Category: Corporate

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Corporate

Bharti Airtel earmarks ₹20,000 crore for digital lending push

Bharti Airtel has announced a ₹20,000-crore capital plan for its NBFC arm as it looks to rapidly expand its digital lending business and build a stronger presence in financial services.

The investment will be made in phases, with around 70% of the funds coming from Airtel and the remaining from its promoter group, Bharti Enterprises. The move will strengthen the lending arm’s balance sheet and allow it to offer more credit to customers across segments.

Airtel plans to use its large base of mobile users, digital payments platform and data insights to provide faster and more targeted loans. The company sees a major opportunity in reaching customers and small businesses that still have limited access to formal credit.

The focus will be on fully digital loans, including personal loans, small consumer credit and financing for micro and small enterprises. By using data analytics and its wide distribution network, Airtel aims to speed up approvals and improve risk assessment.

The decision highlights Airtel’s strategy to go beyond telecom services and create new revenue streams. Over the past few years, it has been steadily building its financial services portfolio through Airtel Finance and its payments bank, offering products such as insurance, savings and payments.

The push also comes at a time when telecom companies, fintech firms and traditional lenders are competing to tap India’s fast-growing digital credit market. With millions of active users on its platform, Airtel believes it has a strong advantage in cross-selling financial products.

Also Read: EVs may lose zero-emission tag under CAFE-III

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Sensex sinks 700, Nifty tests 25,500

Indian stock markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Tuesday, with the BSE Sensex plunging more than 700 points and the Nifty 50 dropping below the crucial 25,500 mark. The decline reflected broad-based weakness across sectors as investors turned cautious amid rising global uncertainties.

The fall was largely driven by heavy selling in information technology stocks, which dragged the benchmarks lower. The Nifty IT index emerged as one of the worst performers, as concerns over global demand and fresh trade tensions hurt sentiment. Banking, auto and metal stocks also traded in the red, contributing to the overall decline.

Global factors played a key role in Tuesday’s market slide. Investor confidence weakened after renewed fears of higher US import tariffs resurfaced, raising concerns about global trade disruptions. Weak cues from Asian markets and overnight losses on Wall Street further dampened risk appetite among domestic investors.

Back home, the Indian rupee opened lower against the US dollar, adding to the cautious mood. Market participants also remained watchful ahead of key global economic signals, which could influence foreign fund flows into emerging markets like India.

Despite the broader weakness, a few individual stocks saw action on company-specific developments. Select counters attracted buying interest following business updates and regulatory approvals, offering limited support to the market.

Analysts said that the Nifty’s breach of the 25,500 level is technically significant and could trigger further volatility in the near term. However, some experts believe that if the index manages to hold near current levels, bargain buying may emerge.

Also Read: Sensex rises 480 pts, Nifty tops 25,700

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Corporate

Clean Max Enviro IPO at Rs 3,100 crore on day 1

Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions’ initial public offering, sized at about Rs 3,100 crore, opened to a warm reception from investors on the first day of bidding. Subscription data from market platforms showed the issue was multiple times subscribed on Day 1, reflecting strong appetite among retail and institutional buyers for companies in the environmental services space.

Market participants pointed to the company’s focus on waste‑to‑energy, hazardous and non‑hazardous waste management, and industrial wastewater treatment as key reasons for interest. Clean Max Enviro positions itself as a specialist in sustainable waste and energy solutions, a sector that has gained attention as regulators and corporates push for cleaner operations and circular‑economy practices.

Alongside formal subscription numbers, the grey market indicated a positive premium, suggesting that aftermarket sentiment was upbeat. Traders in the unofficial market were quoting a premium over the IPO price, a sign that some investors expect listing gains. Analysts caution that grey‑market premiums are informal indicators and can change quickly as formal allotment and listing dates approach.

The company plans to use proceeds for debt repayment, working capital, and capital expenditure to expand its project pipeline. Management has highlighted a multi‑year growth plan driven by rising industrial demand for compliant waste management and by new contracts in municipal and commercial segments.

Risks flagged by advisers include project execution timelines, regulatory approvals, and the capital‑intensive nature of waste‑to‑energy projects. Investors are advised to balance the sector’s long‑term potential against near‑term execution and financing risks.

For retail investors considering subscription, brokers recommend checking allocation rules, the company’s financials, and how the IPO fits individual risk profiles. Institutional investors will watch final subscription figures and anchor allocations before forming a view on aftermarket performance.

Also Read: Banks’ quarterly profit tops ₹1 lakh crore

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Corporate

Sensex rises 480 pts, Nifty tops 25,700

Indian equity benchmarks ended higher on Monday, February 23, after a strong rally, supported by positive global cues and buying in financial and select heavyweight stocks, although losses in IT shares capped the upside.

The BSE Sensex closed 480 points higher at  83,294.66, while the NSE Nifty 50 settled above the 25,700 mark , extending gains for the session.

Markets opened on a firm note following encouraging signals from global equities and sustained the momentum through most of the day, led by buying in banking, pharma and consumption stocks.

Among the top performers on the Nifty were Adani Ports, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Life and Nestle India, which saw strong investor interest and lifted the indices.

However, the rally was partially restricted by weakness in technology and metal stocks. Hindalco, Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra and Cipla ended among the top losers on the index.

IT stocks remained under pressure due to profit booking and a cautious outlook on the sector, which limited the overall market gains despite strength in other pockets.

Also Read: Sensex jumps over 600 points, Nifty tops 25,700

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Bitcoin loses $1 trillion as buyers vanish

Bitcoin has plunged roughly 40% from its recent high, erasing about $1 trillion in market value and exposing a market with far fewer buyers than traders expected. What began as a correction turned into a deeper rout as the usual buyers who step in on dips largely stayed away.

The sell-off was amplified by thin liquidity on exchanges. With fewer resting orders, even moderately large trades pushed prices sharply lower. That made support levels, price zones where buying normally stabilizes the market, less reliable. When those levels failed to hold, stop-losses and margin calls triggered further selling, creating a cascade effect.

Supply-side pressures added to the strain. Some long-term holders and miners sold into rallies to cover costs or obligations, increasing the amount of Bitcoin available at a time when demand was weak. In derivatives markets, concentrated leveraged positions and forced liquidations intensified moves, while funding rates signaled elevated leverage that needed to be unwound.

Beyond trading mechanics, the episode has reopened a debate about Bitcoin’s identity. Regulators worldwide are tightening rules around trading, custody and stablecoins, creating uncertainty for institutional investors. Promised steady institutional flows have been inconsistent, and investors are again asking whether Bitcoin is primarily a speculative instrument, a store of value, or something else.

On-chain indicators offer mixed signals. Some metrics suggest capitulation and potential buying opportunities for long-term investors; others point to weakening conviction across the network. The net effect is a fragmented market: fewer dependable buyers, more short-term sellers, and heightened sensitivity to news and policy shifts.

For now, traders and investors are watching for clear signs of renewed demand or a stabilizing event.

Also Read: UPL shares tumble 14–15% after reorganisation plan

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UPL shares tumble 14–15% after reorganisation plan

Shares of UPL Ltd plunged sharply after the company unveiled a multi-step reorganisation that will carve its crop protection businesses into a new listed entity, UPL Global Sustainable Agrisolutions Ltd. The stock fell about 14–15% in early trade, reflecting investor concern over how the restructuring will affect leverage and shareholder dilution.

Under the plan, UPL will merge its India crop protection arm and then vertically demerge it into the new listed platform; the international crop protection business held through UPL Corporation (Cayman) will also be folded into the new entity. The company disclosed share-swap ratios for the various steps and said the process could take 12–15 months, subject to regulatory approvals. Promoters have agreed to an 18‑month lock‑in on their UPL Global shares after listing.

Brokerages and credit watchers offered mixed takes. Some analysts view the move as strategically positive because it creates a focused, global crop protection business that can be valued against international peers and could make capital raising at the subsidiary level easier. The reorganisation also paves the way for separate listings of other businesses, including the seeds arm, Advanta, which management has flagged for an IPO.

However, caution dominated market sentiment. Nuvama Institutional Equities downgraded UPL, citing unresolved questions on the company’s debt profile after the split and the risk of equity dilution to shore up balance sheets. That downgrade, together with uncertainty about how much debt will remain at the holding level and the timing of any capital raises, is widely seen as the main trigger for the steep share decline.

Company executives argue the restructuring will sharpen operational focus, drive synergies in R&D and manufacturing, and ultimately unlock shareholder value. Analysts say those benefits are plausible over the medium term, but near‑term investor confidence will hinge on clear disclosures about post‑restructuring debt allocation, the scale and timing of any equity issuance, and firm timelines for subsidiary listings.

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Lodha signs ₹364 crore Parel–Sewri redevelopment deal

Lodha Developers has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) worth ₹364.8 crore with the Sahana Group to develop a 10-acre land parcel in the Parel–Sewri belt of Mumbai, strengthening its presence in one of the city’s most active redevelopment zones.

The agreement, registered earlier this month, covers a total land area of 41,526.07 sq m. The plots are owned by Sahana entities, while Lodha will lead the planning, construction and sales of the proposed project. The transaction also involved a stamp duty payment of over ₹37 crore, indicating the scale and value of the development.

The project is expected to be positioned as a premium residential offering and is likely to be launched within the current quarter, according to industry sources. The Parel–Sewri micro-market has seen strong traction in recent years due to its central location, improving infrastructure and proximity to key commercial hubs such as Lower Parel and the eastern waterfront.

Real estate experts say the deal highlights the increasing reliance on joint development models in Mumbai, where limited availability of large freehold land parcels pushes developers to partner with landowners. Such arrangements allow developers to expand their project pipeline with lower upfront land acquisition costs while enabling landowners to monetise underutilised assets.

The central Mumbai corridor has been undergoing rapid transformation driven by metro connectivity, road upgrades and large-scale redevelopment of old industrial and slum pockets. This has attracted branded developers and boosted demand for high-end housing from professionals seeking homes close to business districts.

Lodha Developers has been actively entering into redevelopment and joint development deals to maintain a steady supply of projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This the new project adds to its future launch inventory and aligns with its strategy of focusing on high-value urban locations with strong absorption potential.

Also Read: ₹590 crore fraud reported at IDFC First Bank

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₹590 crore fraud reported at IDFC First Bank

IDFC First Bank has disclosed a fraud of nearly ₹590 crore at its Chandigarh branch, involving accounts linked to the Haryana government. The bank has reported the matter to regulators and launched an internal investigation to determine how the irregularities occurred.

The fraud was detected in government-related accounts, raising alarm over the safety of public funds. IDFC First Bank confirmed that it is cooperating with authorities, including the Reserve Bank of India, and has begun corrective measures to strengthen its internal controls.
In a swift response, the Haryana government has de-empanelled both IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank from handling state transactions. This means the two institutions will no longer be allowed to manage government accounts, schemes, or funds in the state.

Officials said the move was precautionary, aimed at safeguarding public money and ensuring transparency in financial dealings.
The incident has sparked wider debate about the monitoring of government accounts and the role of banks in preventing fraud. Financial experts point out that while frauds of this scale are uncommon, they highlight vulnerabilities in oversight and the need for stronger auditing practices.

For IDFC First Bank, the disclosure comes at a challenging time, as the institution has been expanding its footprint in retail and government banking services. The bank has assured stakeholders that it is committed to restoring trust and preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Haryana government’s decision to remove AU Small Finance Bank alongside IDFC First Bank suggests a broader review of empanelled institutions. Analysts believe this signals a tougher stance on accountability, with the state determined to enforce stricter standards across the banking sector.

As investigations continue, attention will focus on identifying how the fraud was carried out, who was responsible, and what measures can be introduced to strengthen safeguards around government-linked accounts. The case is expected to influence future policies on how states engage with banks for managing public funds.

Also Read: Embraer, Mahindra join forces to build C‑390 MRO facility in India

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Sensex jumps over 600 points, Nifty tops 25,700

Indian equity benchmarks began the week on a strong note on Monday, with the BSE Sensex jumping over 600 points and the Nifty 50 moving above the 25,700 level. The rally followed positive global cues after a key US ruling scrapped earlier tariff measures, easing concerns over trade disruptions and lifting market sentiment worldwide.

The upbeat mood triggered widespread buying across sectors, with metal stocks leading the gains amid a sharp rise in commodity prices. Export-oriented companies also attracted investor interest as the easing of trade barriers is expected to improve overseas demand and support earnings growth.

Precious metals, however, moved in the opposite direction to equities in terms of investment strategy, with gold climbing around 2 per cent and silver surging nearly 6 per cent. The sharp rise in safe-haven assets reflected underlying global uncertainty and volatility, even as stock markets advanced.

Market participants said the tariff relief has improved India’s trade outlook and could help boost foreign institutional inflows in the near term. A softer crude oil trend further supported sentiment, as lower energy prices are seen reducing input costs for companies and easing pressure on the country’s import bill.

Broader markets also participated in the rally, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks recording notable gains, indicating improving risk appetite among investors. Banking and financial stocks contributed to the upward move, though stock-specific caution remained in a few counters due to regulatory and corporate developments.

Analysts believe the sharp rise reflects a combination of global optimism and domestic resilience, but warned that volatility may persist. A proposed new US import duty, although less severe than previous tariffs, and fluctuating commodity prices could influence market direction in the coming sessions.

Despite these concerns, Monday’s surge added significant investor wealth and set a positive tone for the week, with the focus now shifting to global policy signals, institutional fund flows and movement in oil prices for further cues.

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Embraer, Mahindra join forces to build C‑390 MRO facility in India

Brazilian aerospace company Embraer and Mahindra Group are deepening their collaboration in India to develop a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the C‑390 Millennium military transport aircraft, contingent on the aircraft being chosen for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.

The proposed MRO facility will provide end-to-end support for the C‑390, including base and heavy maintenance, avionics support, structural inspections, component overhaul, and technical training. This will allow faster servicing and reduce reliance on overseas facilities, improving the fleet’s operational readiness and lifecycle efficiency.

The partnership, first formalised in October 2025, is designed to strengthen India’s defence aerospace ecosystem. Vinod Sahay of Mahindra Group said a local MRO would ensure high aircraft availability, support the IAF’s operational needs, and help India build domestic defence capabilities.

Embraer Services & Support President and CEO Carlos Naufel emphasized that the facility would generate skilled jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and connect Indian aerospace companies to Embraer’s global support network. The facility could also position India as a regional hub for C‑390 maintenance, servicing other operators of the aircraft in Asia and beyond.

The C‑390 Millennium is a versatile aircraft capable of cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian missions, and air-to-air refuelling. By establishing an MRO facility in India, the partners aim to ensure quicker turnaround times and operational autonomy for the aircraft fleet.

This initiative also aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, promoting local manufacturing and lifecycle support in defence and aerospace. Embraer already has a presence in India with nearly 50 aircraft operating across defence, commercial, and business aviation sectors, highlighting the company’s long-term commitment to the country.

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