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Source: RBI issues a caveat after rejecting Tata Sons' bid to avoid listing
Sources familiar with the situation said that the Reserve Bank of India, the country's central bank and regulator of banking, has preemptively approached the courts to seek to be heard on any matter related to the listing of Tata Sons. This move comes after the RBI rejected Tata Sons’ application to deregister from the non-banking finance company (NBFC) category, a decision which pushes the holding firm closer to a listing on the stock exchange. ? The BBC reported on Saturday the RBI's decision to impose a ban in a letter sent to Tata Sons. Local media reported that certain factions within the group had resisted being listed. Source: The RBI filed what is called a "caveat" in legal terms in the Bombay High Court. This will allow it to be heard by the court if someone challenges the central bank's decision or requests a stay. The source explained that this was "a routine measure" to make sure the court heard the appeal or stay request. Tata Sons and RBI did not respond to requests for comments sent by. Tata Sons is the holding company for the Tata Group. It has businesses such as Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors and Tata Steel. The shares of the group companies increased on Tuesday. The RBI has jurisdiction over it as it's?currently registered? as a core investing company. According to RBI regulations, all nonbank financiers, including core investment firms?with assets in excess of 1 trillion rupees ($10.45billion) or with access to public funds must list. Tata Sons reported a standalone asset of 1.75 trillion rupees in March 2025. This is the latest available data.
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Indonesia's Pertamina promises to boost fuel supply in Makassar City to reduce 1-km-long lines
Pertamina, Indonesia's energy company, announced on Tuesday that it had stepped up its efforts to make more fuel available at Makassar in eastern Indonesia. In the past week, a queue of more than one kilometre long formed outside the gas stations. Energy Minister Bahlil lahadalia stated that customers are scrambling to get fuel at subsidised prices in order protect themselves from the oil price increases caused by the Middle East war. The government has promised to maintain subsidised prices until the end of this year. He said that the problem is now that many people are switching to subsidised fuel because of the price increase. "That's?what's happening to a certain extent in Makassar." Bahlil stated that "no matter what the global price of fuel is, we won't increase the subsidised fuel prices." A shortage of supplies has forced the authorities in Makassar (a city with 2.8 million residents) to implement emergency driving restrictions. They have also implemented a policy that allows civil servants to work from home. Pertamina announced in a press release that it had extended the hours of operation at its gas stations, and boosted the?subsidised supply to meet the increasing demand and reduce?queues. We apologize for the inconvenience. Deny Sukendar, a Pertamina official, said that the company has implemented recovery measures. According to a?witness, the lines of cars?queuing up at gas stations in Makassar were still about 100 metres long on Tuesday. On Monday, around 150 students and workers protested against the shortages at Pertamina offices in Makassar.
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NEWS MAKER: From a schoolboy sweets seller to Africa's richest person, Dangote is eyeing his biggest deal yet
Aliko Dangote, a serial entrepreneur who began his career by selling candy to classmates in Northern Nigeria more than 50 years ago, is now preparing Africa's largest stock market listing. The'sale' of $1.6 billion in shares of his giant Lagos oil refining company -- an initial public offer that will see the'refinery - list in Nigeria in November -- valued the company at $47.3 billion. This deal represents the culmination in Dangote’s efforts over the past decade to build a mega-refinery that is now among the 10 largest refineries in the world. This is also the culmination of a career which has seen him go from a schoolyard sweets seller to Africa's wealthiest man. The 69-year old has no intention of stopping there. Proceeds from the IPO will be used to expand the Nigerian refinery and launch a project in Kenya that will see the capacity doubled. SALT, SUGAR, CEMENT AND RICE Born in Kano, a northern Nigerian state, in 1957, Dangote grew up primarily with his maternal grandfather. He has credited him for encouraging his business interest. In a 2015 interview, he stated that "when you're raised by entrepreneurial parents?or grandparents you pick up this aspiration." It makes you more aggressive and think that anything is possible. I was unable, despite my repeated requests, to get an interview with Dangote. In 1977, after graduating from the?university of Egypt, he started trading rice and sugar with a relative. In the early 1980s he founded Dangote Industries. He now owns 85% of it. It is a multinational conglomerate that operates in over a dozen African nations. Dangote’s personal fortune is estimated to be between $31 and $35 billion. This was a result of his cement business, which has been very profitable. Nigeria became largely self-sufficient in the building material after government policies?fostered local cement production?. However, they also fueled criticism that prices were high because of limited competition. ECONOMIC FOLK HERO FOR SOME, VILLAIN FOR OTHERS Influence came with wealth In a 2005 cable, leaked by U.S. diplomatic sources, they said that he had been viewed by some as an "economic folk-hero", but by others he was seen as a villain, because he was suspected of using his close proximity to politics for his business. They wrote: "The truth lies somewhere between these caricatures." Dangote is often described as being reserved by those who have met him, despite his wealth and power. Gina Din Kariuki, a Kenyan author and businesswoman, said: "He has an instinct for opportunities and the discipline to make his ambitions real." "But it wasn't his ego that stayed with my, it was the humility." He avoids flashy displays and drives himself. He has a habit of threatening to purchase his favorite soccer team, London's Arsenal. But he is proud that he keeps the majority of his wealth in Nigeria. Bismarck Rewane is the CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Ltd in Lagos, and has known Dangote more than two decades. Some people have called him a control-freak. I see it more as a passion to get things done. Local fuel traders in Nigeria, however, accuse Dangote, of using political connections to squeeze out competitors. He argues his ?700,000-barrels-per-day refinery can now meet Nigeria's fuel needs and is battling in court to end imports. Regulators have, however, warned against the risk of a "fuel supply monopoly". The Dangote Group and Dangote neither responded to inquiries for comment regarding the allegations. He has stated that the listing will help to counter concerns about monopoly. He told a conference in 2013: "They'll say that we now have shares. So let everyone have a piece of it." Dangote's mission to push Africa towards self-sufficiency was brought into sharper focus by the Iran war, which exposed Africa's dependency on fuel imports. According to a source familiar with the talks, after the conflict raised concerns about fuel supplies, Kenya approached Dangote regarding the construction of an East African refinery. Dangote announced the project two months later with Kenyan and Ugandan officials. He said that it will begin this month.
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India's met-coke imports reach record levels despite antidumping levies
Executives said that India's met-coke imports will reach a new record high this year, despite the?antidumping levy implemented in July. Domestic?shortages? and strong demand from pig-iron producers are driving higher overseas purchases. India, which is the second largest crude steel producer in the world after China, will import 6 million metric tonnes of met coke during the fiscal year, which began in April. This represents a 32% increase from the previous year, mostly from Indonesia and Poland. Steelmakers have been opposing import restrictions for more than a month, claiming that domestic production is not enough to meet the demand. In a previous report, the federal ministry of steel supported the steelmakers in their efforts to withdraw the anti-dumping duties. In July, the government imposed a 5-year anti-dumping tax on met-coke. Met coke can be used to make pig iron, a product intermediate used to manufacture steel. Indonesia is a major supplier of steel, with a total import volume of 2.1 million tonnes this year. This represents a 165% increase from the previous year. The executive stated that domestic coke production rose by only 6% on an annual basis, which is below the demand for steel and pig iron. PIG IRON DRIVES IMPORTS The executives stated that pig iron producers import large amounts of met coke to avoid the import duties when they convert the coke into pig iron. They said that because of this exemption, imported met?coke is cheaper than local coke. The executives stated that the lower prices of Indian pig-iron have helped it to gain market share over Ukraine. According to commodities consultancy BigMint, Indian pig iron can be purchased for $50 less per tonne. Brazil, Ukraine, and India are the main importers of U.S. goods, which amounts to 4 to 5 millions metric tons. According to BigMint, the price of met coke in August rose by 24% compared to a year ago, to 35,850 rupees ($375.63). "Met coke is increasing because of the rise in coking coal," said Monica Bachchan Duvvuri of Metalogic PMS. She said that met coke could go up 3-4% in price this week. Last week, it was reported that the steel price is expected to increase further in the next few weeks due to rising coking coal prices.
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Sources say that Samsung's India Public Policy Chief resigns
Two sources familiar with the resignation said that Rajiv Aggarwal - Samsung's India head of public affairs and ESG - resigned on Tuesday after nearly four years in a?the job. It was unclear why he resigned. Aggarwal is serving his last week as Samsung India's head of government relations. The sources declined to identify themselves because the information was deemed confidential. The 57-year old former Indian bureaucrat who has worked at Uber and Meta declined to comment. Samsung Electronics didn't respond to any questions. Samsung and Apple had to contend recently with the Indian government's demands to pre-install apps that were run by state agencies, which they opposed due to?privacy concerns. Samsung is one of the companies that has contested in court a policy by the Indian government that increased payments from businesses to electronic-waste recycling firms. It shares a 16.2% market share with Oppo, and is just?behind the market leader Vivo. It was India's number one smartphone player in 2023. In 2023, it was India's No.
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French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch September 15
Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. EIFFAGE: Eiffage, a French construction group, was selected to carry out civil engineering work at the Neomat CAM plant in Dunkirk. The project represents an investment of nearly EUR 500 million. Construction and development work will continue through 2028, employing up to 400 workers. EXAIL TECHNOLOGIES Exail Technologies, a French high-tech firm, announced that its preliminary first-half operating profit rose by 61% on an annual basis to EUR46.07 million ($53.07m). The company has postponed the full announcement of first-half earnings until September 24. The first-half cash flow of Exail Technologies was characterized by a rise in working capital of approximately EUR70 million. However, very significant cash inflows are expected in the second part of the year. GENFIT: After a significant reduction in mortality among severe COVID-19 patients, Genfit, a French biopharmaceutical firm, is moving nangibotide to a Phase 2A ACLF trial in the fourth quarter 2026. Data are expected in 2027. Nangibotide showed a favorable safety profile in four clinical trials. TOTALENERGIES: TotalEnergies, a French energy major, and the Iraqi Government have agreed to begin discussions on large-scale energy projects that will boost Iraqi oil production and contribute to the energy transition of the country. Separately the company announced an EUR100 million partnership to use AI models from Mistral in order to support TotalEnergies geosciences exports. The French insurance company has released financial targets for the period of 2027-2029. AXA targets a payout ratio of 75% and expects to generate approximately EUR25 billion in cumulative organic cash. The?company stated that it now expects its underlying earnings growth to be in the range of 6%-8% and its return on equity at the upper end of its target range of 14%-16%. Pan-European ?market data: European Equities speed guide................... FTSE Eurotop 300 index.............................. DJ STOXX index...................................... Top 10 STOXX sectors........................... Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors...................... Top 10 Eurotop ?300 sectors..................... Top 25 European pct gainers....................... Top ?25 European pct losers........................ Main stock markets: Dow ?Jones............... Wall Street report ..... Nikkei 225............. Tokyo report............ London report ........... Xetra DAX............. Frankfurt items......... CAC-40................. Paris items............ World Indices..................................... Survey of global bourse outlook ......... European Asset Allocation........................ News in a nutshell: Top News ............. Equities.............. Main Oil Report ........... Main currency report .....
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Former DeepMind researcher from Google adds to the warnings that AI will 'kill humans'
Former Google DeepMind employees warned on Monday that AI technology could "kill off all humans", and that time was running out for the avoidance of this outcome. The public is becoming more concerned about the potential danger of AI. Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon announced last week that he was resigning, partly because "people who are building AI believe it will kill us by the end the decade." Evan Hubinger, an anthropologist, responded to?Coxon’s comments by saying that he agreed with him and believed that there was a higher than?10% probability that AI would kill all humans in the next decade. Bilal Chughtai, a writer for X, wrote: "I recently resigned... from Google DeepMind where I worked on AGI alignment and safety research." "I honestly believe that AI could kill us all, and we may be running out of time." Chughtai was a research engineer at Google DeepMind and worked as such until July 2026. His LinkedIn profile states that he left the company. Google didn't respond to an outside of regular business hours request for "comment". Anthropic CEO Dario modei, in response to recent concerns, called for a halt in the pace of AI?development. He received rare support from SpaceXAI’s Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, sparking a discussion on AI "doomerism." Chughtai said that steering AI safely is?possible, but coordination would be required "to avoid the manic race between AI companies." He added, "We must pace AI development at a rate that the society can handle. Emerging risks should be addressed before extreme harm occurs." The President Donald Trump has, however, dismissed the warnings. He said on social media that the AI industry's calls for regulation are a "hoax."
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Arbitration sought by Combined BHP Ports Unions over wage dispute
The union announced on Tuesday that it would take BHP, the world's largest?miner, to arbitration if the two parties could not agree on the?terms of a new wage?deal in Western Australia for the Port Hedland Iron Ore Operations. Port Hedland, the largest iron ore export center in the world and BHP's main shipping gateway to the Pilbara region, is the hub for BHP Pilbara operations. The union, which represents 450 workers on the site (operators and maintenance), will apply for a "intractable bargaining statement" which allows the Fair Work Commission to determine the terms of the agreement. Over the past nine months, both sides have been in talks to determine a wage agreement that will last four years. They've met almost weekly in recent weeks, with Fair Work Commission as a facilitator. ".....BHP refuses to negotiate an accord that reflects their specialized skills, the extreme conditions they work in and the personal sacrifices made by the employees who have generated more than $13 Billion in profits for the company?this past year", the Combined BHP Ports Unions stated in a press release. In response to a?request for comment, a BHP spokesperson stated: "Our focus is on delivering an?fair?and reasonable?agreement." BHP offers a 17% increase in pay for most workers over the four-year agreement. This includes a 'transition payment' of A$25,000 (17,802.50 USD) spread over two years as well as a rise in roster allowances. The union claims that 40% of workers would be worse off if this proposal were to go through.
Electric dreams become a problem for battery metals: Andy Home
It's been a ruthless year to be in the battery metals service.
Costs of lithium, nickel and cobalt collapsed in 2023 and have continued grinding steadily lower over the course of 2024.
A sector that was as soon as racing to build new supply has actually been closing mines and delaying jobs as low prices bite into the expense curve.
The roadway to an electrical future has ended up being much bumpier than anticipated with need from the critical electric vehicle (EV) sector not measuring up to expectations.
This is also a story of enormous oversupply with excessive new capability brought online at precisely the incorrect time.
And it will be supply discipline, or the lack of it, that will figure out whether there will be any rate recovery in 2025.
EV NARRATIVE VEERS OFF TRACK
The international EV market is still expanding.
November was another record-breaking month with 1.8 million systems sold, according to consultancy Rho Movement. Global sales growth over the very first 11 months was an impressive 25% relative to 2023.
But the favorable headings mask two undesirable realities for the battery metals sector.
China is still the main motorist of the EV transformation with Western markets struggling to develop momentum.
While Chinese sales set a new monthly record in November, those in the United States and Canada were up by just 10%. year-on-year in November and those in Europe were really. lower.
Western consumers still need an incentive to make the switch. from internal combustion engine to electric motor. German. new-energy lorry sales have actually plunged this year after aids. were abruptly gotten rid of at the end of 2023.
U.S. aids might go next year if Donald Trump makes good. on his risk to roll back the Biden administration's EV policy.
The second reality check is that lots of EV purchasers,. especially those in the vital Chinese market, are opting. for hybrids or plug-in-hybrids over battery electric vehicles.
These have batteries about a 3rd of the size of those used. in pure battery designs, meaning a similar-sized decrease in all. the metal cathode inputs.
CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENT
Some balanced out for lithium need originates from the increasing market. share of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which accounted. for two-thirds of all EV sales in China in 2015, according to. the International Energy Agency.
LFP batteries are cheaper than nickel-rich chemistries and. Chinese battery-makers have enhanced their performance to the. point that CATL's latest Shenxing Plus design boasts a. single-charge driving series of over 1,000 kilometers.
They are, nevertheless, bad news for nickel, cobalt and manganese. markets.
The quantity of lithium released on the road in new EV sales. was practically 48,000 metric heaps in October, up 28% year-on-year,. according to consultancy Adamas Intelligence.
Nevertheless, the implementation of nickel, manganese and cobalt was. up by just 10%, 4% and 2% respectively, showing both the. shift to hybrids and the changing battery chemistry mix.
SUPPLY FLOOD
Lower-than-expected need from the EV sector, particularly. beyond China, has actually accompanied supply surges throughout the. battery metals spectrum.
BHP's Nickel West was expected to be the miner's. display green metals center. It was closed down in October due to. low rates caused by enormous overproduction in Indonesia.
Chinese nickel producers have actually made the technical leap of. processing Indonesia's reasonably low-grade ore into high-purity. Class I metal. Integrated Sino-Indonesian production will grow by. 30% this year, according to Macquarie Bank.
At least the Indonesian authorities have revealed signs of. supply discipline, limiting mining quotas and placing a. moratorium on approvals for new processing plants.
China's CMOC Group, the world's biggest cobalt. manufacturer, appears unconcerned to the cost implosion. It reported. output of 84,700 loads in January-September, up from 37,000 heaps. in the year-ago duration.
Such is the scale of oversupply in the cobalt market that. Chinese stockpile managers have actually had the ability to scoop up. significant tonnages with no obvious market effect.
Chinese lithium manufacturers are likewise withstanding production. cuts. Numerous are vertically incorporated, implying losses in the. ground can be balanced out versus gains even more down the processing. chain.
Even permitting the many price casualties amongst Western. operators, lithium supply is still expected to go beyond need for. the third year running in 2025, according to consultancy. Criteria Mineral Intelligence.
The supply overhang must shrink to less than 1% of need. from near to 10% last year, which might restrict more cost. weakness.
Supply surplus in the nickel and cobalt markets, by. contrast, dangers ending up being structural until production is more. carefully aligned with need.
TRADE TENSIONS
Given such negative supply-demand characteristics, it's not tough to. see why the analyst consensus is for more manufacturer rate discomfort in. the coming months.
China is a dominant gamer in all 3 markets and shows no. signs of quiting on its own electrical dreams.
This, however, is a point of increasing stress with the United. States.
The last report of the Crucial Minerals Policy Group, part. of a Select Committee on U.S.-Chinese relations, implicated Chinese. lithium producers of driving rates lower through a mix of. discarding and overproduction.
China, the report stated, uses rate controls, vertical. integration, and significant barriers to entry to prevent. competition.
Joe Biden and Donald Trump may disagree on electrical lorries. but there is exceptional bipartisan agreement on the requirement to. build domestic battery metal capability and loosen up China's grip on. the global supply chain.
Trump 2.0 is most likely to crank up the Biden administration's. mix of federal spending and tariffs on Chinese metals.
U.S. trade policy will include yet another moving part to an. currently intricate battery metals market dynamic.
Indeed, if the U.S. tariff walls are constructed high enough,. there's a danger the global market will begin fracturing into. Chinese and U.S. prices spheres.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a. writer .
(source: Reuters)