Category: BUSINESS

Ahmedabad, December 15:
Power equipment manufacturer Transformers and Rectifiers (India) Ltd has set a target of achieving an order book of around Rs 8,000 crore, signalling confidence in improving demand conditions. The company said it is witnessing a steady inflow of orders from both domestic and international markets, driven by increased investments in power transmission and infrastructure projects.

The management expressed optimism about a rebound in growth from the third quarter, citing improved execution, stabilising input costs and a strong project pipeline. Officials said the company is focusing on timely deliveries and capacity utilisation, with expectations that the coming quarters will support sustained revenue growth and improved financial performance.

New Delhi, December 13: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Bill to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector from the existing 74 per cent to 100 per cent. The decision is aimed at attracting greater foreign investment, strengthening the insurance ecosystem, and enhancing penetration of insurance services across the country.

Officials said the move will help bring in additional capital, advanced technology, and global best practices into the Indian insurance market. The proposed amendment is also expected to improve competition, create employment opportunities, and support long-term growth of the sector, while safeguarding policyholders’ interests through regulatory oversight.

New Delhi, December 13: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a budgetary allocation of ₹11,718 crore for conducting Census 2027, a major national exercise aimed at collecting crucial demographic and socio-economic data. The census will be carried out in two phases beginning in 2026 and will play a key role in policy formulation, governance planning, and welfare programme implementation across the country.

Officials said the upcoming census will provide updated data to help the government design targeted schemes for various sections of society. The Cabinet decision reflects the Centre’s emphasis on evidence-based governance and long-term development planning, ensuring that public resources are effectively utilised to meet the needs of the population.

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), December 13: AP Chambers Expo-2025 was inaugurated in Vijayawada, featuring over 150 stalls from sectors including MSMEs, manufacturing, startups, and services. The expo aims to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s industrial growth and innovation potential.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials attended the inaugural event. Organisers said the expo will serve as a platform for trade promotion, networking, and attracting new investments to the state.

New Delhi, December 11: The Football Association of India (FAI) on Wednesday approached the government seeking clarifications on key Goods and Services Tax (GST) provisions, citing financial strain on the organisation. Officials said the FAI aims to ensure compliance while reducing the fiscal burden on clubs, tournaments, and grassroots programmes across the country.

Sources noted that unresolved GST issues have affected revenue flows, sponsorship deals, and operational budgets for football initiatives. The FAI requested detailed guidance to streamline tax processes and maintain transparency, ensuring that financial resources can be efficiently directed toward promoting the sport. Analysts said such interventions are critical for sustaining the growth of football in India and supporting its development at both professional and grassroots levels.

New York, December 11: US stock markets rose on Wednesday following the Federal Reserve’s announcement of an interest rate cut, as investors grew optimistic about potential further reductions in the near term. Analysts said the move has boosted market sentiment, encouraging investments in equities and signaling a supportive environment for economic growth.

Market experts noted that the rate cut aims to stimulate spending, investment, and job creation, providing relief to both businesses and consumers. Key indices recorded gains across sectors, with technology and industrial stocks showing particularly strong performance. Economists emphasized that while the rate cut offers short-term optimism, markets will continue to monitor inflation trends, monetary policy signals, and global economic developments for sustained growth.

New Delhi, December 11: A recent survey has revealed that nearly 80% of rural households in India have reported higher spending, reflecting rising prosperity and increased disposable income in rural areas. The findings suggest that economic growth, better employment opportunities, and government welfare schemes are contributing to improved purchasing power in villages across the country.

Experts said the increase in rural expenditure spans essential goods, consumer durables, and lifestyle products, indicating greater confidence among households in managing finances and investing in quality of life. Analysts noted that such trends are a positive sign for both rural development and the overall economy, as increased consumption in villages can drive demand, boost local markets, and support inclusive growth initiatives.

New Delhi,Dec 11: According to the latest data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), net inflows into equity mutual funds surged to ₹29,911 crore in November 2025, up 21% from October. Overall, mutual funds increased their equity investments by ₹43,465 crore, more than double the previous month, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Indian equities. Analysts noted that both lumpsum investments and systematic investment plans (SIPs) contributed to the strong inflows, signaling long-term commitment rather than short-term trading.

Within the equity segment, small‑ and mid‑cap funds saw significant inflows, indicating rising appetite for higher-risk, higher-reward investment options. Investors appear to be diversifying beyond large-cap and flexi-cap funds to tap growth potential in smaller companies. While small- and mid-cap funds offer strong upside potential, experts caution about increased volatility, recommending balanced portfolio allocation based on individual risk profiles. The data underscores that equity mutual funds remain a preferred long-term investment avenue, with small- and mid-cap segments attracting growing interest from investors.

New Delhi/Dec 11 : Kia India has officially confirmed that the 2026 Kia Seltos will be launched on January 2, bringing a refreshed design and major feature upgrades to one of the country’s most popular compact SUVs. The updated Seltos comes with notable styling revisions, including a new grille pattern, reworked alloy wheels, and sharper LED headlamp and tail-lamp signatures. Kia has also refined the interior with a cleaner dashboard layout and upgraded materials, giving the SUV a more premium cabin feel.

The 2026 model introduces five major changes: enhanced ADAS safety tech, a new dual-screen cockpit, a more responsive infotainment interface, improved NVH levels, and updated engine mapping for smoother performance. While the powertrains remain largely similar, Kia is focusing on refinement and user experience upgrades to strengthen the Seltos’ position in the competitive mid-SUV segment. Dealerships across India have already begun accepting pre-bookings, with deliveries expected shortly after the official price announcement in January.

New Delhi/Dec 11: Inflows into gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in India saw a sharp slowdown in November, nearly halving compared to the previous month. The segment recorded inflows worth around $379 million, marking a 55% decline month-on-month. Despite the steep drop, November still continued the positive streak for gold ETFs, making it the sixth consecutive month of inflows in 2025. Analysts said the moderation reflects short-term profit booking after a sustained rise in gold prices during the festive and global uncertainty-driven rally.

Experts noted that while monthly inflows eased, the overall assets under management (AUM) across gold ETFs continued to rise, touching nearly ₹1.6 trillion by the end of November — more than double the levels seen just six months earlier. Market watchers believe the long-term interest in gold remains strong, as investors continue to view the metal as a hedge against market volatility, inflation concerns, and geopolitical risks. The slowdown, they added, is temporary and largely driven by tactical adjustments rather than a dip in sentiment.