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Demeter Advisors' Ashwini Agarwal sees opportunity in private banks, FMCG, avoids AI & defence bets
Ashwini Agarwal, Founder & Partner, Demeter Advisors, said the Indian market currently favours bottom-up stock selection over sector-wide bets. He remains positive on private banks, FMCG and selectively on IT services due to valuation comfort and earnings visibility, while avoiding expensive AI, defence and metal plays. Agarwal also said India’s ongoing trade agreements could support exports and growth over the medium term.
Railways clears Katra slope works, Kiul-Jhajha 3rd line project in Rs 1,200 crore safety push
The Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has said that these works reflect the Government's commitment to ensuring safe and reliable connectivity in the most challenging terrains of the country. Shri Vaishnaw said that following a detailed assessment of cuttings, bridges and tunnels, protection and rehabilitation works have been sanctioned. He said these works will strengthen the long-term safety and reliability of this strategically important section.
Next bullet train at 350 kmph: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
India's next bullet train will reach speeds of 350 kmph. Design work starts in six months. Indian Railways will also boost domestic cargo movement by rail. This aims to lower fuel consumption. Reforms will simplify norms for container transport. Cement, automobile, and salt loading have seen growth. Fly ash transit reforms are next. Passenger travel efforts are also underway.
Bengaluru Suburban Railway project progressing, says Ashwini Vaishnaw
The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project is making strides across all four routes; with land acquisition finalised for two lines, construction of stations has kicked off, Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Meanwhile, progress continues for the remaining corridors, aided by ongoing approvals and essential surveys. This ambitious network is set to link vital hubs within the city.
Cabinet approves Rs 37,500 crore coal gasification scheme to cut import dependence
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs 37,500 crore scheme to promote surface coal and lignite gasification projects, aiming to gasify around 75 million tonnes of coal and attract investments of up to Rs 3 lakh crore, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said during a Cabinet briefing.
Bullet trains will wipe out short-haul flights, Ashwini Vaishnaw warns airline investors
India's new high-speed rail network will significantly impact short-haul flights. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that routes like Mumbai-Pune and Hyderabad-Bengaluru will be dominated by trains. Travel times will drastically reduce, making air travel uncompetitive. Investors in aviation should consider this shift. The government plans substantial investment in these bullet train corridors.
Constructing 15 kilometres bullet train track every month: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India is accelerating bullet train development, constructing 15 kilometers of high-speed track monthly. The first bullet train project is slated for an August opening next year. Future projects will utilize standardized components to boost local manufacturing. Seven new high-speed corridors are planned, spanning nearly 4,000 kilometers and attracting significant investment.
Jharkhand CM Soren flags 'unacceptable condition' of Chandil–Tata railway section
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has expressed concern over the 'unacceptable condition' of the Chandil–Tata rail section, highlighting consistent hours-long delays for passenger trains over the past two years. He urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to prioritize passenger services and expedite infrastructure projects, questioning the railway's priorities regarding passenger time versus freight transport.
Vande Bharat Express now links Jammu to Srinagar directly
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir. This marks the first direct rail link between Jammu and Srinagar. The service reduces travel time and provides an all-weather connection. The train is popular and has become a lifeline for the region. Future plans include connecting Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri to the rail network.
Officials can travel if norms permit: Ashwini Vaishnaw on free Palace on Wheels, Maharaja Express trips
Railway officials can travel with families on Indian Railways trains strictly following set norms. This clarification came from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha. The minister also provided an update on development works at Karur railway station. Several improvements have been completed, with more ongoing.
Switching to electric power has saved Railways Rs 6,000 crore: Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha
Indian Railways is making waves in the transportation sector, achieving Rs 6,000 crore in savings by embracing electric trains. This innovative shift has positioned them as the world’s second-largest freight mover, with 35,000 km of track and 27,000 km fully electrified. While staff wages take the lion’s share of expenditures, energy costs are a close second.
Oil may hit $180, market can fall 10% if Strait of Hormuz stays shut for 10 more days: Demeter
Ashwini Agarwal, Founder & Partner at Demeter Advisors, told CNBC-TV18 that if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut for another 10 days, crude oil prices could surge to around $180 per barrel and global markets, including India, may fall about 10%. He said this is a low-probability scenario but investors should remain mentally prepared for such risks as tensions in West Asia continue to impact global energy supply and financial markets. Once tensions ease, financial stocks could lead the market recovery as they have been among the hardest hit but are less directly affected by the Middle East conflict.