Global markets entered a volatile week as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East surged, oil prices spiked, and investor sentiment swung between caution and opportunity. In India, renewable energy policy took centre stage with Dr. Farooq G. Patel of KP Group outlining a bold vision for green hydrogen, ammonia, and hydropower expansion. Meanwhile, a landmark patent expiry for GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide triggered a seismic shift in the pharmaceutical sector, promising lower costs and wider access. From Saarda Energy’s transformation to HDFC Bank’s long-term outlook, this roundup distils the stories that defined a pivotal week in business, politics, sports, and beyond.

Top Political News, Issues and People

Renewable Energy Policy Takes Centre Stage

Dr. Farooq G. Patel, Chairman of KP Group, emerged as the week’s most influential voice in energy policy, delivering a comprehensive interview on NDTV Profit that mapped India’s renewable future. Patel outlined KP Group’s strategic pivot toward green hydrogen, green ammonia, and small hydropower projects, positioning the group at the heart of India’s energy transition. He highlighted the government’s cabinet-approved social hydropower development scheme for FY 30-31, stressing KP Group’s participation in the 1-25 MW segment and their rigorous evaluation process for new projects.

Patel’s remarks came amid rising global pressure on energy security and climate commitments. He underscored the tailwinds supporting solar, wind, and hydropower, while warning that policy consistency and infrastructure investment remain critical to meeting India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030. The discussion also touched on the role of battery energy storage systems and the need for strategic partnerships to scale sustainable power generation.

Trump’s Middle East Strategy Raises Geopolitical Stakes

Former US President Donald Trump’s sharp critique of America’s allies in the Middle East dominated political discourse, as he accused regional partners of failing to support Washington against Iran. Speaking on NDTV Profit, Trump framed the Strait of Hormuz as a flashpoint, warning that oil prices could surge amid escalating tensions. His remarks signalled a potential shift in US military strategy and highlighted the fragility of global supply chains, with direct implications for India’s energy imports and inflation outlook.

Trump’s comments were echoed in broader discussions on sanctions waivers and the geopolitical realignment reshaping energy markets. Analysts noted that any disruption in the Strait could trigger volatility in oil prices, affecting everything from transportation costs to consumer prices in India.

Press Monitor Clips: Renewable Energy Policy Discussion with Dr. Farooq G. Patel; Cabinet Approved Social Hydropower Development Scheme Analysis; Trump's Middle East Policy and Iran Conflict Analysis

Top Business News, Issues and People

Pharma Patent Expiry Unlocks $10 Billion Opportunity

India’s pharmaceutical sector is on the cusp of a generational transformation following the March 20th patent expiry of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. The move is expected to slash prices by up to 90%, making GLP-1 therapies accessible to millions more patients in India and emerging markets. Hiral Dadia, lead analyst on NDTV Profit’s panel, described the shift as a ‘volume game’ that will benefit generic manufacturers, API producers, and CDMOs alike.

Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, Biocon, Sun Pharma, and Mankind Pharma are among the domestic players poised to capitalise on the patent cliff. Industry experts forecast a surge in demand for semaglutide generics, with hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies gearing up for increased volumes. The patent expiry also opens doors for contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) and API suppliers, creating ripple effects across the healthcare ecosystem.

Speaking on NDTV Profit’s pharma panel, Ramesh Swaminathan of Novo Nordisk acknowledged the disruption but stressed the long-term benefits of expanded access. ‘This is not just about affordability—it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem where innovation meets scale,’ he said. The segment also featured Saan Mukherjee and V.M. Ramana, who dissected the competitive landscape and the role of partnerships in scaling production.

Saarda Energy’s Bold Transformation

Saarda Energy, formerly Sarda Energy and Minerals, has undergone a dramatic repositioning, shifting its focus from minerals to energy. The company’s leadership outlined a strategy to leverage its industrial base to become a key player in India’s energy transition. Analysts highlighted Saarda’s potential in battery energy storage and renewable integration, with the company targeting 10 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.

The transformation was dissected in a two-part NDTV Profit analysis, which explored Saarda’s financial trajectory, capex plans, and strategic partnerships. The detailed discussion covered everything from stock performance to growth outlook, positioning Saarda as a bellwether for India’s energy sector pivot.

HDFC Bank’s Merger and Long-Term Outlook

A. Bala Subramanian, Chief Investment Officer at Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, delivered a bullish assessment of HDFC Bank’s long-term prospects following its merger with HDFC Ltd. Subramanian highlighted the bank’s status as India’s largest prospective retail bank and its strategic positioning to capitalise on rising consumer credit demand. He also addressed merger challenges, including integration risks and investor sentiment, offering a nuanced view of the bank’s growth trajectory.

Market Sentiment: Caution Meets Opportunity

The final segment of NDTV Profit’s market wrap-up featured Jakes, a veteran investor, and Neeraj, who dissected current market volatility through the lens of the COVID-19 era. The panel warned of ‘disruptive selling’ and urged investors to adopt a selective, long-term approach. They highlighted green energy stocks—down 50% from peak valuations—as potential buying opportunities, while cautioning against margin trading in a high-uncertainty environment.

The discussion underscored the dichotomy between short-term market jitters and the structural tailwinds supporting sectors like solar, wind, and battery storage. Speakers emphasised the importance of disciplined investing, with Jakes quoting the adage: ‘Buy when blood is on the streets.’

Press Monitor Clips: India's GLP-1 Drug Patent Expiry: Market Impact Analysis; Saarda Energy Detailed Analysis; Final Analysis: HDFC Bank's Long-Term Outlook; Market Strategy and Investor Psychology

Top Sports News, Issues and People

Golf’s Moment in the Spotlight

India’s golfing community celebrated a milestone as the Ahmedabad DP World Tour event concluded, with organisers emphasising the sport’s growing appeal beyond cricket. Rahul Kabul, anchor for NDTV DP World, highlighted the event’s role in promoting golf as a mainstream sport and encouraging media involvement in sports diversification. The segment wrapped up with a call to action for broader coverage of non-cricket sports in India.

Wonderla Holidays: Amusement Parks Ride High

Sharad Dubey teased NDTV Profit viewers with hints about Wonderla Holidays, India’s largest amusement park chain, whose stock has surged 190% amid strong summer season demand. The company operates parks in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Bangalore, positioning itself as a key player in India’s leisure and entertainment sector. While the segment was light on detail, it signalled growing investor interest in India’s experiential economy.

GLP-1 Patent Expiry Ripples into Healthcare

The patent expiry of semaglutide also sent shockwaves through India’s healthcare sector, with pharma experts predicting a surge in demand for generic GLP-1 therapies. The shift is expected to improve affordability and access, particularly for diabetes and obesity patients. Panelists on NDTV Profit’s pharma segment discussed the broader implications for hospitals, CDMOs, and API manufacturers, highlighting the role of volume and scale in driving down costs.

Press Monitor Clips: GLP-1 Market Dynamics and Indian Pharma Opportunities; Event Closing and Promotion; Game Show Hinting on Wonderla Holidays

Other Top News, Issues and People

KP Group’s Renewable Energy Ambitions

Dr. Farooq G. Patel returned to NDTV Profit to outline KP Group’s ambitious renewable energy strategy, targeting 10 GW of solar and wind capacity alongside green hydrogen and ammonia projects. Patel’s detailed financial analysis revealed revenue growth of 60-65% and a capex plan focused on battery energy storage systems. The segment also explored KP Group’s partnerships and the operational challenges of scaling sustainable power generation.

Financial Discipline in the Credit Card Trap

Nasir Salim, a personal finance expert, delivered a stark warning about the dangers of credit card debt, highlighting interest rates of 36-42% and the ease of overspending. Salim urged viewers to avoid maxing out credit limits and to prioritise financial discipline, particularly in an environment of high inflation and rising living costs. The segment also covered the importance of building an emergency fund, with Salim recommending a target of 3-6 months of expenses.

Urban Platter: Redefining Specialty Food

Urban Platter, a specialty food brand, took centre stage in a series of segments exploring the entrepreneurial journey behind making gourmet products accessible and affordable. The founder shared insights into the company’s mission, pivoting from apparel to food, and the challenges of scaling a private label business. The discussion also highlighted the market opportunity in specialty food, driven by changing consumer trends and the rise of experiential dining.

Legacy Brands Struggle with Change

A panel discussion on legacy brands revealed the growing gap between traditional business models and the pace of change demanded by younger consumers. Social media trends were cited as a key driver of this shift, forcing brands to adapt or risk obsolescence. The segment underscored the need for agility and innovation in an era where consumer preferences evolve at breakneck speed.

Press Monitor Clips: KP Group Renewable Financial Performance; The Credit Card Trap and Financial Discipline; Urban Platter's Vision and Market Opportunity; Legacy Brands Struggle with Consumer Demand