Business

The Gujarat High Court dismissed the Asaram Ashram Trust appeal in a Motera land dispute, upholding government action to reclaim over 45,000 sq m citing violations, clearing the way for possession near Narendra Modi Stadium.

Indian equity markets ended higher on Friday, with Nifty and Sensex gaining amid cautious optimism ahead of US-Iran talks. Broader markets outperformed, while easing geopolitical tensions and sectoral gains supported investor sentiment despite ongoing global uncertainties

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh raids in Nashik against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in a money laundering probe, seizing documents and digital evidence linked to alleged benami properties, financial fraud and exploitation allegations.

Gold prices have risen nearly 10 per cent in 2026 ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, driven by global uncertainty. Despite volatility and weak jewellery demand in India, long-term outlook remains positive, with investors increasingly shifting towards financial gold options like ETFs

A government panel supported by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board recommended removing excise duty on CNG and reducing GST on vehicles to boost adoption, supporting India’s goal of increasing natural gas share to 15% by 2030

Gautam Adani became Asia’s richest person, surpassing Mukesh Ambani in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, as Adani Group stock gains boosted his net worth amid global market volatility in 2026

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty traded higher in early deals on Friday, supported by easing geopolitical tensions, a ceasefire in West Asia and fresh foreign inflows, even as Asian markets remained cautious despite strong cues from US equities.

The rupee appreciated 28 paise to 92.86 against the US dollar in early trade, supported by easing geopolitical tensions, foreign fund inflows and positive domestic equities, though gains were capped by a firm dollar and global uncertainties.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced a Rs 2 lakh crore seven-day VRRR auction on April 17 to manage surplus liquidity in the banking system. The move comes ahead of GST-related outflows that typically tighten liquidity. Governor Shaktikanta Das reiterated the RBI’s proactive stance on liquidity management.

Fatih Birol warned Europe faces jet fuel shortages within weeks if the Strait of Hormuz closure continues, risking flight disruptions, rising prices, and wider global economic impact, especially for developing nations dependent on Middle East energy supplies.

Wipro reported a slight decline in fourth-quarter profit despite steady revenue growth and sequential gains. The company announced a share buyback and projected flat to negative growth for the next quarter, while focusing on AI-driven transformation and client partnerships

Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker pledged to strengthen India-Austria ties, focusing on innovation, trade, and sustainability. The leaders highlighted growing cooperation in emerging technologies, defence, and startups during Stocker’s first India visit in over four decades.

Christian Stocker praised India as a reliable global partner, highlighting its strong international influence. Alongside Narendra Modi, he stressed diplomacy, trade growth, and deeper cooperation in technology, security, and defence ties.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended slightly lower after retreating from intra-day highs due to selling in banking and auto stocks. Investors remained cautious ahead of US-Iran talks, while broader markets outperformed and the rupee strengthened

Equity-oriented mutual funds recorded a 17.38 per cent rise in average AUM in March, led by strong inflows into flexi cap, mid cap and thematic funds. Investors showed a clear preference for flexible strategies amid evolving market conditions

Maruti Suzuki India’s market share fell to a 13-year low in FY26, marking a third year of decline. Weak performance in the utility vehicle segment and slowing growth in small cars impacted its position despite new model launches

Indian households hold a significant share of global gold, with demand remaining strong despite price fluctuations, a report said. Structural factors, global policy shifts and investment trends continue to support gold as a preferred long-term asset ahead of Akshaya Tritiya

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rose in early trade on Thursday, supported by easing crude oil prices, optimism over US–Iran talks, positive global cues and foreign fund inflows, signalling improving investor sentiment despite recent geopolitical uncertainties.

The rupee appreciated 6 paise to 93.27 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, supported by easing crude oil prices and a weaker dollar, though foreign fund outflows and importer demand capped sharper gains.

The Department of Telecommunications and SEBI have signed an MoU to share telecom intelligence to curb financial frauds. The system will enable early detection of suspicious mobile numbers and strengthen coordination to prevent cyber-enabled investment scams across India’s financial markets

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Amitabh Jhunjhunwala and Amit Bapna, former senior executives of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud and money laundering case. The arrests have been made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

India’s engineering goods exports touched a record $122.43 billion in FY 2025–26, marking a 5 per cent rise over the previous year despite geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising energy costs. EEPC India credited industry initiative, diversification, and free trade agreements for the sector’s resilience.

Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran has cautioned that India’s inflation outlook faces fresh risks due to rising crude oil and commodity prices triggered by the Iran-US conflict. While India enters this phase with strong macroeconomic fundamentals, policymakers face the challenge of containing inflation without undermining growth.

OpenAI has said India is among the world’s most advanced AI markets, with strong growth in coding and data analysis. However, usage remains concentrated in major cities, highlighting the need to expand access and skills across the country