Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers Pvt Ltd—a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) and global asset management giant BlackRock Inc—has received formal approval from both the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) to commence operations as an investment adviser. This milestone follows prior regulatory clearance for its mutual fund business.

A growing number of Indian professionals are personally investing in their own upskilling amid limited corporate sponsorship, according to a recent report by TeamLease Edtech. With only 23.9% of employers offering full financial support for learning initiatives, 46% of employees have opted to self-fund their upskilling efforts. The study—based on insights from over 14,000 professionals across industries—highlights a strong correlation between strategic upskilling and improved appraisal outcomes.

After two consecutive months of net outflows, Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in India saw a resurgence in May, registering a net inflow of Rs. 292 crore. This revival, attributed to stable gold prices and persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties, pushed the category's assets under management to Rs. 62,453 crore. Industry experts point to investors increasingly recognizing gold’s strategic role in portfolio diversification and risk mitigation.

TEMBO Defence, a subsidiary of Tembo Global Industries Ltd, has secured an in-principle commitment for 100 acres of land in Amravati, Maharashtra, to establish a new arms and ammunition manufacturing facility. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has issued a comfort letter to support the project, marking a major milestone in TEMBO’s expansion into India’s strategic defence manufacturing sector.

Minda Corporation has entered into a strategic joint venture with Japan-based Toyodenso Co to develop advanced automotive switch systems tailored for India’s rapidly evolving mobility sector. The newly formed entity—structured with a 60:40 ownership in favor of Minda—aims to offer comprehensive solutions spanning design, development, manufacturing, and sales across multiple vehicle categories, including two-wheelers and passenger cars.

India's leading car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, is revising its production targets for the upcoming e-VITARA, its electric vehicle (EV) offering, due to an acute shortage of rare earth magnets—a direct consequence of export restrictions imposed by China. Originally aiming to roll out over 26,000 units by September, the automaker is now expected to produce just 8,000 units in that time frame.

CreditAccess Grameen Ltd, a prominent non-bank microfinance institution, has secured a pioneering USD 100 million multi-currency syndicated social loan facility. This marks the first External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) of its kind in India’s microfinance sector, with funds raised in Japanese Yen (JPY) and US Dollars (USD). The facility, facilitated by Standard Chartered Bank, underscores CreditAccess Grameen's strong track record in international borrowings. The loan will support the company’s commitment to social development goals, adhering to global social loan principles.

India's tea export volumes surged by nearly 10% in 2024, with total exports reaching 254.67 million kg, compared to 231.69 million kg the previous year. The increase reflects strong production growth, particularly in North and South India, which saw year-on-year rises of 9.79% and 10.11%, respectively. However, early data for 2025 suggests regional production disparities, with North India's output continuing to grow, while South India's tea production has experienced a decline in the first quarter.

Bengaluru-based sports technology startup Machaxi has raised USD 1.5 million (approximately Rs. 12.8 crore) in a funding round led by Rainmatter, the investment arm of Zerodha, with notable participation from badminton legend Prakash Padukone. The company plans to expand its AI-driven badminton coaching platform beyond Bengaluru to Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai.

Maharashtra is taking a bold leap into the future of agriculture by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into sugarcane cultivation. According to agricultural experts, AI-driven technologies can cut water usage by 50% and increase per-acre yields by up to 30%. In a strategic move supported by key state leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and former Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to accelerate AI deployment in the sector.