S&P 500 Falls Following Higher than Expected U.S. Inflation

Analysis by Antonio Di Giacomo, Financial Markets Analyst for LATAM at XS

“The S&P 500 fell more than 1%, February 14, 2025, reaching the 6,005-point zone after releasing Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which came in higher than expected. This report significantly reduced the Federal Reserve’s expectations of interest rate cuts, creating uncertainty in financial markets. Investors reacted with massive sell-offs, pushing the index to last week’s lows.

The year-over-year CPI stood at 3.0%, while the core CPI rose to 3.3%, both above forecasts. On a monthly basis, January 2025’s CPI increased by 0.5% versus the expected 0.3%, while the core CPI registered a 0.4% rise, exceeding the projected 0.3%. These figures reinforce the perception that inflation remains challenging for U.S. monetary policy. The price rise for essential goods and services also suggests persistent inflationary pressure.

The market had been anticipating potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve to stimulate economic growth. However, the persistence of higher-than-expected inflation makes monetary easing in the short term more difficult. Investors now fear the Fed will maintain its restrictive policy longer than expected. This scenario generates increased volatility in financial markets, impacting the performance of other risk assets.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated that while inflation is approaching the 2% target, it has not yet reached a level that justifies rate cuts. This message further heightened market concerns, suggesting that rate reductions could be delayed until late 2025, depending on economic data trends. Powell’s comments made it clear that the Fed needs to see more consistent signs of controlled inflation before shifting its stance.

The market’s initial reaction was a sharp decline, reflecting the impact of uncertainty surrounding monetary policy. However, as the session progressed, the S&P 500 showed signs of recovery, reaching the 6,050-point zone by the close of trading in New York. This behavior highlights market volatility and sensitivity to macroeconomic data. Despite the rebound, uncertainty persists, and further declines could occur in the short term.

Despite the partial recovery, the outlook remains uncertain. Investors may now focus on upcoming economic reports and statements from Fed officials, looking for clues on the future direction of monetary policy and its impact on markets. External factors such as labor market trends and geopolitical stability will also play a key role in shaping the stock market’s trajectory.

In conclusion, releasing higher-than-expected inflation data has caused market nervousness, affecting the S&P 500’s performance and dampening hopes for near-term rate cuts. In the coming months, uncertainty over future Federal Reserve decisions will remain a key factor in market developments. Investors must stay vigilant for new economic signals to adjust their strategies in an increasingly challenging environment.”

Former IRS and SEBI Whole-Time Member Rajeev Agarwal Joins Paytm Money’s Board as Non-Executive Director

Paytm Money, a wholly-owned subsidiary of One97 Communications Limited (OCL) and a leading wealth-tech platform that simplifies wealth management and equity investments through a technology-first approach, has announced the appointment of Shri Rajeev Krishnamuralilal Agarwal as an additional Non-Executive Independent Director on its Board. Shri Agarwal will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee as well as the Chairperson of the Risk Management Committee and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee at Paytm Money.

Shri Agarwal brings more than 40 years of valuable experience, including a distinguished 28-year tenure with the Indian Revenue Services. During his time as a Whole-Time Member of SEBI, he played a pivotal role in driving key market reforms, including the revival package for the mutual fund industry in 2012 and the landmark merger of the Forward Markets Commission with SEBI in 2015. He also spearheaded major initiatives such as enhancing transparency through IPO reforms, introducing the offer-for-sale mechanism for PSU disinvestment, and championing the growth of the SME exchange, which significantly expanded funding opportunities for small businesses and startups.

In addition to his role as a Non-Executive Independent Director on the Board of Paytm Money, Shri Agarwal currently serves on the board of One97 Communications (Paytm) as well. He holds key positions as Chairman and Independent Director at Trust Mutual Fund, and as Independent Director at ACC Ltd., Star Health Insurance, UGRO Capital Ltd., and MK Ventures Capital Ltd. His wealth of experience will bring invaluable insights and guidance to Paytm Money, strengthening its commitment to innovation, transparency, and investor empowerment.

Rakesh Singh, CEO – Paytm Money said, “Our mission is to democratize access to financial markets and simplify the investment journey for millions of Indians. Having made significant strides in enhancing our governance framework, we continue to innovate and expand our investment offerings. With Shri Agarwal’s deep expertise in governance and risk management, we are confident that his guidance will further strengthen these efforts and drive long-term, sustainable growth.”

Shri Agarwal joins the illustrious Board of Paytm Money, which also includes the likes of Shri Narasinganallore Venkatesh Srinivasan and Mr. Cyrus Khambata, both of whom bring over 4 decades of experience in banking, capital markets, finance, and risk management. With these veterans on the Board strengthening the Company’s governance, Paytm Money remains committed to drive compliance-first innovation in wealth-tech.

The platform also offers ‘Margin Pledge,’ allowing traders to use their stock holdings for leverage in trades, along with the Pay Later (MTF) facility for further leverage. The platform has expanded its range of services, including the launch of BSE Futures & Options (BSE F&O) trading, enabling traders to trade SENSEX and BANKEX Option contracts. Recently, the company launched a major revamp of its app, designed to make investing simpler and more seamless than ever. The redesigned app offers a more intuitive interface, personalized dashboards, and smarter tools to empower investors at every stage of their journey. With enhanced portfolio insights, smoother transaction flows, and actionable dashboards for Stock and F&O trading, the upgraded experience caters to the evolving needs of today’s investors, making informed decision-making easier and more efficient.

Nasscom Foundation and MathCo Team Up to Provide Lifelong Skills to Neurodivergent Youth

New Delhi, 14 February, 2025: In a focused effort to enhance skilling and employability for neurodivergent youth, Nasscom Foundation, in collaboration with MathCo, a global leader in Enterprise AI and Analytics has launched Data Annotation Skill Development Program for Neurodivergent Youth. The initiative aims to skill neurodivergent individuals with specialised, job-specific training in data annotation which is a highly sought-after skill in the fast-growing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

What makes this inclusion program special is the focus on providing employment opportunities for the neurodivergent individuals. The program focuses not only on providing participants with specialised training in data annotation but also equipping them with soft skills, mentorship and building confidence to enhance their employability and support their long-term career success.

Through a strong post-placement intervention, it also seeks to assist organizations in continuing to provide neurodivergent youth with a supportive and inclusive environment. This promotes a more diversified workforce, career advancement, and job retention while also aiding in the development of an inclusive culture.

The launch event, held on 12th Feb 2025 at MathCo’s Bangalore office, celebrated the power of inclusivity and the potential of neurodivergent individuals in the corporate sector. The event was attended by over 75 people, including those joining online via Zoom. Attendees included the MathCo team led by Aditya Kumbakonam, Chief Operating Officer and Cofounder, the Nasscom Foundation team led by Roy C Thomas, Orchvate representatives, program beneficiaries, and their parents. The launch event underscored the program’s intended impact: empowering neurodivergent youth and providing them with the skills to thrive in the tech industry.

Commenting on the collaboration, Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation, said, “We believe that a truly inclusive India begins with creating accessible and empowering environments. We are proud to launch this initiative in collaboration with MathCo, as we believe that Neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths that drive workplace innovation, and as organizations prioritize inclusivity, this initiative will help them build sustainable and diverse workplaces.”

At the launch of the program, while wishing the 50 individuals good luck, Aditya Kumbakonam, COO and Cofounder, MathCo said, “At MathCo, we believe that learning is the first step toward empowerment, and continuous learning is key to staying ahead in an evolving world. I am confident that these young individuals will not only make the most of this opportunity but will also continue to grow and adapt as they build their careers.”

The Nasscom Foundation – MathCo collaboration led initiative will train 50 neurodivergent individuals, requiring a foundational level of education. To ensure that the program is tailored to the specific needs of the Neurodivergent community, we have also partnered with Orchvate, experts in training and coaching neurodivergent youth to leverage on their insights in skilling neurodivergent individuals. The training would run in two phases, each consisting of 25 participants. Participants will undergo assessments, receive specialised data annotation training and earn industry-certified certification to enhance their career prospects.

This initiative will provide neurodivergent youth with a very critical and relevant skill of data annotation. Data Annotation entails labelling or tagging data with relevant information to create high-quality training datasets for machine learning-based AI models. It forms the foundational layer for AI applications so that the machines can understand, interpret and process various types of data. This skill is essential for the continued growth and accuracy of AI systems across various use cases and industries and hence is in demand.

Godrej Enterprises Group secures strategic MOUs at Aero India

Chandigarh, 13th February 2025: The Aerospace business of Godrej & Boyce, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group, is strengthening its commitment to India’s self-reliance vision through signing of multiple significant MoUs during Aero India 2025 at Bengaluru to support national programs backed by the Government of India. A Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Ministry of Defence, GoI marks a crucial step forward in Indigenous manufacturing of flight control actuators for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

This MoU builds upon Godrej’s two-decade-long partnership with ADA in developing components for flight-critical DDV-based servo actuators and associated functional elements. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in India’s journey toward self-reliance in critical aerospace technologies. Under the MoU, Godrej Enterprises Group will undertake comprehensive development of Flight Control Actuators for AMCA, including precision manufacturing, procurement of aerospace-grade raw materials, assembly and testing, and development of test rigs for qualification tests.

The business is transitioning from ‘Built to Print’ to ‘Built to Spec’ capabilities while embracing transformative technologies like 3D printing to revolutionize its manufacturing processes and design capabilities. This advanced technology enables the creation of complex components in a single printing process, eliminating multiple traditional production stages and significantly improving operational efficiency. The business is also accredited by DGAQA, DRDO labs, ISRO centers, HAL, BDL, BEL, and other leading global aerospace firms like Boeing, GE Aerospace, Honeywell, IAI, Parker Aerospace, Rafael, Rolls-Royce, and Safran.

Maneck Behramkamdin, Senior Vice President and Business Headof the aerospace business of Godrej & Boyce, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat in the aerospace sector. We are proud to be at the forefront of India’s aerospace revolution, turning the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat into a reality through cutting-edge engineering and precision manufacturing. We continue to enable and elevate India’s manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness at a global level.”

At Aero India 2025, the business is showcasing its comprehensive range of aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The exhibition highlights include advanced aero engine components such as fans, compressors, turbines, and shafts manufactured from exotic materials, demonstrating the company’s sophisticated machining capabilities. The display features precision-engineered tubes, ducts, and brackets, Titanium, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel, alongside indigenously manufactured Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) including actuators, nose-wheel steering manifolds, lubrication pumps, and uplocks. A working model of an Ejector Release Unit (ERU) for aircraft pylons and various carbon fiber composite parts designed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) further demonstrates the company’s diverse expertise.

ICICI Bank installs units to produce water from atmospheric moisture

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025: ICICI Bank has announced the adoption of state-of-the-art technology to produce drinking water from atmospheric moisture as part of its commitment to enhancing the sustainability of its operations. The Bank has installed units to produce 8,000 liters of potable water a day from atmospheric moisture, benefitting 4,200 employees at five offices– one each in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai– and two in Chennai.

The units—known as Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs)—utilize innovative technology to convert atmospheric moisture into 100% microbe-free, fresh, and clean drinking water. The process of condensation transforms water vapor into droplets, which then undergo multiple filtration processes. Essential minerals are added at the end of the process. The AWGs can produce water throughout the year as they can operate in a wide range of ambient temperatures (18°C-45°C) and relative humidity (25%- 100%).

Mr. Soumendra Mattagajasingh, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, ICICI Bank, said, “At ICICI Bank, we are committed to conducting our business sustainably and responsibly to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment. Our strategy for environmental and ecological conservation is led by the 4R (reduce, reuse, recycle, and responsible disposal) principle of environmental stewardship. It is estimated that the atmospheric moisture holds several times of the fresh water in all rivers on the planet. To leverage this renewable resource, we have installed the AWGs at our offices to convert water vapor into drinking water. This initiative reduces our dependence on packaged water, along with making good use of the atmospheric moisture.”

ICICI Bank continues to implement initiatives towards sustainability under the aegis of its ESG policy. The Bank has set a target of becoming carbon neutral in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by fiscal 2032. Over 180 sites of the Bank covering 4.95 million sq. ft. are Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certified, as of March 31, 2024. The ICICI Service Centre at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai was declared ‘Net Zero Waste’ certified in fiscal 2024. Further, the Bank quadrupled its renewable energy consumption to 75.73 million kWh in fiscal 2024, compared to the previous year. It also planted 3.7 million trees since fiscal 2022 and created a water harvesting potential of 25.8 billion liters annually in schools and water bodies.

Ashok Leyland delivers Strongest Ever Q3

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, delivered a successive Q3 record in line with its focus on profitable growth. Some of the key highlights are as below:

• Achieved an all-time high Q3 net profit of Rs.762 Cr, an increase of 31% over the same period last year
•  Reported all-time high Q3 EBITDA of Rs. 1211 Cr (12.8%) vis-à-vis Rs. 1114 Cr (12.0%) in Q3 FY24, registering double-digit percentage EBITDA for the 8th consecutive quarter
•  Recorded all-time high Q3 revenues of Rs. 9,479 Cr vis a vis Rs. 9,273 Cr in Q3 FY24
•  Achieved export volume of 4,151 units in Q3 FY25 against 3,128 units in the same period last year, registering a growth of 33%
•  Turned cash positive at end of the quarter with net cash of Rs. 958 Cr as against net debt of Rs. 1747 Cr at end of Q3’FY24

Ashok Leyland’s domestic MHCV market share continues to be over 30%. The Company also has maintained market leadership in the Bus segment. Ashok Leyland recently launched SAATHI, its foray into the entry-level LCV segment, opening up a new customer segment, which was previously unaddressed. At the recently held Bharat Mobility Global Expo, Ashok Leyland showcased the concept of an industry-first electric Port Terminal Tractor as well as India’s first 15-meter bus with a front engine and capacity of 42 sleeper births. At the show, Switch displayed a concept electric truck in the 7.5T GVW range, again a first in the segment. The Defence, Power Solutions, and Aftermarket Businesses continue to perform well.

Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, of Ashok Leyland, said “The steady progress we are making in profitability is backed by products that deliver superior performance coupled with robust customer engagement. Sales in international markets are showing strong growth, and we expect this momentum to accelerate with the launch of new products. I compliment the management and our team for delivering a record-breaking Q3 for the second year in a row. We are also continuing to invest in battery electric and alternate fuel products to maintain our technology leadership position. Switch has a healthy order book and has plans to come out with a series of products in the next 12 months.”

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, added, “Relative to Q2, the MHCV market has revived significantly in Q3, and is expected to improve further as we enter the last quarter. Our focus remains on profitable growth through product premiumization, cost leadership, better service reach, and enhanced value-added services. Non-CV businesses have done well and offer more headroom for growth. We remain optimistic about the growth of the CV industry in the medium and long term as macroeconomic factors continue to be favorable.”

Bandhan Mutual Fund Launches Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund

Mumbai, February 13, 2025: Bandhan Mutual Fund announced the launch of the Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund, an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty Next 50 Index, which comprises the 50 companies ranked just beyond the Nifty 50 in India’s top 100 listed stocks. While classified as large caps, these companies exhibit mid and small-caps-like growth potential. The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open on Thursday, 13 February 2025, and close on Tuesday, 25 February 2025. Investment in the Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund can be made through licensed mutual fund distributors.

Commenting on the opportunity in the Nifty Next 50, Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC, said, “The Nifty Next 50 Index provides investors access to well-established companies that are still in their high-growth phase. Spanning sectors such as consumer discretionary, FMCG, IT, and more, the index includes industry disruptors with noteworthy potential. Over the past nine years, 24 companies from this index have moved into the Nifty 50, reinforcing it as a launchpad for potential future market leaders. Historically, it has outperformed the Nifty 50 across multiple market cycles. With the recent market correction pushing the index down over 20% and trading below its five-year average, past trends suggest that such phases have often been followed by strong recoveries. The Bandhan Nifty Next 50 Index Fund provides investors with an opportunity to participate in this segment’s longterm growth potential at an opportune time.”

West Bengal to Achieve 20% of Energy Needs from Renewables, Reveals Ghulam Rabbani

Kolkata, February 13, 2025: West Bengal, which has emerged as a frontrunner in the energy space, is steadfast in its effort to ensure 20 per cent of its total energy comes from renewable sources by 2030, Md Ghulam Rabbani, Minister-in-charge, department of Non-conventional and Renewable Energy Sources.

The state government has already been taking several initiatives to achieve the target and the 900 MW Bandu Pumped Storage Project in Purulia in PPP model is a “prime example”.

“This (having 20 per cent of our energy from renewable sources) is not merely an ambitious target, it is a well-planned strategic commitment,” Rabbani said at the 6th Edition of Energy Meet & Excellence Awards organised by Assocham here on Wednesday.

According to Barun Kumar Ray, Additional Chief Secretary, department of Non-conventional and Renewable Energy Sources, there is a need to adopt innovative methods including putting in place a hybrid system by supplementing solar and wind power and integrating it with biomass in order to ramp up renewable energy adoption.

“The state government is working on solarisation of agricultural pumps. Currently huge amount of power is drawn from the State Grid or through the use of fossil fuel for operating agricultural pumps. We are looking to solarise these pumps. We are in talks with Water Resources, Agriculture and Irrigation departments for the same,” Ray said.

West Bengal government is also looking to put in place charging infrastructure in order to be able to meet the demand from EV consumers moving forward. The state has seen a significant surge in EV registrations and this is likely to grow “by leaps and bounds” moving forward, he added.

The state government is also working with Bengal Gas Company Ltd to produce large amount of gas from bio waste. “West Bengal has a huge potential to generate gas from biodegradable waste and we intend to work together with Bengal Gas to explore this opportunity,” he said.

This apart, Ray also talked about the state government initiative to utilise solar energy from rooftop panels installed in various government schools for cooking mid-day meal served to students. “Currently mid-day meal is cooked using firewood or LPG. We are looking to use solar power through rooftop panels going forward. An announcement in this regard is likely to happen soon.”

Hugh Boylan, Australian Consul General in Kolkata, said, “The Consulate General in Kolkata is engaging with state partners and businesses across east and northeast India to explore more opportunities in the energy sector. Our world class mining equipment, technology and services firms have a strong presence here. They are looking to grow existing collaborations and find new partnerships to benefit businesses.”

CESC will be working together with state government support and guidance for promoting rooftop solar project in the city of Kolkata, Vineet Sikka, MD, Distribution, CESC Ltd said. It will also work on battery storage for storage of surplus renewable energy.

Talking about cleaner fuels, Anupam Mukhopadhyay, CEO, Bengal Gas Company Ltd and ED, GAIL, said, “While fossil fuel will continue to be there for some years, it is important to look at less harmful fossil fuel and there comes the role of methane gas. The consumption of methane gas has increased substantially and it is expected to nearly double to touch 300 million standard cubic metre in the next two-to-three years, as compared to the current 180 million standard cubic metre.”

Kushager Tuli Named President – Creative at Tilt Brand Solutions

February 13, 2025 – Mumbai :

Mumbai based Brand and Communications consultancy, Tilt Brand Solutions has announced the appointment of Kushager Tuli as President – Creative. He was last, Executive Creative Director at Leo Burnett.

An engineering graduate with 18 years of advertising experience across Ogilvy, McCann, JWT and a few other agencies, Kush brings with him a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking and leadership skills. Kush has led integrated teams and won national and international accolades on a plethora of brands, including Coca-Cola, Nescafe, The Times of India, BMW, Mastercard, Star Sports, Tata Motors, Perfetti, HUL, Pepsi and Visa.

Speaking of his appointment, Kushager Tuli, President – Creative, Tilt Brand Solutions said, “Tilt is already doing some industry benchmark-worthy work and I hope to add even more depth and value to our clients and our creative showcase. In an ever changing comms landscape, being able to craft brave, engaging and compelling stories across formats and platforms is something that I’m excitedly looking forward to doing, with the rest of the fabulous folks here at Tilt.”

Kush will be reporting into Adarsh Atal.

Adarsh Atal, Group Chief Creative Officer, Tilt Brand Solutions added, “Kushager joins us to not just bolster our creative team, but also to add to our carefully crafted culture. His proven record as a leader is exactly what we need, given the myriad and strong creative talent we have and nurture at Tilt. With his diversity of experience and expertise across agencies and brands, I’m certain that Kushager will help us take our creative product to newer heights.”

Legal Luminaries Debate Justice and Accountability in A Changing India

Chandigarh, February 13, 2025 – Is accountability in public life fading? This pressing question took center stage as the Centre for Constitutional Values at BML Munjal University hosted an exclusive discussion celebrating the legacy of Professor Upendra Baxi, Professor Emeritus, University of Warwick and Former Vice Chancellor, of Delhi University and University of Surat. The event gathered top legal minds, activists, and scholars to reflect on the impact of Prof. Baxi’s ground-breaking work, including his pivotal role in rape law reform and corporate accountability in the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

The discussion was anchored around Of Law and Life, a newly published book by Orient Blackswan that chronicles Prof. Baxi’s legal interventions over decades. Four thematic panels dissected critical issues such as judicial independence, media influence on justice, climate responsibility, and democratic suppression of activism. At a time when institutions face mounting scrutiny and legal frameworks are being tested by political and social shifts, the discussions resonated beyond academic circles. Speakers deliberated on the evolving role of courts in safeguarding civil liberties, the rise of strategic litigation to silence dissent, and the growing influence of media narratives in shaping judicial outcomes. Notable speakers included Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy, VC, NLSIU Bangalore, Prof. Rajeev Bhargava, Mr. Harsh Mander, and leading civil liberties lawyers.

Prof. Baxi’s keynote speech challenged the audience to rethink the role of lawyers, activists, and academics in upholding democratic values. His reflections ignited intense discussions on whether courts are increasingly shaped by public opinion and whether legal aid systems truly serve justice.

The event concluded with a compelling public lecture by Prof. Susan Marks, LSE Law School on ‘Dignity: A Worldly Perspective’, challenging conventional notions of human dignity through global legal frameworks and real-world case studies. Her thought-provoking insights sparked an engaging discussion, leaving the audience with deeper reflections on justice, rights, and the lived realities of dignity.