Author: Staff Writer

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Corporate

Sensex falls 500 points, Nifty below 26,000

The Indian stock market opened lower on Tuesday as investor sentiment remained weak after the sharp sell-off in the previous session. The BSE Sensex started the day down by around 500 points, while the NSE Nifty slipped below the 26,000 mark in early trade.

Markets opened on a cautious note and remained volatile in the first hour. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks also came under pressure, showing that investors were in a risk-off mood. Global uncertainty, weak cues from overseas markets and concerns over interest rate decisions in the US added to the nervousness.

A few stocks managed to move higher despite the weak market. IT and FMCG stocks showed resilience as investors shifted money to defensive sectors. Shares of TCS, Infosys, HUL and Nestlé India were among the early gainers. Select pharma stocks also saw buying interest.

Heavy selling was seen in banking, metal and infrastructure stocks. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Tata Steel and JSW Steel were among the major losers in early trade. Realty and PSU stocks were also under pressure.

Most sectoral indices were trading in the red, with banks, metals, realty and auto stocks leading the losses. IT stocks were the only sector showing relative strength.

Market experts said today’s weak opening reflects ongoing global worries and foreign investor selling. A weak rupee and rising bond yields internationally also kept investors cautious.

Analysts advised investors to stay calm during this volatile phase and avoid panic buying or selling. They said market movements in the near term will depend largely on global developments and foreign investment flows.

Also Read: Elon Musk fights EU over X platform fine

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Leaders

Elon Musk fights EU over X platform fine

Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been fined €120 million ($140 million) by the European Union, the first major penalty under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Regulators said X violated rules by allowing users to buy “blue checkmarks,” lacking transparency in advertising, and restricting researcher access to public data.

The “blue checkmark,” previously reserved for verified public figures, can now be purchased by anyone, which the EU says misleads users about authenticity. The EU also flagged X’s advertising practices for not being transparent, with unclear information about ad buyers and targeting. Researchers were reportedly blocked from accessing public data, limiting scrutiny of content and potential misuse.

Musk reacted strongly, calling the EU a “bureaucratic monster” and saying it “should be abolished.” His response reflects his frustration with regulatory oversight and his willingness to challenge global institutions.

Since acquiring Twitter, Musk has reshaped the platform, introducing paid verification, subscription services, and new content policies. These moves, while controversial, show his focus on rapid innovation and monetization. The EU fine challenges this approach but also highlights Musk’s risk-taking leadership style.

Experts say the fine is a warning to global tech companies that EU regulations will be strictly enforced. It also underscores the tension between international regulation and the fast-moving world of digital platforms. Musk’s defiance positions him as a leader ready to confront regulatory challenges while pursuing his vision for X.

This clash marks a defining moment for Musk and the platform, showing how global tech leadership now involves navigating legal, regulatory, and political pressures. As digital rules tighten worldwide, Musk’s bold approach to innovation and governance is likely to face more scrutiny, making him a central figure in shaping the future of social media and tech regulation.

Also Read: Chinese phone makers lure iPhone users with AI

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Technology

Chinese phone makers lure iPhone users with AI

Chinese smartphone makers are increasingly targeting iPhone users, seeking to convert those frustrated by Apple’s delayed AI rollout in China. With the tech giant’s new AI features still slow to arrive, rivals such as Honor, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei see an opportunity to lure customers with innovative tools and services.

One key strategy is making the switch from iPhone to their devices as seamless as possible. Honor, for instance, offers a “Device Clone” app that transfers contacts, photos, messages, and other data simply by scanning a QR code. Oppo provides a similar feature, allowing users to manage their calls, messages, and notifications from their new phones almost immediately after migration. Vivo and Xiaomi are also expanding tools that reduce the friction for iPhone users considering a move to their ecosystems.

Beyond migration apps, Chinese brands are rolling out advanced AI features to differentiate themselves. Oppo’s new AI assistant can analyze screenshots to track expenses, offer real-time workout guidance via the camera, and help users navigate daily routines more efficiently. Honor has launched AI tools that compare coupons across platforms, assist with ride-hailing, and even create short-form videos — features that could appeal to iPhone users looking for smarter, more interactive devices.

The timing of these initiatives comes at a moment when Apple is facing a slight slowdown in China. In the third quarter of 2025, iPhone shipments fell about 2% year-on-year, while local brands gained momentum. Vivo, for example, overtook Apple to lead the market with roughly 18.5% share, highlighting the competitive threat to the U.S. tech giant in its key premium market.

Analysts say these moves may entice some iPhone users to switch, especially those eager for AI enhancements that Apple has yet to deliver. However, Apple still maintains a strong hold on the premium segment globally, with brand loyalty and ecosystem advantages keeping many users invested.

For now, Chinese smartphone makers are betting that easy-switch tools combined with AI-powered features could be enough to tempt a wave of iPhone users toward their devices, potentially reshaping the premium smartphone landscape in China.

Also Read: ICICI Securities sees 21% upside in ITC Hotels shares

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1 Minute-Read

Snapdeal parent AceVector files ₹300 crore IPO papers

AceVector, the parent company of Snapdeal, has filed an updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus with SEBI, moving closer to its IPO launch.

The offer includes a ₹300 crore fresh issue of equity shares, alongside an Offer-for-Sale of about 63.8 million shares by existing investors.
Promoted by founders and backed by SoftBank, Nexus Venture Partners, eBay, and Temasek, AceVector also operates Unicommerce and Stellaro Brands.

Proceeds from the IPO are planned for marketing, technology upgrades, and strategic growth initiatives. The filing signals the company’s intent to strengthen its financial position and expand in India’s competitive e‑commerce market.

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1 Minute-Read

Meesho IPO allotment for ₹5,421 cr closes this week

The Meesho IPO allotment will be finalised on 8 December 2025, with refunds and share credits expected by 9 December.

Investors can check their allotment status via registrar Kfin Technologies or the BSE and NSE websites. The ₹5,421 crore IPO saw overwhelming response, being oversubscribed nearly 79 times, reflecting strong demand from both retail and institutional investors.

Grey-market trends indicate a premium of ₹40–₹43, hinting at a potential listing price of ₹150–₹153. Analysts say the strong subscription and GMP signal positive investor sentiment, setting the stage for a promising debut on the stock exchanges.

Categories
Corporate

ICICI Securities sees 21% upside in ITC Hotels shares

ICICI Securities, a leading brokerage firm, has recommended buying ITC Hotels shares. They have set a target price of ₹250 per share, suggesting the stock could rise about 21% from current levels. The main reasons are ITC Hotels’ good cash reserves, plans to open more hotels, and a growing number of managed properties.

Currently, ITC Hotels runs over 145 hotels with 13,600+ rooms across India. The company uses an asset-light model, meaning it focuses on managing or franchising hotels instead of owning all the properties. This helps them expand faster and use money efficiently. By 2030, ITC aims to have 220 hotels with more than 20,000 rooms, with managed hotels making up two-thirds of their properties.

The company already has 59 managed hotels in the pipeline, adding around 5,500 rooms, and is starting three new projects in Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam, adding another 400+ rooms.

ICICI Securities expects ITC Hotels’ revenue to grow about 12% per year, and profits before tax and interest (EBITDA) to rise around 15% yearly until 2028. Margins are expected to improve from 34% to 37%. The company has net cash of around ₹1,700 crore, which gives it the flexibility to open new hotels and upgrade existing ones. Income from management fees is also expected to grow by 17% per year.

There are some risks. If hotel occupancy or room prices do not increase as expected, or if new hotels are delayed, growth could slow down.

Still, ICICI Securities believes ITC Hotels is a good investment, thanks to its strong balance sheet, smart expansion strategy, and efficient business model. The company is seen as one of India’s promising hotel chains with clear growth plans for the future.

Also Read: Corona Remedies IPO shines, 33% subscribed on Day 1

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Corporate

Sensex slides 610 Points, Nifty falls below 26,000

Indian stock markets closed lower on Monday, with the Sensex dropping 610 points to 54,320 and the Nifty 50 falling 225 points to 25,960. Investors appeared cautious ahead of a busy week packed with upcoming IPOs, while global cues remained mixed.

Most sectors reflected broad weakness, with auto, banking, financial services, FMCG, metals, pharma, PSU banks, realty, private banks, healthcare, consumer durables, oil & gas, mid- and small-cap, and chemicals showing softness. Only select pockets like IT and media demonstrated mild resilience, hinting at selective optimism amid overall market hesitation.

Among individual stocks, Bharat Electronics (BEL) led the losses with a 5% drop, followed by Eternal Industries, which fell 2%. On the upside, Kesoram Industries surged nearly 20% after a block deal exit by the Birla family. Other gainers included some IT and media names that managed to stay afloat despite the overall weak trend.

The Indian rupee closed marginally lower at 90.07 against the US dollar, weakening 0.1% from the previous session. Global markets saw mixed movements, with S&P 500 futures rising 0.2% and Nasdaq futures up 0.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1%. Asian indices like Japan’s Topix and Shanghai Composite recorded modest gains.

Market participants cited cautious sentiment ahead of key economic data and corporate earnings announcements this week. Analysts suggested that while select sectors may offer short-term opportunities, investors should remain watchful given the broader global and domestic uncertainties.

Also Read: Corona Remedies IPO shines, 33% subscribed on Day 1

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1 Minute-Read

Corona Remedies IPO shines, 33% subscribed on Day 1

Corona Remedies launched its ₹655 crore IPO on December 8 with a price band of ₹1,008–1,062 per share.

On the first day, the issue saw 33% subscription, with 14.75 lakh shares bid against 45.71 lakh shares on offer. The grey-market is trading at a premium of around ₹290, indicating positive investor sentiment.

The company reported FY25 revenue of ₹1,196 crore, EBITDA of ₹246 crore, and a profit after tax of ₹149.43 crore, reflecting strong financials.

The subscription window closes December 10, with listing expected on BSE/NSE around December 15, making it a closely watched IPO.

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Corporate

IndiGo slumps 7% as flight chaos hits harder

IndiGo, the airline in its peak of focus now, saw its shares drop sharply this week after major flight disruptions and regulatory scrutiny rattled investors. On December 8, 2025, the stock fell nearly 7%, adding to losses seen earlier in the week.

The problems began after new flight duty rules for pilots came into effect. These rules regulate how many hours pilots can fly and how much rest they must get. IndiGo struggled to adjust its crew schedules to comply with the changes, leading to a shortage of available pilots. The result was massive flight cancellations and delays. On December 5 alone, over 1,000 flights were cancelled, causing inconvenience for thousands of passengers and a hit to the airline’s reputation.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, has launched a probe into the airline’s operations and issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo’s CEO. The DGCA has now extended the deadline for IndiGo to respond, giving the airline some time to stabilise operations.

IndiGo has set up a “Crisis Management Group” with top executives to manage the situation. The airline is working to adjust flight schedules, revise crew rosters, and restore on-time performance. Reports suggest that flight operations are gradually improving, with on-time performance recovering from a low of 30% back to around 75%.

Despite the short-term challenges, some analysts see a silver lining. Jefferies, a global brokerage firm, has maintained a “buy” rating on IndiGo. The firm believes the airline still has strong market dominance in India and potential for international growth. According to Jefferies, shares could rise by more than 30% once operations stabilise and normal schedules resume.

Investors are being advised to watch whether IndiGo can successfully meet the DGCA deadline and maintain operational improvements. Costs for fuel and crew, along with regulatory oversight, remain key risks in the short term.

While the airline faces immediate hurdles, experts say IndiGo’s long-term fundamentals remain strong. Once the disruptions are resolved, the company is expected to recover and continue its growth trajectory, making this period potentially a buying opportunity for investors.

Also Read: Eternal sees ₹1,535 cr block deal shake stock

Categories
Beyond

UIDAI to end Aadhaar photocopies, digital checks mandatory

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is set to bring a major change in Aadhaar verification to strengthen privacy and security. Under the new rule, organisations such as hotels, event planners, shops, and other entities will no longer be allowed to collect or store physical photocopies of Aadhaar cards.

Any entity that wishes to carry out Aadhaar-based verification must first register with UIDAI. Only registered organisations will be authorised to access Aadhaar verification services. Once registered, they will verify identities digitally, either by scanning the Aadhaar QR code or using the upcoming Aadhaar mobile application. For locations with limited internet access, UIDAI will provide software tools (APIs) to enable offline verification.

The move is part of UIDAI’s push to enhance data security and prevent misuse. Physical copies of Aadhaar cards are vulnerable to being lost, misused, or stored insecurely. By shifting to a fully digital system, UIDAI aims to make Aadhaar verification more secure, reliable, and efficient.

The new rule also aligns with India’s digital data protection framework, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and is expected to reduce errors and delays associated with paper-based verification.

For individuals, the change means they will no longer need to submit photocopies of their Aadhaar cards. Showing the QR code on the card or via the e-Aadhaar app will be sufficient for verification.

The regulation has been approved but is yet to be implemented. UIDAI is expected to notify the final date soon. Once in effect, the initiative will mark a significant step towards a paperless, secure, and digital-first Aadhaar verification system, benefiting both individuals and organisations by simplifying the process and safeguarding privacy.

Also Read: Eternal sees ₹1,535 cr block deal shake stock