Dharavi, 10-Minute Delivery, Lit Fests

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It’s March 10. Today, we’re covering the Dharavi redevelopment project, another 10-minute delivery startup securing funding, and the rise of literature festivals. Plus, job openings at Apple, KKR, Dream11, and more in Who’s Hiring at the end.

Policy & Governance

> SC Refuses to Stay Adani’s Dharavi Project
The Supreme Court of India ruled that there will be no stay on the Adani Group’s Dharavi redevelopment project, rejecting a legal challenge by Dubai-based Seclink Technologies Corp. Seclink had earlier contested Maharashtra’s decision to award the project to Adani, arguing its Rs 8,640 crore bid was higher than Adani’s Rs 5,069 crore offer. The court directed Adani to maintain a separate bank account for all project transactions since work has begun. The next hearing is scheduled for May 25. (Indian Express, Economic Times)

> Railways to Create Waiting Areas Outside 60 Stations to Ease Congestion
The Union railways ministry has approved permanent waiting areas outside 60 major railway stations to manage surges in passenger flow. Other measures include wider foot over bridges, war rooms, and advanced communication tools for safety. The list of selected stations has not yet been disclosed. (Hindustan Times)

> Eggs in Midday Meals Boost School Attendance
Providing eggs six days a week in Karnataka’s midday meal scheme has significantly improved school attendance, according to the Department of Public Instruction. When eggs were given twice a week, attendance stood at 93.5%, but it has now risen to 98.97%. The state began providing eggs six days a week from September 2024 with support from the Azim Premji Foundation for Development. (The Hindu)

Business

> Global Investors Hesitant on Indian Stocks
Global fund managers remain cautious on Indian stocks despite lower valuations, citing economic slowdown, profit downgrades, and potential U.S. tariffs. Many investors are shifting focus to cheaper Chinese equities, which are benefiting from an AI-driven bull run. Foreign outflows from Indian markets reached nearly $15 billion in 2024, nearing the 2022 record. (Business Standard)

> Foreign investment in India slumps amid red tapeism
India's net foreign investment inflows plunged to $1.2 billion between April and December, down from $7.8 billion in the same period last year. While the Modi government has streamlined business processes—easing company registration, consolidating labor codes, and digitizing taxes—investors remain wary of red tape and unpredictable enforcement of regulations. Experts say challenges like difficulty in exiting businesses and firing employees continue to deter investment. (Financial Times)

> London’s £27 Billion Growth Plan Hinges on India
London has launched a £27 billion growth plan to boost public services and drive economic expansion. India surpassed the US as London’s largest FDI contributor in 2022-23, a trend that continued into 2023-24. The initiative focuses on productivity, investment, and job creation, with Indian FDI and students playing a crucial role in revitalizing the economy. (Times of India)

Tech, Media & Telecom

> India’s $18B Semiconductor Push
India is investing over $18 billion in five semiconductor projects, with government subsidies covering about 70% of costs. The central government funds 50% on a pari-passu basis, while states like Gujarat offer an additional 20%. Gujarat has become the key hub, attracting four of the five projects, totaling ~$15 billion in investment. (India Dispatch)

> New 10-Minute Delivery Startup
10-minute food delivery startup Swish has raised ₹122.32 crore (~$14 million) in Series A funding to expand its operations. Founded in 2024, Swish runs on a full-stack model, using cloud kitchens ("delight centers") within a 1.5–2 km radius to ensure fast and fresh food delivery. (Entrackr)

> Foxconn Secures ₹6,970 Crore Incentives for Karnataka Plant
Apple supplier Foxconn will receive ₹6,970 crore in incentives under Karnataka’s Electronics System Design and Manufacturing policy as it sets up a ₹21,911 crore mobile phone manufacturing plant in Devanahalli Industrial Area. Foxconn’s iPhone assembly plant, known as Project Elephant, will span 300 acres. (Moneycontrol)

> Amazon Shuts Down ‘Renewed’ Refurbished Platform
Amazon is shutting down Amazon Renewed, its platform for refurbished and pre-owned products, due to growing challenges in the segment. Launched in 2017, Amazon Renewed allowed customers to buy inspected and tested refurbished items, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and home appliances. (Entrackr)

Society

> Rich Indians Rush for EB-5 Visas
Well-off Indians are rushing to secure EB-5 visas, which offer U.S. permanent residency for $800,000, after Donald Trump proposed a $5 million ‘Gold Card’ for immigrants. The uncertainty over whether this new proposal will replace the EB-5 program has led to a surge in applications. (Economic Times)

> India’s Literary Festival Boom Brings Readers and Writers Together
India is witnessing a surge in literary festivals, with events held in Mizoram, Surat, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and the Jaipur Literature Festival, which recently marked its 18th year. The rise is driven by young readers engaging with literature in both English and regional languages such as Telugu, Malayalam, and other Indian languages. (The New York Times)

Environment

> Madhav National Park to Become Madhya Pradesh’s 9th Tiger Reserve
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announced that Madhav National Park in Shivpuri will be designated as the state's ninth tiger reserve, with a pair of tigers to be released soon. The new status places the park under Project Tiger, which provides for stricter anti-poaching measures, increased funding, and designated core and buffer zones. (Moneycontrol)

> India Likely Undercounting Heat Deaths
India may be underreporting heat-related deaths due to a lack of robust data, but the government is enhancing surveillance to mitigate health impacts, said former WHO scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Last year, India recorded 536 heatwave days—the highest in 14 years—along with 41,789 suspected heat stroke cases and 143 deaths. Experts believe the actual toll is higher. (Business Standard, The Hindu)

Quick Hits

> The Karnataka government has set a price cap of ₹200 on movie tickets across all theaters, including multiplexes.

> The Ranveer Allahbadia controversy is hitting influencer earnings, with industry estimates suggesting rates have dropped over 50% in some cases and 5-10% of brand deals have fallen through.

> Jammu & Kashmir has allocated ₹50 crore to establish a National Law University in the region.

> Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced plans to introduce the death penalty for those involved in the religious conversion of minor girls.

> India has signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to procure advanced engines for its Soviet-era battle tanks.

> 23 recipients were given the Sahitya Akademi Award at the ongoing Festival of Letters 2025.

> Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated FC Goa 2-0 at Salt Lake Stadium, celebrating their ISL League Winners Shield in front of 62,000 fans.

> India clinched the Champions Trophy, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at Dubai International Stadium.

Worth a Look

For International Women’s Day on March 8, here are seven photos capturing celebrations across India.

Who’s Hiring

> Apple is hiring across marketing, engineering, operations, and other roles.

> Quona Capital is hiring an investment associate who is passionate about fintech, venture capital, and driving financial inclusion.

> Dream11 is hiring across product, engineering, marketing, and more in a build up to the Indian Premier League.

> Warner Bros. is hiring an Employment Counsel in Hyderabad.

> KKR (the investment firm, not the cricket team) is hiring a Contract Counsel-Manager in Gurugram.

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