JSW Paints is set to acquire a 74.76% stake in Akzo Nobel India for INR 12,915 crore via a share purchase agreement with Akzo Nobel N.V., which will retain its powder coatings and R&D operations in India. JSW has also initiated an open offer to buy the remaining 25.24% from public shareholders, aiming for full ownership pending CCI approval. Akzo Nobel India, known for Dulux and Sikkens, boasts strong market presence and brand equity. JSW Paints, launched in 2019, has been expanding rapidly with two manufacturing units and a consumer-first approach. Meanwhile, Asian Paints exited its 4.42% stake, valued at INR 734 crore.Read more

At a recent United Nations forum, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery highlighted India's growing influence as a reliable pillar of global stability. Addressing world leaders, he emphasized India's sustained economic momentum, poverty alleviation achievements, and its scalable development model, especially relevant for fellow nations in the Global South. With digital inclusion, policy reforms, and youth empowerment at the core of its progress, India continues to demonstrate how inclusive growth can be both effective and exportable to the wider world.Read more

A parliamentary committee reviewing the Income-Tax Bill, 2025 has proposed over 550 changes to improve clarity, reduce taxpayer burden, and resolve legal ambiguities. One of its key recommendations includes allowing small taxpayers to claim refunds even if returns are filed after the due date provided their income is below the taxable limit. The committee also called for improved tax provisions for property owners and clearer rules for non-profits, small businesses, and provident fund withdrawals. These recommendations aim to align the bill with existing laws and address loopholes before implementation.Read more

Connect India has merged with Faarms' logistics arm to form Bharat Supply, a new logistics company dedicated to non-metro and rural India. Backed by Aavishkaar Capital and other global investors, Bharat Supply operates across 230 districts and over 200,000 villages, employing 5,000 people. It offers end-to-end logistics solutions, including last-mile delivery, pick-ups, warehousing, and transport, serving MSMEs, agri-businesses, and e-commerce clients. Currently active in 17 states and union territories, the company aims for 24-hour delivery across challenging regions. Led by Faarms founders Taranbir Singh and Alok Duggal, Bharat Supply combines technology and deep rural reach to foster inclusive growth and scale impact.Read more

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal held a detailed interaction with deeptech startups to understand their evolving needs and challenges. The discussions focused on enhancing access to funding, strengthening infrastructure support, easing regulatory bottlenecks, and enabling international market reach. Held during the 10th National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) meeting, the session emphasized innovation-led growth and collaboration to build a future-ready ecosystem. Goyal reiterated the government's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, especially from smaller cities, as part of the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, with special attention to emerging technologies and deeptech ventures.Read more

Vanya Steels, a subsidiary of South India's prominent integrated steelmaker A-One Steel Group, is investing INR 100 crore to establish a 10 MW waste-to-energy captive power plant at its manufacturing unit in Koppal, Karnataka. The project, which is scheduled for commissioning by the end of July 2025, will utilise advanced Waste Heat Recovery Boiler (WHRB) technology to convert residual heat from steel production into clean electricity. This initiative is expected to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, cut carbon emissions, and support India's broader goals of self-reliant and sustainable industrial growth.Read more

India is on track to become a USD 10 trillion economy within the next ten years, with Global Capability Centers (GCCs) projected to contribute USD 0.5 trillion in gross value added, according to Gunjan Samdani, Co-Chairman of Goldman Sachs India. Speaking at the CII GCC Summit, Samdani outlined that GCCs could generate employment for 20-25 million people in the coming decade. He noted that 65% of global growth until 2035 will emerge from developing nations, with India leading the momentum due to its demographic advantage, highly skilled STEM workforce, and AI readiness backed by national policy initiatives. As global technology spending rises, AI and digital transformation are expected to drive both global and Indian economic reconfiguration.Read more

India's wholesale inflation slipped back into the negative zone this past month after remaining positive in May. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) fell to (-) 0.13%, influenced by declining prices in food articles, mineral oils, and basic metals. This marks a renewed phase of deflation, reminiscent of April 2023 and July 2020, when WPI similarly dipped below zero. Retail inflation, too, continued its downward trend, hitting a six-year low in May and staying well within the Reserve Bank of India's comfort range. With inflation stabilising, the Central Bank is expected to maintain focus on growth-friendly policies.Read more

Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman stated that Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India could contribute up to USD 200 billion to the country's economy by 2030 and significantly increase job creation. She highlighted the rapid pace of GCC establishment, with one new centre being launched weekly in 2024. Currently, around 50% of Fortune 500 companies operate GCCs in India, employing 2.16 million professionals. This workforce is projected to expand to 2.8 million by the end of the decade, reflecting the sector's steady 11% CAGR over the past five years.Read more

Nipponply Industries plans to invest INR 250 crore over the next three years to expand production for exports, develop e-commerce infrastructure, and establish warehousing and design centers. Currently, INR 65 crore is being invested in panel and furniture manufacturing. The Gujarat-based firm aims to capitalize on the furniture sector's potential in India and abroad, seeking partnerships in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. It also highlighted challenges like price volatility and inconsistent delivery, suggesting government measures like quality control orders and a 12% GST slab for certified furniture to boost global competitiveness.Read more