Current Affairs - Business

HDFC Bank has been granted approval by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire up to a 9.5% stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank and other banks through its group entities. This strategic move follows the merger of HDFC Bank with its parent company, HDFC, in July 2023, which expanded its financial portfolio. The approval is valid until January 2, 2026, and aligns with HDFC Bank’s efforts to diversify investments and build stronger partnerships in the financial sector. This initiative also complements the bank's focus on enhancing deposits and managing its loan-to-deposit ratio.

BharatPe, a leading fintech company, plans to sell 25% of its 49% stake in Unity Small Finance Bank as part of its strategy to comply with RBI regulations. This stake sale aims to raise approximately $800 million (Rs 6,500 crore) and will help BharatPe align with the requirement to reduce its stake to 10% by 2029. The appointment of Rothschild & Co underscores the significance of this move, which is expected to contribute to the bank's financial growth and regulatory compliance while enhancing BharatPe’s strategic focus.

Mubadala, based in Abu Dhabi, emerged as the leading global sovereign investor in 2024, with investments totalling $29.2 billion across 52 deals. The fund's focus areas included digital technologies, renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, with significant investments in regions like India. This achievement underscores the Gulf region's growing influence, as Gulf sovereign funds collectively invested a record $82 billion in the global market.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has been re-certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the period January 2025 to January 2026 by the Great Place to Work Institute, India. This marks SAIL’s second consecutive certification, emphasizing its commitment to fostering a positive work environment through innovative HR practices, employee empowerment, and trust-building initiatives. SAIL's programs, such as flexible work schemes and leadership development partnerships with premier institutions, underscore its dedication to enhancing employee satisfaction and maintaining excellence in workplace culture.

Reliance Industries, through its subsidiary RSBVL, acquired Karkinos Healthcare for ₹375 crore. This strategic acquisition focuses on enhancing Reliance’s healthcare portfolio, especially in oncology. Karkinos specializes in early cancer detection and treatment, and with partnerships with 60 hospitals and plans to establish a cancer hospital in Imphal, the acquisition is expected to significantly expand Reliance's reach in cancer care and management.