Indian equities are under pressure with benchmark indices in the red. The Nifty 50 hovered near 25,974 while the BSE Sensex slipped below 84,800. The tone across the border market was cautious, too. Beneath the index-level weakness, however, stock-specific action remained intense, split cleanly between profit booking and fresh buying driven by orders, investigations, and commodity strength.
Here are the top movers and shakers at this hour:
Hindustan Copper, Hindustan Zinc
Hindustan Copper share price surged nearly 9%, riding the ongoing strength in metal stocks.
The stock climbed on the back of firm global and domestic copper prices, with futures touching record levels. Volumes were strong, signalling broad-based participation rather than a narrow spike. Hindustan Zinc share price rose around 1%, continuing its upward grind. The move was more measured compared to Hindustan Copper, but it still indicated steady demand for zinc-linked plays amid favourable commodity trends.
Vedanta
Vedanta share price gained nearly 2%, extending its winning streak. The stock moved higher after the company was declared the successful bidder for the Depo Graphite–Vanadium block under the critical mineral auctions. The counter has now risen for several consecutive sessions, supported by both strategic developments and strong volumes.
Punjab National Bank
Punjab National Bank share price slipped over 3%, reacting to the disclosure of a large loan fraud. The lender reported borrowal fraud amounting to Rs 2,434 crore linked to erstwhile promoters of SREI Equipment Finance and SREI Infrastructure Finance.
IRFC, railway stocks
Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd. share price declined over 4%, marking one of the sharpest cuts within the railway pack. The fall came after a strong multi-session rally, with investors choosing to lock in gains rather than press their bets further. Despite sustained interest in rail stocks on the back of recent fare changes and budget expectations. RVNL share price slipped nearly 4%, extending the pullback across railway-linked names. Ircon International’s share price eased over 2%, moving in line with the broader rail sell-off. IRCTC share price fell marginally, slipping by less than 1%.
Sigachi Industries
Sigachi Industries share price declined over 5%, remaining under heavy pressure. The selling followed developments linked to the investigation into the June fire incident at the company’s Hyderabad unit. With the managing director and chief executive officer remanded in the case, investor confidence weakened further. The company stated that operational continuity is being managed by the deputy group chief executive officer.
SEPC
SEPC Ltd. share price jumped nearly 7%, standing out as one of the day’s strongest gainers. The rally followed the announcement of a new turnkey mining infrastructure order from MOIL. The project involves the design, construction and commissioning of a third vertical shaft at the Chikla mine in Maharashtra, with a total order value of Rs 167.85 crore for domestic scope along with USD 36.52 lakh for imported machinery.
Timex Group India
Timex Group India Ltd share price declined nearly 10% at midday as the promoter’s offer for sale opened at a steep discount, triggering aggressive selling pressure. The stock slid as much as 9.6%, making it one of the sharpest laggards on the board, after the two-day offer for sale by promoter Timex Group Luxury Watches B V kicked off. The floor price for the OFS was set at a sharp 22% discount to the previous closing price, a level that immediately reset near-term expectations for the stock. Under the offer, the promoter is looking to offload up to 45,09,250 equity shares, representing4.47% of the total issued and paid-up share capital of the company.