Category: 1 Minute-Read

Categories
1 Minute-Read

India’s first bullet train set for 2027 launch

India will roll out its first bullet train on August 15, 2027, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced.

The high-speed service will operate on the 508-km Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor, connecting key cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, Thane and Mumbai.

Designed to run at speeds of up to 320 kmph, the bullet train will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to less than three hours.

The project will be launched in phases, with select stretches opening first before full operations begin.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Tata Group charts 2026 path with innovation and impact

Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran has shared the group’s vision for 2026, focusing on execution with purpose and innovation that makes a real difference.

The group plans to advance artificial intelligence, expand future-ready manufacturing, and nurture talent for tomorrow. Sustainability is at the heart of their strategy, with green steel and electric mobility leading the way.

Chandrasekaran also highlighted resilience against cyber, operational, and geopolitical challenges, while exploring global opportunities that strengthen India’s position as a technology and manufacturing hub. The approach blends ambition with responsibility, aiming for growth that matters.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Vodafone Idea AGR dues frozen for 5 years

The Union Cabinet has approved a five‑year freeze on Vodafone Idea’s AGR dues, totaling around ₹87,695 crore.

Payments will be deferred until 2031‑32, with remaining 2017‑18 and 2018‑19 liabilities due by 2030‑31.

The move aims to ease financial pressure on the struggling operator and protect competition, while the government retains its 49 per cent stake in the company.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

OYO parent Prism files confidential IPO, raises Rs 6,650 cr

OYO’s parent company, Prism, has initiated plans for an initial public offering (IPO) via the confidential route, aiming to raise up to Rs 6,650 crore.

The filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) follows shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting in December 2025. Prism’s IPO could value the hospitality‑tech firm at $7–8 billion, reflecting strong market confidence.

This move revives its earlier listing plans that were put on hold due to market conditions. SEBI’s review of the draft red herring prospectus is now underway.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Meta buys AI startup Manus to boost advanced AI

Meta Platforms has acquired Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup originally founded in China, for over $2 billion.

Manus develops autonomous AI agents that handle tasks like research, coding, and data analysis with minimal prompts. Meta will integrate this technology into Meta AI, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, while keeping Manus’s subscription services running.

The acquisition highlights Meta’s push to compete with OpenAI and Google in advanced AI development.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

M&M rises to second spot in India’s car market

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is set to overtake Hyundai Motor India to become the country’s second-largest passenger vehicle maker in 2025, behind Maruti Suzuki.

M&M registered around 581,000 units this year, surpassing Hyundai’s 550,000.

The shift reflects strong SUV demand and M&M’s expanding portfolio, while Hyundai’s limited new launches contributed to its drop in rankings. Tata Motors remains close behind in third place.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

India’s industrial output jumps 6.7% in November

India’s industrial production rose sharply by 6.7% in November, recording its fastest growth in over two years, according to official data.

The surge was mainly driven by a strong recovery in manufacturing output, which grew around 8%, supported by higher production of automobiles, pharmaceuticals, metals and consumer goods.

Mining activity also showed improvement, reflecting steady demand. However, electricity generation remained weak, showing a slight contraction during the month.

The sharp rise in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) marks a significant rebound from October’s muted performance and signals improving economic momentum amid festive demand and rising consumption.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

RBI flags rising bank competition

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) warned that banks face increasing competition from equity markets and technology-driven solutions.

Its ‘Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024‑25’ report noted that while traditional bank credit growth is moderating, corporate funding via equity and non-bank sources is rising. Digital transformation offers convenience but also exposes banks to cybersecurity and operational risks.

The RBI emphasized the importance of robust risk management, responsible technology adoption, and financial inclusion to stay competitive. Banks must adapt quickly to evolving customer expectations and emerging funding alternatives to maintain resilience.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Gujarat Kidney IPO lists at 6% premium

Shares of Gujarat Kidney and Super Speciality Ltd made a steady debut on the stock exchanges, listing at a 6 per cent premium over the IPO price. The stock opened at around ₹120–121, compared to the issue price of ₹114, indicating healthy investor appetite.

The IPO received strong overall subscription, led by retail investors, reflecting confidence in the company’s healthcare-focused business model. Funds raised through the public issue will be used for expansion, hospital acquisitions, and purchase of medical equipment. The positive listing highlights continued interest in healthcare stocks despite mixed market conditions.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Hindustan Copper up 67%, Hindustan Zinc up 35% in Dec.

Hindustan Copper surged up to 67% in December, hitting a 15-year high before trimming some gains, while Hindustan Zinc rose around 35%, driven by strong global copper and silver prices.

The metals rally has bolstered investor sentiment, reflecting optimism about base metals amid robust demand. Analysts, however, advise caution, noting that both stocks appear overbought at current levels.

While long-term prospects remain positive due to steady commodity demand and supportive market trends, short-term volatility could persist. Investors are recommended to assess risk and consider waiting for a potential correction before entering.