Auto component manufacturer Belrise Industries, on the cusp of its Rs. 2,150 crore initial public offering (IPO), has made a decisive move to expand its footprint in the Indian automotive market by acquiring the Indian arm of Japanese conglomerate H-One Co. This strategic acquisition enhances Belrise’s design and manufacturing capabilities in chassis systems and body-in-white (BIW) parts, while positioning it as a key supplier to both Indian and Japanese automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Mahindra & Mahindra has achieved a significant milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) rollout, successfully delivering over 3,000 units of its newly launched all-electric SUVs, the XEV 9e and BE 6. This accomplishment follows the commencement of deliveries on March 20, 2025, and signals the company’s growing presence in India's electric mobility market. The overwhelming response to the SUVs, with the XEV 9e accounting for a substantial portion of bookings, is a clear indication of the demand for sustainable transportation options in the country.

India is actively engaged in high-level discussions with major economic partners—including the United States and the European Union—to forge bilateral and multilateral trade agreements aligned with its long-term economic vision, Viksit Bharat 2047. In remarks made on Friday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the importance of protecting national and public interests, stating that while timeliness is valued, India will not rush negotiations under pressure. With a bilateral trade target of USD 500 billion with the U.S.

Nikhil Rathi, the Indian-origin CEO of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has been reappointed to a second term in office by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves. Rathi, who was initially appointed in 2022, has been instrumental in reforming the UK's financial regulations to support growth and investment. With a new five-year term ahead, Rathi’s leadership will focus on streamlining regulations, bolstering the UK’s position as a global financial hub, and ensuring consumer protection.

In a recent address, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Swaminathan J emphasized the critical need for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to uphold ethical practices, transparency, and customer-centricity. Speaking at a conference of NBFCs on March 28, 2025, he stressed that the sector must not only prioritize financial inclusion but also ensure that its dealings are fair and transparent. With increasing growth and importance, especially over the past decade, NBFCs are under scrutiny to avoid exploitative practices such as high-interest rates and aggressive recovery tactics.

A recent analysis published in Nature reveals alarming statistics regarding global plastic production and waste. In 2022, the world generated approximately 268 million tonnes of plastic waste, with India contributing 3.54 percent of the total. While plastic consumption is a global issue, China and the United States dominate, with the two nations together consuming over 70 percent of the world’s plastic. India, despite being home to more than 17 percent of the global population, accounted for only 6 percent of the total plastic consumed.

HDFC Securities, a subsidiary of the prominent private sector lender HDFC Bank, has introduced a cutting-edge futures and options (F&O) dashboard on its discount broking platform, HDFC Sky. This new tool combines sophisticated analytics with user-friendly, one-click execution, aiming to democratize access to institutional-grade investment resources. With this launch, HDFC Securities seeks to provide both novice and experienced investors with the tools necessary to navigate the complex world of derivatives.

SJVN Ltd., a public sector enterprise, has made a significant stride toward the development of renewable energy in India with the release of Rs. 269.97 crore as land compensation for the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydro Power Project in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. The project, which involves the construction of two dams and an underground powerhouse complex, is slated for completion by December 2033. This move is part of a broader strategy to foster sustainable development and contribute to India’s green energy transition.

Kansai Nerolac Paints, one of India’s leading paint manufacturers, recently appointed Pravin Chaudhari as its new Managing Director, effective from April 10, 2025. Chaudhari succeeds Anuj Jain, who retired after 35 years of service with the company. This leadership change marks a new chapter for Kansai Nerolac, as Chaudhari brings over 30 years of industry experience and a robust background in strategy and operations. The move has garnered attention in the stock market, with investors watching closely to assess the company’s future prospects under new leadership.

In a significant move reflecting the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) commitment to bolstering economic growth, Bank of Baroda (BoB) announced on Thursday that it would pass on the RBI's policy rate cut to its customers immediately. The state-owned bank has reduced its external benchmark-linked lending rates by 25 basis points for loans targeting retail and MSME segments. This follows the RBI's decision to lower key interest rates for the second consecutive time, aiming to cushion growth amidst external pressures such as the threat of reciprocal tariffs from the US.