Namaste! Aaj ka news roundup, Newswala style!

MARKETS

Markets: The Sensex dipped 112 points, while the Nifty extended its losing streak for the ninth session, dragged down by heavyweights like HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries. Reliance dropped 2.38% to ₹1,171.10, hitting a 52-week low of ₹1,156 during the day.

TOP STORIES

🇺🇸 Trump’s Tariffs Threaten a $7 Billion Hit 

What Happened?

India’s Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, is on a mission to Washington, D.C., hoping to smooth things over before the US slaps fresh tariffs on Indian exports. 

The tariffs, announced by President Trump, could cost India around $7 billion annually, hitting key industries like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

But Why?

This move comes as Trump is reigniting his “America First” trade policies. The tariffs are set to take effect in April unless both nations can strike a deal.

Goyal’s visit aims to negotiate exemptions, reduce trade barriers, and explore new economic agreements.

Zoom Out

India is one of the largest trading partners of the US, with bilateral trade crossing $190 billion in 2023.

If these tariffs go through, it could mean higher prices for American consumers and losses for Indian exporters, especially in sectors like textiles, steel, and IT services.

For context, the US has previously imposed similar duties on Indian goods, leading to retaliatory tariffs from New Delhi.

If history repeats itself, we could see a fresh round of trade tensions—not great news for businesses on either side. 

PAISON KA KHEL

🌞 India’s Largest Solar-Wind Project

Adani Green Energy has pulled off a big deal—refinancing $1.06 billion to develop India’s largest solar-wind hybrid renewable cluster in Rajasthan.

Basically, they swapped an old loan from 2021 for a new 19-year deal, ensuring their debt ages gracefully.

With 12.2 GW of renewable energy already running across 12 states, AGEL is eyeing a whopping 50 GW by 2030. 

Reliance Risks ₹125 Cr Fine for Missing Deadline ⚡

Reliance Industries might have to cough up ₹125 crore ($14.3 million) for missing a deadline to set up a battery cell plant under PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ push.

The project, part of a 2022 bid, aimed to boost local production and reduce import dependence.

With India’s manufacturing share slipping from 15% (2014) to 13% (2023), this is a serious hiccup in Modi’s dream of rivaling China.

TOP STORIES

What’s Driving Nissan Forward? 🚗

What Happened?

Nissan Motor India saw a massive 44.76% jump in total sales for February 2025, reaching 8,567 units, up from 5,918 units a year ago. 

The main driver was exports, which shot up 97% year-on-year—nearly doubling to 6,239 units compared to 3,163 units in February 2024.

Why It Matters?

For starters, Nissan’s export strategy is paying off big time. The Magnite has now crossed 50,000 export units, proving its global appeal. 

The company also ramped up shipments to new markets, including Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, crossing 10,000 units in exports by February-end.

But, How’s it at Home?

Well, domestic sales have taken a slight hit, dropping to 2,328 units from 2,755 units in the same period last year. 

But Nissan is playing the long game, ensuring its Magnite SUV is now fully E20 fuel-compatible, positioned well for stricter emission norms.

GLOBAL NAZARA

Trump’s ‘Crypto Reserve’ Sends Prices Soaring! 🪙

Donald Trump has sent the crypto market into overdrive!

The president backed Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano for a new “Crypto Strategic Reserve,” causing prices to skyrocket—XRP, SOL, and ADA surged 62%, while BTC and ETH gained 10% each.

The details of this reserve are as mysterious as a forgotten crypto wallet, but more info is expected at Friday’s Crypto Summit at the White House. 

Funny enough, Trump once called Bitcoin a “scam”, but now, he and Melania have their own coins.

Mixue’s Stock Pops 40% on Debut 🧋

Move over, Starbucks—there’s a new king of drinks in town! Chinese bubble tea giant Mixue Ice Cream and Tea made a splash on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with shares soaring over 40% in its debut.

The company raised $444 million, making it the biggest IPO of the year in Hong Kong.

With 45,000 stores across 12 countries, Mixue now outnumbers McDonald’s and Starbucks in locations.

Unlike its rivals, it runs a franchise model, making it more of a raw-materials powerhouse than just a tea chain. 

TOP STORIES

🥩 Big Brands Are Betting on Your Diet 

What Happened 

Protein-packed snacks and drinks are no longer just for gym rats.

With brands launching budget-friendly protein bars, shakes, and even wafers, the ₹16,000 crore Indian protein market is bulking up fast. 

Companies like ITC Limited and Hindustan Unilever Limited  are investing big in the space, while startups like SuperYou, HealthKart, and The Whole Truth have been grabbing funding rounds like a post-workout shake. 

Even Amul is doubling down on protein shakes and buttermilk, scaling up production after seeing 100% growth in two years.

Why It Matters

This shift indicates that protein consumption is becoming mainstream.

Approximately 55% of the market now caters to “lifestyle protein” consumers, reflecting a broader demographic beyond regular gym-goers. 

Investors are taking note, with firms like Motilal Oswal Alternates and ChrysCapital backing nutrition brands. 

It’s About The Taste, Too! 

The category is also evolving in terms of taste and variety, making protein-rich foods more appealing.

According to NielsenIQ, “smart snacking” is growing 1.2 times faster than traditional snacks, with one in five snacks now associated with health benefits.

MIRCH MASALA

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