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Hyundai Motor India’s Shares Fall 3% After Tepid Stock Market Debut

Hyundai Motor India’s stock debuted below expectations on October 22, 2024, listing at Rs.1,931 on the BSE and Rs.1,934 on the NSE, compared to its issue price of Rs.1,960. Despite raising Rs.27,870 crore through the IPO, market sentiment remained cautious, leading to a 3% drop in the company’s share price during initial trading. The offer, structured as an offer for sale, meant that no fresh capital was raised for business expansion, contributing to investor concerns.

Analysts believe several factors contributed to this lackluster debut. Weak global market conditions, coupled with economic uncertainty, have made investors more risk-averse, impacting Hyundai’s listing. The company, being India’s second-largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, enjoys strong fundamentals, but market volatility affected its stock performance.

Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth at Swastika Investmart Ltd., pointed out that the company’s long-term growth prospects remain intact despite the soft opening. “Hyundai’s focus on the SUV segment and its competitive market position continue to support its strong fundamentals. Investors with a long-term perspective should consider holding the stock, as product innovations and market expansion will likely drive future growth,” she said.

Despite Hyundai’s strong brand and product lineup, the broader market volatility and the absence of new capital raised through the IPO dampened the immediate outlook for the stock. Experts expect Hyundai’s performance to stabilize in the coming months, especially with its planned strategic initiatives in electric vehicles (EVs) and new product launches.

While the stock market debut was not as strong as anticipated, Hyundai’s market dominance and strategic focus in high-growth segments provide optimism for long-term investors willing to navigate short-term volatility.

Paytm Posts Strong Revenue Growth Amidst Loan Expansion, Narrowing Losses

Paytm, India’s leading fintech, reported a significant 32% rise in revenue for Q2 FY 2024-25, reaching ₹2,518 crore, as the company focuses on loan disbursements and merchant subscriptions. The value of loans disbursed surged 122% year-on-year, reaching ₹16,211 crore, driven by robust demand from merchants and consumers. Merchant subscriptions also grew to 92 lakh, reflecting Paytm’s expanding ecosystem.

Despite the positive revenue growth, Paytm’s net loss narrowed to ₹290 crore, compared to ₹571 crore in the same period last year, showcasing the company’s efforts to improve profitability. The contribution margin rose to 57%, supported by the company’s loan distribution business and payment services, which saw a 28% increase in revenue.

Founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma emphasized the company’s strategic pivot toward financial services. “Our strong growth in loan distribution, combined with steady subscription revenue, underscores our commitment to building a sustainable financial ecosystem,” Sharma said during an earnings call.

However, Paytm’s stock remains under pressure, partly due to market volatility and global economic conditions. Analyst Motilal Oswal observed that despite the growth, the company may face subdued industry outlooks in the near term but remains well-positioned for long-term gains as it adds more lending partners.

CSK Awaits MS Dhoni’s Decision Before IPL 2025 Retention Deadline

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The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are eagerly waiting for confirmation from MS Dhoni on his availability for the IPL 2025 season. The franchise’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, confirmed that the team has not yet received an official response from Dhoni, leaving fans and management anxious about his future. Known for his leadership and long association with CSK, Dhoni has played a pivotal role in the team’s success, leading them to five IPL titles.

The IPL retention deadline for the 2025 season is fast approaching, and CSK needs to finalize its roster. If Dhoni decides to continue, the franchise will have to allocate INR 4 crore, the set amount for retaining an uncapped Indian player. This follows the IPL’s revised regulations, allowing capped players who haven’t played international cricket in the past five years to be considered uncapped, reducing the financial burden on teams.

Dhoni’s potential retention under the new uncapped player rule provides CSK with more flexibility in managing their INR 120 crore auction purse. Speculation suggests that Dhoni might return for one final season, with the hope of clinching another title before possibly transitioning into a non-playing role or a management position.

Viswanathan expressed optimism, noting Dhoni’s commitment to the team and the support he continues to receive from fans. However, the official decision is expected only closer to the retention deadline. Fans remain hopeful, as Dhoni’s presence not only boosts team morale but also significantly impacts the franchise’s fan base and viewership. (C6N)

427 kg Meth Seized in Gujarat’s Ankleshwar Factory as Crackdown on Drug Cartels Intensifies

Gujarat: In a significant drug bust, Gujarat police seized 427 kg of suspected methamphetamine from a factory in the Ankleshwar industrial area of Bharuch district on Sunday. The operation, conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Surat and Bharuch police, resulted in the arrest of one person in connection with the illegal drug trade. The seized meth, also known as MD, has an estimated value of ₹14.10 lakh, pending confirmation by forensic testing.

Inspector Anand Chaudhary of the SOG confirmed the raid took place at a firm called ‘Avasar Enterprise,’ located in the Ankleshwar GIDC area. The drugs are now being analyzed by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to confirm their authenticity. Authorities have registered a case, and further investigations are underway to uncover the network behind this major bust.

This seizure follows closely on the heels of another massive operation in Gujarat. A joint effort by Gujarat and Delhi police recently led to the seizure of over 500 kg of cocaine valued at ₹5,000 crore from Avkar Drugs Limited, also in Ankleshwar. That raid, based on intelligence inputs regarding an international drug cartel, exposed the extent of narcotic trafficking operations in India. Additionally, 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana was discovered the first of its kind seizure in the national capital.

Speaking about these developments, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi lauded the efforts of law enforcement: “This achievement showcases the tireless efforts of our law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and abuse. Their collaborative efforts are crucial in safeguarding the health and security of our society.”

In another related crackdown, Delhi police recently seized 200 kg of drugs worth ₹2,000 crore from a closed shop in Ramesh Nagar, underscoring the magnitude of drug cartels operating across the country. These back-to-back seizures, totaling more than ₹7,000 crore, highlight the ongoing war against narcotics in India.

Dharmendra Pradhan Meets Singapore PM Lawrence Wong: Focus on Education and Skills Development

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently met Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, in Singapore to expand bilateral cooperation in education and skills development. The meeting, which is part of Pradhan’s three-day visit, aimed to deepen collaboration through vocational training and research initiatives, enhancing both nations’ educational ecosystems.

The discussions highlighted a framework based on three key pillars: Talent, Resource, and Market. Pradhan emphasized India’s view of Singapore as a trusted knowledge partner, noting that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to integrate vocational training into the school curriculum. He stressed the importance of utilizing Singapore’s expertise to customize solutions suitable for India’s diverse needs.

Both leaders also reviewed progress made in the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, which has set a new agenda for the partnership, particularly focusing on creating opportunities for lifelong learning and building a future-ready workforce. Singapore’s collaboration in establishing skills centers in India has been pivotal, and both countries agreed to further support these initiatives.

Additionally, Pradhan visited Spectra Secondary School to observe Singapore’s skills-based learning approach, which he described as exemplary. The Minister expressed India’s commitment to learning from such models to enhance its own educational infrastructure, aiming for a seamless architecture that supports skilling, upskilling, and reskilling.

The partnership also aligns with broader cooperation frameworks discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Singapore, where the two countries identified critical areas such as sustainability, digitalization, and healthcare as part of their strategic partnership roadmap.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward building a comprehensive, skill-based educational framework between India and Singapore, aimed at addressing future challenges and transforming educational systems in both countries.(Input from agencies)

Subhash Ghai’s Memoir ‘Karma’s Child’ to Chronicle the Journey of Bollywood’s Legendary Showman

HarperCollins has officially announced the release of Karma’s Child: The Story of Indian Cinema’s Ultimate Showman by Subhash Ghai, co-authored with Suveen Sinha. The memoir is a tribute to the filmmaker’s illustrious career in Bollywood, where he directed some of the most iconic films like Kalicharan, Hero, Ram Lakhan, and Khal Nayak. Known for his grand cinematic style, Ghai revolutionized Indian cinema, often pushing boundaries through music, storytelling, and introducing new talents.

“This book is my personal journey,” said Subhash Ghai, “It is about how I came from nowhere, faced challenges, and became part of an industry that shapes destinies. I hope readers find as much drama and inspiration in it as they do in my films.”

The memoir, scheduled for release in November 2024, reflects on Ghai’s evolution as a filmmaker, his influence on Hindi cinema, and his journey from directing blockbusters to founding Whistling Woods, India’s premier film and media institute. Ghai’s co-author, Suveen Sinha, shared his admiration: “Collaborating on this book was a dream come true. Subhash Ghai’s films left an indelible mark on my childhood, and bringing his story to life was a privilege.”

Udayan Mitra, Executive Publisher at HarperCollins, expressed excitement about the book’s release, saying, “Ghai’s films are timeless, and his memoir promises to be just as captivating with stories from his life and career. It’s a must-read for all fans of Indian cinema.”

The book will be launched at Mumbai’s prestigious Literature Live! Festival at NCPA, where renowned lyricist Gulzar and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali will take part in a panel to discuss Ghai’s cinematic contributions.

Indian Envoy Slams Trudeau’s Allegations in Nijjar Case as Politically Motivated

Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has strongly refuted the allegations made by the Canadian government concerning India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Speaking amid growing diplomatic tensions, Verma called the accusations “politically motivated” and stated that no evidence has been shared by Canada to substantiate its claims.

The diplomatic rift escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were involved in Nijjar’s murder on Canadian soil, a charge New Delhi has firmly rejected as “absurd” and “motivated.” The allegations have severely strained relations between the two nations, with both countries expelling multiple diplomats in retaliation. Canada designated Verma and several other Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation, to which India responded by recalling Verma and other officials, and expelling six Canadian diplomats.

Verma emphasized that India operates within the rule of law and is open to cooperating if credible evidence is provided. “We have repeatedly requested Canada to share any legally acceptable evidence, but none has been provided,” Verma said in a recent interview, dismissing the accusations as part of Trudeau’s domestic political agenda. He added, “This is clearly politically motivated, as no proper procedures were followed.”

Meanwhile, Indian officials have accused the Trudeau administration of pandering to extremist elements within Canada for electoral gains, particularly by allowing pro-Khalistani groups to operate freely. Indian authorities have maintained that Canada’s refusal to act against these groups has contributed to the growing discord between the two nations.

Yogi Adityanath Reaffirms Commitment to Law and Order, Vows to Instill Fear Among Criminals

Uttar Pradesh: On Police Commemoration Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated his government’s focus on reinforcing law and order by instilling fear of the law among criminals. Speaking at an event in Lucknow, he emphasized that his administration’s top priority is to ensure criminals cannot operate with impunity, highlighting the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime.

Adityanath cited the arrest of over 77,800 criminals, with 923 detained under the Gangster Act, and the confiscation of illegal assets worth more than Rs.4,000 crore. He stressed that these actions send a strong message to criminal networks and the mafia across the state. “Strengthening the law and order in the state and instilling a fear of law among the criminals is the priority of our government,” Adityanath said during the ceremony.

He also paid tribute to police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. “The sacrifices of our brave personnel will inspire us to continue our duties with dedication and responsibility,” he added. Two policemen from Uttar Pradesh were among the officers who died in 2023-24 while serving the state.

Supporting these sentiments, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke at a Police Commemoration Day event, affirming the government’s commitment to tackling terrorism and drug trafficking nationwide. Shah acknowledged progress in curbing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, but emphasized that the fight is ongoing. He praised the dedication of the police and security forces, saying, “Their sacrifices will not be forgotten.”

The day saw tributes from leaders across the country, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and top officials from Maharashtra, who honored fallen officers in similar ceremonies.

Government Plans Legislative Measures to Combat Airline Bomb Threats

NEW DELHI: The Indian government is taking serious measures to address the surge in bomb threats targeting airlines, according to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. In a recent statement, Naidu revealed that the government is working on amendments to aviation security laws to implement stricter norms against such threats. These include the possibility of placing individuals responsible for bomb threats on a no-fly list and enforcing heavier penalties.

In the past week alone, over 25 flights, including international ones, have been affected by bomb threats, leading to disruptions and emergency diversions. Authorities have confirmed that most of these threats turned out to be hoaxes. The Minister expressed deep concern, stating that such incidents not only compromise passenger safety but also strain airline operations and law enforcement resources.

Naidu mentioned that a high-level committee, comprising officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and other key agencies, has been set up to assess and respond to these threats. The committee will explore legislative changes under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, to strengthen the security framework.

The government’s approach includes enhancing digital monitoring systems to detect and respond to threats communicated via social media, where most recent cases were reported. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the incidents, and arrests have been made, including the detention of a minor involved in several hoax threats in Mumbai.

By tightening security measures and legislative frameworks, the government aims to ensure the safety of passengers and the integrity of India’s aviation sector. (Input from Agencies)

Onion Prices Soar Ahead of Diwali: Retail Rates Hit Rs 80-100 Amid Severe Supply Crunch

Onion prices in India have surged dramatically just before Diwali, with retail prices in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai now ranging from Rs.80 to Rs.100 per kg. The spike is driven by heavy rains that have severely impacted onion crops in key producing states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. In some regions, rainfall was over 200% above normal, damaging crops and delaying harvests, leading to reduced supply in markets.

As a result, the government has been selling onions from buffer stocks at subsidized rates of Rs.25 per kg to provide some relief. However, traders predict that prices will remain elevated until mid-November, when fresh supplies from the next harvest start entering the market.

Farmers have expressed concern over the crop losses. Samadhan Bagul, a farmer from Maharashtra’s Dhule district, said, “This season’s heavy rains have stunted the growth of onion bulbs. Where I used to harvest five tonnes per acre, this year I’m only getting one tonne.” Similarly, Vikas Singh, an onion trader, noted that “prices will likely stabilize only after fresh arrivals by late November.”

In Bengaluru, wholesale prices have jumped to Rs.70 per kg from Rs.50 last week, and retail prices in local markets have touched Rs.80 per kg. This surge is expected to persist throughout the festive season, exacerbating concerns of rising inflation driven by food prices.

Government intervention, including measures like buffer stock sales and a possible ban on exports, may offer temporary relief, but the situation remains tense. If the trend continues, consumers could face higher prices well into the next year.