Tuesday, March 10
Nippo, a household name for batteries, is evolving into a diversified consumer products company. Founder P Obul Reddy's vision of affordable, dependable products built a legacy. Now, Indo National Ltd aims to double revenue in five years by expanding into electricals and home care, modernizing manufacturing, and embracing digital transformation, all while staying debt-free and upholding strong human values.
Housing sales in India's 15 major Tier II cities saw a 4% value increase to Rs 37,409 crore in Q3 2025, despite a 4% dip in unit volumes. This rise, attributed to expanding employment and infrastructure, indicates strong buyer willingness for quality and amenities, signaling a maturing market.
Oil India Limited has commenced its first deepwater drilling campaign in the Kerala-Konkan Basin, marking a significant step in India's energy independence. The 6,000-meter well aims to explore the basin's potential, aligning with the government's strategy to boost domestic exploration and reduce import reliance.
India's engineering exports plunged 16.71% in October 2025, hitting $9.37 billion, largely due to a significant drop in shipments to the US and a high base effect. Key markets like Asean also saw steep declines. Despite this monthly dip, cumulative exports for April-October 2025 showed a modest 1.68% growth.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is now in an era where politics increasingly influences economics, urging India to diversify supply sources to protect national interests. He highlighted global fragmentation and supply insecurity, emphasising India's pursuit of self-reliance and manufacturing growth to secure its future.
Starting January 1, 2026, India's market regulator Sebi will classify Mutual Fund and Specialised Investment Fund investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts as equity. This aims to boost REIT market participation. REITs can join equity indices from July 1, 2026, with existing debt scheme holdings grandfathered. Sebi encourages gradual divestment from debt schemes.
Donald Trump asserted his tariff regime has made the U.S. "Rich, Strong, Powerful, and Safe," claiming it has stopped wars, strengthened alliances, and boosted the stock market. He attributed these outcomes to "Strong Leadership and TARIFFS," as tariff revenues have significantly increased, with a Supreme Court ruling on presidential authority pending.
The Indian rupee is unlikely to see a sharp fall soon, having already depreciated 4% this year and trading in a narrow band. Union Bank of India anticipates the rupee to remain range-bound between 88.80 and 89.50 through December, with potential strengthening contingent on equity inflows or progress on the India-US BTA.
Indian exports to the US plummeted by 28.5% between May and October 2025 due to aggressive US tariff hikes, hitting labour-intensive sectors hardest. Shipments dropped significantly as duties surged, making Indian goods heavily taxed compared to competitors. Delays in operationalizing export promotion schemes are further hindering recovery efforts.
India's robust 8.2% GDP growth in the July-September quarter, a testament to the government's reform agenda and business-friendly policies, solidifies its standing as the world's fastest-growing major economy. This impressive expansion, driven by strong public investment, services, industrial output, and consumption, refutes earlier doubts and signals continued economic momentum.
