LOGISTICS COST IN INDIA
Lenskart outlines roadmap for 25% Ebitda margin, says growth will take priority
In its shareholders' letter for the July-September quarter, the company said its strategy centred on controlling the entire value chain, from manufacturing frames and lenses to selling products directly to consumers, allowing it to retain margins otherwise distributed among suppliers and retailers.
Lenskart Q2 net profit more than doubles to Rs 232 crore, revenue rises 36%
The company’s net profit rose 125% to Rs 232 crore, compared with Rs 103.45 crore in the year-ago period. Profit before tax more than doubled to Rs 304.48 crore from Rs 148 crore a year earlier. The company's total expenses increased 31.1% — slower than its revenue growth — to Rs 2,596.8 crore, helping drive the improvement in profitability.
70% of global business leaders report rising risk exposure amid AI, geopolitical disruptions: KPMG
According to the report, 56% of respondents said external disruptions involving geopolitical, energy, cyber, trade or climate-related factors would cause severe operational disruptions or significantly affect their organisations' costs and performance over the next three to five years.
India's stock market volatility since last Diwali saw 60 stocks lose up to 96%
At least 63 stocks with a market capitalisation of over Rs 1,000 crore have lost more than half their value since last Diwali, with some plunging 60-95% amid a broad-based selloff across sectors. Elitecon International was the worst performer, tumbling 96%, followed by Reliance Infrastructure, Kothari Industrial Corporation and Fischer Medical Ventures.
Rising crude prices could push India's inflation by upto 1 percentage point, diversified imports helping secure oil supplies: EY's Gaurav Moda
Gaurav Moda, Partner and Energy Industry Leader at EY India said the increase in crude oil prices from an average of $60-65 per barrel to $90-95 has significantly raised India's energy import costs, even as the country continues to prioritise securing supplies amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Ahead of Market: 10 things that will decide stock market action on Wednesday
Indian equities rallied nearly 2%, with Sensex gaining 1,225 points and Nifty rising 370 points. Falling crude prices, renewed FII buying, resilient earnings and expectations of LTCG tax changes boosted sentiment, adding nearly Rs 4 lakh crore to market capitalisation.
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India weighs new oil manoeuvre as old routes get jammed
The West Asia war has forced India to look at energy security through a new, different lens. The oil issue, for India, has now gone from being a procurement issue to being a test of economic resilience. That has compelled the govt to rethink how it sources, transports and stores the fuel that powers its economy.
Logistics links, shipping services emerge as key drivers for India's maritime growth: Report
India’s next phase of maritime growth will depend on improving logistics, inland connectivity and shipping services rather than simply expanding port capacity, according to a Ficci-Kearney report. Cargo handled at major and non-major ports rose 38% between FY18 and FY26, outpacing the 22% increase in capacity, while delays in moving goods after export approval account for 84% of measured export time.
Uncertainty is certain: India is resilient and will emerge stronger
Despite global uncertainty, India remains well placed to weather economic and market disruptions, supported by resilient growth, deeper domestic capital markets and rising private investment. Stronger institutions, infrastructure spending and emerging industries could further reinforce the country’s long-term prospects.
Cement companies bet on price hikes to revive profitability in H2
Cementmakers in India are experiencing a weak first half of the fiscal year due to rising costs. They expect price increases and seasonal construction activity to improve profitability. Price stability is noted after recent increases, which may help offset costs. Cement prices have risen and are expected to stay high in the coming months. The market leaders remain optimistic about further price improvements in the near future.
India’s small companies need to see AI as more than an artificial promise
India MSME news: India's micro, small and medium enterprises are exploring the adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity. AI is expected to generate significant economic value for these enterprises in manufacturing and services sectors. Various challenges remain regarding the integration of AI into existing workflows and overcoming cost barriers. Collaborative efforts among industry bodies, technology providers, and the government are essential for facilitating this transition.
GST decriminalisation decisions set benchmark for trust-based governance: CII
The Confederation of Indian Industry praised the GST Council's recent decisions aimed at decriminalising certain offences. The Council recommended raising the prosecution threshold from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore, promoting trust in businesses.
Fintechs fortify cyber defences; Logistics cos in the speed lane
Happy Monday! Fintechs are stepping up security as AI-powered cyberattacks become more sophisticated. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Ahead of Market: 10 things that will decide stock market action on Monday
Sensex and Nifty ended the week up about 0.5%, supported by resilient large-cap, IT and healthcare stocks. However, midcap and smallcap indices fell as much as 2% amid rising crude oil prices, inflation concerns and a global technology sell-off.
Good intentions, unintended consequences: The cost of regulation
Regulation is vital for protecting consumers and building trust, but unpredictable or poorly calibrated policy changes can disrupt business economics, valuations and investment.
Commerce ministry sets up committee for better utilisation of RELIEF initiative for exporters
The commerce ministry has established a six-member committee to enhance the RELIEF initiative for exporters. This initiative aims to mitigate challenges posed by rising freight costs and insurance premiums. The committee includes officials from various government departments working to improve fund utilization. It will assess the implementation of the initiative and recommend measures for better uptake. The overall goal is to support exporters during trade disruptions in crucial regions.
United Spirits' mass-market liquor sales slump as inflation squeezes lower-income consumers, premiumisation takes centre stage
United Spirits is facing subdued demand in its mass-market liquor portfolio as inflation squeezes lower-income consumers, while regulatory changes in Maharashtra and Karnataka further weigh on sales. The Diageo-controlled company is relying on premium brands for growth, even as higher input costs linked to the West Asia conflict and weaker monsoons add pressure.
Gen Z brands are breaching the last citadel of legacy consumer firms
India's Gen Z and D2C brands are challenging FMCG giants like Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Marico by expanding into kirana stores. New-age brands captured 21.7% of India's kirana market in H1 FY27, up from 14.8% a year earlier. As digital-first brands breach traditional distribution networks, legacy FMCG companies face growing competition for retail shelf space and consumer loyalty nationwide.
Rising tech costs drive EMI sales; Shadowfax Q2 profit soars
Happy Friday! Shoppers are turning to EMIs as electronics prices rise. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Anti-cancer medicines: How to protect the patient today without weakening India's healthcare capacity for tomorrow
India should examine trade margins across medicines, medical devices and consumables using a common, scientifically credible method - not a one-size-fits-all formula - to identify where and how intervention is needed. Meaningful stakeholder consultation must form part of this exercise to help design a framework that is both effective and workable. It can ensure that unjustified margins are addressed while recognising legitimate differences in clinical settings, infrastructure, safety requirements, geographical reach and the cost of delivering quality care.
Corporate demand for workers with green skills rises: LinkedIn report
Demand for workers with green skills is rising significantly in India, with 31 percent growth in hiring. Various industries are experiencing a shift towards hiring talent equipped with these green skills, as sustainability becomes a priority. Gen Z workers express a strong desire to contribute to combating climate change, but face challenges in finding green job opportunities.
Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore container manufacturing scheme
The Indian government has approved a Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme with a total budget of Rs 10,000 crore. This scheme aims to build domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on container imports. It will promote facilities, testing, and skills development in the container manufacturing sector. The scheme is expected to create thousands of jobs and enhance competitiveness against global producers.
Blue Dart launches International Parcel Connect for SMEs, D2Cs
This service will enable e-commerce, D2C brands, and SMEs to connect with global customers. With options that cater to both premium and budget-conscious shipping needs, it accommodates parcels from 50 g to 11 kg, ensuring enhanced tracking.
Gadkari urges industry to manufacture tunnel boring machines in India
Nitin Gadkari urged the industry to focus on developing tunnel machinery indigenously due to recent export controls from China. The Indian government plans to invest over Rs 7 lakh crore in infrastructure projects, including highways and tunnels. Gadkari highlighted the importance of quality in highway construction and stated that poor-performing contractors would face consequences. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts to improve logistics costs and connectivity through various projects.
Amid supply chain issues, India's strategic mining in critical state
India's mining sector remains underdeveloped due to high import dependence and severe execution bottlenecks. Challenges include land acquisition difficulties, uncoordinated state-level regulations, and environmental concerns related to mining activities. The Centre has urged states to improve the operationalisation of mines, with only a fraction currently active. Various stages of clearances have delayed the progress of numerous mining projects in different regions.
MoSPI report shows Rs 3.22 lakh crore cost overrun in India’s ongoing infrastructure projects
Infrastructure projects worth over Rs 150 crore have seen a cumulative cost overrun of approximately Rs 3,21,976 crore. About 1,853 infrastructure projects across 17 ministries were monitored, showing total costs revised to Rs 37,55,803 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways leads with the most ongoing projects and costs. Approximately 47.21 percent of the total project cost has been spent so far, indicating steady progress.
Exporters get six more months of risk cover amid West Asia turmoil
The Centre has extended the RELIEF initiative to March 31, 2027, to assist exporters. This scheme provides risk coverage to exporters facing higher shipping and insurance costs. Eligible exporters can receive 95 percent coverage and protection against rising insurance premiums. Exporters must submit claims through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation's customer portal to benefit. The extension aims to support trade flows amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
India has navigated impact on costs and supply chains well: JSW Steel CEO Jayant Acharya
JSW Steel is investing heavily in growth, expecting India's steel demand to remain strong through upcoming years. Geopolitical uncertainties are being managed, and India's growth outlook has been positively adjusted by the IMF. The company reported a drawdown in inventory, indicating solid demand. JSW Steel has achieved a strong financial position through internal accruals and debt reduction. They are committed to expanding production capacity and focusing on high-value products.
India, Dutch port authorities weigh digital push to boost logistics: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal and Port of Rotterdam CEO Boudewijn Siemons held discussions on advancing port-led growth, logistics efficiency, supply chain connectivity and unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment.
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