Friday, March 13
MNRE has revised its Waste-to-Energy Programme guidelines to simplify procedures and enhance transparency. The new framework links financial support to the actual performance of energy plants, disbursing CFA in stages based on operational milestones. These changes aim to benefit MSMEs, streamline inspections, and contribute to India's waste management and net-zero emissions goals.
Starting July 2025, SBI, HDFC Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank will implement significant credit card changes. SBI Card discontinues air accident insurance and updates its Minimum Amount Due calculation. HDFC Bank introduces new charges for gaming, wallet loads, and utility payments, while Kotak Mahindra Bank replaces the Myntra Card with the Kotak League Credit Card.
A Cushman & Wakefield report reveals that most Indian small manufacturers aren't benefiting from government skill-training programs. MSMEs face challenges like low productivity, high logistics costs, and regulatory burdens. While infrastructure spending boosts capital expenditure, a holistic approach combining skill development, regulatory relief, and infrastructure support is crucial for empowering MSMEs.
Last week, the market capitalization of nine of India's top-10 most valued companies surged by Rs 2,34,565.53 crore, mirroring the buoyant equity markets. Reliance Industries emerged as the biggest gainer, while Infosys was the only firm to experience a decline in valuation. The benchmark BSE Sensex also saw a significant rise of 2% during the same period.
July 2025 brings key financial and service changes for Indian consumers. Aadhaar becomes mandatory for online Tatkal train bookings, with stricter OTP verification. Axis Bank revises ATM charges, increasing fees for transactions exceeding free limits. ICICI Bank introduces new service fees, impacting ATM usage and cash transactions. The government will also announce new interest rates for small savings schemes.
Rosneft has initiated discussions with Reliance Industries for the potential sale of its 49.13% stake in Nayara Energy, a move that could significantly consolidate India's oil refining and fuel retail sector. Valuation remains a key obstacle, with Rosneft seeking around $17 billion.
Indian paint companies like Asian Paints and Berger Paints are facing challenges due to weak urban demand and intense price competition, impacting their profit margins in FY25. Despite these headwinds, they anticipate a modest recovery in FY26, fueled by increased disposable incomes and government initiatives.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India's ban on ships carrying goods from or to Pakistan has significantly disrupted Pakistani trade. This ban, effective May 2025, has led to increased freight charges and longer shipping times, forcing importers to rely on feeder vessels. Indian agencies are actively enforcing the ban, seizing falsely declared Pakistani goods routed through third countries.
Panasonic has withdrawn from India's refrigerator and washing machine sectors due to global restructuring and sustained losses, despite achieving ₹11,500 crore revenue in FY25. The company's market share was minimal, with six years of sales losses. Panasonic will now concentrate on profitable areas like HVAC, B2B solutions, and home automation.
Xiaomi's YU7 electric SUV launch has ignited the Chinese EV market, securing 289,000 pre-orders within the first hour and propelling the company's stock to record highs. The YU7, priced competitively below Tesla's Model Y, boasts superior range and advanced tech features. This launch aligns with China's strategy to become a major consumption powerhouse, further intensifying the EV price war.
