News related to
Capital

The decision marks a sharp turn in a case that had weighed on the Adani Group’s global ambitions since November 2024, when prosecutors in Brooklyn accused Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and other executives of concealing alleged payments to officials in India to secure power supply contracts. The case had centred on claims that investors in US-linked bond offerings were misled about anti-bribery controls at Adani Green Energy.

Prosecutors have asked a federal judge in New York to dismiss the criminal charges, citing enforcement discretion and resource allocation. The dismissal still requires judicial approval, but the move effectively signals that the Justice Department no longer intends to pursue the securities fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy counts against Adani and the other defendants covered by the request.

Adani Group has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the allegations as baseless. The conglomerate said the development vindicated its position that it had acted in compliance with applicable laws and governance standards. The group’s listed companies gained in Mumbai trading as investors assessed the legal relief and its implications for overseas borrowing, infrastructure partnerships and expansion plans.

The original indictment alleged that more than $250 million in bribes had been promised to officials in India to obtain solar energy contracts projected to generate substantial profits over two decades. Prosecutors had also alleged that Adani Green Energy raised capital from international investors while withholding information about the alleged scheme. Defence lawyers challenged the case on both evidentiary and jurisdictional grounds, arguing that the alleged conduct had insufficient connection to US markets and that key elements of the government’s theory were unsupported.

The Justice Department’s move follows a separate civil settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission involving Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani. The settlement was reached without admission or denial of wrongdoing and included monetary penalties and undertakings. A separate sanctions-related matter involving Adani Enterprises was also resolved through a civil settlement with the US Treasury Department over alleged purchases of fuel linked to Iran-origin supply chains.

The legal shift comes as Adani Group seeks to restore full access to global capital markets after a turbulent period that included short-seller allegations in 2023, regulatory scrutiny and questions from lenders and partners. The group has maintained that its balance sheet remains resilient, pointing to continued operations across ports, airports, electricity transmission, renewable energy, cement, logistics and data centres.

The criminal case had created reputational and commercial strain beyond the courtroom. Some international partners reviewed contracts, and projects outside India faced heightened scrutiny after the indictment. Kenya cancelled major deals linked to Adani entities, while other governments and financiers reassessed exposure to the group. The dropping of criminal charges could ease some of that pressure, although investors are likely to continue watching governance disclosures, leverage levels and regulatory filings.

Adani’s legal relief also intersects with broader US enforcement policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has shown a more selective approach toward certain foreign corruption and corporate cases inherited from the previous administration. The decision has prompted debate among legal specialists over whether the move reflects a reassessment of weak evidence, a shift in enforcement priorities, or the diplomatic and commercial weight of large cross-border investment plans.

For Adani, the immediate benefit is clear. The collapse of the criminal case removes the most serious legal threat facing the billionaire outside India and reduces the risk of travel restrictions, arrest proceedings or prolonged litigation in a US federal court. It may also strengthen the group’s ability to refinance debt and pursue infrastructure partnerships involving American investors and technology providers.

The event comes amid renewed momentum for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa, following changes introduced in April 2025 to simplify the program and attract more international capital into the New Zealand economy. As of 5 May 2026, Immigration New Zealand had received 688 applications under the new settings, representing a potential total minimum investment of $4.015 billion.

The growing demand reflects a broader shift in global wealth movement, as high-net-worth individuals increasingly seek jurisdictions that offer political stability, transparent governance, quality of life and long-term optionality for their families and capital. For many investors, New Zealand’s appeal lies not only in residency access, but also in the opportunity to participate in investments that support business growth, innovation and economic resilience.

Mr Scott Wehl, Founder of RAM Group and Director of RAM New Zealand, said the Hong Kong briefing provided an important forum for partners and investors to better understand the investment and migration opportunities available through the AIP programme.

“New Zealand continues to attract strong interest from global investors seeking stability, transparency and long-term opportunity,” said Mr Wehl.

“Our Hong Kong briefing was designed to help partners and investors better understand the opportunities that the AIP program offers, and how RAM’s income-focused strategies can support both investor objectives and the broader New Zealand economy.”

Supporting New Zealand’s real economy through private credit

A key focus of the briefing was the role private credit can play in supporting New Zealand’s real economy. Private credit can help broaden the country’s business funding ecosystem by providing an additional source of secured, non-bank capital for businesses seeking funding for growth, working capital, expansion or other productive business needs.

The RAM New Zealand Credit Fund is an approved managed fund under the AIP Growth category and may also be included as part of a Balanced category investment portfolio. The Fund is designed to provide investors with consistent income and capital stability through exposure to secured, asset-backed credit investments in New Zealand.

Through this strategy, RAM seeks to direct offshore investor capital into productive domestic investment while maintaining a disciplined focus on risk management, downside protection and portfolio diversification.

“The RAM New Zealand Credit Fund provides an AIP-aligned investment pathway focused on secured, asset-backed New Zealand credit,” said Mr Wehl.

“For investors, the Fund is designed to deliver regular income and capital stability, with liquidity aligned to AIP investment timeframes. For New Zealand, the strategy can support the real economy by directing offshore investor capital into domestic private credit and helping provide secured lending to New Zealand businesses.”

RAM’s credit approach is centred on disciplined credit selection and robust portfolio construction. The firm’s New Zealand credit capability is supported by a highly experienced team with more than 200 years of combined credit market experience, guided by leading credit experts and senior leaders with deep knowledge of New Zealand’s financial markets.

“Our approach is grounded in strong governance, prudent credit assessment and a clear focus on capital preservation, which is particularly important for investors seeking stable, income-focused outcomes across market cycles,” said Mr Wehl.

In addition to the RAM New Zealand Credit Fund, RAM also offers the RAM New Zealand Bond Fund, which may be included as part of a Balanced category investment portfolio. The Fund invests in a portfolio of floating-rate, investment-grade bonds issued by established banks and New Zealand entities, and is designed to prioritise capital stability while generating regular income.

With a long-term commitment to New Zealand, RAM will continue to leverage its international presence, investment capability and experience in income-focused strategies to support global investors and contribute to the continued development and diversification of New Zealand’s capital markets.

Hashtag: #RAM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Real Asset Management

Real Asset Management (RAM) is an alternative asset manager, providing investment solutions in Credit, Real Estate, and Private Equity markets, for institutions and wealthy families globally. RAM was founded in 2010 and has a pan-Asia presence of 7 offices in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila.

RAM provides more than 25 investment strategies and has a team of over 230 finance professionals managing over NZ$9.8bn in assets. RAM is registered as a financial services provider in New Zealand (FSP1011247). We also provide a global set of investment solutions through our group companies licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (AFSL 484263), and the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong (CE BGL803).

For more information about RAM New Zealand, please visit https://ramgroup.co.nz/

By Nantoo Banerjee India’s continuous hesitancy to curb the retail oil consumption pattern despite a worldwide surge in fuel prices is inexplicable, if not unacceptable. The government, the biggest benefactor of large domestic fuel use by way of imposition of levies close to 50 percent of the retail oil prices, is not prepared to ration […]

The article India Needs To Curb Oil Consumption appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

No passenger casualties or injuries were reported after railway staff stopped the Delhi-bound train and moved passengers out of coach B-1, where flames and smoke were detected during the journey through the Kota division. The incident involved train number 12431, a premium Rajdhani service linking Kerala’s capital with Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi.

Railway officials said the fire was reported at about 5.15am while the train was travelling between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations, a section falling under West Central Railway’s Kota division. The affected coach was carrying 68 passengers, all of whom were removed within minutes. Staff then separated the coach from the rest of the rake as a precaution while fire and emergency teams were alerted.

Passengers from the damaged coach were accommodated in other coaches so the train could continue its journey towards Kota. Railway authorities planned to attach an additional coach at Kota to restore seating capacity and reduce disruption for those travelling to the national capital. The train had left Thiruvananthapuram on Friday and was scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Nizamuddin on Sunday afternoon.

Initial response focused on preventing the blaze from spreading to adjoining coaches. The fire was brought under control after the affected portion of the train was isolated, while railway protection personnel, operating staff, divisional officials and local emergency teams coordinated evacuation and safety checks. The cause of the fire had not been established by Sunday afternoon, and a technical inquiry was ordered.

Movement on the Mumbai–Delhi route was affected as the emergency response unfolded. Several trains were delayed or regulated because the incident occurred on a busy trunk section used by long-distance passenger and freight traffic. Railway control rooms worked to restore operations while ensuring that the damaged coach, track section and overhead systems were inspected before normal movement resumed.

A separate emergency vehicle carrying railway personnel to the site met with an accident while responding to the incident, injuring several staff members. Their vehicle reportedly overturned while rushing towards the affected section. The injuries added another layer of concern to an incident that otherwise saw passengers escape harm.

Coach fires on long-distance trains draw close scrutiny because air-conditioned coaches have sealed windows, electrical fittings, bedding, luggage spaces and pantry-linked movement that can complicate evacuation. Rajdhani trains are among the highest-priority services in the passenger network, and safety drills require rapid coordination between onboard staff, train controllers, station teams and local responders.

Sunday’s evacuation appeared to have benefited from the early detection of smoke and quick action by train staff. Detaching the affected coach helped limit damage and prevented panic from escalating. Passengers were moved away from the coach before the fire could threaten adjoining sections, while the remaining rake was assessed before arrangements were made for onward travel.

The incident is expected to renew attention on electrical audits, onboard fire-detection systems, maintenance checks and emergency readiness on premium services. Rail safety officials have pushed for tighter inspection of wiring, battery systems, air-conditioning equipment and onboard power units after earlier fire incidents across the passenger network. Long-distance trains pose particular risks because they operate overnight, carry sleeping passengers and often pass through remote stretches where emergency access can be slower.

State Administration for Market Regulation said the agenda would focus on removing market barriers, promoting a unified national market, improving law enforcement practices and curbing destructive price wars that have weighed on corporate margins. The measures form part of a broader policy push to reassure entrepreneurs after years of regulatory tightening, weak domestic demand, a property downturn and intense competition across technology, retail and manufacturing.

Private firms remain central to China’s economic model, accounting for more than half of tax revenue, over 60 per cent of economic output, about 70 per cent of technological innovation, more than 80 per cent of urban employment and the bulk of registered enterprises. Beijing’s latest move signals that policymakers see the sector as essential to stabilising growth, sustaining jobs and advancing innovation under the 2026–2030 development blueprint.

The 34-point programme places particular emphasis on equal treatment for private and state-backed enterprises. Regulators are expected to expand checks on local protectionism, discriminatory procurement rules, hidden entry restrictions and administrative practices that prevent companies from competing across provincial borders. The objective is to make China’s internal market function more like a single national marketplace rather than a patchwork of local systems shaped by regional preferences.

Fair competition has become a sharper policy concern as price wars spread across food delivery, electric vehicles, e-commerce and consumer services. Authorities have described extreme discounting and subsidy battles as “involution-style” competition, a term used in China to describe intense rivalry that consumes resources without producing sustainable gains. Regulators are now seeking to distinguish legitimate competition from practices that damage suppliers, workers and smaller rivals.

The plan also strengthens the legal dimension of private sector support. It follows the Private Economy Promotion Law, which came into force in May 2025 and formally placed protections for private business within the legal system. That law sought to address long-standing complaints over unequal access to finance, arbitrary penalties, delayed government payments, inconsistent enforcement and barriers to participation in infrastructure and public procurement.

Beijing is under pressure to show that those commitments can be enforced beyond policy slogans. Private entrepreneurs have frequently complained that local officials apply rules unevenly, with smaller companies facing heavier compliance burdens than larger state-linked groups. The latest regulatory agenda calls for more standardised enforcement, fewer unnecessary inspections and better coordination among agencies, reducing the risk that overlapping regulatory demands disrupt business operations.

The emphasis on efficient regulation also reflects a change in tone after the sweeping crackdowns that reshaped China’s platform economy from 2020 onwards. Internet groups, education providers, fintech companies and delivery platforms faced tighter controls, large fines and abrupt policy shifts, weakening investor sentiment. Although authorities continue to insist that capital must operate within defined boundaries, the current message is more focused on predictability, confidence and growth.

Financial support remains another pillar of the wider policy framework. China has encouraged banks and financial institutions to increase lending to private firms, particularly in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, green technology, biotechnology and other strategic sectors. Large banks have announced multi-year financing pledges for the private economy, while policymakers have called for broader fundraising channels and lower financing costs for smaller enterprises.

The regulatory agenda fits into China’s 2026 economic strategy, which prioritises stable growth, stronger domestic demand, technological self-reliance and risk control. The government has set a growth target range of 4.5 to 5 per cent for 2026, lower than earlier expansion rates but still demanding at a time of weak household confidence, subdued inflation and pressure from external trade frictions.

Private firms are especially important in technology and advanced manufacturing, where China is seeking to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Companies such as Huawei, BYD, CATL, Tencent and Alibaba remain closely watched as indicators of the relationship between the state and enterprise sector. Beijing’s message to these firms is twofold: innovation is encouraged, but expansion must align with national priorities and regulatory boundaries.

Foreign investors will watch whether the new priorities translate into measurable changes. China has pledged to widen market access and improve the business environment, but concerns remain over data rules, cross-border flows, procurement access, security reviews and policy transparency. For multinational companies and domestic entrepreneurs alike, the credibility of the 34-point programme will depend on implementation by local authorities as much as central-level messaging.

The market regulator’s plan also gives Beijing a mechanism to address deflationary pressures caused by excessive competition. Food delivery platforms, online retailers and electric vehicle producers have all faced pressure from aggressive pricing campaigns. While consumers may benefit from lower prices, sustained discount battles can weaken profitability, reduce wages across supply chains and discourage investment in quality improvements.

By Nitya Chakraborty Now that the U.S. President Donald Trump is back to Washington DC. After his two day summit talks in Beijing on May 14 and 15, it is appropriate to decode the gains of the summit. There were four major issues– Taiwan, Iran war, trade deals and facilitating more business for the American […]

The article Decoding Global Geopolitical Impact Of Trump-Xi Summit In Beijing appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).