Shell has acquired full ownership of Mumbai-based Raj Petro Specialities from Germany's Brenntag Group, enhancing its presence in India's lubricant market. Raj Petro, with plants in Chennai and Silvassa, produces transformer oils, waxes, white oils, and more. Shell already operates a blending plant in Taloja and serves 50,000 outlets via 200+ distributors, a network that will grow with this acquisition. India, the world's third-largest lubricants market, is a key focus for Shell's growth. The company also partners with top OEMs like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. With Raj Petro, Shell aims to expand its product range, customer base, and value-added offerings across India's energy sector.Read more

Epson India has inaugurated its first ink tank printer manufacturing facility near Chennai, marking a major milestone under the 'Make in India' initiative. Located in Sriperumbudur and set to begin operations in October 2025, the plant-established with partner RIKUN-will initially produce Epson's EcoTank printers. These cartridge-free printers are known for their cost efficiency and eco-friendliness. Epson Global President Junkichi Yoshida highlighted the company's commitment to sustainability and local production. With over 100 million EcoTank units sold worldwide, including 8 million in India, Epson aims to enhance supply chain agility and deepen its presence in the Indian market through this facility.Read more

The JSW Group has secured INR 9,300 crore in financing to acquire Akzo Nobel India for INR 12,915 crore. This financing mix includes an INR 3,300 crore operating company-level debt from foreign lenders, a INR 3,000 crore convertible instrument from private credit funds, and a INR 3,000 crore loan against shares from domestic mutual funds. This acquisition aims to make JSW Paints India's fourth-largest paint company. The funding strategy also potentially includes proceeds from a recent INR 1,210 crore stake sale by promoters.Read more

India's economy is projected to grow between 6.4% and 6.7% in the current financial year, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The forecast reflects optimism around strong domestic consumption, a favorable monsoon, increased liquidity from the Reserve Bank of India's recent CRR cut, and a benchmark interest rate reduction. While geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties remain potential risks, the CII believes these are balanced by positive internal factors. This projection was shared by CII President Rajiv Memani during his first media briefing since assuming the role.Read more

India will host the 7th International Real Estate Conference (IREC) in Hyderabad in September 2026, marking a major win for the country's property sector. Organized by NAR-INDIA and Hyderabad Realtors Association, the event will bring together over 600 global real estate leaders, investors, and policymakers. NAR-INDIA secured the bid at IREC 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, where India's potential drew strong investor interest. IREC 2026 will spotlight Hyderabad's smart-city progress, host investor roundtables, and showcase landmark projects. With themes like proptech, ESG, and global investment, the event highlights India's growing leadership in real estate. High-level government participation and global media coverage are also expected.Read more

Reliance Retail has initiated a major internal restructuring by transferring its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands business to a newly formed entity New Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (New RCPL). The move, cleared for creditor approval by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai, is intended to grant the consumer brands division more focused management, dedicated resources, and investment potential. New RCPL will mirror the same shareholding structure as Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), with the consumer business being transferred as a going concern through a slump sale.Read more

A new study by the United Nations Development Programme, conducted in collaboration with the University of Denver's Pardee Institute and Octopus Energy, finds that linking renewable energy targets with inclusive development policies could lift 193 million people out of extreme poverty by 2060. The most ambitious scenario modeled in the report shows potential for massive social gains like universal electricity access and reduction in malnutrition alongside USD 20.4 trillion in economic savings. The findings come as fossil fuels continue to dominate energy consumption, despite record investments in clean energy.Read more

India's rising presence in the global economy received a major boost, with a recent SBI Research report revealing that the country contributed 6.7% to the world's incremental GDP in FY25. Notably, the State Bank of India (SBI) alone accounted for 1.1% of the global GDP rise, thanks to its massive asset base and domestic economic influence. The bank added USD 44 billion to the global economy, with its own Gross Value Added (GVA) growing 5% year-on-year. The report underscores SBI's pivotal role in India's financial sector and its expanding impact on global economic dynamics.Read more

NTPC's 3,300 MW Barh Super Thermal Power Project in Bihar is set to be fully operational, with Unit-3 of Stage-I (660 MW) starting commercial operations early next week. This final unit completes both Stage-I and Stage-II of the five-unit project, each with 660 MW capacity. With this addition, NTPC's total operational capacity will reach 60,978 MW standalone and 82,080 MW consolidated. The Barh project has been a key part of NTPC's expansion in eastern India, supporting rising regional power demand. Its completion marks a major milestone in strengthening India's energy infrastructure and enhancing NTPC's role in national power generation.Read more

AstraZeneca has strengthened its presence in India by expanding its global hub in Bengaluru with an investment of INR 166 crore. This move has generated 400 new jobs, taking the headcount at the facility to nearly 1,300. The development is focused on accelerating AI-led innovation in R&D, IT, and digital health services. This marks the company's second significant investment in India within a year, following the recent expansion of its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai. AstraZeneca's total India workforce is now nearing 4,000.Read more