Namaste! Aaj ka news roundup, Newswala style!

MARKETS

Markets: Axis Bank, Wipro, ICICI Bank led Nifty's rise, while Infosys, Britannia lagged. Metals and banks gained over 1%, IT fell 1%, FMCG down 0.5%. Smallcaps dipped; Midcaps closed slightly higher.

TOP STORIES

India to Hit Pause on Laptop Imports 

What happened

India is gearing up to hit the brakes on importing laptops, tablets, and PCs starting next year. The $8-10 billion IT hardware market, which relies heavily on imports (mostly from China), will soon need government approval to bring in these gadgets. Say goodbye to hassle-free importing!

Tech giants like Apple and Lenovo are now on notice: want to sell in India? Better start making in India. Government talks with industry leaders are scheduled next week to figure out how to deal with this tech shake-up.

Why it matters

If these import restrictions are enforced, expect a major shift in the IT hardware landscape. For companies like HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Apple, it could mean ramping up their "Make in India" game or facing delays and higher costs.

On the flip side, this is music to the ears of local contract manufacturers like Dixon Technologies, which already have deals to produce laptops locally. With India’s domestic IT hardware production currently only at $5 billion, there’s a big gap to fill, and the government’s $2 billion in subsidies is there to help. 

The bigger picture

India’s planned laptop import curbs are not just about reducing imports but are a clear push towards self-reliance and boosting local manufacturing. With companies like Acer and Lenovo already stepping up their assembly efforts in India, it looks like the country is serious about building a homegrown tech powerhouse.

PAISON KA KHEL

JSW Steel buys Thyssenkrupp for ₹4,051 crore

Steel is shaking things up by acquiring ThyssenKrupp Electrical Steel (tkES) for ₹4,051.4 crore! Headquartered in Mumbai, tkES made ₹1,271 crore last year and specialises in grain-oriented electrical steel—perfect for powering up your devices. This deal is happening through a joint venture with Japan's JFE Steel and is expected to be completed in about eight months, as long as there are no regulatory hurdles. 

Vedanta pours ₹1 lakh crore into Odisha—plus 2 lakh new jobs!

Vedanta is making a splash in Odisha with a massive ₹1 lakh crore investment to build a 6 million-ton alumina refinery and a 3 million-ton aluminum plant. Not only is this the biggest investment the state’s ever seen, but it’s also set to generate a whopping 2 lakh jobs. Talk about making an entrance!

Announced at the "Utkarsh Odisha" roadshow, the project will focus on producing green aluminum and boosting MSMEs. Vedanta’s been a player in Odisha for 20 years, but it looks like the company’s just getting started! 

TOP STORIES

Indian IT Giants Struggle with Big Deals 

What happened

India’s Big Four IT firms—TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, and Wipro—had a rocky quarter, with total contract values (TCV) slipping year-on-year. Major deals seem to be playing hard to get, thanks to a mix of economic uncertainty and cautious clients. 

• TCS saw its TCV drop to $8.6 billion, down from $11.2 billion last year, while Infosys reported a hefty drop from $7.7 billion to $2.4 billion.

• Meanwhile, Wipro clocked $3.6 billion, down from $3.8 billion, and HCL Tech’s TCV fell to $2.22 billion. 

While the giants are still winning smaller contracts, larger deals have slowed down as businesses hold back on spending.

Why it matters

The slump in deal sizes is a sign of economic uncertainty looming. Clients are delaying big investment decisions, preferring smaller, bite-sized deals to manage costs. The IT firms have all pointed out that demand from North America, their cash cow, has dipped. 

Yet, there’s hope! Demand from the banking and financial services sector (BFSI), especially in North America, is showing signs of a comeback. IT bigwigs are also betting on AI and digital transformation projects to turn things around. 

• In fact, TCS has over 80 AI/GenAI projects already in action 

Zooming out

Despite the gloomy numbers, the outlook isn't all bad. The second half of FY25 could bring some sunshine as interest rates ease and businesses regain confidence. The IT giants are betting on AI and digital transformation to stay competitive, with the belief that these projects will be the magic beans to revive growth. So, while big deals may be playing hard to get, the IT sector is ready to woo them back—with a little help from AI.

GLOBAL NAZARA

Patek Philippe unveils first new collection in 25 years

Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe has finally dusted off its design tools, launching the new Cubitus line, its first collection since the Twenty~4 in 1999. The lineup features three models: two sporty steel versions and a distinguished platinum edition.

This release comes as luxury watch prices stabilise, thanks to a surge in interest from younger collectors during the pandemic. Plus, Patek has introduced some snazzy new tech, filing six patent applications for their innovative features. 

Bangladesh battles floods and food shortages

Floods in Bangladesh have wiped out a whopping 1.1 million metric tons of rice, sparking a scramble to stabilise food prices. The government is set to import 500,000 tons to soften the blow, while private sector imports are also on the horizon. This disaster has left millions affected, with total agricultural losses hitting 45 billion taka ($380 million).

The floods, which struck twice in August and October, have underlined Bangladesh’s climate vulnerability. With rice prices rising nearly 20%, the government is racing against time to ensure food security—because clearly, Mother Nature is not playing nice!

TOP STORIES

Reliance Revives Campa Cola, Shakes Up Soft Drink Market 

What happened

Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, is making a bold move by reviving the iconic Campa Cola through its FMCG arm, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd. With an aggressive pricing strategy and extensive distribution network, Reliance is aiming to challenge beverage giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. 

• Campa Cola is being sold at ₹10 for 200 ml and ₹20 for 500 ml, nearly half the price of its competitors. 

Why it matters

Reliance’s strategy could cause major ripples in the soft drink market. By offering higher margins to local kirana stores and small retailers, they’re securing prime shelf space and pushing rivals to reconsider their pricing tactics.

The ₹10 price point for Campa Cola has already forced major players to reassess their strategies, showing that Ambani’s competitive pricing is no small fizz. With affordability being key in India’s urban and rural areas, Reliance is carving out a solid foothold where price-conscious consumers hold sway.

A fizzy comeback!

Campa Cola’s comeback, under the umbrella of Reliance, could disrupt India’s beverage landscape. While Coke and Pepsi are selling at almost double the price, Reliance is offering familiar tastes at wallet-friendly rates. By keeping prices low, wooing retailers with higher margins, and leveraging its financial muscle, Reliance is poised to give the soft drink giants a run for their money—and we’re here for it. Expect to see Campa Cola bubbling up in fridges across India soon!

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