5Experts are monitoring the market's opening today amidst rising tension in West Asia caused by US-Israel strike on Iran and counterattacks. Investor worry is evident with equities down, crude and gold up, and the dollar weak. Diversifying investments and prioritizing quality holdings is advised for a strong portfolio.
The revised draft of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE 3) rules is set to benefit small car makers such as Maruti Suzuki and Renault by easing emission reduction requirements for entry-level vehicles. The latest proposal lowers targets for lighter cars, while tightening requirements for heavier ones.
WPP's CFO Joanne Wilson plans to tie agency fees to business outcomes, following global trends and a study by WFA and MediaSense. Industry leaders support this shift, but challenges like attribution complexities and limited data transparency may hinder its adoption in India. This new model has potential, but further obstacles may arise.
The war in West Asia has led to a 40% rise in international bitumen prices, affecting India's heavy reliance on imports for road construction. Minister Nitin Gadkari proposes using eco-friendly alternatives like bio bitumen, rubber dust, and waste plastic to reduce imports. With 15 companies obtaining its patent, the production of bio bitumen is expected to increase.
Novo Nordisk's cheaper version of semaglutide has caused a significant drop in the market share of rival drug tirzepatide. This is due to the flood of cheaper generic versions of semaglutide after its patent expired. Novo has also reduced prices of its obesity and anti-diabetic drugs to match Indian drugmakers. Analysts predict a stabilisation of the market in a few months.
The government has implemented strategies to ensure the availability of essential petrochemical inputs for the pharmaceutical industry, including increasing domestic sourcing and removing customs duty on 40 products. Despite global disruptions, drug prices and supply remain stable, with relaxed quality control norms.
Wipro, a top IT company, plans to announce a buyback of equity shares at a board meeting on April 15-16. The decision, along with fourth-quarter results, will be revealed to the public and investors on April 16. This will be Wipro's sixth buyback in 10 years, aimed at boosting EPS and return ratios. The buyback could improve investor sentiment and stabilize the company's declining stock price.
The April 9 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants sparked a debate on umpiring consistency due to a controversial catch by LSG's Digvesh Rathi. Despite evidence showing Rathi's foot touching the boundary cushion, the on-field umpire ruled it as OUT without referring to the Third Umpire. This decision has been heavily criticized.
The West Asia war has caused a decrease in onion prices in Lasalgaon, Nashik due to the impact on crop prospects and exports. However, with the arrival of rabi crops, prices are expected to stay low. The government is offering export incentives and has approved procurement of onions to create a buffer.
Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri arrived in Doha for a two-day visit amid disruptions in oil and gas flows due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. This visit is crucial for securing energy supplies as India heavily relies on imports, particularly from Qatar. The crisis has also highlighted India's exposure to the Gulf, with significant impacts on its oil, gas, and LPG supplies.
Cameron Green has been cleared to play as an all-rounder for KKR in today's match against Lucknow Super Giants. He has not bowled in the IPL 2026 due to a back injury and pressure as the most expensive overseas player. His return gives KKR a strategic edge and allows them to play an additional overseas player.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a crucial factor in the ongoing war, with Iran's control over the maritime chokepoint shifting the focus from its nuclear power. As a ceasefire is agreed upon, the question remains whether the shipping waterway is still open. Iran's decision to halt oil tankers and provide alternative routes due to Israel's strikes in Lebanon has caused confusion.
KKR strategically excludes Muzarabani for Green and Powell due to overseas slot limit and need for spin and batting depth. This could backfire if LSG's openers perform well. Today's match will feature four overseas players for KKR.
India and the US are working towards finalizing an interim trade deal, with a delegation from India visiting Washington later this month. The deal aims to reduce tariffs and address trade imbalances, but has faced challenges due to recent events such as the US Supreme Court's ruling on country-specific tariffs.
The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved the financial restructuring of MSEDCL, including the bifurcation of the company and an IPO for one of the new entities. The plan also includes issuing long-term bonds worth ₹32,679 crore to address existing financial liabilities. The state aims to enhance the power distribution sector and improve MSEDCL's operational efficiency.
Volkswagen India is set for growth above industry standards by launching new products and focusing on premiumization. The refreshed Taigun will be released this month, with one new product every quarter. The company is aware of portfolio gaps and plans to address them strategically.
Morgan Stanley India expects a 24% rise in Sensex index by year-end, with potential targets of 107,000 and 76,000 points. Strong stock performance, attractive valuations, and earnings growth support this prediction. However, concerns about high oil prices, tight monetary policy, and US recession loom. Policy reforms offer a glimmer of hope amidst these challenges.
Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal virtually met with key partners in West Asia, including the UAE and GCC, to enhance trade relations. Due to war-related disruptions, the UAE, the second largest export market for India, has been using alternate routes and ports.
Ola Electric's stock saw a 20% rise for the second day, hitting the upper circuit at ₹36.32 on NSE, amidst a dip in the market due to West Asia tensions. The surge is attributed to the launch of their new lithium iron phosphate cell for future products. Despite obstacles, the company has recorded a 150% growth in electric two-wheeler sales and has made progress in their operations.
Mercedes-Benz India had a successful year in FY26, selling 19,363 vehicles, a 2% increase from the previous year. The top-end luxury segment, including models like S-Class and Maybach, saw a 16% growth and contributed 27% to overall sales. However, the entry-level luxury segment declined by 18%.
India's non-life insurance industry experienced a 9% rise in gross direct premium income in FY26, fueled by the health insurance segment after the GST rate cut. Public sector insurers held a 37% share, while private players saw growth with a 19% increase in premiums. The government's GST exemption on individual health policies further contributed to the industry's overall growth.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported a strong Q4 performance with a 12.2% YoY jump in net profit and 9.6% YoY revenue growth. The company also announced salary hikes across grades and a final dividend of Rs 31 per share. TCS's annualized AI revenue crossed $2.3 billion in Q4 and the company reported strong deal wins with a TCV of $12 billion. The company's client count valued at $100
India has shown economic resilience and growth through structural reforms, policy discipline, and innovation, despite global challenges like the COVID pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Its focus on diversification and flexibility in supply chains, strategic autonomy, and digitalization have made it a global leader in sectors like mobile phone production and generic medicines.
Jefferies predicts steady growth in financial sector despite tensions in West Asia. NBFCs expected to see improved profitability in upcoming quarter. Key stocks to monitor include Cholamandalam Investment, Shriram Finance, Mahindra Finance, LIC Housing Finance, Can Fin Homes, Aptus Value Housing, and Bajaj Finance. Management commentary on future growth should also be considered by investors.
Zoho, founded by Sridhar Vembu, has reported a 17.8% growth in revenue, reaching Rs 12,313 crore in FY25. Despite this, the company's profit remained flat due to increased expenses. Zoho's main sources of income are its IT management and business application software, with Zoho Suite contributing 57% of its revenue. North America is its largest market.
Premier Energies, a leading solar module manufacturer in India, has received orders worth Rs 2,577 crore for 1,600 MW of solar cells and modules. The contracts were awarded by top domestic companies, indicating trust in the company's manufacturing and execution abilities. The company's order book is growing, with plans to increase cell capacity to 10.6 GW by September 2026.
Dalal Street sees sharp turn with Sensex and Nifty slipping into red, major losses seen in key stocks and sectors. Investor sentiment turns cautious due to ceasefire disruption and global uncertainties. Profit booking after previous session's strong rally, rise in crude oil prices, weak global market cues, and increase in market volatility also contribute to the fall.
Young couple stranded in remote village panics as husband has work deadline, but students with high-end laptops save the day. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister promotes free laptop scheme for students. In another ad, a family laments about rising costs and urges people to think before voting. Parties in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry spending heavily on digital ads.
India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, met with PM Tarique Rahman's defense advisor to improve defense cooperation after strained relations. Talks focused on shared security challenges and the need for sustained development in ties.
Ola Electric's share price rose by 16% for the second consecutive day, despite a market downturn. The timing of this increase is significant as the market was facing uncertainty. The main reason for this surge is the company's announcement of its new, larger and more efficient LFP cell. Ola Electric is also making strides in its manufacturing, with plans to implement this battery in its vehicles.
A video of a disgruntled employee setting a warehouse on fire in Ontario has gone viral. The suspect, identified as Chamel Abdulkarim, expresses frustration over low wages while destroying the warehouse's contents. He has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, while 140 personnel helped extinguish the fire. The company, Kimberly-Clark, assures no supply disruptions.
Nava, a cloud infrastructure startup, has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round led by Greenoaks. The company plans to use this capital to build a full-stack neo-cloud platform for AI workloads, expand its presence in Southeast Asia, and hire specialized talent.
A 90-year-old man has approached the Bombay High Court to seek permission to adopt a 43-year-old man who has been his caregiver for years. The man, Dr Bomsi Wadia, is unmarried and has no close relatives. The court has asked for responses from the government on the legality of adult adoption, which is not currently allowed in India.
Nomura's report on Kaynes and Dixon Technologies reveals five crucial factors that will impact their Q4FY26 performance. While Kaynes is expected to see significant growth due to strong execution, Dixon may face challenges due to weak mobile demand and margin compression.
Kerala bride Akhila prioritizes her civic duty by casting her vote in bridal attire before her wedding, setting an example for the state's vibrant democratic culture. With a strong early turnout of 16.23%, the high-stakes Kerala Assembly elections see prominent figures like Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader VD Satheesan casting their votes.
BJP MP Mansukh Vasava has voiced concerns over the party's rigid selection criteria for Gujarat local body elections, stating that it may lead to disloyalty among grassroots workers. The state BJP has defended the rules, but Vasava's remarks suggest it could harm the party's chances.
Voting has started for crucial assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, with strict precautions in place for a fair process. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will vote on different dates. Voters are urged to check their names on the voter list through the Election Commission's website or SMS, and report any errors to the Electoral Registration Office for corrections or inclusion.
David Miller, the "Killer Miller" of the IPL, has been a consistent finisher for 10 years. But recent matches prove that even experienced players can struggle under pressure. His three notable failures, including a run out and being caught in the T20 World Cup Final, serve as a reminder that even the best can have bad days.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to announce Q4FY26 results today, with investors anticipating a final dividend. Recent filing hints at a possible dividend declaration, boosting shareholder expectations. TCS has a history of rewarding shareholders, with multiple interim dividends declared in the past year. Attention also on Anthropic's new model, Mythos, and the rupee's impact.
Lalit Modi, the founder of Indian Premier League, criticizes its current format due to financial issues and contract failures by BCCI. He reveals his revenue model and how IPL was meant to be an independent company, but BCCI took control. The league's expansion has also caused conflicts with international cricket calendar, making it difficult for boards to retain players.
Nigam Bhatt, an Indian man living in New Jersey, was arrested for an alleged gold scam targeting the elderly. He is accused of extorting thousands of dollars in gold from a victim and was identified by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office. Bhatt's arrest was part of an investigation into a gold scam operation.
ITC Hotels' share price will be in focus as US-based GQG Partners Equity Fund sold a stake worth Rs 197 crore in a block deal. The buyers' identities were not revealed. ITC Hotels was listed separately from ITC Ltd in 2025. The stock has shown a 5.5% increase in the last five trading sessions but has dropped by 7% in the past month.
The government has implemented a 25% reduction in airport charges for domestic flights for three months to alleviate the financial burden on airlines due to the Iran war. This also includes a decrease in landing and parking fees at major and non-major airports, estimated to save airlines around ₹400 crore.
The White House confirms that President Trump is considering a US exit from NATO due to the alliance's failure to support the US in Iran attacks. Trump plans to discuss the matter with NATO chief Rutte, who understands his disappointment. Rutte described the meeting as an open discussion between friends and says that Trump is disappointed but understands
India is making efforts to bring back stranded Indian-flagged vessels from the Persian Gulf after a ceasefire was announced by the US, Israel and Iran. The government is coordinating with ministries and global stakeholders to restore shipping movement and ensure uninterrupted flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
India's legal sector has embraced artificial intelligence for tasks like case summaries and translations, but misuse has caused concern. The Supreme Court has deemed it misconduct and lawyers must verify sources. Despite this, AI can still aid efficient and accessible justice in India if used responsibly and verified properly.
The Middle East events have exposed the vulnerability of the cloud, which is not equipped to handle large-scale disasters. Availability zones are not sufficient for such events, highlighting the need for disaster recovery as a service and a dedicated disaster recovery security operations centre. This multi-cloud approach ensures business continuity, data security, and minimal downtime.
The World Bank has raised India's FY27 growth forecast to 6.6% due to strong domestic demand and export resilience. However, potential risks from the conflict in West Asia and global energy prices remain. The Bank also mentions the benefits of recent free trade deals with the UK and EU, but cautions about uncertainty and increasing input costs leading to a moderation in growth.
The Cabinet has approved a subsidy of Rs 41,533 crore for non-urea fertilisers for the kharif 2026-27 season, ensuring stable prices despite global fluctuations. The government has also considered recent trends for price rationalization and to prevent any shortage of fertilisers in the country.
Lalit Modi, creator of the IPL, criticizes Congress and Shashi Tharoor, alleging political persecution. He faced obstacles in building the IPL and blames jealousy from the cricket world. The feud between Modi and Tharoor stems from the 2010 IPL scandal, resulting in Modi's ban from BCCI. Legal battles continue.
BMW Group India has become the leader in luxury EV market share by selling one in four electric vehicles, with a 17% growth in Q1 car sales and 83% growth in EV sales. The success is credited to their six EV models and over 6,000 charging points across the country. Audi has halted EV sales due to high demand, while Mercedes-Benz is launching their most affordable EV, the CLA.