Author: Staff Writer

Categories
Corporate

Sensex settles 47 points higher, Nifty tops 24,200

The markets recovered sharply from the day’s lows to end almost flat on Monday, with strong buying in information technology (IT) stocks helping erase early losses triggered by global concerns.

The BSE Sensex settled 47.55 points higher at 77,616.40, while the NSE Nifty 50 edged up 4.80 points to close at 24,211.30. In early trade, the Sensex had fallen over 700 points and the Nifty briefly slipped below the 24,000 mark as investors reacted to rising tensions in West Asia and higher crude oil prices.

However, buying interest returned during the second half of the session, especially in IT stocks, helping the benchmark indices recover nearly all their losses. Investors also remained optimistic ahead of the June-quarter earnings season.

TCS, HCLTech and Infosys were among the top gainers, with technology stocks leading the market rebound. Tech Mahindra and Wipro also traded higher as investors accumulated IT shares.

On the other hand, Eternal, Trent and IndusInd Bank ended among the biggest losers. Profit booking in select consumer and financial stocks kept overall market gains in check despite the late recovery.

Analysts said the initial sell-off was driven by uncertainty surrounding geopolitical developments and concerns over rising crude oil prices, which could impact inflation and corporate earnings. However, the strong comeback reflected investors’ willingness to buy quality stocks at lower levels.

Market experts believe the focus will now shift to corporate earnings, with IT companies expected to set the tone for the reporting season. Investors will also keep an eye on global cues, foreign institutional investor (FII) activity, inflation data and movements in crude oil prices.

Also Read: TCS restructures business for AI era

Categories
Technology

Apple Pencil may get replaceable battery

Apple is reportedly preparing one of the biggest updates to the Apple Pencil by introducing a replaceable battery, a move that could make the popular stylus more durable and easier to maintain. The redesigned accessory is expected to launch alongside the next-generation iPad Pro, although the company has not officially confirmed the reports.

If introduced, the new Apple Pencil would allow users to replace its battery once it degrades, instead of replacing the entire stylus. Current Apple Pencil models feature sealed batteries, which can lose capacity over time and are difficult to repair. The proposed change is expected to extend the accessory’s lifespan while reducing replacement costs for users.

The reported redesign reflects Apple’s broader push towards improving product repairability and sustainability. As electronic waste becomes a growing global concern, technology companies are increasingly focusing on making devices last longer. A replaceable battery could help users keep their Apple Pencil in use for several more years, reducing unnecessary waste.

Despite the battery redesign, the new Apple Pencil is expected to retain its core features, including pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition and low-latency performance. These capabilities have made the stylus a preferred tool for artists, designers, students and professionals who use iPads for drawing, note-taking and creative work.

The updated Pencil is also expected to debut alongside Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models, which are likely to feature hardware and performance improvements. Together, the new tablet and stylus could further strengthen Apple’s position in the premium tablet market.

Also Read: Adani, Actis join race for Polaris Metering acquisition

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Adani, Actis join race for Polaris Metering acquisition

The race to acquire Polaris Smart Metering has intensified, with the Adani Group, Actis and Apraava Energy among the leading contenders.

The company, backed by private equity firm Baring Private Equity Asia (now part of EQT), is exploring a sale that could value the business at around $400-500 million. Interest in Polaris has grown amid rising demand for smart metering solutions driven by India’s power sector reforms.

The sale process is expected to attract more bidders, reflecting strong investor confidence in the country’s expanding smart infrastructure and digital energy market.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Ram Temple trust alone to decide CEO’s powers

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will decide the powers and responsibilities of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) without any government interference, Trust chairman Nripendra Misra said.

He clarified that the Trust is an independent body and all decisions related to appointments, governance and delegation of powers are taken by its members. Misra said the government has no role in the temple’s internal administration.

His remarks come amid discussions over the CEO’s role as the Ayodhya Ram Temple witnesses a surge in devotees. The Trust remains focused on ensuring efficient management and better facilities for pilgrims.

Categories
Leaders

Musk unfollows Meta AI chief, sparks online buzz

A simple social media action by Elon Musk has triggered widespread discussion online after the billionaire unfollowed Meta’s Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang on X. The move quickly caught the attention of users, many of whom linked it to the growing competition between leading artificial intelligence companies.

The speculation gained momentum after a screenshot showing Musk no longer following Wang began circulating on social media. Wang, who recently joined Meta to lead its artificial intelligence efforts, responded with a light-hearted comment: “Can’t we be friends?” His playful reply quickly went viral, with many users appreciating the humour amid increasing rivalry in the AI industry.

The exchange comes at a time when competition among major technology companies is intensifying. Meta has been aggressively investing in artificial intelligence, recruiting top researchers and expanding its AI capabilities to compete with rivals including OpenAI, xAI and Google.

Wang’s appointment at Meta has attracted significant attention across the technology industry. Before joining the company, he co-founded Scale AI and became one of the youngest self-made billionaires. Reports have also described him as one of Meta’s highest-paid executives, reflecting the company’s determination to strengthen its AI leadership.

Musk, who leads xAI while also owning X, has frequently criticised Meta’s AI strategy and openly discussed the competitive race to develop advanced artificial intelligence systems. Although he has not publicly explained why he unfollowed Wang, the move has fuelled speculation about growing tensions between the industry’s biggest players.

Social media users were quick to react, with many treating the incident as another chapter in the increasingly public rivalry among technology leaders. Others pointed out that following and unfollowing accounts on social media often carries symbolic significance, especially when it involves prominent figures in the AI sector.

Neither Musk nor Meta has issued an official statement on the matter beyond Wang’s brief response. However, the episode once again highlights how even small online actions by influential technology leaders can dominate conversations and spark debate across the digital world.

Also Read: Sunil Bharti Mittal bets on AI, cloud for future growth

Categories
Leaders

Sunil Bharti Mittal bets on AI, cloud for future growth

Bharti Airtel is looking beyond traditional telecom services, with Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal identifying artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data centres and financial services as the company’s key growth drivers for the future. He said India’s digital economy is entering a new phase, creating fresh opportunities for telecom companies to expand beyond connectivity.

Speaking about Airtel’s long-term strategy, Mittal said the rapid adoption of AI and the rollout of 5G networks will significantly increase demand for digital infrastructure. He believes telecom operators will play a central role in supporting businesses and consumers as data usage continues to grow.

Airtel plans to strengthen its presence in data centres and cloud services to cater to the rising digital needs of enterprises. With more companies shifting their operations online and embracing AI-powered technologies, the demand for secure data storage and cloud-based solutions is expected to increase substantially in the coming years.

Mittal also highlighted financial services as another important area of expansion. He said digital payments, banking and other financial products are becoming increasingly integrated into the telecom ecosystem, creating new revenue opportunities while improving customer engagement.

According to Mittal, India’s digital transformation is still at an early stage, with significant room for growth in areas such as enterprise connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud computing and AI-enabled services. He stressed that investments in digital infrastructure will be critical to supporting the country’s economic growth and technological ambitions.

The Airtel chairman said 5G is more than just faster internet speeds. It will enable emerging technologies, including AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart manufacturing, helping businesses improve productivity and efficiency across industries.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz clarifies E20 fuel compatibility

Categories
Beyond

Mercedes-Benz clarifies E20 fuel compatibility

Mercedes-Benz India has issued a clarification on the use of E20 fuel after popular YouTuber Sourav Joshi claimed that his luxury car’s mileage had dropped significantly following the switch to the ethanol-blended fuel. The company said it was happy to address the concerns and explained that E20 compatibility depends on the vehicle model and engine specifications.

The controversy began after Joshi shared a video in which he said his Mercedes-Benz had started delivering lower fuel efficiency after using E20 petrol. The video quickly gained attention on social media, with many car owners expressing similar concerns and questioning the impact of higher ethanol blends on vehicle performance.

Responding to the discussion, Mercedes-Benz India said all its petrol vehicles manufactured from April 2023 onwards are fully compatible with E20 fuel, in line with the Government of India’s fuel transition roadmap. However, the company advised owners of older models to check their vehicle manuals or contact authorised dealerships before regularly using E20 petrol.

The automaker clarified that fuel efficiency can vary due to several factors, including driving style, traffic conditions, road quality, weather and fuel composition. It noted that ethanol contains less energy than conventional petrol, which may lead to a slight reduction in mileage, but this does not necessarily indicate a mechanical issue with the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz also reiterated that customers should use only the fuel grade recommended for their specific vehicle to ensure optimum performance and long-term reliability. The company said its service network is available to assist customers who have questions about fuel compatibility or notice changes in vehicle performance.

Automobile experts said the issue is not unique to Mercedes-Benz. Vehicles designed for E20 fuel generally operate without problems, but some owners may observe a marginal drop in fuel economy because ethanol has a lower energy content than pure petrol.

Also Read: HDFC Bank redeploys staff as technology boosts productivity

Categories
Beyond

Gold slips to ₹1,41,820, silver drops to ₹2,17,480

Gold and silver prices declined sharply in early trade on Monday. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold August futures slipped 1.16% to ₹1,41,820 per 10 grams, while silver September futures fell 2.34% to ₹2,17,448 per kg.

Prices declined as weak global trends and concerns over inflation and interest rates kept investors cautious. While global uncertainty continued to support safe-haven demand, a stronger US dollar and rising bond yields weighed on precious metal prices.

 A higher-than-expected inflation reading could delay interest rate cuts, strengthening the US dollar and putting further pressure on gold prices. On the other hand, softer inflation data may revive hopes of monetary easing and support a recovery in bullion.

Investors are also keeping a close watch on developments in the Middle East. Rising geopolitical tensions have increased uncertainty in global financial markets, prompting investors to seek the safety of gold. However, analysts believe concerns over inflation and interest rates are currently outweighing the safe-haven appeal of the yellow metal.

Silver, which is influenced by both investment demand and industrial consumption, witnessed a steeper decline than gold. Market experts said the white metal remains more volatile due to uncertainty surrounding global economic growth and industrial demand.

Also Read: Sensex plunges 500 points , Nifty below 24,150

Categories
Corporate

Sensex plunges 500 points , Nifty below 24,150

Indian benchmark indices recovered sharply in the second half of Monday’s trade, with the BSE Sensex slumping nearly 500 points from its intraday low. Despite the recovery, the index closed lower as cautious sentiment continued to dominate amid rising geopolitical tensions and firm crude oil prices. The NSE Nifty also pared most of its losses but finished below the 24,150 mark.

The market opened on a weak note after concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East pushed global crude oil prices higher. The rise in oil prices renewed worries about inflation and increased costs for oil-importing countries like India, prompting investors to trim exposure to equities. Weak global cues further added to the pressure, dragging frontline indices lower during the morning session.

At one point, the Sensex was down more than 700 points before bargain buying in heavyweight stocks helped the market recover significantly. Although the rebound reduced the day’s losses, investors largely remained on the sidelines ahead of key corporate earnings and global developments.

Selling was seen across several sectors, with metals, financials and auto stocks witnessing the sharpest decline. Market participants also kept a close watch on crude oil prices, currency movements and overseas markets, all of which are expected to influence sentiment in the coming sessions.

Among individual stocks, L&T Finance and Just Dial emerged as the top gainers, supported by company-specific optimism and buying interest. On the other hand, Tata Steel and Adani Ports featured among the biggest laggards, as selling pressure persisted in metal and infrastructure counters.

Also Read: Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secrets theft

Categories
Corporate

BMW Group India sales rise 17% in first half of 2026

BMW Group India recorded its best-ever first-half sales, delivering 9,075 vehicles between January and June 2026, a 17% increase over the same period last year. The strong performance reflects rising demand for premium vehicles and electric cars in the Indian market.

The company sold 8,623 BMW and MINI cars and 452 BMW Motorrad motorcycles, making it the highest first-half sales figure in its history. The growth also helped BMW narrow the gap with rival Mercedes-Benz in India’s competitive luxury car segment.

Electric vehicles played a major role in the company’s success. BMW reported a 78% jump in EV deliveries, highlighting the growing acceptance of premium electric mobility among Indian buyers. Popular electric models such as the BMW iX1, i4 and iX continued to attract strong demand, supported by expanding charging infrastructure and increasing consumer interest in sustainable transportation.

BMW said sports utility vehicles (SUVs) remained its biggest growth driver, accounting for a significant share of overall sales. Models including the X1, X3, X5 and X7 continued to perform well, while premium sedans also maintained steady demand.

According to the company, the strong results were driven by a combination of new product launches, customer confidence and a broader shift towards premium mobility. BMW also credited its growing digital sales initiatives and improved after-sales services for helping strengthen customer engagement.

The company remains optimistic about the rest of the year, expecting demand for luxury vehicles to stay healthy despite global economic uncertainties.

Also Read: Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secrets theft