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Adani Groups Repays Loans Worth $2.65 Billion, Along With Interest Payment Of $203 Million

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Embattled Adani Group on Monday said it has repaid loans aggregating USD 2.65 billion to complete a prepayment programme to cut overall leverage in an attempt to win back investor trust post a damning report of a US short seller. In a Credit Note released on Monday, Adani Group said it has made a full prepayment of USD 2.15 billion of loans that were taken by pledging shares in the conglomerate’s listed firms and also another USD 700 million in loans taken for the acquisition of Ambuja Cement.

Interest Payment of $203 Million

“The prepayment was done along with interest payment of USD 203 million,” it added. Further, the credit update states that the promoters completed the sale of shares in four listed group entities to GQG Partners, a leading global investment firm, for USD 1.87 billion (Rs 15,446 crore).

“The deleveraging programme testifies to the strong liquidity management and capital access at sponsor level even in volatile market conditions, supplementing the solid capital prudence adopted at all portfolio companies,” Adani Group said in the credit update. US short-seller Hindenburg Research in January released a damning report alleging accounting fraud and stock price manipulation at Adani Group, triggering a stock market rout that had erased about USD 145 billion in the conglomerate’s market value at its lowest point.

Adani Group’s Comeback Strategy

Adani Group has denied all allegations by Hindenburg and is plotting a comeback strategy. The group has recast its ambitions as well as prepaid some loans to assuage investors. The credit update further highlights major improvements in key financial metrics – the portfolio’s combined Net Debt to EBITDA ratio has decreased from 3.81 in FY22 to 3.27 in FY23, run rate EBITDA surged from Rs 50,706 crore in FY22 to Rs 66,566 crore in FY23.

The credit update further states that the banking lines of Adani Group continue to show confidence by disbursing new debt and rolling over existing lines of credit. Moreover, rating agencies both domestic and international rating agencies have reaffirmed their ratings in all the group companies.

Debt Service Cover Ratio (DSCR) has improved to 2.02x during FY23 from 1.47x during FY22. Gross Assets increased to Rs 4.23 lakh crore, up by Rs 1.06 lakh crore. Gross Asset / Net Debt cover has improved to 2.26x in FY23 from 1.98x in FY22.

Continued investments in core infra projects

Continued investments in core infra with gross assets of Rs 3.77 lakh crore (89 per cent of the portfolio) provide long-term multi-decadal visibility of cash flow, it said, adding cash balance was higher by 41.5 per cent at Rs 40,351 crore against Rs 28,519 crore. Free Flow from operations – FFO – (EBITDA less finance cost less tax paid) was Rs 37,538 crore.

Cash Balance and FFO (together at Rs 77,889 crore) are much higher than debt maturity cover for FY24, FY25 and FY26 of Rs 11,796 crore, Rs 32,373 crore and Rs 16,614 crore, respectively, at the combined portfolio level.

Business

Birth Of Supercars; New-Age Tech Upgrading Auto Sector

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The constant upgradation of AI and IoT have taken every industry by storm. Well, the auto sector seems to have gotten a different glowup with the incorporation of new-age tech. From the Aston Martin Valhalla’s incorporated F1 technology to Lamborghini Revuelto’s triple electric motor, tech is ruling the auto sector!

To be specific, the use of new age tech has given birth to supercars. Supercars are adding systems that dynamically adjust aerodynamic elements like diffusers, and air intakes in real-time to optimize drag and downforce as per driving conditions. For example the ALA (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva) system in the Lamborghini Huracán Performante. In a candid discussion with Free Press Journal, Jatin Ahuja, MD and founder, BBT and Kunal Maini, CEO,CCI on how IoT, AI and automation has made supercars people’s favourite.

How do you think new age tech (IoT, AI) has enhanced supercars

The new-age tech like AI and IoT has significantly elevated the supercar experience. From enhancing performance to providing cutting-edge features, Supercars are now equipped with AI-powered systems that optimise everything from suspension settings to powertrain management which gives the driver an unparalleled experience. IoT integration allows for real-time diagnostics and performance analysis ensuring that every drive is as efficient and thrilling as possible.

At our BBT showroom, we also aim to bring these high-tech vehicles to ensure that our customers have access to the latest tech in luxury cars through an intuitive online platform.

How has tech upgraded the auto sector?

From electric vehicles to AI-powered systems, the role of technology is transformative. For example, connected cars now have the ability to self-diagnose issues, optimise driving patterns and offer real-time data to the driver. The rise of AI and IoT in the automotive ecosystem has made the buying process more personalised, allowing us to curate a more tailored experience for customers.

We see stronger focus on sustainability with electric and hybrid vehicles becoming more prominent. At CCI, we aim to simplify the buying process by incorporating advanced online tech, ensuring that the entire experience from browsing to buying is as seamless as possible.

AI and Automation are creating a craze among users. How do you think this has impacted their buying pattern?

Today’s customers are seeking a seamless, efficient and highly personalised buying experience. Whether they’re visiting our expansive showrooms or browsing through our online platform at CCI, we strive to offer a smooth journey.

For instance, CCI was designed with the customer in mind, catering to those who prefer an entirely digital experience with transparent pricing, no hidden charges and quick transactions. This shift toward more tech-enabled car buying empowers our customers to make well-informed decisions and the growing demand for digital platforms underscores the need for a smooth and automated process in the auto industry.

AI is revolutionizing India’s fast-growing shared mobility sector. What are your views on this?

While Big Boy Toyz and Cars.co.in focus on luxury vehicles, the broader automotive landscape, including shared mobility, is being shaped by these advancements. In fact, AI is enabling companies to forecast demand, optimise fleets and ensure that customers get a high-quality experience every time. As the shared mobility industry grows in India, we anticipate that luxury car rental platforms will also expand here just like in other countries and AI will allow these platforms to offer more convenience, customisation and efficiency.

What is the future of supercars?

The integration of advanced technologies like AI, IoT and autonomous driving will enhance the supercar experience, allowing for smarter and more dynamic driving experiences. The vehicles of tomorrow will likely feature fully autonomous capabilities. There are challenges to that idea but advanced real-time data analysis and even more efficient and high-performing powertrains will make a thumping difference.

Supercar manufacturers are also pushing the envelope on design and innovation and we as the front runners of the pre-owned car segment will continue to provide our customers with access to the best and most advanced supercars. These cars will remain a symbol of status and cutting-edge technology, but they’ll evolve to align with the growing demand for sustainability and connectedness.

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Business

Customers queue outside New India Co-operative Bank as RBI imposes restrictions on withdrawal of funds

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Queues of people were seen outside Mumbai-based New India Co-operative Bank as worried customers want to withdraw their money after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday imposed several restrictions, including on the withdrawal of funds by depositors, amid supervisory concerns.

Account holders gathered outside the Vijayanagar branch in Andheri, Mumbai. Customers are confused about when they will get their money. Some even said that the bank is not responding to their queries and even its customer support services and app are not functioning.

Most of the people gathered outside the bank are senior citizens. Bank officials have given coupons to those standing in queue. According to them, customers can use these coupons to access their lockers.

The Reserve Bank’s Directions to New India Co-operative Bank, Mumbai came into force from the close of business on Thursday and would remain in force for a period of six months and are subject to review.

“Considering the bank’s present liquidity position, the bank has been directed not to allow withdrawal of any amount from savings bank or current accounts or any other account of a depositor.,” the RBI said.

The lender, however, is allowed to set off loans against deposits subject to the conditions stated in the above RBI Directions.

It may incur expenditure in respect of certain essential items such as salaries of employees, rent, and electricity bills.

RBI further said that from the close of business on February 13, 2025, the bank shall not, without prior approval, grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment, and incur any liability, including acceptance of fresh deposits.

“These directions are necessitated due to supervisory concerns emanating from the recent material developments in the bank, and to protect the interest of depositors of the bank,” the central bank said.

Further, eligible depositors would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of their deposits up to Rs 5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

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Business

Torres Fraud Case: Ukrainian Actor Armen Ataine Denies Role, Claims He Only Made An Introduction

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Mumbai: In the case of Torres investment fraud, the Ukrainian Actor Armen Ataine has claimed that he has no role to play and he only introduced the alleged key conspirator to another co-accused. Ataine has moved the special court for bail on Thursday. Ataine in his plea claimed that he was approached by other Ukrainian nationals to help them set up a jewellery store in Mumbai.

Accordingly, he claimed he had arranged their meeting with Mohammad Tausif Riyaz, a prime accused in the case as his role was limited to introducing two parties. Ataine claimed that he was nowhere concerned with the firm as he was neither a director nor promoter of the company and was also not related to the activities of the Torres store. The bail plea is yet to come up for hearing.

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