Author: Sreelatha M

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Corporate

Sensex falls 150 points, Nifty slips below 23,200

Indian equity markets closed lower on Thursday after a volatile trading session, with investors reacting to escalating tensions in West Asia and a sharp rise in global crude oil prices.

The BSE Sensex ended 151 points lower, while the NSE Nifty closed below the 23,200 mark. Markets opened sharply lower after reports of fresh US military strikes on Iran raised fears of disruptions to global energy supplies and pushed Brent crude oil prices above $95 per barrel.

Both benchmark indices initially declined nearly 0.6% in early trade. However, buying in select banking and healthcare stocks helped the market recover a significant portion of its losses during the day. At one point, the Sensex had rebounded more than 600 points from its intraday low before losing momentum in the final hours of trading.

Technology stocks were among the biggest losers. Major IT companies, including Infosys, came under selling pressure amid concerns that rising US inflation and the possibility of further interest rate hikes could affect technology spending. Auto, real estate, cement and PSU bank stocks also traded weak, while banking, private financial, pharmaceutical and healthcare shares showed relative strength.

Investor sentiment remained cautious as markets assessed the impact of higher oil prices on inflation and economic growth. India, one of the world’s largest crude oil importers, could face increased import costs if prices remain elevated. The Indian rupee weakened during the session, while demand for government bonds also softened as traders factored in inflationary risks.

Global markets reflected a similar risk-off mood. Asian equities opened lower following the latest developments in the US-Iran conflict, while US stock futures also declined. Investors are increasingly worried that prolonged geopolitical tensions could trigger sustained energy price shocks and force central banks around the world to keep interest rates higher for longer.

Also Read: Zee Entertainment to raise ₹2,300 cr through securities issue

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1 Minute-Read

Zepto files updated IPO papers, targets $1 bn fundraise

Zepto has filed updated draft papers with SEBI for its proposed $1 billion (over ₹9,000 crore) initial public offering (IPO), moving closer to a stock market listing expected as early as July. The issue includes a fresh share sale worth about ₹8,010 crore and an offer-for-sale by existing investors.

The company plans to use the funds to expand its dark store network, strengthen technology infrastructure and support growth initiatives. Zepto has reported strong revenue growth amid rising demand for quick deliveries and competes with Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket.

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1 Minute-Read

Noida International Airport ready for commercial take-off

Noida International Airport has moved closer to its commercial launch after successfully completing flight validation and operational readiness trials. Authorities recently conducted a full-scale aircraft turnaround exercise, testing passenger handling, baggage systems, security checks and ground operations.

Located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, the airport is expected to ease congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and improve connectivity across the National Capital Region. Surveys indicate growing traveller interest, driven by competitive airfares and convenient access. Officials believe the airport will boost regional economic growth, create jobs and emerge as a major aviation hub in northern India.

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Corporate

Zee Entertainment to raise ₹2,300 cr through securities issue

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has approved a plan to raise at least ₹2,300 crore through the issuance of securities, a move aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and supporting future growth initiatives. The announcement was welcomed by investors, with the company’s shares gaining in market trade following the board’s approval.

In a regulatory filing, Zee said its board had cleared a fundraising proposal through eligible instruments, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. The company has not disclosed the final structure of the issue but indicated that the proceeds would be used for strategic and business requirements.

The fundraising decision comes as Zee continues to focus on improving operational performance and expanding its presence in India’s highly competitive media and entertainment sector. The company has been working to enhance profitability, strengthen cash flows and invest in digital growth opportunities amid changing consumer viewing habits.

Market participants reacted positively to the announcement, viewing the capital raise as a step towards improving the company’s financial flexibility. Zee shares rose after the board meeting, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s plans to reinforce its financial position.

This additional capital could provide Zee with greater room to pursue strategic investments, content development and technology upgrades. The funds may also help the broadcaster strengthen its digital business and compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving streaming and entertainment market.

The fundraising plan comes at a time when media companies are increasingly investing in original content, digital platforms and audience engagement strategies to attract viewers and advertisers. Industry experts believe access to fresh capital will help Zee navigate the competitive landscape and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

Zee remains one of India’s leading media networks, operating television channels, digital platforms and content production businesses across multiple languages and markets. The company has been pursuing a transformation strategy focused on operational efficiency and long-term value creation.

Also Read: FSB issues AI rules for financial firms

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Corporate

SpaceX IPO buzz grows as valuation nears $500 bn

Speculation surrounding a potential initial public offering (IPO) of SpaceX has intensified after the Elon Musk-led company was valued at nearly $500 billion in recent private market transactions, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most valuable privately held companies.

Investor interest in SpaceX has surged as the company continues to expand its dominance in the commercial space sector through satellite internet services, rocket launches and government contracts. The latest valuation reflects growing confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects and technological leadership.

Despite rising market expectations, SpaceX has maintained that it has no immediate plans to go public. Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that the company will consider an IPO only when its financial performance becomes more predictable, particularly for its ambitious Starship programme and satellite internet business, Starlink.

Industry analysts believe Starlink could eventually be separated and listed independently before a broader SpaceX public offering. The satellite internet division has emerged as a major revenue driver for the company, providing broadband services to millions of users across the world and generating significant investor interest.

SpaceX has transformed the global space industry through reusable rocket technology, reducing launch costs and increasing the frequency of missions. The company has also secured major contracts from NASA, the US government and commercial customers, strengthening its revenue base and market position.

The possibility of a future IPO has attracted attention from investors worldwide, including in India, where interest in global technology and space-related companies continues to grow. However, since SpaceX remains privately held, retail investors currently have limited opportunities to gain direct exposure to the company.

Also Read: Cognizant AI tool drives $200 mn in sales

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1 Minute-Read

Opendoor exits India, cuts 250 jobs

US-based real estate technology company Opendoor is shutting its India operations, impacting nearly 250 employees as part of a restructuring plan focused on artificial intelligence and operational efficiency.

The company has informed staff that India-based roles will be phased out and moved closer to its main customer base in the United States. Employees affected by the decision will receive severance benefits and transition support.

Opendoor said the move is aimed at simplifying operations and increasing the use of AI tools to automate routine tasks and improve productivity. The company uses technology to streamline home-buying and real estate transactions. The closure reflects changing business priorities and a greater focus on automation.

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Corporate

Anthropic introduces Claude Fable 5 for public use

Artificial intelligence company Anthropic has launched Claude Fable 5, its most advanced AI model available to the public. The model is based on the company’s previously restricted Mythos platform and aims to offer powerful capabilities while maintaining strong safety protections.

Claude Fable 5 is built on the same foundation as Claude Mythos 5, an advanced AI system that was earlier accessible only to a select group of organisations through Anthropic’s Project Glasswing programme. Access to Mythos had been limited due to concerns about its ability to identify software vulnerabilities and perform sophisticated cybersecurity tasks.

According to Anthropic, Fable 5 offers significant improvements in coding, scientific research, reasoning, visual analysis and other knowledge-based tasks. The company says the model delivers stronger performance than previous versions of Claude and can handle more complex and long-duration assignments.

To address safety concerns, Anthropic has introduced several safeguards in Fable 5. The model is designed to restrict responses in sensitive areas such as cybersecurity, biology and chemistry. For certain high-risk requests, the system can automatically switch users to a less powerful but safer model, Claude Opus 4.8.

The release comes amid growing debate over the risks and benefits of increasingly capable AI systems. Earlier versions of Mythos reportedly demonstrated advanced vulnerability-discovery abilities that attracted attention from governments, cybersecurity experts and technology companies.

Anthropic said the model underwent extensive testing and safety evaluations before its public launch. The company believes the safeguards built into Fable 5 allow broader access to advanced AI capabilities while reducing the risk of misuse.

Also Read: Samsung bets big on AI TVs

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Beyond

India puts Starlink approval on hold for security reasons

The Indian government has reportedly put on hold the final approval process for Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, amid growing security concerns linked to its reported use during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

According to reports, authorities are reassessing Starlink’s proposed operations in India after concerns emerged about how satellite-based internet services can be used in conflict zones and sensitive security situations. The review is focused on ensuring that India’s national security interests are adequately protected before commercial operations are allowed to begin.

Starlink has been seeking regulatory clearances to launch its satellite broadband services in India and has already secured several key approvals in recent months. The company aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved regions where conventional broadband infrastructure remains limited.

However, recent reports highlighting the use of satellite communication networks in conflict-affected areas have prompted Indian authorities to take a closer look at the technology’s security implications. Officials are understood to be examining issues related to user verification, lawful interception capabilities, data access, emergency controls and the ability of government agencies to monitor communications when required under Indian law.

The review comes at a time when governments worldwide are debating the regulatory challenges posed by satellite internet services. Unlike traditional telecom networks that operate through ground-based infrastructure, satellite broadband systems function through constellations of satellites orbiting the Earth, creating new questions around jurisdiction, oversight and security compliance.

Industry experts note that while satellite internet services have the potential to transform connectivity in rural and remote areas, regulators are increasingly focused on balancing technological innovation with national security requirements.

The reported pause does not necessarily indicate a rejection of Starlink’s India plans. Instead, it appears to be part of a broader review process aimed at ensuring that all operational, legal and security safeguards are in place before commercial deployment.

For now, Starlink’s entry into the Indian market remains under regulatory examination.

Also Read: Adani Energy buys IntelliSmart in ₹3,050 cr smart meter deal

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Technology

Samsung bets big on AI TVs

Samsung Electronics has unveiled its latest generation of premium televisions, introducing advanced display technologies and artificial intelligence-powered features as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the global television market.

As part of the rollout, Samsung showcased its new television lineup at retail outlets, including a launch event at Bajaj Electronics in Hyderabad. The company said the new range is designed to deliver improved picture quality, immersive sound and enhanced smart-home connectivity for consumers.

A key highlight of Samsung’s latest display innovations is its Micro RGB technology, which the company describes as a significant advancement in television engineering. Unlike conventional display systems, the technology uses independently controlled red, green and blue light sources to produce higher brightness, improved colour accuracy and better contrast. Samsung believes the innovation could help set new benchmarks for next-generation television displays.

The company has also integrated artificial intelligence capabilities across its latest television portfolio. These AI-powered features are designed to optimise picture quality, adjust audio settings according to content and improve the overall viewing experience. Samsung said the technology can analyse scenes in real time and automatically enhance visual performance.

In addition to premium display technologies, the new lineup includes stronger connectivity features that allow televisions to function as smart-home hubs. Users can connect and manage compatible devices through a single interface, reflecting the growing convergence of entertainment and smart-home ecosystems.

Industry analysts note that television manufacturers are increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence, larger screens and advanced display technologies as consumers seek more immersive viewing experiences. Competition in the premium television segment has intensified as brands introduce new innovations to attract buyers upgrading their home entertainment systems.

Samsung remains one of the world’s leading television manufacturers and continues to invest heavily in display research and development. The latest product announcements reflect the company’s efforts to maintain leadership in the premium TV market while addressing growing demand for AI-driven and connected entertainment solutions.

Also Read: Adani Energy buys IntelliSmart in ₹3,050 cr smart meter deal

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Corporate

Adani Energy buys IntelliSmart in ₹3,050 cr smart meter deal

Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) has announced the acquisition of IntelliSmart Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, one of India’s largest smart metering companies, in a deal valued at approximately ₹3,050 crore. The transaction marks one of the biggest consolidations in the country’s rapidly expanding smart metering industry.

IntelliSmart is currently backed by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). The company has emerged as a major player in India’s power distribution modernisation efforts, managing a large portfolio of smart meter projects across multiple states.

With the acquisition, Adani Energy Solutions will significantly strengthen its presence in the advanced metering infrastructure segment. The company said the deal aligns with its strategy of building a digitally enabled energy network and supporting the government’s push for power sector reforms.

Smart meters are designed to provide real-time monitoring of electricity consumption, improve billing efficiency, reduce power losses and enhance operational performance for electricity distribution companies. The technology is a key component of India’s efforts to modernise its power infrastructure and improve service delivery.

Following the acquisition, Adani Energy Solutions’ total smart meter portfolio is expected to expand substantially. The combined business will have the capability to serve millions of consumers across the country and participate in upcoming smart metering projects under government programmes.

The acquisition also reflects growing private-sector interest in digital energy infrastructure, an area that is attracting significant investments as utilities increasingly adopt technology-driven solutions.

Adani Energy Solutions said the acquisition will help create a larger and more efficient platform for delivering smart metering services while supporting India’s energy transition goals. Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, the deal is expected to further strengthen the company’s position as a leading integrated energy infrastructure player in the country.

Industry experts view the transaction as a significant step in consolidating the smart metering market, which is expected to witness strong growth over the coming years. The government has been encouraging the deployment of smart meters as part of broader reforms aimed at improving the financial health and efficiency of power distribution companies.

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