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PVR INOX returns to profit with ₹187 cr Q4 gain

PVR INOX reported a net profit of ₹187 crore in the March quarter, compared to a ₹125 crore loss in the same period last year.

Revenue rose 26% year-on-year, supported by stronger ticket sales, better movie releases and higher spending on food and beverages. Improved theatre occupancy and advertising income also boosted earnings.

The multiplex operator said operational efficiency and a strong film lineup helped drive the recovery. The company has now returned to profitability after a weak previous year, reflecting a revival in cinema-going demand across India.

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Indian Hotels Q4 profit jumps 15% to ₹600 cr

Indian Hotels Company Limited reported a 15% year-on-year rise in net profit to around ₹600 crore in the fourth quarter, supported by strong demand and higher occupancy across its hotels.

Revenue grew about 14% to ₹2,765 crore, reflecting steady recovery in both leisure and business travel segments. EBITDA also improved by nearly 15%, showing better operating performance.

The Tata Group firm said its diversified hotel portfolio helped sustain growth. The board recommended a dividend of ₹3.25 per share, subject to approval. The results highlight continued strength in India’s hospitality sector amid rising travel demand.

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Beyond

US pumps 53 mn barrels from oil reserves

The United States has released about 53 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic petroleum reserves in a move coordinated with International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries to support global energy stability.

The decision comes as fuel prices remain under pressure due to global supply uncertainty and geopolitical tensions affecting oil trade routes. The additional supply is intended to help prevent sharp spikes in petrol and diesel prices.

Officials said the release is part of an emergency response mechanism under the IEA framework, which allows member nations to tap into strategic stockpiles during supply disruptions or market stress. The US plays a key role in such coordinated interventions due to its large reserve capacity.

The oil is being released from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the world’s largest emergency crude stockpile. It is designed to be used only in extraordinary situations when global supply is tight or disrupted.

Authorities said the immediate goal is to increase availability in the market and provide short-term relief to consumers facing higher fuel costs. Energy markets have remained volatile in recent weeks amid concerns over supply stability.

While such releases can help cool prices temporarily, they do not resolve underlying global supply-demand imbalances. Oil prices are expected to continue reacting to geopolitical developments and production decisions by major exporting nations.

Also Read: BofA pays ₹58.5 lakh to close SEBI case

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Beyond

BofA pays ₹58.5 lakh to close SEBI case

Bank of America’s (BofA) securities arm in India has settled an insider trading-related case with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) by paying a settlement amount of ₹58.5 lakh.

The case was linked to alleged lapses in complying with insider trading regulations, particularly the failure to properly maintain a Structured Digital Database (SDD), which is required to track access to unpublished price-sensitive information.

SEBI had issued a show-cause notice to the firm last year, alleging violations of insider trading and merchant banking rules. The regulator said the database is a key compliance tool designed to prevent misuse of confidential market information.

During the proceedings, the company filed a settlement application without admitting or denying the allegations. The matter was reviewed by SEBI’s internal committees and later approved for settlement.

The regulator confirmed that after payment of the ₹58.5 lakh fee, the case has been disposed of.

The settlement brings closure to the proceedings, though SEBI retains the right to take action in future if any misrepresentation or non-compliance is found.

Also Read: Afcons wins ₹7,544 cr Croatia rail project

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Corporate

Afcons wins ₹7,544 cr Croatia rail project

Indian infrastructure company Afcons Infrastructure has secured a major international breakthrough by winning a railway project in Croatia worth about ₹7,544 crore.

The project involves rebuilding an existing railway line and constructing a second track on the Dugo Selo–Novska route. It will also include electrification, signalling and telecom upgrades to modernise the corridor and improve rail connectivity in the region.

The contract, awarded by Croatian authorities, is valued at around €677 million and is expected to be one of Afcons’ largest overseas projects so far. The work is scheduled to be completed over several years and marks a significant expansion of the company’s global presence.

Afcons, headquartered in Mumbai, is part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. The company is a major player in infrastructure development, with expertise in railways, metro systems, bridges, tunnels, ports, marine structures, roads and energy-related projects.

The latest win is being seen as a strong step forward for Indian engineering companies in Europe, highlighting their ability to compete for large-scale infrastructure contracts in developed markets.

Following the announcement, the company’s stock also saw positive market reaction, reflecting investor confidence in its global growth strategy.

Also Read: Jewellers to meet PMO over gold buying concerns

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Technology

Samsung enters India’s refurbished phone market

Samsung India has introduced its “Certified Re-Newed” smartphone programme in India, offering refurbished Galaxy devices with company-backed warranty and quality assurance.

The programme allows customers to buy refurbished Galaxy smartphones directly from Samsung at lower prices while still receiving official warranty and after-sales support. The company said the initiative is aimed at making premium smartphones more affordable and accessible to a wider range of users.

According to Samsung, every refurbished device sold under the programme undergoes multiple quality checks, including hardware inspection, software testing, battery health verification and complete data wiping before resale. The company added that only genuine Samsung parts are used during refurbishment.

The smartphones will also come with a one-year manufacturer warranty, similar to new devices. Samsung said this would help build trust among buyers who are often hesitant about purchasing refurbished phones from third-party sellers.

Initially, the programme includes selected models from Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup and Galaxy A-series smartphones. Reports said some flagship models are available at significantly reduced prices compared to their original launch rates, making premium Galaxy devices more affordable for consumers.

In fact Samsung’s entry into the organised refurbished smartphone segment could strengthen consumer confidence in certified pre-owned devices. India’s refurbished smartphone market has grown rapidly in recent years as rising smartphone prices push more consumers toward affordable alternatives.

The initiative is viewed as part of Samsung’s broader sustainability strategy. By extending the life cycle of smartphones through refurbishment and resale, companies can help reduce electronic waste and promote reuse of devices.

The move places Samsung among the few smartphone brands in India directly offering company-certified refurbished devices with official support and warranty benefits.

Experts believe other smartphone brands may also introduce similar programmes as demand for certified refurbished devices continues to rise in the Indian market.

Also Read: Iran conflict may slow India’s growth to 6.7%

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Corporate

Iran conflict may slow India’s growth to 6.7%

India’s economic growth could slow to 6.7 percent in the current financial year due to rising global oil prices, weak consumer demand and uncertainty caused by the Iran conflict, according to a report by BMI, a Fitch Solutions company.

The report said escalating tensions in West Asia and higher crude oil prices are creating fresh challenges for the Indian economy. Since India imports a large portion of its crude oil requirements, any sharp increase in oil prices directly impacts inflation, import costs and government spending.

BMI warned that the recent surge in crude oil prices could increase fuel and transportation costs across sectors, putting pressure on businesses as well as household spending. Higher inflation may also reduce consumer demand, affecting overall economic activity.

The report noted that India’s growth had received support in recent years from tax cuts, strong government spending and infrastructure projects. However, that support is now beginning to fade, while global economic uncertainty continues to rise.

Economists said higher oil prices could also widen India’s current account deficit and put pressure on the rupee. Rising import bills may affect fiscal stability if crude prices remain elevated for a long period.

Despite the expected slowdown, India is still projected to remain one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Analysts believe government infrastructure spending, manufacturing growth and strong domestic demand could continue supporting the economy in the medium term.

The report comes at a time when global markets are closely watching developments in West Asia, particularly tensions involving Iran and disruptions in oil supply chains. Financial markets have already turned volatile due to fears of prolonged geopolitical instability.

BMI said India’s growth outlook will largely depend on global crude oil trends, inflation control measures and the government’s ability to maintain economic momentum amid external challenges.

Also Read: Rupee crashes to 95.50 mark against dollar

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Beyond

Rupee crashes to 95.50 mark against dollar

The Indian rupee fell to a record low of 95.55 against the US dollar on Tuesday as rising crude oil prices and global tensions continued to pressure financial markets.

The sharp fall came amid uncertainty over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and fears of supply disruptions in global oil markets. Since India imports a major portion of its crude oil needs, higher oil prices usually increase pressure on the rupee and the overall economy.

Currency traders said strong demand for the US dollar and continued foreign investor selling in Indian markets also weakened the rupee. Foreign institutional investors have been pulling money out of equities due to global risk concerns, adding further pressure on the domestic currency.

The weakening rupee has raised concerns about higher import costs, especially for fuel and essential goods. Analysts warned that if crude oil prices continue to rise, inflationary pressure could increase in the coming months.

The Reserve Bank of India is believed to have intervened in the forex market to prevent a sharper fall in the currency. However, market experts expect the rupee to remain volatile as long as global tensions and oil prices stay elevated.

The falling rupee also affected stock markets, with benchmark indices trading lower during the session. Investors remained cautious amid fears of rising inflation and slowing global growth.

Also Read:  PM Modi calls for work-from-home, online classes

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Beyond

PM Modi calls for work-from-home, online classes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on companies, schools and colleges to adopt work-from-home and online learning models to help reduce fuel consumption as rising global crude oil prices increase pressure on the Indian economy.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the impact of tensions in West Asia on global energy markets. With crude oil prices remaining elevated, the government is focusing on fuel conservation measures to reduce import dependence and contain inflationary risks.

Modi urged businesses to encourage remote work, virtual meetings and hybrid office models wherever possible to cut daily commuting and fuel usage. Educational institutions were also advised to consider online classes and digital learning systems to reduce transportation demand.

The Prime Minister said fuel-saving efforts are necessary at a time when higher oil prices could affect transportation costs, inflation and overall economic stability. India imports a significant portion of its crude oil requirements, making the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices.

The government clarified that there is no fuel shortage in the country and said the advisory is a precautionary step aimed at reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Experts believe widespread adoption of remote work could help businesses lower operational expenses linked to employee transportation and office infrastructure. However, sectors dependent on physical operations and manufacturing may face challenges in implementing such measures fully.

PM Modi also encouraged citizens to use public transport, metro services and carpooling to reduce petrol and diesel consumption. Analysts say the government’s focus on fuel conservation reflects increasing concern over the broader economic impact of rising oil prices, including pressure on inflation, logistics and consumer spending.

Experts say the move could accelerate the return of hybrid work models seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Several companies, especially in the IT and services sectors, are expected to evaluate flexible work policies if fuel prices remain high for an extended period.

Also Read: Gold slips to ₹1.52 lakh, silver falls to ₹2.74 lakh

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Beyond

Gold slips to ₹1.52 lakh, silver falls to ₹2.74 lakh

Gold prices saw a marginal decline on Tuesday, with the price of gold falling ₹10 to ₹1,52,120 per 10 grams in the domestic market. Silver prices also slipped by ₹100 to ₹2,74,900 per kilogram as investors tracked global market trends and geopolitical developments.

Despite the small fall, gold continued to trade near all-time high levels across major Indian cities. In Delhi, 24-carat gold was priced around ₹1.53 lakh per 10 grams, while rates in Mumbai and Kolkata remained at similar levels. Prices of 22-carat gold also stayed elevated, reflecting steady demand for the precious metal.

Market experts said uncertainty in global markets and rising tensions in the Middle East continued to support safe-haven buying in gold. Investors are increasingly turning to bullion as concerns over inflation, crude oil prices and global economic slowdown remain strong.

Silver prices, meanwhile, witnessed mild profit booking after recent gains. Analysts said silver continues to remain sensitive to both industrial demand and global commodity price movements, leading to fluctuations in domestic rates.

Jewellers said demand in the retail market remained stable due to the ongoing wedding season, although many buyers have become cautious because of the sharp rise in prices over the past few weeks. Some customers are choosing lighter jewellery or delaying purchases in anticipation of a price correction.

In the international market, gold prices remained firm as investors awaited signals from major central banks on future interest rate decisions. A weaker dollar and uncertainty in global financial markets also supported bullion prices.

Traders believe gold and silver prices may continue to remain volatile in the coming days due to changing global conditions and fluctuations in crude oil prices. Analysts advised investors and buyers to closely monitor market movements before making fresh investments or large purchases.

Even with minor declines, precious metals continue to attract strong investor interest as a safe investment option during uncertain economic conditions.

Also Read: Sensex falls over 450 points, Nifty slips below 23,700