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Corporate

Sensex drops over 300 points, Nifty slips below 23,900

Indian equity markets extended their losing streak on Thursday, with the Sensex falling more than 300 points and the Nifty 50 slipping below the 23,900 mark as rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and cautious investor sentiment continued to weigh on Dalal Street.

The benchmark BSE Sensex opened weak and remained under pressure through the morning session, while the NSE Nifty 50 traded below the psychological 23,900 level. Selling was seen across banking, information technology, healthcare and consumer stocks, reflecting the nervous mood among investors.

The latest decline comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, which have pushed international crude oil prices to multi-month highs. Brent crude remained above the $95-a-barrel mark, raising concerns over inflation, higher import bills and slower economic growth for oil-importing countries like India.

Market experts said higher crude prices remain the biggest concern for domestic equities. Rising oil costs can increase transportation and manufacturing expenses, reduce corporate profit margins and put pressure on household spending. These factors have prompted investors to adopt a cautious approach despite strong domestic economic fundamentals.

Energy stocks, however, bucked the broader market trend. ONGC and Oil India emerged among the top gainers as expectations of stronger earnings from higher crude prices lifted investor interest. The gains in oil exploration companies helped limit the overall market decline.

On the other hand, IndusInd Bank and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories figured among the top losers on the benchmark indices. Shares of Infosys, Cipla, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) and several other frontline stocks also traded lower, dragging the broader market into the red.

Banking stocks remained under pressure as investors turned cautious ahead of more quarterly earnings announcements. Information technology companies also witnessed selling, with traders preferring to book profits amid uncertainty over global demand and foreign investor flows.

Broader markets mirrored the weakness in benchmark indices. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks traded lower as investors reduced exposure to riskier assets. Market breadth remained negative, indicating that declines outnumbered advances across sectors.

Apart from geopolitical concerns, investors are also closely monitoring the ongoing corporate earnings season. While a few companies have reported healthy numbers, mixed earnings from several sectors have kept market participants selective in their stock picks. Analysts believe earnings guidance for the coming quarters will be crucial in determining market direction.

Foreign institutional investors have also remained cautious in recent sessions. Higher global bond yields, elevated oil prices and uncertainty over the geopolitical situation have encouraged overseas investors to trim exposure to emerging markets, including India. Domestic institutional investors have continued to provide some support, but not enough to reverse the broader weakness.

The Indian rupee also remained under pressure against the US dollar as rising crude oil prices increased demand for the greenback from oil importers. Currency weakness has further added to investor concerns, as it raises the cost of imports and could keep inflation elevated.

Market participants are now watching global developments closely, particularly any signs of easing tensions in West Asia. A sustained rise in crude oil prices could increase inflationary pressures and complicate the Reserve Bank of India’s policy outlook in the coming months.

Despite the recent correction, analysts say the broader outlook for Indian equities remains constructive, supported by steady domestic growth, improving corporate earnings and continued participation from retail investors. However, they expect volatility to remain high in the near term as global uncertainties continue to influence market sentiment.

For the next few sessions, investors are expected to focus on corporate earnings, foreign fund flows, crude oil prices and geopolitical developments, all of which are likely to determine the direction of the Sensex, Nifty 50 and the broader Indian stock market.

Also Read: Coca-Cola refreshes brand identity across 200 markets

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Corporate

Anant Raj demerges Data Centre cloud business into subsidiary

Real estate developer Anant Raj Ltd. has approved the demerger of its fast-growing data centre and cloud services business into a separate wholly owned subsidiary, Ashok Cloud Technologies Private Limited, in a strategic move aimed at unlocking shareholder value and accelerating growth in India’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure sector.

The company’s board cleared the proposal on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Anant Raj’s transformation from a traditional real estate developer into a diversified business with a strong presence in digital infrastructure, cloud computing and data centres.

Under the approved scheme, the entire data centre and cloud services undertaking of Anant Raj will be transferred to Ashok Cloud Technologies. The demerger is subject to regulatory approvals, including those from shareholders, creditors, stock exchanges, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and other statutory authorities.

The move reflects the company’s growing confidence in the long-term potential of India’s digital economy. As demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), enterprise data storage and digital services continues to rise, companies are investing heavily in modern data centre infrastructure to support businesses, government agencies and technology platforms.

According to the company, creating a dedicated entity for the digital infrastructure business will allow it to pursue independent growth opportunities, attract specialised investors and improve operational efficiency. The restructuring is also expected to provide greater strategic flexibility for future partnerships, investments and expansion plans.

Anant Raj has steadily increased its investments in data centres over the past few years as enterprises shift their operations to cloud-based platforms. The company believes the sector offers significant long-term opportunities driven by rising internet usage, rapid digitalisation, increasing AI adoption and the government’s push for data localisation.

Industry experts say separating the data centre business from the real estate operations will provide greater transparency for investors. Each business has different capital requirements, growth cycles and valuation metrics. By housing the digital infrastructure business in a dedicated subsidiary, investors will be able to evaluate its performance more independently.

India’s data centre industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years. Rising demand for artificial intelligence, cloud services, streaming platforms, fintech, e-commerce and digital payments has created an urgent need for secure, high-capacity data storage facilities. Global technology companies and domestic firms are investing billions of dollars to expand data centre capacity across major Indian cities.

The increasing use of AI applications has further accelerated demand for advanced computing infrastructure. AI models require enormous processing power and secure data storage, making data centres one of the fastest-growing segments of the digital economy. Companies with established infrastructure are therefore well positioned to benefit from this technological shift.

For Anant Raj, the restructuring is part of a broader strategy to diversify beyond conventional real estate development. While the company continues to develop residential, commercial and hospitality projects, it has identified digital infrastructure as a key future growth engine.

The company has already announced plans to expand its data centre footprint in the National Capital Region and strengthen its cloud services business. Industry observers believe the demerger could help Anant Raj attract strategic investors interested specifically in digital infrastructure and cloud computing, sectors that are drawing increasing investment globally.

The proposed transfer of assets and operations is expected to be carried out as a going concern, ensuring continuity for customers, employees and business partners. Existing contracts and operations related to the data centre and cloud business will move to the new subsidiary once the scheme becomes effective.

Market participants generally view corporate demergers positively when they enable businesses to sharpen their strategic focus. By separating high-growth digital operations from its traditional real estate business, Anant Raj aims to allow each vertical to pursue independent expansion while improving capital allocation and management efficiency.

The announcement also reflects the changing priorities of Indian real estate companies, many of which are exploring opportunities in technology-driven businesses as demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow. The convergence of real estate expertise with data centre development has emerged as a significant trend, given the large land and infrastructure requirements of modern data facilities.

Going forward, investors will closely monitor the regulatory approval process and the company’s expansion plans for Ashok Cloud Technologies. If completed as planned, the demerger is expected to strengthen Anant Raj’s position in India’s fast-growing data centre, cloud computing, AI infrastructure and digital transformation landscape.

As businesses increasingly migrate to cloud platforms and AI-powered applications become mainstream, Anant Raj’s strategic restructuring signals its ambition to become a significant player in one of the country’s most promising digital infrastructure sectors, while creating long-term value for shareholders.

Also Read: Cognizant wins $500 mn AI healthcare technology deal

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Corporate

Coca-Cola refreshes brand identity across 200 markets

The Coca-Cola Company has introduced a new global visual identity that will be rolled out across more than 200 markets, marking one of the brand’s biggest design updates in recent years. The refresh aims to create a consistent look and feel for Coca-Cola products worldwide while making it easier for consumers to recognise the company’s brands wherever they shop.

The new identity is part of Coca-Cola’s strategy to strengthen its global brand presence as consumer preferences evolve and retail environments become increasingly digital. While the iconic red colour and the famous Spencerian script logo remain unchanged, the company has refined key design elements to deliver a more modern, unified and flexible visual system.

According to Coca-Cola, the refreshed identity has been developed to ensure every touchpoint—from bottles and cans to store shelves, digital platforms and advertising campaigns—presents a consistent brand experience. Whether consumers buy a Coca-Cola in New York, Mumbai, London or Tokyo, they will now see a more uniform visual presentation.

The redesign builds on Coca-Cola’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary design principles. The company said the updated identity reflects confidence, optimism and simplicity, values that have long been associated with the world’s largest beverage brand.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a cohesive visual system that aligns branding across Coca-Cola’s portfolio. Packaging, marketing materials, digital content and retail displays will follow the same design language, helping strengthen brand recognition across different countries and sales channels.

The company has also updated typography, layouts and graphic elements to improve readability and consistency. The iconic Coca-Cola red remains the central visual anchor, while the familiar ribbon device and classic logo continue to play a prominent role in the refreshed branding.

The global rollout is expected to happen in phases, allowing local markets to adopt the new identity while maintaining compliance with regional packaging regulations and language requirements. Coca-Cola said the refreshed design has been created to work seamlessly across physical products, e-commerce platforms, mobile applications and social media.

Brand experts believe the initiative goes beyond aesthetics. In today’s competitive consumer goods market, a consistent global identity helps companies build stronger emotional connections with customers while improving visibility on increasingly crowded retail shelves. A unified visual system also simplifies marketing execution across multiple countries and reduces design complexity for global campaigns.

The refresh is particularly significant as Coca-Cola continues investing heavily in digital marketing and direct consumer engagement. With shopping habits shifting online and consumers interacting with brands across multiple digital platforms, maintaining a consistent visual identity has become more important than ever.

The company said the new branding reflects the timeless nature of Coca-Cola while ensuring it remains relevant for younger generations. Rather than reinventing one of the world’s most recognisable brands, the redesign focuses on refining familiar elements that consumers already trust.

Industry observers note that Coca-Cola’s approach follows a broader trend among global consumer brands, many of which are simplifying their visual identities to improve recognition across digital screens, mobile devices and international markets. Minimalist, scalable and adaptable design systems have become increasingly valuable as brands communicate with consumers across a growing number of channels.

The refresh also reinforces Coca-Cola’s long-standing emphasis on consistency. For decades, the company has maintained one of the most recognisable visual identities in the world, with its signature red colour, flowing script and distinctive packaging serving as powerful symbols of the brand.

Marketing experts believe the new identity will help Coca-Cola strengthen its position in a highly competitive beverage market, where shelf visibility and instant recognition play a crucial role in influencing purchasing decisions. A consistent look across markets can also improve consumer trust by reinforcing the company’s global presence.

As the rollout continues across more than 200 countries and territories, consumers will gradually begin seeing the refreshed packaging and marketing materials in stores, restaurants and online platforms. While the changes may appear subtle at first glance, they represent a carefully planned evolution of one of the world’s most valuable brands.

With the updated global brand identity, visual branding, packaging design and marketing strategy, Coca-Cola aims to create a seamless experience for consumers worldwide while preserving the heritage that has made it one of the most recognised and trusted beverage brands for well over a century.

Also Read: Anant Raj demerges Data Centre cloud business into subsidiary

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1 Minute-Read

Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over weight-loss ads

Novo Nordisk has filed a lawsuit against rival Eli Lilly, alleging that advertisements for its blockbuster weight-loss drugs contain misleading claims.

The Danish drugmaker argues that Eli Lilly compared its medicines with older doses of Novo Nordisk’s products, creating an unfair impression of superior effectiveness.

Novo Nordisk has asked the court to stop the advertisements and seek damages. Eli Lilly has defended its marketing, saying the claims are backed by scientific evidence and clinical trial data.

The legal battle highlights the fierce competition in the rapidly growing GLP-1, obesity drug and weight-loss treatment market.

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Corporate

Cognizant wins $500 mn AI healthcare technology deal

Cognizant has signed a technology services agreement worth more than $500 million with US-based health insurer Centene Corporation, marking one of the largest deals in the company’s recent history. The multi-year contract is expected to strengthen Cognizant’s leadership in healthcare technology while reinforcing the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and digital transformation in the global healthcare sector.

The agreement comes at a time when healthcare companies are increasingly investing in advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance patient experiences and reduce administrative costs. For Cognizant, the deal further strengthens its position as a key technology partner for some of the world’s largest healthcare organisations.

According to reports, Cognizant will help modernise Centene’s technology infrastructure by deploying AI-powered solutions, cloud platforms and digital engineering services. The project will focus on improving business operations, automating routine processes and building more efficient digital systems across the insurer’s network.

Centene is one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States, serving millions of members through government-sponsored healthcare programmes, including Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Managing healthcare services for such a vast customer base requires highly scalable digital infrastructure, making technology transformation a strategic priority for the company.

The new partnership is expected to support Centene’s long-term digital strategy by simplifying technology operations, improving data management and enabling faster decision-making through artificial intelligence. AI-powered tools are increasingly being used in healthcare to streamline claims processing, detect fraud, analyse patient data and improve customer service.

For Cognizant, healthcare remains one of its most important business segments. The company derives a substantial share of its revenue from healthcare and life sciences clients, making continued investment in the sector central to its growth strategy. Winning a contract of this scale not only provides long-term revenue visibility but also enhances its reputation as a trusted partner in large-scale digital transformation projects.

Industry experts say the agreement reflects a broader trend across the global healthcare industry, where insurers and providers are accelerating investments in AI, cloud computing and automation. Rising healthcare costs, increasing regulatory requirements and growing customer expectations are pushing organisations to adopt smarter technologies that can improve efficiency while maintaining high-quality care.

Artificial intelligence has become a major focus for technology companies serving the healthcare industry. AI applications can help insurers process claims more quickly, identify unusual billing patterns, improve risk assessment and deliver more personalised services. Cloud-based platforms also enable healthcare organisations to securely manage vast amounts of patient and operational data while improving collaboration across teams.

The Centene contract also highlights Cognizant’s growing emphasis on AI-led business transformation. Over the past year, the company has expanded its portfolio of AI solutions, invested in generative AI capabilities and partnered with leading technology providers to help clients modernise legacy systems.

The timing of the deal is significant as competition among global IT services companies continues to intensify. Major technology firms are increasingly competing for large digital transformation contracts as enterprises across industries accelerate investments in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. Large healthcare contracts are particularly valuable because they typically involve long-term partnerships, recurring revenues and opportunities to expand services over time.

The agreement is also expected to strengthen Cognizant’s financial outlook. Multi-year contracts of this size provide stable revenue streams and improve business visibility, helping the company navigate fluctuations in global technology spending. Investors generally view such large outsourcing agreements as a positive indicator of future growth and client confidence.

For Centene, the partnership represents another step in its effort to build a more agile and technology-driven healthcare organisation. By modernising its IT infrastructure and adopting AI-enabled solutions, the insurer aims to improve operational efficiency while delivering faster and more personalised services to members.

As healthcare continues its rapid digital transformation, partnerships between technology companies and healthcare organisations are becoming increasingly important. The Cognizant-Centene agreement reflects how artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital engineering are reshaping healthcare delivery, improving operational performance and creating better experiences for patients and insurers alike.

With demand for AI-powered healthcare solutions expected to grow further in the coming years, the landmark $500 million technology deal positions Cognizant to play a larger role in the evolving digital healthcare ecosystem while reinforcing its standing as one of the industry’s leading technology transformation partners.

Also Read: US proposes ban on Chinese military drones

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Uncategorized

US proposes ban on Chinese military drones

The United States has moved to restrict imports of foreign-made military-grade drones, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposing new rules citing national security concerns.

The move is expected to impact Chinese drone manufacturers, which dominate a large share of the global commercial drone market. The proposal targets advanced drones, including those with military applications, surveillance capabilities and specialised technology.

Existing drones will not be affected, and certain exemptions will remain in place. The FCC has invited public comments before finalising the rules, as Washington continues efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen domestic drone production.

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Corporate

Sensex tumbles 710 points, Nifty ends below 24,000

Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Wednesday as rising geopolitical tensions, soaring crude oil prices and global trade uncertainties dented investor sentiment.

The BSE Sensex ended the day 715 points, or 0.92 per cent, lower at 76,755.05. The NSE Nifty50 also slipped 191 points, or 0.79 per cent, to close at 23,996.25, falling below the psychologically important 24,000 mark. It was among the steepest declines witnessed by the markets in recent weeks.

Markets remained under pressure right from the opening bell. Investors were already cautious after weak global cues, but selling gathered pace as crude oil prices surged following the escalating conflict involving the United States and Iran. Fresh concerns over possible US tariff actions against several countries further weighed on global investor confidence, prompting traders to trim equity positions.

Almost every major sector ended the session in the red. Banking, financial services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, information technology, metals, oil and gas, real estate and consumer-focused stocks witnessed broad-based selling. The automobile sector stood out as the only major gainer, supported by strong buying in select auto stocks after encouraging earnings announcements.

Among the day’s best performers, Bajaj Auto emerged as the biggest gainer after reporting a strong set of first-quarter numbers. The company’s profit rose sharply, helped by healthy domestic demand and improved export performance, boosting investor confidence in the stock.

IndusInd Bank also finished among the top gainers. The banking stock extended its recent rally as investors continued to remain optimistic about its improving business outlook and asset quality, helping it outperform the broader market.

On the other hand, Bandhan Bank was one of the biggest losers after its quarterly earnings disappointed investors. The lender also lowered its return-on-assets guidance, raising concerns over future profitability and triggering heavy selling in the stock.

Sun Pharma also came under pressure as investors booked profits in pharmaceutical stocks. Aviation major IndiGo, along with several frontline banking and healthcare companies, added to the weakness in the benchmark indices.

Hospitality major Indian Hotels Company also ended lower despite reporting healthy quarterly earnings. Although the company posted double-digit growth in profit, investors chose to lock in gains after the recent rally in the stock, highlighting the cautious mood prevailing in the market.

Market volatility increased significantly during the session. India VIX, often referred to as the market’s fear gauge, moved higher as uncertainty surrounding global developments prompted traders to hedge their positions.

According to market experts, the biggest concern for investors remains the sharp rise in crude oil prices. India imports the majority of its crude oil requirements, and higher prices can increase inflation, widen the country’s trade deficit and raise input costs for businesses. These factors could eventually impact corporate earnings and economic growth if oil prices remain elevated for an extended period.

Global developments also remained firmly in focus. Investors continued to track the evolving situation in West Asia, while uncertainty surrounding the United States’ trade policy added another layer of caution. With global markets turning volatile, foreign investors adopted a more defensive approach, leading to selling across several emerging markets, including India.

Despite Wednesday’s sharp decline, analysts believe India’s long-term market outlook remains supported by healthy domestic economic fundamentals and improving corporate earnings. The ongoing first-quarter earnings season has produced encouraging results from several companies, although investors have become increasingly selective in rewarding stocks.

Market participants will now closely monitor upcoming earnings from major listed companies, movements in crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor activity and geopolitical developments. Any signs of easing tensions overseas or a moderation in oil prices could help improve investor confidence.

For retail investors, the session served as a reminder that global developments can quickly influence domestic markets. While short-term volatility is expected to continue, market experts advise investors to stay focused on quality businesses with strong fundamentals rather than reacting to temporary market swings. As the earnings season progresses, stock-specific action is likely to remain the key driver of Dalal Street in the coming sessions.

Also Read: Google launches three new Gemini AI models

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Uncategorized

Google launches three new Gemini AI models

Google has expanded its Gemini family of artificial intelligence models with the launch of three new versions aimed at developers, businesses and cybersecurity professionals. The company introduced Gemini 3.6 Flash, Gemini 3.5 Flash Lite and Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber, while also announcing that the release of the much-awaited Gemini 3.5 Pro has been delayed for additional improvements.

The announcement highlights Google’s strategy of building AI models tailored for different user needs instead of offering a single solution for every task. The latest models focus on faster performance, lower operating costs and specialised capabilities that can support businesses deploying AI across multiple sectors.

Leading the new lineup is Gemini 3.6 Flash, Google’s latest high-performance AI model. According to the company, it offers better reasoning, coding, instruction-following and multimodal capabilities while maintaining fast response times. The model is designed to automatically adjust its reasoning depending on the complexity of a prompt, allowing it to respond quickly to simple requests while using additional computing power for more challenging tasks.

Google says this adaptive approach helps developers achieve higher-quality results without significantly increasing costs or slowing down applications. The model is expected to be useful for AI assistants, software development, content creation and enterprise automation.

The company has also launched Gemini 3.5 Flash Lite, which it describes as its most affordable AI model so far. Built for organisations handling large volumes of AI requests, Flash Lite is designed to deliver reliable performance at lower cost.

The model is suitable for everyday business applications such as document summarisation, customer support, language translation, data classification and content generation. By reducing operating expenses, Google hopes the model will appeal to startups and enterprises looking to expand AI adoption without increasing infrastructure costs.

A major addition to the Gemini family is Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber, a model developed specifically for cybersecurity. Unlike general-purpose AI systems, Flash Cyber has been trained using threat intelligence, vulnerability databases and security research.

The model can assist security teams in analysing malware, identifying vulnerabilities, investigating cyber threats and supporting incident response. Google believes specialised AI will become increasingly important as cyberattacks grow more sophisticated and organisations face greater pressure to strengthen digital security.

The launch reflects growing demand for AI systems that can perform specialised tasks instead of relying only on broad language capabilities. Enterprises are increasingly seeking AI models designed for coding, security, customer service and workflow automation.

While introducing the new Flash models, Google also confirmed that Gemini 3.5 Pro will not be released as originally planned. The company said it requires additional testing to improve reliability and overall performance before making the model publicly available.

Although Google did not announce a revised release date, it said the delay would help ensure a better experience for developers and enterprise customers. The decision comes as AI companies face increasing expectations around model quality, safety and accuracy.

The newly launched models are available through Google AI Studio, the Gemini API and Vertex AI, allowing developers and businesses to integrate them into their applications immediately. This gives organisations access to AI tools for coding, automation, customer engagement, cybersecurity and business operations.

The expansion also reflects the intense competition in the global AI industry, where companies are racing to introduce faster and more capable models. Instead of focusing only on larger AI systems, firms are increasingly developing specialised models that offer better performance for specific business needs.

Google said the new Gemini Flash models are designed to provide a balance between speed, affordability and accuracy, enabling developers to build AI-powered products more efficiently. The company expects the latest releases to support wider AI adoption across industries ranging from technology and finance to healthcare, education and cybersecurity.

With three new Gemini models now available and the Pro version still under development, Google is continuing to broaden its AI ecosystem while focusing on practical applications for developers and enterprise customers.

Also Read: Agilus appoints Vijender Singh as MD & CEO

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Leaders

Agilus appoints Vijender Singh as MD & CEO

Agilus Diagnostics has appointed healthcare industry veteran Vijender Singh as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO), ushering in a new phase of leadership for one of India’s leading diagnostics companies. The appointment comes as the company aims to strengthen its market presence, improve operational efficiency and expand access to quality diagnostic services across the country.

Singh succeeds Dr Anand K, who has stepped down after leading the company for nearly six years. During his tenure, Dr Anand played an important role in expanding Agilus Diagnostics’ footprint and strengthening its position in India’s rapidly growing diagnostics market.

Announcing the appointment, Agilus Diagnostics said Singh brings over three decades of leadership experience across healthcare, diagnostics, consumer healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). His expertise in business transformation, operational excellence and strategic growth is expected to support the company’s next phase of expansion.

Before joining Agilus, Singh served as Chairman and Managing Director of Diagnum Healthcare. He has also held senior leadership roles as Group CEO of Metropolis Healthcare and CEO of Healthians, giving him extensive experience in managing large diagnostic networks.

Earlier in his career, Singh spent nearly ten years with Dr. Lal PathLabs, where he contributed to the company’s expansion and played a key role in its successful public listing. He has also worked with organisations including Jashvik Capital, Ranbaxy Consumer Healthcare, Bausch & Lomb and Blow Plast, building expertise across healthcare and consumer businesses.

Welcoming Singh to the organisation, Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Managing Director and CEO of Fortis Healthcare and Chairman of Agilus Diagnostics, said his proven leadership in scaling healthcare businesses and driving operational excellence makes him the right choice to lead the company. He added that Agilus will continue focusing on innovation, customer experience and high-quality diagnostic services.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Singh said he was honoured to take over the leadership of Agilus Diagnostics at a time when the diagnostics industry is evolving rapidly. He described the company as a trusted healthcare brand with a strong foundation built on scientific excellence and customer confidence.

He said his immediate priority would be to work closely with employees, healthcare partners and stakeholders to strengthen the company’s capabilities, improve service quality and deliver greater value to patients. Singh also emphasised the importance of innovation and technology in making diagnostic services more accessible and efficient.

Agilus Diagnostics is a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare and operates one of the country’s largest diagnostic networks. The company has more than 410 laboratories, over 3,700 customer touchpoints and serves patients across more than 1,000 cities. Its services include routine pathology, specialised laboratory testing and advanced diagnostic solutions for hospitals, doctors, corporates and individual patients.

The leadership transition comes at a time when India’s diagnostics sector is witnessing strong growth, driven by rising health awareness, increasing demand for preventive health check-ups, digital healthcare adoption and early disease detection. Companies are also investing in advanced laboratory technologies and expanding their networks to meet growing demand for accurate and timely diagnosis.

Industry observers believe experienced leadership will be crucial as diagnostic companies compete on service quality, technology and patient experience. With his extensive background in building and managing healthcare businesses, Singh is expected to guide Agilus through its next phase of growth while strengthening its focus on operational excellence and innovation.

The appointment takes effect immediately. Agilus Diagnostics said it will continue building on its strengths in quality, reliability and scientific expertise while working to expand its reach and improve access to diagnostic services for patients across India.

Also Read: Bajaj Auto Q1 profit soars 46%, stock gains 5%

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Beyond

Gold nears ₹145,000, Silver at ₹225,860

Gold prices continued their upward march on Wednesday, supported by strong global demand for safe-haven assets and persistent geopolitical uncertainties. On the MCX, gold futures climbed to around ₹1,44,250 per 10 grams, while silver futures strengthened further to nearly ₹2,25,860 per kilogram.

While retail gold prices remained largely stable across major Indian cities, futures contracts on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) traded higher, reflecting positive sentiment in the bullion market. The gains were driven by a combination of international market trends, a softer US dollar and heightened demand from investors seeking protection against global economic and geopolitical risks.

Gold prices remained firm across major Indian cities on 22 July, with 24-carat gold ranging between ₹1,41,260 and ₹1,44,500 per 10 grams. Chennai recorded the highest 24-carat gold price at ₹1,45,400, followed by Hyderabad (₹1,45,210), Bengaluru (₹1,44,980), Kolkata (₹1,44,670) and New Delhi (₹1,44,610), while Mumbai reported the lowest at ₹1,41,260. Prices of 22-carat gold ranged from ₹1,29,323 to ₹1,33,283 per 10 grams, with Chennai also topping this category.

Silver prices also stayed elevated, with 999 fine silver trading between ₹2,19,100 and ₹2,27,100 per kg across the country. Chennai registered the highest silver price at ₹2,27,100 per kg, followed by Hyderabad (₹2,26,800), Mumbai (₹2,26,530), Kolkata (₹2,26,050) and New Delhi (₹2,25,960). Bengaluru recorded the lowest silver rate at ₹2,19,100 per kg, reflecting minor regional variations in bullion prices.

Silver prices also remained firm in the retail market, mirroring gains in futures trading. Jewellers said demand for silver continues to improve from both industrial buyers and retail investors, particularly amid expectations of sustained strength in global precious metals prices.

Market experts attributed the latest rally in gold prices to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the global economy. Investors typically turn to gold during periods of heightened risk, considering the yellow metal a reliable store of value.

Another factor supporting bullion prices is the growing expectation that major central banks could adopt a more accommodative monetary policy if economic growth slows further. Lower interest rates generally make non-interest-bearing assets such as gold more attractive, boosting investment demand.

The weakening of the US dollar against a basket of major currencies also supported international gold prices. Since gold is priced globally in dollars, a softer greenback makes the precious metal more affordable for overseas buyers, often lifting overall demand.

Analysts noted that the Indian bullion market is also benefiting from seasonal buying interest. Although the festive season is still a few months away, jewellers are witnessing steady enquiries from consumers planning purchases ahead of upcoming festivals and the wedding season.

However, high prices have prompted many buyers to limit purchases to essential jewellery or lightweight ornaments. Jewellers say customers are increasingly opting for exchange schemes, gold savings plans and digital gold investments instead of making large one-time purchases.

Investment demand has also remained healthy. Financial advisers believe gold continues to play an important role in portfolio diversification, especially during periods of market volatility. They recommend maintaining a balanced allocation to gold as part of a long-term investment strategy rather than chasing short-term price movements.

Silver, meanwhile, has been outperforming in recent weeks due to its dual appeal as both an investment asset and an industrial metal. Demand from sectors such as electronics, solar energy and electric vehicles has supported the metal even as investors continue to view it as an alternative safe-haven asset.

Looking ahead, bullion traders will closely monitor global economic data, movements in the US dollar, crude oil prices and geopolitical developments for further direction. Any fresh escalation in global tensions or indications of interest rate cuts by major central banks could provide additional support to gold and silver prices.

For Indian consumers, experts advise comparing prices across jewellers, checking hallmark certification and considering making purchases based on financial goals rather than short-term market fluctuations. With gold and silver continuing to trade near record highs, the precious metals are expected to remain in focus among investors and jewellery buyers alike in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Sensex slides 600 points, Nifty drops below 24,050