India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
New Delhi: With appropriate reforms and focus, India's chemical sector will reach $1 trillion by 2040 and create more than seven lakh skilled jobs by 2030, says an ambitious new report released by NITI Aayog titled "Chemical Industry: Powering India's Participation in Global Value Chains." The Indian chemical sector is valued at upwards of $190 billion and has approximately 3.5% of global chemical value chains. The sector is a $31 billion deficit as it is heavily dependent on imported feedstocks and specialty chemicals. NITI Aayog's pathway is envisaging the sector to reach $1 trillion and have 12% of global chemical value chains (GVCs) share by 2040. Why chemicals matter now more than ever At the launch of the report, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam emphasized, "This is the time to leverage on what our strength is. We are already a major producer of chemicals. And from fertilizers and pharmaceuticals, to electronics and infrastructure, these are present in every aspect of our lives." The chemical sector is operating with significant constraints in research and development spending (0.7% as compared to 2.3% as global average), infrastructure, regulatory challenges, a lack of qualified professionals, and approximately 45% of chemical manufacture consumes potable water. 5. Grow its share in the global chemical industry from 3.5% to 5-6% By 2040, the domestic chemicals market is projected to touch $850-1000 billion, making up nearly 10-12% of the global market and around 5% of India's GDP. Challenges holding India back Despite its promise, the chemical industry faces several bottlenecks like: 1. Import Dependency: India imports large volumes of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, and plastics, primarily from China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. 2. Infrastructure Deficits: Poorly developed chemical clusters, inadequate port facilities, and high logistics costs contribute to India's cost disadvantage. 3. Regulatory Delays: Environmental clearances can take up to 1,005 days, delaying industrial growth. 4. Skill Gaps: The sector faces a 30% shortage in trained professionals, particularly in emerging areas like green chemistry and nanotechnology. 5. Low R&D Investment: Insufficient innovation capacity hinders competitiveness in high-value chemicals. The Reform Blueprint: What India must do NITI Aayog has laid out a set of transformative interventions, both fiscal and non-fiscal, to turn the vision into reality: 1. Chemical Clusters & Hubs Upgrade existing Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs) in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. Develop new hubs in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Establish empowered central and state-level committees with budgeted "GVC Chemical Funds" for shared infrastructure and incentives. 2. Port Infrastructure Development Identify and invest in eight high-potential coastal clusters with improved berths, storage, and mechanization. Improve last-mile connectivity to hinterland industrial centers. 3. Opex Subsidy Scheme Provide subsidies on incremental production for strategically important chemical segments such as agrochemical intermediates, electronic chemicals, and battery chemicals. 124 chemical products have been shortlisted based on import dependency, single-source risks, and export potential. 4. Innovation and Technology Access Disburse R\&D funds through an interface agency in collaboration with the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Forge partnerships with global multinationals for tech access in high-barrier segments like Nylon 6,6, Titanium Dioxide, PC Resin, and MDI/TDI. 5. Environmental Clearances Simplify and expedite EC processes under a proposed DPIIT-led oversight committee. Permit construction to begin while EC is in process, in low-risk cases. 6. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Protections Future FTAs should include tariff quotas and duty exemptions for raw materials while safeguarding finished product markets. Boost awareness and ease of access to existing FTA benefits for exporters. 7. Skill Development Expand ITIs and training institutes focused on chemical and petrochemical industries. Upgrade teacher training and curricula through industry-academia partnerships. Emphasize emerging areas such as polymer science, industrial safety, and sustainable chemistry. India's Global Position: Room to Grow The global chemical trade is currently worth $1.5 trillion. China dominates with 23% of global exports and 12% of imports. India, in comparison, has a modest 3.5% GVC share and a $31 billion deficit, primarily in plastics, petrochemicals, and inorganic chemicals. Yet, India's strong base in bulk chemical production (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, benzene derivatives) can provide the launchpad for higher-value segments. According to the report, India is among the top importers of methanol, styrene, phosphoric acid, and titanium dioxide, all key feedstocks where domestic production is either limited or dependent on imported technology. Geopolitical shifts, supply chain diversification, and rising demand for green and specialty chemicals offer India a unique opportunity to step up. With the world looking to reduce dependence on China, India's massive market and engineering talent could offer an alternative, if backed by the right policies and infrastructure. India's chemical sector stands at a historic inflection point. With the right policy push, infrastructure investments, and talent development, it can evolve into a global chemical manufacturing powerhouse by 2040. This will not only boost exports and employment but also reduce import dependence, enhance resilience, and catalyze innovation. As Subrahmanyam aptly said, "This is the time to act." The coming years will be critical in transforming the vision into reality, and determining whether India can truly claim its place among the global chemical giants.
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday instructed officials to formulate proposals for constructing an iconic Deep-Technology building in the capital city of Amaravati. "I had built Hi-Tech City structure in Hyderabad to promote information technology. Now, it is time to embrace Deep-Tech and Artificial Intelligence to take advantage of the opportunities arising out of the latest technology," he underlined while reviewing the New IT Policy at the state secretariat. The Chief Minister announced that the state government will provide Rs 25 lakh as seed fundin ...Read More >
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
Pune Airport is set to boost international travel with new daily flights to Dubai and bi-weekly flights to Bangkok, starting October 27. Pune is gearing up to enhance its international flight connectivity with the launch of new routes beginning October 27.The city will soon have a daily flight to Dubai and a bi-weekly service to Bangkok. This announcement was made on Thursday by Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation. Currently, Pune airport caters to two international destinations. A prominent route from Pune is the well-established Dubai flight, currently operated by Spi ...Read More >
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 2 (ANI): Ambuja Cements has taken a step toward achieving its Net Zero goals. The company has partnered with Finland-based technology leader Coolbrook to implement its proprietary RotoDynamic Heater (RDH) technology. According to the exchange filing, this cutting-edge, zero-carbon heating solution, powered by renewable electricity, will drastically reduce the company's dependence on fossil fuels and lower its carbon emissions, aligning with its sustainability vision. Ambuja Cements will significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependence by harnessing renewa ...Read More >
YORK, UK - In a move to strengthen its position in the equine health market, Animalcare Group Plc (AIM: ANCR) has announced the conditional acquisition of Randlab, a prominent Australian equine veterinary business. The deal, valued at A$120 million (approximately £62.2 million), is expected to significantly boost Animalcare's earnings in 2025. The purchase agreement, involving Animalcare's newly formed subsidiary Animalcare Australia Pty Ltd, encompasses Randlab's entire issued share capital, including its New Zealand and Middle Eastern operations. The acquisition is financed through a combin ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, Dec 4 (VOICE) A grand celebration of BAPS volunteer services is set to be organised at Narendra Modi stadium, the world's biggest cricket stadium on December 7, to mark the selfless service and devotion of more than 1 lakh volunteers. The occasion will begin with a heartfelt tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj on his birth anniversary, celebrating his pioneering efforts in fostering a global community of selfless volunteers. The event will be graced by BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The year- ...Read More >
Bengaluru, 4th December 2024- PURE EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to strengthen its presence nationwide and expand globally while introducing innovative solutions for sustainable mobility. Over the next 30 months, the company aims to add 250 new dealerships, taking its total network to over 320 across India. The expansion will be driven by the growing demand for long-range scooters, electric motorcycles, large B2B contracts, and the company's entry into the house-hold brand space. Dr. Nishanth Dongari, Founder & MD of PURE EV, ...Read More >
Mumbai : Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India today unveiled and launched its much-awaited all-new 3 Generation Honda Amaze. This marks the global debut of the new generation Amaze in India, a key market for Honda globally and the first country to launch the new model. The all-new Amaze will be available at an introductory price range of Rs 7,99,900 - Rs. 10,89,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi); valid till 45 days from launch. The stylish and premium compact sedan has been designed to offer an OUTCLASS and delightful sedan experience that meets the aspirations ...Read More >
Gurugram, 11 December 2024: Around USD 40 billion of investments are envisaged over the next 5-6 years for the development of Electric Vehicles (EV) & ancillary industries in India. However, the deployment of these funds will rely upon successful implementation of government policies, charging infrastructure ramp-up and domestic manufacturing capacity scale-up. As per Colliers' latest report "EVs in India: Renewed Vigour in Electric Mobility", about two-thirds of the planned investments, can potentially materialize in the lithium-ion battery segment alone. Interestingly, despite slower than an ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 13: IIFL Capital Services Limited (formerly IIFL Securities Limited) today announced the unveiling of its state-of-the-art office in Bengaluru, dedicated to wealth management services for High Networth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra High Networth Individuals (UHNIs). IIFL Capital Services is one of the largest wealth managers in India, with about $30 billion (Rs 2.5 lac crore) worth of assets under management, advice and custody. Also Read | Big score is just around the corner for Steve Smith, Skipper Pat Cummins Backs Star Batter Ahead of IND vs AUS 3rd ...Read More >
C2C Advanced Systems shares made a strong debut on the NSE SME Emerge platform on December 3, listing at a premium of 90 percent at Rs 429.40 against the issue price of Rs 226. The much-anticipated listing came despite an earlier postponement, which saw a setback for the company after over 3.72 lakh applications worth Rs 27 crore were withdrawn following regulatory action by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). C2C Advanced Systems, a vertically integrated defence electronics solutions provider, focuses on indigenously developed products for India's defence sector. Track All I ...Read More >
Meet Venkata Datta, Hyderabad techie, who is set to marry badminton star PV Sindhu The KYC Bubble: How digital ID's could trigger a global collapse 5 reasons why Allu Arjun will become biggest pan-India star with Pushpa 2: The Rule This is world's weirdest hotel where guests stay to get insulted, pay Rs 20000 room rent, it is located in... Vikrant Massey breaks silence on his 'retirement' announcement, says his post was misread: 'I'm not...' After breakup with Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora does 'Nain Matakka' with another actor, netizens react Naga Chaitanya-Sobhita Dhulipala wedding: Allu ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Hyundai Motor Group has partnered with three Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to establish a collaborative research system in the fields of batteries and electrification. The three institutes are IIT Madras, IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay. The Hyundai Centre of Excellence (CoE), which will be set up on IIT Delhi campus, will operate through sponsorships from Hyundai Motor Group. The primary objective of the Hyundai CoE is to take the lead in driving advancements in batteries and electrification, specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of the Indian market. Hyundai Mo ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: India has seen limited success so far in capturing the 'China Plus One strategy', while Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia have become bigger beneficiaries, according to a report of government think tank Niti Aayog. It said that factors such as cheaper labour, simplified tax laws, lower tariffs and pro-activeness in signing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have played a critical role in helping these countries expand their export shares. The US has implemented stricter export controls and higher tariffs on Chinese goods to limit China's growth and expenditure towards technologi ...Read More >
As per Moneycontrol's calculations, a 7 per cent growth in the remaining two quarters will put India's GDP at 6.5 per cent. The Indian economy would find it challenging to achieve over 7 per cent growth for the fourth consecutive year, economists said. They pointed out that the second-quarter (Q2) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, which was announced on November 29, has made the task even more daunting for the government. "A sharper than expected growth slowdown in Q2 has tilted risks to our outlook of 6.8 per cent for the current fiscal downwards," said DK Joshi, chief economist, Crisil. ...Read More >
New Delhi - Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has unveiled its latest electric offering, the VIDA V2 series. This launch signifies a significant stride in the company's electric vehicle (EV) journey, promising to revolutionize sustainable urban mobility. A Trio of Electric Powerhouses The VIDA V2 series comprises three variants: Each variant boasts a sleek, modern design and is available in eye-catching colors like Matte Nexus Blue-Grey and Glossy Sports Red. Power and Performance Redefined The VIDA V2 comes equipped with IP-67-rated removable batteries in three ...Read More >
Infosys has announced an average 85% performance bonus for eligible employees in Q2 FY25, reflecting its strong financial performance. The bonus, paid to mid- and junior-level staff, will be credited with the November salaries, with individual payouts varying based on performance. This follows Infosys' impressive 4.7% rise in Q2 net profit and a revenue increase of 5.1%, leading to an upward revision of its FY25 revenue guidance. The bonus payout surpasses the previous quarter's 80%, with Infosys outpacing rivals like TCS. Employees are also awaiting salary hikes, with revisions expected from ...Read More >
As a part of the new agreement between Mazagon Dock and BEML, Mazagon Docks will make facilities available to BEML's research team in exchange for their technical support to design and manufacture strategic equipment, reported PTI. The government-owned BEML Ltd. (formerly known as Bharat Earth Movers Ltd) announced on Wednesday, November 27, that it has signed an agreement with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders to develop technologies for the marine industry, news agency PTI reported. According to the company statement cited by the agency, the company aims to leverage the opportunity to expand its e ...Read More >
Sunmei Hotels Group has announced the launch of Sunmei Group International (SGI) and three new overseas brands—SHANKEE, PENRO, and LANOU—marking its expansion into the UAE market. The company plans to introduce SHANKEE Hotels, a smart economy brand, to cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. SGI focuses on smart marketing, modular renovations, and intelligent operations, leveraging big data and AI to enhance service and guest experiences. Chairman Ma Yingyao aims to open 100 hotels globally within the next decade, doubling revenue and establishing a strong international presence for Chinese ...Read More >
Given the strong subscription response, Ganesh Infraworld's latest GMP stands at Rs 73, indicating an upside potential of 88% above the upper price band.The SME initial public offering (IPO) of Ganesh Infraworld received a strong response from investors with an overall subscription of 103.2 times by 12:19 pm on the final day of the bidding process. The IPO will close on December 3. The company aims to raise Rs 98.6 crore through the SME IPO, which is a fresh equity sale of 1.18 crore shares, and list the shares on the NSE SME platform. The net proceeds from the public offer will be used for ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The GSEC in Hyderabad will be the first of its kind in the APAC region after Tokyo and only the fifth globally, with similar facilities in Dublin, Munich, and Malaga, according to a statement. This GSEC is a specialised international cybersecurity hub designed to play a crucial role in developing advanced security and online safety products tailored for the Indian context. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research, AI-driven security solutions, and creating a collaborative platform for leading experts and researchers in cybersecurity. It also aims to ...Read More >
Kolkata, Dec 6 (PTI) Air India Express, the budget-carrier arm of Air India, is embarking on a significant expansion by increasing its fleet size and introducing new routes, as passenger growth remains robust. The airline, however, has deferred plans to launch direct flights between Kolkata and Dhaka, citing the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh. "You would recall we had announced our operational plan for Dhaka, which is a new and significant market for us. But because of the situation there, we have deferred those plans," Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, said. "As ...Read More >
India's housing market is booming, with 2024 projected to be the best year yet. Over 300,000 homes worth ₹510,000 crore are expected to be sold across the top seven cities, driven by economic growth and infrastructure improvements. Sales in the first nine months already reached nearly 230,000 homes, indicating continued robust demand and rising capital values.India's housing property market continues to remain on a strong footing, with the year 2024 expected to end as the best year ever in term ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) The government on Thursday came out with the definition of green steel and asked the industry to take measures to bring down carbon emissions below the level of 2.2 tonnes on per tonne of finished products. Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy also released a 'taxonomy on green steel' with parameters for giving star ratings on products based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the production process. The steel industry has been the backbone of India's industrial growth and it is imperative that this vital sector undergoes a transformative shift towards ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) Terming the 5.4 per cent GDP growth in the second quarter as a "temporary phenomena", FICCI President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal on Thursday said the industry body expects India to achieve 6.5-7 per cent economic growth in the current financial year, while projecting a pick up in private investment. In an interview to PTI, Agarwal, who is also the Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Emami Ltd, said the RBI needs to manoeuvre a "tight-rope balancing act" between inflation and economic growth, as he opined that the central bank has been doing a prudent job. Notably, the FI ...Read More >
Uber has launched India's first Shikara ride on Srinagar's Dal Lake, offering a unique and scenic experience. This new service allows passengers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake while riding in a traditional Shikara boat. Booking is easy through the Uber app, with rides available daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. This initiative aims to boost tourism in the region while providing locals with a new way to experience the lake. With Uber's entry into the Shikara market, visitors can now enjoy a blend of modern convenience and traditional charm on Dal Lake. ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Coworking firm Incuspaze, which provides managed flexible office spaces to corporates, is looking to raise USD 25 million (over ₹210 crore) to expand its business across major cities before planning to launch its Initial Public Offer (IPO). Established in 2016, Incuspaze has a presence in 44 locations across 18 cities with a total portfolio of 40 lakh square feet. "We plan to add another 2 million (20 lakh) square feet in our portfolio by the end of December 2025," Incuspaze founder and CEO Sanjay Choudhary told PTI. In view of the growing demand for flexible workspa ...Read More >
A crucial round of negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty has begun in Busan, South Korea. Led by Norway and Rwanda, 66 countries and the EU are pushing for a legally binding agreement to control plastic production, consumption, and waste management. However, key points of contention include limits on plastic production and the ban of single-use plastics. With plastic production set to rise 70% by 2040, negotiators aim to protect human health and the environment while promoting recycling, reducing harmful chemicals, and supporting sustainable plastic practices. Industry leaders and ...Read More >
Gurugram, Dec 3 (PTI) Gurugram Police nabbed two inter-state criminals after a brief encounter, they said. Police chased the accused when they were allegedly fleeing after stealing jewelleries from a house in the Palam Vihar area in their car on Monday night. During cross firing, both the accused were injured by bullet shots in their legs, and have been admitted to the hospital for treatment, they added. Also Read | Congress Delegation Flags 2 'Grave Inconsistencies' in Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Seeks Raw Data From EC. More than four dozen cases related to theft, robbery and illegal w ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) India should remain open to investments from China as other developed countries like the US and Germany, with the exception of a handful of sectors, 16th Finance Commission Chairman Arvind Panagariya said on Thursday. He also cautioned that one has to be careful about investments from potentially "unfriendly countries" that might damage the interest of the nation. However, developed countries are accepting investments from China in any particular sector, India can also welcome such investments. "If the US is taking investment from China, if Germany is taking, I would ...Read More >