16 Jan

Namaste! Aaj ka news roundup, Newswala style!

 

Today, Your Newswala Delivers:

  • Bigger planes, bigger dreams for DHL

  • QSRs feel the heat

  • Minda and Flash spark EV revolution

And do you know who gave Hrithik Roshan the title of ‘Greek god’?


Chalo chalein!
 
Today’s reading time is 5 minutes.


MARKETS

Nifty 50 23,213.200.16%
Down Sensex 76,724.08 0.29%
Down NIFTY Bank 48,751.70 0.046%
Down FINNIFTY 22,680.100.19%
BTC ₹85,65,6002.5%


Markets: The domestic market remains volatile due to high US bond yields, a strengthening dollar, and increasing FII outflows. Global markets are cautious ahead of the US December CPI inflation data, which is expected to stay elevated, limiting the FED’s ability to cut rates.


TOP STORIES

DHL Takes Flight in India’s Boom


What happened

DHL is turning up the heat in India, planning to increase its freighter capacity by 30% in the next 3-5 years. Why? Because they expect their business here to double during that time. In 2024, DHL’s revenue in India grew by 10%, and the country now accounts for 3% of their global earnings

To handle the demand, they’re opening a new facility in New Delhi by mid-2025 and upgrading their fleet by swapping six smaller freighters for bigger, widebody ones. 

  • Right now, DHL handles a jaw-dropping 2 million shipments a day!


Why It Matters

India’s cargo market is on fire, growing 14.3% between April and November 2024. DHL sees huge potential, especially in e-commerce and exports, and has already invested £250 million to expand. However, they want the government to simplify taxes on aviation fuel, calling the current system a “complicated maze.” 

DHL isn’t worried about quick commerce, as it’s just a tiny slice of the market. They’re focusing more on the bigger fish: mainstream e-commerce and B2B shipments.

Zoom out

DHL is ready to take India by storm with bigger planes, better infrastructure, and bold investments. They’re improving on growth and ensuring they stay ahead in the game. With their plan to deliver more (literally), DHL is showing that when it comes to logistics, they’re flying high.  

 

PAISON KA KHEL

Reliance Power’s sunny investment in Andhra


Reliance Power is turning up the heat in Andhra Pradesh with a ₹10,000 crore investment in solar energy. This includes a massive 930 MW solar power plant and 1860 MWh battery storage in Kurnool, set to become Asia’s largest single-location solar project. 

The venture will generate 1,000 direct jobs and employ 5,000 more during construction.The renewable energy arm, Reliance NU Suntech, aims to finish the project within two years, keeping its promise to the Solar Energy Corporation of India

Minda and Flash spark a ₹1,372 crore power play

Minda Corporation is making a big move by buying a 49% stake in Flash Electronics for ₹1,372 crore. This partnership aims to create an exciting range of electric vehicle (EV) solutions. Minda’s expertise in automotive electronics will team up with Flash’s powertrain technology to offer cutting-edge products. 

 

TOP STORIES

QSRs Take a Bite of Reality


What Happened

QSRs (quick-service restaurants) are having a rough time in Q3 FY25. Despite the festive season, sales didn’t see a boost, especially as people are cutting back on extra spending. Analysts say that high food prices and low wage growth are making it harder for consumers to spend. 

Many fast-food chains have seen their daily sales drop by 15-20% over the past few quarters.  

Why It Matters

The slowdown in consumer spending has led to a troubling environment for many QSRs. Factors like rising input costs, fierce competition, and rapid store expansions are squeezing margins. For the pizza segment, however, recovery seems slightly brighter compared to burgers. 

Domino’s, with a 70% share of India’s pizza delivery market, and aggressive promotional offers at Pizza Hut are helping to maintain some growth. Yet, revenue growth for other QSR chains has been sluggish, hovering between 3-9%, excluding the outliers like Jubilant FoodWorks and Devyani International.

So what’s next?

With QSRs experiencing shrinking sales, heightened competition, and a lack of significant consumer demand, a full recovery might not materialise until FY26. For now, QSR chains will have to rely on their delivery operations to weather the storm.

 

GLOBAL NAZARA

Disney steals the spotlight in 2024 Box Office comeback


Disney proved it’s still the king of entertainment, grabbing 25% of the domestic box office in 2024. Thanks to hits like Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, Pixar’s Inside Out 2, and Disney Animation’s Moana 2, ticket sales reached $8.74 billion—just 3.4% shy of 2023’s total. The year started rough, with sales down 27% by June, but a late-year blockbuster blitz turned things around.

While strikes delayed big releases, audiences flocked to theaters for superhero action and nostalgic sequels. With 2025 packed with franchise heavyweights, the box office is expected to soar past $10 billion.

European markets climb as UK borrowing costs fall

European markets had a sunny start on Wednesday, with the Stoxx 600 rising 1.24%, joined by London’s FTSE 100 climbing 1.05%. A big reason is UK inflation for December dropped to 2.5%, surprising economists who had expected it to hold steady at 2.6%. This relief also eased British government borrowing costs, with gilt yields falling by 8-11 basis points.

 

TOP STORIES

How Shoppers Stop Made a Grand Comeback


What Happened

Shoppers Stop is back in action! After two bumpy quarters, the retailer posted a solid profit of ₹52.23 crore in Q3 FY25, a 41.74% jump from last year’s ₹36.85 crore. Revenue also grew 11.47% to ₹1,379.47 crore, proving that shoppers love to splurge on premium goodies, especially during the festive season. 

  • The company’s EBITDA stood at ₹245.7 crore, with margins at 17.8%.


Why It Matters

What’s driving this glow-up? Premium products. They contributed a whopping 64% of the revenue. Initiatives like “India Weds with Shoppers Stop” and “Winter Magic Campaign” hit the right notes with shoppers. Also, the First Citizen loyalty program brought in 69% of sales from repeat members.

Beauty products are another showstopper, with sales touching ₹268 crore, thanks to a fragrance boost (+14%). Plus, private brands quietly added ₹186 crore to the revenue pot, while new store openings kept the buzz alive. 

Anything else?

Speaking of stores, 16 shiny new ones opened, including nine INTUNE outlets. The Delhi-NCR delay due to regulations was a hiccup, but no biggie—they’re planning 26 more stores next quarter.

Shoppers Stop is proving that premiumisation isn’t just a big word—it’s a winning strategy. As MD Kavindra Mishra said, “We’re heading in the right direction.” So, if you’ve been eyeing that premium card or a snazzy fragrance, now’s your chance to hop on. 

 

MIRCH MASALA


💻️ Reddit user sparks alarm with mystery malware warning
😴 5 daytime hacks to beat fatigue and sleep better tonight
🖼️ The new museum trend reclaiming our lost attention
🌊 Meet the guardians of Japan’s underwater treasures
🛕 Viral video: Wild bear’s heartwarming shivling hug at Chhattisgarh’s temple