Plaksha University in Mohali has made known its intentions regarding the Binny Bansal Institute for Inventing the Future (IIF). A commitment of INR 70 crore from Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal enables this move. The institute’s focus is on advanced technology—specifically, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics. It intends to utilize these technologies to develop scalable solutions for big, urgent problems. Crucial areas of concern include healthcare, agriculture, clean energy and environmental sustainability. The hire for the institute’s directorship has yet to be finalized.
A Vision for Technological Advancement
Binny Bansal, who co-founded the software and consulting firm Xto10x, sees the institute as a potential bridge over the skills gap in AI talent. Its envisioned hub-of-hubs can span the four key domains of basic research, transformative research, practical, real-world applications, and the collaboration needed to make it all work.
The AI Talent Institute is not going to make a direct bridge by funneling academics into private enterprises. Instead, it should enable the partnerships mentioned earlier to make the transition happen at speed and scale. One AI Talent Institute initiative is a planned direct partnership with the public sector targeted at achieving that transition.
This is what Binny Bansal, Founder Flipkart and Xto10x, had to say about the initiative:
“The future of technology lies in solving real-world problems. This Institute reflects my belief that the power of frontier technologies can radically improve lives, from healthcare to clean energy. I am excited to see how this initiative will develop scalable solutions for global challenges and equip the next generation of innovators with the skills they need to lead the way.”
Collaboration with UC Berkeley
A strategic partnership has been formed by Plaksha University with the University of California, Berkeley, embracing the famed Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab. This collaboration serves as an initial step toward engaging the University of California in joint research projects with Plaksha University and several other international partner institutions. The collaboration also enables the exchange of faculty and students between the two universities.
The partnership will bring in global deep-tech expertise and insights to add to India’s burgeoning deep-tech sector. It will help us gain a stronger position in the world in areas like synthetic biology, climate science, and fintech.
Strengthening India’s Deep-Tech Ecosystem
The University has been vigorously building a robust deep-tech ecosystem in India. It launched the Info Edge Center for Entrepreneurship last year, which works to ensure that aspiring founders get the mentorship and incubation they need to succeed.
The Binny Bansal Institute for Inventing the Future will focus strongly on collaboration with academia, industry, and policymakers. Its work will focus strongly on commercialization, on taking research breakthroughs that it might induce or generate in its labs and offices and creating businesses out of them. There is too little of that happening in India, even as the country makes strides in fields like AI, blockchain, and robotics.
Ola Electric declared that it secured a 30% market share by registering 3,44,005 electric scooters in the fiscal year 2025. However, even with those impressive numbers, the Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer fell to third place in the race for March 2025 sales. Only Bajaj Auto and TVS managed to sell more units of something in that March than Ola Electric did.
Trailing Bajaj and TVS
Data from the VAHAN portal reveals that Ola Electric sold 23,430 units in March 2025. Meanwhile, Bajaj Auto maintained its lead in the electric two-wheeler (E2W) segment with 34,863 units. Not too far behind, TVS racked up sales of 30,454 units. This puts the market share of Ola Electric in March at 17.9%; Bajaj’s share is 26.76%, and TVS holds 23.3%.
This is not the first time Ola Electric has lagged behind Bajaj. This December, for the first time, Bajaj beat Ola in market share, selling 18,276 units for 24.93% of the market. Meanwhile, in March, Ather Energy sold 15,446 units. Hero MotoCorp and Greaves reported 7,977 and 5,641 units, respectively.
Overcoming Registration Challenges
Ola Electric accepted that the preliminary sales results for February were affected by the transition to vehicle registrations done in-house. The company claims that nearly all the February sales backlog has been completed and that by the end of this month, April 2025, the remaining February to March registrations will all be done.
An Ola Electric company spokesperson stated, “Demand across urban and rural markets remains robust, even in March 2025. We have almost completely resolved our February backlog and are moving quickly to serve the customer registrations that we have yet to fulfill. Our operations are now fully on track.”
Launch of Gen 3 Scooters and Technological Advancements
Notwithstanding the registration challenges it faces, Ola Electric continues to enjoy a strong position in the electric vehicle market. The company has begun fulfilling orders for its latest offering, the S1 Gen 3 scooter, which boasts a number of technological improvements over its forerunner. The new model features a mid-drive motor (a huge step up from the previous model’s hub motor), which, combined with a chain drive, makes for a more reliable e-scooter and a more enjoyable ride.
Ola asserts that the Gen 3 scooters provide a 20% uptick in peak power, an 11% dip in pricing, and a 20% increase in range when stacked against their forebears. But look: they are all but a few PowerPoints and a shiny “new for 2022” paint job distinct from the two other recently refreshed scooters on which they are built. You shouldn’t be fooled, then, into thinking the Gen 3 lineup is a major reworking of the previous models. But even if they are all underwhelming, each scooter still does at least one thing well.
The S1 Gen 3 range is available in three prices, starting with the 2kWh model at INR 79,999. At the high end, the S1 Pro+ 5.3kWh variant, which features Ola’s custom 4680 Bharat Cell, is available at INR 1,69,999. As competition grows stronger, Ola Electric will have to harness its technological progress and operational efficiency to restore its market leadership.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is all set to launch Qwen 3, an advanced version of its leading artificial intelligence (AI) model. While the exact timing of a release remains uncertain, many in the know expect a rollout later in April. This maneuver happens to be part of an intensifying rivalry with such global AI heavyweights as OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind.
Aggressive AI Expansion Strategy
Alibaba has been on a fast-tracked AI development path and has brought new models and enhancements to market at an unprecedented speed. Just the other week, the company launched an upgraded model in its Qwen 2.5 series, which is not only capable of processing text, images, and audio but also video. This model has been set to serve as a bridge between the Qwen series and forthcoming products. Significantly, the new Qwen model is said to be efficient enough to be used on mobile devices and laptops.
This pursuit of “artificial general intelligence” is much more fundamental than what is often termed “artificial intelligence”. This involves solving of specific problems, like making personalized recommendations based on the data one has in hand. “General” means the systems can do anything a human can do and, in some cases, can do it better.
Competitive Landscape and Market Impact
The international AI arena has seen increased rivalry lately, especially since Chinese companies like Alibaba and DeepSeek have started offering not-so-pricey AI solutions.
DeepSeek, an AI upstart from Hangzhou, recently shook up the industry by coming out with an AI model that works better (and also costs way less) than anything its American analogues churned out. And so we’re seeing a wave of developing-in-China, low-cost, high-performance AI services that threaten to eat into, and maybe even ultimately challenge, the dominance of American tech titans like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft.
In answer, OpenAI has recently revealed intentions to debut a forthcoming, more open, and human-like AI model in the immediate future. This move seems to represent a strategy shift to counter new players in the AI space like Alibaba and DeepSeek, who have been attempting to undercut OpenAI’s offerings. Meanwhile, Google and Anthropic are doing their best to hold onto the leadership charm that their AI models supposedly have. Both companies have been unveiling new updates to their models and, just like OpenAI, have been attempting to broaden the appeal of their AI models.
Alibaba’s AI Investment Commitment
AI has been chosen as the future growth driver of Alibaba, and it is going to be heavily funded. In February, the company announced that it was going to put more money into the actual research and development of AI in the next three years than it has in the previous ten. That’s a substantial bump. And when you’re talking about Alibaba, you have to remember that this is a company that spends ostentatiously.
One of the organization’s newest innovations, the Qwen2.5-Omni-7B design, demonstrates Alibaba’s resolve to lead AI innovation. Introduced on March 27, this multipronged AI system is set up to accept a range of input types, mainly text but also images, audio, and video, and to give back responses nearly as fast as you can think. Because the model is compact, it’s calibrated to run on the kinds of mobile devices and laptops that most people use every day.
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in the financial services industry. With over $11.6 trillion in assets under management (AUM) as of 2024, the company has built its reputation on trust, technology, and a forward-thinking approach.
As the financial landscape evolves, so does BlackRock’s marketing strategy. The firm is expanding its reach and reifying its brand portfolio to cater to a broader audience. In this article, we will explore BlackRock’s marketing strategy in detail and highlight the new brands it plans to introduce by 2025.
To further understand BlackRock’s marketing strategy, it’s essential to delve deeper into the tactics and tools the company employs to maintain its market leadership. Here’s a more detailed look at how BlackRock plans to execute its strategy:
Digital Transformation – The Backbone of BlackRock’s Strategy
BlackRock has been a pioneer in leveraging technology to enhance its operations and customer experience. The company’s Aladdin platform, a sophisticated risk management and investment analytics tool, is a testament to its commitment to digital transformation.
Aladdin’s Role: Aladdin provides BlackRock with a competitive edge by offering real-time data analytics, risk assessment, and portfolio management tools. This platform not only serves BlackRock’s internal teams but is also offered to external clients, creating an additional revenue stream.
AI and Machine Learning: BlackRock is increasingly integrating AI and machine learning into its operations. These technologies enable the company to analyze vast amounts of data, predict market trends, and offer personalized investment solutions.
Mobile and Web Platforms: BlackRock’s user-friendly mobile and web platforms allow clients to access their portfolios, track performance, and make informed decisions on the go.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors have become a critical consideration for investors worldwide. BlackRock has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable investing, and this focus is reflected in its marketing strategy.
ESG-Focused Products: BlackRock offers a range of ESG-focused investment products, including ETFs and mutual funds. These products cater to the growing demand for responsible investing.
Transparency and Reporting: BlackRock emphasizes transparency in its ESG initiatives. The company regularly publishes reports detailing its progress on sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Partnerships and Collaborations: BlackRock collaborates with organizations and initiatives that promote sustainability. For example, the company is a member of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which aims to improve climate-related financial reporting.
Personalization – Tailoring Solutions for Every Investor
Personalization is at the heart of BlackRock’s marketing strategy. The company recognizes that every investor has unique needs and goals, and it strives to offer tailored solutions.
Robo-Advisors: BlackRock’s robo-advisory platforms, such as FutureAdvisor, use algorithms to create personalized investment portfolios based on an individual’s risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon.
Customized Portfolios: For high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, BlackRock offers customized portfolio management services. These portfolios are designed to meet specific investment objectives and risk profiles.
Educational Resources: BlackRock provides a wealth of educational resources, including articles, videos, and webinars, to help investors make informed decisions. These resources are tailored to different levels of investment knowledge, from beginners to experienced investors.
BlackRock’s Bold Moves – Expanding Horizons
Jio BlackRock – A New Era in Indian Asset Management
One of BlackRock’s most notable new ventures is Jio BlackRock, a 50:50 joint venture with Jio Financial Services (JFS). With both companies committing $150 million each, this collaboration aims to create a digital-first asset management platform tailored to India’s growing investor base. By leveraging JFS’s local market expertise and digital reach alongside BlackRock’s global investment capabilities, Jio BlackRock is poised to revolutionize India’s financial landscape.
Product Innovation and Diversification
To meet evolving investor preferences, BlackRock has introduced innovative financial products, including:
Managed Futures ETF: BlackRock has filed to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on managed futures, a hedge fund strategy that takes long and short positions across multiple asset classes. This ETF is designed to provide diversification and risk mitigation, especially in volatile market conditions.
Private Market Access for Individual Investors: In collaboration with Partners Group, BlackRock is developing investment solutions that provide individual investors access to private equity and private credit, traditionally reserved for institutional clients.
Strategic Marketing and Communication Shift
Amid growing political and client scrutiny, BlackRock has adjusted its marketing communications to focus on key investment themes:
Retirement and Infrastructure Investments: BlackRock has placed a strong emphasis on retirement solutions and infrastructure projects, including a $30 billion partnership with Microsoft for green energy and data center developments.
Client-Driven Investment Strategies: The firm has reinforced its commitment to giving clients greater control over their investments, including a “Voting Choice” program that enables clients to participate in shareholder proxy decisions.
BlackRock’s expansion strategy includes the launch of several new brands, each designed to target specific market segments. Here’s a sneak peek into what’s coming:
BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL)
Focus: Tokenized funds for institutional investors.
Why It Matters: BUIDL provides exposure to U.S. Treasury bills and repurchase agreements while leveraging Ethereum blockchain technology for increased efficiency and transparency. It represents BlackRock’s move into digital assets.
Marketing Approach: BlackRock promotes BUIDL through institutional partnerships, digital asset summits, and educational content on blockchain’s role in traditional finance.
BlackRock Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP)
Focus: Regulated Bitcoin investment for European markets.
Target Audience: European institutional and retail investors interested in cryptocurrency.
Why It Matters: With increasing demand for digital assets, BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETP offers a secure and regulated way to invest in Bitcoin within traditional financial structures.
Marketing Approach: BlackRock markets this product via thought leadership, educational webinars, and strategic collaborations with financial advisors to encourage Bitcoin adoption among mainstream investors.
BlackRock Technology and Private Equity Term Trust (BTX)
Focus: Technology and private equity investments.
Target Audience: Growth-focused investors and institutions seeking exposure to tech startups and private markets.
Why It Matters: BTX shifts BlackRock’s previous strategy toward high-growth sectors, particularly in AI, fintech, and private equity.
Marketing Approach: BlackRock targets venture capitalists and institutional investors through exclusive industry reports, networking events, and digital advertising campaigns showcasing the potential of tech-driven private equity investments.
iShares Managed Futures Active ETF (ISMF)
Focus: Hedge-fund-style ETF for diversification in volatile markets.
Target Audience: Retail and institutional investors seeking non-traditional investment strategies.
Why It Matters: ISMF provides access to managed futures strategies, including long and short positions across commodities, currencies, and stocks—typically available only to hedge funds.
Marketing Approach: BlackRock leverages financial media partnerships, YouTube explainers, and data-driven case studies to illustrate ISMF’s benefits in uncertain economic conditions.
GreenVest
Focus: Sustainable and green investments.
Target Audience: Millennials and Gen Z investors passionate about climate change and sustainability.
Why It Matters: With the global push toward net-zero emissions, GreenVest will offer ESG-focused portfolios, green bonds, and renewable energy funds.
Marketing Approach: GreenVest will leverage digital platforms to engage with younger audiences. Social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and interactive content will be key components of its marketing strategy. The brand will also host webinars and workshops to educate investors about the benefits of sustainable investing.
WealthPath
Focus: Personalized wealth management for retail investors.
Why It Matters: WealthPath will use AI-driven tools to create customized investment plans, making wealth management accessible to a wider audience.
Marketing Approach: WealthPath will focus on digital marketing, including targeted ads, email campaigns, and personalized content. The brand will also partner with financial advisors to reach a broader audience. Educational content, such as blogs and videos, will be a key part of its strategy to build trust and credibility.
CryptoCore
Focus: Digital assets and blockchain-based investments.
Target Audience: Tech-savvy investors and institutions exploring cryptocurrency.
Why It Matters: As digital assets gain mainstream acceptance, CryptoCore will provide secure and regulated investment options in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.
Marketing Approach: CryptoCore will focus on digital marketing, including social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and targeted ads. The brand will also host webinars and workshops to educate investors about the risks and rewards of cryptocurrency investing.
FutureFunds
Focus: Thematic investing in futuristic sectors like AI, robotics, and space exploration.
Target Audience: High-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.
Why It Matters: FutureFunds will capitalize on the growing interest in disruptive technologies, offering exposure to cutting-edge industries.
Marketing Approach: FutureFunds will focus on thought leadership and content marketing. The brand will publish white papers, research reports, and case studies to showcase its expertise in thematic investing. It will also host industry events and conferences to engage with high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.
GlobalAccess
Focus: Emerging markets and international diversification.
Target Audience: Investors looking to tap into high-growth economies.
Why It Matters: GlobalAccess will provide curated portfolios focused on emerging markets, offering high potential returns for risk-tolerant investors.
Marketing Approach: GlobalAccess will focus on digital marketing, including targeted ads, email campaigns, and personalized content. The brand will also partner with financial advisors to reach a broader audience.
Educational content, such as blogs and videos, will be a key part of its strategy to build trust and credibility.
How BlackRock Plans to Market These New Brands?
BlackRock’s marketing strategy for these new brands will be a blend of traditional and digital approaches:
Data-Driven Campaigns: Leveraging big data and analytics to identify target audiences and tailor messaging.
Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with financial influencers and thought leaders to build credibility and reach younger audiences.
Educational Content: Creating webinars, blogs, and interactive tools to educate investors about the benefits of each brand.
Sustainability Storytelling: Highlighting the impact of ESG investments through compelling narratives and real-world examples.
AI-Powered Personalization: Using AI to deliver hyper-personalized marketing messages and recommendations.
By 2025, BlackRock aims to solidify its position as a one-stop solution for all investment needs. Working with other businesses reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Whether you’re a retail investor, an institution, or a tech enthusiast, BlackRock’s expanded portfolio will have something for everyone. As the financial world continues to evolve, BlackRock’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial.
With its new brands and forward-thinking marketing strategy, the company is well-positioned to lead the charge into the future of investing.
The Role of Data and Analytics in BlackRock’s Marketing Strategy
Data and analytics play a crucial role in BlackRock’s marketing strategy. The company works on big data to gain insights into market trends, customer behavior, and investment opportunities.
Customer Segmentation: BlackRock uses data analytics to segment its customer base and tailor its marketing messages accordingly. For example, the company may target millennials with ESG-focused products while offering thematic investment options to high-net-worth individuals.
Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics enables BlackRock to anticipate market trends and adjust its investment strategies accordingly. This proactive approach helps the company stay ahead of the competition.
Performance Tracking: BlackRock uses data analytics to track the performance of its marketing campaigns. This allows the company to measure the effectiveness of its strategies and make data-driven decisions.
The Importance of Thought Leadership in BlackRock’s Marketing Strategy
Thought leadership is a key component of BlackRock’s marketing strategy. The company positions itself as a trusted authority in the financial services industry by sharing valuable insights and expertise.
Research and Publications: BlackRock regularly publishes research reports, white papers, and market insights. These publications cover a wide range of topics, from macroeconomic trends to investment strategies.
Industry Events: BlackRock hosts and participates in industry events, such as conferences and webinars. These events provide a platform for the company to share its knowledge and engage with clients and stakeholders.
Media Presence: BlackRock’s executives frequently contribute to leading financial publications and media outlets. This media presence helps the company build credibility and reach a broader audience.
The Future of BlackRock’s Marketing Strategy
As BlackRock looks to the future, its marketing strategy will evolve in response to changing market dynamics and customer needs. Here are some key trends to watch:
Increased Focus on Digital Channels: BlackRock will continue to invest in digital channels, such as social media, email marketing, and mobile platforms, to reach a larger audience.
Improved Personalization: Advances for AI and machine learning will enable BlackRock to offer even more personalized investment solutions and marketing messages.
Good Emphasis on Sustainability: As ESG investing gains momentum, BlackRock will further integrate sustainability into its marketing strategy and product offerings.
Expansion into New Markets: BlackRock will explore opportunities in emerging markets, using its global expertise and resources to tap into high-growth regions.
Conclusion
BlackRock’s marketing strategy is a testament to its ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing financial landscape. By integrating technology, sustainability, and personalization, the company has established itself as a global leader in asset management.
Working with several businesses such as GreenVest, WealthPath, and CryptoCore reflects BlackRock’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clients. As we are already in 2025, it will be exciting to see how BlackRock’s marketing strategy continues to shape the investment landscape.
With its forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence, BlackRock is well-positioned to take charge of the future of investing.
BlackRock, Inc. is a global asset management firm founded in 1988. It is the world’s largest asset manager, providing investment, risk management, and advisory services to both retail and corporate clients.
Who are BlackRock founders?
Robert S. Kapito, Susan Wagner and Larry Fink are the founders of BlackRock.
What does BlackRock do?
BlackRock offers a wide range of investment solutions, including single and multi-asset baskets that invest in stocks, fixed-income, options, and money market funds. It utilizes its technology platform, Aladdin, to enhance portfolio management and trading efficiency for clients across global markets.
Due to the bank’s Annual Closing activities, the State Bank of India (SBI) has notified its clients that some financial services will be momentarily unavailable on April 1, 2025. The bank made the announcement through a post on X. For banks to complete financial records, reconcile accounts, and guarantee a smooth transition into the new fiscal year, this planned downtime is crucial. In its message, SBI recommended customers arrange their transactions appropriately to prevent any disruption.
Reports of SBI mobile banking failures increased, with a peak occurring between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM IST, according to data from Downdetector. Mobile banking accounted for 64% of the reported problems, with fund transfers coming in second at 33% and ATM troubles at 3%. Consumers vented on social media about unsuccessful transactions and trouble logging into their accounts.
Official Statements of SBI and NPCI
The services of Internet Banking, Retail, Merchant, Yono Lite, CINB, Yono Business Web & Mobile App, YONO, and UPI would not be available tentatively between 13:00 and 16:00 IST on April 1, 2025, owing to Annual Closing activity, according to SBI’s official website. ATM and UPI Lite services will be accessible during this time. Through its official X handle, ‘@TheOfficialSBI’, the bank has posted the same on its social media platform.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced that several banks are experiencing sporadic decreases in transactions as a result of the end of the fiscal year. The UPI system is operating smoothly, and we are collaborating with the relevant banks to address any issues that may arise. Via its official X handle, @npci_npci, NPCI also posted this information on its social media platform.
Services Available Vs Non Available Services
•UPI Lite
•ATM services
•Internet Banking (Retail
& Merchant Services)
•Corporate Internet Banking
(CINB)
•YONO Lite (Mobile Banking
App)
•YONO Business (Web &
Mobile App)
•YONO (SBI’s Digital Banking
Platform)
•Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) Transactions
For more seamless transactions, SBI users might try using other bank accounts to make payments. Small transactions can be made using UPI light without a UPI PIN if it is available. Payments can also be made with ATM-cum-debit cards.
Why Banks are Closed on 1 April 2025?
On April 1, 2025, India’s next fiscal year officially begins. On this day, banks prepare financial reports and audit records, close and reconcile their books for the previous fiscal year, and update loan balances and interest rates for the upcoming one. This closure is observed by banks in both the public and private sectors. Bank workers perform account reconciliation and audits in the background, while consumers are unable to transact at physical branches. Various states have planned a number of bank holidays for April 2025, including celebrations of Akshaya Tritiya, Mahavir Jayanti, Ambedkar Jayanti, Good Friday, Bohag Bihu, and Basava Jayanti.
With an emphasis on battery swapping facilities, the Indian government plans to expand EV charging infrastructure. This expansion is likely to cover important transportation hubs, such as ports, highways, railroads, and airports. According to a media report, a top official affirmed the project as a component of a larger endeavour to increase EV adoption in the nation. To identify the best places for EV charging stations, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) is working with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and many state governments. The installation of EV charging stations and battery-swapping stations has been allotted INR 2,000 crore under the INR 10,900 crore PM E-Drive programme. In order to accommodate the increasing number of EV users and lessen dependency on internal combustion engine vehicles, the government plans to expand the number of public charging stations from 32,500 to 72,300 by FY26.
Expansion to Major Transport Corridors
EV charging stations are already available at a number of transportation passageways, such as the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, the Kochi Airport, the NH-48 (Delhi-Jaipur-Agra), and the NH-179B (Chennai-Trichy). Other sites are being evaluated for additional installations. According to the official, the administration held an interministerial meeting and received feedback from 14 states. Upon receiving further input from pertinent departments, the administration will complete the guidelines by April. MHI has selected 20 national routes with heavy truck traffic for charging infrastructure in order to support long-distance EV travel. According to the report, MHI will give financial support, up to 80% of the project expenditures, while NHAI will manage the procurement process. Among the busy roads under consideration are the Bengaluru-Chennai and Mumbai-Pune highways. Based on traffic data, NHAI will pinpoint the precise sites, while MHI will manage the allocation of funds.
Battery Swapping and its Specifics
The official clarified that the government will accept battery swapping proposals from ports, airports, and NHAI. However, they need to adhere to the safety and technical requirements set forth by the power ministry. AAI must mention power capacity and pricing specifications if it plans to incorporate a battery-swapping facility in its tenders. Operators will also have to fulfil investment-based service-level requirements. According to a media report that cited the official, businesses might have to buy batteries to guarantee this degree of service. The service-level agreement will contain topics like uptime, power quality, and service specifications, even though this might not be a formal requirement. The quantity of batteries, however, will not be mentioned. The AAI, NHAI, and state governments will eventually make this decision. As part of the programme, the government is willing to offer subsidies for swapping stations.
By July, Kaynes Semicon, a business situated in Mysuru, may become the nation’s first manufacturer of packaged semiconductor chips. This would be a significant milestone for the India Semiconductor Mission 1.0. The schedule was confirmed by senior government officials and Kaynes CEO Raghu Panicker. According to Panicker, the clean room facilities and machinery are expected to be finished by early May, and the pilot line is “almost” finished. According to him, the first samples will be delivered to the US semiconductor company Alpha Omega Semiconductor in July, while qualification testing is scheduled for June. According to Panicker, prior to the permission, the company had been getting ready for clients, technological partners, and building designs.
Kaynes’ Planning for the Future
The cabinet gave Kaynes permission in September of last year to invest INR 3,307 crore in the establishment of an outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) plant in Sanand, Gujarat. The facility will be able to make 6.3 million chips every day. Alpha Omega Semiconductor and Kaynes have reached a multi-year deal for Kaynes to package and test 12 distinct packages. These consist of a power MOSFET, an insulated-gate bipolar transistor, and an intelligent power module (IPM). Initial production samples will be sent by the company for assessment in July and August. The company has inked a definitive multi-year arrangement with Alpha Omega Semiconductor, and in the first phase, they would use about 60% of its capacity, Panicker told a media house. Kaynes anticipates making millions of dollars during the course of the multi-year agreement.
Three Other Firms Received Approval from the Centre
The cabinet also approved three more companies: Micron, Tata Electronics, and CG Power. Additionally, Tata Electronics is establishing the first wafer production facility in India. Tata Electronics obtained cabinet permission for its OSAT and fab in February of last year. Meanwhile, Micron gained cabinet approval for its ATMP in June 2023. In February of last year, the cabinet also approved CG Power’s OSAT. According to Panicker, Kaynes has four customers lined up in addition to Alpha Omega, including in the US and Japan. The company will shortly reveal its second customer. The company will concentrate on high-voltage packages for satellites and air conditioners. With a new PCB facility in Tamil Nadu and other projects in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, Kaynes is also growing its presence. With this sector, Kaynes will make its debut in the state of Tamil Nadu, where the facility will concentrate on bare board PCBs.
Panicker stated, “We are considering our options in Odisha and Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh),” suggesting that these initiatives would also fall within the semiconductor industry but not PCB production. 50% of the investment in the Kaynes chip assembly factory, or INR 1,653.5 crore, would come from the Centre, with the Gujarat government providing the remaining 20%. The company is making the remaining 30% of the investment, or INR 992.1 crore. However, the corporation and the central government have not yet signed the fiscal assistance agreement. In December 2023, Kaynes raised money for the same purpose.
The reciprocal tariffs that President Donald Trump intends to implement on April 2 will apply to all countries. Earlier, it was speculated to be meant for those with the most significant trade imbalances with the US. India, China, the European Union, Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Canada are among the nations that are expected to be impacted by Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. On 31 March, however, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the president will announce his intentions to apply reciprocal tariffs on all of the US’ trading partners on 2 March. She went on to say that Trump alone will decide whether or not the tariffs’ specifics are made public. Trump has consistently demonstrated his aggressiveness with tariff threats since taking office for a second term in January of this year.
President’s Claims Vs Reality?
The leader of the Republic has maintained that tariffs will shield American businesses from unfair competition. He further pointed out that it will also provide revenue for the federal government. He also mentioned that it will also empower the government to pressure other countries into making concessions. But according to reports, analysts have warned that imposing wide tariffs at these rates might only backfire. Tariffs have a tendency to increase prices for consumers, but companies worldwide stand to lose a great deal if their expenses rise and sales decline. Import levies have already angered the financial markets and eroded consumer confidence, as has the uncertainty surrounding future trade.
Is it Alarming for India
According to an international news agency report earlier this week, India and the US have agreed to finish a portion of a bilateral trade pact by this year. However, neither party has indicated any signs of any tariff exclusions. Days before the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal trade tariff plan, both nations held trade negotiations in New Delhi this week. Furthermore, the postponed import duties on Mexico and Canada may soon be implemented.
Indian Pharma Sector Already Raising its Eyebrows
India now levies a 10% duty on pharmaceutical imports from the US. On the other hand, the US does not impose any tariff on Indian pharmaceutical imports. According to analysts, reciprocal tariffs on imported medications will, at most, amount to 10% if they are applied to the pharmaceutical industry. Pharma corporations, according to experts, would try to pass on the tariff increases to payors. The entire supply chain will have to partially absorb the rise if the expenses are not transferred to the final patients. According to a media source, businesses that are most exposed to the US generics market will probably experience a one-time impact to their Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) of between 9% and 12% if there is no pass through.
Managed workplace solutions company IndiQube has received the capital markets regulator SEBI’s go-ahead to raise INR 850-crore through an IPO. The Bengaluru-based company, which filed its DRHP in December 2024, obtained its observation letter on 24th March 2025, an update the SEBI showed.
According to the DRHP, the proposed IPO is a combination of a Fresh Issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs. 750 crores and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of equity shares aggregating up to Rs. 100 crores. IndiQube proposes to utilize Rs. 426.6 crore from the Net Proceeds of the Fresh Issue towards funding capital expenditure, INR 100 crore for repayment or prepayment of borrowings, and the balance towards general corporate purposes.
Led by Co-founders Rishi Das and Meghna Agarwal, the company is backed by prominent venture capital firm WestBridge Capital and renowned individual investor Ashish Gupta.
IndiQube, which was incorporated in 2015, manages a portfolio of 103 centers across 13 cities, including 6 Tier II cities. It has a portfolio covering 7.76 Mn Sq.ft. of AUM with a total capacity of 172,451 seats as of June 30, 2024. Its clients include GCCs, Indian corporates, unicorns, and startups across sectors with Myntra, upGrad, Zerodha, NoBroker, Redbus, Juspay, Perfios, Moglix, Ninjacart, Siemens, and Narayana Health, to name a few.
On the financial front, it reported a Total Income of INR 867.6 crores in the Fiscal year 2024 as against INR 601.2 crores in the Fiscal year 2023. The company’s FY24 EBITDA stood at INR 263.4 crores, while for Q1FY25 itself, the EBITDA was Rs. 153 crores. IndiQube has also received a CRISIL A+ / Stable rating.
According to a CBRE report, the flexible workspace stock in India currently stands at over 79 million sq.ft. out of which Tier 1 cities account for over 72 million sq.ft. The Tier 1 stock is estimated to grow to approximately 124 Mn sq. ft. by the end of CY2027.
ICICI Securities Limited and JM Financial Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers to the offer. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.
On March 31, OpenAI announced that it has raised $40 billion in a fresh round of fundraising at a valuation of $300 billion. The San Francisco-based company stated in a post on its website that the funding “enables us to push the frontiers of AI research even further”. This new funding round is a part of a relationship with the Japanese investment giant SoftBank Group. According to the company, SoftBank’s backing will enable the company to keep developing AI systems that advance scientific research, facilitate individualised learning, foster human creativity, and open the door to artificial general intelligence (AGI) that will benefit all people. AGI is a computational platform that possesses human-level intelligence.
SoftBank’s Vision of Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)
According to a press release from SoftBank, OpenAI is the partner that is most likely to help the company achieve its objective. The core objective of SoftBank is to create Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) that is superior to human intelligence. In its justification for the most recent investment in the business, SoftBank said that massive processing capacity is necessary to achieve AGI and ASI. So to achieve this goal, the development of OpenAI’s AI models is crucial. SoftBank plans to invest $10 billion in OpenAI initially, with an additional $30 billion due by the end of this year. The 500 million users of ChatGPT each week will receive increasingly potent capabilities as OpenAI expands its infrastructure.
OpenAI Working on Building More Open Generative AI Model
The investment announcement coincided with OpenAI’s announcement that it was developing a more open generative AI model. It is doing so in response to increased competition from Chinese rival DeepSeek and Meta in the open-source field. OpenAI, which has always defended closed, proprietary models that prevent developers from modifying the core technology to make AI more suited to their aims, would change course. OpenAI and closed model supporters like Google have argued that open models are riskier and more vulnerable to malevolent actors and non-US governments. In its conflicts with previous investor and world’s richest man Elon Musk, OpenAI’s adoption of closed models has also been a point of controversy. Musk has urged OpenAI to uphold the company’s name and “return to the open-source, safety-focused force for good it once was.”
Many large firms and governments are steering away from building AI goods or services on models they don’t control, especially when data security is concerned, putting pressure on OpenAI. Meta’s family of Llama models and DeepSeek’s models address these concerns by letting companies download their models and have more control over modifying the technology and data. In January, DeepSeek’s lower-cost R1 model shook artificial intelligence, while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Llama’s one billion downloads this month.
