Corporate News - April 2025
TECHNOLOGY
India Ranks 10th with $1.4 Billion Private Investment in AI: UN Report 
India has secured the 10th spot globally with $1.4 billion in private sector investment in artificial intelligence, according to a recent United Nations report. The report highlights growing investor confidence in India's AI ecosystem, driven by increasing talent availability, government initiatives, and startup activity. Key sectors receiving AI investments include healthcare, Fintech, and retail. India's focus on ethical AI development and regulatory frameworks is also attracting global partnerships. This milestone underscores India's emergence as a serious player in the global AI landscape, though the report notes that consistent policy support and infrastructure upgrades are essential to sustain momentum and compete globally.
Government Releases First Edition of India's International Technology Engagement Strategy for Quantum 
India has launched its first “International Technology Engagement Strategy” for quantum technologies, marking a significant step in establishing global partnerships in emerging tech. Released by the Ministry of External Affairs, the strategy outlines India's vision to engage with global partners for research collaboration, standards setting, and commercial opportunities in quantum computing and communication. It also emphasizes safeguarding national interests in critical tech areas and building domestic capabilities. This initiative reflects India's commitment to being at the forefront of quantum development and fostering global tech diplomacy, as countries race to secure dominance in the next wave of transformative technologies.
India to Develop Its Own ChatGPT Equivalent
India plans to develop its own indigenous generative AI platform, similar to ChatGPT, as announced by Chief Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood. The initiative aims to ensure that India is not solely dependent on foreign large language models, particularly in sensitive sectors like education, governance, and healthcare. The homegrown AI model will prioritize Indian languages, cultural nuances, and secure data practices. It will be developed through a collaboration between academia, startups, and government bodies. This effort is seen as a major leap toward AI self-reliance and aligns with India's broader strategy to boost innovation in emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.
INDIA PARTNERSHIPS
RailTel and NBCC Join Hands for Strategic Collaboration on Data Centre Projects in India and Overseas
RailTel Corporation and NBCC (India) Ltd. have entered into a strategic alliance to jointly execute data center and IT infrastructure projects across India and overseas. The collaboration aims to leverage RailTel's ICT expertise and NBCC's construction capabilities to develop state-of-the-art, energy-efficient data centers, supporting the Digital India initiative. These centers will cater to increasing demand for cloud services, data storage, and digital infrastructure. Additionally, the partnership will explore global markets, particularly in developing countries. This move aligns with India's ambition to become a global digital hub and improve sovereign data capabilities while fostering public sector synergy in tech infrastructure.
ECONOMY
IMF cuts India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.2% amid trade tensions 
The IMF has cut India's FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.2% which is 0.3% point lower than that in January 2025, citing rising global trade tensions and heightened uncertainty. The revised outlook highlights the impact of escalating tariffs and a weakening global trade environment. Despite this, India's growth remains supported by private consumption, particularly in rural areas. The IMF also warned of broader global economic risks due to persistent trade disruptions. Other agencies like Moody's and Fitch have also trimmed their India forecasts.
India hopes to conclude trade pact with US this year 
India aims to finalize the first phase of a trade agreement with the United States by autumn, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during her U.S. visit. She emphasized that engaging with the U.S. is not solely about reciprocal tariff issues but also about strengthening ties with India's largest trading partner. Sitharaman's five-day trip includes participation in the IMF and World Bank spring meetings and the G20 finance ministers' summit. She is scheduled to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and officials from the U.S. Trade Representative's office.
MERGERS AND ACQUISITION
Delhivery, Ecom Express seek CCI nod for their Rs. 1,400-crore deal 
Delhivery Ltd. and Ecom Express have approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for approval of their Rs. 1,400-crore deal. Under the agreement, Delhivery will acquire a controlling stake in Ecom Express for a cash consideration. The proposed transaction aims to enhance cost efficiency, speed, and reach in the logistics sector, aligning with the Indian economy's continuous demand for improvements in these areas. Both companies have submitted a notice to the CCI, asserting that the deal will not adversely affect competition in the Indian market.
$22.7 billion power move: Global Payments to acquire Worldpay and offload Issuer Solutions to FIS in massive shake-up 
Global Payments is set to acquire Worldpay for $22.7 billion in a strategic move to enhance its position in the global payments market. The deal involves a three-way transaction with private equity firm GTCR and financial technology company FIS. As part of the agreement, Global Payments will sell its Issuer Solutions unit to FIS for $13.5 billion, refocusing on merchant services. The combined entity will process approximately $3.7 trillion in payment volume across over 175 countries. The transaction is expected to close in early 2026.
ESG
RBI's approach to Climate-Related Financial Risks 
The Reserve Bank of India is enhancing its regulatory framework to tackle climate related financial risks. It is developing a disclosure system and promoting climate scenario analysis through the upcoming Reserve Bank Climate Risk Information System (RB-CRIS) platform. Aimed at bolstering financial system resilience, RBI's strategy combines green financing promotion with improved risk monitoring tools. It also encourages innovation in sustainable finance. These efforts are designed to align India's banking sector with global ESG standards while managing systemic risks from climate change.
GreenLine Mobility to Invest $1 Billion in Green Trucking 
GreenLine Mobility is investing $1 billion to scale up its green trucking operations in India. The initiative focuses on expanding LNG and electric truck fleets, supporting the decarbonization of logistics and aiding India's carbon neutrality goals. The investment reflects rising demand for sustainable transport in commercial sectors. With this move, GreenLine aims to set industry benchmarks for clean mobility, reduce emissions substantially, and contribute meaningfully to India's ESG commitments and climate strategy.
Author
Institute of Directors India
Bringing a Silent Revolution through the Boardroom
Institute of Directors (IOD) is an apex national association of Corporate Directors under the India's 'Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860'. Currently it is associated with over 31,000 senior executives from Govt, PSU and Private organizations of India and abroad.
Owned by: Institute of Directors, India
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles/ stories are the personal opinions of the author. IOD/ Editor is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in those articles. The information, facts or opinions expressed in the articles/ speeches do not reflect the views of IOD/ Editor and IOD/ Editor does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
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