Amazon India's senior VP, Amit Agarwal, amidst regulatory scrutiny, affirms compliance and advocates for progressive e-commerce policies. He emphasizes investments in logistics and infrastructure, not cash burn, and highlights a new quick commerce pilot program in Bangalore. Agarwal reiterates Amazon's long-term commitment to India's growth.
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India's manufacturing sector saw its slowest growth in December 2024, with the PMI at 56.4 due to softer increases in factory orders and production. Despite this, buying levels and employment continued to expand. Manufacturers remained optimistic about 2025, although concerns about inflation and competitive pressures tempered their outlook.
Indian Railways now mandates centralised Computer Based Tests (CBT) for departmental promotions, enhancing exam security with 256-bit encryption. This decision follows a paper leak scandal leading to CBI arrests at East Central Railway.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal shared that a German chemical firm plans to invest USD 1.5 billion in India. A state has already identified land for the investment, aimed at boosting FDI. The government’s efforts to improve business conditions and resolve legal issues were highlighted as attracting global investments.
Gold prices in Delhi fell below Rs 79,000 per 10 grams due to low stockist and retailer demand. Silver experienced a significant drop as well. Analysts cite geopolitical uncertainties, interest rate cuts, and robust demand from central banks and high-net-worth individuals as factors for the previous surge. Thin trading volumes during the holiday period have kept prices range-bound.
Stock market recommendations: Mirae Asset Sharekhan's Somil Mehta recommends buying NTPC and HUDCO shares. NTPC, exhibiting a flag pattern breakout, is suggested for purchase between Rs 355 and 365, targeting Rs 390 with a stop loss at Rs 340.
Sebi has launched a certification course focused on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) to enhance understanding among securities market intermediaries. The course covers principles under various legislative acts and promotes awareness of AML and CFT guidelines, aiding compliance. Developed with NISM, this initiative strengthens capital market regulations.
Foreign portfolio investors continued their selling spree, withdrawing Rs 34,574 crore from Indian equities in February due to concerns over India's economic outlook and a strengthened US dollar. This persistent outflow has led to increased market volatility, with 2025 FPI equity sales reaching Rs 1,12,601 crore.
IL&FS Group has declared a Rs 5,000 crore payout to its creditors as part of its debt resolution efforts. The distribution includes Rs 3,500 crore in InvIT units linked to six road assets and Rs 1,500 crore in cash, primarily benefiting large creditors and public funds. This payout aims to significantly reduce the group's outstanding debt.
India's external debt reached USD 717.9 billion by December 2024, up 10.7% from the previous year, according to the Finance Ministry. The rise is partly due to US dollar appreciation. Non-government sectors, especially non-financial corporations, saw significant increases in debt. The debt servicing ratio slightly decreased to 6.6% from 6.7% in September 2024.
Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading carmaker, remains skeptical about the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) due to concerns over range, charging infrastructure, and customer trust. Meanwhile, Hyundai is optimistic, predicting the share of EVs in total car sales to grow significantly, reaching 5% by FY27.