The government plans to consult with the tech industry and external experts before restricting the transfer of certain personal data outside India, as part of the draft Digital Personal Data Protection rules. The rules also propose parental consent for children under 18 to join social media platforms.
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HDFC Life reported a 14% rise in net profit to Rs 415 crore for the December quarter, up from Rs 365 crore a year ago. However, total income declined to Rs 16,914 crore from Rs 26,694 crore. The solvency ratio dropped slightly to 188% from 190%, still above the regulatory requirement of 150%.
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.
India's current account deficit is expected to remain at approximately 1 per cent of GDP for fiscal 2025, up from 0.7 per cent last year, according to CRISIL. Strong financial inflows and a steady services trade surplus are contributing factors, despite a rising merchandise trade deficit and pressures from geopolitical risks.
JSW Group is in advanced negotiations to buy Everstone Capital's 8% stake in MG India, potentially increasing JSW's stake to 43%. Currently, Everstone Capital holds 8%, while JSW Group owns 35%. MG India's Chinese parent SAIC owns 49% of the company. The valuation of the 8% stake could be Rs 1,000-1,200 crore.
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.
India's forex reserves have fallen for six consecutive weeks, hitting a 10-month low of $625.87 billion due to the RBI's intervention to stabilize the rupee. Despite this, reserves are still sufficient to cover over 11 months of imports, with the RBI actively ensuring market stability.
US stocks showed mixed movement on Wednesday. Most stocks rose, but key tech stocks like Nvidia and Tesla struggled, impacting the Nasdaq. The Dow Jones gained, while the S&P 500 slipped. The market steadied after recent corrections, with volatility expected to persist. Some stocks like GameStop and Dollar Tree performed well.
FMCG companies are set to experience a contraction in gross margins and modest-to-flat operating profits in the Dec quarter due to inflation, higher input costs, and pricing increases. Although there's a low single-digit revenue rise, rural markets are performing better amid urban consumption decline driven by high food inflation.
Major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and ether, experienced sharp declines on Monday amid rising tariff tensions led by US President Donald Trump’s import levies on Canada, Mexico, and China. Bitcoin hit a three-week low, while ether saw its steepest drop since September. Analysts warn of further market volatility and potential economic slowdown.
The stock market is expected to undergo a significant shift with potential recovery soon, as highlighted by Morgan Stanley. Despite recent declines and low trading volumes, growth is anticipated to return, supported by government spending and positive retail investor participation.