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12 May

Geopolitical Storms Shake Equities, India’s Weight in Global Markets Falls Below 3%

anuprovaBusiness

The Indian share of global market capitalisation has dropped below the 3% mark for the first time in four years, a sobering milestone for the Indian equity market. The fall, a sharp fall from 2024 highs, comes as a “perfect storm” of global and domestic pressures has wiped out more than $533 billion in investor wealth since the start of 2026. The primary reasons for this slide are the continued increase in global crude oil prices (above $105 a barrel) and a weaker rupee, which touched a lifetime low of Rs 95.55 against the US dollar. The main reason for…

12 May

Non-tech executives fuel AI learning surge at Great Learning in FY26

Business BureauBusiness

India’s AI upskilling market is witnessing a major shift as non-technical professionals emerge as the biggest adopters of Artificial Intelligence programmes at Great Learning in FY26, driven by rising demand for no-code and low-code AI tools across industries. The ed-tech company said professionals from non-technical educational backgrounds accounted for 66 per cent of enrolments in its AI programmes during FY26. Among them, nearly 64 per cent had more than 12 years of work experience, indicating strong interest from senior leaders and functional heads seeking to integrate AI into business operations. The demand has been particularly strong among professionals from sectors…

12 May

IIT Madras Opens Admissions for Next BS Degree Batch, Deadline 31 May

Business BureauBusiness

Indian Institute of Technology Madras has announced the opening of admissions for its BS Degree Programmes for the 2026 academic cycle, with May 31, 2026 fixed as the last date for applications. The institute said the programmes are aimed at making high-quality IIT education accessible to a wider and more diverse learner base across India. The BS Degree portfolio includes BS in Data Science and Applications, BS in Electronic Systems, BS in Management and Data Science, and BS in Aeronautics and Space Technology. The programmes are open to anyone who has completed Class 12 and carry no age restrictions. IIT…

11 May

Hyatt launches Asia Pacific summer offer, members can save up to 25% on hotel stays

Business BureauBusiness

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has unveiled a limited-period promotional offer across Asia Pacific, allowing travellers to avail discounts of up to 25 per cent on stays at participating Hyatt properties through its global loyalty programme, World of Hyatt. The offer is valid for bookings made by June 1, 2026, with travel applicable till October 31, 2026. Under the scheme, non-members can receive discounts ranging from 10 to 15 per cent on the Best Available Rate. Guests can also enrol in the World of Hyatt programme free of cost to unlock additional benefits and exclusive member pricing. World of Hyatt members will…

09 May

Promoter Freezes and Faster Execution: SEBI’s New Vision for Corporate Buybacks

nanikaBusiness

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has unveiled a set of stringent additional measures aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for open market buybacks. Building on an initial proposal floated in April 2026, the regulator’s latest move seeks to balance corporate flexibility with investor protection, particularly in light of recent legislative shifts in the Finance Act, 2026. In a significant departure from previous suggestions, SEBI has proposed a much shorter completion timeline for open market buybacks through stock exchanges. While the Primary Market Advisory Committee (PMAC) had initially recommended a six-month window, the regulator has slashed this to…

08 May

WhatsApp rolls out AI tool for small businesses, eyes boost in customer engagement and sales

Business BureauBusiness

WhatsApp has launched “Business AI” in India, introducing AI-powered customer support capabilities for small and medium businesses through the WhatsApp Business app. The feature, available in all native Indian languages, is designed to help businesses respond to customer queries 24/7, capture leads, recommend products, book appointments and drive sales without requiring additional software platforms. The company said Business AI can be customised using a business’s own information, enabling automated replies to queries related to products, pricing, discounts, shipping and services. WhatsApp also plans to introduce UPI-based payment support directly within chats in the coming months. Businesses will continue to have…

08 May

The Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank Sign Financing Agreements for the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project

Business BureauBusiness

The Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank have signed financing agreements totaling $515 million for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project, marking a major milestone in Bhutan’s clean energy and infrastructure expansion strategy. The project, to be developed on the Kurichhu River in eastern Bhutan, is expected to generate over 4,500 GWh of electricity annually and contribute nearly one-third of the Kingdom’s total energy generation. The financing package includes $300 million from the International Development Association (IDA), including a $150 million grant, and $215 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The estimated $1.7…

08 May

Kotak Mahindra Bank gets nod to buy 9.99% stake in City Union Bank

anuprovaBusiness

In a major regulatory development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted Kotak Mahindra Bank to acquire a strategic stake of up to 9.99 per cent in Tamil Nadu-based City Union Bank (CUB). The announcement in a regulatory filing on May 7, 2026, confirms the central bank issued its “no-objection” letter earlier this week. The approval will enable Kotak Mahindra Bank and its subsidiaries and managed funds to raise their combined stake in the century-old private sector lender based in Kumbakonam. The acquisition is subject to compliance with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the RBI’s 2025 Master Directions…

07 May

Nifty 50 Reclaims Crucial Support as U.S.-Iran Peace Hopes Ignite Path Toward 25,000

anuprovaBusiness

The Indian equity market staged a resilient recovery this week as the Nifty 50 bounced back from its critical support zone near 24,000, closing at 24,326 on Thursday after a volatile session. Investor sentiment has been dramatically reshaped by mounting optimism over a potential peace deal between the United States and Iran, which could bring an end to the "Strait of Hormuz" blockade that has choked global energy supplies since February. Reports of a one-page memorandum of understanding currently under review in Tehran triggered a sharp correction in Brent crude prices—which tumbled from recent highs above $115 toward the $95…

07 May

Life insurance industry posts 15.7% growth in FY26, premium collections near Rs 4.6 lakh crore

Business BureauBusiness

India’s life insurance industry reported robust growth in FY26, with total new business premium (NBP) rising 15.7% year-on-year to ₹4,59,713 crore, compared to ₹3,97,337 crore in FY25, signalling strong demand and improving market confidence. In March 2026, insurers collected ₹75,872 crore in new business premium, up from ₹61,439 crore in March 2025, reflecting sustained traction across both individual and group segments. Growth was led by the group business segment, with Group Single Premium increasing 17.5% to ₹2,49,766 crore and Group Yearly Renewable Premium surging 39%. Group Non-Single Premium also registered notable gains, though on a smaller base. The individual segment…