Author: Sreelatha M

Categories
Corporate

Sensex rises 800+ points, Nifty tops 24,200

Indian equity markets rallied sharply on May 4, 2026, with benchmark indices posting strong gains in early trade, driven by positive election trends, easing crude oil prices, and supportive global cues. The BSE Sensex climbed over 800 points, while the NSE Nifty 50 moved past the 24,200 level, reflecting renewed investor optimism.

The surge was largely attributed to early counting trends from key state assembly elections, including West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry. Market participants interpreted initial leads as supportive of political stability, which typically boosts investor confidence and encourages capital inflows.

Global factors also aided sentiment. Crude oil prices softened after recent volatility, easing concerns about inflationary pressures in an oil-importing country like India. This provided additional support to equities, especially sectors sensitive to input costs and consumption demand.

Sector-wise, the rally was broad-based, with banking, auto, and FMCG stocks emerging as top gainers. Financial stocks led the charge as investors bet on steady economic growth and improved credit demand. Auto companies advanced following robust monthly sales data, while FMCG stocks benefited from expectations of stable consumption trends.

Among individual stocks, Vodafone Idea saw a notable jump after regulatory relief on adjusted gross revenue dues improved its financial outlook. Several other companies also remained active amid ongoing quarterly earnings announcements, contributing to overall market momentum.

On the flip side, select IT stocks faced mild selling pressure, as investors remained cautious due to global economic uncertainties and muted demand outlook in key overseas markets.

Despite the upbeat start, analysts advised caution. Markets are expected to remain volatile as final election results unfold and investors track global developments, including geopolitical tensions and foreign fund flows.

Also Read: India rolls out test of real-time disaster alert system

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Beyond

India rolls out test of real-time disaster alert system

If your phone suddenly made a loud alert sound recently, you were not alone. The government carried out a nationwide test of a new emergency alert system, sending a message marked “extremely severe” to mobile users across India.

The alert was part of a trial run of the Cell Broadcast System, a technology built to deliver real-time warnings during disasters. While the message caught many people off guard, officials later confirmed that it was only a test and no action was needed.

The system is designed to improve how quickly people are informed during emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, or other crises. Instead of sending individual text messages, it broadcasts alerts to all phones in a particular area at once.

This approach has a key advantage,  it works even when networks are busy or overloaded, which is often the case during emergencies. It also does not require users to install apps or register for alerts, making it more accessible.

The government says the system has been developed locally and is part of a larger effort to strengthen disaster response across the country. Future alerts are expected to be available in multiple languages to reach a wider population.

The recent test also helped authorities understand where improvements are needed. Some users said they did not receive the alert, highlighting areas where coverage can be enhanced.

Also Read: Pentagon ties up with tech giants for AI push

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Corporate

Pentagon ties up with tech giants for AI push

The US Department of Defense is taking a big step toward using artificial intelligence in its core operations, signing new agreements with some of the world’s biggest technology companies.

Firms including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, Google, OpenAI, SpaceX and startup Reflection AI are part of this initiative. Their role will be to provide advanced AI tools that can work within the military’s highly secure and classified systems.

The goal is to make the US military more efficient and responsive by using AI to handle complex tasks. Officials say these tools can help analyse large amounts of data, identify potential threats faster, and support real-time decision-making during operations. In simple terms, the Pentagon wants to use AI to make better and quicker decisions in critical situations.

This shift is part of a broader plan to build what officials are calling an “AI-first” military. That means relying more on intelligent systems not just for combat scenarios, but also for planning, logistics, and intelligence gathering.

At the same time, the move has sparked concerns, especially within the tech community. Some employees at participating companies have raised questions about how their technology might be used, particularly in areas like surveillance or autonomous weapons. The ethical use of AI in defence continues to be a topic of debate.

The Pentagon has said that safeguards will be in place. These include maintaining human oversight in key decisions and ensuring that all AI use follows existing laws and guidelines.

Interestingly, not all AI companies have joined the effort. Some have reportedly chosen to stay out due to concerns over how their technology could be applied in military contexts.

Also Read: Donald Trump warns of 25% tariffs on EU cars

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Beyond

GST hits record ₹2.43 lakh cr in April

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose to a record ₹2.43 lakh crore in April 2026, marking the highest monthly revenue since the tax system was introduced. The strong numbers reflect steady economic activity along with improved tax compliance.

A key factor behind the surge was a sharp increase in revenue from imports. GST collected on imported goods grew significantly, driven by higher global prices and increased import values, particularly in energy and commodity segments. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have also contributed to rising import costs, which in turn boosted tax collections.

Domestic transactions also contributed to the growth, though at a more moderate pace. This suggests that while consumption within the country remains stable, the larger push in April came from external trade-related factors rather than a sharp rise in local demand.

April typically sees higher GST collections because it includes tax payments related to March, the last month of the financial year. Businesses usually settle pending dues during this period, which adds to the overall collections. This seasonal trend, combined with tighter enforcement and better reporting systems, helped push revenues to a record level this year.

Government efforts to improve compliance through digital monitoring and data analytics have also played a role. Measures such as e-invoicing and stricter checks have reduced tax leakages and brought more businesses into the formal system.

Also Read: Government to sustain ₹12.2 lakh cr capex amid fiscal stress

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Corporate

HUL Q4 profit rises 21%, dividend announced

Hindustan Unilever reported a strong fourth quarter, with profits rising compared to the same period last year.

The company posted a net profit of around ₹3,000 crore for the January–March quarter, showing a growth of about 20–21%. This increase was supported by steady demand for its products and improved performance across categories.

Revenue also grew during the quarter, rising nearly 8% to over ₹16,000 crore. The growth was driven by stable demand in both urban and rural markets, along with better sales volumes.

Along with its results, HUL announced a final dividend of ₹22 per share. This adds to the interim dividend declared earlier, taking the total payout for the year to a strong level.

HUL, which sells everyday products like soaps, detergents, and packaged foods, continues to benefit from its wide range of brands and strong market presence.

However, the company also faced some pressure from rising raw material costs, which affected margins slightly. Despite this, it managed to maintain steady growth through cost control and efficient operations.

Also Read: Mazagon Dock Q4 profit rises 42%, dividend announced

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1 Minute-Read

Gautam Adani launches employee initiative on anniversary

Gautam Adani marked his 40th wedding anniversary by offering prayers at Kedarnath Temple along with his wife, Priti Adani.

The day was special as it coincided with both his anniversary and International Labour Day. The couple prayed for the country’s progress and well-being.

On the same occasion, Adani announced a new employee initiative called “Apni Baat, Apno Ke Saath”. The platform aims to connect with over four lakh employees across the Adani Group and encourage open communication.

In a message, he thanked his wife for her support over the years, calling her a key part of his journey.

The announcement reflects both a personal milestone and a step towards improving employee engagement within the group.

Categories
Leaders

Adobe CEO sells $18.2 mn in company shares

Shantanu Narayen, the chief executive of Adobe Inc., has sold shares worth about $18.2 million, according to a recent regulatory filing.

The sale involved around 75,000 shares and was carried out on April 28. Such transactions by top executives are not unusual and are often part of personal financial planning or pre-scheduled trading plans.

However, stock sales by senior leaders are closely watched by investors, as they can sometimes offer clues about how insiders view the company’s future.

The development comes at a time when Adobe is going through a leadership transition. Narayen, who has led the company for nearly two decades, is expected to step down as CEO once a successor is named, though he will continue in the role of chairman.

During his time at the helm, he played a major role in transforming Adobe into a leading global software company, especially by shifting its business to a subscription-based, cloud-driven model.

The company is now adapting to rapid changes in the tech industry, particularly with the growing influence of artificial intelligence in creative tools and digital services.

While the share sale has attracted attention, there is no indication that it reflects any immediate concerns about the company’s performance.

Also Read: Hidden Smart TV feature raises privacy concerns

Categories
Technology

Hidden Smart TV feature raises privacy concerns

Smart TVs have become a common part of households, but a lesser-known feature is now raising concerns about privacy. Many of these devices come with a built-in technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which can track what users are watching.

ACR works by analysing the audio and visuals on a screen to identify content. It can recognise shows from streaming platforms, cable TV, or even devices connected through HDMI, such as gaming consoles or set-top boxes. Once identified, the system creates data about viewing habits.

This data is often used to improve user experience by suggesting shows or delivering personalised advertisements. However, the concern is that many users are not aware this tracking is happening. In several cases, ACR is enabled by default when the TV is set up.

Privacy experts warn that such data collection can go beyond simple recommendations. The information may be shared with third-party advertisers or data companies, raising questions about how securely it is handled and who has access to it.

There are also concerns that smart TVs may continue tracking content even when they are used only as display screens for external devices. This means users could be monitored without actively using built-in apps.

With growing focus on digital privacy laws, including India’s data protection framework, experts say there is a need for clearer disclosures and better control for users.

Also Read: India cuts export duty on diesel, jet fuel

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Beyond

India cuts export duty on diesel, jet fuel

India has reduced export duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), offering some relief to refiners as global oil prices remain volatile. The new rates came into effect on May 1.

Export duty on diesel has been brought down to ₹23 per litre from ₹55.5, while jet fuel duty has been reduced to ₹33 per litre from ₹42. There is no export duty on petrol. Despite these changes, taxes on fuels sold within the country remain unchanged.

The decision comes at a time when global crude oil prices have surged due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply concerns, particularly in West Asia. As a major importer of crude oil, India is sensitive to such fluctuations, which can impact both fuel availability and pricing.

Earlier, the government had raised export duties to ensure enough fuel stayed within the country and to prevent companies from exporting more for higher profits. The latest move signals a shift, allowing refiners more flexibility while still keeping domestic supply stable.

For consumers, there is no immediate impact, as petrol and diesel prices at the pump remain steady. The government has maintained these rates to avoid passing on the burden of rising global prices to the public.

The changes also come as the aviation sector faces higher fuel costs, with ATF being a major expense for airlines. Lower export duties may help ease some of the pressure on fuel supply and pricing.

Also Read: EPFO rolls out E-PRAAPTI as PF account tracker

Categories
Corporate

Adani Power profit climbs 64% to ₹4,271 cr

Adani Power reported a strong performance in the fourth quarter, with its net profit rising sharply by 64% year-on-year to ₹4,271 crore.

The company had posted a profit of ₹2,599 crore in the same quarter last year. The latest jump in earnings was mainly supported by lower tax expenses and steady operational performance during the January–March period.

Revenue for the quarter also grew by around 10% to nearly ₹15,989 crore, showing stable demand and consistent power generation activity. The company’s overall performance reflects improved efficiency and stronger margins compared to the previous year.

For the full financial year, Adani Power continued to show steady growth, supported by higher generation volumes and better operational control. The company remains one of the key private players in India’s thermal power sector, with a large installed capacity and long-term power supply agreements.

Adani Power’s results come at a time when the broader Adani Group companies are also reporting mixed but generally improving performance across different segments.

Despite the strong financial results, the stock saw some pressure after the announcement, slipping in trade. Market experts say this kind of reaction often happens when investors had already priced in strong earnings or were expecting even better performance.

Also Read: Samsung family wealth doubles to $45 bn