News Nook: Jul 2, 2025

Indian Sector Specific News:

A) BFSI: 

1) BFSI Mutual Funds See Strong Growth

• Investments in banking and financial services mutual funds rose by 37% year-on-year, reaching ₹48,000 crore in May 2025, driven by strong returns of 22–30% over the past year.
• Experts say India’s BFSI sector is expanding beyond traditional banking into areas like fintech and digital lending, offering strong long-term potential for investors.
• Source: PTI via The Week

2) Sunil Jayawant Kadam Appointed SEBI Executive Director

• SEBI has named Sunil Jayawant Kadam as its new executive director, entrusting him with leadership of crucial departments like IT, policy analysis, investor education, and regulatory affairs.
• Kadam brings nearly three decades of experience at SEBI, with deep expertise in market regulation, forensic accounting, legal matters, and policy development.
• Source: CNBC-TV18

3) SEBI Proposes Easing Lock-in Norms for Private to Public InvIT Conversion

• To boost ease of doing business, SEBI has proposed scrapping or reducing lock-in periods for sponsors and unitholders during the conversion of private InvITs to public ones, making it easier for existing investors to trade their units.
• The move aims to enhance liquidity, reduce the minimum trading lot, and accommodate institutional investors' needs while aligning disclosure norms with those of follow-on public offers.
• Source: Moneycontrol

B) Automobile:

1) Automakers Resist India's New Emission Targets

• Carmakers in India are opposing the government's plan to cut vehicle emissions by one-third starting 2027, calling it overly aggressive and warning it could lead to hefty penalties and reduced future investments.
• Industry body SIAM argues the proposed pace is unsustainable compared to earlier targets and may strain one of India’s most vital manufacturing sectors.
• Source: Business Standard

C) Pharma:

1) India's Pharma Exports Hit $4.9 Billion in April–May FY26

• India’s pharmaceutical exports reached $4.9 billion in April–May FY26, growing 7.38% year-on-year, driven by strong demand for formulations, biologicals, vaccines, and herbal products, according to Pharmexcil.
• The US remained the top export destination with $1.7 billion in shipments, while strategic global expansions, digital innovation, and FTAs like the India-UK deal are expected to further boost sector growth.
• Source: DD News

D) Telecommunication:

1) Government Warns Public Against SIM Card Block and Swap Scams

• The Department of Telecommunications has warned citizens about rising scams involving fake SIM card block messages and SIM swap fraud, urging users not to share KYC details or click on suspicious links.
• To prevent fraud, DoT has mandated biometric verification for new SIM cards and imposed a 24-hour SMS block on newly activated SIMs, while advising the public to stay cautious, avoid unknown links, and report suspicious messages.
• Source: India TV News

2) India Targets 10% Share of Global 6G Patents by 2030

• Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said India should aim to hold 10% of global 6G patents by 2030, leveraging initiatives like Bharat 6G Vision, 5G labs, and open-source platforms to lead in next-gen telecom R&D.
• He highlighted the transformational potential of 6G in connectivity and speed, urging deeper innovation even as 5G deployment continues across the country.
• Source: Business Standard

E) Energy:

1) Shell Acquires Raj Petro Specialities to Expand Lubricant Business in India

• Shell Lubricants has completed its 100% acquisition of Raj Petro Specialities from the Brenntag Group, gaining two manufacturing units and a broad product portfolio across sectors like power, pharma, and personal care.
• The deal boosts Shell’s presence in India, enhances supply chain synergies, and supports growth through scale, product diversification, and deeper market reach.
• Source: PTI via Economic Times

2) India’s Oil Demand to Grow 5.37% Annually Till 2030, Gas Output Also Set to Rise

• India’s petroleum product demand is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.37% till 2030, led by diesel, petrol, ATF, and petroleum coke, with light diesel oil expected to grow the fastest at 8.64%, per a PHDCCI report.
• While crude production may dip post-2027, natural gas output is forecast to rise from 36.6 BCM in FY25 to 57.4 BCM in FY30, as India targets raising gas’s share in its energy mix to 15% by 2030.
• Source: ET EnergyWorld

F) Agriculture:

1) India-US Trade Talks Stall Over Agriculture; Dairy a ‘Red Line’ for India

• India and the US are stuck in a deadlock during ongoing trade talks, with India refusing to compromise on dairy sector demands, citing the livelihoods of over 80 million small farmers.
• While India seeks duty cuts on exports like textiles, gems, chemicals, and seafood, the US is pushing for broader concessions as the July 9 tariff deadline approaches.
• Source: Business Today

2) Despite High Potential, Biologicals Underused in Indian Farming

• Biopesticides make up just 4.2% of India’s pesticide market versus 40% in the US, despite their proven ability to enhance plant resilience, reduce harmful residues, and boost food safety through natural, microbe-based solutions.
• Experts suggest greater adoption of biofertilisers and biostimulants can cut chemical use, improve soil health, and reduce pollution—provided farmers receive better awareness and support through media and agri-extension networks.
• Source: Down To Earth

G) Infrastructure:

1) Pune Tops India’s Industrial Real Estate Market for Second Year

• Pune has emerged as India’s top industrial real estate market again, with net absorption rising 2.5x from 4.2 million sq. ft. in 2019 to 11.3 million sq. ft. in 2024, driven by rapid infrastructure upgrades and rising demand for Grade-A spaces.
• The city’s industrial stock surged to 60.9 million sq. ft., with 75% now comprising premium facilities, attracting global investors and positioning Pune ahead of Delhi-NCR and Mumbai.
• Source: Hindustan Times

Indian Economy and Government Initiatives:

• The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹2 lakh crore package focused on jobs, R&D, sports, and infrastructure. ₹1 lakh crore will go toward boosting innovation in key tech sectors like clean energy, AI, and biotechnology.
• An RBI panel is likely to recommend retaining the 4% inflation target with a 2%-6% band, supporting policy continuity ahead of the 2026 review.
• India has ended a key transmission subsidy for new renewable energy projects, raising cost pressures and potentially slowing progress toward its clean energy goals.

Indian Stock Market Update

• Sensex fell 288 points to 83,409.69, and Nifty closed below the 25,500 mark at 25,453.40, down 88 points.
• Realty, financials, PSU banks, capital goods, media, and oil & gas sectors declined 0.5–1%; metals (+1.3%) and consumer durables (+1%) bucked the trend.
• Major Nifty losers included Shriram Finance, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, and L&T; gainers were Tata Steel, JSW Steel, UltraTech Cement, Maruti Suzuki, and Hero MotoCorp.