News Nook: Jul 4, 2025

Indian Sector Specific News:

A) BFSI: 

1) Insurance Sector Emerging as a Relative Value Bet: A. Balasubramanian

• A. Balasubramanian of ABSL AMC believes the insurance sector, especially life insurance, is poised for growth as awareness increases and companies introduce new products to boost market penetration.
• He sees insurance as a relative value bet, following recent consolidation and stronger focus from both the government and regulators, despite broader signs of economic slowdown.
• Source: Economic Times

2) SEBI Bars Jane Street Group from Securities Market

• SEBI has banned Jane Street Group and its related entities from trading in the Indian securities market, citing violations that led to ₹4,843 crore in unlawful gains.
• These entities must deposit the gains in an escrow account, and banks have been instructed not to allow any debits without SEBI’s prior approval.
• Source: CNBC-TV18

3) Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2027 to be held in Delhi-NCR from February 4–9

• The third edition of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo (BMGE) will take place from February 4–9, 2027 in Delhi-NCR, featuring exhibitions, technical sessions, and new segments including multi-modal logistics and agricultural mobility solutions.
• Organized by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Ministry of Heavy Industries with coordination from EEPC India, BMGE 2027 builds on the success of its 2024 and 2025 editions, which drew over 1,500 exhibitors and nearly 10 lakh visitors across three mega venues.
• Source: PIB Delhi

B) Automobile:

1) AAP Slams Vehicle Fuel Ban as Anti-Middle Class, Alleges Corporate Nexus

• AAP leader Manish Sisodia accused the BJP government of colluding with automobile companies by banning fuel for older vehicles, calling it a "corporate scam" that forces 61 lakh families to buy new ones.
• He argued the move disproportionately impacts Delhi’s middle class, many of whom use well-maintained vehicles for daily needs and cannot afford replacements, calling the policy a betrayal of public trust.
• Source: Millennium Post

C) Pharma:

1) Serendipity Space to Revolutionize Drug Manufacturing via Microgravity Crystallisation

• Odisha-based Serendipity Space has raised pre-seed funding from Campus Fund to scale its breakthrough satellite platform ‘Alchemy’, which uses space conditions to create high-quality drug crystals not possible on Earth.
• The startup aims to unlock new frontiers in pharmaceutical development by solving gravity-induced limitations, with space-manufactured drugs potentially generating $1.2 billion in value per novel treatment.
• Source: Biospectrum India

2) Pharmac South 2025 kicks off at Chennai Trade Centre, spotlighting innovation and pharma collaboration

• The 10th edition of Pharmac South began today in Chennai, drawing over 200 exhibitors and 15,000 expected visitors, showcasing pharma innovations and hosting expert sessions on branding, fundraising, and regulatory challenges.
• With dignitaries from CDSCO, IDMA, and pharma entrepreneurs in attendance, the event is set to boost connections across the pharmaceutical and allied sectors in South India through two days of exhibitions and knowledge-sharing seminars.
• Source: Pharmabiz

D) Agriculture:

1) India draws a firm red line on US trade deal over agriculture and dairy

• India is resisting US demands to open its agriculture and dairy sectors due to stark differences in subsidies and livelihoods involved — with Indian farmers receiving just $282 a year compared to over $61,000 for US farmers, and 41% of India's population dependent on agriculture versus just 1% in the US.
• Experts and officials warn that reducing import tariffs could flood Indian markets with subsidized US farm products, harm food security, undermine cultural norms, and jeopardize the income of nearly 20 crore Indians involved in farming.
• Source: India Today

2) How regenerative farming is reshaping Indian agriculture and climate resilience

• Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring soil health and biodiversity using natural methods like crop rotation, minimal tilling, and cover cropping—helping Indian farmers improve yields, reduce costs, and adapt to erratic weather without relying on chemical inputs.
• Despite budget initiatives and tech support, most small farmers still face challenges like high upfront costs and poor training access, but regenerative practices offer long-term gains and could reduce India’s farm-related emissions and water stress.
• Source: Sonali Mukherjee, Outlook Planet

3) Cotton acreage shrinks in Gujarat as farmers switch crops due to poor prices

• Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavjibhai Patel flagged a significant drop in cotton acreage—from 26.79 lakh hectares last year to 23.62 lakh hectares in 2024–25—as farmers shift to groundnuts and soybeans, citing low returns and pest pressures.
• Gujarat, once India’s top cotton-producing state, has ceded that title to Maharashtra, while overall national production is projected to fall to 29.5 million bales in FY25, down from 39.8 million in 2013–14, as pink bollworm infestations and erratic weather take their toll.
• Source: The New Indian Express

E) Energy:

1) Shell acquires Raj Petro to bolster lubricant portfolio in India

• Energy major Shell has acquired 100% stake in Mumbai-based Raj Petro Specialities from Germany’s Brenntag Group to strengthen its lubricant business in India, the world’s third-largest lubricants market.
• The deal adds Raj Petro’s 350,000-tonne annual capacity, diverse product lines (white oils, petroleum jelly, transformer oils), and global presence in 100 countries to Shell’s network, enabling synergies across R&D, supply chain, and cross-sector expansion into pharma, power, and personal care.
• Source: Economic Times 

F) Infrastructure:

1) Q2 2025 real estate inflows rise 29% QoQ to $1.7B; domestic capital surges 53% in H1

• Institutional investments in Indian real estate rose to USD 1.7 billion in Q2 2025, up 29% sequentially, taking H1 2025 inflows to USD 3.0 billion—15% lower YoY but still above the half-yearly average since 2021.
• Domestic investments jumped 53% YoY to USD 1.4 billion, making up 48% of total H1 inflows, while foreign inflows fell 39% YoY to USD 1.6 billion, with mixed-use and retail assets attracting 55% of foreign capital.
• Mumbai and Bengaluru together accounted for 39% of H1 2025 inflows, signalling continued investor confidence in core markets.
• Source: Colliers

Indian Economy and Government Initiatives:

• CII projects India’s GDP to grow 6.4–6.7% in FY26, driven by strong domestic demand, favourable monsoon, and over ₹2 lakh crore liquidity infusion from RBI’s recent CRR and rate cuts.
• Chhattisgarh approved its 2025 Logistics Policy to boost warehousing, dry ports, and exports—especially aiding farmers, MSMEs, and forest-produce-based industries in Bastar and Surguja.

Indian Stock Market Update:

• Nifty 50 closed at 25,405.30, staying in the 25,300–25,500 range; likely to consolidate unless a breakout occurs.
• Bank Nifty may rebound from 56,300 support, but upside remains capped near 57,600.
• Investors eye US macro data (payrolls, unemployment, PMI) and Q1 updates for stock-specific movements.