In a transformative step toward equitable energy access, the Delhi government, in collaboration with Indraprastha Gas Limited and other city gas distributors, is extending Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to 111 peripheral villages. This initiative—part of a broader goal to connect all 357 villages by 2025—targets over 100,000 low-income households traditionally reliant on biomass and LPG. Public health experts and environmentalists hail the move as critical for reducing indoor air pollution, enhancing gender equity, and addressing urban pollution.

In a significant regulatory intervention, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed strict restrictions on Varyaa Creations Ltd (VCL), a recently listed SME, following allegations of gross misuse of IPO proceeds. The watchdog has barred the company from participating in capital markets and suspended Inventure Merchant Banking Services from accepting new merchant banking assignments. SEBI’s preliminary inquiry revealed that over 70% of the Rs.

In a significant regulatory move aimed at deepening India’s municipal bond market, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has authorized the use of expected loss-based (EL) rating scales for municipal bond issuances. This expansion complements the existing standardized rating framework and aims to provide a more nuanced assessment of creditworthiness by factoring in both the likelihood of default and the potential severity of loss.

India’s passenger vehicle dealership industry is poised for a 7–9% growth in fiscal 2026, underpinned by favorable macroeconomic conditions such as reduced interest rates, revised tax slabs, and subdued inflation. According to a report by Crisil Ratings, both urban and rural demand are expected to contribute meaningfully, with SUVs leading the charge in cities and small cars gaining ground in rural areas. The industry is also likely to benefit from rising ancillary revenues and improved operating margins, even as inventory levels remain elevated.

In a decisive move to reinvigorate industrial development and restore investor confidence, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved 19 major investment proposals totaling over Rs. 33,000 crore during the sixth State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) meeting. Spanning key sectors such as energy, electronics, information technology, tourism, and textiles, the projects are expected to generate more than 34,000 jobs. Chief Minister N.

India’s alcoholic beverage industry is voicing serious concerns over the implications of tariff concessions being negotiated under multiple free trade agreements (FTAs). The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has warned that a reduction in import duties on spirits and wines could destabilize the domestic market by allowing an influx of cheaper foreign products. While duty cuts are seen as trade incentives, industry leaders argue they risk undermining local premium brands, especially in whisky and wine.

Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, a key player in India’s tobacco industry and the flagship enterprise of Modi Enterprises, reported a sharp 30.73% rise in its consolidated net profit for the March quarter of FY25, reaching Rs. 293.96 crore. The surge in earnings was supported by a 70.6% year-on-year increase in operational revenue to Rs. 1,887.79 crore, reflecting strong sales performance across its product portfolio. For the full fiscal year, net profit expanded 24.45% to Rs.

BLS International Services Ltd has reported a robust financial performance for the fourth quarter and the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, fueled by a resurgence in global travel and a sharp uptick in its visa, consular, and digital services businesses. The company’s consolidated net profit jumped 69.9% year-over-year to Rs. 145.2 crore in Q4, while annual profit surged 65.7% to Rs. 539.6 crore. Total revenue for FY25 reached Rs. 2,193.3 crore, up 30.8% from the previous year.

In a significant strategic move, Indian energy storage innovator PURE has entered the North American market through a co-branding alliance with Canada-based Charge Power Inc. The partnership aims to deliver cutting-edge energy storage solutions across residential, commercial, and grid-scale applications in both the United States and Canada.

Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has delivered a sharp rebuttal to ongoing criticisms branding actress Alia Bhatt as a product of nepotism. In a recent interview, Johar ardently defended Bhatt’s craft, pointing to her acclaimed performances in films like Raazi, Udta Punjab, and Gangubai Kathiawadi as evidence of her formidable talent. As the nepotism discourse resurfaces with every new season of Koffee With Karan, Johar insists his admiration for Bhatt is rooted not in industry connections but in genuine respect for her work.