Indian e-commerce platform Meesho has received a significant income tax demand notice amounting to nearly Rs. 1,500 crore for the assessment year 2023–24. The notice, issued by the tax authorities, includes both the principal tax amount and applicable interest arising from adjustments made to the company’s reported income. In response, Meesho has indicated that it disagrees with the assessment and intends to contest the order through legal channels.

India’s electric vehicle market witnessed a significant surge in retail sales during February, reflecting the country’s accelerating transition toward sustainable mobility. Strong demand across two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles contributed to the growth, supported by favorable government policies and rising consumer awareness about environmental sustainability. Major manufacturers, including Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, continued to expand their electric vehicle offerings to capture growing market demand.

Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra reported robust vehicle sales in February, reflecting sustained demand for sport utility vehicles and utility vehicles across domestic and international markets. The company recorded solid growth in its automotive segment, driven primarily by the popularity of models such as the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Mahindra Thar, and Mahindra XUV700. Strong rural demand, expanding dealership networks, and improved supply chains contributed to the performance.

Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation is intensifying its focus on India’s fast-growing sport utility vehicle market by introducing a series of new SUV models tailored to evolving consumer preferences. As demand shifts toward spacious, technology-driven vehicles, the company is strategically expanding its lineup to strengthen market share and reinforce brand presence. Flagship offerings such as the Toyota Fortuner and newer entrants like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder highlight Toyota’s emphasis on hybrid technology, fuel efficiency, and premium features.

French automaker Renault is preparing to introduce a new sport utility vehicle, the Renault Bridger, in India by 2027 as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen its position in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. The planned model is expected to target the competitive mid-size SUV segment, which has become a major growth driver for the country’s passenger vehicle industry.

India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry could witness faster innovation and broader participation if the government relaxes eligibility criteria under the Automotive Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, according to the chief executive of Euler Motors. While the policy has successfully attracted major investments from established automotive manufacturers, industry leaders argue that strict financial and production thresholds limit participation from emerging EV start-ups.

Global stock markets experienced a sharp downturn as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices higher, triggering widespread investor concern. The surge in energy costs has raised fears of inflationary pressure, slower economic growth, and disruptions in global supply chains. Key benchmark indices across major economies recorded declines as investors shifted toward safer assets. Analysts say geopolitical instability in energy-producing regions can significantly influence financial markets due to oil’s central role in global trade and manufacturing.

Air conditioner prices in India are expected to rise as manufacturers grapple with increasing raw material costs, currency fluctuations, and stricter energy efficiency regulations. Industry leaders say the combined impact of higher copper prices, depreciation of the rupee against major global currencies, and new energy performance standards is significantly raising production costs. As a result, companies such as Voltas, Blue Star, and LG Electronics may adjust retail prices in the coming months.

Several of India’s largest publicly listed companies witnessed a significant erosion in their combined market capitalization last week, with total losses estimated at approximately Rs 2.81 lakh crore. The decline reflects broader volatility in the equity markets driven by global economic uncertainties, cautious investor sentiment, and sector-specific pressures. Major corporations across banking, information technology, and energy segments experienced notable valuation corrections.

Jaquar Group, a prominent player in India’s premium bathroom fittings and home solutions market, is aggressively expanding its lighting division with the goal of achieving Rs 1,700 crore in revenue within the next three years. The company aims to capitalize on rising demand for energy-efficient and design-focused lighting solutions across residential, commercial, and hospitality segments. By strengthening manufacturing capacity, expanding distribution networks, and investing in product innovation, the company intends to position its lighting portfolio as a major growth engine.