The Indian rupee rose by 3 paise to 85.69 against the US dollar, supported by increased foreign fund inflows. Despite initial setbacks, it managed to close higher, buoyed by foreign banks and exporters. The rupee opened at 85.71 and fluctuated throughout the day, facing pressures from liquidity constraints and month-end dollar demand from importers.
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FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever is in advanced talks to acquire D2C beauty brand Minimalist, valuing the startup at approximately Rs 3,000 crore. This acquisition will enhance HUL's product portfolio to meet the growing demand for differentiated beauty and personal care solutions, catering to changing consumer preferences towards premium and clean beauty products.
Four Kirloskar companies plan to legally challenge Sebi's directive to disclose a family settlement deed from 2009. They assert the deed does not impact them, while a legal dispute among Kirloskar siblings over the deed continues. Sebi deems disclosure necessary under listing regulations.
Economic Survey recommends sustained increase in infrastructure investment over the next two decades to support high growth, given private sector contributions have fallen short. Report highlights need for accelerated private participation in various stages of infrastructure projects, while noting improved capital expenditure post-general election and monsoon constraints.
The Income-Tax Department has extended the deadline for filing belated or revised income tax returns for fiscal year 2023-24 from December 31, 2024, to January 15, 2025, providing resident taxpayers an additional two weeks to reconcile their financial records.
India's copper demand is set to grow by 7% due to renewable energy and infrastructure projects. With a gap between domestic production and consumption, the country imports 500,000 tonnes annually. Major companies are investing in copper production. The closure of Vedanta's Sterlite plant significantly impacted supply, turning India into a net importer.
Retail investors maintained their mutual fund investments in February despite market volatility, with a slight dip in SIP contributions and equity inflows. Shift towards flexicap funds was noted, while small and midcap funds faced declines. Gold ETFs saw strong annual inflows but dropped monthly. The overall AUM reduced mainly due to mark-to-market losses in equity funds.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sees no threat to Italy from Elon Musk's company investments, emphasizing the evaluation of each investment through a national interest lens. Musk has praised Meloni, calling her honest and truthful. They have discussed opportunities in space and AI sectors, with Italy welcoming foreign space companies under a new regulatory framework.
India's goods exports marginally increased to $437.4 billion in 2024-25, possibly influenced by anticipatory shipments before potential US tariffs. Despite global challenges, total goods and services exports rose by 6% to $820 billion, with non-oil exports reaching a record $374 billion. Engineering and electronics exports saw significant growth, highlighting India's resilience in a tough economic climate.
Russian oil exports to India have dropped 25% in February amid sanctions, while US shipments surged nearly 100%. The overall Middle East exports to India for February might be lower than the initial 20-day average, as loadings typically decrease in the latter half of each month.
Rebel Foods, supported by Temasek and KKR, is entering the quick food delivery sector with its 15-minute service branded as QuickiES. Utilizing its existing cloud kitchens and customer data from its EatSure app, Rebel Foods aims to offer fresh and quality snacks swiftly, intensifying competition in this evolving market.