Category: Corporate

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Corporate

S&P raises India’s FY27 growth forecast to 7.1%

Global ratings agency S&P Global has revised India’s economic growth forecast for fiscal year 2026–27 to 7.1%, up from its earlier estimates. The revision reflects strong domestic consumption, resilient exports, and a gradual recovery in private investment, signaling that the Indian economy remains on a solid growth trajectory despite global uncertainties.

S&P highlighted robust household spending as a key driver of growth. Rising incomes and healthy demand across sectors have helped sustain private consumption. At the same time, exports are recovering steadily, providing an important boost to the economy amid a challenging global trade environment. Private investment is also showing signs of revival, contributing further to the positive outlook.

Inflation is expected to remain moderate at around 4.3% in FY27, rising slightly from historically low levels. This reflects both domestic demand pressures and potential impacts from global trends, particularly energy prices.

However, the agency also warned of potential risks. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, especially conflicts involving the United States and Iran, could lead to spikes in crude oil prices. Higher energy costs may widen India’s trade deficit, push up inflation, and increase pressure on the government’s fiscal balance, posing challenges for households and businesses.

S&P’s revised forecast stands in contrast to some other analysts who have highlighted slower growth or downside risks. Still, the overall picture points to India’s resilience, with a strong domestic market and competitive export sectors helping the economy navigate global headwinds.

Sustaining this growth will depend on a few key factors: stable energy prices, manageable inflation, and a supportive monetary policy stance from the Reserve Bank of India. Any major spike in crude oil prices or renewed geopolitical instability could temper growth and increase economic pressures.

Also Read: Temasek-backed Manipal health files for ₹8,000 cr IPO

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Temasek-backed Manipal health files for ₹8,000 cr IPO

Manipal Health Enterprises Ltd, the Bengaluru-based hospital chain backed by Singapore’s Temasek and other investors, is taking a big step toward going public. The company has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch an IPO worth ₹8,000 crore.

The funds raised through the IPO will primarily be used to reduce debt at its major subsidiary, Manipal Hospitals Pvt Ltd, and to acquire a minority stake in its step-down unit, Sahyadri Hospitals Pvt Ltd. Remaining funds will support general corporate purposes, giving the company more flexibility to grow its operations.

Alongside the fresh issue, promoters and existing investors — including Imperius Healthcare Investments, TPG SG Magazine, and Novo Holdings Invest Asia, plan to sell about 43.2 million existing shares through an offer-for-sale. A pre-IPO placement of up to ₹1,600 crore may also take place, which could slightly reduce the fresh issue size.

The IPO will be listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Shares will be allocated with 50% for institutional investors, 35% for retail investors, and 15% for non-institutional buyers. Leading investment banks, including Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, and Goldman Sachs, will manage the process, with KFin Technologies acting as the registrar.

Manipal Health operates a network of multi-specialty hospitals across India. As of late 2025, it had 38 hospitals with over 10,700 beds, expanding on a pro-forma basis to 48 hospitals and more than 12,300 beds across 14 states and Union Territories. The company aims to strengthen its balance sheet and support further expansion to meet growing healthcare demand.

By going public, Manipal Health hopes to attract more investors while accelerating its growth in India’s fast-growing healthcare sector, which is seeing rising demand for quality and accessible medical services.

Also Read: Meta brings in Dreamer team to build smarter AI agents

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Sensex jumps over 1,200 points, Nifty hits 23,300

Indian markets staged a sharp rebound on Wednesday, with the BSE Sensex climbing over 1,200 points and the Nifty50 settling above 23,300. Optimism around a potential US-Iran ceasefire and falling crude oil prices boosted investor confidence after days of volatility.

Banking and financial stocks drove much of the rally, with firms like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank posting strong gains. Auto and infrastructure shares also outperformed, as investors looked for sectors likely to benefit from improved sentiment and easing energy costs.

Oil prices slipping below $100 per barrel eased fears of inflationary pressures, helping the market rally. Combined with renewed hopes of diplomatic progress in the Middle East, traders returned to equities, snapping up large-cap and mid-cap shares that had been beaten down in earlier sessions.

In contrast, some metal and energy stocks like Hindalco, Reliance, and ONGC underperformed amid lingering worries over global commodity prices and regional supply concerns. Despite the gains, market analysts caution that volatility may persist if geopolitical tensions flare up again or crude prices rise sharply.

Also Read: Claude AI can now use computers like humans

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Corporate

Meta brings in Dreamer team to build smarter AI agents

Meta Platforms is doubling down on its AI ambitions by hiring the team behind ‘Dreamer’, a startup focused on creating intelligent digital assistants. The move is part of Meta’s growing push into “AI agents”, systems that can act on their own to help users with tasks like managing schedules, sending emails, or organizing information.

The Dreamer team includes its founders and key developers, many of whom previously worked at leading tech companies. They are now joining Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, the company’s hub for cutting-edge AI research. This addition is expected to accelerate Meta’s work in creating autonomous, agent-driven AI solutions.

Dreamer, which launched earlier this year, specialised in tools that let people design personal AI helpers. Meta has licensed its technology to integrate into its projects while Dreamer continues as a separate entity. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.

This comes on the heels of Meta’s acquisition of ‘Moltbook’, a social network built for AI agents to interact with each other. Together, these moves show that Meta is aiming for more than simple chatbots; the company wants AI systems that can think, act, and collaborate independently.

Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, led by Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, is rapidly expanding. With experienced developers from companies like Google and Stripe, the lab is positioning itself as a hub for next-generation AI innovations.

By bringing in the Dreamer team and leveraging Moltbook, Meta is betting on autonomous AI as a key part of its future. The company aims to make digital assistants smarter, more capable, and better integrated into daily life.

The strategy reflects a broader tech trend: companies racing to build AI that doesn’t just respond but proactively assists users. Agentic AI could transform how people interact with technology, automating everyday tasks and acting as intelligent partners in work and life.

Also Read: OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu resigns as sales slide

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Drone activity disrupts Amazon AWS in Bahrain

Amazon has reported a disruption in its cloud operations in Bahrain after drone activity impacted its Amazon Web Services (AWS) systems amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

According to the company, the Bahrain AWS region experienced service interruptions following the incident. While it remains unclear whether the facility itself was directly hit, the disruption has affected services relying on the region. This is the second such outage reported in recent weeks.

Amazon said it is actively working to restore services and has recommended that customers switch to other AWS regions to maintain continuity. AWS supports a wide range of businesses and institutions globally, making any disruption significant for operations and data access.

The incident comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, where drone and missile activity has increasingly targeted infrastructure. While earlier attacks were largely focused on energy assets, recent developments suggest that digital and cloud infrastructure are also at risk.

Previous disruptions in the region had already raised concerns about the vulnerability of major data centres operating in conflict zones. The latest incident further highlights the growing exposure of technology networks to security threats.

Amazon stated that it is coordinating with local authorities and prioritising the safety of its staff while assessing the situation. However, the company has not disclosed the extent of the damage or provided a timeline for full restoration of services.

Also Read: Sai Parenterals IPO subscribed 4% on day 1

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Corporate

Sai Parenterals IPO subscribed 4% on day 1

The initial public offering (IPO) of Sai Parenterals began on a subdued note, with the issue receiving only about 4% subscription on the first day of bidding.

Data shows that the IPO attracted limited bids compared to the total shares on offer, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. The weak response comes at a time when market participants are increasingly selective in the primary market.

The ₹409 crore issue, which opened on March 24 and will close on March 27, includes both a fresh issue of shares and an offer for sale. The company has fixed a price band of ₹372 to ₹392 per share.

Market signals also indicate a lack of strong enthusiasm. The grey market premium (GMP), often seen as an indicator of listing gains, remains flat, suggesting expectations of a modest or neutral debut on the stock exchanges.

Analysts attribute the slow start to a combination of factors, including valuation concerns and overall market uncertainty. Investors are closely evaluating company fundamentals and growth potential before committing funds, particularly in mid-sized IPOs.

The pharmaceutical sector, while generally stable, has seen mixed interest in recent public issues, further contributing to the cautious approach among investors.

The company plans to use the funds raised for expansion, working capital needs and general corporate purposes. However, experts advise potential investors to review the firm’s financials and long-term outlook before making decisions.

Despite the muted opening, subscription levels could improve in the coming days, as institutional investors and retail participants often step in closer to the closing date.
Also Read: Oil prices drop on Iran negotiation talks

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Sensex surges over 1,400 points, Nifty reclaims 23,300 levels

The stock markets staged a strong recovery on Wednesday, after days of volatility, with benchmark indices rising sharply in early trade. The BSE Sensex jumped over 800 points in morning trade, while the Nifty 50 climbed past the 23,000 mark, reflecting broad buying across sectors.

Investor sentiment was boosted by signs of easing global geopolitical tensions and a stabilizing trend in crude oil prices, which supported risk‑taking. Futures on GIFT Nifty indicated a positive start, while broader Asian markets also showed gains.

Top gainers included Shriram Finance, Trent Ltd, and Adani Ports & SEZ, all posting healthy gains. Grasim Industries and Adani Enterprises also saw strong buying interest, driving sectoral momentum in financials, industrials, and consumer segments.

On the other hand, some stocks underperformed. Tech Mahindra, Coal India, and Sun Pharma were notable laggards, highlighting selective weakness in IT, energy, and pharmaceutical sectors amid broader market gains.

Market participants remain cautious despite the rebound, as global macroeconomic factors, including monetary policy directions and geopolitical developments, continue to influence short-term trends.

Also Read: Adani to split Jaypee assets post-takeover

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Adani to split Jaypee assets post-takeover

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved Adani Enterprises Ltd’s resolution plan to acquire Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), the flagship of the Jaypee Group, under India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). This marks a key step in completing one of the largest insolvency acquisitions in the country.

The approved plan, valued at around ₹14,535 crore, received strong support from the Committee of Creditors (CoC) because it offered faster payouts and a practical settlement approach, even though some rival bids, including from Vedanta Ltd, were higher in nominal terms. With the CoC backing, the NCLT granted its sanction, paving the way for Adani to take control.

JAL operates across multiple sectors, including cement, real estate, power, engineering and construction, hospitality, and infrastructure. The Adani Group is now preparing a strategic restructuring of these businesses, which could involve segmenting operations and aligning them with Adani’s specialized entities. This approach is aimed at improving efficiency, maximizing synergies, and enhancing asset utilization.

Despite the approval, the process faces legal scrutiny. Vedanta has appealed to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), challenging the NCLT’s decision and the selection of Adani’s plan. The outcome of this appeal may affect the timeline of the asset restructuring.

The acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates, a major infrastructure company burdened with debt, represents a significant expansion of the Adani Group’s presence in India’s industrial and construction sectors.

Also Read: Global energy supply at risk, IEA issues stark warning

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Sensex rockets 1,370 points, Nifty crosses 22,900

India’s stock markets staged a strong comeback on Tuesday, recovering from sharp losses in the previous session. The BSE Sensex jumped around 1,372 points, closing at approximately 77,400, while the Nifty50 added nearly 400 points to end above 22,900.

Market sentiment was lifted as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East showed signs of easing, while crude oil prices stabilized after recent volatility. The Indian rupee strengthened modestly against the US dollar, adding to investor confidence. Analysts said that a combination of domestic and global factors contributed to the rebound, with relief rallies visible across multiple sectors.

Top gainers included major banking and financial companies, with auto and metal shares also showing strong buying interest. Financial stocks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank led the upside, while auto majors such as Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors contributed to the broad rally. Metal stocks also witnessed positive momentum amid easing global commodity prices.

On the other hand, certain high-profile counters lagged behind. Titan Company, IndusInd Bank, Zomato, and Mahindra & Mahindra closed lower despite the overall market recovery. Analysts said these stocks faced profit booking and sector-specific headwinds, which limited their gains.

The rebound comes after the previous session saw markets plunge due to a combination of rising crude prices, global macroeconomic uncertainties, and geopolitical concerns. The sharp recovery on Tuesday reflected both bargain hunting and relief after fears of an extended market correction.

Broader market indicators showed that midcap and smallcap indices also participated in the rally, though with more volatility. Trading volumes were higher than the recent average, indicating renewed investor interest.

Despite the strong bounce, market experts advised caution, noting that global factors including crude oil prices, US interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments could influence market direction in the coming days.

Also Read: Sensex surges 1,100 points, Nifty crosses 22,800

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Vedanta announces ₹11 dividend, ₹4,300 cr payout

Vedanta Limited has announced an interim dividend of ₹11 per share, taking its total payout for the announcement to around ₹4,300 crore. The move marks the company’s third interim dividend for the financial year 2025–26, underlining its continued focus on returning cash to shareholders.

The decision was approved by the company’s board at its meeting held on March 23. Shareholders who hold the stock as of the record date, March 28, 2026, will be eligible to receive the dividend. The payout will be made in accordance with regulatory timelines.

This latest announcement adds to Vedanta’s consistent track record of rewarding investors. Earlier in the financial year, the company had declared two interim dividends—₹7 per share and ₹16 per share—bringing the total dividend declared so far this fiscal to ₹34 per share. With the latest ₹11 payout, the cumulative dividend for the year rises further.

Vedanta has long been known for its high dividend payouts, often making it a preferred choice for income-focused investors. The company’s ability to maintain such payouts is supported by its strong cash flows across its core businesses, which include metals, mining, and energy.

The announcement also comes at a time when the company’s stock remains in focus in the market. Dividend declarations of this scale typically attract investor interest, as they signal financial stability and a willingness to share profits.

For investors, dividends provide a steady income stream, especially during periods of market volatility. Companies like Vedanta, which regularly distribute earnings, tend to appeal to those looking for consistent returns alongside potential capital appreciation.

The latest payout reinforces Vedanta’s strategy of balancing shareholder returns with ongoing business needs.

Also Read: Global LNG exports drop to 6 month low