Category: BUSINESS

Mumbai, December 23:
The Indian stock markets concluded a volatile trading session on Tuesday, with Nifty and Sensex ending flat despite sharp intra-day swings. Sectoral performance was mixed, with banking and telecom stocks leading the downturn.

Shares of Bharti Airtel and ICICI Bank were among the major drags on the indices, as profit-booking pressure and sector-specific concerns weighed on investor sentiment. Brokers said that short-term traders were cautious amid global cues and macroeconomic data releases.

Market analysts said that while broader sentiment remains range-bound, select defensive and consumption plays showed resilience. They added that traders are now watching corporate earnings and global markets ahead of key economic data expected later in the week.

Ahmedabad, December 23: The Adani Foundation has reached out to nearly 9.6 million people across India through its extensive social development initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. The foundation’s interventions span key sectors such as education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure and community development, with a focus on empowering underserved and marginalised communities.

Through targeted education programmes, the foundation has supported students with scholarships, digital learning tools and improved school infrastructure, helping reduce dropout rates and enhance learning outcomes. In healthcare, initiatives including mobile medical units, maternal and child health programmes, and access to quality primary care have significantly improved health indicators in remote and rural areas. Efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods have also enabled thousands of families to achieve financial stability through skill development, self-help groups and entrepreneurship support.

The foundation stated that its approach is rooted in long-term impact, working closely with local communities, governments and partners to address grassroots challenges. By aligning its programmes with national development priorities, the Adani Foundation aims to continue expanding its reach and deepen its social impact, contributing to holistic development and improved quality of life for millions across the country.

New Delhi, December 23: India’s economic momentum continues to strengthen as key sectors including quick commerce, BFSI, e-commerce, retail, and healthcare show robust expansion driven by rising consumer demand, digital adoption, and policy support.

Quick commerce has emerged as a major growth driver, with companies expanding rapid-delivery services beyond metros into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, reshaping last-mile logistics and consumer buying behaviour. The BFSI sector is witnessing steady credit growth, higher digital transactions, and increased financial inclusion, supported by UPI-led payments and strong demand for retail loans.

E-commerce and retail sectors continue to benefit from festive demand, improved supply chains, and omni-channel strategies, with brands focusing on both online penetration and physical store expansion. Meanwhile, the healthcare sector is seeing sustained growth due to higher investments in hospitals, diagnostics, digital health platforms, and increased focus on preventive care.

Together, these sectors are playing a crucial role in job creation, investment inflows, and overall economic resilience, positioning India for sustained medium- to long-term growth.

Mumbai, December 23:
Shares of Coforge Ltd witnessed a sharp decline on Tuesday as investor sentiment soured on the stock amid weak sector trends and company-specific concerns. The fall in share price reflected heightened selling pressure, with market participants reassessing near-term prospects.

Analysts identified several key factors behind the sell-off, including slower revenue growth in recent quarters, disappointing client additions, and margin pressures in an increasingly competitive IT services landscape. Investors were also cautious ahead of the company’s upcoming quarterly earnings, expecting mixed financial performance.

Market experts pointed to broader headwinds in the technology sector, where global demand for IT outsourcing services has shown signs of moderation. This has impacted valuations and led to profit-booking in high-beta technology stocks like Coforge.

Despite the near-term volatility, some analysts maintained that the company’s fundamentals remain intact, citing strong deal pipelines and diversified client portfolios. They said long-term investors should focus on strategic execution while being mindful of market fluctuations.

New Delhi, December 22:
The year 2025 has emerged as a defining chapter in global sports, with several underdog teams and athletes overcoming the odds to script historic victories across disciplines, turning heartbreak into moments of triumph.

From unexpected title wins to dramatic comebacks, lesser-fancied teams challenged established powerhouses, redefining competitiveness and belief. Analysts said these performances reflected improved grassroots development, tactical innovation and mental resilience among emerging teams.

Sports experts noted that the rise of underdogs in 2025 has reinvigorated fan interest and highlighted the unpredictable nature of modern sport. The year is being remembered as one where perseverance, teamwork and self-belief proved just as powerful as reputation and legacy.

New Delhi, December 22:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced on Monday that it will hold a workshop focusing on the upcoming revision of the GDP and Consumer Price Index (CPI) bases. The initiative is aimed at familiarising statisticians, economists, and policymakers with the updated methodologies and preparing stakeholders for the upcoming release of the revised series.

Officials said the workshop will cover technical aspects of the base year revision, expected to improve accuracy in measuring India’s economic growth and inflation. The ministry also shared the release calendar for the new GDP and CPI series, providing clarity on data availability for researchers, analysts, and government departments.

Economic experts highlighted that periodic revisions of the GDP and CPI bases are crucial for reflecting structural changes in the economy, capturing new sectors, and ensuring that macroeconomic indicators remain relevant for policy decisions. MoSPI emphasised that the workshop will be an interactive session, enabling participants to understand the practical implications of the revisions for economic planning, forecasting, and decision-making.

The ministry urged officials, academicians, and media representatives to participate actively, noting that enhanced understanding of the revised series will contribute to more informed economic analysis and reporting.

Mumbai, December 22:
Shares of Meesho witnessed a significant drop on Monday, hitting the lower circuit amid market volatility and investor concerns. Analysts attributed the decline to a combination of internal and external factors affecting the e-commerce sector.

Experts highlighted five major reasons behind the sell-off, including weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings, slowdown in user growth, rising operational costs, regulatory uncertainties, and broader market corrections impacting tech stocks. Investors are closely monitoring the company’s strategies to address these challenges and maintain profitability.

Market watchers noted that the decline also reflects heightened sensitivity in investor sentiment toward mid-cap tech firms, where performance expectations are high and any hint of slowdown can trigger sharp price movements. Meesho management stated that it remains focused on long-term growth initiatives, aiming to stabilise operations and strengthen user engagement.

The sudden dip in Meesho’s shares underscores the need for cautious trading and highlights the ongoing pressures in India’s competitive e-commerce sector. Analysts expect some consolidation in coming sessions as investors digest company performance and broader market signals.

New Delhi, December 22:
India and New Zealand have concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic cooperation. Under the pact, tariffs will be eliminated or reduced on about 95 per cent of goods traded between the two countries, with more than half of New Zealand’s exports to India becoming duty-free upon implementation.

The agreement, finalised after nearly ten months of talks following a long hiatus in negotiations, is expected to boost trade flows and enhance market access for exporters on both sides. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the deal will open up substantial opportunities for Kiwi businesses in India’s expanding consumer and industrial markets.

Officials project that the tariff cuts could raise New Zealand’s exports to India by between $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion per year over the next two decades, particularly benefiting sectors such as forestry, horticulture and manufactured goods. The pact also aims to strengthen cooperation in services, investment and trade facilitation.

Trade analysts noted that the FTA will support broader economic ties and provide a framework for deeper engagement in technology, education and sustainable development. The agreement is expected to be formally signed early next year after domestic procedures in both countries are completed.

Mumbai, December 22:
Shares of Dilip Buildcon Ltd surged to a one-month high in early trade on Monday after the company announced that it had secured a major infrastructure order worth Rs 4,900 crore, boosting investor sentiment.

According to the company, the order was awarded by a government authority for the execution of a large-scale infrastructure project, strengthening Dilip Buildcon’s order book position. Market participants reacted positively to the development, citing improved revenue visibility and growth prospects.

Analysts said the fresh order is expected to support the company’s medium- to long-term earnings outlook, especially amid rising public infrastructure spending. The stock witnessed strong buying interest as investors assessed the impact of the contract on cash flows and execution capabilities.

Visakhapatnam, December 22:
The 11th CREDAI Property Expo held in Visakhapatnam concluded on a positive note, attracting over 14,000 visitors during its three-day run, organisers said. The strong footfall reflects growing interest in real estate investments across north Andhra Pradesh.

The expo featured a wide range of residential and commercial projects, including affordable housing, premium apartments and plotted developments. Developers reported strong enquiries from first-time homebuyers as well as investors, citing improved market sentiment and stable property prices.

CREDAI representatives said the response indicates renewed confidence in the real estate sector following infrastructure development and policy support. Industry experts believe such expos play a key role in connecting buyers with credible developers and boosting transparency in the housing market.