Morning News Highlights for February 25, 2025
2. Reliance lets genie out of Cola can, prices set to fall across brands
Reliance’s re-entry into the cola market with a disruptive pricing strategy is poised to shake up the beverage industry. By slashing prices, it aims to capture market share from established players like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, leveraging its vast distribution network. A price war could benefit consumers with cheaper options while challenging competitors to rethink strategies, potentially boosting rural consumption and reshaping India’s soft drink sector.
3. Blackstone, Panchshil to set up India’s largest data center with Rs 20,000-crore investment
Blackstone and Panchshil Realty are partnering to build a massive data center in India, capitalizing on the country’s growing digital economy. The Rs 20,000-crore project aims to meet rising demand for cloud services and data storage amid rapid tech adoption. This strengthens India’s digital infrastructure, supporting tech innovation and economic growth while positioning the country as a global data hub, attracting further investments.
4. IRDAI plans to put risk management at industry core to align with global best
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is prioritizing risk management reforms to enhance stability in the insurance sector. This aligns with international standards, aiming to protect policyholders and boost investor confidence. Robust risk frameworks could elevate India’s insurance industry globally, ensuring resilience against financial shocks and fostering trust among consumers and stakeholders.
5. Federal with roots in Kerala is branching into a pan-India bank
Federal Bank, originally a Kerala-based entity, is expanding nationwide, targeting a broader customer base. This strategic shift aims to leverage its regional success to compete with larger national banks in India’s competitive financial sector. The expansion could enhance banking access in underserved areas, intensifying competition and potentially driving innovation in financial services across India.
6. After two decades of wait, KG-98/2 finally ignites ONGC’s revival path
ONGC’s KG-98/2 project in the Krishna-Godavari basin has begun production after 20 years, marking a significant milestone. This offshore field is expected to boost India’s domestic oil and gas output, reducing import dependency. This development strengthens energy security, supports economic stability, and revitalizes ONGC’s growth trajectory in a critical sector for India.
7. Electronics, electrical industry must target $100 bn exports: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has urged the electronics and electrical sector to aim for $100 billion in exports, emphasizing India’s potential as a manufacturing hub. This aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance and global competitiveness. Achieving this target could transform India’s trade balance, create jobs, and solidify its position in the global electronics supply chain.
8. India-UK Deal to Fire Up Goods Trade 2-3x in 10 Yrs
A new trade agreement between India and the UK is set to multiply goods trade two to threefold within a decade. The deal focuses on reducing tariffs and enhancing market access for both nations’ businesses. This could significantly boost bilateral economic ties, benefiting industries like textiles and tech while fostering stronger geopolitical relations.
9. Tax dept asks foreign PEs, their arms to disclose share of profits
India’s tax authorities have directed foreign private equity firms and their subsidiaries to reveal profit-sharing details, aiming to curb tax evasion and ensure transparency in cross-border investments. This move enhances tax compliance, potentially increasing government revenue and leveling the playing field for domestic firms in India’s investment ecosystem.
10. $1.4 bn tax demand: Prima facie dissatisfied with Skoda Volkswagen’s arguments, says Bombay HC
The Bombay High Court has expressed initial dissatisfaction with Skoda Volkswagen’s defense against a $1.4 billion tax demand, signaling a tough stance on tax disputes involving multinational corporations in India. The ruling could set a precedent for foreign firms, impacting their financial planning and India’s reputation as an investment destination.
11. DIPAM seeks bids from I-bankers for pruning stake in select PSBs and FIs
The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) is inviting investment bankers to facilitate stake sales in public sector banks and financial institutions, part of India’s divestment strategy. This could unlock funds for government initiatives, improve PSB efficiency, and attract private capital into India’s financial sector.
12. Standard Chartered Bank to open priority centres at 10 cities across India by 2025
Standard Chartered Bank plans to establish priority banking centers in 10 Indian cities by year-end, targeting high-net-worth clients with tailored financial services amid growing wealth in urban areas. This expansion reflects India’s rising affluence, potentially deepening banking penetration and boosting competition in premium financial services.
13. Nestle India considering price hikes to counter commodity inflation, executive says
Nestle India is mulling price increases to offset rising commodity costs, a move that could affect its wide range of food and beverage products amid inflationary pressures in the market. This decision could influence consumer spending patterns and test brand loyalty, impacting Nestle’s market share in India’s FMCG sector.
14. US oil exports to India double in Feb, Russian exports fall
US oil exports to India surged in February, doubling from previous levels, as Russian supplies declined, reflecting shifting global energy trade dynamics amid geopolitical tensions. This shift bolsters India’s energy diversification, reduces reliance on Russia, and strengthens US-India economic ties in a volatile global market.
15. India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030 requires Rs 33 lakh crore, says M Nagaraju
Achieving India’s 500 GW renewable energy goal by 2030 demands Rs 33 lakh crore in investments, according to Power Secretary M Nagaraju, highlighting the scale of financial commitment needed. This ambitious target could revolutionize India’s energy mix, combat climate change, and drive sustainable economic growth if funding is secured.
16. Hindalco to invest Rs 15,000 cr in Madhya Pradesh to expand aluminium smelting capacity
Hindalco Industries plans a Rs 15,000-crore investment in Madhya Pradesh to scale up its aluminium smelting operations, tapping into rising industrial demand and regional growth potential. This boosts India’s manufacturing capabilities, creates jobs, and supports the state’s economic development while meeting global aluminium needs.
17. CIL’s subsidiary Western Coalfields bids for 2 coal blocks in 11th tranche of auction
Western Coalfields, a Coal India subsidiary, has bid for two coal blocks in the 11th auction round, aiming to secure resources to meet India’s growing energy demands. Securing these blocks could enhance coal supply stability, supporting power generation and industrial growth amidst rising energy needs.
18. Aim for $100 bn in exports in seven years: Goyal to electronics sector
Piyush Goyal reiterated his call for the electronics sector to target $100 billion in exports within seven years, pushing for innovation and global market expansion to drive economic growth. This goal could position India as a key electronics exporter, fostering job creation and technological advancement on a global scale.
19. DCGI seeks post-market surveillance data on 2 combination drugs within 3 months
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has mandated post-market surveillance data on two combination drugs within three months to ensure safety and efficacy for public use. This enhances drug safety oversight, protecting public health and reinforcing India’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework.
20. Raw sugar hits two-month high buoyed by tight supplies
Raw sugar prices reached a two-month peak due to constrained global supplies, driven by production challenges and rising demand in key markets like India. Higher sugar prices could impact food inflation, affecting consumers and industries while benefiting sugar-producing regions in India.
21. Centre’s ₹10 trillion monetization plan may target power, mining, and petroleum
The Indian government’s ₹10 trillion asset monetization plan could focus on power, mining, and petroleum sectors, aiming to unlock value from public assets to fund infrastructure development. This could accelerate India’s infrastructure growth, attract private investment, and optimize resource utilization across critical sectors.
22. New India Co-operative Bank depositors will be able to withdraw up to ₹25,000
The RBI has permitted depositors of the struggling New India Co-operative Bank to withdraw up to ₹25,000, offering relief amid the bank’s financial difficulties. This measure safeguards depositors’ interests, stabilizes confidence in smaller banks, and reflects regulatory efforts to manage banking crises.
23. Copper prices slip on tariff threat and Chinese inventories
Copper prices dipped due to looming tariff threats and rising inventories in China, signaling potential demand slowdowns in the world’s largest copper consumer. This could affect India’s metal industry, impacting manufacturing costs and global trade dynamics in a key industrial commodity.
24. EaseMyTrip to invest ₹200 cr for manufacturing electric buses in MP, says CEO
EaseMyTrip plans a ₹200-crore investment in Madhya Pradesh to produce electric buses, diversifying into sustainable transport and supporting India’s green mobility push. This move could bolster EV adoption, create jobs, and position Madhya Pradesh as a hub for clean energy manufacturing.
25. Maruti Suzuki to launch three more EVs after e Vitara, aims 50% market share
Maruti Suzuki will introduce three new electric vehicles following its e Vitara launch, targeting a 50% share of India’s EV market as demand for sustainable transport grows. This could accelerate India’s EV transition, reshape the auto industry, and challenge competitors in a rapidly evolving market.
26. India’s manufacturing slump prompted February rate cut, says RBI rate panel’s Kumar
RBI’s rate-setting panel member Kumar noted that a manufacturing slowdown triggered February’s interest rate cut, aimed at stimulating economic activity and investment. The rate cut could revive manufacturing, spur growth, and signal adaptive monetary policies to address India’s economic challenges.
27. Railways will achieve 100 pc electrification in FY26: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways will fully electrify its network by FY26, a major step toward sustainable transport and operational efficiency. This milestone enhances rail sustainability, cuts fuel costs, and supports India’s climate goals while improving logistics efficiency.
28. Insolvency against Coffee Day resumes as NCLAT fails to pass order within deadline
The insolvency process against Coffee Day Enterprises has restarted after the NCLAT missed its deadline to rule, prolonging uncertainty for the debt-laden coffee chain. This could impact Coffee Day’s survival, affecting stakeholders and highlighting challenges in India’s insolvency resolution framework.
29. China’s leading private rocket company has eye on listing in 2028
China’s top private rocket firm is planning a 2028 stock market listing, signaling confidence in its growth within the global space industry amid increasing privatization. This reflects China’s rising space ambitions, potentially influencing global competition and innovation in aerospace technology.
30. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund buys fresh shares of Motherson Sumi Wiring India
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has acquired new shares in Motherson Sumi Wiring India, betting on the auto component maker’s growth in India’s expanding automotive sector. This investment could signal strong market confidence, boosting Motherson’s stock and supporting India’s auto industry growth.
31. Indorama to pick up 24.9% stake in EPL Ltd from Blackstone for $220 million
Indorama is acquiring a 24.9% stake in EPL Ltd from Blackstone for $220 million, strengthening its position in India’s packaging industry through this strategic buyout. This deal could enhance EPL’s growth, drive packaging innovation, and reflect robust M&A activity in India’s industrial sector.
32. Adani Group to invest ₹1.10 lakh crore in Madhya Pradesh
The Adani Group plans a ₹1.10 lakh crore investment in Madhya Pradesh, targeting infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects to spur regional economic development. This massive infusion could transform Madhya Pradesh’s economy, create jobs, and reinforce Adani’s dominance in India’s industrial landscape.
33. Trump claims Ukraine peace deal ‘very close’ after talks with Macron Donald
Trump announced that a peace deal for Ukraine is nearing completion following discussions with French President Macron, hinting at a potential resolution to the conflict. A resolution could stabilize global markets, ease energy pressures, and reshape geopolitical alliances, impacting nations like India.
34. Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter set to close, NYC Mayor Eric Adams confirms
NYC Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter, marking a shift in the city’s approach to managing its migrant influx amid ongoing debates. This closure could influence US immigration policy discussions, affect local resources, and signal changing urban priorities globally.