India's e-commerce scene is transforming. Quick commerce and online retailers are merging services. Established players like Flipkart and Amazon are exploring 10-minute deliveries. Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto are expanding their product range. They now offer larger items like appliances. Companies are increasing warehouse sizes to accommodate this shift. This competition is changing how Indians shop.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, BSE Sensex and Nifty50, tanked in trade on Friday. While BSE Sensex went below 78,500, Nifty50 was just above 23,700.

Kia India MD Gwanggu Lee stated that car sales are expected to grow moderately by 3-4% next year due to increased prices. He suggested the government reduce taxes to stimulate demand. Kia launched the Syros mini offroader, available in petrol, diesel, and eventually electric versions, to compete in the entry SUV market.

In the December MPC meeting, four members opposed policy easing, making a February rate cut uncertain. Outgoing Governor Das and Deputy Governor Patra prioritized controlling inflation over growth, citing concerns about core inflation and second-order effects. Two external members favored rate cuts to address the GDP growth decline, arguing monetary policy's limitations on supply-side inflation.

A Supreme Court order has affected the sale of Noida Toll Bridge Company. The sale was expected to generate substantial revenue for IL&FS shareholders and lenders. The company built the DND Flyway. The order impacts over 55,000 shareholders and financial institutions. The decision may influence future infrastructure projects. Noida Toll Bridge Company expressed concern over the ruling.

India's foreign exchange reserves dipped below $653 billion, a near six-month low, as of December 13. This marks a $52 billion decrease since September's peak, influenced by RBI interventions, a weakening rupee, and a strong dollar. The rupee hit a record low against the dollar following the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance on interest rates.

India's IPO market is booming, exceeding its fundraising record this year. Experts predict the surge will continue into 2025, fueled by strong economic growth and investor enthusiasm. Vishal Mega Mart's successful debut exemplifies this trend. While IPOs dominate, mergers and acquisitions are also gaining momentum, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, and consumer sectors, attracting significant global investment.

Indian startups saw a funding revival in 2024, reaching $11.3 billion, slightly up from $10.7 billion in 2023. While VC firms have ample capital, they are cautiously deploying funds, prioritizing profitability and strong governance. Zepto led funding with $1.4 billion, but overall deal closures were uneven throughout the year. Investors remain optimistic about India's growth potential.

The Sensex plunged nearly 1,200 points on Friday, marking its fifth consecutive day of losses. Foreign fund selling, a hawkish US Fed, a weak rupee, and poor trade data fueled the decline. The index has erased recent gains, leaving investors poorer by ₹9 lakh crore this week.

Nuvama recommends holding Ambuja Cements, anticipating growth after its merger with Shanghi Industries and Penna Cement. Kotak advises reducing Indiamart Intermesh holdings due to high churn. Yes Securities initiates coverage on Hyundai Motor India with a buy rating, citing the company's evolving tech landscape. JP Morgan gives Swiggy an overweight rating, expecting growth in food delivery and quick commerce.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer. AAC blocks with high fly ash content will now face a lower 12% GST. Conversely, used vehicles, including electric ones, see an increased 18% rate on sale.

ITR filing deadline: December 31, 2024, is the last chance to file belated or revised income tax returns for FY 2023-24. Missing this deadline means penalties, loss of refunds and certain claims.

NACDAC Infrastructure's Rs 10 crore IPO received a record-breaking Rs 14,386 crore in bids, achieving a 1,976 times oversubscription. Retail investors and high-net-worth individuals showed particularly strong interest. The Ghaziabad-based construction company secured funding from two anchor investors ahead of the IPO, aiming to utilize the proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved UltraTech Cement's acquisition of a majority stake in India Cements. UltraTech will acquire a 32.72% stake from promoters and up to 26% through an open offer, strengthening its presence in the southern cement market. This deal, valued at over ₹7,000 crore, boosts UltraTech's market leadership.

TCS and Infosys added twelve $100 million+ clients each post-pandemic, outpacing Wipro and HCLTech's seven. While TCS and Infosys boasted 62 and 40 such clients respectively by 2023-24, Wipro and HCLTech had 22 each. Large deal wins slowed across the industry due to reduced spending and global uncertainties.