Author: Staff Writer

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CNG, LNG and hydrogen dispensers have new checks

The Centre has expanded the scope of verification rules for fuel dispensing systems to include CNG, LNG and hydrogen dispensers, widening regulatory oversight as India increases its focus on cleaner energy sources.

The move is aimed at ensuring that consumers receive the correct quantity of fuel while also maintaining accuracy and standardisation in emerging fuel technologies. Along with expanding the coverage, the government has also introduced a fee structure for testing and verification of these dispensing systems.

Until now, verification mechanisms mainly covered conventional fuel dispensing systems used for petrol and diesel. With the growing adoption of alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen, authorities said there was a need to bring these systems under a more comprehensive regulatory framework.

The decision comes at a time when India is rapidly expanding infrastructure linked to cleaner fuels. CNG has already become a widely used fuel option for public transport and private vehicles in many cities, while LNG and hydrogen are increasingly being considered important for future transportation and industrial requirements.

Officials said the expanded verification process is intended to improve transparency and build confidence among consumers and businesses. Accurate fuel dispensing systems are considered important because even small measurement differences can affect consumers as well as fuel providers over time.

Also Read: Sterlite Technologies shares jump on $1.1 bn AI deal

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Corporate

Sterlite Technologies shares jump on $1.1 bn AI deal

Shares of Sterlite Technologies gained sharply after the company announced that its subsidiary had secured a $1.1 billion contract linked to hyperscale artificial intelligence infrastructure, strengthening investor confidence and pushing the stock to fresh highs.

The company’s shares rose around 5% during trading as investors responded positively to the development. The strong market reaction also came after analysts upgraded their outlook on the stock, with some brokerages significantly increasing target prices based on expectations of stronger future growth.

According to reports, the large contract is tied to the rapidly expanding AI infrastructure space. Hyperscalers, companies that operate large-scale cloud computing and data centre networks, are increasing investments as demand for AI services, cloud platforms and high-performance computing continues to rise globally.

The deal is seen as an important milestone for Sterlite Technologies because it strengthens the company’s position in digital network and connectivity solutions. Industry experts believe rising investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure are creating new opportunities for companies involved in data networks, fibre connectivity and related technologies.

The announcement also reflects the growing demand for technology infrastructure needed to support AI systems. As businesses adopt AI tools at a faster pace, the need for stronger data centres and network systems has increased significantly.

Also Read: Tata Electronics to begin chip packaging in Assam

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Corporate

Huawei reveals new strategy for advanced chips

Huawei has introduced a new approach to developing advanced semiconductor chips, signalling its efforts to overcome challenges created by continuing US sanctions and restrictions on access to cutting-edge technology.

The company has proposed what it describes as a new “scaling law” for chip development, aimed at improving performance through different design methods rather than relying only on traditional techniques used in semiconductor manufacturing. The move comes as technology companies worldwide seek ways to build more powerful chips to support artificial intelligence, data processing and next-generation computing systems.

For years, the semiconductor industry has focused on making chips smaller and fitting more transistors onto them to increase speed and efficiency. However, as manufacturing becomes more complex and expensive, companies are increasingly exploring alternative methods to improve performance.

Huawei’s latest proposal reportedly focuses on restructuring how chips are designed and connected internally. Rather than depending solely on more advanced manufacturing processes, the company is looking at ways to improve computing capabilities through different architectures and system-level designs.

The announcement is being closely watched because Huawei has faced major restrictions from the United States in recent years, limiting its access to advanced semiconductor technology and manufacturing tools. These restrictions significantly affected the company’s smartphone and technology businesses and pushed it to accelerate efforts toward self-reliance.

Also Read: Tata Electronics to begin chip packaging in Assam

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Beyond

Petrol at ₹96.72, diesel ₹89.62 after fresh hike

Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Monday, with fuel rates being raised by ₹2 per litre across the country. The latest revision marks the fourth increase within the last 10 days, continuing an upward trend in fuel costs and raising concerns over its impact on transportation expenses and household budgets.

Following the latest hike, petrol prices in Delhi rose to ₹96.72 per litre, while diesel climbed to ₹89.62 per litre. Similar increases were recorded across major cities including Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, although final retail prices vary from state to state because of local taxes and value-added tax (VAT) rates.

The repeated increase in fuel prices over the last two weeks has drawn attention as it is likely to affect both consumers and businesses. Fuel prices play a direct role in determining transportation and logistics costs, and a sustained rise can have a wider impact on the economy. Increased transportation expenses often lead to higher prices of essential goods and services, eventually affecting household spending.

For daily commuters, the latest hike means additional expenditure on travel. Commercial vehicle operators, taxi services and logistics firms may also face rising operating costs due to higher fuel bills. Industry experts believe sectors that depend heavily on transportation could feel the impact if prices continue to move upward.

The continued rise in fuel prices has also sparked concerns about inflation. Higher fuel costs can contribute to increased prices across multiple sectors because transportation remains a major component in the supply chain.

With four fuel price hikes already recorded in just 10 days, market observers and consumers will now closely watch future revisions to see whether prices stabilise or continue their upward movement in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Gold dips to ₹1.59 lakh, Silver falls to ₹2.84 lakh

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Beyond

Gold dips to ₹1.59 lakh, Silver falls to ₹2.84 lakh

Gold prices saw a slight decline on Monday, while silver also edged lower amid mixed trends in domestic and international markets. Despite the correction remaining limited, investors continued to closely monitor global developments and commodity market movements for fresh direction.

Gold prices slipped by ₹10 in the national capital market, with 24-carat gold trading at around ₹1,59,050 per 10 grams. Silver prices also moved lower and declined by ₹100 to trade near ₹2,84,900 per kilogram.

Across major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, retail gold prices showed only marginal differences due to local taxes and other charges. Prices of both 24-carat and 22-carat gold largely remained stable during the day, indicating limited fluctuations in the physical market.

Despite the slight fall, gold continues to trade at elevated levels after witnessing strong gains in recent weeks. Market analysts said the yellow metal remains sensitive to global economic developments, especially changes in the US dollar, interest rate expectations and geopolitical uncertainties.

Gold is widely viewed as a safe-haven asset, and investors often turn to it during periods of uncertainty. As a result, even small changes in global sentiment can influence prices.

Silver, meanwhile, remained under pressure as market participants assessed both investment demand and industrial consumption trends. Unlike gold, silver prices are influenced not only by investor activity but also by industrial demand, which often results in sharper movements.

Jewellers said demand in the domestic market remained steady despite higher price levels. Buying interest linked to the ongoing wedding season and long-term investment demand has continued to support the market.

Also Read: Sensex rallies over 900 points, Nifty trades above 23,950

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Corporate

Sensex rallies over 900 points, Nifty trades above 23,950

Indian equity markets began the week on a strong note on Monday, the BSE Sensex surged more than 900 points during intraday trade, while the NSE Nifty moved above the 23,950 mark, reflecting strong buying interest across sectors.

The rally was driven largely by banking, automobile and oil-related stocks, which witnessed significant buying throughout the session. Banking shares played a key role in lifting the indices, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank emerging among the top contributors to market gains. Investors also turned bullish on automobile counters, with Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) recording strong gains and adding momentum to the broader market rise.

Oil and energy-related stocks also traded higher after a decline in global crude prices improved market sentiment. Lower crude oil prices are generally viewed as positive for India since the country imports a large share of its energy requirements. A reduction in oil prices can help ease inflationary pressure, lower import costs and support economic growth, factors that often improve investor confidence.

Public sector banking stocks and financial counters also remained in focus and contributed to the positive market breadth. Realty, media and select energy shares traded in positive territory as buying remained broad-based through the session.

However, some stocks failed to participate in the rally. Sun Pharma and Power Grid were among the major laggards and traded in the red as investors booked profits in a few defensive and utility stocks. Select IT and metal counters also witnessed pressure, limiting gains in the broader market.

Market analysts believe improving global sentiment and easing geopolitical concerns supported Monday’s rally. However, they continue to advise caution, noting that the Nifty’s movement near the 24,000 level will remain closely watched by investors.

The market’s next direction is expected to depend on global developments, foreign investor activity and sector-specific trends in the coming days.

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Corporate

Hindalco Q4 profit slides 51% to ₹2,597 cr on Novelis hit

Hindalco Industries reported a steep fall in its consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of FY26, even as its core business showed strong operational performance across aluminium and copper segments.

The company’s net profit dropped 51% year-on-year to ₹2,597 crore in Q4 FY26, compared with ₹5,283 crore in the same period last year. The decline was primarily due to exceptional charges linked to a fire-related disruption at its US-based subsidiary Novelis, which affected production and led to higher costs during the quarter.

Despite the sharp fall in profit, the company posted strong revenue growth. Revenue from operations rose about 20% year-on-year to ₹78,133 crore, driven by better performance in its India aluminium and copper businesses, along with steady demand in downstream products.

Operating performance remained resilient. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased to ₹11,197 crore, marking a record high for the company. This growth was supported by improved margins in domestic operations and better cost control across key business segments.

On an adjusted basis, profit before exceptional items rose around 10% to ₹5,796 crore, reflecting underlying strength in the business when one-time costs are excluded. The India operations delivered particularly strong results, with record performance across aluminium upstream, downstream, and copper divisions.

The board also recommended a final dividend of ₹5 per equity share for FY26, subject to shareholder approval.

The copper segment also performed well, posting strong quarterly earnings backed by higher realisations and improved by-product recovery. Aluminium downstream volumes improved during the quarter, though some margin pressure remained due to ramp-up costs in newly expanded facilities.

Also Read: SpaceX postpones Starship test launch

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1 Minute-Read

US invests $2 bn in nine Quantum Computing firms

The United States government has announced a $2 billion funding package to support the development of quantum computing, distributing the money among nine companies working in the sector.

The strategic decision aims to accelerate research and strengthen US leadership in advanced computing technologies. Quantum computing uses principles of quantum mechanics to process complex problems far faster than traditional systems and is expected to have major applications in areas like cybersecurity, defence, healthcare, and materials science.

Officials said the investment will support research, infrastructure, and scaling of experimental systems while addressing technical challenges such as stability and error correction in early-stage quantum technology.

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Beyond

RBI transfers record ₹2.87 lakh cr to government

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a record transfer of ₹2.87 lakh crore as surplus to the central government, marking the highest dividend payout in its history.

The decision was taken at the RBI’s Central Board meeting after finalising its accounts for the financial year and reviewing provisions under its risk framework. The payout reflects strong earnings from the central bank’s foreign exchange operations, interest income, and gains from global financial markets.

This large transfer is expected to give the government additional fiscal space at a time when it is balancing spending needs on infrastructure, welfare schemes, and efforts to manage the fiscal deficit. The extra funds could also help reduce borrowing pressure in the upcoming budget cycle.

The RBI’s surplus is calculated after it sets aside money under its Economic Capital Framework, which ensures the bank maintains adequate buffers to handle financial stability risks. Even after these provisions, the central bank reported higher-than-expected earnings, leading to the record payout.

Over the years, RBI dividends have become an important non-tax source of revenue for the government, often helping it manage fiscal gaps and support public spending priorities.

While the record payout strengthens the government’s financial position in the short term, experts also note that such transfers can vary significantly depending on market conditions and the RBI’s risk assessment each year.

Economists said the transfer was larger than many market expectations, which had factored in more conservative assumptions due to global volatility. However, strong balance sheet gains helped push the final figure higher.

Also Read: Dalmia Bharat buys JAL cement assets for ₹2,850 cr

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Corporate

Anthropic-backed AI firm buys Fractional AI

A new artificial intelligence services company backed by Anthropic, Blackstone, and Hellman & Friedman has made its first acquisition by purchasing Fractional AI, marking an early step in its expansion strategy.

The company, positioned as an AI-native enterprise services firm, focuses on helping businesses adopt and integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. It aims to combine advanced AI capabilities with consulting and implementation services for corporate clients.

Fractional AI, the acquired startup, specialises in providing flexible AI engineering and deployment services to companies. It helps organisations design and implement AI solutions without requiring full-time in-house teams, using a project-based model.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen the new venture’s ability to deliver end-to-end AI services, from strategy and model application to deployment and operational support. The move comes as demand for enterprise AI adoption continues to grow rapidly across industries.

The new AI services firm is backed by major investment groups and AI research players, positioning it as a strong competitor in the expanding enterprise AI services sector. It aims to build a full-stack offering that includes consulting, technical implementation, and ongoing support.

Companies are increasingly looking for support in integrating AI into workflows, improving efficiency, and developing AI-driven products. This has created a growing market for firms that can bridge the gap between AI model developers and real-world business applications.

Also Read: Dalmia Bharat buys JAL cement assets for ₹2,850 cr