Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Fractal Analytics is set for an IPO valued around INR 2,833.90 crore, with a price band between INR 857 and INR 900 crore. The company’s valuation includes a lofty P/E multiple of 109x, raising questions about whether its AI-driven growth story can satisfy market expectations once trading begins.
India is carrying out a major review of its ports, aiming to upgrade infrastructure and operations to international standards. The effort comes as the country confronts persistent capacity and efficiency gaps that can translate into congestion, higher logistics costs, and slower cargo movement. The overhaul could reshape how goods flow through India’s maritime gateways.
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Zomato has reportedly dropped a pricing clause following pushback, according to a source cited by Economic Times. The change comes as the company rides strong demand for food delivery, with 24 million consumers and 300,000 restaurants on its app. Zomato’s shares have more than doubled since 2021, valuing the company at nearly $26 billion.
India’s widening protein gap is boosting demand for “protein-washed” snacks, but experts warn many are heavily processed and packed with unhealthy additives. With FSSAI under pressure, the debate is shifting to stricter labeling, testing, and clearer standards so consumers get real nutrition—not marketing glossed as health.
Since the Iran conflict began, global oil markets have shed over 500 million barrels, translating to nearly $50 billion in value. Disrupted supplies across the Gulf have tightened inventories and cut exports sharply. Even with partial ceasefire signals and renewed activity near the Strait of Hormuz, analysts warn recovery will be slow, with lasting shocks to energy pricing and trade flows.
The Supreme Court has directed Uttar Pradesh’s Director General of Police to set up a special investigation team to probe the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Ghaziabad. The court criticised the local police investigation and ordered the SIT to examine allegations that two hospitals refused treatment to the child.
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The Aam Aadmi Party says it will not contest the upcoming mayoral polls for Delhi’s MCD. Announced a day before nominations close, the party claims the move is strategic: allow the BJP to take control, then highlight what it calls BJP’s repeated governance failures. The decision reshapes the contest timing and power dynamics ahead of the election.
Nippon India has temporarily halted fresh subscriptions to its Taiwan Equity Fund, despite it being the top performer of FY26 with returns exceeding 171%. The pause is intended to keep the scheme within overseas investment limits. The fund house has also suspended new subscriptions for its Japan Equity Fund for similar compliance reasons.
Gold stayed steady on Friday, but traders are bracing for a weekly drop as oil prices surge. The jump is linked to stalled U.S.-Iran peace talks, reviving inflation worries and increasing expectations that interest rates may stay higher for longer. With energy costs rising, factories face steeper expenses while broader economic activity weakens.
March AMFI data shows equity mutual funds witnessed a sharp 56% month-on-month inflow jump to Rs 40,450 crore, boosted by flexicap, smallcap and midcap segments. In stark contrast, debt funds logged a massive net outflow of Rs 2.94 lakh crore, while hybrid funds also ended the month with net withdrawals.
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India’s EV market in 2026 is growing fast as new models and acceptance lift sales momentum. But the road ahead looks harder: high upfront costs, uneven charging infrastructure, and a challenging path to 30% EV sales by 2030. Without fixes to affordability and availability, the rollout could slow despite rising interest.
A key committee reviewing India’s drug pricing reforms has been expanded to include patients, shifting the debate from numbers on paper to real healthcare impact. The move aims to make pricing decisions more grounded in affordability and access, potentially influencing how reforms are designed and implemented as stakeholders push for faster, fairer outcomes.
India is preparing to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, reserving seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies. The proposal targets the mismatch between women’s strong voter turnout and their limited representation in elected bodies. The government is reportedly reviewing options to expedite rollout, potentially tying it to the 2029 elections.
Artemis astronauts have reached the final phase before the lunar loop, marking a critical shift in forces. NASA says the Moon’s gravity is now pulling more strongly on the spacecraft than Earth’s, a tipping point in the trajectory. The agency is set to livestream the mission as the run-up progresses toward the lunar slingshot and next major maneuver.
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Noida was founded on April 17, 1976, during India’s Emergency, when Sanjay Gandhi imagined relocating Delhi’s factories through an aerial blueprint. The early years were marred by land acquisition controversies, but the city later evolved into an economic hub powered by IT, electronics manufacturing, and better connectivity. Today, land has jumped from about Rs 4 to Rs 4–5 lakh per sq yard.
India’s hospitals and health insurers are locked in a tariff and cashless settlement standoff, with patients stuck between refusals and stalled claims. Disputes ranging from AHPI’s clash with Star Health to insurers suspending ties with Max Hospitals point to a strained system where rising treatment costs meet stagnant payouts and there’s no decisive regulator to arbitrate.
West Bengal Assembly elections are entering the spotlight for candidates with criminal records. A report says “red alert” constituencies have risen by 17%, with 129 seats featuring three or more candidates who have declared criminal cases. Overall, 23% of candidates report criminal cases and 20% face serious charges, while the BJP leads among those with criminal records and crorepati candidates rise.
With the Nifty index sliding in March, Indian mutual funds stepped up buying, believing valuations have reset to better levels. Flows tilted toward banks and financial companies, while power sector stocks also attracted more interest—signaling a shift toward domestic growth themes. At the same time, worries over global conflicts appear to be shaping risk appetite and stock selection.
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Larsen and Toubro’s Buildings & Factories arm has secured significant new orders in India, including seven high-rise residential towers for Oberoi Realty in Gurugram. The company will also construct a state-of-the-art proving ground in Haryana for a leading international firm, upgrading vehicle testing infrastructure and expanding its presence beyond construction.
Coforge has officially completed its acquisition of Silicon Valley AI firm Encora for an enterprise value of $2.5 billion. Instead of proceeding with its planned QIP, the company funded the deal through a three-year $550 million loan facility at a fixed 4.6% interest rate. The move reshapes how the payment risk and cost will sit on its balance sheet.
The Election Commission says it will examine an opposition complaint that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address violated the model code of conduct. The speech was broadcast on Doordarshan, and critics allege it created an uneven playing field. The development comes while voting continues across several states, with the poll code in force until May 4.
Larsen & Toubro’s clean energy arm, LTEGL, has signed a long-term agreement with Japan’s ITOCHU to supply 300,000 tonnes of green ammonia every year from its Kandla facility. The pact follows an earlier arrangement and is designed to turn Kandla into a low-carbon fuel export hub, with ITOCHU planning to use the ammonia for marine fuels, especially for Singapore.
Foreign portfolio investors bought fewer Indian securities in FY26, with outflows increasing as tensions in West Asia escalated. Economists expect muted flows in FY27, citing the ongoing Gulf conflict, a weaker rupee, and worries about government finances. A major catalyst such as bond index inclusion may be needed to restart stronger inflows.
Bonito Designs has partnered with celebrity interior names Gauri Khan and Manish Malhotra to curate customised home experiences. The brands say the collaboration blends aesthetic appeal with functional, affordable design, tailored to consumers. Bonito also sets a steep ambition—targeting $100 million in annual recurring revenue by FY23—fuelled by this high-profile expertise-driven rollout.
NASA’s Artemis II crew has reached the farthest distance from Earth ever achieved by humans, surpassing the Apollo 13 record from 1970. Riding in the Orion capsule, four astronauts are on a nearly 10-day mission that revives crewed lunar travel after more than 50 years, highlighted by an unusual eclipse-linked flyby moment.
HSBC Securities has downgraded India to “underweight” for the second time in a month, keeping a bearish stance on the stock market. The move is tied to heightened US-Iran war risks and surging oil prices, which could stoke inflation concerns and pressure investor sentiment.
Expedia Group has named Derek Andersen, previously a finance leader at Snap, as its new CFO. He starts on May 11 and will report to CEO Ariane Gorin. The move comes as online travel faces potential AI disruption, while outgoing CFO Scott Schenkel leaves after roughly 16 months in the role.
Warner Bros Discovery shareholders will vote Thursday on the company’s proposed $81 billion sale to Skydance-owned Paramount. If approved, the mega-merger could significantly reshape Hollywood’s studio landscape and influence the broader media industry, potentially changing how content is produced, distributed, and valued across platforms.
Bitcoin and Ethereum reportedly outperformed both gold and major equity indices during the 2026 US-Iran conflict, according to Binance Research’s Monthly Market Insights for April 2026. The findings challenge the usual “safe-haven” assumption, suggesting that market stress may have pushed investors toward crypto instead of traditional defensive assets.
The Indian government has designated June 25 as “Constitution Murder Day” to mark the 1975 Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Home Minister Amit Shah announced the move, recalling how civil liberties were curtailed, media freedoms were suppressed, and opposition leaders were jailed. Officials say the day honors resistance and reinforces commitment to democratic values over authoritarian tendencies.
Tata Power says its Mundra power plant remains shut because an agreement with the Gujarat government is yet to be signed. With the facility idle, the company is reportedly losing close to INR100 crore every month, turning a stalled bureaucratic step into mounting financial pressure. The restart hinges on final approvals that are still pending.
RBI’s new $100 million cap on banks’ net open rupee exposure pushed traders to unwind overseas hedges on Monday. The scramble widened the spread between local and offshore rupee rates, sending the NDF premium higher. Treasury officials warn banks could face sizable mark-to-market losses as they rush to meet the tighter rule.
Union minister George Kurian said several states are advancing toward the Uniform Civil Code, citing Uttarakhand’s enforcement in January 2025 and Gujarat’s passage of a UCC Bill last month. Chhattisgarh plans a committee to draft the code, while Madhya Pradesh is studying it. The UCC seeks common laws on marriage, divorce, and inheritance to promote equality.
UPSC has released the Civil Services Examination 2025 final results. Anuj Agnihotri has secured the top rank, while 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment across various civil services. The exam process has concluded, and candidates can access the merit list and details through the official UPSC websites.
Security forces in Punjab and Haryana are on high alert after an email threat warned of multiple bomb blasts on railway tracks across both states. The message specifically cites the vital Ambala-Delhi rail corridor and names major stations in Punjab including Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda and Firozpur, prompting intensified checks and heightened vigilance.
Suzlon Energy is re-entering Europe with its new Blue Sky turbine platform, offering 5 MW and 6.3 MW models designed for varied wind conditions. The company sees major upside in the region’s 17–20 GW repowering opportunity, aiming to win projects through cost-effective retrofit solutions and strengthen its push toward integrated renewable energy services.
Uttar Pradesh ATS has arrested two operatives in Noida, alleging links to Pakistan-based gangsters and ISI handlers. Police say the accused, in contact with gangster Shahzad Bhatti, were assigned to spread extremist propaganda, conduct reconnaissance on potential targets, and help plan attacks, thwarting a major terror conspiracy aimed at destabilising peace and security in India.
CERC has proposed regulations that would let Grid Controller of India Ltd function as a market coupling operator. The move is designed to standardize electricity pricing across different power markets, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency in trading while creating a more uniform mechanism for how rates are set.
NIIF is reportedly in talks with Temasek for a potential $1.7 billion acquisition of Sprng Energy, intensifying a competitive sale process. Along with NIIF and Temasek, Actis, the AV Birla Group, and KKR are also in the fray. Binding bids are expected in the coming days, setting up a high-stakes race for the renewable power asset.
A global jump in aviation fuel prices is reshaping air travel, pushing ticket rates higher and disrupting schedules. Carriers are getting squeezed as West Asia conflict drives up costs, while Indian airlines face extra pressure from heavy taxes and currency fluctuations. The result: more fuel surcharges, higher final fares, and tougher economics for airlines flying through volatile oil markets.
Jio Financial Services’ board has approved and signed a joint venture agreement with Allianz for a 50:50 domestic general insurance company. The JV, Allianz Jio Reinsurance Ltd, was incorporated in September 2025 and will begin operations after regulatory clearances. JFS says the venture will combine its digital reach with Allianz’s product expertise, following a July 2025 collaboration announcement and a ₹147.5 crore infusion.
NEET PG counselling for Round 3 has restarted with new registrations now open. The Medical Counselling Committee says additional seats have been made available for the 2025 academic year, giving eligible candidates another opportunity to apply and lock in choices. Candidates can report to colleges from February 4 to February 11, 2026 as per the revised schedule on MCC’s website.
In a major relief for employees, the Bombay High Court ruled that EPFO cannot deny higher EPS pensions just because an employer’s records are incomplete. The court said EPFO must use every verification option available before rejecting claims. The judgement favours workers who paid contributions on actual wages but were refused due to document lapses by employers.
An Airbus C295 landed on the Purvanchal Expressway as part of an Indian Air Force emergency drill, according to reports. The exercise was designed to evaluate whether the expressway could function as an alternative runway during war or national crises, testing readiness and the expressway’s suitability for rapid aircraft operations when conventional airfields may be unavailable.
Hyderabad startup Skyroot Aerospace is preparing to launch Vikram-1, billed as India’s first private orbital rocket. The company says its goal is to make orbital spaceflight routine by offering mission-focused launches for different orbital requirements. With Vikram-1 designed for targeted and specialized missions, Skyroot is positioning orbital rockets as a scalable, repeatable service—rather than a rare event.
Fitch has withdrawn its ratings on Reliance Capital, citing that the company decided to stop participating in the ratings process. The move effectively ends Fitch’s coverage of the firm’s credit standing, signaling a change in how the lender will be assessed going forward. Investors will now watch for how alternative measures and disclosures evolve.
NPCI’s profits are rising, but banks running UPI payments are struggling to handle the growing transaction load. Industry guidance points to performance upgrades that range from quick, straightforward changes to more complex system overhauls. The goal is to keep UPI processing fast and reliable as volumes surge.
India’s direct-to-consumer brands are expanding faster than ever, powered largely by Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. For FY26, these smaller markets are projected to contribute nearly 66% of new orders, lifting order volumes by 33% and increasing GMV by 32%. With the D2C sector expected to reach $60 billion by 2030, growth is shifting beyond metros.
International banks are set to finance Brookfield’s 1.04 GW renewable energy project in India with $600 million. The plan blends wind, solar, and battery storage to deliver more reliable power rather than intermittent generation. Industry observers see it as another major vote of confidence for India’s expanding green power pipeline and large-scale sustainable investment.
A distinctive elephant figurine gifted by then External Affairs Minister L K Advani to US Secretary of State Colin Powell in 2002 has finally found its place in the State Department exhibition hall. The long journey turns a small diplomatic souvenir into a public display, highlighting how early 2000s India US ties can resurface in today’s official spaces.
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