Author: Staff Writer

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Corporate

Adani drops long legal fight against Australian activist

Adani Group has ended its years-long legal battle against Australian activist Ben Pennings, who campaigned against the company’s Carmichael coal mine. The lawsuit, which at one point claimed damages of up to US$ 600 million, has now been formally dropped.

Under the court’s order, Pennings is barred from seeking or using Adani’s confidential business information or encouraging others to do so. However, he is still free to continue lawful protests and environmental activism.

Adani said the legal action was meant to protect its employees and contractors from harassment, not to seek financial gain. Pennings called the outcome a “massive victory,” describing the lawsuit as a tactic to intimidate critics.

The case highlights tensions between large corporations and environmental activists, raising questions about how legal actions are used to manage public dissent. The resolution may encourage other activists while reminding companies to carefully balance legal and public engagement.

Also Read: Zoho co-founder receives AI apology over secret leak

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Leaders

SC affirms NCLAT stance on Byju’s plea

The Supreme Court has dismissed Byju Raveendran’s challenge to an order by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), clearing the way for the insolvency process against Think & Learn Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Byju’s, to continue.

The dispute began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed an insolvency petition last year over unpaid dues of about ₹158.9 crore linked to a sponsorship agreement. Although Byju’s later cleared the dues and reached a settlement with BCCI, the timing of the withdrawal request became the central legal issue.

NCLAT ruled that the settlement could not automatically stop the insolvency case because the Committee of Creditors (CoC) had already been formed. Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), once a CoC is constituted, any request to withdraw a case must be approved by 90% of the creditors.

Byju Raveendran argued that the withdrawal was submitted before the CoC came into existence, but both NCLAT and the Supreme Court found that the formal application was filed only after the CoC had been constituted. The Supreme Court said bypassing creditor approval would undermine the integrity of the insolvency process.

With this ruling, the insolvency proceedings will continue, giving lenders and other creditors greater control over the company’s future. The decision is a setback for Byju’s, which has been trying to stabilise operations amid financial stress, investor disputes and operational restructuring.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh clears LPS‑II, ₹7,500 cr for Amaravati

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Beyond

India inks ₹8,000 cr US deal for MH-60R helicopters

India has signed a major agreement with the United States to keep its fleet of MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters in top shape. The deal, worth nearly ₹8,000 crore, will provide maintenance support, spare parts, training, and establish repair facilities in India over the next five years.

The arrangement comes under the US Foreign Military Sales programme and covers all technical and logistical support needed to keep the helicopters operational. By setting up domestic maintenance infrastructure, India will reduce reliance on overseas support and create opportunities for local businesses, including small and medium enterprises.

The MH-60R Seahawk is a highly capable, all-weather naval helicopter, designed for anti-submarine warfare and other critical missions. Defence experts say this pact will significantly enhance the readiness and efficiency of India’s naval aviation fleet.

This step reflects India’s focus on building self-reliance in defence while ensuring its military assets remain mission-ready, strengthening the Navy’s ability to respond swiftly in times of need.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh clears LPS‑II, ₹7,500 cr for Amaravati

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Corporate

Andhra Pradesh clears LPS‑II, ₹7,500 cr for Amaravati

The Andhra Pradesh government has given the green light to the second phase of land pooling (LPS‑II) for Amaravati, the state’s capital region. This phase will cover around 16,666 acres spread across seven villages, including Vaikunthapuram, Pedamadduru, Yendrai, Karlapudi, Vadlamanu, Harichandrapuram, and Pedaparimi. The approval is seen as a major step in reviving the long-delayed plans for building Amaravati.

Alongside LPS‑II, the state has secured a ₹7,500 crore loan from the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID). This funding is earmarked for developing essential infrastructure across the capital region. Key projects include construction of roads, drainage systems, water supply networks, sewerage lines, electricity connections, and other civic facilities.

Officials said that with the loan in place, work on infrastructure is expected to start soon. Farmers who had pooled their land will now receive proper layouts and promised amenities, addressing concerns about delays in the capital’s development. The move is also expected to boost investor confidence and accelerate the city’s overall growth.

The Cabinet decision reflects the government’s commitment to transforming Amaravati into a modern, well-planned capital. By combining land pooling with a major financial boost, the administration aims to ensure that the city’s development proceeds systematically, with both farmers’ interests and urban planning goals in focus.

With LPS‑II and the NaBFID loan, Andhra Pradesh is now poised to move ahead on one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects, promising better facilities, faster development, and a clearer roadmap for Amaravati’s future.

Also Read: RBI tightens rules for safer digital banking

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Beyond

RBI tightens rules for safer digital banking

The RBI has rolled out its final set of rules to make digital banking simpler, safer and more transparent for customers. One of the biggest changes is that banks can no longer sign up people for digital banking without asking them first.

This means no more automatic enrolment, no hidden clicks, and no pressure to join an app or platform just to get another service. From now on, banks must take clear, informed consent before onboarding a customer to any digital channel.

The RBI says this step will help customers feel more in control of their banking choices and reduce complaints about forced digital enrolment. The guidelines also aim to make digital banking more secure by ensuring customers know exactly what they’re opting into.

Overall, the new rules put the customer at the centre,  giving them the right to choose how they want to bank, without fear of being pushed into digital services they don’t want.

Also Read: Trump orders green card check for 19 countries

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Corporate

Sensex down 14 points, Nifty slips 13 after choppy trade

The stock market had a mixed and shaky day on November 28, 2025. Both Sensex and Nifty moved up and down throughout the session but finally closed almost unchanged. The Sensex slipped just 13 points, and the Nifty fell 12 points.

Some stocks did wel such as Mahindra & Mahindra that rose around 2%, and Adani Enterprises also gained. But Shriram Finance, HDFC Life, SBI Life and Power Grid saw losses of around 1–2%.

Among sectors, pharma, media and auto stocks gained slightly, while power, oil & gas and telecom shares slipped. Traders remained cautious and avoided making big moves as they waited for fresh economic data. Markets may stay in this sideways mood for a while, analysts said.

Also Read: Sensex gains 100 Points, Nifty tops 26,200

Categories
Technology

Sennheiser launches premium HDB 630 in India

Sennheiser has introduced its new premium wireless headphones, the HDB 630, in the Indian market. Aimed at music lovers who want top-quality sound without wires, the HDB 630 combines audiophile-grade clarity with modern convenience.

The headphones support high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz, whether connected through Bluetooth or USB-C. Sennheiser has included a special USB-C transmitter to ensure consistent high-quality wireless playback, even on devices that don’t support advanced codecs.

The HDB 630 features Sennheiser’s latest acoustic design, offering a clean, natural sound signature with detailed highs, smooth mids and controlled bass. Listeners can further personalise their audio using the Smart Control app, which adds a parametric equaliser and Crossfeed mode to create a more natural, speaker-like experience.

Comfort and endurance are major highlights. The over-ear design uses soft cushions and lightweight materials to reduce fatigue during long listening sessions. The headphones also deliver an impressive 60 hours of battery life, with a 10-minute quick charge providing up to 7 hours of playback.

Priced at ₹44,990, the Sennheiser HDB 630 will be available across major retail and online platforms. Early buyers may also receive a complimentary pair of Accentum Open earbuds worth ₹12,990.

With this launch, Sennheiser aims to offer a high-fidelity listening experience in a fully wireless form, combining premium sound, comfort and long battery life for everyday use.

Also Read: Meesho IPO to open on Dec 3, plans to raise ₹5,421 cr

Categories
Beyond

India’s GDP rises 8.2% in Q2, six-quarter high

India’s GDP recorded a robust 8.2% growth in the second quarter (July–September) of FY 2025–26, marking the fastest expansion in six quarters and exceeding market expectations. The performance comes even before the full impact of the recently announced GST rate cuts has been reflected in the economy.

The secondary sector, which includes manufacturing and industry, grew by around 8.1%, while the tertiary sector, encompassing services such as trade, finance, and transport,  expanded by approximately 9.2%. The primary sector, which covers agriculture, forestry, and mining, posted a modest growth of 3.1%.

Analysts said the growth was supported by strong rural demand, increased government spending, and early export shipments. Consumption showed an uptick ahead of the festive season, partially driven by expectations of lower tax rates under the GST regime.

Despite the upbeat headline numbers, some areas of the economy remain subdued. Urban demand and private investment have yet to pick up significantly, suggesting that growth is currently more dependent on government-led and rural spending.

Economists said sustaining this momentum in the coming months will require a revival in private sector investment and broader consumption across both rural and urban areas.

The Q2 growth indicates that India’s economy continues to show resilience in the face of global uncertainties. If domestic consumption, private investment, and exports continue to strengthen, the country could maintain a healthy growth trajectory in the second half of the fiscal year.

Overall, the numbers reflect a combination of strong rural activity, government support, and industrial recovery, showing that the economy is well-positioned to benefit from policy measures such as GST cuts while navigating ongoing challenges in urban markets and private investment.

Also Read: Meesho IPO to open on Dec 3, plans to raise ₹5,421 cr

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1 Minute-Read

Ashok Leyland shares hit 52‑week high on merger plan

Ashok Leyland shares touched a 52‑week high after the company announced plans to merge its finance arm, Hinduja Leyland Finance Limited, with NDL Ventures Limited.

The board has approved the merger, aimed at simplifying operations and strengthening financial structure.

Following the announcement, the stock jumped 5–6%, reaching ₹156–₹158, reflecting strong investor confidence. The company has also reported improved earnings recently, adding to positive sentiment.

Ashok Leyland is among several mid‑cap firms hitting yearly highs, and trading volumes surged as investors showed renewed interest in the stock, boosting market momentum.

Categories
Beyond

Trump orders green card check for 19 countries

The US government has ordered a nationwide review of all green cards held by immigrants from 19 countries after a shooting near the White House left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured.

The accused shooter, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the US under the 2021 evacuation program. Former President Donald Trump directed a “full-scale, rigorous re-examination” of permanent residency permits for immigrants from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will oversee the review, which will cover current green card holders, as well as pending and new applications from these countries, effective November 27, 2025. Officials said the applicant’s country of origin will now be a key factor in eligibility, citing national security concerns.

Supporters say the move is necessary to protect US citizens, while critics argue it unfairly targets immigrants based solely on nationality.

The review reflects a stricter, security-focused approach to immigration, shifting away from broad humanitarian resettlement programs. Thousands of residents from the 19 countries may face renewed scrutiny, and applicants seeking residency or asylum could encounter stricter requirements and longer processing times.

Authorities maintain the review aims to balance safety with fairness, but the decision has sparked debates over civil liberties and the treatment of immigrants from the targeted nations.

Also Read: Adani buys India’s top pilot-training company for ₹820 cr