Business

ABB India reported a decline in net profit for the December quarter, reflecting near-term margin pressures despite stable operational performance. The company posted a net profit of Rs. 434 crore, lower than the corresponding period last year, as higher input costs and cautious capital spending weighed on earnings. Revenue remained resilient, supported by steady demand from core industrial and infrastructure segments. Management, however, maintained a constructive outlook, citing a strong order book and improving demand visibility as key drivers for medium-term growth.

IndusInd Bank has expanded its gold loan operations to 500 branches nationwide, reinforcing its focus on secured retail lending amid a cautious credit environment. The move reflects rising demand for gold-backed loans from individuals and small businesses seeking quick, collateralized financing. Gold loans, traditionally viewed as low-risk and high-yield products, have gained prominence as banks recalibrate portfolios toward asset-backed growth.

Axis Mutual Fund has outlined an aggressive growth roadmap, targeting a 20% annual expansion in assets under management and a place among India’s top six fund houses by FY29. The strategy reflects rising confidence in India’s long-term savings story, improving retail participation and a shift toward professionally managed investments. By sharpening its product mix, strengthening distribution and deepening investor engagement, Axis Mutual Fund aims to scale profitably while navigating market volatility.

The debut of the Tata Punch EV marks a decisive shift in India’s electric vehicle narrative, moving EV adoption from aspiration to accessibility. By entering the entry-level segment, Tata Motors is challenging the long-held assumption that electric cars are inherently expensive or niche. The compact electric SUV blends cost discipline with practical range, contemporary design and essential technology, making it relevant for urban and first-time buyers.

Artificial intelligence has moved from a competitive advantage to a core operational requirement, according to the chief executive of FedEx, who has framed AI capabilities as essential rather than discretionary. The logistics giant is embedding advanced analytics, automation and machine learning across its global network to improve efficiency, manage costs and enhance customer experience. The remarks underscore a broader corporate reckoning: companies that fail to integrate AI at scale risk strategic irrelevance.

Airbus has announced plans to manufacture its H125 helicopters in India, a strategic move that underscores the country’s growing importance in the global aerospace and defense supply chain. The facility will support domestic demand for civil and parapublic aviation while creating high-skilled employment and advancing local aerospace capabilities. Analysts note that local production aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, reduces dependence on imports, and enhances operational efficiency for operators.

Microsoft has announced a historic $50 billion investment to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across the Global South, with a pronounced focus on India. The funding will support AI infrastructure, research, enterprise solutions, and skill-building initiatives aimed at bridging technological gaps in emerging markets. Analysts view this move as a strategic effort to tap high-growth digital economies, strengthen Microsoft’s cloud and AI ecosystem, and enable local enterprises to leverage advanced technologies.

Bangladesh authorities have barred SpiceJet from operating flights in its airspace due to unresolved financial obligations, disrupting regional connectivity and highlighting regulatory compliance challenges in international aviation. The decision follows months of unpaid fees and unsettled invoices owed to Bangladesh’s civil aviation authority. Analysts suggest the move underscores the financial pressures facing budget carriers and the importance of adhering to cross-border payment obligations.

In a landmark move for India’s technology sector, Tata Consultancy Services and its parent conglomerate, Tata Group, have entered into a strategic collaboration with OpenAI to co-develop and deploy advanced artificial intelligence solutions. The partnership aims to integrate generative AI capabilities into enterprise systems across industries including banking, manufacturing, retail and healthcare. By combining TCS’ global IT services infrastructure with OpenAI’s cutting-edge AI models, the alliance seeks to accelerate digital transformation initiatives at scale.

Heineken has elevated India to the status of a core strategic market, underscoring the country’s growing importance within the global beer industry. The brewer’s chief executive has described India as a critical pillar for long-term expansion, citing favorable demographics, rising disposable incomes and evolving consumer preferences. As growth in mature markets slows, Heineken is sharpening its focus on high-potential economies where beer consumption remains underpenetrated.