Folgen
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 20, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, robotics really stole the show. Imagine robots mowing lawns, cleaning floors, and even mixing drinks—sounds like sci-fi, right? Well, it's becoming a reality. Standouts included 'Adam,' a robotic bartender from Richtech Robotics, and 'Mirumi,' a robot designed for social interactions. There was also 'Looi' by Tangible Future, a personal assistant powered by ChatGPT, and 'Mirokai,' a programmable humanoid that feels almost like talking to another person. These bots range in price from the more affordable 'Mirumi' at $70 to the hefty $60,000 for the home assistant R2D3. What's really exciting is how interactive these robots have become. Thanks to advancements in AI, they're not just functional machines anymore; they can actually interact with you in a way that feels natural. So, are these home robots ready for people to be used? Shouvik Das answers that question in today’s Primer.
As Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 47th President of the United States, India’s stock market braces for potential volatility. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) are notably apprehensive, having net sold ₹44,396 crore worth of shares up to January 16 and significantly increasing their bearish bets on Indian futures. This cautious stance reflects concerns over Trump's unpredictable policies, which could include high tariffs and strict immigration rules, writes Ram Sahgal. Despite these worries, India's position in the global market has shifted, now trailing behind Taiwan in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index due to recent market corrections.
Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, is considering offering more attractive income tax breaks in the upcoming FY26 budget to boost household spending amid economic challenges. Sources told Gireesh Chandra Prasad that the discussions are focused on increasing the standard deduction beyond ₹75,000 and raising the basic tax exemption limit from ₹3 lakh. Also, on reconfiguring the tax brackets up to ₹15 lakh to provide broader relief. These proposed changes aim to stimulate consumption by adjusting the personal income tax structure, particularly targeting those earning between ₹3 and ₹15 lakh. With economic growth expected to slow to 6.4%, these fiscal measures, alongside maintaining elevated capital expenditure, are seen as crucial steps to invigorate the economy. The government is also looking to balance these tax cuts with fiscal responsibility, aiming to keep the deficit within 4.5% of GDP next year.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) might just dodge the divestment bullet as the government mulls labelling it as a "strategic" public sector unit. That's a big nod to BHEL's role in key sectors like renewable energy and defence. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare write that a parliamentary committee has also thrown its weight behind this idea. The committee recommended that BHEL be deemed strategic, which could mean no more talk of selling off government stakes in the company. BHEL's been making moves into electric mobility and renewable power, and it’s been paying off with a revival in large thermal power and railway equipment orders. With the government holding a 63.17% stake, BHEL's market value recently stood strong at close to ₹74,500 crore. So, what’s next? BHEL's packed order book, which includes everything from Vande Bharat trains to power projects, points to its crucial role in supporting India's strategic industrial ambitions.
Coldplay is back in India, hitting stages in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as part of their Music of The Spheres world tour. Despite the high ticket prices, fans across generations are eager to experience their music live, spending big on tickets, travel, and accommodations. Interestingly, Coldplay’s fan base isn’t just limited to those who grew up listening to them. A lot of their younger fans weren’t even born when the band started in 1997 but are just as enthusiastic, drawn by the band's ability to blend their classic hits with modern vibes that resonate across age groups. Soumya Gupta takes a deep dive into the cultural phenomenon that is Coldplay and how a millennial band is charming Gen Z audience. Anil Makhija from BookMyShow notes the band’s broad appeal, “Their music captures the hearts of both older audiences and the younger generation, making their concerts a rich, multi-generational gathering.” This pattern isn’t just unique to India. Globally, older bands like Coldplay continue to draw crowds with their timeless music, proving that good tunes know no age. With their music finding new fans through social media and their ability to adapt to contemporary sounds, Coldplay manages to keep their legacy alive and kicking, captivating listeners across the spectrum. Whether it's the nostalgia for the older fans or the discovery of new hits for the younger ones, Coldplay's tours are more than just concerts—they're a celebration of enduring music that crosses generational divides.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 17, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
The upcoming Union budget for 2025-26 is set to focus heavily on agriculture, small businesses, boosting household spending, and creating more jobs, Dhirendra Kumar and Gireesh Chandra Prasad report. The plan is to introduce farmer incentives, support for MSMEs, and measures to increase consumer spending. Expect the budget to zoom in on promoting high-value agriculture—things like fruits, vegetables, and animal farming—to help small farmers grow their incomes. This will be backed by investments in technology and better marketing strategies. For MSMEs, the budget might offer easier credit options and ensure they get paid on time by larger companies. There could also be incentives for making industries like rice milling more energy-efficient, aligning with the nation’s renewable energy targets.
This week equity markets were hit hard, with investors losing over ₹12 trillion on Monday. A strong dollar and worries about fewer US rate cuts have drained liquidity and led to massive sell-offs globally. As the dollar index has climbed 9% since October, betting on a robust US economy and sustained inflation, riskier assets like emerging market equities have lost their lustre. Higher US treasury yields suggest that fewer rate cuts might be in store for 2025, further dampening the mood. In India, the economic outlook isn’t too rosy either. Reduced government spending, cooling credit, stubborn inflation, and sluggish demand are hurting corporate profits, making it difficult for Indian stocks to justify their high valuations. Abhinaba Saha writes about what could be expected from the market in the coming weeks.
This month marks a big leap for connectivity in Kashmir with the launch of the first-ever train service linking Srinagar to the rest of the country. The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Project (USBRL), will travel over 800 kilometers from New Delhi to Srinagar. This line not only promises faster travel times but also aims to boost the local economy by enhancing sectors like tourism and agriculture. Plus, it offers a reliable alternative to the often-blocked Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. While there’s excitement about the potential for growth and better connectivity, there are also worries about the environmental impact and the economic effects on Jammu’s local businesses. Irfan Amin Malik examines how Kashmir’s first rail link with the rest of India will impact its key sectors.
Hindenburg Research, the American short-seller famous for shaking up the corporate world, is closing its doors. Nathan Anderson, the founder, announced the shutdown without spilling the beans on why, only mentioning that he's ending on a high note. Hindenburg shot to fame in India after it lobbed serious fraud accusations at the Adani Group in January 2023, wiping billions from their market value overnight. Though Adani later recouped most of these losses, the impact was unforgettable. Adani’s CFO even threw a bit of shade on social media, hinting at outlasting their critics. This closure isn't just big news for Hindenburg; it’s a turning point for the world of short-sellers, who’ve been facing scrutiny and regulatory challenges across the world.
Reliance Industries Ltd announced on Thursday a 7.4% increase in its net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 18,540 crore, up from Rs 17,265 crore during the same period last year. The earnings per share also rose to Rs 13.70 from Rs 12.76. This growth comes as the company saw a strong performance in its retail business and an increase in telecom earnings. Sequentially, the profit rose from Rs 16,563 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue from operations also increased, hitting Rs 2.43 trillion compared to Rs 2.27 trillion in the October-December 2023 quarter.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 16, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
A group of prominent investors, including Switzerland's Partners Group AG, Canada's Brookfield Asset Management, and KKR, are eyeing a stake in Indian internet services provider Excitel Broadband. They're part of a $200 million equity deal and have signed non-disclosure agreements as part of the process managed by Avendus Capital. Other potential investors like Macquarie Group, Apax Partners, and Actis Llp are also in the mix, reflecting strong interest in the company, which was founded in 2015 and now serves 1 million subscribers across 55 cities. Utpa Bhaskar reports on the potential acquisition of Excitel.
The Indian government is considering a revision of customs duties and procedures in specific sectors for the FY26 Union budget. This initiative aims to make it more appealing for manufacturers of finished goods to also produce components or semi-finished products, thereby enhancing trade ease and export competitiveness. Particularly, the electronics and consumer goods segments, including air conditioners and washing machines, might see duty revisions to encourage domestic production of components, according to Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Dhirendra Kumar's report. This strategy follows the successful model used in the mobile phone industry, where increased customs duty on finished products spurred local component manufacturing.
Travel companies are buzzing with excitement as the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is expected to draw a staggering 400 million visitors over the next six weeks. This year's festival is extra special, marking a 144-year cycle milestone, and it's triggered a massive demand spike for travel and accommodation. Responding swiftly, Air India has launched daily flights from Delhi to meet the soaring demand, with airfare prices shooting up significantly. Hotels are also seeing a tenfold booking increase, with costs rising across nearby cities like Varanasi, reports Varuni Khosla. Travel agencies, including giants like Thomas Cook, are capitalizing on the surge, rolling out extensive packages that range from basic stays to luxury spiritual retreats. The festival's economic impact is immense, with an expected generation of Rs 2 trillion in revenue, benefiting not just the travel sector but also local businesses across a spectrum of industries.
In the chilly fog of the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, a renewed farmer protest simmers along National Highway 52. Thousands of farmers have braved the elements since February of last year, their resolve unshaken by winter's bite, this time demanding legal backing for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for their crops. These protests, although less vibrant than the massive gatherings at Delhi’s borders in 2020, are deeply rooted in concerns over crop pricing. The government does set MSPs annually for 23 crops, but in reality, consistent purchases at these prices are mostly limited to wheat and rice. Farmers argue this system fails to protect them against market volatility, particularly for crops like groundnuts, soybeans, and moong, where they often receive less than the promised MSP. So, is there an end in sight to these protests? Sayantan Bera tackles that question as he takes a deep dive into the ongoing farmers' protests in today’s Long Story.
The upcoming Union budget is set to show Indian Railways' operating ratio at its best in five years for FY26, thanks to higher freight revenue and increased government funding. This key efficiency metric, which indicates how much the Railways spend to earn ₹100, is expected to dip below 98% for the first time since FY21, signalling stronger financial health and more room for capital expenditure. This improvement follows a few tough years where the operating ratio often exceeded 98%, highlighting financial strains mainly due to heavy pension liabilities, writes Subhash Narayan. However, from FY23 onwards, a rebound in freight and passenger revenues has bolstered the Railways' finances, suggesting a sustainable recovery is in the cards.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
Telangana owes roughly ₹3,900 crore to alcohol businesses, a substantial amount of dues that has been accumulating under the administration of Telangana Beverages Corporation Ltd (TGBCL), a state-run entity controlling alcohol sales. This situation stems from TGBCL's static pricing model since 2018-19 and delayed payments, straining suppliers like United Breweries Ltd (UBL), which has even halted beer supplies due to unprofitability. TGBCL's financial woes are due to decreased non-tax revenue, which fell dramatically short of the 2024-25 projections, coupled with high expenditures from recent political commitments. This financial shortfall has led to payment delays, with outstanding dues only partially cleared post-September 2024. Varuni Khosla explains what went wrong with the alcohol industry in Telangana.
The recent heavy selling by foreign portfolio investors has significantly impacted the Indian stock market, wiping out nearly ₹60 trillion in investor wealth over the last three and a half months. This sell-off, primarily fueled by FPIs withdrawing a net ₹1.85 trillion since October, has coincided with a weakening rupee and rising oil prices,reports Ram Sahgal. Market capitalization plummeted from a high of ₹473.84 trillion on September 27, when the Nifty 50 index peaked, to ₹414.23 trillion recently, marking a 12% drop in the benchmark index. Both the Nifty Smallcap 250 and Nifty Midcap 150 indices have similarly fallen by 13.5% from their late September highs. The primary drivers for this exodus include the depreciation of the rupee and escalating crude oil prices, influenced by new US sanctions on Russia and anticipated policy shifts as the US transitions from President Joe Biden to President-elect Donald Trump.
India is currently in talks with several countries to establish "data embassies" on its soil, a move aimed at allowing these nations to store and control their sovereign data while enhancing India's role as a secure data hub. Particularly advanced are discussions with the UAE to set up its first data embassy in India, Shouvik Das reports. The plan involves creating special zones dedicated to housing these data embassies, similar to how consular sections of embassies operate, ensuring the home country manages all privacy and access controls. The idea, inspired by Estonia's establishment of the world’s first data embassy in Luxembourg following a cyberattack in 2007, could provide India with significant geopolitical leverage. Data embassies could serve as secure storage sites during crises or allow countries to manage data without adhering to local data laws, potentially simplifying international business operations.
The national rural job guarantee scheme, MGNREGS, might see a budget boost in FY26. Although this year's funding isn't expected to change, there's talk of increasing it next year due to potential challenges in the rural economy. Despite some recent improvements in rural consumption thanks to better rainfall, the number of people seeking work under the scheme hit a four-month high in December, reaching 25.73 million. This spike shows there's still a big need for support, Dhirendra Kumar and Rhik Kundu report. A parliamentary committee has even pushed for higher wages in the scheme to keep up with inflation, which would mean more money is needed. So, while FY25's allocation might stay the same, the government is looking to ramp up funding in FY26 to keep supporting those in need.
Kolkata is experiencing a renaissance in its real estate and business sectors, shaking off its old image as a less business-friendly city. Recent developments include major projects like Phoenix Mills Ltd's creation of the city's largest mall in Alipore and Ambuja Neotia Group's expansion into luxury hotels and residential projects. The city is also drawing attention from the IT sector, as highlighted by Infosys opening a major development centre in New Town, which is expected to house 4,000 employees. This move supports the state's ambition to transform the area into a 'New Silicon Valley,' potentially generating 75,000 jobs. Despite these advancements, Kolkata's growth is hampered by outdated land acquisition laws that complicate large-scale development projects, Madhurima Nandy writes. While the state government has acknowledged these issues and promised reforms, progress has been minimal.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 14, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Meta is saying goodbye to independent fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram. Instead, they're rolling out a new system called 'community notes,' similar to what's used on Elon Musk's X. This new setup will rely on users to flag false information through a consensus mechanism. Zuckerberg's big push here is to cut down on automatic post bans and broaden the type of political content allowed, aiming to reduce what he sees as excessive control by automated systems. In India, where Meta deals with a highly complex landscape of 18 languages, they currently work with 11 fact-checking partners. Shouvik Das writes how the transition to community-driven fact-checking might struggle with accuracy, as seen with X's challenges in India, one of the world's biggest online markets. Yet, Meta might fine-tune this approach, possibly reintroducing some human oversight to strike a balance.
Alivaa Hotels, a fledgling hospitality company backed by Ananta Capital, is rapidly expanding with an ambitious plan to manage 50 properties in five years using an asset-light model of leasing rather than owning properties. This trend of leasing properties is gaining traction among new-age hoteliers who see it as a way to reduce capital expenditure and increase agility in the competitive hospitality industry, reports Varuni Khosla. By renting properties and focusing on high-margin room services, companies like Alivaa can streamline operations and focus on profitability. This model is particularly appealing in tier II and III cities, where property ownership costs can be prohibitive.
India is stepping up its game to improve quality standards for consumer products, taking cues from the US and EU. The government is aiming to weed out counterfeits by introducing random testing and focusing on high-risk items like electronics and toys, Dhirendra Kumar reports. This shake-up, managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards along with other bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority for food items, is a response to concerns about nearly a third of the market's goods being fake. With stricter checks and a focus on transparency, India hopes to boost consumer confidence and ensure safety, paving the way for a thriving market that's projected to boom and create numerous jobs by 2030.
The podcast industry in India, which boomed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, is now evolving from audio-only formats to include visual content, primarily on platforms like YouTube. This shift is attracting a broader audience and making it easier to secure advertising and sponsorships. However, the increased production costs pose a challenge to profitable monetization. Amit Doshi of IVM Podcasts-Pratilipi told Lata Jha that while viewership has skyrocketed with the addition of video, the higher drop-out rates on YouTube compared to audio-only formats suggest that engagement levels may vary. Industry insights suggest a diverse range of popular genres, from horror to self-help, are thriving, particularly on Spotify. Yet, there's a concern about the passive consumption of podcasts in public spaces, which might inflate viewership figures without reflecting genuine engagement.
The landscape of consumer engagement is rapidly changing with the emergence of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. These companies are bypassing traditional retail pathways to connect directly with consumers, addressing niche markets often overlooked by larger corporations. Whether it’s specialized hair care products or innovative mattresses, D2C brands are carving out significant spaces for themselves, writes Suneera Tandon. This shift is prompting major industry players to adapt. Giants such as Hindustan Unilever and P&G are responding by either acquiring these nimble startups or launching their own D2C initiatives to stay competitive. It's an exciting era for both consumers and marketers as this new wave of personalization and direct engagement reshapes purchasing behaviours and product offerings.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 13, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
Mint recently wrapped up a survey, running from late November to December, to gauge public opinion ahead of the Union Budget. We asked readers about their preferences on government planning and potential budget priorities. The results revealed a clear preference for short-term planning. Most of the 7,051 participants are leaning away from long-term goals, favouring immediate action instead. When it comes to the economy, job creation topped the list of priorities with many expressing dissatisfaction with the current income tax slabs, particularly the salaried folks who are craving more tax breaks. About 73% flagged job creation as crucial, underscoring a general unease about employment opportunities. The survey also highlighted a split opinion on populist budget measures, with about 41% in favour during slow economic times, yet higher earners largely opposed the idea. Schemes favouring women, farmers, and entrepreneurs received strong support, showing a desire for targeted assistance in these areas.
India is set to reduce its fiscal deficit for 2024-25 to between 4.7% and 4.8% of GDP, a bit lower than the initially budgeted 4.9%. Sources in the government told Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan about the move which is a part of the government's ongoing efforts to enforce economic discipline and maintain a trajectory towards fiscal consolidation, with an end goal to bring the deficit down to below 4.5% by 2026. Despite a slowdown in GDP growth, which fell to 5.4% in the September quarter, the government’s financial health has been buoyed by robust tax collections and a significantly higher-than-expected dividend from the Reserve Bank of India. This fiscal year, RBI has contributed a whopping ₹2.11 trillion dividend, which has been a major boost. As for the numbers, the government's fiscal deficit target for FY25 is pegged at ₹16.13 trillion. Up to November, it has managed to keep the deficit at ₹8.47 trillion, which is about 52.5% of the full-year target. This careful management of the budget aims to send reassuring signals to investors, especially crucial at a time when the global economy is slowing.
The PM internship scheme, currently being tested, is gearing up for some updates based on feedback from its pilot run and industry inputs. While the monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 and a one-time joining bonus of Rs 6,000 won’t see a hike, other elements are under review to better tailor the program for launch. Since its introduction in early October, the pilot has seen a 621,000 applications for about 127,000 spots, showing there's a massive interest in the initiative. Despite this enthusiastic start, the real challenge lies in scaling up, as the government aims to provide 2 million internships annually over the next five years. The plan is to integrate these internships into academic settings where they can provide real-world experience alongside classroom learning, making students more job-ready upon graduation.
How a company's HR department is viewed swings depending on the job market. When talent's hard to come by, companies value HR as a strategic ally. But when there are plenty of job seekers, HR might feel like a bit of a drag—nobody likes being told what to do, especially when it doesn’t seem urgent. Peter Cappelli from University of Pennsylvania puts it plainly: HR’s seen as crucial in tough times but might just be the folks planning the office parties when the pressure's off. It's a bit of a sticky situation, really. In MBA courses, HR gets tagged as a 'soft option', so it doesn’t always attract the top talent. This sticks around, making it tough to find really strong HR leaders who get the business side of things as much as any CFO might. Devina Sengupta examines why HR is the most hated department in any organisation.
For homebuyers tangled in issues like construction delays or misleading sales pitches, there's a new ally on the horizon. India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority is gearing up to join forces with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority to offer a robust support system for frustrated property buyers, Dhirendra Kumar reports. Whether it's issues with taking possession, shoddy construction, or navigating the maze of home loans, CCPA is setting sights on giving homebuyers a fair shake in a market notorious for its unpredictability. The move is timely. Despite Rera's efforts since 2017 to protect homebuyers, the authority often hits a wall when it comes to enforcing its rulings, especially when developers appeal against its decisions, dragging out disputes. CCPA, established in 2020, plans to intervene when traditional routes falter, ensuring actions like refunds from developers who don’t hold up their end of the deal.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 10, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
A recent report by the State Bank of India has sparked widespread debate with its claim of a significant reduction in India’s poverty levels. The report suggests rural poverty fell sharply from 25.7% in 2011-12 to just 4.86% in 2023-24, alongside a notable decline in urban poverty. It attributes this dramatic improvement to the success of government initiatives, including direct cash transfers and infrastructure development. However, as Nandita Venkatesan writes, the methodology behind these figures has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the report’s approach—adjusting old poverty lines for inflation to measure current poverty—fails to account for shifts in consumption patterns and changes in survey methodologies over the past decade, potentially skewing the conclusions.
India’s stock market is bracing for heightened volatility as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) adopt their most cautious stance in seven months. As of January 8, FPIs’ combined net short positions on Nifty and Bank Nifty futures surged to 238,321 contracts, the highest level since June, according to data from IndiaCharts and the NSE. This sharp increase in bearish bets reflects growing concerns over both domestic and global economic uncertainties, reports Ram Sahgal. FPIs have been consistently shorting Indian markets, driven partly by India’s revised economic growth forecast of 6.4% for FY25, a four-year low and slightly below the Reserve Bank of India’s projection of 6.6%. Adding to the unease is the timing, with Donald Trump’s imminent inauguration as US President stoking fears of tariff wars and stricter immigration policies—both of which could disrupt the global economic landscape.
As 2025 unfolds, identifying the Indian sectors poised to lead the charge can feel like a guessing game. To cut through the uncertainty, Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee sought insights from three major AI chatbots: OpenAI's ChatGPT, Elon Musk's Grok, and Google's Gemini 2.0. While each emphasized the speculative nature of market predictions—shaped by dynamic factors like economic policies and global events—their perspectives offer intriguing takeaways. Read today’s Long Story to see what these AI models foresee for the markets.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, returning after 144 years and expected to draw millions to Uttar Pradesh, has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Experts from Aon, mFilterIt, and Quick Heal warn of a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks aimed at stealing personal and payment information. Scammers are leveraging the event's vast digital footprint, creating fake websites and using platforms like WhatsApp to trick pilgrims into paying for fraudulent services. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government and police are stepping up cybersecurity measures, report Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta. A dedicated cyber police station has been established in Prayagraj, and authorities are closely monitoring and securing online platforms to safeguard attendees from digital threats.
The sudden passing of Amit Banerji, founder of Table Space, from cardiac arrest has sent shockwaves through the startup community, highlighting the toll of intense pressure and poor work-life balance in the industry. Banerji’s death is the second such incident in a month, sparking renewed concern about the health and work habits of startup founders. Industry leaders, including Kunal Bahl of Titan Capital and Snapdeal, are urging a shift toward sustainable work practices, emphasizing that long-term business success depends on prioritizing health, reports Sneha Shah. Recent high-profile cases, such as Rohan Mirchandani of Epigamia and Ambareesh Murty of Pepperfry, who also succumbed to fatal health issues, underscore the risks of high-stress startup leadership. In response, there is a growing call for founders to adopt a healthier balance between their professional and personal lives. Some are turning to therapy, while others are being encouraged by boards and investors to take breaks, pursue hobbies, and focus on downtime to avoid burnout.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 9, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
India's manufacturing sector is facing a slowdown, weighing heavily on economic growth. Manufacturing growth slipped to 2.2% in the second quarter of this fiscal year, a sharp decline from 7% in the first quarter. This slump dragged overall industry performance, pulling GDP growth down to 5.4%, compared to 8.1% in the same quarter last year. The primary driver of this slowdown is a significant drop in urban demand. City dwellers, burdened by stagnant wages and rising food prices, are cutting back on spending. While rural demand shows signs of recovery, it’s insufficient to offset the urban slump. Adding to the woes, exports grew at a modest 2.8%, and the heavy monsoon season disrupted power generation and mining activity.
The government remains hopeful, though, viewing the slowdown as temporary and expecting a rebound in power and mining post-monsoon. In today’s Primer, N. Madhavan explains why a quick revival in consumer demand is crucial to reignite economic momentum.
India faces a stark water crisis, with some regions grappling with floods while others endure severe droughts. To address this imbalance, the government is adopting a dual strategy—supplementing the traditional inter-state river-linking approach with localized intra-state projects. This aims to redistribute surplus water more effectively to arid regions. Currently, over 60% of India’s districts are categorized as high-risk for climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, according to Puja Das. In response, the central government is encouraging states to develop their own intra-state river-linking proposals. This initiative complements the ongoing Ken-Betwa Link Project, India’s flagship inter-state river-linking venture.
Noida-based Astrotalk has skillfully brought the ancient practice of astrology into the digital age, capitalizing on its deep-rooted influence in Indian daily life. The platform connects over 41,000 astrologers with more than 450,000 users. Astrotalk’s financials reflect its success, with revenues soaring to ₹651 crore and profits reaching ₹100 crore in a single fiscal year. The company’s growth has been fuelled by a $30 million venture capital injection, pushing its valuation to $300 million. However, challenges have also emerged. A recent shift in the platform’s revenue-sharing model has sparked discontent among astrologers. While earnings were initially split equally, Astrotalk now retains a larger share of revenue from the initial minutes of consultations, reports Samiksha Goel. This change has left some astrologers feeling like they’re operating in a call center, incentivized to prolong conversations to secure fair payouts. The pressure has strained relationships, with some astrologers walking away, frustrated by what they perceive as a shift from genuine astrological guidance to profit-driven dynamics.
The Indian government is rolling out a strategy to transform the northern region into a manufacturing hub, aiming to boost economic growth and reduce regional disparities. Spearheaded by the Prime Minister's Office, the initiative focuses on driving significant infrastructure investment and implementing policies to promote regional manufacturing equity. At the heart of the plan is the ₹10,037 crore Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI—2024), a decade-long program designed to incentivize industries across North India. Key regions such as Kanpur, once hailed as the 'Manchester of the East,' and Jammu & Kashmir, known for its rich crafts and agricultural produce, are central to this effort. The initiative seeks to leverage the untapped potential of these regions to address the stark economic divide between northern and southern states—a disparity that has led states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to question the fairness of federal financial allocations.
Major players in Indian industry, including Hindustan Unilever, Bharti Enterprises, and the Tata Group, are refocusing on their core business areas. This strategic shift aims to sharpen their competitive edge, reduce debt, and enhance shareholder value. Devarajan Nambakam of Goldman Sachs told Priyamvada C. that high-interest rates and the potential to unlock value from mature investments are key drivers of this trend. He anticipates this focus on core strengths will persist well into 2025 as companies navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape.For example, Adani Enterprises recently divested its stake in a joint FMCG venture, and Bharti Enterprises exited its food business. Such moves allow companies to redirect resources toward their primary operations, where they foresee the greatest growth and stability.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
The Indian stock market tumbled on Monday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 both plunging over 1.5%, as widespread selling gripped the market. Investor sentiment was rattled by reports of a new virus outbreak in China, fueling fresh concerns.
India's real estate sector is poised for an eventful year. While the office market shows promise, driven by demand from global capability centers and tech companies, challenges loom. A shortage of premium office spaces in key markets like Mumbai and Bengaluru could hamper growth unless new, high-quality projects come online. On the residential front, the momentum seen post-pandemic is slowing. Elevated property prices in several cities are deterring buyers, potentially prompting a shift towards affordable housing as the market undergoes a correction. Madhurima Nandy explores the key factors shaping the outlook for the real estate market this year.
The Indian government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at driving sustainability in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. This initiative will provide financial, technological, and regulatory support to help MSMEs adopt greener practices, aligning with India's net-zero carbon emissions target for 2070. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare report that a dedicated body under the MSME ministry will oversee this transition, ensuring a smooth shift to sustainable operations. Beyond environmental goals, the policy aims to ease the financial burden on small businesses by offering a robust support system to manage the costs of these changes.
India’s consumer goods companies are bracing for a tough third quarter with expected low single-digit revenue growth and margin contraction. Despite price hikes aimed at combating inflation, weak urban demand and a delayed winter have dampened the sector's performance. Suneera Tandon spoke to Nitin Gupta from Emkay Global, who told her that only a few companies like ITC, Marico, and Bikaji might report double-digit revenue growth. Marico has seen some support from rural markets and has raised prices on products like Parachute coconut oil to cope with rising costs. However, the overall urban demand is expected to remain subdued for a few more quarters, with further price hikes likely as companies grapple with high input costs affecting essentials like soaps and edible oils.
After stepping down as managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, Uday Kotak isn’t hitting the brakes. Instead, he’s channeling his energy into USK Capital, his family office, where he’s focused on investing in businesses with long-term growth potential and mentoring the next generation of business leaders. While no longer in a full-time banking role, Kotak remains actively involved as a non-executive director on the bank’s board. In a recent conversation with Mint’s Satish John and Gopika Gopakumar, he shared insights on topics ranging from privatization and regulatory challenges to Starlink's entry into India’s telecom space. At 65, Kotak remains steadfast in his vision of witnessing India emerge as a global powerhouse within his lifetime.
In 2024, while foreign institutional investors (FIIs) took a cautious stance on Indian equities, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) confidently stepped in. Notably, when FIIs recorded their largest sell-off of the year in October, DIIs countered with their highest-ever monthly purchases for the period. This marked the fourth consecutive year where DIIs outpaced FIIs in market investments, according to a report from IIFL Securities. Although FIIs showed signs of a minor comeback in December, it’s still uncertain whether this trend will persist in 2025. Experts at Bajaj Broking suggest that FII caution might continue, driven by global and local economic challenges. Looking ahead, market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. If the upcoming budget strikes the right chord with investors, it could pave the way for a stronger FII resurgence, writes Dipti Sharma. India’s core growth fundamentals remain robust, and with favourable global conditions and strategic domestic policies, foreign interest could see a meaningful revival.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
China has a new virus! There is a rising concern about respiratory infections in the country, particularly with an increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus among children under 14. This virus, part of the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus, has sparked worries due to its symptoms and transmission methods, which are reminiscent of COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, however, there's no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV, adding to the global health anxieties. The increase in cases, especially noted in northern China, comes during the usual flu season but has raised some eyebrows globally due to fears of a pandemic-like spread, reminiscent of the early COVID-19 days. However, health experts note that HMPV isn't new; it's been around since 2001 and pops up seasonally in places like the US and UK. Jessica Jani explains what the new virus is and how it could affect the human body, in today’s Primer.
Donald Trump's second presidential term has reignited concerns over H-1B visas, critical for India's $250-billion IT services sector. Historically, these visas have been essential for employing highly skilled non-immigrants in the US. However, Indian tech companies are less vulnerable today than in the past due to a strategic shift towards hiring more Americans and reducing dependency on H-1B visas. Jas Bardia spoke to IT industry insiders who told him that IT companies are hiring more locally in the US, which decreases the reliance on H-1B visas. US firms now employ more Americans than H-1B visa holders in these roles. Data shows that major Indian IT firms, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and Wipro, have significantly reduced their H-1B visa applications over the last decade.
2024 marked a significant increase in ultra-luxury real estate transactions in India, with cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru seeing record deals for homes costing over Rs 100 crore. Speaking to Mint’s Khushi Malhotra, Ritesh Mehta of JLL highlighted the growth in this sector, noting high-value transactions on Gurgaon's Golf Course Road and South Mumbai's Malabar Hill. This surge reflects a robust confidence in ultra-luxury real estate as a stable investment. The data from PropEquity revealed 13 such transactions between January and October last year, a slight decrease from 21 in 2023. Anarock Group’s data also shows that 99 ultra-luxury residential deals worth Rs 8,069 crore were closed over the past three years.
India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is causing a stir with its latest draft rules, especially around the new requirement for parents to verify their identity when their kids want to use online platforms. This proposal is sparking quite a debate about its practicality and the potential headaches it could cause for both families and companies. The draft rules suggest parents need to prove they’re really the guardians using digital IDs like the Digilocker platform, Souvik Das reports. While this is meant to keep kids safe online, it’s also raising concerns about the extra burden it places on companies that now have to manage this verification process.
Ketan Parekh, once celebrated as a prime mover of India's stock market, found himself implicated in a new scandal. Decades after being banned for a major 2001 market scam, Parekh is accused of using insider information to manipulate trades, profiting ₹38.7 crore. Additionally, a Singapore-based trader linked to him earned ₹27.07 crore in commissions, leading the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to seek a return of ₹65.77 crore from those involved. The investigation, lasting over two and a half years, involved deep dives into financial records, phone data, and digital communications across multiple platforms. Sebi’s detailed probe revealed Parekh’s use of various tactics to disguise his involvement, including using multiple mobile numbers registered under different names and employing pseudonyms. Neha Joshi takes an in-depth look at the 30-month investigation undertaken by the market regulator, which ended up with Parekh’s implication.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 3, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
The Indian stock market experienced significant volatility in 2024, with the Nifty 50 plunging nearly 11% from its September peak amid heavy foreign investor selling and a weakening rupee. Mayur Bhalerao notes that over 25% of stocks are trading below their peak values, presenting potential buying opportunities. However, elevated valuations, particularly in the mid-cap and small-cap segments, continue to be a concern.
The government has approved a revamped crop insurance scheme with a financial outlay of ₹69,516 crore for the next financial year. Additionally, ₹825 crore has been allocated to accelerate the adoption of technology in farming. Sayantan Bera reports that part of this fund will support satellite-based crop yield assessments and a network of automatic weather stations. However, challenges remain, including delays in claim settlements and limited state participation. With 87% of India’s districts vulnerable to drought and substantial weather-related economic losses, this scheme is crucial for safeguarding farmers' livelihoods.
Traditionally, angel investing—small investments in startups—was dominated by founders of established startups. However, the landscape is shifting as sports stars like MS Dhoni and PV Sindhu enter the early-stage funding scene. Mansi Verma reports that while overall angel funding fell to $213.5 million from $441.1 million and the number of funding rounds halved, over 1,000 first-time angels joined the fray last year. Government-backed incubators are also emerging as key players, creating a diverse and evolving pool of investors.
Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, hatchbacks continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian car buyers. Maruti Suzuki India reported an impressive 29% year-on-year growth in small car sales for December. With small cars making up half of its portfolio, this uptick is a significant boost for the market leader. Manish Joshi notes that while overall sales remained flat, a 4% price hike is expected to drive profit growth. Additionally, Maruti’s valuation appears reasonable at 22 times its annual earnings, he adds.
2024 wasn't a great year for Bollywood. Established stars like Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar ventured into experimental films that did not work. Lata Jha writes that while such films can enhance an actor's versatility, they also risk alienating wider audiences. For example, Jigra had a budget over ₹80 crore but earned only ₹30.7 crore. Despite the niche focus, stars maintained their high fee structures. That ultimately resulted in costly projects that often underperformed.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 2, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
All said and done, Nifty 50's returns of 9% in 2024 were about average. Expectations for the new year are understandably moderate. Abhinaba Saha writes that despite these forecasts, one sector that is likely to do well is real estate. Consumer durables will also be aided by strong demand and government support. Additionally, banks that will capitalise on the upcoming credit cycle are also likely to fare well, Abhinaba writes.
Diamonds might be forever, but their returns are certainly not. Anil Poste spoke to experts, who said that asset classes like diamonds can stagnate for years. Diamonds prices had plateaued for two decades, and are now falling — thanks to lab-grown diamonds. Unlike equities that tend to grow in value through innovation and profitability, diamonds lack a reliable resale market. Jewellers often only offer exchanges, instead of buying it back for cash. Experts caution you to treat diamonds as luxury purchases rather than dependable investments, unlike gold.
India's overburdened legal system is the recipient of many jokes. However, the tide turned in 2024: district courts disposed of more cases than were pending. This is the first time in our country's history that the number of resolved cases exceeded pending ones. Manas Pimpalkhare writes that this is the result of enhanced efficiency driven by technological integration and virtual hearings. The central government's eCourts scheme received a lot of funding and support to improve how cases are handled, Manas writes.
Indian companies are increasingly turning to qualified institutional placements (QIPs) to raise funds for capital-intensive projects, with 2024 setting a record for such fundraising. Priyamvada C reports on data from Prime Database which shows companies raised ₹1.37 trillion across 95 QIPs, significantly higher than ₹54,350 crore from 45 issues in 2023. Prominent transactions included Vedanta and Zomato, each raising ₹8,500 crore, alongside others like Adani Energy Solutions and Godrej Properties. The surge in QIPs is attributed to favorable market conditions, robust liquidity, and strong investor interest, with sectors like BFSI, real estate, and IT being particularly active.
The Indian rupee's decline against the dollar in 2024 impacted the return of FPIs, despite its relative stability compared to other global currencies. While the Sensex in rupee terms returned 8.16%, its dollar equivalent, the BSE Dollex 30, only managed a 5% gain. The rupee's modest annual fall of 2.9% was cushioned by the RBI through various market interventions. The outlook remains challenging for FPIs due to potential US policy changes under the Trump administration that may keep US bond yields high, discouraging significant investments in Indian equities and bonds. FPIs invested a mere ₹427 crore in 2024, a drastic decrease from ₹1.7 trillion in 2023. In contrast, domestic institutional investors compensated with a record ₹5.26 trillion in purchases.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 1, 2024. This is Nelson John, wishing you a very happy new year.
Corporate India has a lot of cash on its hands. A study of Sensex 500 companies found that 66 companies collectively held ₹2.7 trillion in cash and equivalents at the end of FY24, of which ₹99,100 crore remains unallocated for any purpose.. This has prompted some calls for higher shareholder returns through dividends or buybacks. Despite these firms returning 54% of their profits back to shareholders, analysts argue there’s room for more, Nehal Chaliawala writes. Many firms like tech giants and industrial leaders are urged to establish clearer dividend policies tied to profits rather than cash reserves. The demand for larger dividends is only growing.
What's the connection between Apple's iPhone and Indian stocks? Both became increasingly desirable commodities in 2024. Abhinaba Saha writes that while the upper strata of society continued to buy iPhones, those with less disposable income continued to prioritise necessities. This is called a K-shaped recovery. The Indian stock market mirrored this consumption dynamic: Nifty Realty and Nifty India Consumption indices performed strongly due to a trend toward premiumization. However, FMCG companies struggled due to declining sales. Investors too have caught on to this trend, and are focusing on established premiumization trends, Abhinaba writes.
India's data centre capacity is expected to rise significantly next year. Data localisation laws are the primary cause, and thanks to rapid 5G usage, companies have more than enough data to store. Leslie D'Monte writes that current estimates forecast capacity could double to 2-2.3 gigawatts by 2027. Major players like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are expanding their presence in India. An estimated investment of ₹55,000–65,000 crore is needed to fulfill these needs, Leslie adds.
Generative AI is becoming a major focus for global tech spending, and is set to account for 6.5% of budgets in 2025—a significant jump from 2024, according to ISG. GenAI’s use in customer service and chatbots is growing rapidly, but opinions on its impact on India’s $254 billion IT services industry are mixed. Some analysts Jas Bardia spoke to, like Keith Bachman from BMO Capital Markets, predict GenAI will drive pricing pressure as clients demand cost savings from efficiency gains. This could challenge revenue models for IT firms, especially during contract renewals. Others, like Axis Capital, argue that GenAI will fuel growth, enabling firms to innovate and create new opportunities, as cost savings are reinvested into advanced tech solutions.
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are becoming a key recruitment ground for private universities seeking to strengthen their faculty and improve in global rankings. Private institutions such as SRM Institute of Science and Technology, BML Munjal University, and Dayananda Sagar University are registering with IITs to recruit master's and PhD graduates in fields like mathematics, chemistry, and physics. These institutions offer median annual salaries of ₹12-15 lakh, comparable with those offered by top recruiters at older IITs. Universities are targeting IIT graduates to boost their research output and international reputation, report Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta. With IITs renowned for their research ecosystem and strong brand image, hiring from these institutes helps private universities attract better students and faculty.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
The markets regulator’s crackdown on futures and options trading is already showing significant impact. Ram Sahgal reports a nearly 25% month-on-month decline in index options turnover in November, with retail and proprietary traders accounting for about 75% of this drop. Stricter curbs, including larger contract sizes, are set to take effect in January, likely reducing volumes further in the new year. Sebi implemented these measures in response to widespread losses incurred by retail investors in F&O trading over the past couple of years.
Adani Enterprises announced plans to sell its 43.94% stake in Adani Wilmar to joint venture partner Wilmar International for over $2 billion. Nehal Chaliawala reports that the move aims to address liquidity concerns as the company refocuses on core business investments. Adani Wilmar, with annual revenue nearing ₹50,000 crore, will also undergo a name change. Additionally, 12.87% of its stake will be sold through an offer for sale to meet public shareholding requirements. This decision comes amid speculation about Adani's exit from non-core businesses following allegations of fraud that have affected the group's financial stability.
In a report released on Monday, the Reserve Bank of India flagged concerns about stress in unsecured retail credit spilling over to larger loans, such as housing and auto loans. Shayan Ghosh reports that nearly half of personal loan borrowers also have outstanding secured loans. According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, defaults in unsecured loans could prompt lenders to classify other loans held by the same borrower as non-performing. While the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio for unsecured loans currently stands at 1.7%, the RBI cautioned that rising write-offs could be masking the true extent of asset quality risks.
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2025 will be the Year of the Snake—symbolizing flexibility, growth, and change. Devina Sengupta writes that India Inc. is set to experience all these dynamics, with employees expected to switch jobs at a faster pace. Companies will likely go beyond salary hikes to focus on upskilling initiatives. While rural hiring in the FMCG sector is projected to rise by 10%, weak consumer demand, driven by inflation, may dampen growth. High demand for talent is anticipated in sectors like AI, data science, and digital transformation. Compensation increases are forecasted to average around 9.5%, underscoring the competitive landscape for skilled professionals.
During the 2015 Paris Agreement, India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Among India Inc., the targets vary significantly. Of the Nifty50 companies, 19 have yet to set net-zero or carbon-neutral goals, 20 have set net-zero targets with a median year of 2040, and 11 aim for carbon neutrality by 2032. Nehal Chaliawala reports that Infosys was the first to achieve carbon neutrality in 2020 and plans to reach net-zero by 2040. His analysis highlights that the IT sector leads in climate commitments, while financial services have the highest proportion of companies without stated goals. Other sectors, such as automotive and pharmaceuticals, also lag behind with unclear climate targets.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 30, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
Several major investors of Religare criticised a PIL that led the Madhya Pradesh High Court to indefinitely stay the company's upcoming annual general meeting. They argued that a takeover of Religare by the Burman family could concentrate ownership and harm minority shareholders. Nehal Chaliawala writes that one executive from a mutual fund said that holding an AGM is an independent matter, and unrelated to regulatory approvals. The AGM was scheduled for December 31. Key leadership issues, particularly those surrounding the chairperson Rashmi Saluja, were slated to be discussed.
America's sought-after H-1B visa is doing the rounds after being brought in the limelight by Elon Musk. This visa is essential for hiring specialized foreign workers. Usually, skilled workers from India and China are first in line for such a visa. Shelley Singh writes that Musk's interest in hiring more workers via the H-1B is at loggerheads with President Donald Trump's conservative supporters, who want tighter immigration norms. However, the Indian IT sector is becoming less reliant on the H1-B as more American companies open offices in India.
The government wants to cut red tape, and it wants to do it by next year's Union Budget. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the government is identifying regulations that can be relaxed during the Budget to help revive a slowing economy. These rules will directly address concerns of "over regulation" in certain sectors, and will scale back these rules to help India Inc. flourish without having to worry about endless compliance norms. Gireesh identifies two major areas where a streamlined process could do wonders: land and labour laws.
If your portfolio includes one of India's top five IT stocks, you probably had a mixed 2024. Revenue growth this past year slowed down, compared to the previous year. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood write that despite this, shares of TCS, Infosys, HCL, and Tech Mahindra performed better than expected. 2025 might bring heavier spending by these companies due to the US Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts. Increased revenues on the back of deflated base numbers would bode well for these IT stocks.
It's hiring season for rural India. Devina Sengupta and Suneera Tandon write that India's consumer goods companies are ramping up hiring in rural markets. Rural markets outperformed their urban counterparts this year, leading to this move. There is a higher demand for roles such as van sales representatives, leading to this move. Notable firms like Godrej Consumer Products, Dabur, and ITC are expanding their workforce and introducing more economical options to try and push deeper into the hinterlands. Recruitment firms are reporting a 10-15% increase in hiring by fast-moving consumer goods companies in these areas.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 27, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
Former Prime Minister and finance minister during the 1992 economic liberalisation, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away at the age of 92 at Delhi’s AIIMS last night. Dr. Singh, who is often credited with opening up the Indian economy, retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year—ending a 33-year stint in the Upper House of Parliament.
After a soaring streak, India’s residential property market took a downturn in 2024, experiencing a 4% drop in home sales. This marked the first slowdown since the pandemic, with a corresponding decrease in new project launches. However, despite the dip in sales and new supplies, property prices didn't follow suit and instead climbed higher, writes Madhurima Nandy. In the top seven cities, residential sales didn't reach the peaks anticipated for 2024, as reported by Anarock Property Consultants. Election activities and a sluggish process for project approvals contributed to fewer new project launches. While sales volumes dropped, the value of sales actually increased by 16% due to rising home prices and larger unit sizes.
As the allure of prestigious campus placements at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) begins to wane in the face of a global economic downturn, the institutions are rallying behind their students, especially those who have missed the initial rush of high-profile recruiters. In response to the challenging job market, IITs are introducing innovative support systems to aid their students in securing employment. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and preparation, IIT Delhi has launched the "Call a Friend" program. This initiative connects final-year students with peers who have successfully navigated the placement process. The idea, Devina Sengupta reports, is to provide real-time advice and emotional support from those who understand the stress and demands of securing a good job offer.
In its annual report on the trends and progress of banking for the fiscal year 2023-24, the RBI outlined a series of potential regulatory changes aimed at strengthening the banking system further. Gopika Gopakumar reports on the changes that include eliminating prepayment penalties on floating rate term loans for small businesses, tighter oversight of inter-linkages between banks, NBFCs, and private credit firms, and more stringent regulations for payment aggregators. RBI is also set to finalize guidelines that will require financial institutions to disclose climate-related financial risks, incorporating scenario analysis and stress testing to gauge these risks better.
In India, niche American dramas and smaller Hollywood movies like Tom Hanks' Here and Michael Keaton’s Goodrich are carving out success at the box office by appealing to a specific audience that doesn't mind shelling out a bit more for tickets. These films, often showcased in select urban theaters, come with a higher price tag, sometimes over ₹500 a pop. Despite this, they manage to attract a dedicated crowd that values quality storytelling over blockbuster effects. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who explained that these movies, typically acclaimed at festivals or tipped for awards, draw viewers who appreciate premium content and are prepared to pay for it. Films like Here and Goodrich have made respectable earnings in India by targeting their ideal audience with higher ticket prices, balancing out their more modest box office hauls.
The Sanskrit word Simhavalokana refers to the retrospective glance of a lion as it surveys the path it has traversed. This idea captures the essence of reflecting on key lessons from the financial markets in 2024. This year offered several critical takeaways for investors. Industry consolidation emerged as a strong theme, particularly in sectors like telecom and airlines in India. With the market share of top players increasing significantly, this trend highlighted the potential for multi-year returns from survivors in consolidated industries. Economic events also underscored the dominance of climate-driven food inflation over monetary policy. Valuation metrics also delivered important lessons. Markets in politically and economically troubled regions like Argentina and Pakistan delivered unexpected returns, proving that bad macroeconomic news is often already priced in. Meanwhile, IPOs emerged as a cautionary tale. Swanand Kelkar, managing partner at Breakout Capital Advisors, shares market lessons from the year gone by.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 26, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
Honda and Nissan are set to merge by mid-2025, along with Mitsubishi, creating the world’s third-largest auto group after Toyota and Volkswagen. The new entity, valued at $50 billion, is expected to generate $191 billion in revenue and sell over 8 million cars annually. The merger is driven by challenges in China, where both brands are losing market share, and the need to accelerate EV development. The merger promises cost savings, shared resources, and a stronger push into electrification, though sceptics question its potential success, citing previous failed auto tie-ups. N Madhavan explains what the whole merger is about. In India, where Honda and Nissan hold marginal market shares of 1.4% and less than 1%, the impact may involve shared platforms and streamlined operations, but specifics on their manufacturing facilities remain unclear.
N Srinivasan, CEO and MD of India Cements, along with other board members, resigned yesterday, following UltraTech Cement's acquisition of a 32.72% stake in the company. The Aditya Birla Group-owned UltraTech, now the majority shareholder, has made India Cements its subsidiary. The resignations, including those of Srinivasan's family members Rupa Gurunath and Chitra Srinivasan, as well as V.M. Mohan, marks the end of the existing promoters' control over the South-based cement maker.
India's leading banks and financial institutions are embracing AI to improve services, cybersecurity, and efficiency. SBI, BoB, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Poonawalla Fincorp are developing in-house AI capabilities, focusing on proprietary models to leverage sensitive data securely. SBI is seeking patents for its AI/ML innovations, avoiding reliance on Big Tech’s public models. BoB is extending AI and Generative AI across its operations. HDFC Bank uses AI for fraud prevention, customer service, and pre-approved offers while exploring private Large Language Models. Axis Bank is piloting AI-driven solutions for fraud detection in international payments. Experts see this as a shift from banks relying on tech firms to developing their own AI intellectual property. Shouvik Das and Shayan Ghosh report on how Indian lenders are taking AI more seriously than ever.
A string of blockbuster films, including Pushpa 2: The Rule, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Mufasa: The Lion King, has rejuvenated shopping malls and retailers in late 2024, following a sluggish start to the year. Mall operators report a high single-digit growth in sales for the December quarter, fueled by these hits and festive season demand. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that, footfalls, which had dropped earlier in the year, doubled in this period, driven by cinema releases and festive shopping. Multiplexes, a key driver of mall traffic, spurred consumption across categories like apparel, food, and jewellery. However, inflation and reduced government spending during elections had earlier cooled retail demand.
As 2024 wraps up, it’s clear that some of the year’s biggest tech innovations fell short of their lofty promises. Generative AI faced mounting skepticism over its high costs, errors, and limited real-world adoption. India’s Smart Cities Mission struggled to deliver on its promise of true urban transformation. The metaverse failed to live up to its hype amid technical and economic challenges. Web3 and NFTs lost their early momentum due to regulatory hurdles and market volatility. Even quantum computing, while advancing, remains far from everyday application. Leslie D’Monte takes a close look at these tech letdowns from the year gone by.
As we head into 2025, wealth managers are zeroing in on sectors poised to thrive and those better avoided. Financial services stocks stand out as a top pick, with reasonable valuations and the potential for monetary stimulus to revive credit growth and stabilize margins. In contrast, metals face persistent challenges like sluggish global growth and overcapacity in China, making them a sector to steer clear of. Here’s what the experts recommend for the year ahead. Dipti Sharma writes on the top sectors to pick and avoid in the coming year.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 25, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals recently penalised AbbVie Healthcare India for allegedly violating the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices. AbbVie reportedly spent ₹1.91 crore flying 30 doctors to Paris and Monaco under the guise of a medical conference, including lavish hospitality. The UCPMP, now mandatory, prohibits such expenses unless doctors are speakers at events. AbbVie argued the trips occurred before the March 2024 UCPMP mandate and were compensation for services, but the DoP rejected this and directed the company to spend the same amount on treating poor patients in government hospitals. Further probes by tax authorities and the National Medical Council may follow. Soumya Gupta explains the situation in today’s Primer.
Packaged goods makers are focusing more on rural markets. Companies like Zydus Wellness, Dabur India, and Godrej Consumer Products have launched affordable packs and brands tailored for these areas. Rural markets are experiencing more growth compared to urban ones, with FMCG volume growth in rural areas at 6%, double that of urban areas at 2.8%, according to NielsenIQ. Godrej Consumer has introduced smaller products like hair colour and incense sticks specifically for rural consumers. Dabur is enhancing its rural distribution and rolling out new innovations. Suneera Tandon reports that rural consumers are embracing branded commodities and dairy products more than before, boosting the FMCG sector, which gets 37% of its sales from these areas.
Renewable energy developers are racing against time to complete projects before the inter-state transmission system waiver, which allows free transmission for 25 years, expires on 30 June. This urgency drove a 43% jump in power capacity additions during April-November, with green energy leading the charge. The Central Electricity Authority reports that 14.9 GW of renewable energy—solar, wind, and small hydro—was added during the period, nearly double last year’s 7.53 GW. Developers are leveraging favourable solar module prices, revived wind turbine manufacturing, and strong investor interest to meet the deadline. However, industry groups are pushing for an extension of the waiver, Rituraj Baruah reports.
Smartphone addiction is pushing brands like Vivo, Oppo, and HMD to embrace digital detox as a selling point. Features like OnePlus’s Zen Mode and HMD’s Detox Mode help users disconnect by temporarily hiding distracting apps. Vivo’s study highlights the problem: parents average 5.5 hours and kids 4.5 hours of daily screen time, with 64% of children feeling addicted. Most kids even think their parents' phones should stick to basics like calling and messaging. Gulveen Aulakh reports on how brands are responding with smarter tools. HMD's Detox Mode makes taking a break easy, while Vivo’s devices offer focus modes and screen-time reminders. Feature phones are also being reimagined with essentials like UPI payments to encourage reduced smartphone dependency.
This December has been a tough one for markets, with a 1.7% drop so far, making it the second-worst in a decade after 2022’s 4% fall. Profit-booking, foreign investor outflows, and IPO-driven sector shifts have hit large-cap stocks, but experts see this as a chance for savvy investors to buy. FPIs have been pulling back, driven by a stronger dollar and valuation concerns, while IPOs have drawn much of the inflow. Yet, December has seen ₹20,071 crore in FPI inflows, signalling some recovery, writes Niti Kiran. Analysts expect IPO momentum to continue into 2025, potentially crossing ₹2 trillion, though inflation and global uncertainties may stir volatility. Historically, December has often been a positive month for markets, with gains in three out of every four years. Despite current challenges, local buying and January optimism could stabilize markets, keeping December’s reputation for resilience alive.
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 24, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
In August, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Google's operations violated antitrust laws, particularly concerning its dominance with Search. India's stance isn't far from that of the U.S.'s. The Competition Commission of India has been actively investigating similar concerns and has already fined Google for monopolizing mobile apps and operating systems. Like the U.S., India's investigations are ongoing and have seen local publishers accusing Google of unfair practices related to ad revenues. Google's Search and Chrome are critical to the company’s financial health, bringing in over half of its quarterly revenue and boasting a 68% browser market share globally. Changes mandated by the courts could force Google to rethink its business strategies, especially if it has to stop making Google Search the default on devices, potentially opening the door for more competition. Shouvik Das explains how changes at Google could affect your experience of browsing the net on your phone.
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the standout stories by our team of reporters, writers, and columnists. Explore the Best of 2024 through these curated collections, highlighting the best of the year, Click on the links in the show notes and read on!
In 2024, India's housing finance sector saw a significant jump in fundraising, pulling in $826.8 million—a massive leap from $82.6 million the previous year. This surge in investment is thanks to venture capital and private equity firms looking for stable assets amid rising housing demands. Experts are buzzing about the potential of affordable housing finance, especially as it expands beyond the metros into Tier 3 and 4 towns. Apoorve Goyal from Prosus highlighted the sector's growth prospects and low-risk allure, noting that even tech-first investors are now tapping into this market. Nithya Easwaran from Multiples pointed out the solid credit performance of these investments, even during tough times like the pandemic. With India’s home loan market projected to grow significantly in the next few years, fueled by urbanization and income growth, there's a lot of action expected in this space, Priyamvada C reports.
The thrill of live concerts in India has been marred by infrastructure woes, with recent performances by stars like Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon underscoring the urgent need for improvement. Despite the excitement around shows and willingness of fans to pay up to ₹35,000 for a ticket, artists and promoters face challenges like inadequate venues, poor sanitation, and complex logistics, especially outside major cities. Diljit Dosanjh, expressing frustration, has even vowed not to perform in India until there's significant improvement in the concert setup. The main venues available—grounds, cultural centres, or stadiums—often lack the necessary facilities for high-caliber events. Obtaining permissions and licenses adds another layer of complexity, particularly when using stadiums, as regulatory restrictions often protect the pitches from damage. Pratishtha Bagai and Lata Jha report on how a lack of infrastructure is causing artists to stay away from the stage.
The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly tangible, affecting everyday life across the globe. In India, the impacts are stark, with severe heat waves, deadly floods, and persistent droughts making headlines in 2024. The year 2024 witnessed frequent and severe climate-driven disasters, such as the heat-induced fatalities during the Lok Sabha election and the catastrophic landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad. Such events highlight a grim reality: climate catastrophes are becoming the new normal, signaling an era of increased instability. The intensification of these disasters is evident, with the Indian Ocean's temperatures rising, fueling more powerful cyclones and altering rainfall patterns, directly impacting agriculture and water resources. Globally, 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, with average temperatures surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius mark above pre-industrial levels. Bibek Bhattacharya delves deep into the problem of climate change, staring us in the face as we move on to 2025.
Indians are increasingly choosing premium air travel on metro routes, driven by rising aspirations and a rebound in corporate travel. Demand for business and premium economy seats has surged 50-60%, nearly doubling fares within a year, reports Daanish Anand. Business class comprises 5-6% of India’s air travel market, below the global average of 9.2%. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India are expanding premium offerings. However, soaring fares—now ₹45,000-85,000 domestically—have sparked concerns about affordability and competitiveness with international travel options.
Show notes:
2024: Year in Review
Best of 2024: Profit Pulse
Best of 2024: Plain Facts
Best of Vivek Kaul in 2024
Best of 2024: Mint Money
-
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 23, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.
Many investors have burnt their hands during the bull run of 2024. Take for example the Nifty India Defence Index, which saw a stunning 60% return this year. However, one of its main stocks is prone to volatility: Cochin Shipyard has dropped 30% in the past six months. Abhishek Mukherjee writes that sectors like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing have thrived due to post-COVID dynamics and strategic shifts, but many investors have fallen prey to herd behavior and overinflated narratives. Thus when experienced investors book their profits, sharp corrections occur — leading to widespread portfolio losses.
Indians are borrowing more money against their gold, and the Reserve Bank of India is worried. Regular defaults are leading to increased collateral auctions to recover these loans. Anshika Kayastha writes that Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance reported significant auction amounts in recent quarters. This reflects a shift towards standardized auctioning policies in compliance with new regulations. The RBI has tightened its rules: there are now limits on cash disbursements for gold loans and requiring a review of lending practices.
When companies apply for any incentive scheme by the central government, they are supposed to invest some money to receive further subsidies. However, about 12 companies will be excluded from the government's production-linked incentive scheme for failing to meet these norms. Manas Pimpalkhare and Rituraj Baruah report that these companies include state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals or BHEL, and Kia Motors India. Kia had expressed intent to withdraw from the scheme as its manufacturing plans have not materialised. The PLI-Auto scheme had an estimated outlay of 26,000 crore rupees over five years, but only 500 crore has been claimed so far.
After a long bout of lean hirings, the IT sector is looking better. Accenture's recent hiring of 49,000 employees globally over six months indicates a positive growth outlook moving forward. Jas Bardia writes that this would bode well for Indian IT companies like TCS, Infosys, and HCL Technologies as well. While growth for Indian IT companies has been slow, analysts suggest that recovery may be on the horizon. This recovery will be aided by a potential increase in demand following interest rate cuts and decision-making in the US under the upcoming Trump administration
Everyone in India's startup ecosystem is looking for the next big bet. Shelley Singh writes that deep tech might be it. This field is rooted in science and engineering and addresses major global challenges. It covers sectors such as space tech, biotech, and climate tech, and focuses on long-term goals. However, challenges such as the need for a supportive ecosystem involving academia, government, and investors remain abundant. Moreover, deep tech firms need strong intellectual property and scalable business models as well.
- Mehr anzeigen
