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IndiGo launches lite fare

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has introduced a new ‘Lite Fare’ for passengers travelling with only cabin baggage. The lower-priced option is aimed at flyers who do not need checked luggage, offering a more affordable travel choice on domestic and international routes.

Passengers booking the fare can carry only the standard cabin baggage allowance, while checked baggage can be added later for an additional fee.

The airline said the move is designed to provide greater flexibility and reduce travel costs, while also helping speed up airport check-in and baggage handling for eligible passengers.

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Corporate

Sensex rallies 580 points, Nifty crosses 24,150

Indian benchmark indices ended higher on Thursday, extending their winning streak as strong buying in information technology stocks and easing crude oil prices lifted investor sentiment. The Sensex climbed nearly 580 points, while the Nifty 50 closed above the 24,150 mark after a positive trading session.

Technology stocks led the rally, with HCL Technologies, Infosys and Tech Mahindra emerging among the top gainers. Gains in heavyweight stocks such as Reliance Industries and Mahindra & Mahindra also supported the benchmarks, helping markets maintain momentum throughout the day.

On the other hand, Trent, Bharat Electronics (BEL) and Canara Bank were among the major losers, limiting the day’s gains as investors booked profits in select counters.

Broader markets also witnessed healthy buying, with the mid-cap and small-cap indices ending in positive territory. Most sectoral indices closed in the green, led by IT, auto and consumer stocks, while PSU banks remained under pressure.

Investor confidence received an additional boost from softer global crude oil prices. Lower oil prices are seen as positive for India as they help reduce inflationary pressures, improve corporate profitability and support economic growth.

Despite the upbeat equity markets, the rupee ended slightly weaker against the US dollar after giving up its early gains.

Also Read: Sony’s PlayStation goes all digital

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Technology

Sony’s PlayStation goes all digital

Sony has announced that all new PlayStation games released from January 2028 will be available only in digital format, bringing an end to physical game discs for future titles. The move reflects a steady shift in the way people buy games, with digital downloads now becoming the preferred choice for most players.

The company clarified that the decision will not affect games already released on disc or titles scheduled to launch before January 2028. Those games will continue to be available in physical format, and players can keep using their existing disc collections on compatible PlayStation consoles.

From 2028 onwards, all new releases will be sold through the PlayStation Store and digital retail partners. Sony says the transition mirrors changing consumer habits, with digital downloads accounting for nearly 80 per cent of its full-game software sales in fiscal 2025.

For many gamers, however, the announcement marks the end of an era. While digital downloads offer instant access and convenience, physical copies remain popular among collectors and players who enjoy lending, trading or reselling their games.

Also Read: Wipro ADRs fall 17% on AI headwinds

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Corporate

Wipro ADRs fall 17% on AI headwinds

Wipro is expected to remain in focus after its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) plunged sharply in overnight trading, reflecting growing investor concerns over the company’s near-term growth prospects and mounting pressure from artificial intelligence-led changes in the IT services industry.

The ADRs fell by more than 17%, signalling a weak start for the stock on Indian exchanges. The sharp decline followed cautious management commentary on demand trends and concerns that rapid adoption of AI could intensify pricing pressure across the technology services sector.

Analysts said enterprises are increasingly seeking AI-driven solutions that improve efficiency while reducing costs. While this presents new business opportunities, it also puts pressure on IT companies to deliver services at lower prices, affecting revenue growth and profit margins.

The weak sentiment around Wipro has also shifted investor attention to other major IT companies, including Infosys, TCS and KPIT Technologies, with markets closely watching their upcoming earnings and management outlooks for signs of broader industry trends.

Market experts believe the current environment remains challenging for the information technology sector. Although demand for digital transformation, cloud computing and AI services continues to grow, clients are still cautious about discretionary technology spending amid global economic uncertainty.

Companies that successfully integrate AI into their service offerings without sacrificing profitability are expected to remain better positioned.

Also Read: Amazon faces Australia lawsuit over Prime video

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Corporate

Amazon faces Australia lawsuit over Prime video

Australia’s consumer watchdog has filed legal proceedings against Amazon, alleging that changes to its Prime Video subscription service misled customers and forced them to pay extra to continue watching content without advertisements.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) claims Amazon introduced advertisements on Prime Video for existing subscribers without adequately informing them that ad-free viewing would now require an additional payment. According to the regulator, customers who had originally signed up expecting uninterrupted streaming were left with two choices, accept advertisements or pay an extra fee to remove them.

The ACCC argues that the changes may have breached Australian consumer laws by altering the terms of the subscription after customers had already signed up. It alleges that Amazon’s approach created unfair contract terms and potentially misled consumers about the benefits included in their existing Prime memberships.

The regulator has approached the Federal Court, seeking penalties, declarations and other orders against Amazon. It also wants the court to ensure that affected consumers receive appropriate remedies if the company is found to have violated consumer protection laws.

Amazon has defended the move, saying it remains committed to complying with local laws and providing value to customers. The company is expected to respond to the allegations through the legal process.

The case centres on Amazon’s decision to introduce advertisements on Prime Video while offering an optional premium tier for ad-free streaming at an additional cost. Similar changes have been rolled out in several countries as streaming platforms look for new revenue sources amid rising content and production costs.

Also Read: SEBI bars 221 entities in ₹144-cr stock scam

Categories
Leaders

Tim Cook discusses Siri AI with EU

The European Union and Apple have held what officials described as “constructive talks” following recent disagreements over the company’s artificial intelligence features, particularly those related to Siri. The meeting signals an effort by both sides to ease tensions and find common ground as Europe strengthens oversight of major technology companies.

The discussions took place between European Commission officials and Apple CEO Tim Cook, who visited Brussels amid growing scrutiny of AI-powered services and digital platforms. While no specific agreement was announced, both sides described the interaction as positive and useful.

The recent friction centred on Apple’s AI-enabled Siri features and the company’s approach to rolling out certain artificial intelligence capabilities in Europe. Apple has previously expressed concerns that some requirements under the European Union’s digital regulations could affect the timing and availability of new AI features for users in the region.

During the meeting, officials discussed how innovation in artificial intelligence can continue while ensuring compliance with the EU’s evolving digital rules. The European Commission reiterated that its regulations are designed to promote fair competition, consumer protection and transparency without preventing technological advancement.

Apple, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with European regulators. The company said it supports responsible AI development and remains focused on delivering innovative products while complying with local laws.

Decisions taken by the EU often influence technology policies in other parts of the world, making cooperation between regulators and major technology firms increasingly important.

The talks also reflect the broader challenge facing global technology companies as governments introduce stricter rules for AI, data privacy and digital competition. Companies are expected to balance rapid innovation with growing regulatory expectations.

Also Read: Zee approves ₹3,144-cr promoter fundraise

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Corporate

SEBI bars 221 entities in ₹144-cr stock scam

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred 221 entities from accessing the securities market after uncovering an alleged ₹144-crore pump-and-dump scam involving five listed companies. The action marks one of the regulator’s biggest crackdowns on organised stock price manipulation in recent years.

According to SEBI, the accused artificially inflated the prices of select low-liquidity stocks through coordinated trading before offloading their holdings at elevated prices. Retail investors were allegedly lured into buying these shares after misleading messages and promotional campaigns created the impression of strong investment opportunities.

The investigation revealed a well-planned network that used digital communication platforms, including WhatsApp groups, to coordinate trading activity and spread stock recommendations. SEBI also relied on financial records, call details, bank transactions and even food delivery records to establish links among the individuals involved in the operation.

The regulator found that the alleged scheme generated unlawful gains of around ₹144 crore. It has directed the accused entities to return the illegal profits while prohibiting them from buying, selling or dealing in securities until further orders.

SEBI also imposed a ₹10-crore penalty on Hanif Shekh, identified as one of the key individuals behind the alleged operation. Investigators said he played a central role in coordinating the manipulation and managing the network involved in the scheme.

The market watchdog said the case demonstrates the increasing sophistication of stock manipulation techniques and highlights its growing use of technology and digital evidence to detect financial misconduct. By analysing electronic communications and transactional data, investigators were able to reconstruct the alleged conspiracy and identify the participants.

Also Read: Disney invests ₹123 cr more in JioStar India

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Corporate

Disney invests ₹123 cr more in JioStar India

The Walt Disney Company has infused ₹123 crore into JioStar India, reinforcing its commitment to the country’s rapidly growing media and entertainment sector following the merger of its Indian business with Reliance-backed Viacom18.

The fresh investment has been made through foreign direct investment (FDI) and is aimed at strengthening JioStar’s financial position as the newly merged entity continues integrating its operations. The capital infusion reflects Disney’s continued confidence in the joint venture and its long-term prospects in one of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment markets.

JioStar was created after the merger of Disney Star India and Viacom18, bringing together a vast portfolio of television channels, digital streaming platforms and sports broadcasting rights under a single entity. The merger has created one of India’s largest media companies, with a significant presence across television, digital entertainment and live sports.

The merged entity is also expected to focus on expanding its content library, enhancing user experience and leveraging advanced technology to attract a wider audience. Analysts say India’s growing internet penetration and rising demand for digital entertainment continue to make the market attractive for global media companies.

Disney’s latest capital infusion comes at a time when the Indian media industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by increasing digital consumption, regional content demand and changing viewer preferences. The investment highlights the company’s confidence that the merged business can unlock greater value through scale and operational efficiencies.

Market experts believe the partnership between Disney and Reliance has the potential to reshape India’s entertainment landscape by combining strong content capabilities with extensive distribution networks. The additional funding is expected to provide the financial flexibility needed to pursue future growth opportunities.

Also Read: Zee approves ₹3,144-cr promoter fundraise

Categories
Corporate

Zee approves ₹3,144-cr promoter fundraise

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has approved a ₹3,144-crore fundraise through the preferential issue of fully convertible warrants to a promoter group entity, marking a significant step to strengthen promoter ownership and reinforce confidence in the company’s future.

The board has cleared the allotment of warrants to Altilis Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a promoter group company. Once the warrants are converted into equity shares, the promoter family’s stake in Zee is expected to increase from around 4 per cent to nearly 24 per cent, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The proposed investment will be made in phases, with an upfront payment required at the time of the warrant allotment and the remaining amount to be infused when the warrants are converted into equity within the prescribed timeline.

The move comes at a crucial time for Zee, which has been focusing on rebuilding investor confidence and strengthening its financial position following the collapse of its proposed merger with Sony. The increased promoter holding is expected to provide greater stability to the company’s ownership structure while demonstrating the promoters’ long-term commitment to the media and entertainment business.

Company officials said the fresh capital would support Zee’s strategic priorities, including investment in content, digital platforms, technology and future growth opportunities. Strengthening the balance sheet is also expected to improve the company’s ability to compete in the rapidly evolving media landscape.

The proposal is subject to approval from shareholders and other statutory authorities before the warrants can be issued and eventually converted into equity shares. Once completed, the transaction will significantly increase the promoter group’s ownership while providing the company with substantial fresh funds.

Also Read: SEBI bars 221 entities in ₹144-cr stock scam

Categories
Beyond

Gold at ₹1,44,850, Silver hits ₹2,24,930 today

Gold and silver prices traded higher on Thursday, extending their recovery as investors returned to precious metals amid persistent global uncertainty. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold was trading at around ₹1,44,850 per 10 grams, while silver was quoted at nearly ₹2,24,930 per kilogram, reflecting renewed buying interest after recent losses.

The rally was driven by a combination of easing crude oil prices, expectations of a softer US interest rate stance and a weaker dollar outlook. These factors enhanced the appeal of bullion as a safe-haven investment, encouraging traders to increase their exposure to gold and silver.

In the physical market, bullion prices also remained firm across major cities. Twenty-four-carat gold was priced at approximately ₹1,44,550 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold traded around ₹1,32,500 per 10 grams. Silver prices also edged higher, with retail rates varying slightly across cities due to local taxes and dealer margins.

Market participants believe gold is gradually recovering after witnessing a sharp correction in June. However, analysts expect price movements to remain volatile as investors continue to track global economic data, inflation trends and signals from major central banks.

Silver, meanwhile, continued to attract buying support on hopes of improving industrial demand alongside its traditional appeal as a precious metal. Experts believe the metal could remain resilient if manufacturing activity picks up and global economic conditions stabilise further.

Also Read: Sensex gains over 250 points, Nifty tops 24,150