Author: Aruna Kaim

MUMBAI – Following a significant market correction, global brokerage Jefferies noted that Nifty 50 valuations have reverted to their long-term averages. In its latest India strategy report released on April 2, 2026, the brokerage argued that risk-reward is turning attractive and subsequently adjusted its model portfolio to favor defensive and value-oriented sectors. According to Jefferies, the Nifty’s 12-month forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple has dropped to approximately 17x, aligning closely with the pre-Covid average (Jan 2015–Feb 2020) and trading at a 12% discount to the last five years. Portfolio Tweaks: The Winners and Losers Jefferies has rotated its “India Model Portfolio”…

BENGALURU – Shares of Ola Electric Mobility witnessed a massive 17% surge over the last two trading sessions, as investors cheered the company’s stellar performance in the March 2026 quarter (Q4FY26). The rally comes amid a broader market recovery for EV makers, driven by a shift in consumer preference toward electric two-wheelers as traditional fuel prices remain volatile. The stock climbed nearly 9% on Thursday alone, reaching an intra-day high of ₹124.50, as the company confirmed a significant jump in daily order velocity. Key Performance Drivers Record Daily Orders: Ola Electric reported that its daily booking rate has consistently exceeded…

MUMBAI – Indian sovereign bond prices fell on Thursday, April 2, 2026, pushing yields higher just as the government prepares for its first debt sale of the new fiscal year (FY27). The sell-off is being driven by a “double whammy” of surging global crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The benchmark 10-year bond yield rose to 7.18%, up from its previous close of 7.12%, reflecting investor anxiety over inflation and the sustainability of the government’s borrowing costs. The “Oil-Inflation” Spiral As the world’s third-largest oil importer, India’s fiscal health is deeply tied to global energy prices.…

MUMBAI – Dalal Street witnessed a brutal sell-off today, April 2, 2026, as the BSE Sensex plummeted over 1,500 points and the Nifty 50 slipped below the crucial 22,250 mark. The carnage was so widespread that nearly ₹11 lakh crore of investor wealth evaporated in a single trading session, leaving the total market capitalization of BSE-listed firms at approximately ₹412 lakh crore. The crash effectively wiped out the modest gains from the previous session, pushing the “India VIX” volatility index up by over 5% to 26.27, signaling extreme nervousness among traders. 5 Key Factors Behind Today’s Crash 1. Trump’s “Aggressive…

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a fresh First Information Report (FIR) against Anil Ambani and the now-insolvent Reliance Communications (RCom), along with several former directors and unknown public servants. The case centers on allegations of a major banking fraud involving the diversion and siphoning off of loan funds. This new legal challenge adds to the mounting pressure on the embattled industrialist, whose telecom venture is currently undergoing a protracted Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). The Allegations: Funds Siphoned via Shell Companies The CBI’s latest action follows a complaint by a consortium of banks, reportedly…

NEW DELHI – The mid-range smartphone market is bracing for a major shake-up as OnePlus prepares to unveil the Nord 6 on April 7, 2026. A dedicated product page has already gone live on Amazon India, confirming the device’s availability and teasing specs that push the boundaries of the “Nord” series. From a massive battery breakthrough to a flagship-grade display, here is everything we know about the upcoming “flagship killer.” Performance: Power Meets Efficiency The Nord 6 is expected to be a performance beast, moving closer to the premium numbered series: Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, paired with an…

NEW DELHI – India’s digital payment landscape reached a historic milestone in March 2026, as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) shattered previous records in both transaction value and volume. Driven by year-end financial closures and robust festive spending, the platform processed a staggering ₹29.53 lakh crore, marking a 10% increase from February. Data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Wednesday highlights the deepening penetration of real-time payments across the country’s diverse economic strata. UPI by the Numbers: March 2026 The surge in digital adoption was visible across all key metrics: Total Value: ₹29.53 lakh crore (⬆…

MUMBAI – Indian pharmaceutical stocks faced a sharp sell-off today, April 2, 2026, as investors reacted to reports of potential aggressive trade barriers from the United States. The Nifty Pharma Index tumbled 3%, with industry heavyweights leading the decline following news that could fundamentally alter the export landscape for Indian drugmakers. The Catalyst: 100% US Import Tariffs The primary trigger for the panic is a report from the Financial Times suggesting that the Trump administration is preparing to impose tariffs of up to 100% on certain imported medicines. Key details of the proposed policy include: Target: Branded and patented drugs,…

The March 2026 quarter (Q4FY26) revealed a diverging landscape for India’s auto giants. While domestic demand for SUVs and EVs surged, traditional small car segments faced headwinds from geopolitical uncertainties and rising input costs. The Leaderboard: Volume Growth (y-o-y). Tata Motors emerged as the clear winner in terms of growth percentage, followed closely by Mahindra & Mahindra’s SUV-heavy portfolio. Company % Sales Change (y-o-y) Total Units Sold (Q4FY26) Tata Motors (PV) +37% 201,368 Mahindra & Mahindra +21% 301,455 Maruti Suzuki +11.8% 676,209 Hyundai Motor India +8.7% 208,275 1. Tata Motors: The EV Powerhouse Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles took the lead…

NEW DELHI – In a swift move to protect domestic manufacturers from soaring input costs, the Central Government has announced a comprehensive waiver of import duties on a wide range of critical petrochemical products. The exemptions, which came into effect on April 2, 2026, are designed to mitigate the severe supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The emergency relief measures will remain in place until June 30, 2026, providing a temporary cushion for downstream industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and textiles to paints and plastics. Key…