spirit’ unlike the ‘divided spirit’ in autocracies and dictatorships. Countries like Nepal that adopted the democratic path managed to end civil wars. So was the case with Columbia that provided democratic space to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) although some of its dissidents are still fighting on. Unfortunately, countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Russia, Sudan, Myanmar etc. did not seriously explore the democratic route to handle civil wars. National armies in these countries remain ‘divided armies’, representing only the majoritarian section of the country. The rebel forces concurrently capture the alternate space consisting of loyal sectarian people and territory. Neutralising rebel forces in contemporary civil wars is a difficult job. There is neither any single theoretical pill based on hard-core academic research nor any standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide the national armies in dealing with the rebel forces. Nevertheless, encouraging the paramilitary and police forces to train and undertake counter-insurgency operations and an inclusive democratic space are some elements of the evolving food-for-thought basket for avoiding national armies’ collapse to rebel plots.

2025-01-02 09:14

2025-01-02

09:14

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/ntpc-stock-correction-offers-buying-opportunity-see-26-upside-investec-12901843.html

NTPC stock correction offers buying opportunity, see 26% upside: Investec

Further, the group's total installed capacity was 76,598 megawatts by the end of CY24, increased by 2,724 MW over the year..Related stories.

Power giant NTPC Ltd. shares will be in focus on January 2, after the firm reported a growth in power generation for the April-December period of FY25. Also, global brokerage Investec maintained its 'buy' call on the power player. However, Investec cut its target price to Rs 421 per share, down from Rs 457 earlier. This indicates an upside of around 26 percent from the previous session's closing price. NTPC shares have corrected over 25 percent from their highs, and according to Investec, the stock correction presents an opportunity. The firm has a strong and stable coal-based capacity across a regulated business model, which is risk-averse. NTPC is also evolving into cleaner energy production by focusing on adding renewable capacities. Follow our market blog to catch all the live updates India's largest power generator reported a 3.82 percent on-year growth in power generation for FY24 from April to December, as against the same period of the previous fiscal year. NTPC had generated around 325 billion units of electricity in the quarter gone by. During this time, NTPC also mined around 30.88 million tonnes (MT) of coal from its mines, with production up 23 percent on-year. The coal plans also touched a cumulative plant load factor of 76.3 percent by December 31, 2024. Further, the group's total installed capacity was 76,598 megawatts by the end of CY24, increased by 2,724 MW over the year. NTPC has plans to set up a nuclear project in Bihar, a move which will increase its non fossil energy portfolio, the company's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Gurdeep Singh said. NTPC has also requested the state government for a land parcel at a suitable location to take forward its nuclear plans, he said addressing a session at the 'Bihar Business Connect 2024' summit in Patna. "Looking at the future of the energy sector, nuclear (energy) is expected to become extremely important for the energy sector, 20-30 years down the line. I want to share that NTPC is now entering the nuclear energy space," Singh said.

2025-01-02 09:10

2025-01-02

09:10

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/retail-power-retail-holdings-rise-more-than-10x-over-the-last-decade-12901840.html

Retail Power: Retail holdings rise more than 10x over the last decade

The median age of investors has declined from 41.1 years in 2020 to 35.8 years in 2024 along with increased female participation, according to the report.Related stories.

Retail holdings as direct and indirect investors (through mutual funds) surged more than 10 times over the last 10 years, according to data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE). While the total investor base crossed 10 crore in August 2024, the next one crore investors were added in just five months to peg the total number at 10.9 crore in December 24. Furthermore, 2.3 crore investors were added during the year, which is the highest ever addition in a calendar year, as per the 2024 annual data highlight report by NSE. The data further highlighted the fact that India continues to remain the fourth largest market globally, with its market capitalisation crossing $5 trillion during the year. The top three largest markets currently are US, China (including Hong Kong) and Japan. Growth in retail investors As per NSE, retail investors currently hold 17.6% of the total market capitalisation of NSE-listed companies, up from 10.9% in 2014. Direct retail holdings currently stands at 9.6 percent. Indirect retail participation has also been picking up pace on par with direct holdings. Participation through mutual funds has risen to 8 percent, an increase of around 2.9 percent in the last decade. Investor portfolios and earnings have also seen an uptick. Household equity portfolios reached Rs 82.5 lakh crore as of September 2024, with a CAGR of 25% since 2014. Stock market household investors also gained around Rs 13.2 lakh crore in CY2024 on the back of strong performances across indices. Investors grow across demography Barring around 30 pin codes, India now has registered investors in 99.84% of its pin codes. Currently, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat collectively represent one-third of India’s investor base as of December 26, 2024, according to the report. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in new registrations, surpassing Maharashtra (29.7 percent). Growth in new registrations was seen in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan at 36.2 percent, 40.5 percent, and 30.3 percent, respectively. Additionally, the top five districts (Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, and Ahmedabad) together accounted for 15 percent of all new investors in 2024.  Region wise, North India continues to see the maximum number of investors at 3.94 crore (up from 2.93 crore), followed by West India at 3.31 crore (up from 2.69 crore). Interestingly, according to the report, the median age of investors has declined from 41.1 years in 2020 to 35.8 years in 2024 along with increased female participation. Women now comprise 24 percent of the total investor base, up from 23 percent in 2023.

2025-01-02 09:01

2025-01-02

09:01

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/pboc-boosts-support-for-yuan-after-currency-s-year-end-tumble-12901835.html

PBOC boosts support for yuan after currency’s year-end tumble

China’s currency has come under pressure in recent months amid persistent concern about the country’s growth and escalating trade tensions with the US as President-elect Donald Trump threatens higher tariffs..Related stories.

China is keeping its hand firmly on the yuan, supporting the currency via the official daily reference rate after it slid to the weakest level since 2022 at year-end in offshore trading. The People’s Bank of China set the so-called fixing, which confines yuan’s trading onshore to a 2% range on either side, at 7.1879 per dollar on Thursday. That’s little changed from the prior reading. But it was 1,323 pips stronger than forecast in a Bloomberg survey, the largest difference since July. China’s currency has come under pressure in recent months amid persistent concern about the country’s growth and escalating trade tensions with the US as President-elect Donald Trump threatens higher tariffs. The PBOC had been setting the fixing at stronger-than-expected levels since November, while state-owned banks sold dollars occasionally to cap weakness in the yuan. “So far the fixing pattern is conveying a strong message that PBOC is doing whatever it takes to portray that they are still determined to keep that relative stability in the yuan,” said Christopher Wong, a strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. “Policymakers are likely to rely on a combination of tools including daily fix and offshore funding squeeze, etcetera, to manage the yuan.” Still, Wall Street banks are forecasting a potential decline in the yuan to 7.5 per dollar in 2025, speculating Beijing will allow it to weaken more. The offshore yuan extended a gain in response to Thursday’s fixing, appreciating to as strong as 7.3163. The currency slipped to the 7.3695-per-dollar level in the last session of 2024, the weakest since October 2022. The onshore yuan remains relatively steady, having tested the 7.3 level multiple times last month without breaking it. Ample liquidity and a slide in Chinese bond yields are pressuring the yuan as the Asian nation’s interest rate disadvantage relative to the US remains wide. The PBOC injected a net 1.7 trillion yuan ($233 billion) of cash in December via new tools introduced in recent months. Yields on China’s benchmark sovereign notes extended their slide to 1.64% on Thursday after closing 2024 at what was then a record low. “Markets are understandably bearish on the yuan given the risk of another trade conflict between the US and China in Trump’s second term,” said Fiona Lim, a senior strategist at Maybank. “Before that becomes a reality however, the Chinese authorities would want to keep such bets against the yuan from snowballing. Yuan weakness tends to undermine confidence in its financial markets.”

2025-01-02 08:24

2025-01-02

08:24

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/personal-finance/health-insurance-cover-for-five-years-here-s-what-you-should-know-about-multi-year-plans-12900429.html

Health insurance cover for five years: Here's what you should know about multi-year plans

Multi-year health policies 'lock in' premiums over 3-5 years, insulating you against premium hikes,.Related stories.

Imagine securing your health insurance for up to five years straight, without having to worry about annual renewals or rising premiums. With the recent change in theInsurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) guidelines, you can do this seamlessly now. Available for up to three years until recently, multi-year plans in health insurance now extend for up to 5 years. Amid rising healthcare costs, it’s crucial to stay covered at all times – which means not just having a policy but also duly maintaining it. Longer multi-year policies just make the process simpler and more affordable. The savings (discount on premiums for multi-year policies) run as high as 17-18 percent with multi-year policies. For instance, say, a 30-year-old living in Delhi with a sum insured of 10 lakh pays an annual premium of approximately Rs 9,000. If he chooses the multi-year option, he will be required to pay only about Rs 24,000 for a three-year policy and 38,000 for a five-year policy. While the person stands to save about 12 percent in a three-year policy, he saves about 18-19 percent with a five-year plan. Also read:Insurance in 2024: Higher life insurance surrender values, shorter moratorium period in health insurance and more Here’s why they can be a cost-effective and valuable addition to your portfolio: Locked-in premiums One of the standout benefits of multi-year plans islocking of premiums. These policies are a cost-effective solution for those seeking to minimise recurring expenses. Locking in your premium for five years can insulate you against regular premium hikes due to inflation and escalating healthcare costs. Considering the lower risk profile, this particularly benefits younger buyers and enables them to secure affordable long-term coverage at lower premium rates. Significant savings While three-year plans have been popular for a while because of the kind of affordability they offer, five-year plans just make them better. Multi-year health plans can effectively offer attractive discounts reaching up to 17-18 percent. This makes them an attractive solution for individuals and families aiming to minimise long-term healthcare expenses without compromising on coverage. Also read:New India, Aditya Birla Health and IFFCO Tokio top the health insurance claim payout chart Hassle-free renewals Maintaining your policy and its validity at all times is of utmost importance. If anything causes you to miss out on your premium payments in the future, and if that also happens to be the time you need to file a claim, then the situation could escalate. Especially for NRI customers and frequent travellers, renewals might get missed, even after the grace period. Multi-year plans reduce this hassle, ensuring uninterrupted coverage without the need to worry about annual policy renewals. Tax benefits Multi-year policyholders can claim tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, as in the case of a one-year policy. The premium paid to buy a multi-year policy is deductible every year but proportionately. This means you can earn tax deductions on a proportionate amount of the total premium every year. However, beyond these benefits, multi-year health insurance policies also offer flexible payment options, including EMI facilities for premium payments. Additionally, the no-claim bonus also gets accumulated for every claim-free year. These make multi-year plans even more appealing to the consumer. Factors to consider Here are a few factors to consider if you are evaluating your options: Frequency of payment:Decide whether to pay premiums in a lump sum or opt for EMI payments or monthly/quarterly mode. Adequate coverage:Ensure the policy offers comprehensive benefits, including day-care procedures, hospital cash benefits, and critical illness cover. Future premium adjustments:Understand how premiums may change after the multi-year term ends. Add-ons and riders:Customise the policy with suitable riders and add-ons for enhanced protection. Ease of claims:Opt for insurers with high claim settlement ratios and efficient claims processes. A multi-year health insurance policy is a simple but strategic investment in long-term healthcare security. As healthcare costs continue to rise, these plans emerge as a reliable and cost-effective solution. For those seeking uninterrupted coverage, multi-year health insurance is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

2025-01-02 07:49

2025-01-02

07:49

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/brokerage-radar-citi-upgrades-kotak-bank-to-buy-clsa-downgrades-wipro-to-hold-12901833.html

Brokerage Radar: Citi upgrades Kotak Bank to 'buy', CLSA downgrades Wipro to 'hold'

Brokerage Radar.Related stories.

Check out the latest brokerage calls and analyst comments on the stocks in action today. Our coverage includes Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Auto, M&M and more. JPMorgan On Premier EnergiesNeutral Call, Target At `1,148/ShMNRE’s Memorandum To Implement ALMM List II Has Increased Demand For Locally Made Cells MeaningfullySupply Of Domestic Cells Is Expected To Increase Faster ThoughList II Can Help Hold Local Pricing Premiums For LongerGiven Supply Growth, It Is Difficult To Argue For Higher Margin/EBITDA Though MS On Autos2-wheeler Retails Weakened While PVs Saw An Improvement In TrendsIn Terms Of Wholesales, Maruti Was A Positive SurpriseEst Maruti Ended Month With 10/12 Days Of Inventory As Retails Saw Early Single-sigit GrowthBajaj Was Weaker Than EstimatesPreferred Overweight Remains Maruti, M&M, Hyundai Motor & Ashok Leyland Jefferies On IndustrialsBudget Is A Decider On Government Capex Focus ContinuingRemain Constructive, Power, Defence Standout – Top Picks Siemens, HAL, Thermax, L&TSiemens Should Benefit From Revenue And Margin Recovery In Power T&D DivisionPower Demerger Is An Additional Trigger For SiemensThermax Should Benefit From Its Transition Into A Company Focused On Clean EnergyHAL Has 5-yr Growth Visibility Of 20% EPS CAGR, Driven By IndigenisationL&T Has Low Investor Expectations Built In, That Should Lead To Stock Upside On Guidance Delivery CLSA On WiproDowngrade To Hold From Outperformance, Target At `303/ShDowngraded Due To Recent Stock OutperformanceExpect Co To Remain A Laggard With Flat CC QoQ Growth In Q3In 2024 Wipro Saw Earnings Downgrades Of 1% & P/E Rerate From 19.7X To 24.4XThe Next Leg Of Rerating For Wipro Can Only Be Achieved If It Starts Growing In-line With Peers Citi On MarutiBuy Call, Target At `13,500/ShReported A Strong 24% YoY Growth In Domestic Volumes Ex Of Sales To ToyotaPositively Surprised By 29% YoY Growth In Small CarsOverall December Volumes Were Up 30% YoYStrong Dec Print Alludes That There Was No Extraordinary Inventory Build-up During Festive Season Citi On Bajaj AutoSell Call, Target At `7,800/ShDomestic 2-wheeler Vol Remained Weak Which Could Possibly Reflect Some Inventory ClearanceExport 3-wheeler Volumes Were Better, Rising 50% YoY Citi On M&MBuy Call, Target At `3,520/ShCo Continued With The Volume Momentum That Has Been Visible Over Most Of 2024Domestic UV Volumes Growth Reflects Incremental Volumes Of The New ModelsTractors Too Remained Strong, With Domestic Volumes Up 22% YoYThink Another Good Harvest Season Could Be Another Positive Driver For StockTractor Volumes Could Get A Fillip Citi On Kotak Mah BankUpgrade To Buy, Target Raised To `2,070/ShSustain Loan Growth MomentumPersonal Loan With Improved Delinquency Trends To Gather PaceCredit Cost Expectations Already Set In Higher;Tweaking Medium-term Growth With Relatively Low BetaLifting Of Regulatory Restrictions Will Be Key Trigger

2025-01-02 07:49

2025-01-02

07:49

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/here-are-the-top-global-cues-for-today-s-trade-first-tick-6-12901584.html

First Tick: Here are the top global cues for today’s trade

Market Today.Related stories.

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 are likely to open on a negative note on January 2, tracking cues from GIFT Nifty trading around 23,838, a short while ago this morning. Track the latest updates onGIFT Nifty right here on Moneycontrol. The Indian equity markets started the new calendar year on a positive note as the benchmark indices ended higher on January 1, with the Nifty closing near 23,750 amid buying seen across the sectors barring metal and realty names. At close, the Sensex was up 368.40 points or 0.47 percent at 78,507.41, and the Nifty was up 98.10 points or 0.41 percent at 23,742.90. Here is how financial markets across the globe fared overnight: GIFT Nifty (Down) The GIFT Nifty is trading lower, indicating a negative start for the day. Nifty futures were trading at 23,838 at 07:00 am IST. Asian Equities (mixed) Asian stocks kicked off the New Year on a weaker note after an inauspicious end to an otherwise stellar 2024 for global equity investors. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index edged lower as shares in Hong Kong and China opened down. Benchmarks in Australia and South Korea rose along with US equity futures. Japanese markets are closed through Jan. 6 and New Zealand remains on holiday.Change From Previous Close (%)MTD (%)YTD (%)Topix---Nikkei---Hang Seng-2.08-2.08-2.08Taiwan-0.52-0.31-0.28Kospi-0.230.780.83US Equities US markets remained closed on Wednesday.Change From Previous Close (%)MTD (%)YTD (%)Dow Jones---S&P500---Nasdaq---US Bond Yield (Flat) The yield on 10-year and 2-year treasuries was remain unchanged at 4.57% and 4.24%, respectively on THursday.Current PriceMTDYTDUS 10-Year Treasury4.574.183.92US 2-Year Treasury4.244.174.32Dollar Index (Flat) he U.S. dollar kicked off 2025 on the front foot on Thursday after a strong year of gain against most currencies, with the yen sliding toward its lowest level in more than five months as investors ponder U.S. interest rates staying higher for longer.Current PriceMTDYTDDollar Index108.46106.44102.20Asian currencies (Mixed) Asian currencies were trading mixed against the US dollar in the early trade on Thursday with Philippines Peso lead the gainers, followed by South Korean Won, Thai Baht, while Japanese Yen and Malaysian Ringgit depreciated.Change From Previous Close (%)MTD (%)YTD (%)Indonesian Rupiah0.068-1.40-South Korean Won0.416-4.470.488Japanese Yen-0.216-5.04-0.190Philippines Peso0.1741.15-0.062Thai Baht0.1550.8330.450Taiwan Dollar-0.088-0.579-0.085China Renminbi--0.362-Malaysian Ringgit-0.234-0.506-0.239Singapore Dollar0.037-1.490.022Crude (Gains) Oil prices nudged higher on Thursday, the first day of trade for 2025, as investors returning from holidays cautiously eyed a recovery in China's economy and fuel demand following a pledge by President Xi Jinping to promote growth.Change From Previous Close (%)MTD (%)YTD (%)US West Texas0.600.600.60Brent Crude0.580.580.58Gold (Gains) Gold opened the New Year steady after notching its biggest annual gain since 2010, with tradersassessing prospects for a slower pace of monetary easing by the Federal Reserve in 2025.Change From Previous Close (%)MTD (%)YTD (%)Gold0.220.220.22Silver1.371.371.37Fund Flow Action Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling as they sold equities worth Rs 1,782 crore on January 1, while domestic institutional bought equities worth Rs 1,690 crore on the same day.Jan 1stMTDYTDFII Net Flows-1,782.71-1,782.71-1,782.71DII Net Flows1,690.371,690.371,690.37Hope you're all set for today's trade, we wish you a profitable day ahead.

2025-01-02 07:49

2025-01-02

07:49

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/railtel-corporation-shares-in-focus-on-winning-order-worth-rs-78-43-crore-12901745.html

RailTel Corporation shares in focus on winning order worth Rs 78.43 crore

RailTel Corporation of India.

RailTel Corporation of Indiashare price will remain in focus on January 2 following company received the work order from Bharat Coking Coal for integrated IT based security infrastructure along with various types of services. The said work is amounting to Rs 78,43,30,164 (including tax) and to be executed by August 28, 2025. Catch all the market action on our live blog In December 2024, the company has received a work order worth Rs 37.99 crore from Central Warehousing Corporation and work order worth Rs 24.5 crore from Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation for CAMC. Also, Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation work amounting to Rs 24,50,00,000. The share touched a 52-week high of Rs 618.00 and a 52-week low of Rs 301.35 on 12 July, 2024 and 14 March, 2024, respectively. Currently, the stock is trading 34.47 percent below its 52-week high and 34.38 percent above its 52-week low.

2025-01-02 07:32

2025-01-02

07:32

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/musk-says-cybertruck-explosion-in-las-vegas-likely-terrorism-12901829.html

Musk says Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas likely terrorism

The Las Vegas incident unfolded as the FBI and police investigate the attack on a crowd in New Orleans in the early hours of Wednesday morning that killed at least 15 and injured more than 30. Bloomberg.Related stories.

Elon Musk said that the explosion of a Tesla Inc. Cybertruck outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel on Wednesday was likely an act of terror, as law enforcement officials probe whether there’s any connection to a truck rampage in New Orleans that killed at least 15 people. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said a 2024 Cybertruck pulled up to the glass entrance doors of the Trump hotel and smoke then appeared from the vehicle before a large explosion. The driver is dead and seven people have minor injuries, according to the authorities. In a series of posts on X, Musk said a Tesla team had confirmed the explosion was caused by “very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried” in the rented Cybertruck. Both the Cybertruck and the pickup truck used in New Orleans were rented from Turo, Musk said, adding that “perhaps they are linked in some way.” He offered no evidence for his claims the incidents may have been related. Turo is a car-sharing marketplace that allows hosts to rent out their vehicles. The Las Vegas incident unfolded as the FBI and police investigate theattack on a crowd in New Orleansin the early hours of Wednesday morning that killed at least 15 and injured more than 30. In remarks at the White House, President Joe Biden said law enforcement officials are tracking whether there’s any possible connection between the two incidents. The FBI said authorities found an ISIS flag and that officials are working to determine any potential associations or affiliations the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, may have had with terrorist groups. Improvised explosive devices were also found, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the developments who asked not to be identified. Musk said the driver of the Cybertruck picked the “wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack,” adding that it contained the explosion and directed the blast upward, rather than outward. Musk has claimed the stainless steel doors of the futuristic 6,660 pound (3,020 kilogram) vehicle would be thick enough to stop a bullet.

2025-01-02 07:22

2025-01-02

07:22

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/tesla-cybertruck-explodes-outside-trump-las-vegas-hotel-killing-one-12901828.html

Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump Las Vegas hotel, killing one

FBI special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz later told reporters that it was not yet clear whether the blast was an act of terrorism..Related stories.

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring seven others, and the FBI was investigating whether the blast was an act of terrorism, officials said. Videos taken by witnesses inside and outside the hotel showed the vehicle exploding and flames pouring out of it, as it sat just outside the hotel. The incident occurred just hours after a man drove a truck into crowds of New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans, killing 15. The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is part of the Trump Organization, the company of President-elect Donald Trump, who will return to the White House on January 20. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was a key backer of Trump in his 2024 presidential campaign and is also an adviser to the incoming president. "Obviously a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel -- there's lots of questions that we have to answer," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at an afternoon press conference. FBI special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz later told reporters that it was not yet clear whether the blast was an act of terrorism. "I know everybody's interested in that word, and trying to see if we can say, 'Hey, this is a terrorist attack.' That is our goal, and that's what we're trying to do," Schwartz said. He added that the FBI had identified the person driving the vehicle, which had been rented in Colorado, but was not yet ready to publicly identify the driver. Musk said the blast was unrelated to the Cybertruck itself. "We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself," Musk said in a post on X. "All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion." Telemetry involves the automatic collection of data from remote sources, transmitting it back to a central source so it can later be analyzed. A person was found dead inside the 2024 model-year Cybertruck and seven people sustained minor injuries from the explosion, McMahill said. He added that both the Cybertruck and the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack had been rented through car-sharing service Turo. McMahill said the Cybertruck pulled up to the Trump building at 8:40 a.m. local time (1640 GMT). He said police were mindful of the New Orleans attack that occurred earlier on Wednesday. The FBI said a potential explosive device was found in the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack.Las Vegas firefighters responded four minutes after the vehicle fire was reported and extinguished it. Two of the injured people were transported to hospitals with minor injuries. The Trump Hotel was evacuated after the incident and most of the visitors were moved to another hotel. Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and a son of President-elect Trump, posted about the incident on X. "Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas," he wrote, referring to the building's covered entrance area.

2025-01-02 07:12

2025-01-02

07:12

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/driver-in-deadly-new-orleans-truck-ramming-may-have-had-help-isis-flag-found-on-truck-12901826.html

Driver in deadly New Orleans truck ramming may have had help; ISIS flag found on truck

Police officers stand at the scene where a truck drove into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. January 1, 2025 in this screengrab taken from a video. ABC Affiliate WGNO/Handout via REUTERS.

A U.S. Army veteran with an ISIS flag on his truck swerved around makeshift barriers and plowed into New Orleans' crowded French Quarter on New Year's Day, killing 15 people in an attack officials believe was carried out with the help of others. The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas who once served in Afghanistan, was killed in a shootout with police after ramming the crowd. The attack injured about 30 other people, including two police officers wounded by gunfire from the suspect. It took place around 3:15 a.m. (0915 GMT) near the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a historic tourist destination known for its music and bars where crowds were celebrating the new year. Police and political leaders vowed to capture any accomplices. With the perceived danger ongoing, officials postponed the Sugar Bowl, a classic college football game played in New Orleans each year on New Year's Day. The game between Notre Dame and Georgia was put off for 24 hours until Thursday night as police swept parts of the city looking for possible explosive devices and converged on neighborhoods in search of clues. The city will also host the NFL Super Bowl on Feb. 9. The FBI said that police found weapons and a potential explosive device in the vehicle and that two potential explosive devices were found in the French Quarter and rendered safe. An ISIS flag was attached to the trailer hitch of the rented vehicle, prompting an investigation into possible links to terrorist organizations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. "We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates," FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan told reporters, adding that investigators were looking into a "range of suspects." BIDEN CONDEMNS ATTACK U.S. President Joe Biden condemned what he called a "despicable" act and said investigators were looking into whether there might be a link to a Tesla truck fire outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas. So far, there was no evidence linking the two events, Biden said. "The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he's inspired by ISIS, expressing the desire to kill," Biden said of the New Orleans suspect. CNN, citing officials briefed on the investigation, said the suspect recorded videos in which he mentioned dreams about joining ISIS. Officials told CNN the suspect, obscured by darkness in the videos, spoke about his divorce and plans to gather his family for a "celebration" with the intent of killing them. He later changed his plans and said that he joined ISIS, CNN said. ISIS - often called Islamic State or ISIL - is a Muslim militant group that once imposed a reign of terror over millions of people in Iraq and Syria until it collapsed following a sustained military campaign by a U.S.-led coalition. Public records showed Jabbar worked in real estate in Houston. In a promotional video posted four years ago, Jabbar described himself as born and reared in Beaumont, a city about 80 miles (130 km) east of Houston, and said he spent 10 years in the U.S. military as a human resources and IT specialist. Jabbar was in the regular Army from March 2007 until January 2015 and then in the Army Reserve from January 2015 until July 2020, an Army spokesperson said. He deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010 and held the rank of staff sergeant at the end of service. 'SCREAMING AND DEBRIS' Mike and Kimberly Strickland of Mobile, Alabama, said they were in New Orleans for a bluegrass concert and heading back to their hotel just 20 yards (meters) from where the truck hit some pedestrians. "There were people everywhere," Kimberly Strickland said in an interview. "You just heard this squeal and the rev of the engine and this huge loud impact and then the people screaming and debris - just metal - the sound of crunching metal and bodies." About 400 officers were on duty in the French Quarter at the time of the incident, including a number who had established a makeshift barrier to prevent anyone from driving into the pedestrian zone, police said. "This is not just an act of terrorism, this is evil," Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters. In response to vehicle attacks on pedestrian malls around the world, New Orleans was in the process of removing and replacing the steel barriers known as bollards that restrict vehicle traffic in the Bourbon Street area. Construction was due to be completed in time for the Super Bowl. As a temporary measure, police vehicles and officers attempted to provide a barrier, Kirkpatrick said. "This particular terrorist drove around, onto the sidewalk and got around the hard target," Kirkpatrick said. Jon Alterman, Middle East expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said ISIS, though diminished in the field, has long attempted to radicalize people online, with only occasional success. "It doesn’t take a huge operation to find individuals in personal distress and give them a sense that their life can have some greater meaning," he said in an email.

2025-01-02 07:06

2025-01-02

07:06

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/daily-voice-kotak-s-nilesh-shah-sees-many-dark-clouds-that-can-impact-growth-in-2025-but-suggests-crucial-reforms-to-grow-double-digit-12901820.html

Daily Voice: Kotak's Nilesh Shah sees many dark clouds that can impact growth in 2025, but suggests crucial reforms to grow double-digit

Nilesh Shah is the Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra AMC.Related stories.

Undoubtedly, there are many dark clouds in 2025 that can impact economic growth, Nilesh Shah of Kotak Mahindra AMC said in an interview to Moneycontrol. According to him, global factors like heightened geopolitical tensions, the second term of President Trump, and Indo-China relations will continue to impact growth. He expects India to be the fastest growing major economy clocking mid to high single digit GDP growth for many years to come. However, "without the end of inspector Raj and crucial reforms on land, labour, farm and judicial we will not be able to grow in double digits," said the Managing Director at Kotak Mahindra AMC, who has more than 28 years of experience in capital markets and fund management. Many experts see the interest rate cut cycle starting in February or April 2025, but he expects the RBI to cut rates in 2HCY25. "This rate-cut cycle is likely to be very shallow," said Nilesh Shah who recommends overweighting Gold as an asset class from a medium-term point of view. Which two sectors have you identified for 2025 must be part of a portfolio? We are watching quality over momentum, reasonable valuation over expensive valuation, and high-floating stock over low-floating stock companies. On a bottom-up basis, amongst private banks (which have good credit culture and aren’t over-exposed to microfinance/ unsecured loans), IT (companies which are leveraging AI and ML to deliver faster, cheaper, better solutions to clients), Pharma (across the board on valuations), Telecom (on expectations of price revision which adds substantially to bottom line), Consumer staples (rural focussed), and Cement (consolidation story) sectors, one will find the market outperformers. Do you expect gold to deliver similar returns in 2025 as in 2024? Thank you for believing that I can predict the future. Unfortunately, I don’t . We believe gold will do well as central banks worldwide have become like Indians: They keep buying gold and never sell it. A drop in US interest rates also changes the orbit of gold prices. I recommend overweighting Gold as an asset class from a medium-term point of view. Will inflation pose a significant risk for the Federal Reserve in 2025? US inflation will depend upon multiple factors. If the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) does take out $2 trillion of government expenses, inflation will be below market expectations. Any sharp stock market correction will erode household wealth and impact consumption, lowering inflationary pressure. On the other hand, if political pressure forces the US Federal Reserve to cut rates more / faster and fiscal policies remain expansionary, with tax cuts putting more money in the pockets of corporations and individuals, inflation will remain elevated. It will be fair to assume that inflation will remain elevated in the US as fiscal policy will be stimulative and monetary policy will be accommodative. Considering the Federal Reserve's outlook and the global environment, do you see the RBI reducing the repo rate by only 50 bps in 2025? We expect the RBI to be data-driven. While there is a demand for rate cuts, the RBI will weigh all the factors, including US Fed rate cuts, inflation, rupees, and growth momentum. We expect the RBI to cut rates in 2HCY25. This rate-cut cycle is likely to be very shallow. Do you have a strong overweight rating on BFSI? We remain overweight in the BFSI sector except for entities heavily exposed to microfinance and unsecured lending. Banks valuation look attractive. Deposit and credit growth will likely be in the low double-digits, and NPAs are expected to remain stable. Margins will come down, but that seems to be priced in. FPI selling, which has been one of the reasons for the valuation derating, appears to come to an end. Do you think 2025 will be a challenging year for the equity market and economic growth? Undoubtedly, there are many dark clouds on the horizon. Global factors like heightened geopolitical tensions, the second term of President Trump, and Indo-China relations will continue to impact growth. Local challenges stem from a lack of land, labour, farm, and judicial reforms, which can affect our medium-term growth trajectory. We expect India to be the fastest growing major economy clocking mid to high single digit GDP growth for many years to come. However, without the end of inspector Raj and crucial reforms on land, labour, farm and judicial we will not be able to grow in double digits. Do you expect any game-changing announcements from the government in the upcoming Union Budget? We pray for a budget that manages fiscal prudence and enhances capital spending. (like last time) Some path-breaking ideas could be related to the absorption of railway passenger fare subsidies (away from commercial cargo freight rates) and agriculture power subsidies (away from Industrial power cost) in the general Budget to make Indian manufacturing competitive: -> a scheme to monetise gold lying in the Tijori of Indians whereby the government gets its shares of taxes and releases domestic capital for investment -> Set up an investment office like Temasek to manage PSUs and improve not only return on equity but also make investments for the future. For example, the focus on infrastructure focuses on futuristic investments. Invest in Robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security, nuclear energy, space research, etc. Create public-private partnerships to commercialise this research. Invest in creating more Maruti Udyog Limited equivalent companies. -> End Inspector Raj by scrapping thousands of laws that restrict our entrepreneurs and create an excessive burden of rules and regulations. Punish the guilty, but don’t put extra onus on entrepreneurs.

2025-01-02 06:55

2025-01-02

06:55

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/stocks-to-watch-today-tata-motors-maruti-suzuki-csb-bank-south-indian-bank-railtel-corp-nmdc-in-focus-on-2-january-12901819.html

Stocks to Watch Today: Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, CSB Bank, South Indian Bank, RailTel Corp, NMDC in focus on 2 January

Stocks To Watch Today.Related stories.

Let's catch up on the latest news from the stock market. From significant investments to major deals, quarterly earnings, order wins, and acquisitions, here’s a quick look at which stocks will be in focus in today's trade: Quarterly Earnings (Provisional Numbers) CSB BankQ3 (YoY) Gross advances jump 26.5% to Rs 28,914 crore Vs Rs 22,867 crore Deposits grow 22.2% to Rs 33,406 crore Vs Rs 27,345 crore South Indian BankQ3 (YoY) Gross advances increase 11.94% to Rs 86,965 crore Vs Rs 77,686 crore Total deposit grows 6.3% to Rs 1,05,378 crore Vs Rs 99,155 crore CASA ratio at 31.16% Vs 31.8% CASA rises 4.13% to Rs 32,831 crore Vs Rs 31,529 crore Monthly Auto Sales Tata MotorsDecember Sales (YoY) Total domestic sales up 1% at 76,599 units Vs 76,138 units Total commercial vehicle sales drop 1% to 33,875 units Vs 34,180 units Total passenger vehicle sales (including EV) grow 1% to 44,289 units Vs 43,675 units Stocks To Watch RailTel Corporation of India The company has received a work order worth Rs 78.43 crore from Bharat Coking Coal. It will provide integrated IT-based security infrastructure along with various types of services. NMDC The company's iron ore production increased by 5.1% YoY to 4.71 million tonnes (MT) in December 2024, compared to 4.48 MT in the same month the previous year. However, iron ore sales fell by 6.7% to 3.91 MT from 4.19 MT during the same period. Ambuja Cements The company received an observation letter with ‘no adverse observations’ from the BSE and a ‘no objection’ from the National Stock Exchange of India on January 1, regarding the Scheme of Amalgamation between Adani Cementation and the company. Ugro Capital The company has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement and Shareholders’ Agreement for the acquisition of shares in “MyShubhLife” (Datasigns Technologies), an embedded finance fintech platform based in Bangalore, from its existing shareholders. Completion of the acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Maruti Suzuki India The company announced the production of 1,57,654 vehicles in December 2024, a 30.3% increase compared to 1,21,028 vehicles produced in the same month last year. Ind-Swift Laboratories The company has completed the purchase of land measuring 40 bighas at Derabassi, Punjab, for Rs 17.72 crore. The land will be utilized to set up a new formulations facility. Deepak Spinners Punam Chand Sharma has resigned as the Chief Financial Officer of the company, effective January 1. Ashoka Metcast Dipak Pandit Nikam has resigned from the position of Chief Financial Officer of the company, effective January 1, due to personal reasons. The Ruby Mills The company has entered into a loan agreement of Rs 250 crore with Union Bank of India. Goa Carbon The company has resumed operations at its Bilaspur unit in Chhattisgarh, and production has been normalized as of January 1. Indian Bank Shanti Lal Jain ceased to be the Managing Director and CEO of the bank, effective January 1, upon superannuation. Bulk Deals Responsive Industries Brenzett sold a 0.75% stake in the company at an average price of Rs 249.02 per share. RNFI Services Chartered Finance & Leasing, backed by ace investor Madhusudan Kela, sold a 1% stake in the company at an average price of Rs 207.48 per share. Gujarat Toolroom Bridge India Fund sold a 3.01% stake in the company at an average price of Rs 17.22 per share. SME Listing on January 2 Anya Polytech & Fertilizers Stock Trades Ex-Date for Split Getalong Enterprise F&O Ban Manappuram Finance

2025-01-02 01:39

2025-01-02

01:39

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/trading-plan-will-nifty-reclaim-23-900-bank-nifty-hit-10-day-ema-of-51-400-12901818.html

Trading Plan: Will Nifty reclaim 23,900, Bank Nifty hit 10-day EMA of 51,400?

Nifty Trading Plan for January 2.Related stories.

The Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty kicked off the year 2025 on a positive note, forming bullish candlestick patterns for another session on January 1. The sentiment turned somewhat optimistic for immediate term, with the Nifty 50 climbing above its 200-day EMA of 23,700. As long as the index trades above this level, the immediate resistance zone is at 23,900–24,000, followed by 24,300 as the next hurdle. However, 23,500 is expected to act as a key support area. For the Bank Nifty, sustaining above 51,000 would target the 51,400–51,600 zone, with 52,000 as a key resistance. On the downside, 50,500 remains a strong support level, according to experts. On Wednesday, January 1, the Nifty 50 rose 98 points to close at 23,743, while the Bank Nifty gained 200 points to close at 51,061. Market breadth was positive, with 1,876 shares advancing compared to 637 declining shares on the NSE. Nifty Outlook and Strategy Jatin Gedia, Technical Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan On the daily charts, the Nifty has been hovering around the 200-day Exponential Moving Average (23,694) for the past eight trading sessions. The hourly momentum indicator shows positive divergence and has triggered a buy signal. Given that the Nifty is trading at a crucial long-term support, the momentum setup suggests a likely relief rally towards 24,000. On the downside, the 23,560–23,540 zone will act as a critical support area from a short-term perspective. Key Resistance: 23,880, 23,920 Key Support: 23,684, 23,670 Strategy: Buy Nifty Futures with a stop-loss of 23,640, targeting 23,950–24,000. Vidnyan S Sawant, Head of Research at GEPL Capital The Nifty index found strong demand near the 23,400 level, forming a long-legged Doji candle on the weekly charts. On the daily timeframe, the index has remained rangebound between 23,400 and 24,000. Additionally, it is trading below the 200-day SMA at 23,900, signaling a bearish bias in the short to medium term. The RSI indicator hovering near the 40 mark further reflects weakness in momentum. Key Resistance: 24,000, 24,400 Key Support: 23,400, 23,000 Strategy: Sell Nifty Futures near 23,900, with a stop-loss of 24,100, targeting 23,400. Shitij Gandhi, Senior Technical Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities Indian equity markets began the new calendar year positively, with benchmark indices closing higher. Positive divergence in the RSI supported the gains. For the upward momentum to continue, the Nifty needs to break through the resistance zone between 23,850 and 23,900 (spot basis). On the downside, the 23,400–23,300 zone is likely to act as a major support area. Markets are expected to remain volatile, trading in a broader range of 23,300–23,900. Key Resistance: 24,100, 24,200 Key Support: 23,700, 23,500 Strategy: Buy Nifty Futures on dips near 23,700, with a stop-loss below 23,500, targeting 24,000. Bank Nifty - Outlook and Positioning Jatin Gedia, Technical Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan Bank Nifty held above the 200-day Moving Average (50,482) and bounced back to close positively. On the hourly chart, the index has formed a Hammer pattern, indicating buying interest at lower levels and the formation of a short-term bottom. The hourly momentum indicator has a positive crossover, signaling a buy opportunity. A pullback toward 52,000 is highly probable. Key Resistance: 51,600, 51,700 Key Support: 50,900, 50,800 Strategy: Buy Bank Nifty Futures with a stop-loss of 50,600, targeting 51,600–52,000. Vidnyan S Sawant, Head of Research at GEPL Capital The Bank Nifty has formed a Spinning Top pattern on the weekly charts, indicating market indecision. On the daily charts, the index has consistently respected its 200-day SMA, highlighting strong demand at lower levels. The overall price action suggests rangebound movement in the short to medium term. Key Resistance: 52,000, 53,200 Key Support: 50,500, 49,700 Strategy: Buy Bank Nifty Futures above 52,000, with a stop-loss of 51,500, targeting 53,200. Shitij Gandhi, Senior Technical Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities The banking index has entered its second week of consolidation, with current indicators suggesting that this trend will likely persist. Technically, the index is expected to fluctuate within the range of 50,500 to 52,000 (spot basis) over the coming week. A breakout beyond this range could determine the index's future direction. Key Resistance: 51,800, 52,200 Key Support: 51,100, 50,800 Strategy: Buy Bank Nifty Futures on dips near 51,200, with a stop-loss below 50,800, targeting 51,800.

2025-01-02 00:51

2025-01-02

00:51

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/trade-spotlight-how-should-you-trade-ongc-united-spirits-action-construction-equipment-gland-pharma-blue-star-and-others-on-january-2-12901809.html

Trade Spotlight: How should you trade ONGC, United Spirits, Action Construction Equipment, Gland Pharma, Blue Star, and others on January 2?

Top Buy Ideas for January 2.Related stories.

The benchmark indices gained more than four-tenths of a percent on January 1, extending their northward journey for another session. The market breadth remained in favour of bulls, with a total of 1,876 shares advancing compared to 637 shares declining on the NSE. Rangebound trading is expected to sustain in the upcoming sessions until the frontline indices give a strong close above all key moving averages. Below are some trading ideas for the near term: Jatin Gedia, Technical Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan Oil and Natural Gas Corporation| CMP: Rs 237 ONGC has corrected 35% over the last five months and is now showing signs of positive divergence developing on the daily charts, suggesting an exhaustion of selling pressure. The stock has formed an Engulfing Bull Candle pattern followed by an Inside Bar, indicating a likely breakout on the upside in the next few sessions. A run-up is expected, and at current levels, the risk-reward ratio is extremely favourable. One can consider going long. Strategy: Buy Target: Rs 265, Rs 274 Stop-Loss: Rs 232 Gland Pharma| CMP: Rs 1,810.1 Gland Pharma has formed a Symmetrical Triangle pattern on the daily charts. The daily momentum indicator has shown a positive crossover, which is a buy signal. A breakout on the upside is expected. Investors can go long on the stock. Strategy: Buy Target: Rs 1,930, Rs 2,000 Stop-Loss: Rs 1,740 Vidnyan S Sawant, Head of Research at GEPL Capital Action Construction Equipment| CMP: Rs 1,552.8 Action Construction Equipment exhibits a strong price structure, highlighted by a breakout from the falling channel, signaling potential upward momentum. The surge in volume above its 10-week average underscores increased buying interest. Additionally, the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) bullish crossover confirms the continuation of positive momentum. Strategy: Buy Target: Rs 1,815 Stop-Loss: Rs 1,426 Aurobindo Pharma| CMP: Rs 1,353 Aurobindo Pharma has maintained a bullish structure, forming higher tops and higher bottoms on the weekly chart since 2023. Recently, the stock rebounded from the 61.80% Fibonacci retracement level, further affirming its positive trend. The RSI (Relative Strength Index) has made a bullish crossover and is currently at 51, supporting the upward momentum. Strategy: Buy Target: Rs 1,622 Stop-Loss: Rs 1,240 United Spirits| CMP: Rs 1,659.6 United Spirits continues its upward trajectory, maintaining a pattern of higher highs and higher lows while consistently trading above the 12-week and 26-week EMAs. This underscores its bullish momentum. The weekly MACD remains in buy mode, highlighting strong bullish sentiment. On the daily chart, the stock has achieved a base breakout, with sustained prices above Rs 1,647 confirming the continuation of the uptrend. Strategy: Buy Target: Rs 1,922 Stop-Loss: Rs 1,540 Jubilant Foodworks| CMP: Rs 739.2 Jubilant Foodworks is forming a classical base on the weekly chart, indicating a strong foundation. On the daily chart, the stock has achieved a Cup-and-Handle breakout, signifying a robust price structure. The MACD has confirmed a bullish crossover, further reinforcing the positive momentum. Strategy: Buy Target: Rs 847 Stop-Loss: Rs 685 Shitij Gandhi, Senior Technical Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities Blue Star| CMP: Rs 2,259.8 Blue Star has been maintaining its bullish trend, trading well above its 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the daily timeframe. This week, a fresh breakout above the key resistance of Rs 2,200 has been observed, following a prolonged consolidation phase. The rising volume, along with positive price action, suggests further upside in the stock. Investors can accumulate the stock in the range of Rs 2,200–2,250 for an expected upside of Rs 2,550–2,575. Strategy: Buy Target: Rs 2,550, Rs 2,575 Stop-Loss: Rs 2,000 Techno Electric & Engineering Company| CMP: Rs 1690.15 Techno Electric has been consolidating within a broader range of Rs 1,400–1,650 over the past few weeks, with prices sustaining well above its 200-day EMA. This week, the stock gave a breakout above the consolidation zone after forming a W pattern on the daily charts around Rs 1,400 levels. Investors can accumulate the stock in the range of Rs 1,650–1,690 for an expected upside of Rs 1,950–1,980. Strategy: Buy Target: Rs 1,950, Rs 1,980 Stop-Loss: Rs 1,450

2025-01-02 00:16

2025-01-02

00:16

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/oneplus-watch-3-may-ecg-wrist-temperature-tracker-and-other-health-features-article-12901775.html

OnePlus Watch 3 may ECG, wrist temperature tracker and other health features

oneplus watch.Related stories.

The OnePlus Watch 3 is on the horizon and could debut as soon as January 7, possibly alongside the global launch of the OnePlus 13. Thanks to leaks from Android Authority and AssembleDebug, we now have a clearer picture of what this smartwatch might bring to the table. Expected features of OnePlus Watch 3 A big highlight is the addition of ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality, something its predecessor lacked. Leaks from the OHealth app suggest the Watch 3 could detect conditions like Afib, high and low heart rates, and frequent PVCs. While your phone will need to meet certain requirements to use the app’s ECG feature, it’s likely that the watch itself will handle ECG monitoring directly. Another exciting feature is the Wrist Temperature tracker. To use it, you’ll need to wear the watch while sleeping for at least five days (with one session lasting four hours or more) to set a baseline temperature.Additionally, the Watch 3 is expected to introduce a "60-second Checkup" feature that evaluates heart health, blood vessel elasticity, and sleep snoring risks using seven health indicators, including blood oxygen levels, ECG, and vascular age. The updated OHealth app will also include a new Health tab, featuring tools like Health Insights and Health Journey to give users a more comprehensive view of their wellness. Under the hood, the Watch 3 will reportedly stick to the Snapdragon W5 chip, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage, with a battery over 500mAh. While some features might trickle down to older models, it seems the OnePlus Watch 3 will lead the way in health tracking innovation.

2025-01-01 23:00

2025-01-01

23:00

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/trade-setup-for-january-2-top-15-things-to-know-before-the-opening-bell-12901781.html

Trade setup for January 2: Top 15 things to know before the opening bell

Nifty Trade Setup.Related stories.

The Nifty 50 extended gains for the second consecutive session, rising 0.4% on January 1, marking a positive start to the new year, 2025. The index climbed above the 200-day EMA (23,700) but remained below the 200-day SMA (23,880), which is critical for further upward momentum. If the index sustains above 23,700, the first target would be 23,900, followed by 24,000, a key resistance zone. However, failure to maintain levels above 23,700 could pull the index down toward the 23,600–23,500 range, experts suggested. Overall, the index is expected to trade within the 23,500–24,000 range in the upcoming sessions. Here are 15 data points we have collated to help you spot profitable trades: 1)Key Levels For TheNifty 50(23,743) Resistance based on pivot points: 23,809, 23,870, and 23,970 Support based on pivot points: 23,610, 23,549, and 23,450 Special Formation: The Nifty 50 has displayed a bullish candlestick pattern on the daily timeframe, forming higher highs and higher lows—a positive signal. However, the broader sentiment remains weak as the index is still trading below the 10, 20, 50, and 100-day EMAs. Momentum indicators, such as the RSI and MACD, also reflect a negative bias. 2)Key Levels For TheBank Nifty(51,061) Resistance based on pivot points: 51,276, 51,473, and 51,793 Support based on pivot points: 50,636, 50,439, and 50,119 Resistance based on Fibonacci retracement: 51,574, 52,127 Support based on Fibonacci retracement: 50,672, 49,787 Special Formation: The Bank Nifty managed to close above both the 200-day EMA and 200-day SMA, defending these critical levels. Additionally, it held above an upward-sloping support trendline, which is a positive indicator. However, it continues to trade below the 10, 20, 50, and 100-day EMAs and remains in the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. The negative bias in momentum indicators suggests short-term weakness. 3)Nifty Call Options Data According to the weekly options data, the 24,500 strike holds the maximum Call open interest (with 1.26 crore contracts). This level can act as a key resistance level for the Nifty in the short term. It was followed by the 24,300 strike (1.03 crore contracts), and the 24,100 strike (95.12 lakh contracts). Maximum Call writing was observed at the 24,100 strike, which saw an addition of 3.76 lakh contracts, followed by the 24,600 and 24,150 strikes, which added 13.3 lakh and 11.96 lakh contracts, respectively, while the maximum Call unwinding was seen at the 23,900 strike, which shed 15.77 lakh contracts, followed by the 24,500 and 23,700 strikes, which shed 12.78 lakh and 10.54 lakh contracts, respectively. 4)Nifty Put Options Data On the Put side, the 23,000 strike holds the maximum Put open interest (with 1.03 crore contracts), which can act as a key support level for the Nifty. It was followed by the 23,200 strike (83.25 lakh contracts), and the 23,500 strike (76.42 lakh contracts). The maximum Put writing was placed at the 23,200 strike, which saw an addition of 33.06 lakh contracts, followed by the 23,000, and 23,250 strikes, with 24.8 lakh, and 23.74 lakh contracts added, respectively, while the maximum Put unwinding was seen at the 24,100 strike, which shed 1.25 lakh contracts, followed by the 24,200 and 24,400 strikes, which shed 68,100 and 53,175 contracts, respectively. 5)Bank Nifty Call Options Data According to the monthly options data, the 53,000 strike holds the maximum Call open interest, with 13.99 lakh contracts. This can act as a key resistance level for the index in the short term. It was followed by the 52,000 strike (13.53 lakh contracts) and the 51,500 strike (8.16 lakh contracts). Maximum Call writing was visible at the 51,100 strike (with the addition of 46,950 contracts), followed by the 53,000 strike (44,325 contracts) and the 52,500 strike (37,860 contracts), while the maximum Call unwinding was seen at the 51,000 strike, which shed 83,880 contracts, followed by the 50,800 and 52,000 strikes, which shed 42,510 and 29,310 contracts, respectively. 6)Bank Nifty Put Options Data On the Put side, the maximum Put open interest was seen at the 51,000 strike (with 10.51 lakh contracts), which can act as a key support level for the index. This was followed by the 50,000 strike (9.27 lakh contracts) and the 51,500 strike (8.89 lakh contracts). The maximum Put writing was observed at the 50,000 strike (which added 1.14 lakh contracts), followed by the 50,500 strike (78,885 contracts) and the 51,100 strike (33,945 contracts), while the maximum Put unwinding was seen at the 51,000 strike, which shed 38,085 contracts, followed by the 52,000 and 50,800 strikes, which shed 27,480 and 26,205 contracts, respectively. 7)Funds Flow (Rs crore) 8)Put-Call Ratio The Nifty Put-Call ratio (PCR), which indicates the mood of the market, jumped to 1.06 on January 1, from 0.99 level in the previous session. The increasing PCR, or being higher than 0.7 or surpassing 1, means traders are selling more Put options than Call options, which generally indicates the firming up of a bullish sentiment in the market. If the ratio falls below 0.7 or moves towards 0.5, then it indicates selling in Calls is higher than selling in Puts, reflecting a bearish mood in the market. 9)India VIX The India VIX, which measures market volatility, extended its upward trajectory for the third consecutive session, rising by 0.42% to 14.51. This signals that bulls should exercise caution moving forward. 10)Long Build-up (76 Stocks) A long build-up was seen in 76 stocks. An increase in open interest (OI) and price indicates a build-up of long positions. 11)Long Unwinding (30 Stocks) 30 stocks saw a decline in open interest (OI) along with a fall in price, indicating long unwinding. 12)Short Build-up (47 Stocks) 47 stocks saw an increase in OI along with a fall in price, indicating a build-up of short positions. 13)Short-Covering (74 Stocks) 74 stocks saw short-covering, meaning a decrease in OI, along with a price increase. 14)High Delivery Trades Here are the stocks that saw a high share of delivery trades. A high share of delivery reflects investing (as opposed to trading) interest in a stock. 15)Stocks Under F&O Ban Securities banned under the F&O segment include companies where derivative contracts cross 95 percent of the market-wide position limit. Stocks added to F&O ban: Manappuram Finance Stocks retained in F&O ban: Nil Stocks removed from F&O ban: Nil Disclosure: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.

2025-01-01 22:50

2025-01-01

22:50

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/40-years-after-bhopal-gas-disaster-toxic-waste-leaves-union-carbide-factory-for-disposal-watch-12901789.html

40 years after Bhopal gas disaster, toxic waste leaves Union Carbide factory for disposal | Watch

The toxic waste is being shifted in 12 sealed container trucks to the Pithampur industrial area in Dhar district, 250 km away from Bhopal..Related stories.

Forty years after the Bhopal gas tragedy, the shifting of some 377 tons of hazardous waste began from the defunct Union Carbide factory on Wednesday night for its disposal, an official said. The toxic waste is being shifted in 12 sealed container trucks to the Pithampur industrial area in Dhar district, 250 km away from Bhopal.”12 container trucks carrying the waste set off on a non-stop journey around 9 pm. A green corridor has been created for the vehicles which are expected to reach Pithampur industrial area in Dhar district in seven hours,” said Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department Director Swatantra Kumar Singh.He said around 100 people worked in 30-minute shifts since Sunday to pack and load the waste in trucks. ”They underwent health check-ups and were given rest every 30 minutes,” he added.Highly toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, killing at least 5,479 people and leaving thousands with serious and long-lasting health issues. It is considered to be among the worst industrial disasters in the world. The Madhya Pradesh High Court on December 3 rebuked authorities for not clearing the Union Carbide site in Bhopal despite directions from even the Supreme Court and set a four-week deadline to shift the waste, observing that even 40 years after the gas tragedy, authorities were in a ”state of inertia”.The high court bench had warned the government of contempt proceedings if its directive was not followed.”If everything is found to be fine, the waste will be incinerated within three months. Otherwise, it might take up to nine months,” Singh told PTI on Wednesday morning. Initially, some of the waste will be burnt at the waste disposal unit in Pithampur and the residue (ash) will be examined to find whether any harmful elements are left, Singh said.The smoke from the incinerator will pass through special four-layer filters so that the surrounding air is not polluted, he added.Once it is confirmed that no traces of toxic elements are left, the ash will be covered by a two-layer membrane and buried to ensure it does not come in contact with soil and water in any way.A team of experts under the supervision of officials of the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board will carry out the process, Singh said. STORY | 40-year-old toxic waste of Union Carbide ready for shifting to disposal siteREAD:https://t.co/YNhVWpZuAkVIDEO |(Full video available on PTI Videos -https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)pic.twitter.com/lZBzR3qsbMPress Trust of India (@PTI_News)January 1, 2025 Some local activists have claimed that 10 tons of Union Carbide waste was incinerated on a trial basis in Pithampur in 2015, after which the soil, underground water and water sources in surrounding villages became polluted.But Singh rejected the claim, stating that the decision to dispose of the waste at Pithampur was taken only after the report of the 2015 test and all the objections were examined.There would be no reason to worry, he said. A large number of people had on Sunday taken out a protest march in Pithampur to oppose the disposal of Union Carbide waste in the city which has a population of about 1.75 lakh.

2025-01-01 22:47

2025-01-01

22:47

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/himachal-pradesh-likely-to-receive-fresh-snowfall-rainfall-from-january-2-12901783.html

Himachal Pradesh likely to receive fresh snowfall, rainfall from January 2

Mid and high hill areas are expected to receive fresh snowfall and rainfall from January 2 while plains and low hill areas are expected to remain dry..

Mid and high hill areas of Himachal Pradesh are expected to receive fresh snowfall and rainfall from January 2, officials said on Wednesday, while plains and low hills are expected to remain dry. As per the meteorological department, the state is expected to receive snowfall from January 4 to 7 with heavy rainfall on January 5 and 6. Mid and high hill areas are expected to receive fresh snowfall and rainfall from January 2 while plains and low hill areas are expected to remain dry. Meanwhile, the weather was mostly dry across the state during the past 24 hours. The minimum temperature in Shimla was recorded at 7.6 degrees Celsius, Dharamshala at 5.9 degrees Celsius, Manali at 2.4 degrees Celsius, Bhuntar at 2.9 degrees Celsius, Kalpa at minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, Nahan at 6.3 degrees Celsius, Kasauli at 9.2 degrees Celsius, Una at 4.4 degrees Celsius, Kangra at 5.2 degrees Celsius and Mandi at 17.9 degrees Celsius. With a 21.4 degrees Celsius maximum temperature, Sundernagar in Mandi district was the hottest place in the state while Tabo village in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest as it recorded minus 16.7 °C minimum temperature.

2025-01-01 22:22

2025-01-01

22:22

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/apple-17-display-may-feature-higher-refresh-rate-report-claims-article-12901769.html

Apple 17 display may feature higher refresh rate, report claims

iphone.

The iPhone 17 is shaping up to be a big upgrade over the iPhone 16. Reports suggest it’s not just going to be slimmer but could also feature a much faster display refresh rate—something Apple fans have been waiting for in the standard model. If the rumors are to be believed, the iPhone 17’s screen will support "ProMotion" technology, which means refresh rates could jump from the current 60Hz to as high as 120Hz. This feature has so far been limited to the Pro versions of the iPhone lineup. ProMotion doesn’t just make scrolling buttery smooth and videos look sharper—it also enables always-on displays, letting you see widgets, time, and notifications at a glance. According to a Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple plans to switch to advanced LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) panels for all iPhone 17 models. These panels are more power-efficient and are what make variable refresh rates possible. Currently, standard models like the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus use LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) panels, which are capped at 60Hz. This rumored display upgrade could be Apple’s way of narrowing the gap between the standard and Pro iPhones, giving more people access to premium features without needing to pay Pro-level prices. With its sleeker design and smoother display, the iPhone 17 could be a game-changer for Apple’s flagship lineup. Of course, we’ll have to wait for the official launch to see how these upgrades pan out.

2025-01-01 22:00

2025-01-01

22:00

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/traffic-jams-in-delhi-as-people-flock-major-attractions-markets-on-first-day-of-2025-12901773.html

Traffic jams in Delhi as people flock major attractions, markets on first day of 2025

The C-Hexagon at India Gate saw a massive crowd gathering on Kartavya Path, leading to traffic congestion in the area..Related stories.

Several roads in Delhi were jam-packed and long queues formed at key metro stations as huge crowds thronged to India Gate, Connaught Place and religious places across the city on New Year’s Day. The C-Hexagon at India Gate saw a massive crowd gathering on Kartavya Path, leading to traffic congestion in the area. Other key spots attracting large crowds included Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Prachin Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place, Akshardham Mandir, Jhandewalan Mandir, Khatu Shyam Mandir on GT Road and the Jagannath Temple in south Delhi. A massive crowd gathered at multiple metro stations, including Central Secretariat, Mandi House, and Rajiv Chowk. Long lines were seen at the entry gates and ticket counters, while the platforms were equally packed with commuters eager to board the trains. Massive traffic hit Parliament Street, India Gate, and Connaught Place in central Delhi. The situation was similar at Karawal Nagar in northeast Delhi, at Rithala towards Rohini Sector-24, from Samaypur Badli to Shahbad Dairy in northwest Delhi, at Gol Market, from Ajmeri Gate Chowk to Paharganj Chowk in central Delhi, at Burari bypass, etc. Taking to social media, Delhi Traffic Police said, ”Traffic is affected on Rohtak Road in both the carriageways from Mundka to Rajdhani Park and vice-versa due to deep potholes and water logging. Kindly plan your journey accordingly.” Deepali Verma, who came to Hanuman Mandir from north Delhi to seek blessings, said, ”I wish everyone a very happy New Year filled with peace and prosperity. I have come here along with my husband and son to offer prayers at the temple and seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings.” According to a police officer, their main focus was on India Gate, Ashoka Road, Hanuman Mandir and Connaught Place. ”We have deployed personnel across 11 roads at India Gate’s C-Hexagon. Auto-rickshaws are not being allowed to park on C-Hexagon, and visitors have been asked to stay within the India Gate premises to minimize traffic disruptions,” the officer explained. The crowd is expected to increase in the evening, another officer said. Kajal, a resident of Machkar Village who visited Qutub Minar with her family on New Year’s Day, expressed her frustration after waiting for over an hour to get entry tickets. ”After waiting for so long, all our excitement has faded. We’re now questioning why we even came here. The crowd this time is much larger than before,” she said. Sayed Ameer, who travelled from Hyderabad to visit Delhi on New Year’s Day, shared his experience of visiting Qutub Minar. ”Qutub Minar is beautiful, but the crowd here is overwhelming. There’s a massive queue at the ticket counter, but thankfully, my friend and I booked our tickets online, which made it much easier for us to gain entry,” he said. The Delhi Traffic Police also reported congestion in several areas on Wednesday, including Jhandewalan, GT Road at Alipur and Paharganj Chowk. The Delhi Metro also experienced overcrowding, with long queues forming at key stations. Apart from this, the famous markets of the national capital also witnessed a large number of shoppers. According to the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), Chairman Brijesh Goyal and President Subhash Khandelwal, markets like Kamla Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Rajouri Garden, Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, South Extension and Karol Bagh were packed with crowds and shoppers. ”We have seen a very good response this New Year season,” they said. Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Traders’ Association, said the number of people visiting the market had increased on Wednesday. ”The number of shoppers surged today, almost like a weekend crowd. The recent cold snap, following rain in Delhi, has driven demand for winter clothing, boosting sales,” Randhawa added.

2025-01-01 21:47

2025-01-01

21:47

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/delhi-police-issue-over-4-500-challans-for-traffic-violations-on-new-year-s-eve-12901771.html

Delhi Police issue over 4,500 challans for traffic violations on New Year's Eve

Special Commissioner of Police (traffic) Ajay Choudhary said that no fatal accident took place during the New Year's celebration this year..Related stories.

Delhi Police issued over 4,500 challans, including 558 for drunk driving on New Year’s Eve which was 34 per cent higher than the previous year, officials said on Wednesday. Special Commissioner of Police (traffic) Ajay Choudhary said that no fatal accident took place during the New Year’s celebration this year. ”We had deployed elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct and regulation of traffic on the New Year’s Eve throughout the city. The checking was also intensified across the national capital,” he said. According to official data, a total of 558 motorists were prosecuted for drunken driving this year, while 416 motorists were prosecuted in 2023, 318 in 2022, 25 in 2021, 19 in 2020 and 299 in 2019. Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic headquarters) Satyavir Katara said that on Tuesday, special drive has been carried out in entire Delhi. ”A total of 4,583 motorists were prosecuted for committing various violations which included 558 for drunken driving, 205 for wrong side, 35 for triple riding, and 648 for without helmet,” Katara said. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic Zone-2) Dinesh Kumar Gupta, said, ”In addition to deploying personnel, we have placed caricatures at various locations to emphasise the importance of not drinking and driving, ensuring the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. Our officers were also actively working to maintain smooth traffic flow, alongside enforcing necessary legal actions.” Apart from this, the police have also issued 1,698 challans for improper parking, and 106 for tented glasses. On Tuesday, traffic police deployed 88 teams, armed with breath analyzers to check drunken driving. Special pickets were also set-up to check stunts on motorcycles, over speed, reckless, zig-zag and dangerous driving in co-ordination with local police and PCR at major points including Connaught Place, Mehrauli, Saket, Nehru Place, Vasant Vihar, South-Extension, Rajouri Garden, Pitampura, Netaji Subhash Place, Laxmi Nagar and Mayur Vihar, they said. While there were four deaths reported in fatal road accidents on New Year Eve of 2024, no death in fatal accident reported on the New Year Eve of 2025. This was made possible only due to the elaborate traffic arrangements laid out in the city to check the incidence of dangerous driving, rash & negligent driving and drunken driving, the officials added.

2025-01-01 21:22

2025-01-01

21:22

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/rajasthan-3-year-old-girl-pulled-out-of-borewell-after-10-day-rescue-operation-dies-12901764.html

Rajasthan: 3-year-old girl pulled out of borewell after 10-day rescue operation, dies

However, the girl, Chetna, was declared dead by doctors at the hospital, they said..

A three-year-old girl, who fell into a 150-foot-deep borewell in Rajasthan’s Kotputli-Behror district, was brought out in an unconscious state on Wednesday after a 10-day rescue operation and rushed to hospital, officials said. However, the girl, Chetna, was declared dead by doctors at the hospital, they said. NDRF team in-charge Yogesh Meena said that when the girl was taken out there was no movement in her body. On operations to rescue a 3-year-old girl who fell into a borewell in Kiratpura village on December 23, Principal Medical Officer Chaitanya Rawat says, "... A team of three doctors examined the girl. The body has been shifted to the mortuary. Her postmortem is underway..." On operations to rescue a 3-year-old girl who fell into a borewell in Kiratpura village on December 23, Principal Medical Officer Chaitanya Rawat said to news agency ANI, " A team of three doctors examined the girl. The body has been shifted to the mortuary. Her postmortem is underway." *With Agency Inputs

2025-01-01 21:06

2025-01-01

21:06

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/india-cut-gdp-emission-intensity-by-36-during-2005-2020-govt-report-12901758.html

India cut GDP emission intensity by 36% during 2005-2020: Govt report

Total national emissions (including LULUCF) fell 7.93 per cent compared to 2019 but increased 98.34 per cent since 1994, the report said..

India’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 fell by 7.93 per cent compared to 2019, while the emission intensity of its GDP declined 36 per cent between 2005 and 2020, according to data submitted to the UN Climate Change Office. In its fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on December 30, India reported total greenhouse gas emissions (excluding land use, land-use change, and forestry, or LULUCF) in 2020 were 2,959 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). Including LULUCF, emissions were 2,437 MtCO2e. Total national emissions (including LULUCF) fell 7.93 per cent compared to 2019 but increased 98.34 per cent since 1994, the report said. India continues to decouple economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, with the emission intensity of India’s GDP declining by 36 per cent between 2005 and 2020. Biennial Update Reports (BURs) are submitted by developing countries to the UNFCCC every two years, providing updates on emissions, climate action progress, and needs for support in mitigation and adaptation. Emission intensity refers to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of GDP. The report added that India created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes during 2005 to 2021. As of October 2024, the share of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity in the country stood at 46.52 per cent. As part of its climate plans or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to meet the Paris Agreement goals, India aims to reduce GDP emission intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels. It also aims to achieve 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Additionally, India has committed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes through forest and tree cover by 2030. According to the report, India’s main sources of greenhouse gas emissions are carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, methane from livestock, and emissions from aluminium and cement production. The LULUCF sector acted as a net carbon sink in 2020. India’s net national emissions in 2020, after accounting for removals, were 2,436,656 gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent (GgCO2e). The energy sector contributed 75.66 per cent of total emissions, followed by agriculture at 13.72 per cent, industrial processes and product use (IPPU) at 8.06 per cent, and waste at 2.56 per cent. Despite representing 18 per cent of the global population, India’s annual primary energy consumption per capita in 2022 was just 25.4 gigajoules (GJ), one-third of the global average of 78 GJ per person. In comparison, high-income countries averaged 119 GJ per person, while the US consumed 277 GJ per person. To meet its developmental goals, India needs to significantly increase energy consumption, the report said.

2025-01-01 20:42

2025-01-01

20:42

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/what-we-know-after-a-driver-crashes-into-pedestrians-on-new-orleans-bourbon-street-killing-10-12901755.html

What we know after a driver crashes into pedestrians on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, killing 10

Authorities said Bourbon Street was filled with revelers toasting the start of 2025 and attending New Year’s Eve parties when the attack occurred..

Authorities say the driver of a pickup truck sped through a crowd of pedestrians gathered on New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter district early on New Year’s Day, killing 10 people and injuring 30 other revelers. The attack occurred on Bourbon Street, known worldwide as one of the largest destinations for New Year’s Eve parties, and with crowds in the city in anticipation of the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game later Wednesday at the nearby Superdome. Here’s what we know about the attack: Police said the driver sped through a crowd along Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday as revelers had gathered to celebrate the start of the New Year. Ten people were killed and 30 were injured and taken to five local hospitals. Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did” and he tried ”to run over as many people as he could.” Kirkpatrick said two police officers were shot after the driver emerged from the truck and are in stable condition. FBI said the suspect is dead after a firefight with police. New Orleans police said that after the vehicle came to a stop, the suspect reportedly opened fire on responding officers, who returned fire. The victim was struck and subsequently declared deceased on scene. Further information on the suspect was not released. Authorities said Bourbon Street was filled with revelers toasting the start of 2025 and attending New Year’s Eve parties when the attack occurred. Crowds in New Orleans have been ballooning in anticipation of Wednesday night’s Sugar Bowl college football playoff game between No. 2 Georgia and No. 3 Notre Dame. Officials said that game would go on as scheduled.

2025-01-01 20:42

2025-01-01

20:42

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/nepal-sees-rise-in-international-tourists-but-indian-arrivals-decline-in-2024-12901754.html

Nepal sees rise in international tourists, but Indian arrivals decline in 2024

Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Nepalese economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and revenue..

Nepal welcomed approximately 1.15 million tourists in 2024, marking a gradual recovery in the country's tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of Indian visitors saw a slight decline of nearly one per cent. According to the latest data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 11,47,567 foreign visitors entered Nepal by air during the January-December period in 2024, reflecting an 8.8 per cent increase compared to 1,014,817 visitors in 2023. Despite this overall growth, the number of Indian tourists dropped marginally by 0.68 per cent, with 317,773 Indian visitors in 2024 compared to 319,936 in the previous year. The decline in Indian arrivals was attributed to factors such as road accidents and landslides, according to Mani Lamichhane, Director at Nepal Tourism Board. In July, two buses carrying Indian tourists went missing in the Trishuli River, and landslides and floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains in September claimed around 250 lives across Nepal, Lamichhane noted. The NTB data also revealed a dip in tourist arrivals by air in December. In December 2023, 96,568 tourists visited the country by air, while the number dropped to 92,034 in December 2024, a decline of 4.7 per cent. Indian arrivals in December showed a sharper decline, with only 24,541 visitors in 2024 compared to 32,692 in December 2023—a drop of 24.9 per cent. Although Nepal fell short of its 2024 target of welcoming 1.6 million tourists, the NTB data highlights a significant revival in the country's hospitality sector. The total arrivals in 2024 recovered to 99 per cent of the pre-COVID levels seen in 2019 when Nepal recorded 1.197 million foreign visitors by air. Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Nepalese economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and revenue. In 2023, the sector contributed 6.6 per cent to the country's gross domestic product, underscoring its importance to Nepal's economic framework.

2025-01-01 20:23

2025-01-01

20:23

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/automobile/honda-cars-india-sales-up-20-at-1-31-871-units-in-2024-article-12901752.html

Honda Cars India sales up 20% at 1,31,871 units in 2024

Exports jumped over two-fold in 2024 at 63,221 units as against 25,854 units in 2023, Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) said in a statement..

Honda Cars India Ltd on Wednesday reported a 20 per cent growth in total sales at 1,31,871 units in 2024 as compared to 1,10,143 units in 2023. Domestic sales of the company stood at 68,650 units last year as against 84,289 units in 2023, down 18.55 per cent. Exports jumped over two-fold in 2024 at 63,221 units as against 25,854 units in 2023, Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) said in a statement. The company sold a total of 9,460 units in December 2024 with domestic sales at 5,603 units and exports at 3,857 units, it added. Commenting on the performance, HCIL Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Kunal Behl said, ”2024 was a mixed bag for the industry. While the domestic car market had challenges towards creating fresh demand, HCIL recorded its highest ever exports in CY2024 largely driven by exports of our mid size SUV Honda Elevate.” On the outlook, he said, ”With a newly launched model (Amaze) and a strong commitment to the Indian market, we look forward to welcoming a prosperous 2025.”

2025-01-01 20:19

2025-01-01

20:19

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/govt-will-abide-by-apex-court-direction-on-farmers-protest-agriculture-minister-shivaraj-singh-chouhan-12901749.html

Govt will abide by apex court direction on farmers' protest: Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said the government will abide by the Supreme Court’s decision on the ongoing farmers protest at Punjab-Haryana border and will take steps accordingly. When asked about holding a dialogue with the protesting farmers to end the logjam, the minister said, ”Supreme Court jaise nirnay de raha hai, uske hisab se karyavahi hogi (The action will be taken as per the direction of the Supreme Court.” While the protesting farmers have requested the Centre to hold a dialogue with them, the minister said the apex court is currently looking into the matter. The minister further said he otherwise has been meeting various farm bodies on every Tuesday and discussing their concerns. The minister’s remarks come a day ahead of the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea seeking contempt action against the Punjab government for not complying with directions to hospitalise farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite fast for over a month. Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre into accepting the agitating farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) on crops. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces. On December 28, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Punjab Government for not moving Dallewal to a hospital even as it doubted the intention of the agitating farmers for resisting medical aid for the septuagenarian. The Punjab Government on December 31 informed the Supreme Court that Dallewal has agreed to accept medical aid given the Centre accepts his proposal to hold talks. The Union Minister said he held a series of meetings with his ministry officials on Wednesday, the first day of the New Year, and set focused targets for achieving goals set for the agriculture sector till March 31.

2025-01-01 20:01

2025-01-01

20:01