Author: Sreelatha M

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Beyond

World Bank raises India growth forecast to 6.6%

The World Bank has increased India’s growth forecast to 6.6% for the current financial year, up from its earlier estimate of 6.3%.

The revision shows confidence in India’s economy, which continues to perform well compared to other major countries. The growth is mainly being driven by strong demand within the country, including higher spending by consumers and continued government investment.

India remains one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world. Better business activity, stable policies, and ongoing infrastructure development are helping support this growth.

However, the World Bank has also warned about possible risks. Global tensions, especially in West Asia, could affect oil prices. Since India imports a large amount of oil, higher prices may increase costs and put pressure on the economy.

Inflation is another concern, as rising food and energy prices could impact household spending. Global uncertainty may also affect trade and investment.

Despite these challenges, India is in a relatively strong position. A stable banking system, good foreign exchange reserves, and steady policies are expected to help the country handle external pressures.

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Corporate

Anand Rathi Wealth announces bonus shares, ₹7 dividend

Anand Rathi Wealth has announced a bonus share issue and a dividend along with its latest quarterly results, showing strong business performance.

The company will issue bonus shares in a 1:1 ratio. This means shareholders will get one extra share for every share they own. The move is aimed at rewarding investors and making the stock more accessible in the market.

In addition, the company has declared a final dividend of ₹7 per share for the financial year 2025–26. This will be paid to shareholders after approval at the annual general meeting.

The announcements came as the company reported strong results for the fourth quarter. Net profit rose by around 40% compared to the same period last year, reaching about ₹103 crore. Revenue also grew by nearly 30%, showing steady business growth.

The company’s assets under management (AUM) increased by over 20% year-on-year. This indicates strong client inflows and growing trust among investors. The number of clients also went up during the period.

Experts say bonus shares are usually given when a company has strong reserves. While investors get more shares, the overall value of their investment does not change immediately, as stock prices adjust after the bonus issue.

Also Read: Gold slips ₹10 to ₹1.51 lakh, silver falls ₹2,000

Categories
Corporate

IndiGo rises 11% on ceasefire, lower oil

Shares of IndiGo soared 11% this week, becoming one of the top gainers on India’s Nifty 50, after news of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran conflict and a fall in crude oil prices lifted investor sentiment. Lower fuel costs are particularly good news for airlines, as aviation turbine fuel accounts for a large portion of operating expenses.

The Indian government also stepped in with temporary relief, cutting landing and parking charges at major airports by 25% for three months. This move is designed to ease financial pressure on carriers navigating the ongoing disruptions in West Asia.

Despite the market optimism, airlines continue to face operational challenges. Safety concerns and airspace closures have forced Indian carriers to cancel thousands of flights to the Gulf and West Asia, reducing daily services from around 300–350 to 80–90. Longer routes are being rerouted, adding complexity and costs.

Passengers are feeling the impact too, with fewer flight options and rising fares on affected routes. Some airlines have imposed fuel surcharges and revised ticket prices to manage the volatility.

Domestic carriers like IndiGo and Air India are treading cautiously, gradually restoring operations only as airspace stabilizes.

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