Mahindra Group is gearing up to expand beyond its traditional strongholds. In an exclusive interview with Bodhisatva Ganguli and Deborshi Chaki, Anish Shah, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mahindra Group, said that the group is evaluating various options, including semiconductors, healthcare, drones, and consumer-related businesses, to drive growth. The group has earmarked a capital expenditure of Rs 30,000 crore over three years, but Shah hinted that this figure might grow, saying, “We may exceed that, depending on opportunities.” The group is also exploring a collaboration with Germany’s Volkswagen Group, but no final agreement has been reached.
2025 is set to be another exciting year for investors. Ravindra Sonavane calculates that a pipeline of initial public offerings worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore from 88 companies is expected to hit the Indian markets in 2025. Among the big names gearing up to raise funds are HDB Financial Services, LG Electronics India, NSDL, and Ather Energy. This comes on the back of a stellar 2024, where 75 Indian companies collectively raised more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore through mainboard IPOs, according to Prime Database.
A major ransomware attack has hit brokerages, potentially putting sensitive data at risk. Comtel Data Centre, a key service provider for around 16 brokers, has found itself in the crosshairs of cybercriminals, reports Asha Menon. Both the Multi Commodity Exchange and NSE quickly severed access to the affected brokers. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for better cybersecurity measures.
The government is reviewing the Income Tax Act, but don’t expect any changes in tax rates just yet. The review will focus on simplifying the tax structure and removing exemptions rather than changing tax rates, reports Meghna Mittal. The government is expected to introduce a revised direct tax code in the upcoming budget session, a move aimed at simplifying the law.
Xiaomi is steering away from electric cars and doubling down on smartphones and home devices in India, at least for the time being. Danish Khan writes that the Chinese company has decided not to launch its electric cars in India and will instead focus on expanding its portfolio of high-end smartphones and smart home devices. The company, which recently showcased the SU7 electric car in Bengaluru, said that the car will be sold exclusively in China for at least the first three years.
And finally, Shaktikanta Das’s six-year term as RBI Governor drew to a close today. He steered India’s financial system through some of its most challenging chapters, including a pandemic that brought the world to its knees, a banking crisis in the US, two major wars and surging inflation. Das’s steady hand at the helm of the central bank has been the defining feature of his tenure, writes Dinesh Unnikrishnan. Adding another dimension to Das’s legacy, Amol Agrawal highlights the rare harmony between the government and the central bank, with both working in tandem to steer the economy through turbulent times.
