Category: Corporate

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Corporate

Prada ties up with Indian Kolhapuri artisans

Luxury fashion brand Prada has announced that it will launch a special collection of sandals inspired by India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals, with production taking place in India. The collection is expected to be released globally in February 2026, following months of criticism over the brand’s earlier designs.

The controversy began when Prada showcased leather sandals during its Milan fashion show that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals, a handcrafted footwear style that holds Geographical Indication (GI) status in India. The absence of any reference to Indian artisans or cultural origins led to public backlash, with critics accusing the brand of copying traditional designs without giving due credit.

In response, Prada entered into an agreement with Indian leather development bodies LIDCOM (Maharashtra) and LIDKAR (Karnataka). Under this partnership, around 2,000 pairs of sandals will be handmade in India by local artisans. Each pair is expected to be priced at about $930 (approximately ₹84,000) and sold through select Prada stores and online platforms worldwide.

The company said the initiative aims to combine traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern luxury design. It will also include skill-development programmes for artisans and opportunities for select craftspeople to engage with Prada’s design teams in Italy.

Prada has acknowledged the cultural roots of Kolhapuri chappals and said the collaboration is intended to promote traditional Indian footwear on a global stage. However, some artisan groups and industry observers have raised concerns about pricing, profit-sharing, and long-term benefits for local craftsmen.

The episode has once again highlighted the growing debate around cultural appropriation, intellectual property rights, and fair recognition of traditional crafts in the global fashion industry.

Also Read: 3 US lawmakers move to end 50% India tariffs

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SEBI clears Pranav Adani in Adani Green insider trading case

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cleared Pranav Adani and two of his relatives of insider trading allegations linked to share transactions in Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL). The case pertained to trading activity that occurred ahead of AGEL’s acquisition of SB Energy in 2021.

Pranav Adani, a director in several Adani Group companies and the nephew of group chairman Gautam Adani, was accused of allegedly sharing unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) related to the SB Energy deal. SEBI had also examined whether his relatives, Kunal Dhanpalbhai Shah and Nrupal Dhanpalbhai Shah, traded AGEL shares using such confidential information.

In its final order, SEBI said it found no material evidence to substantiate the allegations. The regulator stated that there was nothing on record to indicate that Pranav Adani had communicated any non-public information to the two relatives. It also concluded that the trades carried out by the Shahs could not be linked to insider knowledge.

SEBI observed that key details of the SB Energy acquisition were already available in the public domain before the trades under scrutiny were executed. As such, the information did not qualify as unpublished price-sensitive information under insider trading norms.

The regulator further noted that the timing and pattern of the share transactions did not suggest any misuse of confidential information. Based on these findings, SEBI dismissed the show-cause notice issued in November 2023 and dropped all proceedings against the three individuals.

No penalties, restrictions, or further regulatory directions were imposed. The order effectively brings the insider trading investigation related to the Adani Green Energy–SB Energy transaction to a close.

The SB Energy acquisition was among the largest renewable energy deals in the country at the time and played a key role in expanding Adani Green Energy’s clean power portfolio. SEBI’s decision provides regulatory closure to the case and relief to Pranav Adani and his family members after months of regulatory scrutiny.

Also Read: Ozempic debuts in India for type 2 diabetes

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Ozempic debuts in India for type 2 diabetes

Global pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched Ozempic, a once-weekly injectable medicine for Type 2 diabetes, in India, expanding treatment options for millions of patients struggling to manage blood sugar levels. The drug contains semaglutide, a next-generation therapy already widely used in several countries.

Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps the body release insulin when blood sugar levels are high. It also reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver and slows digestion, leading to better glucose control. In addition, the medicine acts on the brain’s appetite centres, helping patients feel full for longer. While this effect has drawn attention globally for weight reduction, in India the drug has been approved specifically for managing Type 2 diabetes.

One of Ozempic’s key advantages is its once-a-week dosing, delivered through a pre-filled injection pen. Doctors say this can make treatment easier for patients who find daily injections difficult to maintain. The treatment begins with a 0.25 mg starter dose, mainly to help the body adjust. Depending on the patient’s condition, the dose may later be increased to 0.5 mg or 1 mg, strictly under a doctor’s guidance.

The starting dose costs about ₹2,200 per week, or roughly ₹8,800 per month, with higher doses priced above this level. Medical experts point out that affordability could be a concern for long-term use, especially since diabetes is a chronic condition requiring sustained treatment.

India has one of the world’s largest populations living with diabetes, and the number continues to rise due to sedentary lifestyles, dietary habits, and obesity. Specialists believe Ozempic could benefit patients whose blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled despite standard oral medicines or insulin therapy.

Doctors, however, stress that Ozempic is not a standalone solution. It must be used alongside lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, and routine monitoring of blood sugar. Some patients may experience side effects like nausea or stomach discomfort, particularly in the early weeks of treatment, making medical supervision essential.

With the launch of Ozempic, India’s diabetes care space is seeing a shift towards advanced injectable therapies. While the drug brings new hope for improved disease control, experts emphasise responsible prescribing and informed patient use to ensure both safety and long-term benefits.

Also Read: Rupee falls 9 paise, hits record low of ₹90.41

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Tata Steel’s west India expansion sparks mixed views from brokers

Tata Steel Ltd has announced big plans to grow its business in India,  including increasing production, setting up new plants, buying stakes in raw-material units, and partnering with other companies. However, brokerages have different opinions on how these plans will affect the company’s stock in the near term.

The company plans to raise production at Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd in Odisha by 4.8 million tonnes and set up a low-carbon steel demonstration plant in Jamshedpur. New facilities in Odisha and Maharashtra will make higher-value steel products for construction and automotive industries.

To secure raw materials, Tata Steel will buy a 50.01% stake in Thriveni Pellets Private Ltd for around ₹636 crore. Thriveni owns a 4-million-tonne pellet plant and a long slurry pipeline in Odisha, which will help Tata Steel ensure steady iron ore supply.

Tata Steel also signed a non-binding deal with Lloyds Metals & Energy to explore mining and steel projects in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. This could include building a greenfield steel plant with a capacity of six million tonnes, marking Tata Steel’s first major presence in western India.

Brokerages have different views on the impact of these moves. Motilal Oswal and JM Financial recommend buying the stock, citing growth potential and stronger demand. Elara Capital suggests accumulating the stock, noting profits may be lower in the short term due to soft steel prices. Nuvama Institutional Equities rates it as “hold,” pointing to possible margin pressure and uncertainty about capital spending timelines.

Analysts say the expansion will strengthen Tata Steel in the long run by adding capacity, downstream products, and sustainable technology. However, steel price swings and execution risks could affect short-term results.

Tata Steel’s expansion shows a focus on long-term growth, integrating raw materials, and reaching new regions, while investors balance optimism about growth with caution over market conditions and project execution.

Also Read: Microsoft CEO builds AI Cricket App at leisure time

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Sensex rallies 450 Points, Nifty above 26,000

Indian stock markets closed higher on Friday, bouncing back after recent losses. The BSE Sensex rose about 450 points, while the Nifty 50 crossed 26,000, showing renewed investor confidence.

Tata Steel led the gainers, rising around 3 percent. Other top performers included HCL Tech and Infosys, while Hindalco and ICICI Bank were among the losers.

The rally came on the back of positive sentiment in domestic markets, supported by gains in metals and IT stocks. Investors also reacted to global cues, including a rebound in U.S. markets.

Despite some profit-booking and foreign fund outflows, the overall trend remained positive, with most sectors ending the session in green.

Also Read: Sensex jumps 300 Points, Nifty moves above 25,950

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NITI Aayog targets corporate bond growth

NITI Aayog has proposed a comprehensive plan to strengthen India’s corporate bond market, aiming to make it a key source of long-term capital for the economy. The move comes as the corporate bond market in India remains small compared to countries like South Korea and China, with limited participation from retail investors, who account for less than 2 per cent of total investments.

To attract more individual investors, the think-tank has recommended the creation of Corporate Bond Savings Accounts (CBSAs), which would offer tax benefits under Section 80C, similar to equity-linked savings schemes. The proposal also suggests simplifying access to corporate bonds by enabling trading through demat accounts, mobile apps, and internet banking, lowering minimum investment thresholds, and facilitating small-ticket purchases through UPI.

NITI Aayog has further proposed several tax incentives. These include extending existing tax benefits to corporate bonds, aligning long-term capital gains taxes with equities and other instruments, reducing withholding taxes for foreign investors, and offering tax credits for first-time retail investors. Such measures are aimed at leveling the playing field between bonds, equities, and bank deposits as investment options.

In addition to tax and account reforms, the report emphasizes the need for stronger market infrastructure. This includes transparent pricing tools, standardised disclosures, and digital marketplaces to make bond trading easier and more efficient. The think-tank also recommends introducing new products like covered bonds backed by high-quality assets and fractional bond funds, allowing small investors to access diversified portfolios.

The proposals are designed to expand the corporate bond market from its current size of around 15–16 per cent of GDP to ₹100–120 lakh crore by 2030. If implemented, the reforms could broaden the investor base, improve liquidity, and position corporate bonds as a vital tool for long-term financing in India’s growing economy.

By making corporate bonds more accessible and rewarding for investors, NITI Aayog hopes to strengthen India’s financial system and support sustainable economic growth.

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₹148 Lakh crore wealth boom for India’s top firms

India’s top listed companies have created record wealth over the past five years. The latest Motilal Oswal Wealth Creation Study reports that the top 100 companies added ₹148 lakh crore in market value between March 2020 and March 2025. This is the highest increase seen since the study began 30 years ago.

The sharp rise in wealth came during a period of strong corporate earnings and steady market participation. Domestic investors also played a major role in keeping markets stable and active.

Bharti Airtel emerged as the biggest wealth creator in this five-year cycle. The telecom major added nearly ₹8 lakh crore to its market value. Strong subscriber growth and higher data usage supported its performance. ICICI Bank and State Bank of India followed Airtel, driven by healthier balance sheets and better credit growth.

The study highlights that the financial sector continues to contribute the most to overall wealth creation. Banks and non-banking financial companies saw strong demand, improved asset quality and better profitability.

A separate list in the study tracks the fastest wealth creators. BSE Ltd, the stock exchange operator, topped this category due to a high compound annual growth rate. The company benefited from increased trading activity and rising investor participation.

Defence and capital goods companies also stood out. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) delivered consistent performance each year. It was ranked the most consistent wealth creator and the best overall performer. Other defence players such as Bharat Dynamics and Bharat Electronics also saw strong gains. Higher government spending on defence supported this trend.

The study notes the rising importance of public sector undertakings. Several PSUs in energy, defence and utilities reported sharp increases in market value. Investor interest in these companies grew as they reported stronger profits and benefited from policy support.

Motilal Oswal says the last five years represent a broad and healthy phase for India’s equity markets. It adds that India may be entering a long multi-year growth cycle. The firm believes that rising incomes, higher savings and economic expansion will continue to support wealth creation.

The study concludes that India’s markets are well-positioned for further gains if earnings growth remains steady and investor participation continues.

Also Read: ICICI Prudential AMC ₹10,602 cr IPO opens

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Park Medi World IPO ₹920 cr, nearly fully subscribed

Park Medi World’s initial public offering (IPO), targeting around ₹920 crore, is in its third and final day. Priced between ₹154 and ₹162 per share, the IPO includes a mix of new shares and shares sold by existing investors.

In the grey market, where unofficial trades hint at potential listing gains, the premium has eased to around ₹8–₹9 per share, roughly 5% above the issue price. This marks a softening from earlier levels, signaling a slight cooling of short-term trading excitement.

By the end of Day 2, the IPO was almost fully subscribed. Retail investors applied for 1.19 times their allocation, while non-institutional investors applied for 1.38 times. Institutional investors were more cautious, covering only 32% of their quota.

The company plans to use the proceeds to repay debt, expand its hospital network, purchase medical equipment, and fund growth initiatives. Park Medi World operates 14 multi-speciality hospitals in North India, with over 3,000 beds and more than 30 medical specialties, making it a significant player in the region’s healthcare sector.

Financially, the company has reported steady growth in revenue and profits over the past few years. Its expansion strategy, through acquisitions and new hospital projects, has helped strengthen its position in the competitive healthcare market.

Analysts see the IPO as attractive for long-term investors, highlighting the company’s strong fundamentals and the rising demand for quality healthcare services across India.

The IPO closes on 12 December 2025, with listing expected later this month. Investors are watching both subscription trends and grey market movements closely, as they offer a glimpse into potential listing performance.

Park Medi World’s offering reflects continued investor interest in the healthcare sector, combining growth potential with an established hospital network and a wide range of specialized services.

Also Read: IndiGo offers Rs 10,000 vouchers to passengers

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ICICI Prudential AMC ₹10,602 cr IPO opens

The ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC) IPO opened on December 12, 2025. Investors are watching it closely. This is one of India’s biggest fundraisings this year.

The IPO is an offer for sale (OFS). Promoters are selling their shares. No fresh equity is being issued. The issue aims to raise around ₹10,602 crore. The price band is ₹2,061–₹2,165 per share, giving the AMC a valuation of about ₹1.07 lakh crore.

The subscription window will close on December 16. Shares are expected to list on December 19. On the first day, subscription was moderate. Retail and non‑institutional investors led the early bids. Institutional participation is expected to pick up in the coming days.

In the grey market, unlisted shares are trading at a premium of ₹150–₹177. This signals a potential listing gain of 7–8 percent. Grey market trends often hint at market sentiment. The current premium shows optimism for the IPO.

Before the public offer, the AMC raised more than ₹3,000 crore from anchor investors. Top domestic and international institutions took part. Analysts say this shows strong confidence and adds credibility to the IPO.

ICICI Prudential AMC is a joint venture between ICICI Bank (51%) and Prudential Corporation Holdings (49%). It is one of India’s largest asset managers. The company manages equity, debt, and hybrid funds. It serves both retail and institutional clients.

Experts say the IPO may attract medium- to long-term investors. Positive grey market signals and strong anchor support are encouraging. This IPO is the fifth ICICI Group company to list. It highlights growing investor appetite for established financial companies in India in 2025.

Also Read: Park Medi World IPO ₹920 cr, nearly fully subscribed

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Sensex jumps 300 Points, Nifty moves above 25,950

Indian stock markets opened strong on Friday. The Sensex gained over 300 points, and the Nifty moved above 25,950, showing improved sentiment after a weak start to the week.

The rally was led by big gainers such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, HDFC Bank, and Reliance Industries. These stocks saw good buying interest and helped lift the overall market.

On the other hand, a few sectors saw pressure. IT stocks, FMCG companies, and some pharma shares were among the early losers, with mild profit-booking dragging them down.

Global cues also supported the market. Positive trends in US and Asian markets, along with improved optimism after the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut, boosted investor confidence. This encouraged buying in banks, capital goods, and telecom stocks.

Investors are now watching for India’s inflation data, expected later in the day, which could influence market direction.

Overall, the markets recovered well, with strong gainers in banking and engineering stocks outweighing minor losses in IT, FMCG, and pharma sectors.

Also Read: Sensex up 427 points, Nifty near 25,900