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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has dismissed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft, which alleged that the company's bundling of Microsoft Defender antivirus with its Windows operating systems constituted an abuse of market dominance. The complaint, filed under Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002, was closed after the CCI found no prima facie evidence of anti-competitive behavior. The informant claimed that Microsoft's practices sidelined third-party antivirus providers and restricted market access. However, the CCI ruled that Defender is integrated as a security feature rather than a standalone product, and users are free to install alternative antivirus solutions. The commission noted that major cybersecurity firms continue to thrive, and participation in Microsoft's Virus Initiative program is voluntary. Ultimately, the CCI found no violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act, reinforcing Microsoft's position in India's software market and setting a precedent for the integration of security features in operating systems. 
Published: Mar 04 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia is poised to implement a significant increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, raising the limit from 74% to 100%. Chief Economic Advisor Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the need for incremental policy safeguards to ensure that the benefits of this change extend to consumers and the economy. His comments come as the government prepares to introduce the Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2025 during the upcoming Budget session. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the new FDI limit will apply only to companies investing their entire premium within India. Proposed safeguards include allowing foreign nationals in senior managerial roles, contingent on their residency in India, and establishing minimum investment tenures to deter transient investors. With insurance penetration in India at just 3.7%, the government aims for a fully insured society by 2047, aligning with its vision of achieving developed nation status by the centenary of independence.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inCargill showcased its latest product innovations at AAHAR 2025, including the ‘Gemini Plus Trans Fat-Free Vanaspati’ and ‘NatureFresh Professional’ lines, aimed at both B2B and B2C markets. The event, inaugurated by Simon George, Country President and Managing Director of Cargill Food South Asia, featured live cooking demonstrations by Cargill’s Corporate Chef, Anip Kumar, who prepared a variety of dishes such as millet cookies and sourdough chips. Over 50 chef-curated baked applications were displayed, highlighting Cargill's commitment to the snacks, bakery, confectionery, dairy, and catering sectors. George emphasized the company's goal to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions that enhance customer growth while promoting food security. The exhibition served as a platform for Cargill to strengthen partnerships and reinforce its reputation as a trusted provider of food solutions in the industry.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has escalated a global trade conflict by imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, while doubling tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%. This move has raised concerns among Indian exporters, particularly in the steel and agriculture sectors, as the US plans to implement similar tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from March 12, with further announcements on agricultural tariffs expected on April 2. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council, warned that Indian engineering exports could suffer significant losses, potentially exceeding $5 billion. In response, India's Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy stated that the government would devise a trade strategy once the specifics of the US tariffs are clear. Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in Washington to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement aimed at addressing US trade deficit concerns, although experts caution that the negotiations may be challenging given Trump's stance on trade surpluses.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inJSW Energy Ltd (JSWEL) has received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for its ₹16,000 crore acquisition of KSK Mahanadi Power Company Ltd (KMPCL), following the National Company Law Tribunal's (NCLT) endorsement of its resolution plan. This strategic acquisition, executed through the newly formed subsidiary JSW Thermal Energy One Ltd, significantly enhances JSW Energy's thermal power portfolio, adding KMPCL's 3,600 MW plant in Chhattisgarh. The deal is part of JSW Energy's broader strategy to optimize underperforming assets and meet rising energy demands, while also reflecting confidence in India's evolving power market, where thermal energy remains vital despite a shift towards renewables. The CCI's approval indicates compliance with fair market competition regulations, positioning JSW Energy to strengthen its presence in the conventional power sector while balancing its investments in renewable energy.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Ambuja Cements Ltd's acquisition of up to 72.8% of Orient Cement Ltd, a significant move in India's cement sector aimed at enhancing Ambuja's market presence. This acquisition will add Orient Cement's three manufacturing facilities in Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra to Ambuja's existing network of 22 integrated plants and 21 grinding units, thereby expanding its regional footprint across ten states. The deal will occur in two phases, starting with a 46.8% stake acquisition, followed by an open offer for an additional 26%. Meanwhile, CCI has also greenlit Adani Infra's purchase of a 30.07% stake in PSP Projects for ₹685 crore, which will bolster Adani's position in the engineering, procurement, and construction sectors. Both acquisitions reflect ongoing consolidation trends in India's competitive cement and infrastructure markets, driven by rising demand in construction and infrastructure development.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inFarmers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are advocating for a science-based approach to agricultural policymaking, emphasizing their right to access advanced technologies. Members of the National Farmers Empowerment Initiative argue that innovation is crucial for enhancing productivity, securing livelihoods, and ensuring food security in India. A senior leader highlighted the disparity between Indian farmers and their counterparts in countries like the US and Brazil, who have long utilized modern agricultural tools. Cotton farmer Vellangan Reddy pointed to the transformative impact of Bt cotton, which significantly reduced pesticide use and boosted yields, as evidence of biotechnology's potential. However, he lamented the current stagnation caused by misinformation and political delays. Venkatram Vasantavada, Director of the Alliance for Agri Innovation, echoed the call for evidence-based policymaking, stressing that biotechnologically enhanced crops have proven successful globally and are essential for India's agricultural future.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inCryptocurrency prices, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, experienced a decline on Tuesday following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a strategic cryptocurrency reserve and plans to position the US as the global cryptocurrency capital. Experts suggest that this recognition of major cryptocurrencies could prompt other nations to adopt similar regulatory frameworks, fostering a more structured environment for institutional investment. Despite the optimism surrounding these developments, Bitcoin's price fell by 10% to $83,497, while Ethereum dropped 11% to $2,091, largely due to significant sell-offs by institutional investors amid escalating US-China trade tensions and a major hack of the Bybits exchange. Industry leaders, including CoinDCX's Paras Malhotra, noted that the market's volatility reflects broader economic factors. Meanwhile, CoinSwitch's Ashish Singhal urged India to seize the moment to enhance its blockchain capabilities and regulatory clarity to lead in the evolving crypto landscape.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a bid to enhance India's economic landscape, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant reforms aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and fostering a more export-friendly environment during a post-budget webinar on March 4, 2025. She emphasized the government's commitment to creating a robust manufacturing sector that attracts both domestic and foreign investments, positioning India as a trusted global player. Key initiatives include the establishment of a high-level committee to review non-financial sector regulations and the introduction of the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0, which aims to decriminalise over 100 legal provisions, further simplifying business operations. Since 2014, the government has eliminated over 42,000 compliance requirements and decriminalised more than 3,700 legal provisions. Sitharaman also highlighted a proposed capital expenditure of ₹15.48 lakh crore for the next fiscal year, reinforcing the government's focus on infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn financial markets, the SENSEX closed at 72,989.93, down by 96.01 points, while the NIFTY fell 36.65 points to settle at 22,082.65. Crude oil prices dropped by 87.00 to reach 5,902.00, contrasting with gains in precious metals, as gold rose by 897.00 to 86,281.00 and silver increased by 613.00 to 95,146.00. In aviation news, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) announced that operations at Amravati Airport will begin shortly, with all civil works, including the passenger terminal and ATC tower, now complete. The MADC also confirmed the calibration of a precision approach path indicator, a crucial navigation aid for pilots. Alliance Air is set to operate flights between Mumbai and Amravati using an ATR-72 aircraft under the regional connectivity scheme.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 7 pm
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