Market Highlights

Coal stock at the country’s thermal power plants improved to 72% as of December 30, up from 58% of the required levels during the same period last year, according to data from the Central Electricity Authority, reports FE.

Industry body CII on Sunday advocated for cuts in personal income tax rates, excise duty on fuel, and the introduction of consumption vouchers in the upcoming budget to boost consumption, reports ET.

India’s agricultural and processed food exports grew by 8% to $14.01 billion, with rice exports surging 13% during the April-November period of FY24, reports FE.

India’s total forest and tree cover has risen by 1,445 sq. km, reaching 25.17% of its geographical area. However, forest cover in the Western Ghats and Northeast is declining, reports Moneycontrol.

India’s passenger vehicle sales are expected to grow by 5% in 2025, driven by government spending, an improved monsoon season, and positive rural sentiment, reports ET.

JSW Infrastructure has earmarked ₹30,000 crore for capex between FY25 and FY30, aiming to boost its cargo-handling capacity to 400 MT annually by FY30, reports ET.

India’s Sugar Production Drops 17% to 61.39 Lakh Tonnes by December Due to Higher Ethanol Diversion and Crushing Delays, Says ISMA, Reports ET

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi launched a Rs 1,000 crore credit guarantee scheme to enhance farmers’ access to post-harvest loans through electronic warehouse receipts, reports Moneycontrol.

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) advises India to diversify IT exports to reduce potential US tariff risks under a possible Trump comeback: ET

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has launched e-adjudication and e-consultation platforms to streamline legal processes and create a business-friendly regulatory environment, reports ET.