Author: Sreelatha M

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Beyond

RBI swap window draws $20 bn inflows

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) special foreign exchange swap facility has attracted more than $20.7 billion in foreign currency inflows within just five weeks of its launch, providing a significant boost to the country’s external finances. The strong response comes at a crucial time, with the Indian rupee facing pressure from rising global crude oil prices and continued uncertainty in international financial markets.

According to the RBI, the special window mobilised $20.72 billion between June 8 and July 17, exceeding initial market expectations. The facility was announced on June 5 and became operational three days later as part of the central bank’s efforts to strengthen India’s balance of payments, improve foreign exchange liquidity and encourage banks to attract overseas funds.

The bulk of the inflows came through Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits, which accounted for $17.4 billion of the total amount mobilised. These deposits allow non-resident Indians (NRIs) to maintain fixed deposits in foreign currencies with Indian banks, making them an important source of stable foreign exchange.

Apart from FCNR(B) deposits, the scheme also attracted nearly $2 billion through Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs) and around $1.3 billion via External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs). Together, these channels have helped bring fresh dollar inflows into the country and strengthened India’s foreign exchange position.

The RBI introduced the swap facility to make it easier and more attractive for banks to raise foreign currency resources from overseas. Under the scheme, the central bank bears the foreign exchange hedging cost for eligible inflows, reducing the financial burden on banks. This enables lenders to offer more competitive returns on FCNR(B) deposits and overseas borrowings, encouraging greater participation from NRIs and international lenders.

The initiative has arrived at an important time for the Indian economy. The rupee has been under pressure in recent weeks due to rising crude oil prices, which have increased India’s import bill, and persistent global uncertainty triggered by geopolitical tensions and shifting interest rate expectations in major economies. These factors have led to increased demand for dollars, putting pressure on the domestic currency.

The fresh inflows generated through the RBI’s swap window are expected to ease some of this pressure by improving the availability of foreign exchange. A stronger forex position also gives the central bank greater flexibility to manage volatility in the currency market without significantly drawing down its foreign exchange reserves.

Higher foreign exchange reserves are widely seen as a key indicator of economic resilience. They help reassure investors that the country has sufficient resources to meet its external payment obligations, finance imports and absorb shocks arising from global financial or geopolitical developments. For an economy like India, which imports a large share of its crude oil requirements, maintaining adequate forex reserves is particularly important.

Market experts say the response to the RBI’s initiative has been stronger than anticipated. Many analysts had expected overseas inflows to remain subdued because of relatively high global interest rates and uncertain financial conditions. Instead, the healthy participation under the scheme suggests that NRIs and overseas lenders continue to have confidence in India’s banking system and long-term economic prospects.

Economists believe the swap facility could play an important role in strengthening India’s balance of payments during the current financial year. Some analysts estimate that total inflows under the scheme could eventually exceed $80 billion if banks continue to mobilise overseas deposits and borrowings at the current pace.

The facility will remain available until September 30, 2026, for FCNR(B) deposits and until December 31, 2026, for OFCBs and ECBs. This gives banks several more months to attract additional foreign currency resources under the concessional framework offered by the RBI.

The latest inflow figures also underline the central bank’s proactive approach to safeguarding the country’s external sector. Alongside regular interventions in the foreign exchange market to smooth excessive currency volatility, the RBI has focused on creating policy measures that attract durable foreign capital instead of relying solely on market intervention.

For businesses and importers, stronger forex reserves and improved dollar liquidity can help reduce uncertainty arising from sharp exchange rate movements. Stable currency conditions also benefit investors by improving confidence in the broader economy and reducing risks linked to external financing.

As global markets continue to face uncertainty from geopolitical tensions, fluctuating commodity prices and evolving monetary policies across major economies, India’s ability to attract substantial foreign currency inflows is being viewed as a positive sign. The RBI’s swap facility has not only strengthened the country’s foreign exchange reserves but has also reinforced confidence in India’s external financial stability, providing an additional buffer against global economic headwinds while supporting the rupee and the overall economy.

Also Read: HDFC Bank pauses CEO reappointment

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1 Minute-Read

Sobha Limited profit jumps to ₹51 cr

Real estate developer Sobha Limited reported a strong first-quarter performance for FY27, with net profit more than tripling to ₹51 crore from ₹16 crore a year earlier.

Revenue from operations rose 14 per cent to ₹1,330 crore, supported by healthy execution across residential projects. The company said steady demand for premium housing and disciplined project delivery helped improve earnings.

Following the results, Sobha shares gained over 2 per cent in early trade as investors welcomed the stronger financial performance. Analysts said the company’s robust sales pipeline and focus on quality projects position it well for sustained growth in the coming quarters.

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Technology

WordPress sites face fresh cyber threat

Millions of WordPress websites around the world are facing a growing cybersecurity threat as hackers actively exploit vulnerabilities in outdated plugins and themes, despite security patches already being available. Researchers warn that many website owners have failed to install critical updates, giving cybercriminals an easy opportunity to break into their systems.

Cybersecurity experts say attackers are using a new exploit chain known as WP2Shell to compromise vulnerable WordPress websites. The technique combines multiple previously disclosed plugin vulnerabilities, allowing hackers to gain remote code execution on websites that have not been updated. Once inside, attackers can upload malicious files, install malware, steal sensitive information and even take complete control of a website.

The latest findings underline a familiar but persistent problem in website security. Software developers often release patches soon after discovering vulnerabilities, but many users delay installing them because of concerns over compatibility, downtime or simple oversight. Hackers closely monitor these public disclosures and move quickly to target websites that remain unpatched.

Researchers estimate that millions of WordPress installations could still be vulnerable because many continue to use outdated plugins. WordPress powers more than 40 per cent of the world’s websites, making it one of the biggest targets for cybercriminals. Rather than attacking the WordPress core software itself, hackers frequently exploit weaknesses in third-party plugins and themes, which are often maintained by different developers and updated less consistently.

The WP2Shell attack works by chaining together known vulnerabilities that have already been fixed by plugin developers. Websites running older versions remain vulnerable even though patches have been available for months in some cases. Automated scanning tools allow attackers to search the internet for exposed websites within minutes, making small businesses, online stores, blogs, educational institutions and personal websites all potential targets.

Once hackers gain access, the consequences can be severe. They can inject malicious scripts, redirect visitors to fraudulent websites, steal login credentials, install ransomware or use compromised servers to launch further cyberattacks. In some cases, hacked websites are turned into phishing platforms or become part of larger botnets used to attack other systems.

Security researchers stress that website owners should not assume they are safe simply because WordPress itself is updated. Every installed plugin and theme must also be kept current. A single outdated plugin can provide enough access for attackers to compromise an entire website.

Experts recommend that administrators immediately review all installed plugins and themes, update them to the latest versions and remove anything that is no longer in use. Unused plugins, even if deactivated, can still pose a security risk if they contain vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity professionals also advise enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrator accounts, using strong and unique passwords, restricting administrative access and maintaining regular website backups. Backups can significantly reduce recovery time if a website is compromised or data is lost during an attack.

Continuous monitoring is another important defence. Unusual login attempts, unexpected administrator accounts, unfamiliar files or sudden changes in website performance could all indicate that a website has been breached. Early detection allows administrators to isolate affected systems and prevent attackers from causing further damage.

The latest campaign highlights how quickly cybercriminals adapt once vulnerabilities become public. Security patches are designed to close these gaps, but they are only effective when users install them. Attackers often begin exploiting newly disclosed flaws within days, knowing that many organisations take weeks or even months to apply updates.

For businesses, a successful cyberattack can lead to service disruptions, financial losses, reputational damage and exposure of customer information. E-commerce websites are particularly attractive targets because they store payment details and personal data. Even smaller websites that hold little valuable information can be hijacked to distribute malware or host phishing pages targeting unsuspecting visitors.

Researchers say organisations should also implement web application firewalls, regularly audit user accounts, limit plugin installations to trusted developers and conduct periodic security assessments. These measures add multiple layers of protection and reduce the chances of successful exploitation.

The warning serves as an important reminder that cybersecurity is an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. Keeping software updated, removing unnecessary components and following basic security practices remain among the most effective ways to defend against modern cyber threats.

Also Read: Rupee drops 14 paise, closes at 96.44

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Technology

Apple revises subscription prices in India

Apple has increased the prices of its Apple Music and Apple One subscription plans in India, making its popular digital entertainment services more expensive for users. The revised rates are effective immediately for new subscribers, while existing customers will pay the higher charges when their current subscription cycle is renewed.

The latest revision is part of Apple’s broader global pricing update and comes as the company deals with rising music licensing costs. According to Apple, the higher subscription charges will help cover increased payments made to artists, songwriters and music labels while continuing to offer users a premium streaming experience.

For Apple users in India, the increase means paying more every month to access music streaming and bundled digital services. Although the hike is not steep, it adds to the growing cost of maintaining multiple digital subscriptions, something many consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of.

The Apple Music Individual plan has been revised to ₹139 per month, up from ₹119. Students subscribing to the service will now pay ₹69 per month, compared to the earlier ₹59. The Family plan has witnessed the biggest increase, rising from ₹179 to ₹229 per month. The family subscription allows up to six members to enjoy the service using Apple’s Family Sharing feature.

Apple has also raised the prices of its Apple One subscription bundles, which combine several Apple services into a single monthly plan. The Individual plan now costs ₹195, up from ₹175, while the Family plan has been increased to ₹295 from ₹235. The Premier plan, which offers the widest range of Apple services, has gone up from ₹899 to ₹995 per month.

Apple One bundles are designed for users who subscribe to multiple Apple services. Depending on the plan, subscribers receive access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and iCloud+ storage. Some plans also include additional services such as Apple Fitness+, making the bundle a convenient option for customers deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.

The company has not introduced any new features alongside the revised pricing. Instead, Apple said the increase reflects higher licensing costs associated with music streaming. As royalty payments to artists and record labels continue to rise globally, the company has revised subscription prices across several markets, including India.

Apple Music remains one of the world’s leading music streaming platforms, offering access to a catalogue of more than 100 million songs. Subscribers also enjoy ad-free listening, offline downloads, high-quality Lossless Audio, Spatial Audio, personalised recommendations and expertly curated playlists. Student subscribers in eligible regions continue to receive Apple TV+ as part of their plan without additional charges.

Industry observers say Apple’s latest move mirrors a wider trend across the streaming industry. Over the past few years, several music and video streaming platforms have raised subscription prices to offset increasing content acquisition costs, licensing fees and investments in technology. As companies compete to provide better user experiences and exclusive content, subscription prices have gradually moved upward.

The latest hike also comes shortly after Apple revised the prices of AppleCare+ plans for selected Macs and iPads. The company has also adjusted prices for certain hardware products in recent months, reflecting changing business costs and currency movements in different markets.

For consumers, the announcement is likely to prompt a review of monthly digital expenses. Many households today pay separately for music, video streaming, cloud storage, gaming and productivity services. As subscription costs rise across platforms, users may begin comparing services more closely to determine which ones offer the best value for money.

Apple, however, continues to benefit from the seamless integration of its services across devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and HomePod. This interconnected ecosystem remains one of the biggest reasons why many users choose to stay with Apple Music and Apple One despite periodic price increases.

Customers who subscribe to multiple Apple services individually may still find Apple One to be a cost-effective option, even after the latest revision. Bundled plans generally provide savings compared to purchasing each service separately, making them attractive for families and heavy Apple users.

For existing subscribers, the revised charges will automatically apply from the next renewal date. Users who do not wish to continue at the new prices can switch to a different plan or cancel their subscription before the renewal takes place.

The latest revision underlines Apple’s growing focus on its services business, which has become an increasingly important source of revenue alongside hardware sales. As competition intensifies in the digital entertainment market and licensing costs continue to climb, price revisions like these may become more common across the streaming industry.

Also Read: Top 5 firms add ₹1.54 lakh cr market value

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Corporate

Top 5 firms add ₹1.54 lakh cr market value

India’s biggest listed companies delivered a strong performance on the stock market during the past week, with five of the country’s 10 most-valued firms together adding nearly ₹1.54 lakh crore to their combined market capitalisation. The rally was driven by robust investor interest in blue-chip stocks, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) emerging as the biggest wealth creator during the week.

The rise in market value reflects improving investor confidence in fundamentally strong companies despite continued global uncertainties. Healthy corporate earnings, sustained domestic investment and optimism around India’s economic outlook encouraged investors to increase their exposure to leading stocks across information technology, banking and energy sectors.

Among all the companies, TCS recorded the highest jump in market capitalisation. The IT giant added more than ₹72,000 crore to its valuation during the week, making it the biggest contributor to the overall gains. Investor sentiment towards the company improved after its quarterly earnings met market expectations and the management expressed confidence about stronger business momentum in the coming months. The company’s positive outlook reassured investors that demand for technology services is expected to remain resilient despite global economic challenges.

Private sector lender ICICI Bank also witnessed a significant rise in market value, adding more than ₹29,000 crore during the week. Strong financial performance, consistent loan growth and healthy asset quality continued to attract investor interest in the banking major. Financial stocks remained among the preferred choices for investors as expectations of sustained credit growth and stable profitability supported buying activity.

Reliance Industries, India’s most-valued listed company, also contributed to the rally by adding nearly ₹24,000 crore to its market capitalisation. The conglomerate continued to receive support from investors due to its diversified business portfolio spanning energy, retail and digital services. The company’s long-term growth prospects and continued investments in expanding businesses helped maintain positive market sentiment.

Other major gainers included Infosys and HDFC Bank, both of which registered healthy increases in their market valuations during the week. The gains in these companies reflected renewed confidence in India’s leading technology and financial services firms, which continue to remain favourites among both domestic and foreign institutional investors.

Together, these five companies added approximately ₹1.54 lakh crore to their combined market capitalisation, highlighting the strength of India’s large-cap stocks. Market experts believe that investors continue to favour companies with stable earnings, strong balance sheets and proven business models, especially at a time when global markets remain volatile.

However, the week was not positive for every company among India’s top-10 most-valued firms. Five other companies witnessed a decline in their market capitalisation as investors booked profits after recent gains. Despite these losses, the combined increase recorded by the top performers comfortably outweighed the decline, allowing the overall valuation of India’s leading listed companies to move higher.

The latest changes did not significantly alter the hierarchy of India’s biggest listed firms. Reliance Industries retained its position as the country’s most-valued company by market capitalisation. It continued to be followed by HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, TCS, Bajaj Finance, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL). These companies collectively account for a substantial share of India’s total stock market value and often influence the movement of benchmark indices.

Market capitalisation, commonly referred to as market cap, represents the total value of a company’s outstanding shares. It is calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of shares in circulation. A rise in market capitalisation generally indicates growing investor confidence and an increase in shareholder wealth, while a decline reflects weaker market sentiment or profit booking.

Analysts say the latest rally underlines the resilience of India’s equity markets, supported by strong domestic participation, steady inflows from institutional investors and optimism surrounding corporate earnings. Large-cap companies continue to attract investors because they are generally considered more stable during periods of market volatility.

The performance of TCS has been particularly encouraging for the information technology sector, which has faced pressure over the past year due to slower global technology spending. The company’s strong quarterly performance and optimistic guidance have renewed hopes that demand for digital transformation projects could improve in the coming quarters.

With the earnings season gathering pace and investors closely monitoring quarterly results, market participants expect stock-specific movements to remain high in the coming weeks. If corporate earnings continue to meet expectations and macroeconomic conditions remain supportive, India’s leading companies could continue to witness healthy investor interest, strengthening the country’s equity markets further.

Also Read: Sensex slides 440 points, Nifty ends below 24,250

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Uncategorized

Gujarat tops NITI Aayog investment index

Gujarat has emerged as the top performer in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026, reinforcing its position as one of India’s most attractive destinations for businesses and investors.

The state secured the highest ranking due to its strong industrial infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, ease of doing business and efficient governance. The index evaluates states on parameters such as regulatory reforms, infrastructure, land availability, skill development and investment facilitation.

Officials said the rankings are aimed at encouraging healthy competition among states and improving the overall investment climate, helping attract domestic and global investments while boosting economic growth and job creation.

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Leaders

Airbus sees robust demand for new aircraft

Global aerospace giant Airbus remains optimistic about the future of the aviation industry, with the company’s Chief Executive Officer saying demand for new aircraft continues to stay strong despite mounting challenges facing airlines worldwide. While airlines are grappling with rising costs, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties, passenger demand for air travel is keeping the long-term outlook for the sector positive.

Speaking about the state of the aviation industry, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said airlines are operating in an environment shaped by changing economic conditions, higher fuel prices and ongoing global uncertainty. However, these challenges have not weakened the need for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, which continue to attract strong interest from carriers across the world.

Faury noted that global air travel has recovered steadily over the past few years, encouraging airlines to expand their fleets and invest in next-generation aircraft. Rising passenger traffic, particularly in fast-growing markets across Asia and the Middle East, has strengthened confidence in long-term fleet expansion plans despite short-term economic pressures.

According to Airbus, airlines are increasingly focusing on replacing older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models that help reduce operating costs and lower carbon emissions. This trend has become even more important as aviation companies work towards meeting sustainability targets while coping with fluctuating fuel prices.

The Airbus chief acknowledged that the airline industry continues to face several operational hurdles. Aircraft manufacturers and suppliers are still dealing with supply chain bottlenecks, delays in the delivery of critical components and shortages of skilled workers. These challenges have slowed aircraft production across the aerospace sector and extended delivery timelines for customers.

Despite these obstacles, Faury said Airbus remains confident about fulfilling its long-term production plans. The company continues to work closely with suppliers to strengthen manufacturing capacity and improve the availability of components required for aircraft assembly.

One of the biggest challenges facing airlines today is the sharp rise in crude oil prices, which directly affects aviation fuel costs. Higher fuel expenses increase operating costs for carriers and often force airlines to review ticket prices, capacity plans and profitability targets. Even so, Airbus believes the industry’s long-term growth story remains intact as demand for air travel continues to outpace temporary market disruptions.

The company also pointed to the increasing importance of fleet modernisation. Many airlines are replacing ageing aircraft with new-generation jets that consume less fuel, produce fewer emissions and require lower maintenance costs. Such investments, Airbus believes, will help airlines remain competitive while meeting stricter environmental regulations.

Faury highlighted that emerging markets continue to drive global aviation growth. Countries with expanding middle-class populations and rising disposable incomes are witnessing higher demand for domestic and international travel. This trend is expected to create sustained demand for commercial aircraft over the next two decades.

The Airbus CEO also emphasised that aviation remains a critical part of the global economy, supporting tourism, trade and business connectivity. As international travel continues to recover, airlines are expected to maintain their fleet expansion plans despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical risks.

While airlines face short-term challenges, the long-term fundamentals remain strong. Growing passenger demand, increasing tourism and the need for more fuel-efficient aircraft are expected to support aircraft orders for manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing in the years ahead.

At the same time, analysts caution that supply chain issues remain one of the biggest risks for the aerospace sector. Delays in engine deliveries, component shortages and production constraints could continue to affect aircraft deliveries even as customer demand stays robust.

Airbus has repeatedly stressed that collaboration with suppliers will be essential to overcoming these challenges. The company is investing in expanding production capacity while working to ensure timely deliveries to airline customers across different regions.

While airlines navigate rising costs and operational pressures, Airbus remains confident that the aviation sector’s long-term growth prospects are intact. With global travel continuing to recover and airlines investing in more efficient aircraft, the company sees strong demand supporting the industry’s future despite today’s uncertainties.

Looking ahead, Airbus expects the global aviation industry to remain resilient despite economic headwinds. The company believes that increasing passenger traffic, fleet renewal programmes and the transition towards more sustainable aviation will continue to drive demand for commercial aircraft.

Also Read: No forced service charge, Centre tells restaurants

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Beyond

No forced service charge, Centre tells restaurants

The Centre has stepped up its crackdown on restaurants that continue to levy mandatory service charges, making it clear that customers cannot be forced to pay the additional amount. Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday warned that restaurants violating government guidelines and consumer protection laws would face strict action, including penalties.

The latest warning comes as the government intensifies its efforts to curb unfair billing practices in the hospitality sector. According to Joshi, action has already been initiated against 41 restaurants across the country after complaints that they were imposing mandatory service charges on customers despite clear government directions.

Speaking on the issue, the minister said a service charge is entirely voluntary and should never be treated as a compulsory payment. Customers have the right to decide whether they want to pay the charge based on the quality of service they receive. Restaurants, he said, cannot automatically add the amount to bills or refuse to remove it if a customer objects.

Joshi reiterated that forcing diners to pay a service charge amounts to an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act. He urged restaurant owners to comply with the government’s guidelines and warned that establishments ignoring the rules could face legal action and financial penalties.

The government has also appealed to consumers to be aware of their rights while dining out. If a restaurant insists on collecting a mandatory service charge or refuses to remove it from the bill, customers have been asked to report the matter through the National Consumer Helpline or the consumer grievance portal. Officials said consumer complaints play an important role in identifying repeat offenders and ensuring timely action.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has repeatedly clarified that a service charge is different from statutory taxes such as Goods and Services Tax (GST). While GST is a government levy that customers are legally required to pay, a service charge is decided by the restaurant and cannot be made compulsory. Customers are free to pay the charge if they are satisfied with the service, but they cannot be forced or pressured into doing so.

The renewed warning follows several complaints from diners who claimed that some restaurants continued to add service charges to bills without seeking consent. In several cases, customers also alleged that restaurant staff refused to remove the charge even after they requested it. The government believes such practices create confusion among consumers, many of whom mistakenly assume the charge is mandatory.

Joshi said the Centre is committed to protecting consumer rights and ensuring transparency in restaurant billing. He added that businesses must adopt fair trade practices and clearly inform customers that service charges are optional. The objective, he said, is not to target the hospitality industry but to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and are billed honestly.

Consumer rights organisations welcomed the government’s latest move, saying stronger enforcement will help eliminate misleading billing practices. They argued that customers should have complete freedom to reward good service voluntarily instead of being compelled to pay an additional charge. Greater awareness, they said, would also help consumers distinguish between optional service charges and mandatory government taxes.

The hospitality industry, however, has maintained that service charges help restaurants reward staff and maintain service standards. Some restaurant bodies have argued that customers are informed about the charge through menus and notices displayed at their establishments. Even so, the Centre has reiterated that displaying notices does not make the charge mandatory, and restaurants must remove it if a customer refuses to pay.

Officials said monitoring and inspections will continue across the country, and more establishments could face action if violations are found. Consumers have also been advised to retain their bills and payment receipts while filing complaints, as these can serve as evidence during investigations.

The government’s latest warning signals a tougher approach towards protecting consumer rights and ensuring transparency in the hospitality sector. As enforcement gathers pace, restaurants are expected to review their billing practices and comply with consumer protection guidelines to avoid penalties. At the same time, customers are being encouraged to remain informed, check their bills carefully and report any violations. The Centre believes that greater awareness, combined with stricter enforcement, will help create a fairer dining experience where service charges remain voluntary and consumers can exercise their right to choose without pressure.

Also Read: Gold above ₹1,41,300, silver climbs to ₹2,19,400

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Beyond

India clears Wegovy for fatty liver

India has approved Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease. The decision marks an important step in expanding treatment options for patients with a condition that is becoming increasingly common because of rising obesity and diabetes rates.

The approval was granted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), allowing doctors to prescribe Wegovy for eligible adults with MASH. The drug was already approved in India for chronic weight management. With the latest clearance, its use now extends beyond obesity treatment to include a serious liver disease that can lead to irreversible damage if left untreated.

MASH, previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, triggering inflammation and scarring. Over time, the disease can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure or even liver cancer. Since symptoms often appear only in the later stages, many people remain unaware they have the condition until significant liver damage has already occurred.

Health experts say the approval comes at a crucial time for India, where lifestyle-related diseases are increasing rapidly. Rising obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders have contributed to a growing number of fatty liver disease cases, making MASH a significant public health concern.

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a medicine that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite, slows digestion and reduces food intake, leading to sustained weight loss. Researchers have also found that the drug improves metabolic health, which may help reduce liver inflammation and slow disease progression.

The expanded approval follows positive results from global clinical trials, where patients treated with Wegovy showed significant improvements in liver health. Studies found that many participants experienced reduced liver inflammation, while some also showed improvements in liver scarring. Researchers concluded that the treatment increased the likelihood of resolving MASH without worsening fibrosis, one of the key markers of advanced liver disease.

Medical experts believe the approval could benefit patients who have limited treatment options. Until now, doctors have mainly relied on lifestyle interventions such as weight loss, healthier diets and regular exercise to manage the disease. While these measures remain essential, maintaining long-term weight loss can be difficult for many patients, increasing the need for effective medicines.

Doctors, however, caution that Wegovy is not a substitute for healthy living. Patients prescribed the drug will still need to follow balanced diets, remain physically active and attend regular medical check-ups to monitor liver health and overall metabolic condition.

The approval also reflects growing recognition that obesity is linked to several serious health conditions beyond excess weight. In recent years, GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy have demonstrated benefits in managing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and now fatty liver disease, making them an important part of modern metabolic care.

For Novo Nordisk, the expanded indication strengthens Wegovy’s position as one of the company’s flagship medicines. Demand for GLP-1 therapies has surged globally, with increasing interest from both patients and healthcare providers because of their effectiveness in treating multiple obesity-related conditions.

India’s decision is expected to provide fresh hope for thousands of patients living with advanced fatty liver disease. As awareness of MASH continues to grow, healthcare professionals believe early diagnosis, timely treatment and lifestyle changes will remain the most effective strategy for preventing severe liver complications.

With Wegovy now approved for fatty liver disease, doctors have another evidence-based treatment option to address one of India’s fastest-growing lifestyle-related health challenges. The move is expected to improve patient care while reinforcing the importance of tackling obesity and metabolic disorders before they lead to serious long-term complications.

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Corporate

JioStar’s Q1 revenue climbs 14%

JioStar has reported a strong start to the financial year, posting ₹10,946 crore in revenue for the first quarter as the Indian Premier League (IPL) continued to fuel growth across its television and digital businesses. The media and entertainment company also recorded a sharp rise in operating profit, reflecting the success of its sports broadcasting strategy and expanding digital audience.

According to the company’s latest financial results, Q1 revenue grew 14% year-on-year, supported largely by advertising and subscription income generated during the IPL season. The tournament once again proved to be one of India’s biggest media events, attracting millions of viewers across television and streaming platforms.

JioStar’s operating EBITDA surged 307% year-on-year, highlighting improved operational efficiency and stronger monetisation of premium content. The company attributed the sharp jump in profitability to higher advertising revenue, increased subscriber engagement and disciplined cost management.

The quarter marked the first full reporting period after the formation of JioStar, created through the merger of Reliance Industries-backed Viacom18 and Disney Star’s India business. The integration has brought together some of India’s biggest television channels, digital streaming services and sports broadcasting rights under a single media network.

A major contributor to the company’s performance was its exclusive coverage of the IPL, one of the world’s most valuable cricket tournaments. The league continued to attract record viewership, helping JioStar strengthen its position across both linear television and digital streaming.

Advertising remained a key growth driver during the quarter. Brands across sectors, including consumer goods, automobiles, financial services and technology, increased spending to reach the IPL’s massive audience. The cricket tournament traditionally attracts some of the highest advertising rates in Indian media, making it a crucial revenue generator for broadcasters.

Subscription revenue also improved as viewers increasingly consumed premium sports and entertainment content through JioStar’s digital platforms. The company has been focusing on expanding its streaming ecosystem by offering live sports, movies, television shows and original programming to a growing base of users.

The results underline the importance of live sports broadcasting in India’s media landscape. Cricket, especially the IPL, continues to be one of the strongest drivers of television ratings, digital engagement and advertising revenue. As more consumers shift towards connected devices and mobile streaming, companies with premium sports rights are expected to benefit significantly.

The company’s financial performance also reflects broader trends in India’s rapidly evolving media industry. While traditional television remains an important platform, digital streaming is witnessing faster growth as audiences increasingly watch content on smartphones, tablets and smart TVs.

JioStar’s integrated approach allows advertisers to reach audiences across multiple platforms through a single network. This cross-platform strategy has become increasingly valuable as brands seek unified campaigns that combine television, digital video and live streaming.

The merger has also strengthened JioStar’s content portfolio, giving it access to a wide range of entertainment channels, regional programming, international content and major sporting events. This diversified offering is expected to help the company attract more subscribers while maintaining strong advertising demand throughout the year.

Media experts say the strong quarterly results demonstrate the commercial value of premium sports rights in India’s highly competitive entertainment market. With cricket remaining central to viewer engagement, broadcasters continue investing heavily in acquiring long-term media rights for marquee tournaments.

Looking ahead, JioStar is expected to focus on further integrating its operations, expanding digital offerings and increasing monetisation opportunities through advertising, subscriptions and premium content. Upcoming sporting events and festive-season programming are also likely to support audience growth in the coming quarters.

The company believes its combined television and digital ecosystem places it in a strong position to capitalise on changing consumer viewing habits. As audiences increasingly prefer watching content across multiple screens, JioStar aims to deliver a seamless entertainment experience while strengthening its leadership in India’s media and streaming market.

The robust first-quarter performance highlights how premium sports content continues to reshape India’s entertainment business. With IPL media rights, digital streaming, sports broadcasting and advertising revenue driving growth, JioStar has begun the financial year on a strong note. The results also signal growing confidence in India’s media sector, where live sports remain one of the biggest engines of audience engagement and business growth.

Also Read: Apple regains world’s most valuable company title