Author: Staff Writer

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Leaders

Sanjay Jamuar named CEO of Delhi Metro global arm

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has appointed Sanjay Jamuar as the first Chief Executive Officer of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), a new company created to expand Delhi Metro’s services beyond the capital and into overseas markets.

The move marks an important step in DMRC’s efforts to turn its years of metro-building and operations experience into a global business opportunity.

Sanjay Jamuar brings decades of experience in transport and railway systems to the role. He has worked in Indian Railways, DMRC and global transit projects across Europe, the Middle East and other regions.

Delhi Metro is widely seen as one of India’s most successful urban transport systems, known for timely project execution, clean stations and efficient operations. Over the years, DMRC has already provided consultancy support to metro projects in several Indian cities and some international markets.

With the creation of DMIL, these services will now be handled through a dedicated business arm focused on consultancy, project management, operations and maintenance contracts in India and abroad.

DMIL is expected to offer services such as planning new metro systems, advising governments, training staff, improving operations and managing rail networks.

Officials believe his experience will help the new company compete for projects in fast-growing urban transport markets around the world.

Also Read: Windows 11 updates get user-friendly makeover

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Technology

Windows 11 updates get user-friendly makeover

Microsoft is making Windows 11 updates less disruptive by giving users more control over when updates are installed and when their computers restart.

The changes come after years of complaints from users who said forced updates often interrupted work, meetings, gaming sessions and important tasks.

Under the new system, users will be able to pause updates for longer periods and extend those pauses when needed. This means people can choose a more convenient time to install updates instead of being pushed into immediate downloads.

Microsoft is also improving restart options. Even when updates are waiting, users will be able to shut down or restart their computers without being forced to install updates right away.

Another useful change is during the setup of a new PC. Users will now have the option to skip updates during the initial setup process and complete them later, helping them start using the device faster.

The company is also working on smarter update delivery so multiple updates can be combined, reducing the number of restarts required.

Microsoft said the changes are based on customer feedback and are designed to make Windows smoother to use while still keeping devices secure and up to date.

The features are currently being tested with Windows Insider users and are expected to roll out to more users in upcoming Windows 11 updates.

Tech experts said the move reflects a more user-friendly approach from Microsoft. Instead of forcing updates at inconvenient times, the company now appears focused on giving people flexibility while maintaining system security.

Also Read: Government pushes PSU Banks on wage revision

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Beyond

Government pushes PSU Banks on wage revision

The Finance Ministry has asked public sector banks to complete the next wage revision process for employees and officers within the next 12 months, aiming to ensure salary hikes are implemented on time from November 2027.

The move relates to the upcoming 13th Bipartite Settlement, under which salaries, allowances and service conditions of bank staff are revised every five years.

Officials have asked banks to begin preparations early and avoid delays that affected previous wage settlements. The government said timely completion of the process is important for smooth operations and industrial harmony in the banking sector.

Usually, wage negotiations are handled by the Indian Banks’ Association with employee unions and officers’ bodies. The final agreement impacts lakhs of employees working in public sector banks and some private lenders.

The ministry has also asked banks to complete necessary approvals and procedural changes in advance so that the revised salary structure can be implemented without delay.

The development comes at a time when public sector banks are reporting strong profits and improved balance sheets after years of clean-up and reforms.

Employee unions are expected to closely monitor the talks, as the settlement directly affects salaries, allowances and retirement benefits.

Also Read: JK Cement wins Rajasthan Limestone mine bid

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Corporate

JK Cement wins Rajasthan Limestone mine bid

JK Cement has emerged as the preferred bidder for the Maliyakheri Limestone Block-I in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, giving the company access to an important raw material source for its cement business.

The company received confirmation after a government e-auction and has informed stock exchanges about the development. The limestone block is located in Rajasthan, one of India’s key cement-producing states known for rich mineral reserves.

Limestone is the main ingredient used in cement manufacturing, making mining rights highly valuable for companies in the sector. By securing its own source, JK Cement is expected to reduce dependence on outside suppliers and improve long-term cost control.

Industry experts said captive limestone mines help cement makers manage raw material costs more efficiently, especially at a time when fuel, freight and input expenses remain volatile.

The new mine is also expected to support JK Cement’s future expansion plans by ensuring stable supply for production growth in the years ahead.

JK Cement is one of India’s leading cement companies with a presence in grey cement, white cement and wall putty segments. The company has been steadily expanding capacity to meet rising demand from housing, infrastructure and construction projects.

Analysts said the latest bid win is a positive strategic move, even if the immediate financial impact may be limited. Over time, access to owned mineral reserves can strengthen margins and improve operational efficiency.

The company will now move to complete regulatory approvals, clearances and lease formalities before mining activity can begin.

The development comes as cement companies continue to focus on expansion and raw material security to stay competitive in a fast-growing market.

Also Read: Sun Pharma to buy Organon for $11.75 bn

Categories
Corporate

Sun Pharma to buy Organon for $11.75 bn

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has announced plans to acquire US-based healthcare company Organon in a $11.75 billion deal, making it one of the biggest overseas acquisitions by an Indian company and the largest by an Indian pharma firm.

The acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen Sun Pharma’s global presence and diversify its product portfolio. Organon has a strong business in women’s health, biosimilars and established medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries.

Sun Pharma said the deal supports its long-term growth strategy and will help it expand in high-potential global healthcare segments. Industry experts believe Organon’s established brands and international reach can provide steady revenue growth for the Indian drugmaker.

The combined business is expected to have wider global reach, stronger product offerings and improved scale in key markets such as the US, Europe and emerging economies.

The transaction has been approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to close after regulatory and shareholder clearances.

Investors reacted positively to the announcement, with Sun Pharma shares gaining in early trade. Analysts said the acquisition reflects the growing confidence of Indian pharmaceutical companies in making large global bets.

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1 Minute-Read

Reliance changes oil supply plan amid Gulf disruption

Reliance Industries has changed its crude oil sourcing strategy to deal with supply disruptions caused by tensions in the Gulf region. The company has reduced dependence on some Gulf shipments and increased purchases from other countries while also exploring alternate shipping routes.

These steps have helped Reliance maintain smooth operations at its Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, one of the world’s largest refining complexes. The move comes as freight charges, insurance costs and crude prices remain volatile due to geopolitical uncertainty.

Analysts said Reliance’s flexible sourcing network has helped limit the impact of disruptions on refining operations and fuel supplies.

Categories
Corporate

Sensex surges 600 points, Nifty reclaims 24,000

Indian stock markets bounced back strongly on Monday, with the Sensex climbing more than 600 points and the Nifty moving above the 24,000 mark, as investors returned to equities after recent losses. Relief over easing tensions in the Middle East and hopes of stability in crude oil prices helped improve sentiment.

The BSE Sensex was trading above 77,100 during the session, while the NSE Nifty hovered around 24,050. Broader markets also joined the rally, with midcap and smallcap stocks posting healthy gains.

Buying was seen across several sectors, with pharma, IT and metal shares leading the recovery. Investors also picked quality stocks that had corrected sharply in recent sessions.

Among the biggest gainers, Sun Pharma jumped sharply after announcing a major overseas acquisition. The stock emerged as one of the top performers of the day. Infosys, Adani Ports, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Eternal also traded higher as buying momentum picked up across frontline counters.

However, not all stocks participated in the rally. Axis Bank remained under pressure after its recent quarterly earnings disappointed investors. Paytm also slipped as concerns around regulatory issues continued to weigh on sentiment. Shriram Finance and a few private banking names were also among the laggards.

Market experts said Monday’s rally was driven by a mix of bargain buying and improving global cues after last week’s volatility. Investors were encouraged by signs that geopolitical tensions may cool, reducing worries over a spike in oil prices.

Still, analysts warned that markets could remain sensitive in the near term. Crude oil prices are still elevated, and any sharp rise could impact inflation, the rupee and corporate margins in India.

Also Read: SEBI proposes overhaul of stockbrokers’ net worth norms

Categories
Beyond

Gold at ₹1.53 lakh, Silver at ₹2.46 lakh

Gold prices remained close to record highs across India on Monday, April 27, while silver prices saw a slight dip as investors continued to track global developments and movement in commodity markets.

In major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Pune, 24-carat gold was priced at around ₹1.53 lakh per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold was trading near ₹1.40 lakh. Silver was quoted at about ₹2.46 lakh per kilogram in the retail market.

Traders said gold continues to attract buyers as it is traditionally seen as a safe investment during uncertain times. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and volatility in global markets have kept demand strong, helping prices stay firm at elevated levels.

At the same time, hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East prevented any sharp spike in prices. Market participants said investors are balancing risk concerns with expectations that diplomatic progress could reduce pressure on global markets.

Jewellers noted that domestic demand has become selective because of the steep rise in prices. Many retail buyers are purchasing smaller quantities or waiting for corrections before making large jewellery purchases.

Silver prices, meanwhile, remained under some pressure and slipped slightly compared to the previous session. Analysts said silver tends to be more volatile than gold because it is influenced not only by investment demand but also by industrial consumption trends.

Despite high prices, jewellers are expecting stronger footfalls in the coming days as Akshaya Tritiya and the wedding season approach. Both occasions are traditionally considered favourable for buying gold, which could support demand even at current levels.

Experts believe gold and silver may continue to witness sharp moves this week depending on global cues, especially developments in crude oil prices, currency markets and international political tensions.

For consumers planning to buy jewellery, traders advise checking purity, hallmark certification, making charges and GST before making purchases, as final prices vary from city to city and store to store.

Investors are also being advised to buy gradually rather than all at once, given the current volatility in bullion prices.

Also Read: Sensex surges 600 points, Nifty reclaims 24,000

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1 Minute-Read

SEBI proposes overhaul of stockbrokers’ net worth norms

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a major revision in how stockbrokers calculate their “variable net worth”, shifting from a fixed formula to a more risk-based system that reflects their actual business size and exposure.

Under the current rule, brokers are required to maintain net worth linked to 10% of the average daily client cash balance they hold. However, SEBI says this method has become outdated after changes in how client funds are handled in the market. With the introduction of the upstreaming mechanism, client money is now transferred to clearing corporations, leaving brokers with very little cash on their books.

Because of this shift, SEBI believes the old calculation no longer accurately reflects the risks brokers face. The regulator has now proposed a new framework that ties capital requirements more closely to both client exposure and business scale.

In the new model, one key component of net worth will be based on 10% of the average credit balance of clients over the past six months. This replaces the earlier focus on funds retained by brokers.

The second component is linked to the number of active clients. Brokers will need to maintain additional capital in slabs depending on their client base. For example, firms with more clients will be required to hold higher minimum net worth, with incremental increases as their customer base grows. Separate requirements are also proposed for clients brought in through authorised persons.

SEBI has said the net worth requirement acts as a “second line of defence” after margin obligations and must be strong enough to absorb risks not covered elsewhere.

Also Read: Ashok Lahiri named NITI Aayog vice-chairman

Categories
Beyond

India’s forex reserves rise above $703 bn

India’s foreign exchange reserves have climbed to $703.3 billion, continuing a steady upward trend and strengthening the country’s financial buffer against global uncertainties.

According to the latest Reserve Bank of India data, the reserves increased by around $2.3 billion in the week ending April 17, 2026. The rise reflects a mix of valuation gains and stable external inflows.

The biggest contribution came from foreign currency assets, which make up the bulk of India’s reserves. These assets include holdings in major global currencies such as the US dollar and euro, and their value often changes with global currency movements and central bank operations.

Gold holdings also played a role in the increase. India’s gold reserves have seen a gradual rise in value in recent months, supported by higher global gold prices and consistent accumulation by the central bank. This has added another layer of stability to the overall reserves.

Other components, including Special Drawing Rights and India’s position with the International Monetary Fund, remained largely unchanged during the period.

The latest increase comes after some fluctuations earlier this year, when global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and changes in oil prices affected reserve levels. However, the recent trend shows a recovery and steady build-up.

Also Read: Ashok Lahiri named NITI Aayog vice-chairman