January 2025 Highlights – Your Quick Overview
January was jam‑packed with everything from stock moves to streaming sensations. If you missed any of it, here’s a fast‑forward look at the biggest stories that landed on India Showroom Directory.
Business & Market Movers
Motilal Oswal kept a neutral stance on Bajaj Auto, setting a target of Rs 8,770. The broker nudged earnings down a notch after the Q3 FY25 report showed modest profit growth but warned about shrinking domestic market share and a shaky global outlook.
On the IPO front, Denta Water and Infra Solutions blew past expectations. The shares listed at a 12% premium and the allotment process wrapped up by Jan 27. Investors could check their allocation on BSE, NSE or the IRMS portal, and the stock is slated to debut on the exchanges soon.
Market chatter also featured Tejas Networks, Cyient, Syngene International, Jyoti Structures, and Paytm. Tejas Networks tumbled after a weak earnings beat, while Jyoti Structures rallied on new project wins. Paytm’s share action stayed steady, and analysts kept an eye on Cyient and Syngene for any earnings surprises.
Tech, Entertainment & Culture
Alibaba’s new AI model, Qwen 2.5, outperformed rivals like DeepSeek in a handful of benchmarks. Trained on 18 trillion tokens, the model shows strong language understanding and fast cloud deployment, signaling China’s growing AI muscle.
Netflix announced the final season of “Squid Game” will drop on June 27, 2025. The Korean thriller’s third swing promises a climactic wrap‑up, and the buzz has already pushed the show to the top of global streaming charts.
On the economic side, the U.S. Federal Reserve hit pause on rate cuts, holding the federal funds rate steady between 4.5% and 4.75%. The move reflected a resilient economy but a cautious stance on inflation, keeping markets on edge.
Back home, India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a parade that echoed the historic 1950 ceremony. Both events shared an Indonesian chief guest, tying past and present together. A few days later, the Padma Awards list was unveiled, honoring 139 individuals across arts, science, sports and more—including a nod to late Suzuki chief Osamu Suzuki and singer Arijit Singh.
Legal headlines weren’t quiet either. Infosys co‑founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and 17 others faced accusations under the SC/ST Atrocities Act in Karnataka. Meanwhile, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill cleared the Joint Parliamentary Committee with 14 changes, sparking debate over its impact on Muslim community rights.
Sports fans got their fix with Manchester City’s 3‑1 comeback win over Chelsea and East Bengal’s 2‑1 victory over Kerala Blasters in the ISL. Both matches delivered drama, goals, and a reminder that football never disappoints.
Finally, a splash of celebrity gossip: rumors swirling about a romance between Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama were debunked, showing how quickly false stories can spread online.
All in all, January delivered a mix of finance, tech, culture and sport. Keep checking India Showroom Directory for fresh updates and deeper dives into each story.
Bajaj Auto's Valuation: Analyzing the Target Price and Market Conditions
Motilal Oswal Financial Services maintains a 'Neutral' rating for Bajaj Auto with a target price of Rs 8,770. Despite Bajaj Auto's Q3 FY25 showing a modest increase in net profit and revenue, the brokerage slightly lowers its earnings forecast due to challenges like domestic market share losses and global economic uncertainty. Bajaj Auto is believed to remain fairly valued despite a stock price adjustment.
Netflix's 'Squid Game' Season 3: A Climactic Finale Premiering This June
'Squid Game' is set to return for its third and final season on Netflix on June 27, 2025. This Korean-language drama has captivated global audiences, blending social critique with intense, high-stakes games. As Netflix's top series, it has sparked a boom in subscriptions and streams, playing a key role in the company's growth strategy amidst a fierce streaming competition.
Federal Reserve Halts Interest Rate Reductions Amidst Strong Economic Indicators
The Federal Reserve has halted interest rate cuts for the first time since July, reflecting the robust state of the U.S. economy and a cautious stance against inflation. Holding the federal funds rate steady between 4.5% and 4.75%, the decision was widely expected by financial markets. This pause underlines the Fed's vigilance in balancing economic growth with inflation control, highlighting the resilience of the economy and the persistence of low unemployment.
Alibaba's Innovative Qwen 2.5 AI Model Surpasses Rivals in Competitive AI Arena
Alibaba's cutting-edge AI model, Qwen 2.5, has eclipsed DeepSeek's acclaimed AI solutions in various benchmarks, signaling a pivotal moment in the AI domain. This model, honed on 18 trillion tokens, excels in natural language processing and problem-solving, challenging US tech titans with its adaptability and efficient cloud deployment.
Denta Water Shares Soar with 12% Premium: A Promising Long-Term Investment Opportunity
Denta Water and Infra Solutions marked a significant IPO debut with its shares listing at a 12% premium, indicating robust investor interest. The IPO was well-received, with analysts recommending a long-term hold due to the company's strategic focus on water management and a strong order book. Highlighted factors include a significant subscription rate, fair pricing, and promising market opportunities, emphasizing Denta Water's potential in the water management industry.
Kris Gopalakrishnan and Others Face Allegations Under SC/ST Atrocities Act in Karnataka
Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys, along with 17 others, faces allegations under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act in Karnataka. The case stems from accusations made by Durgappa, a tribal Bovi community faculty member, who alleges wrongful dismissal and caste-based abuse in 2014. The case was registered following court directions, implicating former IISc Director Balaram and several others.
Waqf Amendment Bill Approved Amidst Controversy: Key Amendments and Reactions
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has received the JPC's nod with 14 amendments, primarily proposed by the ruling NDA. These changes aim to reshape Waqf Boards by including non-Muslims and women, while modifying the Central Waqf Council's composition. The bill has sparked controversy, with opposition parties arguing it undermines Muslim rights. The JPC's final report is due by January 31, 2025.
India's 76th Republic Day Parade Echoes Historic 1950 Celebrations
India's 76th Republic Day was marked by a grand parade on Kartavya Path, echoing the first Republic Day in 1950. Both events shared a connection with Indonesia, as then and now, an Indonesian leader was a chief guest. The 1950 parade unfolded at the Irwin Amphitheatre and commemorated India’s transition to a republic with grand salutes and ceremonies, while this year's event emphasized vibrant cultural displays and national pride.
Denta Water and Infra IPO Allotment: How to Check Allotment Status Online
Denta Water and Infra Solutions' IPO has drawn exceptional interest, with allocations being set on January 27, 2025. Investors, who displayed robust participation, can verify their share allotment online through the BSE, NSE, or Integrated Registry Management Services Pvt Ltd portals. The IPO's overwhelming subscription rates and grey market premium indicate strong market expectations. Shares are slated to list on India's primary exchanges soon.
Manchester City Stages Remarkable Comeback to Secure Victory over Chelsea in Premier League Clash
Manchester City triumphed over Chelsea with a commanding 3-1 victory in a thrilling Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. Despite facing an early setback with Noni Madueke's goal for Chelsea in the 2nd minute, Manchester City turned the tide in the second half. Key strikes from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden sealed the win, elevating City's position in the league standings.