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Indian equity markets opened the holiday-truncated trading week on a robust note on Monday, October 20, 2025, with the Sensex climbing over 700 points and the Nifty surpassing the 25,900 mark.

This surge was propelled by strong quarterly earnings from major companies like Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank, along with positive global cues.

The 30-share BSE Sensex surged 704.37 points, or 0.83%, to an intraday high of 84,656.56, while the 50-share NSE Nifty advanced 216.35 points, or 0.84%, to 25,926.20.

Both indices reached new 52-week highs, reflecting investor optimism.

As of 11:40 pm, Sensex was at 84,409.22, up 457 points while Nifty stood at 25, 843.90, up 143 points.

Reliance Industries led the rally, with its shares rising over 3% after reporting a 14.3% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to ₹22,092 crore for the September quarter.

The company’s gross revenue also saw a 10% rise, driven by strong performances in its Jio and retail segments.

HDFC Bank also contributed to the market’s upward movement, gaining 1.54% after posting a 10% rise in consolidated net profit to ₹19,610.67 crore for the same period.

The bank’s performance was bolstered by higher other income and steady core operations.

Positive global trends further supported the rally. Asian markets, including South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, Shanghai’s SSE Composite, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index, were all trading higher amid easing US-China trade tensions.

Additionally, US stocks had closed on a positive note on Friday, providing further support to investor sentiment.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers on Friday, purchasing equities worth ₹308.98 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also remained net buyers, investing ₹1,526.61 crore. This influx of funds added to the positive momentum in the market.

Crude oil prices declined, with Brent crude falling 0.36% to $61.07 per barrel.

Lower crude prices typically ease inflationary pressures and improve India’s trade balance, supporting market confidence.

The Indian rupee appreciated 14 paise to a month’s high of 87.88 against the US dollar in early trade, aided by foreign fund inflows, softer crude prices, and firm domestic equities.

Technical analysts observed that the Nifty’s firm close on Friday set the stage for further gains on Monday.

Eyes were on the 25,875–25,900 levels, with a fair possibility for an extension if the Nifty managed to sustain above 26,018. Failure to hold those levels could trigger volatility, with immediate support seen around 25,630.

As the trading session progressed, the market maintained its upward trajectory, reflecting investor confidence and positive economic indicators.

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Shares of Natco Pharma rose on Friday following a significant legal victory in its ongoing patent dispute with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche.

The Supreme Court of India dismissed Roche’s plea to restrain Natco from manufacturing and selling a generic version of Risdiplam, a drug used to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Following the ruling, Natco Pharma’s shares rose, reflecting positive investor sentiment.As of 3:15 pm, the stock was up about 0.63% to ₹827.00, having reached a high of ₹847.90 earlier in the day.

The Court upheld the interim order issued by the Delhi High Court, allowing Natco to proceed with the production and sale of the generic drug.

A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and A.S. Chandurkar emphasized that their observations were limited to the interim nature of the High Court order and did not address the merits of the case.

The Supreme Court urged the Delhi High Court to expedite the hearing of Roche’s patent suit against Natco to ensure a timely resolution.

The bench noted that both the single bench and division bench of the Delhi High Court had already entered concurrent findings in favor of Natco.

Roche had argued that it held the patent for Risdiplam and that Natco’s generic version was developed through reverse engineering. The company highlighted its substantial investment in research and development, as well as global patent protection for the drug in over sixty countries.

Roche contended that granting an injunction was necessary to prevent potential infringement and protect its intellectual property rights. However, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the interim order, stating that the balance of convenience did not justify halting Natco’s sale of the generic drug.

The approval of Natco’s generic Risdiplam marks a major breakthrough for patients in India. The generic drug is priced at ₹15,900 per 60 mg/80 ml bottle, a dramatic reduction from Roche’s original price of approximately ₹6 lakh.

This significant price difference is expected to make the life-saving treatment accessible to a far larger segment of patients suffering from SMA.

Patient advocacy groups and healthcare experts have welcomed the decision, highlighting its potential to reduce the financial burden on families affected by this rare and debilitating genetic disorder.

Despite this boost, the company has faced challenges in 2025, with its stock having declined by as much as 40% earlier in the year.

The legal victory may support a recovery in the company’s market performance and reinforce its position in the pharmaceutical sector.

The case also underscores the ongoing tension between intellectual property rights and public health considerations in India.

The Supreme Court’s decision could set a precedent for future disputes involving access to essential medications, particularly for rare diseases.

It highlights the judiciary’s role in balancing the protection of patent rights with the broader objective of ensuring affordable healthcare for patients.

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Ola Electric has expanded beyond electric two-wheelers with the launch of “Ola Shakti,” a battery energy storage system (BESS) aimed at residential and small commercial users, as India looks to scale up distributed energy solutions.

The product, unveiled this week by founder Bhavish Aggarwal, marks the company’s formal entry into the country’s growing energy-storage market and signals a strategic shift to become an integrated mobility and energy firm, according to reports.

The company describes Ola Shakti as a home-grown battery solution engineered to store power and keep homes and small businesses running during outages or when grid supply is constrained.

Ola’s product documentation indicates that the system is designed to operate both on-grid and off-grid, built using automotive-grade battery packs developed in-house.

The firm says it is leveraging its electric vehicle (EV) battery technology and manufacturing experience to produce a modular, scalable system suited for Indian conditions.

Ola also emphasized that the product is designed and manufactured domestically, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” and renewable energy targets.

Industry observers note that the timing of the launch coincides with a broader market opportunity.

India’s BESS market is expected to expand rapidly over the coming years as renewable power generation increases and storage solutions become essential to balance fluctuating supply and demand.

Analysts cited by business publications estimate that the sector could reach a valuation of several billion dollars by the end of the decade, driven by policy incentives and growing consumer adoption of solar and backup power systems.

Market reaction to the announcement was immediate. Ola Electric’s shares surged following the launch, with reports stating that the stock hit its upper circuit limit as investors welcomed the company’s diversification into energy infrastructure.

For Ola, this new venture could open revenue streams beyond electric vehicle sales and capture demand from homeowners, farms, and small enterprises seeking reliable power solutions amid rising electricity costs and intermittent grid reliability.

Company executives framed Ola Shakti as more than just a backup battery. It is positioned as part of a broader vision to integrate energy services and storage capabilities within Ola’s electric ecosystem.

By adapting proven EV battery technology for stationary applications, Ola aims to achieve economies of scale while reinforcing its identity as an indigenous clean energy innovator.

The company has already started taking early registrations and announced introductory pricing for the product, suggesting an aggressive rollout strategy to attract early adopters in regions with high solar potential or unreliable grid access.

Ola’s entry places it in direct competition with established energy-storage and inverter manufacturers, as well as newer EV and renewable energy startups targeting the same space.

Analysts say the product’s success will depend on factors such as pricing competitiveness, safety certifications, after-sales service, and integration with rooftop solar systems.

Still, Ola Shakti represents a major step in the company’s evolution from an electric mobility brand to a broader clean energy solutions provider — a move that could redefine how Indian households and small businesses generate, store, and use electricity in the years ahead.

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Nestlé India reported its Q2 FY26 results, revealing a 23.6% year-on-year decline in standalone net profit to ₹753.2 crore, despite a 10.6% increase in revenue from operations, which rose to ₹5,643.6 crore.

The company’s EBITDA margin stood at 22% of sales, reflecting strong operational efficiency. Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were ₹3.90, slightly higher than ₹3.88 in the same period last year, excluding a one-time income of ₹290.8 crore from a divestiture recorded previously.

Domestic sales reached ₹5,411 crore, marking the highest-ever quarterly tally for Nestlé India.

This performance was driven by volume-led growth across key product segments, including Maggi noodles, Nescafé coffee, and chocolates like Munch and Milkybar. Exports also recorded high double-digit growth, supported by strong demand across product groups.

Analysts had estimated a net profit of ₹729 crore and revenue of ₹5,307 crore for the quarter. The actual results surpassed these expectations, indicating robust sales performance despite profit pressures.

In response to the results, Nestlé India’s Managing Director, Manish Tiwary, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its presence across channels through an omni-channel approach, with e-commerce maintaining strong momentum.

The company added a new MAGGI noodles production line at its Sanand factory in Gujarat and plans to accelerate brand and manufacturing investments. Nestlé India expects milk prices to soften after the festive season and coffee prices to stabilize, while edible oil prices may stay firm globally.

Despite the profit decline, Nestlé India’s shares rose by over 4% to ₹1,270.50 on October 16, reflecting investor optimism driven by strong volume-led sales growth and a better-than-expected performance on profitability.

Overall, while Nestlé India’s Q2 FY26 results showed a decline in profit, the company’s strong revenue growth and strategic investments position it well for continued success in the competitive FMCG sector.

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Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the nation’s largest insurer, has introduced two new insurance products—Jan Suraksha and Bima Lakshmi—effective from October 15, 2025. These offerings aim to provide accessible and secure financial solutions tailored to diverse customer needs.

LIC Jan Suraksha

Jan Suraksha is a low-cost, non-participating, non-linked microinsurance plan designed primarily for individuals from lower-income groups. As a microinsurance product, it seeks to offer affordable life coverage with convenient premium payment options, making it accessible to economically weaker sections of society. The plan is not linked to market performance or bonuses, ensuring a stable and predictable benefit structure.

LIC Bima Lakshmi

Bima Lakshmi is a non-participating, non-linked life insurance and savings plan. It combines life coverage with a savings component, providing policyholders with financial security and the potential for a maturity benefit. Similar to Jan Suraksha, this plan is not influenced by market fluctuations or bonuses, offering a risk-free investment avenue for individuals seeking both protection and savings.

Product Categories

Both plans fall under the “Non-Par, Non-Linked, Individual, Savings, Life” category, indicating that they are individual policies offering life coverage with a savings component, and are not affected by market performance or dividends. These products are available exclusively in the domestic market.

Strategic Intent

The introduction of these plans aligns with LIC’s strategy to cater to a broad spectrum of customers, including those from lower-income groups and individuals seeking secure savings options. By offering affordable and stable insurance solutions, LIC aims to enhance financial inclusion and provide accessible protection to a wider population.

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LG Electronics India shares declined after their initial surge on October 14, 2025, following a spectacular stock market debut. The shares made an intraday high of ₹1,749 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) but were trading at ₹1,693 around 12:45 p.m., down 3.2% from the peak.

This came after the stock initially opened at ₹1,710.10 on the NSE, reflecting a 50% premium over the issue price of ₹1,140, and at ₹1,715 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), surging 50.43% from the IPO price.

The IPO, valued at $1.3 billion (around ₹10,000 crore), was massively oversubscribed during its bidding period from October 7 to 9, attracting bids for 385.36 crore shares against 7.13 crore shares on offer, translating into a subscription rate of 54 times.

The strong market debut has valued LG Electronics India at $13.07 billion (around ₹1.15 lakh crore), surpassing the market capitalization of its South Korean parent, which stands at nearly $10 billion.

This makes it the most bid-for IPO in India since 2008 and the largest mainboard listing of over ₹10,000 crore in 2025 to list with a 50% premium.

Investor interest in the IPO was driven by LG Electronics India’s leadership in the home appliances and consumer electronics market, strong brand recognition, and extensive distribution network.

Analysts from Prabhudas Lilladher and Motilal Oswal Financial Services have initiated coverage on the stock with “buy” ratings, giving price targets between ₹1,780 and ₹1,800, citing the company’s robust growth prospects, high return ratios, and strategic focus on localization.

The company’s IPO attracted a record level of subscriptions, reflecting strong confidence in India’s consumer demand and manufacturing potential.

Revenue, EBITDA, and profit are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%, 10.9%, and 9.3%, respectively, between FY25 and FY28, supported by capacity expansions, business-to-business initiatives, and aftermarket services.

LG Electronics India plans to leverage its R&D capabilities in India and Germany to expand its product portfolio, focusing on premiumization, local sourcing, and smart mobility solutions.

The company’s debut also underscores the growth potential of India’s home appliance and consumer electronics market, estimated to post a CAGR of 14% over 2024–2029.

By surpassing valuations of peers such as Whirlpool ($1.67 billion), Voltas ($5.16 billion), and Havells ($10.42 billion), LG Electronics India has set a benchmark for billion-dollar IPO listings in the Indian market, highlighting strong investor appetite for global brands with a strategic focus on the Indian market.

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has officially expanded into the Italian market, marking its presence in 49 international territories.

This strategic move aims to tap into Italy’s renowned motorcycle culture, offering a range of Euro 5+ compliant models tailored to European standards.

The company has partnered with Pelpi International, a prominent Italian two-wheeler distributor, to manage sales, service, and parts across the country.

Pelpi’s extensive network of over 160 dealers, starting with 36 in key cities and expanding to 54, will facilitate Hero’s market penetration.

Customers will benefit from a comprehensive five-year warranty, comprising a three-year standard warranty and an additional two years as part of a promotional offer.

Hero’s initial Italian lineup includes the Xpulse 200 4V, Xpulse 200 4V Pro, and the Hunk 440. The Xpulse 200 4V is priced at €2,990, while the Pro variant is available for €3,190. The Hunk 440 is offered at €3,990.

These models feature advanced specifications such as dual-channel ABS, TFT displays with navigation, and LED lighting, aligning with Hero’s commitment to providing sustainable and smart mobility solutions.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice President of Hero MotoCorp, emphasized the company’s objective to deliver “Limitless Freedom and Limitless Adventure” to Italian riders.

He highlighted the integration of Hero’s Dakar Rally engineering expertise into the product lineup, ensuring high performance and reliability.

Cesare Galli, Managing Director of Pelpi International, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting Hero’s global scale, product quality, and the attractive five-year warranty, which collectively address key competitive segments in the Italian market.

This expansion underscores Hero MotoCorp’s strategy to strengthen its global presence by offering premium, Euro-compliant motorcycles in key international markets.

Citi India has appointed Srini Kannan as the Head of Digital, Technology, Communication, Business & Professional Services, and Industrials for Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) in India, effective from early December 2025.

In this role, Kannan will oversee CCB’s market presence across these sectors, leveraging Citi’s global network spanning over 94 countries. He will also serve as a strategic advisor to the bank’s clients in India, focusing on unlocking investment banking opportunities and supporting the execution of the bank’s industry coverage strategy to optimize wallet share and returns.

Kannan brings extensive experience in dealmaking across equity, debt, mergers and acquisitions, financing, risk management, and payments. Prior to joining Citi, he served as the Head of Innovation Economy and Venture Capital coverage in India at JPMorgan, leading a team focused on founder-led or venture capital-backed high-growth companies.

Earlier, Srini Kannan played a pivotal role in building JPMorgan’s mid-corporate business in South India, making it the largest market within the country.

Gunjan Kalra, Head of CCB Japan, Australia, and Asia North & South, expressed confidence in Kannan’s appointment, highlighting his track record in effectively covering high-growth companies in one of the most dynamic and largest markets globally.

K Balasubramanian, CEO of Citi India and Banking Head for the Indian Subcontinent, emphasized that Kannan’s experience in client service and full-spectrum banking solutions will contribute to the growth of CCB in India, which is among the largest across Citi globally.

This strategic appointment underscores Citi India’s commitment to strengthening its presence in key industries and enhancing its service offerings to mid-sized corporate clients in the country.

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