Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific at Eutelsat OneWeb, discusses the company's satellite communication strategies in an exclusive interview with Business Today. Highlighting their market position, Idnani states, "We are one of the only two live low-Earth orbit constellations today." She details the deployment of the Gen 1 constellation and reveals plans for Gen 2, noting that "another 340 satellites contracted for further enhancement in our network." Idnani emphasizes the company's philosophy, explaining that they have "always seen satellite as like a telco network from space." The discussion also covers the "IRIS² program," for which Eutelsat OneWeb has been selected by the European Commission. Furthermore, she praises the partnership with India's space agency, mentioning that "ISRO was able to make that happen in six months." Idnani also addresses the digital divide in India, asserting that satellite is an "important tool to bridge that gap" between rural and urban connectivity.
Vinit Bolinjkar of Ventura Securities outlines a cautious yet constructive strategy for Indian equities in 2026. He notes that while benchmark indices have delivered high single-digit returns, broader markets - especially small caps - have underperformed, hurting retail investors with heavy exposure. At current levels around 26,000, valuations are reasonable but not cheap, making stock selection critical. With Indian interest rates likely past their peak and selling pressure emerging in mid and small caps due to IPO supply and profit-taking, Vinit advises investors to be highly selective and valuation-disciplined. For fresh allocations, he prefers large caps with a tilt towards consumption-led businesses. As inflation bottoms out and gradually rises, he expects improvement in revenues and EBITDA, making quality large caps a relatively safer bet for 2026.
Strong Q1 results from Accenture have brought Indian IT stocks back into focus after a long phase of underperformance. Accenture reported 6% YoY revenue growth, steady FY26 guidance, and a sharp 76% jump in AI bookings, helping revive global tech sentiment. However, experts remain cautious, noting that discretionary spending remains weak and GenAI adoption is yet to meaningfully lift overall IT budgets, a view echoed by Jefferies. Currency volatility, stretched AI valuations, and global macro risks also cap enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley sees limited near-term impact from HCL Tech’s latest acquisition. While large-cap IT may stay range-bound, the view is that midcap IT stocks could outperform once demand visibility improves, even as domestic manufacturing remains the preferred overweight theme.
Chaos erupted in the Karnataka assembly as the government passed the controversial Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025, amid fierce resistance from the opposition. The new law grants the state significant power to act against speech, written material, and digital content deemed to cause social disharmony, with penalties including up to seven years in jail and fines up to one lakh rupees. Defending the legislation, Karnataka's Home Minister stated, 'You can't hate people. That is why we have brought a law,' arguing it was necessary due to a rise in divisive statements leading to violence. The bill allows authorities to block online content while exempting artistic and academic works. Opposition legislators accused the government of throttling free speech and undermining constitutional rights, setting the stage for future legal and public battles over the law's implications.
Fresh disclosures linked to Jeffrey Epstein have reignited scrutiny over his network as House Democrats released 68 new photos tied to Epstein’s estate. The material, part of a growing cache of documents surfacing amid congressional pressure, includes redacted passports, partial text messages and staged images, some carrying disturbing visual elements. Highlighted exchanges suggest arrangements involving young women, renewing debate over the scope of Epstein’s trafficking operation. The photos show Epstein in social settings with several high-profile individuals, without alleging wrongdoing. The release comes ahead of the December 19 deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates public disclosure of unclassified material related to the case.
Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk’s recent launch of Ozempic in India alongside a 37% price cut on Wegovy points out at more than a market entry. It reflects a strategic recalibration as semaglutide approaches the latter half of its patent life globally and competitive intensity in obesity care accelerates. With rivals scaling up and next-generation therapies on the horizon, Novo is shaping its India strategy around broader metabolic health outcomes, access expansion and local partnerships. Emil Kongshøj Larsen, Executive Vice President (EVP) for International Operations, Novo Nordisk told Business Today that India will be central to company's growth agenda, with parallel efforts to widen patient reach and defend its GLP-1 franchise as competition intensifies.
The Indian stock market is wrapped in Christmas cheer as the Nifty trades at 25,979, firmly holding above the key 25,900 bull zone with 90 minutes left to potentially reclaim 26,000. Bank Nifty supports the rally, up 200 points to 59,112, while broad-based strength shines through - a robust advance-decline ratio of 1,922 advancing versus 800 declining stocks. Midcaps and small caps lead with Nifty Alpha 50 up 1%, Small cap 100 gaining 0.8%, and Midcap 100 rising 0.6%. Standouts include Shriram Finance hitting a record high on news of a potential $4.5 billion investment, Power Grid, Titan, Hindalco, and buzzing names like Tata Elxsi, JK Tyre, and pharma stocks. After a painful week, Nifty respects the 21-day EMA, signaling hope for a greener close to 2025.
Sharing his outlook on the NIFTY 2026, George Thomas, Fund Manager at Quantum AMC, says bottom-up fundamentals point to healthy upside over the next two years. He remains optimistic on financials, where rate cuts that hurt banks earlier could turn into a tailwind as deposit repricing improves margins amid a benign credit environment. Insurance is another key pocket, with pricing issues largely behind and earnings visibility improving. IT services, after years of muted global tech spending, could benefit from a technology refresh cycle and enterprise adoption of new platforms. While valuations are no longer cheap, Thomas believes they remain reasonable, setting the stage for returns that could outperform historical averages over the next two years.
India’s top auto awards were announced yesterday, recognising excellence in the automotive industry. The winners were chosen by a jury of leading auto journalists from across the country. Among the key honours, the Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2026 award was won by the Apache RTX 300, applauded for its performance, design and innovation.
Sandip Bansal of ASK Investment Managers outlines three key factors shaping the equity market outlook for 2026. The foremost trigger is a pickup in earnings growth, with FY26 expected to see improvement in the second half, setting the stage for a stronger 14–15% earnings growth trajectory in FY27. Improved market sentiment, supported by potential progress on a U.S. trade deal and expanding bilateral agreements, could further aid the outlook. Bansal also highlights a recovery across market breadth, driven by rising government activity, improved project execution, and a revival in the private sector capex cycle. With rate cuts already in place and capital raised awaiting deployment, growth impulses could strengthen meaningfully next year.
On Business Today TV's "What's Hot Today", Market expert discussed market gains with Nifty rising amid sectoral strength in pharma, realty, and mid/small-caps. ICICI Prudential AMC made a strong debut and rising further. Vinit Bolinjkar (Ventura Securities) recommended holding long-term as a decadal growth play, ranking it top among AMCs for valuations and brand. Ola Electric faced pressure from promoter Bhavish Aggarwal's third consecutive stake sale. Accenture's solid Q1 FY26 results boosted Indian IT sentiment, though Bolinjkar remained cautious. For 2026, he advised overweight large-caps, selective mid/small-caps, focus on manufacturing, defense, FMCG, and mid-sized banks; stay positive on gold/silver.
Sandip Bansal of ASK Investment Managers shares his perspective on the weakening rupee and how fund managers are adapting. He explains that while a softer rupee raises import costs - especially for capital goods and oil - it also supports exports and helps cushion the impact of US tariffs. With crude prices remaining muted, the pressure from imports has been manageable. Bansal notes that currency volatility is not desirable but is an unavoidable part of markets. Rather than viewing it as a nightmare, fund managers adjust portfolios to evolving macro conditions. In this environment, ASK has taken a tactical call on the IT sector, supported by export orientation, attractive valuations, and signs of improving demand, turning currency weakness into a strategic opportunity.
On December 19, 2025, amid a market rebound with Nifty reclaiming 25,900, ASK Investment Managers' Deputy CIO Sandeep Bansal shared a hopeful 2026 outlook after a painful 2025. He expects earnings growth recovery, improved sentiments from potential US trade deals/bilateral agreements, and rising government/private CAPEX benefiting from rate cuts. Fresh deployments focus on domestic cyclical plays - BFSI (credit growth, asset quality, valuations), discretionary consumption, manufacturing/capital goods. Tactically bullish on IT due to weak rupee boosting exports, attractive valuations, and improving demand. Prefers large-caps for better risk-adjusted returns; selective mid/small-cap opportunities. Advises cleaning weak portfolios, expects FII return. Long-term India story intact at ~21x forward earnings.
Sandip Bansal of ASK Investment Managers explains how fresh monthly inflows are being deployed in the current market environment. The focus remains firmly on domestic-oriented businesses positioned to benefit from a cyclical recovery. While there is no single-sector bet, Bansal highlights a basket-led approach with BFSI, discretionary consumption, manufacturing, and capital goods at the core. BFSI stands out due to improving credit growth momentum, strong asset quality, and attractive valuations. He also notes a tactical bullish turn on the IT sector, supported by favourable currency dynamics, current account considerations, rising gold prices, reasonable valuations, and an improving demand outlook. Overall, ASK’s strategy balances cyclical recovery themes with selective sectoral opportunities.
The Lok Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes as the government passed the Vixit Bharat Ji Ram Ji Bill, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. While the new legislation proposes increasing guaranteed work days to 125, it reduces central funding for labour costs to 60 per cent. Opposition MPs tore copies of the bill, terming it the 'murder of Bapuji's ideals' and an attack on the 'right to work'. The government defended the move as a necessary reform serving public interest. The session ended in uproar with the Speaker warning members about parliamentary decorum violations. Opposition parties alleged the legislation was rammed through without meaningful discussion, warning that the political battle is set to spill beyond Parliament.
Parliament has passed the SHANTI Bill, opening India’s nuclear sector to private and joint venture participation. The law replaces the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010. The government says the reforms will boost nuclear capacity from 8.88 gigawatts to 22 gigawatts by 2032 and 100 gigawatts by 2047, while retaining state control over sensitive areas. The Opposition has opposed the Bill, alleging it dilutes operator liability and weakens oversight, warning it could limit legal remedies for victims of nuclear accidents.
Delhi’s pollution crackdown is in full force with zero exemptions on the ground. Even an MLA’s non-BS VI vehicle was stopped and challaned at the Delhi–Noida border, proving VIP stickers no longer guarantee a free pass. Authorities say rules apply equally to all as enforcement tightens.
RP–Sanjiv Goenka Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka has announced a ₹15,800 crore capital expenditure plan in West Bengal, focusing on energy, education and healthcare infrastructure. Speaking at the Business and Industry Conclave 2025 in Kolkata, Goenka credited Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decisive leadership for enabling rapid investments, noting that the group has already invested ₹26,500 crore during her tenure. The flagship project is a ₹12,000 crore, 5,000 MWh energy storage facility, expected to be among India’s first of its kind, aimed at sourcing 50% of Kolkata’s power from renewables. The group will also invest around ₹1,000 crore to expand education capacity and build a world-class hospital by January 2027.
Football icon Lionel Messi was seen away from stadium lights during his India visit, spending time at Vantara, the country’s advanced wildlife rescue and conservation centre. Arriving on December 13, Messi chose to explore conservation facilities dedicated to animal welfare, observing lions, tigers, elephants, and rare species in natural habitats. Along with teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi interacted with conservation teams and rescued animals. A symbolic moment saw a lion cub named “Lionel,” while an emotional highlight came at the elephant centre during Messi’s interaction with a rescued calf. The visit reflected Messi’s commitment to compassion and conservation beyond football.
After the sharp market correction, opportunities are emerging across sectors, with technology standing out as a key beneficiary. The fund manager highlighted a clear shift in stance on IT, moving from an underweight position earlier in the year to an overweight allocation now. While near-term revenue growth expectations remain muted, the comfort comes from strong balance sheets, resilient business models, and robust free cash flow generation. Even with low single-digit growth, IT companies are offering healthy dividend yields and attractive valuations, making the risk-reward favourable. The gradual increase in exposure reflects growing confidence that downside risks are priced in, while long-term fundamentals remain intact. In the current market environment, cash flows and valuation discipline are driving renewed conviction in the technology space.
Concerns around the rupee weakening to near 91 levels are being viewed with greater calm compared to the past. The market perspective today is shaped by strong foreign exchange reserves, relatively low crude oil prices, and global currency volatility. Unlike earlier phases when sharp rupee moves triggered panic, the current depreciation is seen as part of a broader cycle. Importantly, a weaker rupee provides a cushion to Indian exporters, especially at a time when trade negotiations face delays. With oil prices around $60–62 per barrel, the macro balance remains supportive. The combination of manageable inflation risks, adequate reserves, and global currency adjustments suggests that the current rupee level is not a systemic concern but a temporary phase within the economic cycle.
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Vinit Bolinjkar's 2026 Market Strategy: Be Selective And Valuation-Driven
