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Corporate

New Holland to Set Up Second Tractor Plant in India to Expand Market Share

New Holland to Set Up Second Tractor Plant in India to Expand Market Share

New plant to be larger than Greater Noida unit, boosting India’s role as a manufacturing and innovation hub.

Staff Writer

10 September 2025

CNH Industrial, the global agri-machinery and construction equipment giant, has announced plans to set up a second manufacturing plant for its New Holland tractor brand in India. The move signals the company’s growing commitment to strengthening its presence in the world’s largest tractor market.

The new facility will be larger than CNH’s existing 60-acre plant in Greater Noida, which currently produces up to 60,000 tractors annually and can be scaled to 70,000 units. In 2024, the plant manufactured around 51,000 tractors, of which 37,000 were sold in India and the remaining 14,000 were exported to key international markets, including the United States and Europe.

Speaking about the company’s expansion strategy, CNH Industrial CEO Gerrit Marx stated that India is now a central hub not just for manufacturing, but also for innovation and product development. “We are looking to double our market share in the Indian tractor segment over the next five years,” Marx said, underscoring the strategic importance of the new plant.

India’s tractor market, which sees annual sales of nearly 900,000 units, remains highly competitive. Despite its global footprint, New Holland currently holds a modest share of this segment, dominated by domestic players.

CNH’s investment in India is backed by strong business fundamentals. Its India operations generate approximately $1 billion in annual revenue, with 65% contributed by agriculture equipment, 32% by construction machinery, and the remainder by financial services.

Besides its Greater Noida plant, CNH operates a combine harvester facility in Pune, a construction equipment plant in Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh), and a technology development center in Gurugram.

The upcoming plant is expected to cater to both domestic demand and international exports, further positioning India as a manufacturing and innovation hub in CNH’s global strategy. The location and investment details of the new facility are expected to be disclosed soon.

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Technology

Apple’s Bold Leap: Ultra-Thin iPhone Air, Power-Packed iPhone 17, and Smarter Watches

Apple’s Bold Leap: Ultra-Thin iPhone Air, Power-Packed iPhone 17, and Smarter Watches

The standard iPhone 17 offers incremental upgrades but continues to focus on refined aesthetics and user experience.

Staff Writer

10 September 2025

Apple’s latest product launch on Tuesday was a celebration of innovation, style, and performance. The spotlight was on the brand-new iPhone Air, Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever at just 5.6mm, alongside the next-generation iPhone 17 series and the revamped Apple Watch Series 11. Each product blends sleek design, advanced technology, and user-friendly features aimed at enhancing both everyday life and creative pursuits.

The new iPhone Air is a marvel of engineering. Apple completely redesigned its internal components to fit powerful hardware into the ultra-slim frame, removing the physical SIM slot and introducing vapor-cooled thermals to ensure the phone runs smoothly without overheating.

It is powered by the A19 Pro chip, delivering processing power far superior to the base iPhone. CEO Tim Cook described the lineup as “unlike anything we’ve ever created,” emphasizing that “design is not just how something looks or feels; design is also how it works.”

The 6.5-inch display of the iPhone Air, equipped with ProMotion technology and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, offers a vibrant viewing experience, even in bright environments. Its 48MP dual fusion camera delivers four times the resolution of its predecessor, while the 18MP Centrestage front camera allows users to take landscape selfies without rotating the phone—a feature that’s available across all iPhone 17 models.

The iPhone 17 series builds on these innovations, with the standard model offering refined enhancements while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max stand out with their professional-grade features. These models include eight advanced lenses and 40x digital zoom, providing unparalleled creative flexibility. 

A new 48MP fusion telephoto lens offers 4x zoom at 100mm and 8x zoom at 200mm, Apple’s longest optical reach to date. 

A 56% larger sensor, improved 3D sensor shift stabilization, and a new photonic engine powered by machine learning ensure stunning images in any setting. Professional photographers will appreciate tools like ProRes RAW video recording, offering next-level editing capabilities.

The event also showcased advancements in wearable technology. The Apple Watch Series 11 now includes a 5G mode and improved battery life, all packed into a lighter, sturdier frame with liquid glass casing. It introduces a blood pressure monitor to detect hypertension patterns and a new sleep score feature that analyzes overnight data to offer health insights. 

The Apple Watch SE has been upgraded with faster charging and longer battery life, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 caters to endurance users with satellite connectivity, Emergency SOS, and a 42-hour battery life.

Apple’s pricing reflects its premium positioning. The iPhone 17 (256GB) starts at Rs 82,900, while the ultra-thin iPhone Air (256GB) is priced at Rs 1,19,900. The iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) is available at Rs 1,34,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) tops the range at Rs 1,49,900. In wearables, the Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) is priced at Rs 46,900, the Apple Watch Ultra (49mm) at Rs 89,900, and the Apple Watch SE (40mm) at Rs 25,900. 

The AirPods 3 are available at Rs 25,900.

With this launch, Apple reaffirms its commitment to merging style with functionality. From the ultra-slim iPhone Air to the powerful Pro models and health-driven wearables, the company is pushing the boundaries of technology while making it accessible and appealing to a broad audience. Whether for tech enthusiasts, creatives, or everyday users, these new devices promise smarter, faster, and more intuitive experiences designed to transform the way we live and work.

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Counterpoint

Fitch Upgrades India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.9%, Citing Strong Demand Amid Global Risks

Fitch Upgrades India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.9%, Citing Strong Demand Amid Global Risks

Robust services output and consumption fuel optimism, while trade tensions and inflation remain key challenges

Staff Writer

10 September 2025

Fitch Ratings has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2025–26 to 6.9%, up from its earlier estimate of 6.5%. The upgrade reflects robust domestic demand, a strong services sector, and supportive financial conditions, despite looming trade uncertainties and global pressures.

India’s economy posted an impressive 7.8% year-on-year expansion in the first quarter of FY26, surpassing previous expectations. Services output surged by 9.3%, a significant jump from 6.8% in the preceding quarter. Private consumption, a key driver of growth, rose by 7% during the April–June period, buoyed by rising incomes and favorable financial conditions.

Fitch underscored that domestic demand will continue to be the main engine of growth. The agency noted that supportive real incomes and looser financial conditions should sustain investment and consumer spending throughout the year.

Inflation and Policy Outlook

Headline inflation fell to 1.6% in July, its lowest level since 2017, driven by weak food prices and abundant stockpiles. Core inflation also declined below 4%. Fitch projects that inflation will average 3.2% by the end of 2025 and rise modestly to 4.1% by the end of 2026.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to reduce policy rates by 25 basis points toward the end of 2025. Rates are likely to remain steady until late-2026 before hikes resume in 2027.

Despite the positive outlook, Fitch flagged risks stemming from rising trade tensions between India and the U.S. In August, the U.S. imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, creating uncertainty that could weigh on investment sentiment. While Fitch expects that negotiations will eventually reduce the tariffs, it cautioned that ongoing uncertainty may dampen business confidence.

Fitch highlighted ongoing structural reforms, including GST cuts effective from September, which are expected to boost consumer spending and lend further momentum to growth. The composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), a gauge of business activity, hit a 17-year high in August. Industrial output also rose to a four-month peak, reinforcing signs of a strengthening economy.

Looking ahead, Fitch expects India’s growth to moderate to 6.3% in FY27 and 6.2% in FY28. While domestic demand will remain resilient, the early-year momentum may not be fully sustained in the latter half of FY26.

Fitch has not yet upgraded India’s sovereign rating, but its positive growth outlook builds on broader global confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. Earlier this year, S&P Global Ratings raised India’s rating after an 18-year hiatus, citing prudent fiscal management and sustained growth prospects.

With millions of livelihoods tied to economic stability, Fitch’s optimistic forecast underscores India’s resilience amidst global uncertainties, while highlighting the importance of reforms, consumption, and prudent policymaking in shaping the country’s long-term growth story.

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Corporate

Microsoft to Reinstate Hybrid Work Model: Office Presence Mandatory Three Days a Week

Microsoft to Reinstate Hybrid Work Model: Office Presence Mandatory Three Days a Week

The tech giant initially adopted a flexible work policy in late 2020 when employees started returning to offices after pandemic-related closures.

Staff Writer

10 September 2025

Microsoft has announced that beginning next year, employees will be required to work from the office at least three days a week. The policy will first apply to staff based near its Redmond, Washington headquarters and then be gradually extended to other U.S. locations and international offices, according to a blog post shared by the company on Tuesday.

The tech giant initially adopted a flexible work policy in late 2020 when employees started returning to offices after pandemic-related closures. Under that arrangement, employees were permitted to work remotely for at least half of their workweek without requiring formal approval. In practice, many employees continued to operate from home much of the time.

Microsoft’s new directive will be implemented in phases. Employees residing within 50 miles of its headquarters must report to the office three days a week by the end of February 2026. Additional details regarding timelines for other U.S. offices will be announced later, while planning for international teams is expected to begin in 2026, Microsoft’s chief people officer Amy Coleman explained in the blog.

Coleman acknowledged that the shift may feel seamless for some employees but could be a significant adjustment for others. “We want to provide ample time for thoughtful planning,” she stated.

The move aligns with a broader trend among major tech firms encouraging employees to return to physical office spaces. The remote work model, widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed many companies to operate virtually as health and safety concerns took priority.

However, companies are now reversing course as they seek greater collaboration and productivity. Microsoft’s approach follows similar steps taken by Amazon, which last year required employees to work on-site five days a week—an increase from its earlier three-day mandate. Amazon’s CEO of AWS, Matt Garman, emphasized the firmness of the policy, stating that employees who disagree with the new terms are free to leave.

As hybrid work arrangements face scrutiny, Microsoft’s phased return-to-office strategy signals a renewed focus on in-person interaction while attempting to ease employees through a gradual transition.

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Corporate

Blue Jet Healthcare Launches OFS to Dilute Promoter Stake by Up to 6.83%

Blue Jet Healthcare Launches OFS to Dilute Promoter Stake by Up to 6.83%

Promoter Akshay Arora to Sell Stake Worth Up to ₹800 Crore to Meet Regulatory Norms

Staff Writer

10 September 2025

Blue Jet Healthcare Ltd has launched a two-day Offer for Sale (OFS) starting today, through which promoter Akshay Bansarilal Arora plans to offload up to 6.83% of his stake in the company. The move is aimed at complying with regulatory requirements mandating a minimum public shareholding of 25% in listed entities.

The offer includes a base issue of 3.42%, or approximately 59.26 lakh equity shares, with an option to additionally sell another 3.42% through oversubscription. At the floor price of ₹675 per share, the total deal size could reach up to ₹800 crore, offering a discount of 7.6%  compared to the previous closing price of ₹730.75.

The OFS will be conducted over two days, with non-retail investors able to place their bids on September 10 (T Day), including the option to carry forward any unallocated bids. Retail investors will be allowed to participate on September 11 (T+1), along with any rollover bids from the previous day.

As of June 30, 2025, the promoter group held a combined 86% stake in Blue Jet Healthcare. Akshay Arora holds 68.99%, while Shiven Akshay Arora and Archana Akshay Arora own 10.96% and 6.05%, respectively. The OFS is expected to help reduce the promoter holding closer to the regulatory ceiling of 75%.

The offer is being managed by ICICI Securities, Kotak Securities, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, and Nomura.

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Corporate

Urban Company IPO Sees Robust Demand on Day 1

Urban Company IPO Sees Robust Demand on Day 1

The retail portion was fully subscribed in less than an hour, reflecting strong demand from individual investors.

Staff Writer

10 September 2025

Urban Company’s ₹1,900 crore initial public offering (IPO) opened for subscription on September 10, 2025, and has already attracted significant investor interest. 

By 11:30 a.m. on the first day, the issue was subscribed 83%, with bids received for 8.85 crore shares against 10.67 crore shares on offer, according to NSE data. The IPO comprises a fresh issue of ₹472 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of ₹1,428 crore.

The retail portion was fully subscribed in less than an hour, reflecting strong demand from individual investors. The non-institutional investor (NII) category was subscribed 1 time, while the qualified institutional buyer (QIB) portion had received 20% subscription by mid-morning. Investors can bid for one lot of 145 shares and in multiples thereafter.

The IPO is priced in the band of ₹98 to ₹103 per share, with a face value of ₹1 per share. At the upper end of the price band, the company’s valuation is pegged at ₹14,790 crore. The issue will remain open for subscription until September 12, with share allotment expected by September 15 and listing on the BSE and NSE scheduled for September 17.

Urban Company, founded in 2014 as UrbanClap, offers a range of home and beauty services through its app, including cleaning, plumbing, appliance repair, beauty treatments, and massage therapy. The company has shown strong financial growth, with revenue from operations rising to ₹1,144.5 crore in FY25, up from ₹828 crore in FY24. Profit before tax for FY25 stood at ₹205.6 crore, with adjusted EBITDA turning positive.

The IPO has attracted interest from marquee investors, including Goldman Sachs, GIC, and Norges Bank, who participated in the anchor investor round, raising ₹854 crore ahead of the public subscription.

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Beyond

Markets Rally as Trump Signals Breakthrough in India-US Trade Talks

Markets Rally as Trump Signals Breakthrough in India-US Trade Talks

Investor confidence surges with easing tensions and renewed negotiations, as IT stocks lead the charge and global markets respond positively.

Staff Writer

10 September 2025

Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty surged in early trading on Wednesday, buoyed by renewed optimism over India-US trade relations and a rally in IT stocks.

The 30-share BSE Sensex opened at 81,543.91, up 442.59 points, while the 50-share NSE Nifty rose to 24,992.80, gaining 124.2 points.

As of 11:40 AM IST, the Sensex stood at 81,543.91, up 442.59 points, while the Nifty was at 24,992.80, gaining 124.2 points.

The rally was led by major IT stocks, with HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tech Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro, Infosys, and Kotak Mahindra Bank among the top gainers.

Conversely, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Sun Pharma were among the laggards.

The market’s positive momentum was fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he is “certain” there will be “no difficulty” in reaching a “successful conclusion” to ongoing trade talks with India.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed confidence in resolving trade barriers between the two nations and looked forward to speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks.

Prime Minister Modi responded positively, describing the U.S. and India as “close friends” and expressing confidence that the negotiations will unlock the “limitless potential” of the partnership.

The announcement marks a significant shift in bilateral relations, which had been strained following the U.S. imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods earlier this year.

The tariffs, which included a 25% penalty on purchases of Russian oil, had led to heightened tensions between the two countries.

In response to the positive developments, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers on Tuesday, purchasing stocks worth ₹2,050.46 crore, according to exchange data.

Asian markets also traded in positive territory, with South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, Shanghai’s SSE Composite Index, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng all showing gains.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.87% to $66.95 a barrel, further supporting investor sentiment.

The positive momentum is expected to continue, driven by improved investor confidence and renewed optimism in India-US trade relations.

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Corporate

Dev Accelerator Launches IPO to Raise ₹143 Crore for Expansion

Dev Accelerator Launches IPO to Raise ₹143 Crore for Expansion

Staff Writer
9 September 2025

Dev Accelerator Ltd., operating under the brand DevX, is set to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on September 10, 2025. The company aims to raise up to ₹143.35 crore through the issuance of 2.35 crore fresh equity shares, priced between ₹56 and ₹61 each. The subscription window will close on September 12, with shares expected to list on the BSE and NSE on September 17.

DevX is a prominent player in India’s flexible workspace sector, offering co-working and managed office solutions across 11 cities, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune. As of May 2025, the company operates 28 centers with a combined seating capacity of over 14,000, catering to more than 250 clients.

The IPO proceeds will be utilized for capital expenditure, including the establishment of new centers, and to reduce existing debt. The issue comprises entirely fresh shares, with no offer for sale by existing shareholders. The minimum bid lot is 235 shares, translating to an investment of approximately ₹13,160 at the lower end and ₹14,335 at the upper end of the price band.

In the unlisted market, the IPO is currently trading at a grey market premium of 13.11% over the upper issue price, suggesting positive investor sentiment ahead of the opening.

With a post-issue market capitalization estimated at ₹550 crore, Dev Accelerator’s IPO presents an opportunity for investors to participate in the growing flexible workspace industry in India.

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Corporate

HUDCO Signs ₹11,300 Crore MoU with NMRDA to Boost Nagpur’s Urban Infrastructure

HUDCO Signs ₹11,300 Crore MoU with NMRDA to Boost Nagpur’s Urban Infrastructure

To fund land, housing, and infrastructure projects over five years.

Staff Writer
9 September 2025


 

Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth ₹11,300 crore with the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA). The agreement aims to support key urban development initiatives, including land acquisition, affordable housing, road networks, and infrastructure projects across the Nagpur metropolitan region over the next five years.

The MoU was signed in Mumbai in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In addition to funding, HUDCO will provide technical assistance, including project structuring, advisory services, and capacity building to help NMRDA execute these projects efficiently.

The deal marks one of HUDCO’s most significant regional engagements and aligns with its mission to promote sustainable urbanization across India.

HUDCO recently reported a strong financial performance for the June 2025 quarter, with revenue rising 34.2% year-on-year to ₹2,937.3 crore and net profit increasing 13% to ₹630.2 crore. Despite a 9% decline in stock value earlier this year, the shares have shown signs of recovery in recent weeks.

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Corporate

RailTel Secures ₹6,597 Crore Contract from Bihar Education Project Council

RailTel Secures ₹6,597 Crore Contract from Bihar Education Project Council

Major Boost to Digital Learning Infrastructure in Bihar

Sreelatha M
9 September 2025

RailTel Corporation of India Ltd, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, has been awarded a massive contract worth ₹6,597.56 crore by the Bihar Education Project Council (BEPC) for the implementation of digital infrastructure across schools in the state.

According to a regulatory filing by the company, the order includes the supply, installation, and maintenance of smart classrooms, ICT labs, teaching-learning materials, and ISM labs in government-run schools across Bihar.

The project encompasses several major components, including the installation of smart classrooms in senior secondary and middle schools, valued at ₹2,575.01 crore and ₹2,621.43 crore, respectively. Additionally, ₹899.19 crore has been allocated for providing teaching and learning materials for students in Classes 1 to 5. The project also includes setting up ICT labs worth ₹442.17 crore, along with ₹59.76 crore earmarked for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of ISM labs.

The projects are scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2026, with the ISM labs expected to be delivered by December 31, 2025.

RailTel confirmed that the order does not involve any related party transactions or dealings with promoter group entities. The deal marks a significant step in enhancing the digital education ecosystem in Bihar, aligning with national goals to strengthen e-learning infrastructure in government schools.