The Rapid Economy

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has clinched a massive ₹1,640 crore order from the Indian Army for the supply of state-of-the-art Air Defence Fire Control Radars (Atulya), signaling a major leap for India’s indigenous defence capability. The contract highlights collaboration between BEL and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which designed these advanced radars to elevate air defence shield along the nation’s borders. Atulya radars are engineered for 24/7 surveillance, target detection, acquisition, tracking, and direction of air defence guns — providing an impenetrable wall against fighter jets, helicopters, and UAVs even in adverse weather and electronic warfare conditions. These radars feature cutting-edge Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) technology, ensuring they operate seamlessly even when the enemy tries to jam or disrupt radar signals. Modular in design, Atulya radars offer flexibility for fast deployment, easy maintenance, and high operational readiness...

India’s net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows collapsed by a stunning 98.2% year-on-year in May, falling to just $40 million from $2.2 billion a year ago—compared to $3.9 billion in April. Gross FDI inflows also slid 11% to $7.2 billion in May, down from $8.1 billion a year earlier and $8.7 billion in April, signaling not only a massive net fall but also a cooling in headline FDI enthusiasm. The FDI washout is attributed to a surge in repatriation and divestment by foreign investors, which hit $5 billion in May—up over 20% from last year, as overseas investors pocketed profits or reversed bets in India. Outward FDI by Indian companies also jumped to $2.1 billion in May, up 18% from last year, showing more Indian firms are eyeing global expansion over local reinvestment. The combined effect: foreign money coming into India is being almost entirely offset by money leaving, spelling short-term pain for sectors dependent on foreign capital. Despite the net carnage, gross FDI remains ...

The emergence of biochips has been nothing short of explosive—reshaping medicine, fueling billion-dollar deals, and rewriting the rules for disease detection, drug discovery, and sustainability in healthcare. The biochip sector, once a niche, is on a breakneck trajectory, set to soar from $16.1 billion in 2024 to $27.8 billion by 2029. That's an annual growth rate of 11.6%, with innovation hubs like Abbott and Agilent Technologies blazing new trails. Here’s why this sector is red hot and showing no signs of cooling off: 1. A Rapidly Multiplying Market Unprecedented growth:  From $16.1 billion in 2024 to $27.8 billion by 2029, biochips are outpacing expectations and dominating industry forecasts. Double-digit surge:  The sector’s 11.6% CAGR signals a new golden age for innovators and investors alike. Application explosion:  Biotechnology, genomics, oncology, neurology, and even environmental science are leveraging the miniaturization and multiplexing power of biochips. 2. ...

The central government has turbocharged India’s green ambitions by enabling NTPC, the country’s power behemoth, to invest up to  Rs 20,000 crore —a steep jump from the previous cap of Rs 7,500 crore—in NTPC Green Energy Ltd. and various joint ventures and subsidiaries. This bold move is designed to accelerate the target of achieving  60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032 , reinforcing NTPC’s position at the forefront of India’s energy transition. The enhanced investment approval is set to supercharge initiatives in solar, wind, and hybrid energy projects nationwide, unlocking new business avenues and spurring green jobs. Industry observers note that this capital infusion will allow faster execution of high-value projects, boosting investor confidence in India’s renewable energy sector. In a landmark announcement, the government declared that  more than 50% of India’s installed power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources , a feat achieved five years ahead of th...

Key Developments SEBI has imposed a sweeping ban on Jane Street Group , a major US-based trading firm, from participating in the Indian securities markets. The action comes after allegations that Jane Street  manipulated Indian stock indices  and unlawfully pocketed gains of  Rs 4,843 crore . The ban is immediate and covers all Jane Street entities and affiliates, barring them from buying, selling, or dealing in any Indian securities, directly or indirectly. The Alleged Manipulation Jane Street is accused of  artificially inflating stock prices  of key index components, especially in the Bank Nifty and Nifty 50, during morning trading sessions. The firm would then  reverse its positions aggressively  later in the day, causing the indices to fall and profiting from options trades that bet on such movements. This strategy, described as “intra-day index manipulation” and “marking the close,” was allegedly deployed on multiple expiry days, misleading retai...

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has given the green light to a massive capital acquisition plan worth  ₹1.05 lakh crore  under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category. This landmark decision ensures that  all defence equipment specified under these acquisitions will be indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured  within India, turbocharging the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The approvals cover  ten major proposals  aimed at boosting the operational strength of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Key acquisitions include: Armoured Recovery Vehicles  for battlefield logistics Advanced Electronic Warfare Systems  to counter evolving threats Integrated Common Inventory Management Systems  for seamless logistics across the tri-services Surface-to-Air Missile systems  to strengthen air defence The Navy’s arsenal will see a significant upgrade with: Moored Mines  ...