Indian Sector Specific News:

A) Indian BFSI:

1) Top 10 Firms' Market Valuation Changes

  • Eight of India's top 10 valued companies lost ₹1.65 lakh crore last week, with HDFC Bank and SBI suffering the biggest losses.
  • Reliance Industries remained the most valued firm, while Infosys and TCS were the only gainers.
  • Source: Livemint
2) Nifty 50 Companies' Q2 FY25 Earnings
  • Nifty 50 firms saw only 4% profit growth in Q2 FY25, with SBI, Hindalco, ONGC, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank driving gains, while BPCL, JSW Steel, and Reliance dragged earnings down.
  • Weak government spending, stressed BFSI assets, and low consumption affected growth, but stronger rural demand and higher spending are expected to boost H2 performance.
  • Source: Times of India
3) WestBridge and Neelesh Garg's New Insurance JV
  • WestBridge Capital and Tata AIG's outgoing CEO, Neelesh Garg, are launching an AI-driven general insurance venture, focusing on health and motor insurance.
  • WestBridge will hold a majority stake, Garg 10%, with plans to launch by mid-2025, pending approvals.
  • Source: ET Bureau
4) SEBI's Proposed Rule on Mutual Fund NFO Timing
  • SEBI plans to mandate mutual funds invest NFO funds within 30 days of closure or with approval within another 30 days, barring future NFOs for non-compliance.
  • The rule, aimed at addressing delays seen in rare cases, raises questions about its necessity for an industry with diverse schemes and players.
  • Source: Economic Times
5) SEBI Study on Rising Royalty Payments by Listed Companies
  • Royalty payments to related parties by listed companies doubled over the last decade, reaching ₹10,779 crore in FY23, with many payments avoiding minority shareholder approval due to turnover thresholds.
  • SEBI flagged concerns over high royalty payments, often exceeding profits or dividends, and called for stricter rules to ensure fairness, transparency, and better disclosure.
  • Source: Media House Press
6) Cyber Fraud Involving ₹2.2 Crore
  • Cybercriminals used a Kerala auto driver's bank account to swindle ₹2.2 crore from a Tamil Nadu businessman.
  • The businessman was contacted by fraudsters posing as officials, and the funds were routed through the auto driver's account.
  • Source: DT Next
7) FPIs Pull ₹22,420 Crore from Indian Markets in November
  • Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew ₹22,420 crore from Indian equities in November, citing high valuations, corporate earnings concerns, and shifts toward US and Chinese markets.
  • This follows October's record ₹94,017 crore outflow, marking the worst period since March 2020, despite September's strong ₹57,724 crore investment.
  • Source: Moneycontrol

B) Indian Automobile:

1) Tata Motors Expects Strong PV Sales in Q3

  • Tata Motors anticipates sustained passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales growth in Q3, boosted by festive and year-end demand, following a 32% YoY rise in PV sales to 4,83,159 units in October.
  • The company plans to focus on EV launches like Harrier EV and Sierra EV, reducing dealer inventory to under 30 days, and intensifying cost-cutting efforts to stay competitive.
  • Source: Moneycontrol
2) India to Enter 'Smartphone Era' for Cars in 2025
  • Starting 2025, Indian cars will feature 5G Machine-to-Machine (M2M) connectivity, advanced AI, and cloud technology, as per Techarc's India Connected Consumer Report 2025.
  • Over half of surveyed consumers expressed interest in connected cars, signaling growing demand for high-tech automotive features.
  • Source: Times of India

C) Indian Pharma:

1) Pharmaceutical Industry Seeks Overhaul of Drug Quality Inspections

  • The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) has urged reforms in drug quality inspections to align with global standards, following CDSCO's identification of over 50 "Not of Standard Quality" drugs.
  • Key recommendations include giving companies a 30-day notice to respond before publicizing NSQ drugs and clarifying the terms 'counterfeit' vs 'spurious'.
  • Source: Chemindigest
2) Pharmaceuticals Exports Report 8.21% Growth in October
  • India's pharmaceutical exports grew by 8.21% in October 2024, reaching $2.62 billion, up from $2.42 billion in October 2023.
  • Imports also rose by 8.25% to $789.98 million during the same month, with total imports for the fiscal year growing by 5.84%.
  • Source: Pharmabiz

D) Indian Telecommunication:

1) BSNL Launches 4G Network in Extreme Conditions Using Satellite Technology

  • BSNL has expanded its 4G network to remote Lahaul and Spiti villages using Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology, maintaining connectivity even at -6°C.
  • The state-owned telecom company plans to reach 100,000 4G sites by mid-2025, focusing on remote regions under its 4G saturation project.
  • Source: IndiaTVNews

E) Indian Agriculture:

1) Cardinal Points FZCO to Support Innovation in Pharma and Agrochemical Industries in India

  • Cardinal Points FZCO, a Dubai-based company, is funding innovation projects in India’s pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors, focusing on cost-effective development.
  • The initiative, led by investment banker Rajat Tiwari, aims to leverage India’s affordable development opportunities, with a partnership involving Dr. Akash Mathur to speed up project timelines and protect patents.
  • Source: Times of India
2) Additional funding for soybean and cotton farmers raised by Madhya Pradesh CM
  • Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an additional ₹5,000 per hectare for soybean and cotton farmers to support their crops. 
  • This financial aid aims to alleviate rising farming costs and enhance agricultural productivity.
  • The scheme is part of the state's ongoing efforts to assist farmers in improving their livelihoods and yields.
  • Source: ANI News

F) Indian Energy:

1) Oil Prices Fall Due to Supply Worries

  • Oil prices dropped as concerns over too much supply in the market grew, even though U.S. fuel stocks decreased.
  • A stronger U.S. dollar also added pressure, and the market is expecting a weekly loss.
  • Source: Construction World
2) India Looks to U.S., Canada for Stable Oil Markets
  • India is optimistic that increased oil production from the U.S, Canada, and Brazil will help stabilize global oil markets.
  • The goal is to reduce price volatility and ensure a steady oil supply.
  • Source: Construction World

G) Indian FMCG:

1) Marico to See Growth in FY25

  • Marico expects strong revenue growth in the second half of FY25, targeting double-digit figures.
  • Food inflation is set to moderate, but price hikes across sectors will help offset rising costs.
  • Source: Economic Times

H) Indian IT:

1) Indian IT Sector Faces Slower Growth in Q3, Recovery Expected in Q4

  • The Indian IT sector is likely to experience slow growth in Q3 of FY25 due to seasonal factors and cautious client spending.
  • A recovery is expected in Q4FY25 as companies begin to execute deals signed earlier.
  • Source: Zee Business

J) Indian Infrastructure:

1) Noida Leads NCR's Real Estate Surge

  • Noida saw the highest increase in real estate prices, with a 152% rise over five years, from Rs 5,910 to Rs 14,946 per sq ft.
  • Other NCR areas, like Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Greater Noida, also saw significant price hikes, ranging from 121% to 139%.
  • Source: Business Standard
2) Telangana Sanctions Rs 205 Crore for Warangal Airport
  • The Telangana government has approved Rs 205 crore for the development of Warangal Airport after GMR issued the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC).
  • This funding aims to improve infrastructure and support regional connectivity.
  • Source: Economic Times
 Indian Economy and Government Initiatives:

1) Indian Investors and the Trump Administration
  • With Trump back in power, the U.S. is expected to deviate from traditional governance, leading to increased volatility and potential divergence in economic indicators like inflation and interest rates.
  • Investors should focus on long-term goals, ignoring short-term market fluctuations driven by political shifts under Trump’s administration.
  • Source: Economic Times
2) India’s Manufacturing Ambitions and Challenges
  • India aims to become a global manufacturing hub, focusing on high-value product exports. However, challenges in R&D, design capabilities, and policy support hinder progress.
  • The government is addressing these issues with initiatives like the PLI scheme, but more investment in innovation and strengthening domestic manufacturing is needed to fully realize the vision of becoming a "product nation."
  • Source: Policy Circle
 Bonus Briefs
  • The US dollar has been the world's dominant reserve currency for over 70 years, providing stability and liquidity.
  • It offers economic advantages, such as lower borrowing costs and higher returns on foreign assets.
  • However, the rise of competing economies and geopolitical shifts may challenge its supremacy.
  • If the dollar loses its reserve status, the US could face significant economic and political challenges.



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