Business

Stock Market Rises for Fifth Straight Session, Overlooking Weak Global Trends

Published

1 year ago

March 22, 2025

The stock market enjoyed its fifth consecutive day of gains on Friday, defying weak global market trends. The Nifty index briefly surpassed the 23,400 mark, buoyed by broad-based buying across various sectors.
By the end of the session, the Sensex rose by 557.45 points or 0.73%, settling at 76,905.51, while the Nifty gained 159.75 points or 0.69% to close at 23,350.40.

During the trading day, the Nifty reached a peak of 23,402.7 and a low of 23,132.8, whereas the Sensex fluctuated between 77,041.94 and 76,095.26.

In terms of performance, the midcap index outperformed the Nifty 50, with the Nifty Midcap 50 closing up 1.04%. Additionally, small-cap stocks had a robust day, as the Nifty Smallcap 100 finished at 15,858.05, reflecting an increase of 326.9 points or 2.06%.

The market capitalization of BSE-listed companies surged to Rs 413 lakh crore, up from nearly Rs 409 lakh crore in the previous session, effectively boosting investors’ wealth by approximately Rs 4 lakh crore in a single day.

On the Nifty, the top gainers included SBI Life Insurance (up 3.21%), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (up 2.90%), NTPC (up 2.79%), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (up 2.77%), and Bajaj Finance (up 2.72%).

Conversely, the losers were led by Hindalco Industries (down 1.50%), Infosys (down 1.42%), Wipro (down 1.38%), Trent (down 1.37%), and Tata Steel (down 1.11%).

The Bank Nifty closed at 50,062.85, having peaked at 50,672.15 during the day, with a low of 49,891.95.

Manappuram Finance shares soared 10% following Bain Capital’s announcement of a Rs 4,385 crore investment to acquire an 18% stake in the firm. IndusInd Bank shares experienced fluctuations, initially dropping 1.3% due to investor concerns about potential financial risks, but later recovering to finish with a modest gain of 0.70%.

Every sectoral index ended on a positive note, with Nifty Media rising by 2.20%. Nifty Bank, Financial Services, PSU Bank, Private Banks, Pharma, Healthcare, and Oil and Gas sectors all posted gains exceeding 1%. However, Consumer Durables (down 0.77%) and Metals (down 0.55%) were the exceptions.

Over 70 stocks hit 52-week highs on the BSE, including Manappuram Finance, Chambal Fertilisers, Bajaj Finance, UPL, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Shree Cements, SRF, and Welspun Corp, among others.

The domestic IT sector made a recovery from early losses, although Infosys remained in the downside with a 1.3% decline following disappointing second-quarter revenue guidance from global IT leader Accenture.

Shares of RVNL gained 3% after obtaining a Letter of Acceptance from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for a Rs 554 crore project. Additionally, L&T shares jumped 3% after the engineering giant secured a substantial contract worth between Rs 2,500-5,000 crore from Brigade Group.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.

Business

Gold Prices Rise in Mangaluru; Demand for Ornaments Remains Strong

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: Gold prices in the coastal city of Mangaluru have been reported at high levels today. The rate for 24 karat gold (99.9% purity) stands at Rs.14,962 per gram. The price for 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) is Rs.13,715 per gram. Meanwhile, 18 karat gold (75% purity) is being sold at Rs.11,222 per gram.

Mangaluru is well known for its deep cultural connection with gold. The city has a long tradition of buying and wearing gold ornaments. This tradition continues strongly even today.

Local jewellers say that demand for gold remains steady despite high prices. Many people still prefer to invest in gold for safety and long-term value. Gold is also an important part of weddings and festivals in the region.

Apart from its love for seafood, Mangaluru is also famous for its gold market. The gold trade in the city has a long history and continues to grow.

Buyers are advised to check the latest rates before making a purchase. They can also use a gold rate calculator to get exact pricing based on weight and purity.

Experts say that gold prices may change depending on global market trends. Customers should stay updated and make careful decisions while buying gold.

Business

Pune FDA Seizes 3,800 Kg of Adulterated Mango Pulp in Major Crackdown

Published

1 month ago

April 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

In a major action against food adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune has seized over 3,800 kilograms of mango pulp mixed with unsafe food colours.

The raid was carried out after officials received confidential information about illegal production activities in the district. Acting quickly, an FDA team traced the source to a manufacturing unit in Urse village in Maval taluka.

During the inspection, officers found that the mango pulp was being prepared using unauthorised food colours and other banned substances. These materials are not allowed under food safety rules and can be harmful to consumers.

The unit was reportedly operated by Mohammad Ekramul, also known as Akram Gulam. Authorities said the facility was violating multiple food safety regulations.

Officials immediately seized the adulterated stock and stopped further production at the site. The FDA has also begun investigating the supply chain to identify where the products were being distributed.

Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in food adulteration. They also urged the public to stay cautious while buying food products, especially during the mango season.

Further investigation into the case is currently underway.