Why is the India-Philippines defense deal important?
Philippines is preparing to buy India’s Akash missile, which will strengthen its security. This missile can strike up to 25KM and has been developed by DRDO. Amid growing tensions with China, this deal can prove to be a major defense export for India. It is expected that this deal will be bigger than the India-Armenia deal of $230 million, which will further boost indigenous defense production.
OpenAI Data Center in India: What, Why and How?
OpenAI is preparing to build a data center in India, so that the data of local users can be stored here. This step is being taken due to the rapidly growing demand for AI tools in India. At present, the company is in the initial stages of deciding the right location and capacity. It is expected to start by 2025. Currently OpenAI runs its servers from the US and uses Microsoft’s cloud services. Recently, Sam Altman met the Indian government and tech organizations to discuss this plan. Also, the company announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure project.
Big stir in India’s auto sector!
India’s vehicle exports grew 40% in January 2025, but car exports fell 13%, while demand for SUVs increased by 61%. Exports of two-wheelers also increased, scooters jumped 23% and motorcycles 50%. Maruti’s exports grew 38%, while Hyundai faced challenges. To promote electric vehicles, Tata Dot EV announced to increase charging points to 4 lakh by 2027. Also, JSW MG Motor plans to open new dealerships in 12 cities.
Why is Dhamra LNG terminal not being expanded yet?
Adani Total has not planned to expand the Dhamra LNG terminal at the moment. Earlier it was being considered, but no study has been done so far. In 2024, the terminal was running at 25% capacity, which has now reached 50%. Located on the east coast of the country, this terminal has an annual capacity of 5 million tonnes, in which Adani and TotalEnergies have equal stakes. Whether expansion will happen further or not will depend on demand and business decisions.
Big opportunity for India in AI
India has a great opportunity to move ahead in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Google X co-founder Sebastian Thrun says that talented people of India can innovate even without big resources. It is possible to develop new technology with a small team in a hostel or coffee shop. In China, youth without formal education created cheap AI projects, which needs to be learned from. However, if India adopts strict rules, progress may stop. Now the question is how will India take advantage of this opportunity?
🚛 Volvo’s new plant – India will get industrial boost
Volvo Group is going to open its fourth production center in Hoskote. Why is it important? With an investment of Rs 1,400 crore, 20,000 buses and trucks will be manufactured every year, which will create more than 2,000 jobs. How will this happen? Volvo will get full support under the agreement with the Karnataka government. What will be its impact? India’s participation in the global supply chain will increase and exports will get a new momentum. 🚛
Why is the advertising market sluggish during the festive season?
Despite the festive season, the advertising revenue of media companies did not increase. Zee Entertainment’s advertising revenue fell by 8%, Network18 fell by 11% and Sun TV by 6.5%. Low consumer consumption and decreasing advertising expenditure of FMCG companies affected Hindi speaking areas more. There was a slight increase in October, but the market slowed down again in November-December. The increasing hold of digital platforms and decreasing expenditure on traditional media are considered to be the major reasons for this.
Paytm Money settled with SEBI
Paytm Money had to pay Rs 45.5 lakh to SEBI for violating technical rules. It was alleged that the company did not issue the necessary alerts on time and did not show the necessary documents in the investigation. This payment was made to settle the matter. Also, the company made changes in the board and made Rajiv Agarwal an independent director. On the other hand, SEBI is soon going to introduce a new UPI payment system, which will stop fraud in the stock market.
Oil discovery in KG Basin: Why and how?
Cairn Oil and Gas is preparing to dig 5-6 wells in the KG Basin to increase oil production in India. There is a possibility of billions of barrels of crude oil in the deep sea, which can reduce dependence on imports. There will be partnership with foreign companies for digging, as advanced technology is necessary for drilling in deep water. Data collection work will start in March and the situation will be clear by May. Digging a well will cost around Rs 400 crore, so there will be limited digging in the beginning.
New agreements for energy security in India
India has signed an agreement to buy gas from UAE for 14 years to meet its energy needs. Under another agreement, gas supply was fixed for 5 years, while a French company will provide gas for the next 10 years. It will be supplied for domestic, industrial and CNG vehicles. Also, the government is working on the use of sweet sorghum for biofuel, which will also benefit farmers.
Major change in the city gas sector
The government changed the PNGRB law, which will end the monopoly of gas companies. The new rule will give everyone a chance to work in the market, but some companies have challenged it in court. It was to be implemented in Delhi-Mumbai earlier, but was delayed due to legal hurdles. The government says that companies will get a guarantee of 12% profit, but will this change be implemented without controversy?
Ban on Kotak Mahindra Bank lifted, what will be the effect?
After RBI’s decision, the bank will again be able to issue new credit cards and add digital customers. Due to the ban, its market share and interest income had decreased. Now with this relief, the bank’s loan book, profit and stock market performance are expected to strengthen.
Big change in Religare: Why was Rashmi Saluja removed?
Religare removed Rashmi Saluja from the post of director, as RBI clarified that its approval was not necessary. After the shareholders’ vote, the company had sought clarification, after which this decision was taken. Meanwhile, the Burman family’s open offer ended, while investor Danny Gaikwad’s deadline to deposit 600 crores was over. He talked about making an offer of Rs 275 per share, while Religare’s share closed at Rs 238.
How will investors benefit from Fineotex’s new decision?
Fineotex Chemical has announced a 20% interim dividend, which will give ₹ 0.40 to every shareholder. This benefit will be available only to those whose name will be in the company’s records by 18 February 2025, and the money will come to their account by 14 March 2025. Why did the company take this decision? Income fell by 9% in Q3 FY25, but the profit margin remained at 27.2%. The FMCG sector remained weak, but the textile business added 30 new customers. What’s next? The company is entering the oil-gas and water purification business and the new plant will be ready by Q2 FY26. Also, with a cash balance of more than ₹ 300 crore, Fineotex is planning to acquire new businesses, which can benefit investors in the long term. Fineotex
announces dividend!
Fineotex Chemical will pay a dividend of ₹ 0.40 per share, which will benefit investors on record as of February 18, 2025. Income fell 9% in Q3 FY25, but the textile business remained strong. The company is also entering the oil-gas and water treatment business. The new plant will be ready by Q2 FY26, and there are plans to acquire new businesses with a cash balance of ₹ 300 crore.
Why did the shares of PN Gadgil Jewelers jump?
Investors’ buying increased due to 49% profit growth in quarterly results, due to which the stock jumped 10% to ₹ 621.05. Online sales grew by 97.9% and franchise business by 86.6%. 52.7% more jewellery was sold on Diwali, which increased the company’s earnings. Expanding rapidly, 9 new stores opened in 9 days, now the target is 53 stores. This 190-year-old company is the second largest jewellery chain in Maharashtra and brought IPO last year.
Why is office rent so expensive in Mumbai?
Google has fixed the rent for its office in BKC, Mumbai at ₹ 3.55 crore per month. Apple also took space in this premium business hub at a record rate of ₹ 738 per square foot. The reason for the high prices of BKC is its prime location, excellent infrastructure and the presence of top companies. In 2025, the highest demand for office space will be in Bengaluru, while Delhi and Hyderabad are also growing rapidly.
Adani Green withdraws from Sri Lanka project – this is the reason
Adani Green Energy has decided to withdraw from the $1 billion wind power project in Sri Lanka. Delay in environmental clearance and pending case in the Supreme Court were the major reasons for this. The company had spent $5 million for the 484 MW project, but the project was stopped due to legal hurdles. It has been said that a new proposal will be considered in the future. After this decision, the company’s shares rose 2.1% to ₹ 936.
TRAI’s new rules: Strictness on spam calls and messages
TRAI has implemented strict rules to provide relief to people troubled by spam calls and messages. Now telecom companies will have to pay a fine of ₹ 2 lakh to ₹ 10 lakh for wrong reporting, and services may be stopped for repeated violations. Companies will have to monitor calling patterns to identify spam. Consumers will be able to complain through the DND app within 7 days, on which action will be required within 5 days. Now promotional calls will not be made from 10-digit numbers – for this ‘140’ and ‘1600’ series have been fixed. ‘-P’, ‘-S’, ‘-T’, and ‘-G’ codes have been implemented to identify promotional, service, transaction and government messages.
New power plant to be built in Nagpur, energy sector will get a boost
Why is a new 1320 MW thermal power plant going to be built in Nagpur? Mahagenco has given the contract to BHEL for this project, under which two units of 660-660 MW will be installed. How is this project different? It will incorporate new technology as well as high-efficiency emission control equipment, which will reduce pollution. Who will be responsible for completing it? BHEL will handle the entire process from construction to installation and commissioning, thereby further strengthening India’s energy capacity.
