Author: Sreelatha M

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Corporate

LIC board announces 1:1 bonus shares

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has announced its first-ever bonus share issue since it was listed on the stock market, offering a 1:1 bonus to its shareholders.

In simple terms, investors will receive one additional share for every share they currently hold, at no extra cost. The decision was approved by LIC’s board and is being seen as a move to reward its large base of shareholders.

The company is yet to announce the record date, which will decide which shareholders are eligible for the bonus shares. Once issued, the total number of shares held by investors will double, although the overall value of their investment will remain the same at the start.

This is the first time LIC has announced a bonus issue since its listing, making it a significant step for the company. It reflects confidence in its financial strength and future growth prospects.

The move is also expected to make LIC’s stock more accessible. With more shares available in the market, trading activity could increase, and smaller investors may find it easier to buy the stock.

Bonus issues are generally seen as a positive signal by the market, as they show that a company is comfortable with its reserves and willing to reward shareholders. It can also improve investor sentiment and attract more participation over time.

While the bonus shares do not immediately increase the value of an investor’s holdings, they can benefit shareholders in the long run if the company continues to perform well.

Also Read: ICICI Pru AMC profit at ₹763 cr in Q4

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Beyond

Gold at ₹93,400, Silver near ₹2.5 lakh

Gold and silver prices in India saw a mild rise on April 14, with rates firming up ahead of the Akshaya Tritiya festival. The occasion, known for gold buying, is already boosting demand in markets across the country.

According to the latest retail rates, 24-carat gold is priced at around ₹93,300–₹93,400 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold is trading between ₹85,500 and ₹85,700 per 10 grams in key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata. Silver prices are also holding strong, staying close to ₹2.5 lakh per kilogram.

The slight increase in prices is being seen across most major markets, although small variations exist due to local taxes and demand conditions. Overall, the trend remains steady with a gradual upward bias.

Experts say global factors are continuing to support gold prices. Economic uncertainties and movements in international currencies have kept gold attractive as a safe-haven investment. At the same time, domestic demand is picking up due to the upcoming festival and ongoing wedding season.

Silver is also witnessing consistent interest, supported not just by investment demand but also by its industrial uses.

Also Read: RBI proposes kill switch, delays for UPI payments

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Beyond

RBI proposes kill switch, delays for UPI payments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed new measures to reduce digital payment fraud, including a “kill switch” and a short delay for higher-value transactions.

Under the plan, payments above ₹10,000 made via UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, wallets, and net banking could be delayed by up to one hour. This cooling period would allow banks or users to detect suspicious activity and stop fraudulent transfers before they are completed.

The RBI has also suggested a “kill switch” feature that would let customers instantly disable all digital payment services linked to their bank account. This would block transactions across cards, UPI, and internet banking until reactivated through strict verification.

The measures aim to address rising cases of online fraud, especially scams where users are tricked into authorising payments themselves. The central bank says the speed of digital transactions, while convenient, has made it harder to prevent fraud in real time.

The proposals are part of wider efforts to strengthen safeguards across India’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem while balancing speed with security.

Also Read: Musk post reignites debate on COVID vaccine safety

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Corporate

HSBC sees strong upside in ACME Solar, Clean Max

HSBC has taken a positive view on India’s renewable energy sector, initiating buy ratings on ACME Solar Holdings and Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions, and highlighting strong upside potential in select green energy stocks.

The brokerage expects ACME Solar Holdings to benefit from India’s rapid expansion in solar and hybrid power capacity. It has assigned a buy rating with an estimated upside of around 28%, driven by rising corporate demand for clean electricity and supportive policy measures.

Shares of ACME Solar saw renewed investor interest after the coverage update, reflecting growing market confidence in large-scale renewable developers.

HSBC is also upbeat on Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions, a leading supplier of renewable power to commercial and industrial clients. The company, which is preparing for its upcoming IPO, is seen as well-placed to tap rising demand from businesses shifting toward sustainable energy sources.

Clean Max operates in the fast-growing corporate green power segment, where long-term contracts with large firms provide steady revenue visibility. The brokerage believes this model, combined with India’s energy transition push, could support strong growth ahead.

Also Read: China, Iran use economy as tool in US rivalry

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Leaders

Musk post reignites debate on COVID vaccine safety

A fresh debate over COVID-19 vaccine safety has surfaced after Elon Musk shared and commented on claims made by a former pharmaceutical toxicologist during a hearing in Germany’s parliament. The discussion quickly spread across social media, drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics.

The testimony was given by Dr Helmut Sterz, a former toxicology expert who has worked with pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer. Speaking before a parliamentary committee reviewing Germany’s COVID-19 response, he questioned whether all long-term safety studies for mRNA vaccines were fully completed before emergency approval was granted.

He also raised concerns about certain reported side effects, suggesting that broader interpretation of adverse event data could point to higher risks. However, these claims are not confirmed by independent scientific reviews and remain disputed within the medical community.

Elon Musk added to the attention around the hearing by posting about it on social media. He also shared his personal experience with COVID-19 vaccination, saying he felt extremely unwell after his second dose and at one point feared he might need medical attention. His comments were widely shared and sparked renewed discussion online.

Public health experts have responded by cautioning against drawing conclusions from isolated testimonies or raw reporting data. They point out that vaccine safety monitoring systems record all health events after vaccination, whether or not the vaccine is actually the cause. This means the numbers can be misunderstood without proper scientific analysis.

Health authorities in Europe and other regions continue to maintain that COVID-19 vaccines went through large-scale testing and ongoing safety monitoring, and they remain effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation.

Also Read: China, Iran use economy as tool in US rivalry

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1 Minute-Read

TCS Nashik case sparks outrage over harassment claims

A controversy has erupted at a TCS unit in Nashik after women employees accused some colleagues of sexual harassment and attempts at forced religious conversion. The company has suspended the accused staff and said it follows a strict zero-tolerance policy toward such behaviour.

Police have registered cases and launched an investigation into the matter. Reports say action was also taken against officials who allegedly failed to respond to earlier complaints.

A Special Investigation Team has been set up to look into the allegations. The case has drawn public attention, with demands for a fair probe and strict action against those found guilty.

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Beyond

Gold around ₹1.52 lakh, Silver slides to ₹2.38 lakh

Gold and silver prices came under pressure on April 13, 2026, as global factors weighed on the bullion market. On the MCX, gold hovered near ₹1.51–₹1.52 lakh per 10 grams, while silver declined sharply to around ₹2.37–₹2.38 lakh per kilogram, reflecting a weak trend through the session.

Gold slipped by more than ₹1,100 per 10 grams in early trade, briefly moving below the ₹1.52 lakh level. Although prices showed some stability later, the overall sentiment remained subdued. Silver saw a steeper fall, dropping by nearly ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 per kg, making it one of the worst-performing commodities of the day.

The decline comes at a time when geopolitical tensions remain elevated, particularly in the Middle East. Typically, such uncertainty supports gold and silver as safe-haven assets. However, this time, other global factors seem to have taken priority.

One of the key reasons behind the fall is the strengthening of the US dollar. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for international buyers, which reduces demand and puts pressure on prices. At the same time, crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, raising concerns about inflation.

Higher inflation expectations have, in turn, reduced hopes of early interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. This is important because gold and silver do not offer interest, making them less attractive compared to assets that provide returns when interest rates stay high.

In international markets as well, both metals traded lower, with gold nearing recent lows and silver extending its losses. The trend was reflected in domestic markets, where prices stayed under pressure throughout the day.

Also Read: Sensex drops over 1200 points, Nifty slips Below 23,600

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1 Minute-Read

India urged to cut West Asia energy dependence

India should rethink its heavy dependence on West Asia for energy after a major global supply shock, ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh has said.

He noted that India relies on the region for a large share of its oil, gas and LPG needs, making it vulnerable to disruptions. Recent geopolitical tensions and shipping route issues exposed these risks, forcing supply adjustments.

Singh called for boosting domestic exploration and production, expanding strategic reserves, and diversifying import sources. He emphasized that energy security must become a priority as global uncertainties rise, urging a long-term shift toward a more resilient and self-reliant energy system.

Categories
Leaders

Firebomb thrown at Sam Altman’s home

A man has been arrested after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the home of Sam Altman in San Francisco, sparking concerns about the safety of prominent tech leaders.

The incident happened early on April 10, when the device was thrown at the property’s entrance, causing a small fire near the gate. Emergency services responded quickly and managed to put out the flames before they could spread. No one inside the house was hurt.

Police said the suspect, a 20-year-old man, was tracked down and arrested within about an hour of the attack. Authorities later found him near the office of OpenAI, where he is believed to have made additional threats, including warnings about setting the building on fire.

Officials have not yet confirmed what motivated the attack. The investigation is ongoing, and police are looking into the suspect’s background and whether he acted alone.

In a statement, OpenAI said it is cooperating with law enforcement and thanked emergency responders for their quick action. The company also reassured employees that there is no immediate threat, though security has been tightened as a precaution.

The incident comes at a time when artificial intelligence companies are facing growing public attention and debate. Experts say tensions around the rapid development of AI technologies have increased in recent months, though it is still unclear if this played any role in the attack.

Also Read: Coal India shares slip by 5% on rising costs

Categories
Corporate

Ola Electric shares jump 35% in three days

Ola Electric’s shares have seen a sharp rise, gaining about 35% in just three days, as investor confidence in the company improves.

The stock continued its upward trend in the latest trading session, helped by positive news around the company’s performance and future plans. One of the main reasons for the rally is strong demand for electric vehicles. Ola Electric reported better sales in March, with higher vehicle registrations, suggesting a recovery after a slower period.

Another key factor is progress in battery technology. The company recently said its in-house battery cells are ready, which could help lower costs and improve efficiency in the long run. This development has boosted confidence among investors.

There is also optimism around the company’s expansion plans, including work on its gigafactory and efforts to make electric scooters more affordable. These steps are seen as important for future growth.

The sharp rise in the stock has added significant value to the company in a short time. However, market experts caution that such quick gains can also lead to volatility.

Even after the recent rally, the stock is still below its earlier highs and faces competition in the growing EV market. Challenges around scaling operations and maintaining demand also remain.

Also Read: Rupee rises to 92.41, gains 10 paise vs dollar