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Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has started selling natural gas from its Chinnewala Tibba field in Rajasthan, marking a key step in India’s efforts to boost domestic energy production and strengthen energy security. The field, located in Western Rajasthan near the Indo-Pakistan border, spans 73 square kilometers and is part of the Discovered Small Field (DSF-II) block within the Rajasthan Kutch Onland Exploratory Asset. Its development reflects ONGC’s focus on tapping smaller, underutilized reserves to meet rising energy demands.

As of August 25, 2025, ONGC has commenced gas sales at a rate of 1.0 lakh standard cubic meters per day (LSCMD). The gas is being supplied to the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) facility in Ramgarh via ONGC’s Gamnewala Gas Collection Station. This operation involved close coordination with the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), GAIL, Oil India Limited (OIL), and RRVUNL to ensure seamless integration of the gas into the regional power grid.

The initiation of gas sales from Chinnewala Tibba is expected to strengthen regional energy security by contributing to local power generation and industrial needs. It also supports ONGC’s broader mandate of efficient resource monetization and reinforces its position as a key player in India’s energy landscape.

Industry observers note that the new gas output could enhance ONGC’s revenue outlook and market performance while helping reduce reliance on imported fuels. By leveraging domestic reserves, ONGC is aligning with India’s strategic goal of energy self-sufficiency and providing a more stable supply for growing consumption in northern and western states.

Apple has announced that its first retail store in Pune, Apple Koregaon Park, will officially open on September 4 at 1 p.m. IST, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion across India. The launch underscores Apple’s long-term commitment to one of its fastest-growing markets, following earlier announcements of a new store in Bengaluru.

The barricade for the Pune location was unveiled ahead of the opening, featuring artwork inspired by the peacock — India’s national bird — symbolizing pride and vibrancy. This creative design mirrors the artistic themes recently revealed for Apple’s upcoming Bengaluru outlet, Apple Hebbal. Together, these stores will become Apple’s third and fourth retail locations in India, expanding its footprint in major urban centers.

At both new stores, customers will be able to explore the full range of Apple products, experience new features firsthand, and receive support from trained Specialists, Creatives, Geniuses, and business-focused teams. In addition, visitors can participate in “Today at Apple” sessions, which offer free, hands-on workshops on photography, music, art, coding, and other skills, enhancing the in-store experience beyond traditional shopping.

Apple is also extending its digital-first services across its India operations. Features such as “Shop with a Specialist” over video calls and the revamped Apple Store app are designed to provide a more personalized and secure shopping experience, whether customers choose to engage online or in person. Ahead of the Pune store opening, Apple has released exclusive wallpapers, a curated Apple Music playlist inspired by the sounds of Pune, and additional information about the store to generate excitement among customers.

The Pune opening follows Apple’s announcement of its Bengaluru store in Hebbal, which further cements the company’s retail expansion strategy in India. By establishing these new locations, Apple aims to bring its premium retail and service experience closer to Indian customers, offering both hardware and software solutions under one roof while strengthening its engagement through educational and creative programs.

With these moves, Apple is signaling that India remains a key market in its global growth strategy. The company’s investment in physical stores complements its digital initiatives, enabling it to reach a broader audience and provide comprehensive support, training, and interactive experiences. As Apple continues to expand in India, its retail presence is expected to play a central role in boosting brand visibility, customer engagement, and long-term loyalty in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets.

The opening of Apple Koregaon Park in Pune, along with the upcoming Bengaluru store, reflects Apple’s efforts to combine localized design, innovative services, and educational initiatives to create a distinctive retail experience tailored to Indian consumers.

Shares of Vodafone Idea Ltd plummeted by 10% on August 26, 2025, closing at ₹6.66 on the Bombay Stock Exchange following the government’s decision to deny additional relief related to the company’s Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) clarified that no further concessions would be offered beyond the previous equity conversion, which had already transformed approximately ₹36,950 crore of Vodafone Idea's debt into government equity. This leaves the telecom operator with an outstanding AGR liability of nearly ₹75,000 crore, scheduled to be repaid in six equal annual installments beginning March 2026.

The government’s stance has intensified investor concerns about Vodafone Idea’s financial stability. The company, already grappling with substantial debt and declining market share, now faces the challenge of servicing its AGR obligations without additional support. Analysts warn that the lack of further relief could jeopardize the company’s ability to compete effectively in India’s highly competitive telecom sector.

In the preceding days, Vodafone Idea's stock had experienced a brief rally, surging over 10% amid speculation about potential government intervention. However, the recent announcement has reversed those gains, highlighting the volatility and uncertainty surrounding the company’s financial outlook.

Vodafone Idea has repeatedly sought relief from the government, arguing that the repayment schedule and accumulated interest on AGR dues were threatening its ability to invest in network expansion, 5G deployment, and overall service improvement. Despite these appeals, the government has remained firm in its position, citing fiscal prudence and precedent in dealing with telecom operators.

Investors are now closely monitoring Vodafone Idea’s next steps, including potential asset monetization, capital raising, or strategic partnerships, which may help the company meet its financial obligations. Market participants also remain attentive to any policy changes from the government that could provide indirect relief, such as adjustments to spectrum fees or other regulatory concessions.

The company’s declining stock reflects the broader challenges facing India’s telecom industry, where intense competition, high spectrum costs, and legacy debt burdens continue to weigh on profitability. While Vodafone Idea remains operationally focused on network quality and customer retention, the financial pressures stemming from unresolved AGR liabilities have created a heightened sense of caution among investors.

With the government ruling out further AGR relief, Vodafone Idea faces a critical period in which strategic financial management and operational efficiency will be essential to sustain its market presence and rebuild investor confidence.

Tata Motors has received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for its composite scheme of arrangement, enabling a major restructuring that will split the company into two listed entities and formally demerge its commercial vehicles (CV) business. The Mumbai Bench’s sanction marks the final regulatory milestone before the scheme becomes effective, with both businesses expected to begin trading separately in early October.

Under the approved scheme, the CV undertaking of Tata Motors Limited will be demerged into TML Commercial Vehicles Limited, while the passenger vehicles (PV) undertaking—including the fast-growing electric vehicle division and Tata Motors’ investments related to Jaguar Land Rover—will remain within the existing listed company. As part of the implementation, the two entities will be renamed so investors can clearly distinguish between the PV and CV franchises once the split takes effect. The scheme has an appointed date of July 1, 2025, with the effective date set for October 1, 2025, subject to customary conditions, including filing the NCLT order with the Registrar of Companies.

For shareholders, Tata Motors has indicated a mirror shareholding structure: a 1:1 issuance for the demerged company, ensuring that existing shareholders retain equal exposure to both the PV and CV entities post-split. The record date for allotment will be announced closer to the effective date. The company has emphasized that the transaction is designed to be tax neutral for both the undertakings and shareholders.

From a strategic standpoint, Tata Motors has presented the reorganization as a way to sharpen capital allocation, simplify governance, and unlock value by allowing each business to pursue tailored strategies and technology roadmaps. The CV arm, which spans heavy and light commercial vehicles, buses, and defense-related platforms, will be able to focus on B2B demand cycles, cost optimization, and product refreshes. Meanwhile, the PV company can capitalize on domestic momentum in SUVs and electric vehicles, scale its charging and software ecosystems, and continue benefiting from technology and brand synergies linked to Jaguar Land Rover. Market analysts view the NCLT approval as a positive development, removing a major procedural uncertainty ahead of the October timetable.

Operationally, Tata Motors has described the demerger as a “streamlined structure” that should improve execution speed and transparency. Decoupling the differing economic cycles of PV and CV operations is expected to reduce earnings volatility for each listed vehicle and provide investors with clearer key performance indicators, such as EV penetration, order books, and margin progression for PVs, and utilization, mix, and price discipline for CVs. The company has previously indicated an approximate 60:40 asset split between PV and CV at the appointed date, providing analysts with a rough guide to scale for valuation purposes.

The restructuring caps an 18-month process that began with board approval in 2024 and included shareholder and creditor approvals, statutory notices, and NCLT-convened meetings through the first half of 2025. With tribunal sanction now in hand, the immediate next steps are procedural: filing the certified order, announcing the record date, and preparing for separate reporting and investor communications. Market focus will also shift to index implications, potential inclusion decisions, and how domestic and foreign investment flows rebalance once the two entities list as distinct tickers.

While near-term market performance will depend on broader risk sentiment and sector cycles, the demerger is designed to highlight the intrinsic strengths of both platforms. For PVs, this means leveraging product pipelines in ICE and EV, scaling software-defined features, and expanding exports; for CVs, it means disciplined capital expenditure, tighter cost curves, and improved after-sales profitability. With NCLT approval secured and a clear calendar to effectiveness, Tata Motors has positioned the split as a structural reset to sustain growth while giving public market investors a cleaner choice between two distinct mobility businesses.

New Delhi: The Government of India has appointed global investment banking firm Goldman Sachs as the sole transaction advisor for its planned stake sale in four public sector banks namely, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, and Punjab & Sind Bank.

The move is part of a broader strategy to reduce the Centre’s shareholding in state-run banks to below 75%, in compliance with SEBI’s rule that mandates at least 25% public ownership in all listed companies. Currently, government holdings in these banks exceed 90%, with Punjab & Sind Bank having the highest at 98.3%.

Goldman Sachs will advise on all key aspects of the disinvestment process, including deal structuring, investor outreach, and coordination of the actual stake sale. Its appointment follows a July 2025 meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG), which finalized the roles of transaction advisors and merchant bankers for this initiative.

Earlier this year, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) invited bids to manage stake sales in five PSBs, including Bank of Maharashtra. However, the current mandate covers only four banks, excluding Bank of Maharashtra.

The stake dilution may be carried out via either the Offer-for-Sale (OFS) route or Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). The government aims to raise approximately ₹45,000 crore through QIPs in FY 2025–26, with State Bank of India (SBI) expected to contribute ₹20,000 crore. The remaining amount is expected to come largely from the four banks under Goldman Sachs’ advisory.

The disinvestment is likely to take place in the second half of FY 2025–26, depending on market conditions and investor interest. The urgency is underscored by the August 2026 deadline for public sector banks to comply with SEBI’s minimum public shareholding norms.

New Delhi: Reliance Industries’ high-profile animal rescue and rehabilitation project, Vantara, will undergo a Supreme Court-ordered investigation into allegations ranging from unlawful animal acquisition to financial irregularities. The apex court on Monday (August 25, 2025) set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by former Supreme Court judge Justice J. Chelameswar to conduct a fact-finding inquiry and submit its report by September 12.

The order followed two petitions accusing Vantara, a 3,000-acre zoological facility in Jamnagar conceptualised by Anant Ambani, of mistreating animals, violating environmental laws, and using its conservation efforts as a cover for private gain. While the court acknowledged that the petitions relied heavily on media reports and lacked substantive evidence, it said an independent review was warranted to ensure transparency and accountability.

“Ordinarily, a petition resting on such unsupported allegations does not deserve in law to be entertained rather warrants dismissal in limine,” a Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P.B. Varale said. “However, in the wake of the allegations that the statutory authorities or the courts are either unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate… we consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal.”

The judges clarified that the probe is not a reflection on Vantara’s operations or government regulators. “This order neither expresses any opinion on the allegations made in the petitions nor should it be construed to have cast any doubt on the functioning of any of the statutory authorities or the private respondent, Vantara,” they said.

Reliance responded swiftly, underscoring its commitment to transparency and pledging full cooperation with investigators. “We acknowledge the order of the Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law. Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals,” ANI quoted the company’s statement. The centre requested that the inquiry be allowed to proceed “without speculation and in the best interest of the animals we serve.”

The SIT will examine Vantara’s animal acquisition practices, particularly elephants sourced from India and abroad, and assess compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, rules governing zoos, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It will also review allegations of wildlife smuggling, misuse of water and carbon credits, biodiversity programmes, and other financial matters. Besides Justice Chelameswar, the SIT includes Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts; Hemant Nagrale, former Mumbai Police Commissioner; and Anish Gupta, Additional Commissioner, Customs.

The petitions, filed by advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin and Dev Sharma, alleged that Vantara functions more as a private zoological collection than a conservation project. Critics have questioned its proximity to industrial operations and claimed regulatory lapses in its animal care and acquisition processes. While Reliance has positioned Vantara as a world-class sanctuary dedicated to animal welfare, its operations have increasingly drawn scrutiny from activists and conservationists.

The investigation represents a rare instance of judicial intervention into a privately funded conservation initiative of this scale. Reliance, one of India’s most valuable companies, has poured significant investment into the Jamnagar project, which it showcases as part of its broader environmental and sustainability agenda. The SIT’s findings, due in two weeks, could shape public and regulatory perceptions of the initiative, potentially influencing how private players engage with conservation and biodiversity efforts in India.

New Delhi / Chennai: More than 15,200 hospitals across India, including major healthcare providers such as Max Healthcare, Medanta, and PSRI, have announced the suspension of cashless treatment facilities for policyholders of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, effective September 1, 2025.

Hospitals Cite Rising Costs and Payment Issues

The decision follows mounting grievances from hospitals over Bajaj Allianz’s failure to revise reimbursement rates for several years despite annual medical inflation rates of 7–8%. Hospitals report that the rising costs of staff salaries, medicines, and consumables have not been adequately reflected in insurance payouts.

In addition, hospitals have expressed frustration over alleged unilateral deductions in claim settlements, delayed payments, and sluggish pre-authorisation and pre-discharge approval processes, which have strained hospital operations and finances.

The Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) has urged insurers to implement regular tariff revisions, ideally every two years, to align insurance payouts with prevailing medical inflation and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.

Insurer Responds, Talks Underway

Bajaj Allianz expressed surprise at the collective move by hospitals and reaffirmed its commitment to fair reimbursement rates, timely claim processing, and high-quality service. The insurer stated that negotiations with hospital networks, including AHPI members, are ongoing to resolve the dispute amicably.

The company emphasized that it proactively addresses dues and claim-related queries and remains hopeful of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement in the interest of policyholders.

Impact on Policyholders

Starting September 1, policyholders will no longer be able to avail of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals under Bajaj Allianz policies. Patients will need to pay hospital bills upfront and subsequently seek reimbursement from the insurer, a process that can be cumbersome during medical emergencies.

Policyholders are advised to check with hospitals in advance to confirm whether cashless treatment under Bajaj Allianz is still available. In case it isn’t, they should be prepared to make upfront payments by arranging emergency funds or flexible payment options. It is also important to retain all medical documentation, including discharge summaries, bills, and prescriptions, to ensure a smooth reimbursement process. Once treatment is complete, claims should be submitted promptly and monitored through Bajaj Allianz’s online portal.
 

Wider Implications for Healthcare Financing

This dispute highlights broader challenges within India’s healthcare insurance sector, particularly the sustainability of cashless treatment schemes. While cashless insurance coverage eases patient burden during emergencies, unresolved conflicts over tariff rates and claims processing risk undermine this convenience.

Similar tensions have been observed in government insurance programs such as Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY, where hospitals have frequently cited unsustainable package rates as reasons for limiting participation.

Both AHPI and Bajaj Allianz appear committed to continuing discussions aimed at resolving the impasse. If successful, cashless services could be reinstated for Bajaj Allianz policyholders. Until then, affected policyholders must adapt to reimbursement-based care and exercise caution during hospital admissions.

Sports giant Dream11 has indicated to the BCCI that it may be unable to continue as the title sponsor of the Indian cricket team following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 in both Houses of Parliament. The development comes after the central government’s legislation effectively bans real money gaming, a major revenue source for fantasy sports companies, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported on August 20.

Dream11 and My11Circle together contribute approximately ₹1,000 crore to the BCCI through their sponsorship of the Indian cricket team and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dream11 currently holds a 2023-2026 contract worth $44 million (₹358 crore) as the title sponsor of the Indian team.

According to PTI, the new legislation prohibits any person from offering, promoting, or advertising online money gaming services, which has effectively eliminated the primary revenue stream for major fantasy sports platforms in India. While social and subscription-based gaming are allowed under the law, real money games—which account for the bulk of industry revenue—are banned.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia declined to comment on the development. Sources indicate that Dream11 may not face penalties under the contract, which includes a waiver clause in the event of government regulation that affects the company’s ability to operate.

Dream11 is also the official fantasy partner of the Indian Super League, but the ban on real money gaming is expected to impact revenues across its operations. In a statement following the bill’s passage, the company said: “We have always been a law-abiding company and have conducted our business in compliance with the law. While we believe that progressive law would have been the way forward, we will respect the law and fully comply with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025.”

An industry insider, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, said that the impact on the fantasy gaming market will be significant, as real money gaming represents roughly 90 percent of revenue for most major players. The source added that the fate of My11Circle, which pays ₹125 crore annually to the BCCI as the IPL’s official fantasy partner, remains uncertain and may follow a similar path as Dream11. The insider also noted that individual endorsements by cricketers with fantasy apps could be adversely affected.

The new legislation marks a major shift for the Indian fantasy sports ecosystem, raising questions about sponsorship revenues for the national team and IPL, as well as the sustainability of the broader market under the ban on real money gaming.

Coca-Cola is exploring a potential sale of Costa Coffee, the UK-based coffee chain it acquired for over $5 billion in 2018, as the company reassesses its global coffee strategy.

According to reports, the beverage giant has enlisted investment bank Lazard to evaluate options for Costa, including a possible sale. Initial discussions have already taken place with a select group of potential buyers, including private equity firms. Indicative bids are expected in early autumn, though a deal is not yet guaranteed.

A Big Bet That Fell Short

Founded in London in 1971 by brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa, the brand has grown into an international chain with operations in 50 countries. Coca-Cola acquired Costa from UK hospitality group Whitbread as part of a broader strategy to diversify beyond soft drinks and compete more directly with coffee giants like Starbucks and Nestlé.

However, Costa’s performance has not met expectations. “Our investment in Costa is not where we wanted it to be from an investment hypothesis point of view,” Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey said during a recent earnings call. He noted that the company is reassessing how best to grow within the coffee space while continuing to manage Costa effectively.

Market Reaction

News of the possible sale comes at a time of heightened deal-making in the food and beverage industry, driven by inflation, margin pressures, and changing consumer habits. On Friday, Coca-Cola shares closed down 0.75% at $70.13, though the stock saw a slight uptick in after-hours trading. The company’s market valuation stood at $301.82 billion, according to MarketWatch.

Broader Industry Trends

If Coca-Cola moves forward, the sale would represent one of its most significant divestments under Quincey’s leadership. It would also signal a broader shift in priorities, as the company focuses on more promising or resilient growth categories.

Coca-Cola is already making changes in its core markets. In the U.S., the company recently announced it will begin using real cane sugar in select beverages, aligning with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.

As the company repositions itself in a changing global landscape, Costa Coffee’s future remains uncertain, but the move could reshape Coca-Cola’s strategy for years to come.

Mumbai:  Shares of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., which operates India’s largest airline IndiGo, and hospital chain Max Healthcare were in focus on Monday after the National Stock Exchange (NSE) announced the two companies would be added to the prestigious Nifty 50 index. The update is part of the NSE’s routine reshuffle of its benchmark indices, with changes taking effect from September 30, 2025.

Despite the spotlight, the market reaction was mixed. By 9:35 a.m., Max Healthcare shares slipped 1.7%, while IndiGo remained mostly flat. Stocks being removed from the index, IndusInd Bank and Hero MotoCorp saw modest early gains.

How Market Capitalisation Drives the Index Changes

The Nifty 50 reshuffle happens twice a year, based on how companies perform in terms of free-float market capitalisation, essentially the total value of publicly traded shares. Stocks with higher free-float values are more likely to be included.

This time, IndiGo, with a free-float value of around ₹1.14 lakh crore, and Max Healthcare, at ₹84,555 crore, outperformed IndusInd Bank and Hero MotoCorp, whose market caps fell below the required threshold. As a result, the latter two will move to the Nifty Midcap Select index, following their exit from the Nifty 100, which serves as the feeder index for the Nifty 50.

Impact on Investors and Fund Flows

Being added to the Nifty 50 isn’t just a badge of honour, it often leads to major fund flows. Many exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds that track the index must adjust their holdings to reflect the new constituents.

According to Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research, IndiGo could attract up to $537 million in passive inflows, while Max Healthcare may see around $412 million. On the flip side, IndusInd Bank and Hero MotoCorp may experience outflows as they exit the index.

How the Stocks Have Been Performing

It’s been a strong year for IndiGo, with its stock up more than 32% in 2025. However, Kotak Institutional Equities recently revised its rating from ‘Buy’ to ‘Add’, citing potential operational headwinds after the sharp rally. The brokerage has set a target price of ₹6,850 for the stock.

Max Healthcare’s inclusion hasn’t sparked a rally just yet, with the stock trading lower despite the positive news. Analysts suggest that profit booking or broader market caution could be behind the muted reaction.

IndusInd Bank, on the other hand, has had a challenging year. The stock is down nearly 18% through July, weighed down by a $230 million loss due to internal trading errors—a controversy that led to the resignation of both the CEO and deputy CEO earlier this year.

Hero MotoCorp has fared slightly better, with a modest gain of 1.82% over the same period.

Additional Changes Across NSE Indices

The reshuffle isn’t limited to the Nifty 50. The NSE has also announced changes to the Nifty Next 50 and several other indices:

• Hindustan Zinc, Mazagon Dock, Siemens Energy, and Solar Industries are being added to the Nifty Next 50.
   
• Meanwhile, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), Swiggy, Dabur, and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance will exit the Nifty Next 50, mostly due to changes in the Nifty 100.
   

There are no changes to sector-specific indices such as Nifty Bank, Nifty IT, FMCG, Oil & Gas, and others.