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Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is rapidly advancing its consumer goods ambitions through its FMCG arm, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), with strategic investments, brand revivals, and a growing presence across India.

RCPL, now a direct subsidiary of RIL, has set a revenue target of ₹1 lakh crore, reflecting its aggressive intent in India’s ₹ 5 trillion FMCG sector. To support this, Reliance Retail will invest ₹40,000 crore over the next three years in integrated food parks across the country, aiming to build robust supply chain infrastructure.

In beverages, Reliance is reviving the iconic Campa Cola brand, committing ₹6,000–₹8,000 crore to scale up distribution. Campa has already expanded into international markets, including the UAE and Sri Lanka. In FY24, Campa Cola alone contributed ₹400 crore to RCPL’s total revenue of ₹3,000 crore,  achieved in its first full year of operations.

The company’s staples brand, Independence, is also making inroads beyond Gujarat into North Indian states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, and Bihar. It offers daily essentials, such as pulses, grains, and edible oils, marketed as high-quality yet affordable options.

RCPL is actively collaborating with kirana stores and manufacturers to strengthen its distribution footprint across both physical and digital channels.

These developments come alongside Reliance’s broader push into AI, telecom, and digital media. Still, its focus on consumer brands marks a strategic bet to build everyday relevance with millions of Indian households.

Bhopal/Mumbai: Adani Power Ltd, India’s leading private thermal power producer, announced on Monday that it has secured a ₹10,500 crore contract to develop an 800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Madhya Pradesh’s Anuppur district. 

The announcement triggered a positive response in the stock market, with shares of Adani Power rising over 2% in early trade. The stock opened at ₹606 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and climbed to an intraday high of ₹614.80 following the news.

The company received a Letter of Award (LoA) from MP Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL) for the supply of power from the new thermal power plant. The project will be executed under the Design, Build, Finance, Own, and Operate (DBFOO) model, with coal to be sourced through the government’s SHAKTI policy, ensuring a stable fuel supply.

In a statement to the exchanges, Adani Power said:
“This is to inform that Adani Power Limited has received a Letter of Award (‘LoA’) from MP Power Management Company Limited (‘MPPMCL’) for the supply of power from a new 800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power project to be set up in Anuppur District of Madhya Pradesh.”

The project is expected to be commissioned within 54 months from the appointed date, in line with standard timelines for large-scale thermal infrastructure development.

This project marks Adani Power’s fourth major power contract win in the past year, reflecting the company’s aggressive growth strategy in India’s thermal power sector. The plant will help Madhya Pradesh meet its rising electricity demand driven by industrialization and urban growth.

While India continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, coal-based thermal plants remain critical to ensuring round-the-clock power supply and grid stability. The use of ultra-supercritical technology will enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to older coal-fired plants.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty staged a sharp recovery on September 1, shaking off three straight sessions of losses. The Sensex rose about 0.43% to 80,155.78, while the Nifty 50 climbed 0.42% to 24,527.55 by mid-morning, marking a decisive shift in investor sentiment.

India delivered a stellar 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 (April–June), outperforming both the RBI's forecast of 6.5% and economists’ median estimate of 6.6%. This figure stands as the strongest in five consecutive quarters and beats both the previous quarter’s 7.4% and the year-ago figure of 6.5%, providing a powerful confidence boost to markets. Investor optimism also received another lift following a U.S. appeals court ruling declaring most of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Indian goods illegal—even though these remain effective until mid-October. The decision heightened hopes of a favorable Supreme Court outcome.

The rally extended across nearly all sectors, with 15 out of 16 sectoral indices trading in the green. Small-cap and mid-cap stocks surged around 1.1%, outperforming after periods of underperformance. Analysts highlighted that strong domestic economic momentum and stable global cues helped markets start the week on a firm note.

IT stocks were among the biggest gainers, climbing approximately 1.3%, with all 10 constituents of the Nifty IT index in positive territory. Mphasis led gains after receiving an overweight rating from Morgan Stanley. Other individual stocks like Torrent Power and PG Electroplast also rose following major deals and investment announcements, while Sterlite Technologies slipped after a fine was imposed on its U.S. unit.

Investors are also watching the upcoming GST Council meeting scheduled for September 3–4, with discussions on simplifying GST rates expected to provide another market tailwind. However, analysts remain cautious as September has historically been a volatile month for equities, with tariff developments, GST outcomes, and foreign institutional investor flows likely to shape the coming weeks.

BHEL has signed a License Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with DRDO’s Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) in Hyderabad, empowering the state-run firm to manufacture fused silica radar domes domestically. These radar domes are critical for seeker-based missile guidance systems and are to be made using Cold Isostatic Pressing and Sintering techniques—previously deployed only by foreign suppliers.

The announcement sparked a favorable market reaction: BHEL shares climbed over 2%, trading as high as ₹213 on the BSE. Despite a prior slide—falling 9% year-to-date and 27% over the past year—this new technology deal appears to have restored investor optimism.

Axiscades Bags Major Orders Fueling Indigenous Electronics Surge

Meanwhile, Axiscades Technologies, through its defence subsidiary Mistral Solutions Pvt. Ltd., revealed a flurry of deals worth approximately ₹600 crore, spanning airborne, naval, and radar systems development and production. The contracts—awarded by DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and other defence agencies—focus on critical components for India’s self-reliance in defence technology.

Notably, a DRDO subsidiary, LRDE, entrusted Axiscades with a development and follow-on production contract totaling ₹124 crore for the Exciter and Receiver unit of the Virupaksh Radar, which is used in the Su-30MKI fighter jet upgrade.

Additional high-value orders include a ₹150 crore production deal under BEL’s KUSHA project for Digital Beam Forming Units in Long Range Battle Management Radar, a ₹200 crore production contract for Digital Transmit and Receive Modules in surveillance radars, and a ₹150 crore production order for S-Band Octal Transmit/Receive Modules. The company also secured a ₹60 crore naval SONAR subsystem production contract for submarine platforms.

These contracts, spanning development through multi-year production, highlight Axiscades’ growing role in bolstering domestic electronics and defence manufacturing. Adding to its defence portfolio, Axiscades has also secured a ₹223.95 crore deal from the Indian Army to supply 212 advanced 50-ton tank transporter trailers under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ initiative.

Mumbai: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), India’s most valuable company, on Friday unveiled a series of major announcements at its 48th annual general meeting (AGM), including plans to take Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd public by the first half of 2026, the launch of a dedicated artificial intelligence subsidiary, and high-profile partnerships with global technology leaders.

RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani confirmed that the telecom giant, which has over 500 million subscribers, is preparing to file for its initial public offering (IPO), unlocking significant value for RIL’s 4.4 million shareholders. “We are aiming to list Jio by the first half of 2026, subject to all necessary approvals,” Ambani said. The IPO would mark a milestone for Jio, which launched commercially in 2016 and has since transformed India’s telecom sector through affordable data and free voice services, fuelling the growth of digital payments and startups.

Ambani outlined an ambitious roadmap for Jio, which has executed the world’s fastest 5G rollout. Plans include connecting every Indian household with broadband, expanding into smart homes, digitising enterprises and small businesses, and driving an “AI Everywhere for Everyone” mission.

To support this vision, Ambani announced the creation of a wholly owned subsidiary, Reliance Intelligence, which will focus on AI infrastructure, services, partnerships, and talent development. The company will build gigawatt-scale, AI-ready data centres in Jamnagar, powered by clean energy, and develop affordable AI solutions for key sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.

RIL also revealed a new AI joint venture with Meta to deliver sovereign, enterprise-ready AI solutions tailored for India. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the partnership would help bring AI and, eventually, superintelligence to every corner of the country, empowering businesses from startups to large enterprises. Google CEO Sundar Pichai added that a dedicated Jamnagar Cloud region, powered by Reliance’s renewable energy, would accelerate AI adoption across Reliance’s businesses.

Reliance’s media arm also reported record-breaking growth. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, said JioHotstar had become the world’s second-largest streaming platform with 300 million paying subscribers, achieved entirely in India. The company also commands a 34% share of the TV market and is expanding JioStar, its integrated media and entertainment venture, globally. Disney CEO Bob Iger called India one of Disney’s most important markets, citing JioStar’s rapid rise.

Reliance Retail, led by Isha Ambani, reported a 15% rise in its registered customer base to 349 million and processed 1.4 billion transactions in FY25. She said the company is targeting 20% revenue contribution from online channels over the next three years.

These announcements reflect Reliance’s transformation from an oil-to-chemicals conglomerate into a technology-driven consumer powerhouse. Ambani said the moves will unlock value for shareholders and position Reliance as a global leader in AI, telecom, retail, and digital services.

India’s tablet market contracted sharply in the first half of 2025, with total shipments falling 32.2% every year to about 2.15 million units. The slump marks one of the steepest declines in recent years, driven largely by a drop in commercial demand.

The slowdown was more pronounced in the April–June quarter, which saw shipments plunge 42.1% compared to the same period last year. A key factor behind the decline was the scaling back of large government-funded education and public sector procurement programs that had previously driven bulk tablet orders.

Despite the overall downturn, the market showed contrasting trends across device types. Detachable tablets, which include hybrid devices with removable keyboards, grew 18.9%, supported by demand for flexible, productivity-focused tools. Meanwhile, traditional slate tablets suffered a steep 44.4% fall in shipments.

Samsung continued to dominate the market, capturing 41.3% share in the first half of the year. The company led both the commercial and consumer segments, driven by its presence in education initiatives and aggressive online distribution. Lenovo followed with a 12.3% share, while Apple ranked third at 11.8%. Xiaomi and Acer rounded out the top five.

While the commercial segment faltered, consumer demand held relatively steady. Online sales outpaced offline, boosted by new launches, cashback offers, and financing options. Features like larger screens, stylus support, and competitive pricing also helped sustain interest, particularly in mid-range devices.

“The consumer tablet market doubled between 2019 and 2021 and is expected to triple by the end of 2025,” said Bharath Shenoy, an industry analyst. “But weakening public sector demand could weigh on total growth going forward.

As India’s tablet market shifts from institutional to consumer-driven demand, manufacturers are likely to focus more on productivity-centric and affordable models. With the festive season approaching, the next few months may offer a modest recovery, driven by aggressive promotions and refreshed product line-ups. Still, without a revival in commercial spending, overall growth may remain subdued through the end of the year.

Silicon Valley: Google has cut around 35% of its managers overseeing small teams, part of a sweeping overhaul to flatten its hierarchy and improve efficiency.

The change was revealed at a recent all-hands meeting by Brian Welle, Vice President of People Analytics and Performance, who said the eliminated roles mainly involved managers with fewer than three direct reports. Instead of being laid off, many of these employees have been reassigned to individual contributor roles, allowing Google to retain talent while streamlining decision-making.

The cuts form part of CEO Sundar Pichai’s broader efficiency drive, which has already seen major layoffs across divisions since 2023, including the company’s largest-ever job cut affecting 12,000 employees. In 2025, additional reductions hit units like Google Cloud, Platforms & Devices, and the Global Business Group.

At the same time, the company has rolled out Voluntary Exit Programs (VEPs) across search, marketing, hardware, and people operations, with 3–5% of employees opting in, often for personal reasons.

Pichai has stressed the need for leaner leadership to reduce bureaucracy and speed up execution, telling staff that Google must “be more efficient as we scale up so we don’t solve everything with headcount.”

While the move is seen as a step toward agility and cost discipline, it has stirred unease among employees. Google has emphasized transparency, positioning the reshuffle as a chance for managers to continue contributing in different capacities rather than a pure downsizing exercise.

Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd (SAMIL), a leading Indian auto components manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of an 81% stake in Japan's Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd. (YGCL) for approximately $184 million (₹1,610 crore). The deal, approved by SAMIL's board on August 29, 2025, is aimed at strengthening the company's global footprint and deepening its ties with Honda Motor Co., Ltd., which currently holds a 69.66% stake in Yutaka Giken. Post-transaction, Honda will retain a 19% voting rights stake in YGCL.

The acquisition will be executed through SAMIL's wholly-owned subsidiary, Motherson Global Investments B.V. (MGI BV). In addition to the YGCL stake, MGI BV will acquire an 11% stake in Shinnichi Kogyo Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of YGCL. SAMIL also plans to acquire 100% of Yutaka Autoparts India Pvt Ltd from YGCL, further enhancing its presence in the Indian market.

Yutaka Giken, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, specializes in producing metal components and assemblies, including rotors, stator assemblies, drive systems, brake systems, and thermal management systems. With 13 manufacturing units and one R&D facility across nine countries, YGCL reported a turnover of approximately $1.2 billion for the fiscal year 2024–25.

The acquisition aligns with SAMIL's strategy to expand its share of business with Japanese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and to cross-sell YGCL's product portfolio to other OEMs, particularly in emerging markets. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals from merger control authorities in Japan, the United States, China, Brazil, and Mexico, with an expected completion timeline by the first quarter of fiscal year 2026–27.

Following the announcement, SAMIL's stock price experienced a positive movement, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s strategic expansion. Industry analysts say the acquisition positions Samvardhana Motherson as a stronger global player in automotive components, with an enhanced product portfolio and wider access to international OEMs.

Tata Motors on Friday launched its all-new 9-seater Tata Winger Plus, priced at ₹20.60 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), targeting staff transportation and the expanding travel and tourism market.

Designed as a premium passenger mobility solution, the Winger Plus combines comfort, connectivity, and efficiency for both passengers and fleet operators. According to the company, the van delivers a spacious and comfortable travel experience while helping fleet owners reduce total cost of ownership and improve profitability.

Anand S, Vice President and Head of Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business at Tata Motors, said the Winger Plus “has been thoughtfully developed to offer passengers a premium ride while presenting fleet operators with a compelling value proposition. Its superior comfort, advanced features, and segment-leading efficiency are engineered to maximise profitability while keeping ownership costs low.”

The vehicle is built to cater to India’s evolving passenger mobility needs — from urban staff transport to growing demand in the tourism sector. “The Winger Plus sets new benchmarks in the commercial passenger vehicle segment, responding to the diverse requirements of modern fleet operators and travellers alike,” Anand added.

Equipped with Tata Motors’ Fleet Edge connected vehicle platform, the Winger Plus allows real-time vehicle tracking, diagnostics, and fleet optimisation, providing operators with tools to enhance operational efficiency.

With this launch, Tata Motors strengthens its commercial passenger vehicle portfolio, which spans 9-seater to 55-seater vehicles across various powertrains and configurations, serving multiple segments of India’s mass-mobility market.