Business

India’s electric vehicle market witnessed a significant surge in retail sales during February, reflecting the country’s accelerating transition toward sustainable mobility. Strong demand across two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles contributed to the growth, supported by favorable government policies and rising consumer awareness about environmental sustainability. Major manufacturers, including Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, continued to expand their electric vehicle offerings to capture growing market demand.

Jaquar Group, a prominent player in India’s premium bathroom fittings and home solutions market, is aggressively expanding its lighting division with the goal of achieving Rs 1,700 crore in revenue within the next three years. The company aims to capitalize on rising demand for energy-efficient and design-focused lighting solutions across residential, commercial, and hospitality segments. By strengthening manufacturing capacity, expanding distribution networks, and investing in product innovation, the company intends to position its lighting portfolio as a major growth engine.

Ikea India has reported a widening net loss for fiscal year 2025, accompanied by a decline in revenue, signaling challenges in the competitive Indian retail landscape. Despite efforts to expand online and offline operations, the global furniture giant faced rising operational costs, supply chain pressures, and subdued consumer demand in key markets. Analysts note that while Ikea’s long-term growth strategy in India remains intact, near-term profitability is being impacted by rising real estate, labor, and logistics expenses.

Amagi Media Labs is set to enter the public markets with the opening of its initial public offering on January 13, offering shares in a price band of Rs. 343 to Rs. 361. The IPO marks a significant moment for India’s fast-evolving advertising technology sector, as investors assess the company’s growth trajectory, business fundamentals, and long-term profitability potential. With operations spanning content monetization and targeted advertising, Amagi’s public debut reflects broader confidence in data-driven media platforms.

Coal India Limited (CIL), India’s state-owned coal mining giant, has appointed B Sairam as its new Chief Executive Officer, signaling a pivotal shift in leadership aimed at accelerating operational efficiency and strategic growth. With extensive experience in energy and public sector management, Sairam is expected to spearhead initiatives to boost coal production, optimize resource utilization, and align the company with India’s energy transition objectives.

Credit extended to small businesses has reached Rs. 46 lakh crore, reflecting a significant expansion in formal financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The milestone underscores the growing role of institutional lenders in supporting entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic resilience. Improved credit penetration has been driven by policy reforms, digital lending platforms, and targeted guarantee mechanisms that have reduced risk for lenders.

Investor sentiment turned decisively positive following the announcement of a proposed merger involving Ambuja Cements, ACC, and Orient Cement, a move that signals deeper consolidation in India’s cement sector. The planned combination is being viewed as a strategic step to create scale, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen competitive positioning in a capital-intensive industry. Markets responded favorably, pricing in potential synergies, cost savings, and stronger pricing power.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has reduced its flight schedule by about 10 percent as it navigates ongoing capacity constraints and operational challenges. The temporary scale-back comes at a time when the aviation industry is experiencing strong travel demand but limited aircraft availability due to engine issues affecting several carriers. The decision aims to stabilize operations, mitigate last-minute disruptions, and ensure reliable service across its network.

A growing wave of startups from Singapore and Canada is setting sights on India, attracted by the country’s expanding digital economy, large consumer base, and favorable regulatory environment. Companies across fintech, edtech, and SaaS sectors are actively exploring partnerships, local offices, and strategic acquisitions to capture market share. Analysts highlight that India’s tech-savvy workforce, competitive cost structure, and innovation-driven ecosystem make it a highly lucrative expansion destination.

Vedanta Resources Ltd has announced the launch of CopperTech Metals Inc, a U.S.-based company aimed at strengthening its presence in the global copper market and supporting the clean-energy transition. With an initial investment of USD 1.5 billion, the venture seeks to expand operations at the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Zambia and enhance access to Western capital.