Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers, reported a remarkable 60% increase in SUV sales during the Navratri festival period, reflecting robust consumer demand and festive buying momentum. The surge underscores the growing preference for sport utility vehicles across urban and semi-urban markets, driven by new launches, attractive financing options, and festive incentives. M&M’s diverse SUV portfolio, spanning premium and mid-segment offerings, appears to resonate with buyers seeking both performance and value.

Transport Finance Corporation of India (TFCI) has announced plans to acquire Cosmea Investment, signaling a strategic expansion in the financial services sector. The acquisition aims to enhance TFCI’s portfolio, diversify its investment base, and strengthen its position in lending and asset management. By integrating Cosmea’s operations, TFCI expects to leverage new opportunities in infrastructure financing, corporate lending, and capital market ventures, while optimizing operational efficiency.

India Infrastructure Holdings Limited (IIHL) has completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in Sterling Bank, marking a significant move in the financial services sector. The deal positions IIHL to expand its footprint in banking and financial operations, leveraging Sterling Bank’s existing infrastructure, customer base, and regulatory licenses. The acquisition is expected to strengthen IIHL’s capital base, diversify revenue streams, and enhance service offerings, particularly in retail and corporate banking.

Awfis, one of India’s leading flexible workspace providers, has inaugurated a new coworking center in Mumbai, reinforcing its commitment to supporting urban professionals, startups, and enterprises seeking agile office solutions. The Mumbai center is designed to accommodate a diverse mix of freelancers, SMEs, and corporate teams, offering modern amenities, high-speed connectivity, and collaborative workspaces. This expansion aligns with the growing demand for flexible office solutions post-pandemic, as organizations prioritize scalability, cost-efficiency, and hybrid work models.

India is projected to experience the fastest growth in oil demand globally by 2050, driven by rising population, industrialization, and expanding mobility needs. Analysts highlight that increased consumption in transportation, manufacturing, and energy sectors will position India as a leading contributor to global oil demand growth. The trend underscores the urgency for energy diversification, renewable adoption, and infrastructure development to ensure energy security and sustainability.

HCLTech has entered a strategic partnership with MIT Media Lab to drive cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on innovative applications across enterprise technology, healthcare, and sustainability. The collaboration aims to leverage MIT’s research expertise and HCLTech’s technological and industry capabilities to develop scalable AI solutions that address real-world challenges. By combining academic rigor with commercial execution, the partnership seeks to accelerate AI adoption, enhance predictive analytics, and explore ethical, responsible AI frameworks.

India’s Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has projected that electric vehicle (EV) prices will soon align with conventional petrol vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s transition toward sustainable mobility. Citing advancements in battery technology, economies of scale, and government incentives, Gadkari emphasized that the price parity will make EVs more accessible to a broader demographic.

India’s Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has reported a 16% increase in energy trading volumes for the September quarter, signaling robust activity in the power and renewable energy markets. The growth reflects rising electricity demand, greater participation from commercial and industrial consumers, and heightened trading in renewable energy certificates. Market analysts attribute the performance to enhanced market liquidity, competitive pricing mechanisms, and policy support for clean energy adoption.

The Artson Group and Malabar Cements have announced a strategic partnership to establish boat manufacturing operations in Kerala, aiming to bolster local maritime infrastructure and stimulate regional employment. This collaboration leverages Artson Group’s engineering expertise and Malabar Cements’ industrial capacity, enabling production of durable, cement-based and composite boats suitable for coastal and inland waterways.

India’s smartwatch market has experienced a 30% decline in sales in 2024, according to industry reports, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and market saturation. Factors contributing to the slowdown include prolonged replacement cycles, pricing pressures, and increased competition from feature-rich fitness bands and budget smartwatches. Analysts highlight that while premium smartwatch segments remain resilient, mid-range and entry-level devices are struggling to maintain growth.