Markets

Essential Commodity Price Snapshot: Farmers and Consumers Guide to Latest Rates on Rice, Edible Oils, and Spices Bengaluru: Commodities form the bedrock of India’s agricultural economy, and the latest rate report provides critical pricing insights for farmers and consumers alike. The commodity market saw varied pricing structures across essential food groups, ranging from major grains and pulses to specialized edible oils and spices.Key Grain and Cereal Prices Update The pricing for staple cereals showed distinct ranges. Fine rice is pegged between ₹5,500 and ₹5,800 per quintal, while medium fine rice trades at ₹5,300 to ₹5,500. Jowar prices are reported between ₹3,200 and ₹3,800 per quintal.Jaggery also saw specific pricing bands...

2% Dearness Allowance Hike Approved: Central Government Employees' Take-Home Pay Gets Boost The Union Cabinet has approved a significant increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees. This decision, announced on Saturday by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, grants a 2 per cent hike in DA for central government employees. The increased compensation will be effective starting January 1, 2026, thereby boosting the take-home pay of government staff.The Cabinet also okayed the release of an additional installment of DA to central government employees. Furthermore, Dearness Relief (DR) will be increased for pensioners, marking a 2 per cent hike over the existing rate of 58 per cent of the basic...

Southern Corridor Ignites Industrial Surge: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad Lead 58% Warehousing Leasing Boom India's industrial and warehousing sector is demonstrating robust momentum, led by the southern metropolitan triangle. Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad reported a significant 58 per cent surge in leasing activities for industrial and warehousing spaces during the January-March period. This growth signals strong underlying demand fueled by e-commerce, logistics, and light manufacturing expansion across the region.According to data compiled by Colliers India, the total leasing volume in these three southern powerhouse cities hit 4.9 million sq ft. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to the 3.1 million sq ft...

ICICI Bank Jumps on Strong Q4 Results: Net Profit Surges 9.28% Amid Stellar Asset Quality Gains Mumbai: ICICI Bank posted robust quarterly financial results, signaling strong momentum and improvements in asset quality. The bank’s consolidated net profit for the March quarter rose 9.28 per cent to ₹ 14,755 crore. This represents a significant increase when compared to the ₹ 13,502 crore reported in the same quarter of the previous year.On a standalone basis, the second-largest private sector lender also showcased solid growth. The net profit climbed 8.5 per cent, reaching ₹ 13,702 crore. This figure notably surpasses the ₹ 12,630 crore recorded in the year-ago period.Annual Outlook and Consolidated Profit Growth Looking at the...

Dish TV Board Overcomes Turmoil: Independent Directors' Appointment Sparks Path to Stability Dish TV, the direct-to-home (DTH) service provider, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful approval of three independent directors to its board. The approval, secured through a postal ballot involving shareholders, is set to significantly strengthen the company's corporate governance structure.The board subsequently appointed Arun Kumar Kapoor, Heena Naishadh Bhatt, and Ashok Anant Paranjpe. These appointments are valid for a period of five years. Shares held by shareholders showed overwhelming support, with as much as 99.49 per cent approving the additions.Strengthening Corporate Governance Through Shareholder Support...

La Opala RG Limited Mourns the Demise of Independent Director Prof. Santanu Ray La Opala RG Limited confirmed the passing of Prof. Santanu Ray, a key Independent Director, on April 18, 2026. The company issued a notice confirming the cessation of his association with the board, effective that same date.The demise of Prof. Ray (DIN: 00642736) is noted by the company as an irreparable loss. La Opala RG Limited conveyed its deep sympathies, sorrow, and condolences to his family, reflecting the sentiment shared by the company's directors and employees.The details regarding the change in the company’s board composition are summarized as follows:ParticularsDetailsReason for changeDeath of Prof. Santanu Ray, Independent Director of...

Network18 Reports Q4 FY26 Results, Highlights 4.7% YoY Revenue Growth and Digital Dominance Mumbai, April 18, 2026 - Network18 Media & Investments Limited today announced its consolidated results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026.The company reported that consolidated operating revenue for the quarter reached Rs. 616 crores, marking a 9.7% year-over-year (YoY) increase, despite macroeconomic headwinds. For the full fiscal year FY26, consolidated operating revenue grew by 4.7% YoY to Rs. 2,121 crores. Consolidated operating costs grew by 8.0% YoY, resulting in consolidated operating EBITDA of Rs. 30 crore for the quarter, or 4.9% of revenue.For the full financial year FY2025-26, consolidated revenue increased by...

HDFC Bank Profit Surges as Robust Q4 Earnings Cement Market Confidence HDFC Bank reported a significant surge in its quarterly net profit, reaffirming its position as a market leader among private sector lenders. The city-headquartered bank announced an 8.04 per cent rise in its consolidated net profit for the March quarter. This strong performance underlines solid operational execution and sustained business growth across multiple verticals.The bank's consolidated net profit reached ₹20,350.76 crore for the March quarter. This figure represents a substantial year-on-year increase compared to the ₹18,834.88 crore reported in the corresponding period last year.Q4 Net Profit Surges, Driving Market Optimism The bank's performance was...

Meghmani Organics Limited Announces Re-appointment of Three Independent Directors Meghmani Organics Limited reported that shareholders have approved the re-appointment of three Non-Executive Independent Directors. The approvals pertain to a second term of three consecutive years for each director, effective May 5, 2026.The shareholders approved the Special Resolutions for the re-appointment of:Mr. Manubhai Patel (DIN: 00132045) Prof. (Dr) Ganapati Yadav (DIN: 02235661) Ms. Urvashi Shah (DIN: 07007362)The Board of Directors has confirmed that all three directors are not debarred from holding the office of Director by virtue of any order passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or any other such authority.Director...

India Unlocks Offshore Energy Boom: Ministry Directs Critical Shift from ‘Blind Exploration’ to Data-Driven Discovery New Delhi. India is fundamentally reshaping its approach to offshore energy, making a strategic pivot from 'blind exploration' methods to a highly sophisticated, data-led discovery model. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri made this directive clear on Saturday, emphasizing the critical need for a more collaborative and open data ecosystem across the sector.The move was solidified during a conference convened by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) on 'Data Driven Exploration.' The event aimed to engage industry stakeholders on accelerating India's overall exploration outcomes. This...

Network18 Releases Standalone and Consolidated Financial Results for March 31, 2026 Network18 Media & Investments Limited has reported its audited financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026. The Board of Directors approved the results, presenting comprehensive data for both standalone and consolidated operations.Standalone Financial Highlights The company's standalone financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2026, reflect key performance metrics across various periods.Standalone Financial Results (in fin crore)ParticularsQuarter Ended (31 Mar'26)Quarter Ended (31 Dec'25)Quarter Ended (31 Mar'25)Year Ended (31 Mar'26)Year Ended (31 Mar'25)Value of Sales and...

ICICI Bank Announces Dividend, Reports Strong Financial Results for FY2026 ICICI Bank Limited announced key operational and financial updates following its Board meeting held on April 18, 2026. The Board recommended a dividend of ₹ 12 per equity share for the financial year 2026, pending approval from the Annual General Meeting.In addition to the dividend recommendation, the Board also approved the audited financial results of the Bank, covering both standalone and consolidated figures for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2026. The Bank also renewed its annual fundraising limits.Key Operational and Corporate Updates The Board approved the following significant corporate actions:Fundraising Limits: The bank's fund-raising...

HDFC Bank Announces Financial Results for March 2026, Recommends Final Dividend of ₹15.50 HDFC Bank Limited announced the approval of its financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2026, at a board meeting held on April 18, 2026. The Board of Directors also recommended a final dividend and approved major capital structures and amendments to its employee incentives.The Bank reported significant figures across its operational segments, with the financial results reflecting both standalone and consolidated performance for the fiscal year.Financial Performance for FY 2026 Standalone Results: For the year ended March 31, 2026, the Bank reported a Net Profit for the period of ₹ 74,671.29 crore.The financial year metrics...

Centre Intervenes: Potato Procurement Surge in UP, Boosting Farmer Income Across States The Central government has initiated a multi-state procurement push, clearing massive potato purchases in Uttar Pradesh. These measures aim to safeguard farmers against distress sales and ensure they receive remunerative prices for their crops. The Ministry of Agriculture has rolled out key decisions covering potatoes, gram, and tur across several Indian states.Mega Procurement Drive Initiated in Uttar Pradesh As a major intervention to stabilize the potato market, the Centre approved the procurement of 20 lakh tonnes of potatoes in Uttar Pradesh. The market intervention price set for this massive purchase is Rs 6,500.90 per tonne.This...

Pakistan Faces Crisis as Illicit Cigarettes Dominate Market, Tax Evasion Reaches 55% Share In a major blow to fiscal revenue, Pakistan has been identified as hosting the world's largest market for illicit cigarettes. According to British American Tobacco (BAT) Group's Head of International Trade and Fiscal Affair, Simon Trussler, the share of illicit cigarettes has reached a staggering 55 per cent. This figure highlights the extent of tax evasion occurring within the country's tobacco sector.While the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is actively working to resolve the challenge, Trussler noted that the problem remains highly significant. The finding underscores a systemic issue where domestic taxes are being widely bypassed by the...

Hathway Profit Plunges 67.7% Despite Revenue Gains, Company Names New Leadership Hathway Cable & Datacom Ltd., a major provider of cable and internet services, reported a significant decline in its consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026. The company disclosed that its net profit dropped 67.7 per cent, settling at ₹11.25 crore for the quarter ended March 2026.This steep decline contrasts sharply with the profit posted in the same period last year. According to regulatory filings, the company had recorded a net profit of ₹34.8 crore during the January-March quarter of 2025.Q4 Financial Performance Under Scrutiny While the profit figures signal a substantial slowdown, the underlying revenue stream showed...

National Securities Depository Ltd Reports Cessation of Dr. Madhu Sudan Sahoo's Tenure as Public Interest Director National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) announced the conclusion of Dr. Madhu Sudan Sahoo's first term as Public Interest Director (PID) on its Governing Board. The tenure officially ended at the close of business hours on April 17, 2026.Following the conclusion of his first term, Dr. Sahoo confirmed that he would not be seeking re-appointment for a second term as a Public Interest Director.The Governing Board and the Management of NSDL expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude for the outstanding leadership, guidance, and valuable contributions made by Dr. Sahoo during his association with the company as PID...

Shakti Pumps Invests Rs. 17 Crore in Subsidiary for 2.20 GW Solar Manufacturing Plant Shakti Pumps (India) Limited has announced a strategic investment of Rs. 17,00,00,000/- (Rupees Seventeen Crores Only) into its wholly owned subsidiary, Shakti Energy Solutions Limited. This funding was completed on April 17, 2026, to support the establishment of a major manufacturing facility dedicated to green energy technologies.The investment aims to set up a greenfield high efficiency Solar DCR cell and Solar PV modules manufacturing plant in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The new facility boasts a substantial production capacity of 2.20 GW.Shakti Energy Solutions Limited (SESL) is the subsidiary receiving the investment. Incorporated on September...

Yes Bank Reports Robust Q4FY26 and FY26 Results, Noting Profitability and Asset Growth Yes Bank Limited announced its audited Standalone and Consolidated Financial Results for the Quarter (Q4) and the full year ended on March 31, 2026. The bank reported robust performance, driven by increased profitability, strong deposits growth, and improved asset quality across the reporting periods.During Q4FY26, the bank's net profit reached INR 1,068 Crs, representing a 44.7% year-over-year increase and a 12.3% quarter-over-quarter rise. For the full financial year FY26, net profit stood at INR 3,476 Crs, marking a 44.5% increase year-over-year.In terms of operational efficiency and profitability ratios, the bank reported notable improvements...

Kanoria Chemicals Allots 7% Preference Shares to Promoter Group Entity Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Limited announced that its Board of Directors, during a meeting held on April 18, 2026, approved the allotment of 7% Non-Convertible, Non-Cumulative, Non-Participating, Redeemable Preference Shares (NCRPS). The allotment will be executed through a preferential allotment on a private placement basis.The company confirmed the allotment to R. V. Investment and Dealers Limited, identified as a Promoter Group Entity. The preference shares have a face value of Rs. 1,000 each.According to the details provided, the preferential allotment involves the issuance of 4,95,000 NCRPS. The transaction is structured as follows:ParticularsDetail...