Author: Staff Writer

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Gold up at ₹1.61 lakh, Silver tops ₹3 lakh

Gold prices moved up slightly in the domestic market on Monday, while silver also recorded a notable increase, tracking firm global trends and continued investor demand for safe-haven assets.

According to market data, gold climbed by about ₹10 to ₹1,61,360 per 10 grams in the national capital. In the previous session, the precious metal had closed at ₹1,61,350 per 10 grams.

Silver prices rose by ₹100 to ₹3,00,100 per kilogram, compared with the earlier close of ₹3,00,000 per kg.

In the futures market on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), both metals showed a positive trend due to fresh buying by traders. Analysts said the rise was mainly supported by global factors, including firm international prices and steady demand for bullion as a hedge against economic uncertainty.

In the international market, gold traded higher, while silver also gained, reflecting strong investor interest. A weaker dollar and concerns over global economic conditions further supported the uptrend in precious metals.

Also Read: Sensex rises 480 pts, Nifty tops 25,700

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Corporate

Sensex sinks 700, Nifty tests 25,500

Indian stock markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Tuesday, with the BSE Sensex plunging more than 700 points and the Nifty 50 dropping below the crucial 25,500 mark. The decline reflected broad-based weakness across sectors as investors turned cautious amid rising global uncertainties.

The fall was largely driven by heavy selling in information technology stocks, which dragged the benchmarks lower. The Nifty IT index emerged as one of the worst performers, as concerns over global demand and fresh trade tensions hurt sentiment. Banking, auto and metal stocks also traded in the red, contributing to the overall decline.

Global factors played a key role in Tuesday’s market slide. Investor confidence weakened after renewed fears of higher US import tariffs resurfaced, raising concerns about global trade disruptions. Weak cues from Asian markets and overnight losses on Wall Street further dampened risk appetite among domestic investors.

Back home, the Indian rupee opened lower against the US dollar, adding to the cautious mood. Market participants also remained watchful ahead of key global economic signals, which could influence foreign fund flows into emerging markets like India.

Despite the broader weakness, a few individual stocks saw action on company-specific developments. Select counters attracted buying interest following business updates and regulatory approvals, offering limited support to the market.

Analysts said that the Nifty’s breach of the 25,500 level is technically significant and could trigger further volatility in the near term. However, some experts believe that if the index manages to hold near current levels, bargain buying may emerge.

Also Read: Sensex rises 480 pts, Nifty tops 25,700

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Beyond

₹5.16 cr toll refund for Mumbai–Pune Expressway motorists

Around one lakh motorists stranded in the massive traffic jam on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway earlier this month will receive a total toll refund of ₹5.16 crore, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has said. The amount will be credited directly to the FASTag accounts of the affected commuters.

The unprecedented congestion was caused on February 3 after a gas tanker overturned near the Khopoli stretch, severely disrupting traffic movement on one of the country’s busiest highways. The accident led to a standstill that lasted for nearly 33 hours, with vehicles stuck in long queues for several kilometres. Thousands of passengers, including families and elderly travellers, were left stranded on the road without access to food, water or medical help for hours.

Authorities had ordered the suspension of toll collection soon after the scale of the disruption became clear. However, toll charges continued to be deducted automatically from several FASTag accounts before the system was fully halted. Following complaints from commuters, MSRDC reviewed the transactions and decided to refund the entire amount collected during the period of the traffic blockade.

Officials said detailed FASTag data is being examined to identify every vehicle that was charged despite the toll suspension. The refund will apply to toll collected at both ends of the expressway during the disruption. The toll operator has been directed to complete the reconciliation process and ensure the money is returned to commuters at the earliest.

The Mumbai–Pune Expressway is a crucial link between the two cities and handles heavy daily traffic. The incident triggered public anger over the toll collection during a prolonged highway closure. The refund decision is expected to provide relief to affected motorists and address concerns over automated toll deductions during emergencies.

Also Read: Clean Max Enviro IPO at Rs 3,100 crore on day 1

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Corporate

Clean Max Enviro IPO at Rs 3,100 crore on day 1

Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions’ initial public offering, sized at about Rs 3,100 crore, opened to a warm reception from investors on the first day of bidding. Subscription data from market platforms showed the issue was multiple times subscribed on Day 1, reflecting strong appetite among retail and institutional buyers for companies in the environmental services space.

Market participants pointed to the company’s focus on waste‑to‑energy, hazardous and non‑hazardous waste management, and industrial wastewater treatment as key reasons for interest. Clean Max Enviro positions itself as a specialist in sustainable waste and energy solutions, a sector that has gained attention as regulators and corporates push for cleaner operations and circular‑economy practices.

Alongside formal subscription numbers, the grey market indicated a positive premium, suggesting that aftermarket sentiment was upbeat. Traders in the unofficial market were quoting a premium over the IPO price, a sign that some investors expect listing gains. Analysts caution that grey‑market premiums are informal indicators and can change quickly as formal allotment and listing dates approach.

The company plans to use proceeds for debt repayment, working capital, and capital expenditure to expand its project pipeline. Management has highlighted a multi‑year growth plan driven by rising industrial demand for compliant waste management and by new contracts in municipal and commercial segments.

Risks flagged by advisers include project execution timelines, regulatory approvals, and the capital‑intensive nature of waste‑to‑energy projects. Investors are advised to balance the sector’s long‑term potential against near‑term execution and financing risks.

For retail investors considering subscription, brokers recommend checking allocation rules, the company’s financials, and how the IPO fits individual risk profiles. Institutional investors will watch final subscription figures and anchor allocations before forming a view on aftermarket performance.

Also Read: Banks’ quarterly profit tops ₹1 lakh crore

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Corporate

Sensex rises 480 pts, Nifty tops 25,700

Indian equity benchmarks ended higher on Monday, February 23, after a strong rally, supported by positive global cues and buying in financial and select heavyweight stocks, although losses in IT shares capped the upside.

The BSE Sensex closed 480 points higher at  83,294.66, while the NSE Nifty 50 settled above the 25,700 mark , extending gains for the session.

Markets opened on a firm note following encouraging signals from global equities and sustained the momentum through most of the day, led by buying in banking, pharma and consumption stocks.

Among the top performers on the Nifty were Adani Ports, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Life and Nestle India, which saw strong investor interest and lifted the indices.

However, the rally was partially restricted by weakness in technology and metal stocks. Hindalco, Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra and Cipla ended among the top losers on the index.

IT stocks remained under pressure due to profit booking and a cautious outlook on the sector, which limited the overall market gains despite strength in other pockets.

Also Read: Sensex jumps over 600 points, Nifty tops 25,700

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Banks’ quarterly profit tops ₹1 lakh crore

Indian banks recorded a combined net profit exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in the December quarter, the first time the sector has crossed that threshold.

Strong net interest income, higher fee income and lower provisioning supported gains across public and private lenders. Asset quality improved as gross non-performing assets eased and recoveries rose, while credit growth remained steady.

Analysts at CareEdge said healthier balance sheets and normalising credit costs drove results, though margins and loan growth will shape future momentum. The performance signals resilience in the banking system amid a stable macroeconomic backdrop.

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1 Minute-Read

FBI warns of ATM jackpotting surge

The FBI has reported a sharp increase in ATM jackpotting attacks in the United States, with losses crossing $20 million in 2025. More than 700 cases were recorded during the year, part of nearly 1,900 incidents since 2020.

In these attacks, criminals break into ATMs and install malware that forces machines to dispense cash on command. The method targets the ATM’s software, not customer bank accounts. The Ploutus malware has been widely used to exploit the XFS platform that controls cash-dispensing functions.

The agency has advised banks and ATM operators to upgrade systems, improve physical security, and regularly inspect machines to detect tampering and prevent further financial losses.

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Corporate

Bitcoin loses $1 trillion as buyers vanish

Bitcoin has plunged roughly 40% from its recent high, erasing about $1 trillion in market value and exposing a market with far fewer buyers than traders expected. What began as a correction turned into a deeper rout as the usual buyers who step in on dips largely stayed away.

The sell-off was amplified by thin liquidity on exchanges. With fewer resting orders, even moderately large trades pushed prices sharply lower. That made support levels, price zones where buying normally stabilizes the market, less reliable. When those levels failed to hold, stop-losses and margin calls triggered further selling, creating a cascade effect.

Supply-side pressures added to the strain. Some long-term holders and miners sold into rallies to cover costs or obligations, increasing the amount of Bitcoin available at a time when demand was weak. In derivatives markets, concentrated leveraged positions and forced liquidations intensified moves, while funding rates signaled elevated leverage that needed to be unwound.

Beyond trading mechanics, the episode has reopened a debate about Bitcoin’s identity. Regulators worldwide are tightening rules around trading, custody and stablecoins, creating uncertainty for institutional investors. Promised steady institutional flows have been inconsistent, and investors are again asking whether Bitcoin is primarily a speculative instrument, a store of value, or something else.

On-chain indicators offer mixed signals. Some metrics suggest capitulation and potential buying opportunities for long-term investors; others point to weakening conviction across the network. The net effect is a fragmented market: fewer dependable buyers, more short-term sellers, and heightened sensitivity to news and policy shifts.

For now, traders and investors are watching for clear signs of renewed demand or a stabilizing event.

Also Read: UPL shares tumble 14–15% after reorganisation plan

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Beyond

AI Meet strengthens India’s tech leadership pitch

In a strong signal that artificial intelligence is becoming central to the global economic order, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has positioned the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi as a springboard for India’s next wave of technology-led growth.

Speaking during Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration by more than 80 countries reflects growing international confidence in India as a hub for AI innovation, investment and scalable digital solutions. The summit brought together global technology companies, policymakers, investors and startups, reinforcing India’s role in the evolving global AI value chain.

The event showcased the country’s digital public infrastructure, large skilled workforce and cost-efficient innovation ecosystem, key factors attracting multinational firms and venture capital into the AI space. According to the Prime Minister, this convergence of policy support, talent and infrastructure is opening new business opportunities across sectors.

India unveiled several indigenous AI models and enterprise-focused applications in healthcare, agriculture, education and governance, highlighting their commercial potential and export readiness. These developments are expected to improve productivity, enable new service models and create markets for AI-driven platforms.

The New Delhi Declaration provides a broad framework for trusted and inclusive AI adoption, which industry experts believe will ease cross-border collaborations, encourage regulatory coherence and unlock innovation funding. This is likely to help companies scale operations across multiple geographies with greater certainty.

He emphasised that India’s startup ecosystem and youth-led research will be crucial in capturing a larger share of the global AI economy. He added that affordable and ethical AI solutions developed in India can meet the needs of both advanced and emerging markets.

With increased investments in data centres, semiconductor ecosystems and digital infrastructure, the summit is being viewed as a catalyst for job creation, capital inflows and technology exports. He said the global appreciation received at the event underscores India’s transition from a technology consumer to a leading producer of AI solutions with long-term economic impact.

Also Read: Yes Bank targets 1% ROA by FY26, says CFO

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Corporate

Lodha signs ₹364 crore Parel–Sewri redevelopment deal

Lodha Developers has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) worth ₹364.8 crore with the Sahana Group to develop a 10-acre land parcel in the Parel–Sewri belt of Mumbai, strengthening its presence in one of the city’s most active redevelopment zones.

The agreement, registered earlier this month, covers a total land area of 41,526.07 sq m. The plots are owned by Sahana entities, while Lodha will lead the planning, construction and sales of the proposed project. The transaction also involved a stamp duty payment of over ₹37 crore, indicating the scale and value of the development.

The project is expected to be positioned as a premium residential offering and is likely to be launched within the current quarter, according to industry sources. The Parel–Sewri micro-market has seen strong traction in recent years due to its central location, improving infrastructure and proximity to key commercial hubs such as Lower Parel and the eastern waterfront.

Real estate experts say the deal highlights the increasing reliance on joint development models in Mumbai, where limited availability of large freehold land parcels pushes developers to partner with landowners. Such arrangements allow developers to expand their project pipeline with lower upfront land acquisition costs while enabling landowners to monetise underutilised assets.

The central Mumbai corridor has been undergoing rapid transformation driven by metro connectivity, road upgrades and large-scale redevelopment of old industrial and slum pockets. This has attracted branded developers and boosted demand for high-end housing from professionals seeking homes close to business districts.

Lodha Developers has been actively entering into redevelopment and joint development deals to maintain a steady supply of projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This the new project adds to its future launch inventory and aligns with its strategy of focusing on high-value urban locations with strong absorption potential.

Also Read: ₹590 crore fraud reported at IDFC First Bank