BUILDING MATERIAL
Indian conglomerates step up sustainability goals amid rising climate risks
Indian conglomerates including L&T, Vedanta, RPG Group and Zensar are accelerating sustainability efforts amid rising climate risks. L&T launched a Green Campus initiative, cut emissions with biogas, and is targeting zero-waste facilities. Vedanta tied ESG goals to business performance and incentives. RPG’s CEAT and KEC introduced eco-friendly products and digital substations. Raychem RPG and Zensar invested in carbon offsets and solar projects.
Cos reset sustainability goals amid extreme weather surge
Indian conglomerates like L&T, RPG Group, and Vedanta are intensifying sustainability efforts due to increased extreme weather events. These initiatives include reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and implementing ESG metrics into business goals. Companies are also focusing on waste reduction, biodiversity restoration, and employee training in climate mitigation.
Anand Mahindra's dream travel destination is a 'stunning; spot near Vizag. But one fear is holding him back
Anand Mahindra expressed admiration for Visakhapatnam's new glass skywalk bridge on Kailasagiri Hill, calling it a dream destination. Despite his enthusiasm, there's one fear that prevents him from personally experiencing the attraction. Read on to know more about it!
ChrysCapital, InCred invest in Amber subsidiary ILJIN Electronics
ILJIN Electronics India, an Amber Group subsidiary, secured ₹1,200 Crore in funding from ChrysCapital and InCred Growth Partners. ChrysCapital leads with ₹1,100 crore, enabling ILJIN to expand operations, enhance manufacturing, and pursue strategic acquisitions. ILJIN reported strong FY25 revenues of ₹2,194 crore, driven by a 52% CAGR from FY22-25, and is expanding into Battery Energy Storage Systems and industrial automation.
Pakistan: Years-long delays, escalating costs expose mismanagement in Parliament lodges project
A Pakistani parliamentary committee is concerned about delays in building new lodges. The project, approved in 2009, faces cost overruns. The committee instructed immediate action and site visits. Renovation quality is also under scrutiny. The committee demands detailed expense reports. Cleanliness issues and janitorial contracts are reviewed. The committee urges resolution of financial strains due to PWD employee integration.
India Inc revenue to grow 7% this fiscal on GST restructuring, but profit margins may remain flat: Crisil
Crisil Intelligence expects India Inc’s revenue to grow 6–7% this fiscal, driven by GST rate cuts boosting consumption, especially in FMCG, durables, and automobiles. However, the anti-profiteering rule may limit margin gains.
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Metals, hospitality in focus as GST cuts reshape market themes, cautious on NBFCs: Ashish Chaturmohta
The recent GST rate cuts have sparked a rally across consumption-linked sectors, with NBFCs, metals, hospitality and cement stocks emerging as key talking points for investors.
Global MNCs are looking for JVs in India's semiconductor sector: Yes Securities
Multinational companies from around the world are showing growing interest in partnering with local firms through joint ventures to begin operations in India's semiconductor industry, a report by Yes Bank's subsidiary Yes Securities observed after visiting Semicon India 2025.
GST 2.0: Cement prices set to be cheaper by ₹25-30 a bag
Cement prices in India are expected to decrease by ₹25-30 per 50 kg bag following a reduction in GST rates from 28% to 18%. While this move aims to benefit consumers, analysts believe it may not immediately trigger higher demand due to cement's price inelasticity.
India's solar industry, aiming to compete with China, finds strength as US tariffs hit home
India is aggressively expanding its solar manufacturing capabilities to compete with China, driven by government support and growing domestic demand. ReNew's factory in Jaipur exemplifies this push, contributing significantly to India's clean energy transition. Despite challenges like U.S. tariffs and reliance on Chinese materials, India's solar industry is poised for growth, aiming for energy independence and ambitious renewable energy targets.
GST 2.0: Fall in input prices likely to soften realty costs
India's property sector is poised for a boost as the government reduces the GST on cement from 28% to 18%, potentially lowering project costs for developers and homebuyers. Additional tax cuts on marble, granite, and other construction materials are expected to further ease cost pressures. This rationalization is anticipated to stimulate consumption and propel India's GDP growth.
London's restored Big Ben clocktower up for top architecture prize
London's iconic Big Ben clocktower, now gleaming after a five-year restoration, is in the running for Britain's top architecture prize. The renovation, a meticulous blend of conservation and craftsmanship, addressed corrosion and damage. The clock's original blue and gold colours were revived. Modern upgrades included LED lighting and an elevator.
Big cheer for homebuyers! Homes may get cheaper with lower GST on cement
The government's decision to lower the GST on cement from 28% to 18%, effective September 22, 2025, is expected to reduce housing construction costs. Experts predict a 5-7% decrease in overall project expenses, particularly benefiting affordable and mid-income housing. Notably, cement is a crucial construction material, contributing between 10-12% of construction costs.
GST cut on cement to boost sector, accelerate infrastructure growth: Industry players
Welcoming the development, Akhoury, who is also Managing Director, Shree Cement, said cement is a foundational input material for infrastructure and housing, and the move will likely boost consumption, augmenting considerable infrastructure, including affordable housing. Adani Cement, which owns Ambuja Cements & ACC, said a reduction in duty on cement will 'accelerate the nation's infrastructure pipeline, catalyse industrial expansion, and strengthen India's march towards a multi-trillion-dollar economy'.
GST 2.0: A game-changer for Indian real estate
The forthcoming GST reforms, set to take effect on September 22, 2025, promise to deliver a significant boost to India’s residential, retail, and office real estate sectors.
NITI Aayog calls for a national programme to develop 2D Materials
In its fourth edition of the Future Front Quarterly Insights series, titled “Introduction to 2D Materials”, developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, the Aayog calls for building a resilient innovation ecosystem, self-reliance in critical material access, and strategic international partnerships for India to leap-frog in technological advancements.
With GST 2.0, Govt's focus shift from capex oriented spending to consumption-led growth: Report
The government's GST 2.0 rationalization, effective September 22nd, 2025, marks a shift towards consumption-led growth, moving away from capex-focused spending. By reducing GST slabs and targeting tax relief for rural households and the middle class, the initiative aims to boost purchasing power and stimulate demand. Key sectors like consumer durables, building materials, and automobiles are expected to benefit.
SEMICON India 2025: The future of chips is being shaped in India, says Ashwini Vaishnaw; shares 13 key announcements
Semicon India 2025 witnessed significant strides in India's semiconductor journey, marked by collaborations and product launches. The India Deep-Tech Investment Alliance committed $1 billion to deep tech companies, while Tata Electronics partnered with Merck and C-DAC to bolster manufacturing and design.
GST rate cut: Cement companies profitability will be under pressure for the near term
The Goods and Services Tax Council has reduced the tax rate on cement. This reduction is from 28% to 18%. While good long term, cement companies' profits may be affected. Companies are likely to pass on the tax cut benefits to consumers. Adani Cement aims to scale capacity. The government has reduced rates for various types of cement.
GST relief on building materials set to ease construction costs, support housing
The GST Council's decision to lower tax rates on essential construction materials like cement, marble, and granite is poised to benefit the real estate sector. This move is expected to reduce project costs for developers and homebuyers, potentially leading to increased housing affordability and accelerated project launches.
PM Modi meets chip giants, says confidence in India's potential rising
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met global semiconductor leaders at SEMICON India 2025. Executives from ASML, AMD, Applied Materials, and others expressed confidence in India’s potential as a semiconductor hub.
Cyclically negative, structurally positive: Will cement be a surprise winner? 9 cement stocks with an upside potential of up to 27%
In some sectors, it is better to own a basket of shares rather than have exposure to a single stock. Reason: When a sector goes through a phase of restructuring and consolidation, the chances are high that a set of winners will emerge. But it is tough to figure out which the winners will be. So, buy a basket. Also, unlike in the past when buying a basket of stocks was a cumbersome process, today it is just a click away. Now, why cement? Because it might be a surprise winner. What makes that sector a surprise winner? When fundamentals are changing, but scepticism levels are still high. Cement is a sector which has probably seen the maximum mergers and acquisition in the last three years and that suggests there has been a change in the operating matrix.
Construction intensifies at site linked to Israel's suspected nuclear program, satellite photos show
Experts analyze satellite images showing intensified construction at Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center. The facility is near Dimona. The construction raises concerns about Israel's nuclear program. It could be a new reactor or a nuclear arms assembly facility. Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity. The construction renews questions about Israel's nuclear status. It may draw international criticism.
Tata Electronics, Merck sign MoU to boost semiconductor materials and infra in India
The companies have come to an understanding whereby Merck will offer its full suite of products and services, including high-purity electronic materials, advanced gas and chemical delivery systems, turnkey fab infrastructure services, and its Material Intelligence solutions powered by AI, for Tata Electronics' upcoming Fab in Dholera, Gujarat.
Scientists find red onion dye can shield solar cells from UV damage, outperforming conventional plastic filters
A recent study highlights a promising sustainable alternative to petroleum-based films for solar cell UV protection. Researchers discovered that a nanocellulose film infused with red onion skin extract effectively blocks 99.9% of UV radiation, outperforming commercial filters. This innovative approach offers strong UV protection while maintaining high light transmittance, paving the way for biodegradable solar cell components.
Celebrate festivals with Swadeshi spirit: PM Modi pushes 'vocal for local' mantra for Atmanirbhar Bharat amid Trump tariff shakeup
Amidst global trade tensions spurred by Trump's tariffs, Prime Minister Modi advocated for Swadeshi products during the festive season in his Mann ki Baat address.
Look beyond tariffs; great potential in building materials, domestic pharma and chemicals: Sorbh Gupta
Bajaj Finserv AMC’s Sorbh Gupta said US tariffs on India pose limited earnings risk, with only 2% of MSCI India revenues exposed. He sees strong opportunities in consumption-driven sectors, midcaps, smallcaps, building materials, domestic pharma, and chemicals.
Tariff worries fade, consumption revival seen as next big theme: Amit Khurana
Equity markets are recovering from tariff hike concerns. Investors anticipate limited long-term growth impact. Focus shifts to Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalisation. This is expected to boost domestic consumption. Experts highlight that government policies aim to revive demand. Opportunities exist in consumer staples, durables, and building materials. A broader structural recovery in consumption is anticipated.
Opus and Pivot poised for strong growth: Kumar Birla
Aditya Birla Group's paints business, Birla Opus, launched in early 2024, aims to become the second-largest player, targeting ₹10,000 crore revenue by its third year. Birla Pivot, the B2B ecommerce venture for construction materials, has already achieved a revenue run rate exceeding ₹5,500 crore. These ventures, along with UltraTech Cement, are poised to significantly contribute to India's economic growth.
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