02 Oct 2025

Nippon Steel has acquired a 30% stake in the Kami iron ore project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, through its subsidiary NS Canadian Resources. The investment, valued at CAD 150 million, was made alongside Australia's Champion Iron and Japan's Sojitz. An initial CAD 42 million (USD 30.2 million) has already been paid, with the remaining CAD 108 million to be released once a feasibility decision is finalized. The new venture, called Kami Iron Mine Partnership, will oversee feasibility work on developing the high-grade iron ore project, which is designed to support direct reduced iron production for low-carbon steelmaking.Read more

01 Oct 2025

The government is examining whether e-commerce platforms are properly reflecting the revised GST rates in their pricing of everyday items. Consumer complaints have highlighted that many products have not seen price reductions consistent with the new tax slabs. Some platforms have been informally cautioned by officials, while explanations citing technical issues have also been received. The GST system now has two slabs, 5 per cent and 18 per cent, replacing four earlier rates. Authorities have directed GST field officers to provide monthly brand-wise reports on the prices of 54 commonly used items, including FMCG goods and household essentials.Read more

30 Sep 2025

UST has made a strategic investment in Kaynes Semicon, aiming to jointly develop a state-of-the-art Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat. This collaboration supports India's "Make in India" initiative and seeks to enhance the country's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The project, valued at approximately INR 3,330 crore, combines UST's global reach and digital engineering expertise with Kaynes' local manufacturing strengths, positioning India as a competitive player in the global semiconductor market.Read more

27 Sep 2025

India's online home services market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18-22%, potentially reaching INR 85-88 billion by FY30, driven by urban demand for convenience, reliability, and speed. While the overall home services market was valued at INR 5,100-5,210 billion in FY25, online penetration remains low at less than 1% of net transactions. The rise of instant home services, influenced by quick commerce trends, is reshaping consumer expectations, particularly in India's eight largest cities, which account for 85-90% of current online demand.Read more

23 Sep 2025

Global nuclear energy reached a record output of 2,677 terawatt-hours in 2024, largely driven by expansion in China. A new report highlights that maintaining this level will be difficult due to underinvestment, ageing plants, and construction setbacks. Renewables are advancing faster, with investment 21 times higher than nuclear last year and new capacity additions more than 100 times greater. Falling battery costs add further pressure. Most new nuclear construction since 2020 has been led by Chinese and Russian state firms, while Western small modular reactor projects remain stalled. Without major improvements, nuclear's share of electricity, about 9% in 2024, is expected to decline.Read more

22 Sep 2025

The U.S. government's decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications is set to change the way Indian IT firms operate. With India making up the majority of H-1B approvals last year, the rule could limit cross-border staff movement, delay contracts, and increase project costs. While existing visa holders and renewals are not affected, the sudden announcement created confusion and forced many employees to alter travel plans. Industry experts expect more offshore work delivery, selective visa sponsorships, and a faster expansion of global capability centres in India and nearby regions.Read more

20 Sep 2025

Interarch Building Solutions has expanded its manufacturing footprint by commissioning the second phase of its plant in Andhra Pradesh and adding a new Box Column Line at its Uttarakhand facility. The Andhra Pradesh unit has increased capacity by 25,000 metric tonnes per annum with an investment of INR 32 crore, while the Uttarakhand upgrade has added 15,000 metric tonnes annually through an outlay of INR 21 crore. These developments are aimed at supporting sectors such as renewables, automotive, electronics, EV infrastructure and FMCG.Read more

15 Sep 2025

The IFC has committed USD 137 million to support India's electric bus expansion, allocating USD 100 million to JBM Ecolife and USD 37 million to GreenCell Mobility. The initiative plans to deploy 4,000 electric buses and build necessary charging infrastructure in 39 municipalities across Maharashtra, Assam, and Gujarat. JBM Ecolife will operate 1,455 buses, while GreenCell Mobility will enhance its fleet and charging systems. The project is expected to generate around 12,000 jobs and supports India's goal of 40% electric bus penetration by 2030.Read more

12 Sep 2025

During an official visit to Japan, a Karnataka government delegation secured fresh investment commitments from Japanese companies. Air Water will set up its second unit near Bengaluru after its Vijayanagar facility and is exploring biogas production using cow dung and iron pulp. Shinko Nameplate announced a unit near Bengaluru with an investment of INR 100 crore for decorative vehicle parts. Toyota Group's Cataler will expand its Bidadi operations with an additional INR 140 crore by 2030. Saginomiya expressed interest in establishing a unit in the state. The delegation also met Japanese firm Konoike for joint venture opportunities and visited the Osaka World Expo 2025 pavilions to study collaboration prospects.Read more

12 Sep 2025

The Ministry of Mines has confirmed that several mining-sector products, including marble, granite, lime bricks, and stone inlay work, will now attract a reduced GST rate of 5 per cent instead of 12 per cent. This is expected to lower construction costs, particularly in rural housing projects. Household items such as brass stoves, aluminium utensils, and copperware, along with handicrafts, will also become cheaper. The GST on multimodal transport of goods has been cut as well, which will benefit iron ore and mineral movement. These changes come under the GST Council's recent overhaul, with new rates applying from next week.Read more