CORPORATE
Democrats plan probes of Hegseth, Musk, Miller, corporate America after midterm rout
Democratic lawmakers have vowed investigations into Elon Musk, White House chief of staff Stephen Miller and companies after taking control of Congress in January. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also backed impeaching Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over his handling of the Iran war, setting up a confrontation with the Trump administration.
Overall, India Inc credit profile looks healthy: Ramnath Krishnan, Icra Group CEO
Corporate India's credit profile has maintained strength following a period of deleveraging post-Covid, although external pressures exist. While rating upgrades continue to outnumber downgrades, specific sectors like chemicals and airlines face challenges. The potential for a drop in credit ratios exists, dependent on geopolitical factors and inflation rates. Companies remain hesitant to invest heavily amid uncertain consumer demand, leading to muted private sector capex.
Karnataka ethanol row: DK Shivakumar alleges excessive blending, promises evidence and documents on Monday
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has backed allegations of excessive ethanol blending in petrol sold in the state, claiming levels exceed the approved E20 limit. He said samples had been collected from 67 locations and an investigation was underway, with a minister set to present evidence and documents on Monday.
IOC to buy crude, LPG ships as West Asia crisis exposes shipping risks
Indian Oil Corporation aims to enhance control over its energy supply chain by acquiring crude oil carriers and LPG vessels. The company is also exploring domestic shipbuilding initiatives under the Make in India program. Amid increasing freight rates and tensions in West Asia, IOC has adjusted its shipping strategy significantly. It has diversified crude procurement, sourcing significant amounts from various countries, including Russia and Venezuela.
Workout after work: India Inc flexes its fitness muscle as employers make workplace wellness harder to skip
Indian companies are expanding workplace fitness programmes, offering employees access to office gyms, group exercise classes, personal training, sports facilities and memberships across multiple locations. Procter & Gamble, InMobi and Walmart Global Tech are among the employers investing in employee wellness, while fitness providers Cult for Corporates and Fit.Zone report growing corporate demand. The focus is increasingly shifting from offering fitness as an employee perk to encouraging greater participation and making healthy routines part of the working day.
Suits & Sayings: Legacy Matters
ET’s roundup of the wackiest whispers in corporate corridors
E20 petrol supplied by PSU oil firms meets prescribed quality standards: Oil Min
The government's statement confirmed compliance of 893 petrol samples with prescribed ethanol content standards. Karnataka's Department of Food contested these findings, claiming higher ethanol levels in some petrol samples. Oil marketing companies asserted their sampling procedures were not followed during inspections in Karnataka. They requested access to sampling documentation and proposed joint testing of the ethanol content.
Akhilesh Yadav targets BJP after part of Bismillah Khan's house demolished, Varanasi officials deny role
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP government for the demolition of Bismillah Khan's home. He expressed concerns about the loss of cultural legacy and the integrity of Bharat Ratna awardees. Municipal officials clarified that the family chose to demolish the structure independently after declining a museum proposal. The Varanasi Municipal Corporation had earlier issued a notice concerning the building's dilapidated condition.
Rahul Gandhi questions Centre over excess ethanol in E20 petrol, seeks action against oil companies
Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns regarding high ethanol levels in petrol sold in Karnataka. He claims that numerous petrol samples exceeded the prescribed limit of 20%. Oil marketing companies have disputed these allegations, asserting their fuel meets regulatory standards. Karnataka authorities are seeking accountability and transparency regarding fuel quality. An investigation into the matter has been called for to protect consumer interests.
OMCs reject Karnataka’s high-ethanol fuel claim, seek fresh tests
State-run oil marketers in India have rejected Karnataka's claims regarding excessive ethanol content in petrol sold. They argue that the state's testing procedures lack adherence to prescribed standards and were unverified. The oil companies assert that their E20 fuel adheres to Bureau of Indian Standards and undergoes strict quality checks. They highlighted that previous tests indicated compliance within the mandated ethanol blending range.
Art, culture and a personal touch shape new-age corporate gifting
This Diwali, corporate gifting is experiencing notable growth as companies prioritize personalized and curated hampers. Many businesses are increasing their budgets for gifts, ranging from INR 1,500 to INR 20,000. A trend towards incorporating cultural elements and sustainable options is emerging in corporate hampers this year. Organizations are also offering employees choices from curated catalogs, enhancing the overall gifting experience.
IOCL, BPCL, HPCL dispute Karnataka's claim of excess ethanol in petrol, seek fresh tests
Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation have disputed Karnataka's ethanol content claims in petrol. They reported testing showing their supplies adhere to prescribed ethanol standards. The companies also raised concerns about the sampling and testing methods used by the state government. They noted discrepancies in density readings related to the alleged high ethanol content.
India-EU FTA to simplify and reinforce corporate cooperation, says Swedish Ambassador Petra Menander
The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will simplify and reinforce bilateral corporate collaboration, said Sweden's Ambassador to India Petra Menander, pointing to expanded opportunities for technology transfers and joint industrial initiatives.
Minda Corp Q2 Results: Net profit jumps 68% to Rs 143 crore on strong revenue growth
Minda Corporation Ltd has reported a significant 68.2% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for Q2. Revenue from operations also increased by 42.6% year-on-year, reaching Rs 2,189 crore. The company's Chairman highlighted continued progress in their growth strategy across key vehicle segments. Electric vehicle-related products contributed around 35% of new order wins during this quarter. Minda plans to enhance its product offerings and invest in R&D and manufacturing capabilities.
Corporate bond issuances top Rs 17,000 crore as yields ease
Corporate debt issuances have seen significant growth as many companies seek to capitalize on favorable borrowing conditions. The aggregate debt proposed to be raised this week surpasses Rs 17,000 crore. Experts suggest that current bond yields below 7.30% may not remain stable for long. The outcome of upcoming US midterm elections may influence future market conditions significantly.
Indian oil refiners expect healthy margins amid global supply disruptions
A combination of these factors offer Indian refiners an opportunity to capitalise on stronger diesel, gasoline and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) cracks. Reliance Industries (RIL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) reported record refining performances in the September quarter (Q2) and expect the run to continue.
Corporate India's white-collar hiring rises 14% in October, led by manufacturing
Corporate India's white-collar hiring showed a 14% increase in October compared to the previous year. Notably, production and manufacturing roles experienced a significant growth of 39%. The demand for AI/ML skills also remained strong, leading to a 32% increase in hiring. Various sectors such as automobiles and BPO/ITeS witnessed substantial hiring increases as well. Overall, metropolitan areas like Hyderabad and Pune led in job growth during this period.
PSU oil firms float tender to buy 150 mn litres of biodiesel at Rs 88/litre
Indian oil marketing companies are inviting bids for 150 million litres of biodiesel over a three-month period. The procurement will begin in November 2026 and aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil. Supplies will be sourced from used cooking oil and other feedstocks, enhancing the domestic biodiesel market. Vendors must meet strict quality and delivery requirements throughout the procurement phase.
Corporate offsites, incentive trips make a comeback as companies resume travel plans
Corporate offsites and incentive trips are witnessing a revival as companies resume travel plans. Businesses are now scheduling deferred trips alongside new programmes for enhanced team engagement. Popular destinations include both domestic locations like Goa and international options such as Japan and Thailand. Companies aim to create curated experiences that foster collaboration and learning among employees. The focus remains on building connections and strengthening team culture during these offsites.
Load More
