India's Solar Mandate Is Creating The Problem It Was Trying To Solve | Markets Today #269 | Upstox

📌 In this episode of Markets Today — government plans ₹80,000 crore to incentivise deepwater oil exploration, Coca-Cola India launches zero sugar zero caffeine cola, and India's push for domestic solar cells is paradoxically shutting down solar factories.

#1 🛢️ India's Deepwater Bet ₹80,000 crore incentive. Government reimburses 50% of well costs. One well: ₹1,000–1,200 crore with no oil guarantee. 18 blocks up for auction. ONGC already drilling. Goal: attract global deepwater players.

#2 🥤 Caffeine-Free Cola War Coca-Cola India launches Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine. No-sugar drinks: 30-35% of market, up from 5% in 2020. Campa, ITC, Zyro all in zero-sugar. Two more evaluating zero-caffeine. First mover wins a new segment.

#3 ☀️ Solar Policy Backfire Domestic solar cells mandated from June 1. But domestic capacity only 27 GW vs 200 GW panel capacity. One-third of small manufacturers shut temporarily. Cells cost double Chinese ones. 6-8 month wait. India's 2030 solar target now under pressure.