by Mr. Jaykrishna Gandhi, Head – Business Development, Institutional Equities, Emkay Global Financial Services

‘’US Equities remain range bound during the week – with blips of volatility around tariffs and soft earnings. US Markets await CPI data to be released later tonight. January job’s data (NFP report) was strong yet again, adding 143k – this now leaves the 3-mth average at 237k (strong). The tariff saga continues – with TRUMP announcing 25% tariffs on aluminium and Steel early this week. While, the market is getting fatigued of this recurring news flow, the uncertainty would continue to prevail and may keep the market volatility high. For impact on Indian markets, we opine – a relative benefit to Indian exports to the US, should be negated by China’s reaction (likely price cuts) and another round of DXY appreciation – which would hurt equities and the currency

INDIA equities had a rough week, extending its time correction – SMID indices were hardest hit, with both MID/Small cap indices losing around 6%. The sentiment has completely gone sour. But, on valuation front, both SMID indices are now below the LT average band. Not much to take out of the Earnings this week – but, Autos gave good numbers – M&M outlined very strong outlook for tractors; Hero maintained double digit growth outlook with company scaling back some of the lost market share. Consumer names continue to see volume growth and margin pressures. In the MSCI Feb review – we saw inclusion of Hyundai and deletion of Adani Green from the Global standard Index.

Lot of action on the liquidity front this week – while a conventional 25bps rate cut was largely priced-in, there was some market disappointment on lack of further liquidity measures during the MPC meet. On further liquidity measures, we expect RBI would have to do additional OMOs amounting to INR 400bn, followed by more VRRs and FX swaps to tackle the liquidity deficit that is likely to turn ugly again by March end. This liquidity infusion and would be incrementally positive for the Banks, especially the ones starving for liquidity – HDFCB, IIB likely to get further leg up here

We hold Nifty Dec -25 target of 25000. For sector positioning – we retain our tilt toward consumption and add our weights on Consumer Discretionary (CD), which is our preferred route to play the consumption theme. Incremental growth is sharpest for these sectors and valuations are still reasonable.

Bengaluru, India – February 13, 2025: Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd. (“Paras Defence”), a leading player in the defence and space sector, has announced a strategic investment in a deep tech company, Logic Fruit Technologies Private Limited (“Logic Fruit”), by acquiring an approx. 8% stake in the company for a value of Rs. 10 Cr. The announcement was made at AERO India 2025, one of the world’s premier aerospace and defence exhibitions, reinforcing India’s commitment to cutting-edge indigenous technology development.

Logic Fruit is a deep-tech, research-driven company, specializing in high-performance computing, FPGA/SoC-based embedded solutions, and advanced signal processing. With a strong focus on R&D and breakthrough technology development, the company plays a crucial role in designing mission-critical systems for aerospace, defence, telecommunications, and semiconductor industries.

Through this partnership, Paras Defence will be able to leverage Logic Fruit’s expertise in high-speed data processing, AI-driven embedded solutions, and real-time computing architectures to enhance the capabilities of its subsidiary, Paras Anti-Drone Technologies Private Limited. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in next-generation defence technologies and open new avenues for advanced research and commercialization of high-performance computing solutions.

Speaking at AERO India 2025, Munjal Sharad Shah, Managing Director of Paras Defence, stated: “This investment reinforces our vision of being at the forefront of India’s defence and aerospace technology landscape. Logic Fruit’s strong research orientation and deep-tech expertise makes them a valuable partner in developing next-generation solutions. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of high-performance computing and defence technology, contributing to India’s technological self-reliance.”

Logic Fruit has successfully delivered over 100 high-end technology solutions, working closely with defence research organizations, aerospace innovators, and global tech leaders. Its clientele includes ISRO, DRDO, HAL, and international giants like Collins Aerospace (USA), Kandou (Switzerland), Lattice (USA), and Achronix (USA). The company’s research-led product portfolio includes Single Board Computers, IF and RF Recorders, scalable data acquisition systems, and AI-powered avionics displays—all critical to modern aerospace and defence applications.

As Mahakumbh 2025 crosses its midway mark, Justdial, India’s No. 1 local search engine, has released compelling search data that demonstrates the enormous impact of this sacred gathering on local services and infrastructure. The data, covering both pre-event preparation and the first month of the festival, reveals unprecedented shifts in consumer behaviour and service demands.

In the lead-up to the Mahakumbh, which began on January 13, search patterns showed extraordinary growth from December 2024 to January 2025. Most notably, searches became 89-fold for Puja Item Dealers, while Sweet Shops and Pandits searches became 35-fold and 31-fold, respectively, indicating intensive preparation for the spiritual gathering.

The data becomes even more revealing when examining the period after the Mahakumbh began. Comparing January 22 to January 31 with January 14 to January 21 (the first week of the event), searches for Temples surged by 139%, while Petrol Pumps saw a 133% increase, and Ghats witnessed a 118% rise. This dramatic uptick reflects the massive influx of pilgrims as the event gained momentum.

The hospitality and travel sector has demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the event. Initial searches for Hotels, Dharamshalas, and Tourist Guide Services searches became fivefold from December to January. As the Mahakumbh progressed, the demand continued to rise, with Travel Agents seeing a 110% increase in the latter part of January, while Mahakumbh Mela Tents searches grew by 87% and Hotels by 86%.

Essential support services have also adapted to meet the growing demands of millions of pilgrims. Ambulance Services searches quadrupled in the pre-event period, while searches for ATMs, Car Rentals, and Chemists doubled, indicating robust preparation for visitor safety and convenience.

With two weeks remaining until the Mahakumbh’s conclusion on February 26, these search patterns not only reflect the festival’s massive scale but also demonstrate how technology is enabling pilgrims to better access vital services. The data suggests that this year’s Mahakumbh Mela has achieved new heights in terms of organised participation, with devotees actively using digital platforms to enhance their spiritual journey.

Noida, Feb 13, 2025: PhysicsWallah (PW), an education company, has announced results in the JEE Main Session 1 2025 Exam, with four state toppers, one of whom secured a 100 percentile from Gujarat, along with more than 612 students scoring above the 99.5 percentile, over 1359 students scoring above the 99 percentile, and 3548+ students scoring above the 98 percentile, with counting still underway. With its far-reaching impact, PW is nurturing talent in the farthest corners of the nation, with state toppers emerging from diverse regions, stretching from the westernmost state of Gujarat to the easternmost state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The PW Achievers are four state toppers who have excelled in their exams with remarkable scores. Shiven Vikas Toshniwal from Gujarat secured a perfect 100 percentile, Ishant Verma from Mizoram achieved 99.57 percentile, Pranay Kumar Roy from Arunachal Pradesh scored 99.38 percentile, and Kamran Bilal Bhat from Jammu & Kashmir attained 99.89 percentile, closely matching his performance in PW’s mock test. These students studied from PW’s online batches- Arjuna JEE and Lakshya JEE and PW’s offline centers- Vidyapeeth & Pathshala. This reflects PhysicWallah’s integrated approach to education, seamlessly combining digital and physical platforms to offer a holistic and effective learning experience.

Alakh Pandey, Teacher, Founder & CEO, said, “Congratulations to all students who performed well- your hard work has yielded results. I am proud of each one of you, including the ones who didn’t achieve the expected results. Do not be discouraged. The next two months are crucial for your Session 2 exams. Focus on consistent revision and practicing the Session 1 paper, as the difficulty level will be similar. Stay committed, keep improving, and trust the process. We are here to support you every step of the way.”

As aspirants gear up for JEE Main Session 2 scheduled to be held in April 2025, PW aims to provide resources, guidance and support to help them maximize their potential. To aid in their preparation, PW has an ongoing Manzil 2.0, a free and comprehensive revision series available on YouTube, enabling students to revise key concepts in a short span.

Bangalore, 13th February, 2025: Shraddha Eye Care Trust, the non-profit wing of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday, with Padma Shri Dr. B. Ramana Rao, the renowned Bangalore-based Physician and Cardiologist, to provide eye care services at his ‘Bhanuvara Grama Chikitsalaya’, also known as Sunday Village Clinic in T.Begur, Bangalore.

Dr. B. Ramana Rao has been running a free medical clinic every Sunday for over 51 years, offering a variety of critical primary medical services and bridge the healthcare gap by making specialized healthcare services accessible to the underserved communities. The Village Clinic has become a lifeline for many individuals below poverty line who have limited access to quality healthcare.

The Village Clinic offers comprehensive, free healthcare, including basic health checkups like blood pressure and blood sugar, electrocardiograms (ECGs), nebulization, dental, oral care, medications, injections, and free hot meals for Patients traveling long distances. Dr. Sri Ganesh and Shraddha Eye Care Trust are now joining hands to offer a new Ophthalmic wing established at Dr. Rao’s Village Clinic, fully equipped and operated by Shraddha Eye Care Trust, to bring quality eye care services to the rural Patients.

“Quality healthcare is a basic human right and everyone deserves access to specialized treatment and advanced technology. Our collaboration with Shraddha Eye Care Trust allows us to provide just that, expanding our eye care services with a dedicated Ophthalmic wing. This will make a real difference in ensuring good eye health for all. The new Ophthalmic wing represents a significant milestone, bringing us closer to our goal of accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all rural communities,” said Padma Shri Dr. B Ramana Rao.

This dedicated eye care facility within the existing clinic structure will offer comprehensive eye care services. This partnership would ensure that patients visiting the camp can access quality eye care services, and address the critical need for advanced eye care services in underserved rural areas around Karnataka.

Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and Managing Trustee at Shraddha Eye Care Trust & CMD of Nethradhama Hospitals Pvt Ltd added, “We are honored to partner with Padma Shri Dr. Ramana Rao and his Village Clinic. The need for quality eye care in rural areas is immense. Many suffer from preventable vision loss simply because they lack access to basic eye care services. This collaboration will enable us to reach more people in rural Karnataka, and provide them with quality eye care services with advanced clinical equipment and specialty care. Through this partnership, we expect to conduct comprehensive eye examinations for the Patients who lack access to healthcare services.”

Over 2,000 people from across Karnataka visit the camp every Sunday to avail the facilities. Around 43% Patients were unaware that they need prescription eyeglasses, while 40% have untreated cataracts, which need a dedicated Ophthalmic care within the centre. This highlights the immediate need for proactive eye care intervention in rural communities.

New Delhi, 13 February 2025: SI-Global, a leading provider of international education opportunities established by SI-UK, has announced its Global University Fair 2025, which is prepared to host prestigious universities from around the world including the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, UAE, and USA. The education fair slated to be held in 10 Indian cities from 14 February to 01 March 2025, will commence in Coimbatore and conclude in Pune. This fair is a unique opportunity for Indian students to interact directly with university representatives and gain insights into global study opportunities.

Building on the success of SIUK, which has guided thousands of students toward admissions at prestigious UK universities, SI-Global is expanding its reach to provide a free and exclusive platform for students aspiring to study abroad. The Global Education Fair 2025, aims to help students make informed academic choices by offering firsthand information on admission processes, scholarships, visa requirements, and career prospects.

The exclusive event will feature over 120 renowned institutions including the University College London, University of Bath, King’s College London, University of Birmingham, Australian National University, Deakin University, Macquarie University, University of Canterbury, University of Waikato, Massey University, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Lakehead University, Brock University, University of Windsor, University of Guelph, Arizona State University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Dayton, Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts Boston and many more. Students attending this fair will get to explore a diverse range of academic programmes from across universities, all at one place.

Commenting on the upcoming fair, Ms. Lakshmi Iyer, Managing Director of SI-Global and SI-UK India, said, “This year’s SI-Global University Fair 2025 is special as we have expanded our global reach to bring Indian students’ information of and access to educational institutions from 7 different countries. Owing to the overwhelming response we receive from the student community every year. This year we have brought over 120 leading universities together for their benefit.”

She further added, “We want to support students in making timely, well-informed decisions about their course choices. This fair is a great platform for students to engage directly with university representatives from around the globe and find the right path for their future.”

Apart from university interactions, SI-Global specialists will be available to provide free profile evaluations, ensuring students receive personalised guidance to enhance their study abroad prospects. Attendees will also have access to detailed insights on tuition fees, eligibility criteria, and funding opportunities, helping them plan their academic journey effectively.

SIG, headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and a global leader in aseptic packaging and filling solutions, announces the grand opening of its first production plant for aseptic carton packs in India. completed in just 20 months in Ahmedabad, marks a major milestone for SIG as it strengthens its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing markets.

Designed with cutting-edge technology, the plant in the state of Gujarat has an initial annual production capacity of up to 4 billion aseptic carton packs, meeting the highest environmental standards while creating more than 300 local jobs. The plant will supply SIG’s growing filler base, which serves all leading dairy and non-carbonated soft drink players in India. The official opening ceremony, held in the presence of Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda and a Swiss economic delegation, highlights the significance of this achievement for both SIG and the Indian-Swiss partnership.

India, the world’s largest milk market and a major juice-producing country, presents immense growth opportunities for aseptic packaging solutions. With less than 10% of its milk consumption packaged and a lack of cold chains, aseptic cartons are a safe, sustainable, and convenient solution, as they enable the long-term storage of nutritious food and beverages without the need for preservatives, energy-intensive refrigeration during distribution and storage. SIG’s new plant in India will ensure shorter delivery lead times, greater responsiveness to market demand, and enhanced support for the country’s dairy and non-carbonated soft drink producers.

Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda applauded SIG’s commitment to India, stating: “India and Switzerland unite a friendship for more than 75 years. It is great to see how successfully SIG, a Swiss global player, is developing in India and it is a great honor for me to have the privilege of opening the new state-of-the-art packaging plant in Ahmedabad. This new plant reflects the fruitful partnership between India and Switzerland. It’s inspiring to see Swiss engineering at the heart of India’s food and beverage industry.”

“This new packaging plant is a testament to our commitment to India and its incredible growth potential,” said SIG CEO Samuel Sigrist. “We are proud to support our Indian partners with high-quality packaging solutions and fast, flexible filling technology. Our strong partnerships in this vibrant market are the foundation of our continued success.”

Since entering the Indian market in 2018, SIG has experienced rapid business expansion, achieving robust double-digit revenue growth in 2024. This new plant positions SIG to meet increasing demand efficiently while paving the way for future growth. The SIG Board of Directors has already approved plans to invest an additional €50 million in a local extrusion line, set to be operational by 2027.

Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager, India, Middle East and Africa at SIG: “The inauguration of our 10th global aseptic carton plant in India marks a significant milestone for us. Manufacturing the packages within the country will help us cater to the surging demand of customers and consumers more efficiently. It will also provide us with the opportunity to innovate and experiment with our designs and packages in line with market trends more conveniently.”

Vandana Tandan, Head of Market India and Bangladesh at SIG, added: “India is one of the most crucial dairy markets in the world, and over the years, the beverage processing industry has also witnessed remarkable growth. This presents an incredible opportunity for us to cater to customers with innovative and sustainable aseptic packages to meet the evolving needs of consumers. We look forward to increasing our reach within the country and neighboring regions.”

SIG’s investment solidifies its role as a key player in India’s packaging sector, contributing to the development of sustainable, innovative solutions for the country’s growing needs.

New Delhi, February 13, 2025: As India is fast emerging as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital economy, the unprecedented technological advancements have ignited a massive demand of round the clock reliable power supply to operationalize data centers.

Addressing the challenge of robust demand of sustainable energy solutions, industry experts and policymakers huddled together for an insightful session on “Gas for AI Transition in India – GATI” held at the four-day India Energy Week 2025 which kickstarted at the Yashobhoomi in the national capital on Tuesday.

The session was participated by industry veterans, namely Swapan Kataria, CEO & Co-founder, Crown LNG, Rachit Mohan, APAC lead of data center leasing at JL, Akshay Wadhwa, Business Head-Gas, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Rajesh K Mediratta, MD & CEO, Indian Gas Exchange; and Kapil Kapoor, Country Leader, Google Distributed Cloud (India and South Asia). The panel discussion was anchored by Arun Anand, Author and Tech Columnist.

The speakers explored strategies to position India as a global AI data center hub while emphasizing around the nation’s climate goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Swapan Kataria, CEO & Co-Founder, Crown LNG, highlighted the need for a diversified energy approach: “AI-powered data centers demand uninterrupted energy supply. Gas-based power plants provide a sustainable bridge by offering lower emissions, flexible ramp-up capabilities, and round-the-clock energy security, making them a crucial part of India’s clean energy transition. Gas remains a crucial transition fuel in India’s clean energy journey, providing stability while renewables scale up. We are committed to boost gas infrastructure and willing invest to meet the demand of power that the country with 1.4 billion requires. A well-developed gas ecosystem will ramp up energy security and support industrial growth. India must capitalize on gas’s potential to achieve a balanced and sustainable energy mix.”

With AI adoption surging across industries, data centers are expected to witness exponential growth. According to industry projections, global data center power demand will increase by 160 percent by 2030, largely driven by AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing. This surge necessitates a resilient energy infrastructure that balances power scalability with sustainability.

India’s ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2070 and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45 percent by 2030 underscore the urgency for cleaner energy alternatives. Gas-based power plants present a viable solution, ensuring lower carbon footprints while facilitating the integration of renewables like wind and solar.

The event is organised amidst global echoing of the Paris AI Summit 2025 focusing on its transformative role in several sectors for public good.

Hyderabad, India: February 2025: Hyderabad’s elite art and design aficionados and connoisseurs gathered together at the glamorous Mon Amour Palace to host the much-anticipated launch of Daum in Hyderabad. Luxury French crystal giant Daum. The event is being hosted by Sudha Reddy, prominent philanthropist, businesswoman, and fervent art patron.

Daum, founded in 1878, is famous for its pâte de verre technique, a rare and intricate glassmaking process that has made the brand unique in the world of luxury crystal art. With a legacy of collaborating with some of the greatest artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Daum’s masterpieces are cherished by collectors and art aficionados around the world. The Hyderabad launch marks a milestone, bringing the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship to a discerning Indian audience.

The evening was graced by an elite guest list that included prominent art collectors, architects, and design experts, all of whom were mesmerized by Daum’s extraordinary creations. Among the notable attendees were Pinky Reddy, Kamini Saraf, art connoisseur Anju Modi, and architect Supraja Rao. Attendees were treated to a showcase of the brand’s finest pieces, each reflecting a timeless fusion of artistry and craftsmanship.

Speaking on the occasion, Sudha Reddy said, “Art has always been a part of my life, and I really appreciate the brand’s commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship while innovating at the same time. Bringing this heritage brand to Hyderabad is truly special, as I believe the city’s connoisseurs will appreciate the sheer beauty and intricacy of these works.”

Launch evening celebrated creativity and luxury; in Daum’s India chapter, exciting things to look forward to. It all came together like an unbreakable mosaic while evening went along over specially crafted conversations, delicious fine hors d’oeuvres, and immersed art experience in a manner so befitting a glamorous and wonderful brand as Daum.

Bangalore, 13 February: For years, India’s job market has been synonymous with tech—software engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists have dominated hiring trends. But in 2025, Architects lead the top spot.

Indeed, the global matching and hiring platform today announced its annual list of the Best Jobs for 2025 in India. Architects are now the most in-demand professionals in the country, with an 81% increase in the share of jobs posted YoY and an average annual salary of ₹1,495,353. The ranking, based on job postings, salary trends, and growth potential, highlights how India’s rapid urbanization, infrastructure boom, and push for sustainable construction are reshaping hiring priorities. As metros expand, smart cities take shape, and companies invest in energy-efficient office spaces, architects are at the centre of this transformation.

“For the first time in years, a non-tech role has topped our Best Jobs list,” says Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India. “India’s growing cities, new commercial hubs, and booming real estate are driving demand for architects who can design the future.”

Tech & data roles still dominate the list

While AI continues to dominate conversations around the future of work, foundational technology roles play a critical part in ensuring that the technology ecosystem remains robust, secure, and scalable. From Data Engineers and Data Analysts who manage and decode vast datasets to Site Reliability Engineers and Technical Consultants who maintain system stability, these jobs are essential in keeping businesses agile, efficient, and future-ready. With organizations prioritizing operational efficiency and resilience, professionals in these tech roles are not only shaping India’s tech industry but also paving the way for long-term digital transformation.

Mr. Kumar adds “As India enters 2025, —tech remains dominant, but fields like architecture, project management, and urban planning are gaining ground. The demand for professionals who can design, build, and sustain India’s growth story is higher than ever.”

Methodology:

Indeed compiled this list by including jobs with an average base salary for full-time roles in India and growth in the share of postings from 2023 to 2024.