Category: BUSINESS

Mumbai, January 2:
Investment advisory firm Nirmal Bang has released its list of top technical stock picks for 2026, highlighting companies including Paytm and Bharat Forge. Analysts at the firm said these stocks show strong potential based on technical indicators, market trends, and sectoral performance. Paytm, a leading digital payments company, is expected to benefit from the growing adoption of fintech services across India, while Bharat Forge, a major player in the automotive and industrial components sector, is anticipated to gain from increased manufacturing and infrastructure activity.

Experts at Nirmal Bang emphasized that these stock picks are based on careful analysis of price patterns, trading volumes, and market sentiment, aimed at helping investors identify opportunities in a volatile market. The advisory also highlighted the importance of risk management and advised investors to monitor global economic factors and sector-specific developments. Analysts said the selected stocks represent a mix of growth potential and stability, offering a balanced approach for investors looking to capitalise on emerging trends in technology, industrial manufacturing, and financial services in the coming year.

Vijayawada, January 2:
Liquor sales in Andhra Pradesh recorded a sharp surge in December 2025, touching approximately ₹2,767 crore, according to official excise department data. The increase has largely been attributed to festive season demand, year-end celebrations and higher footfall at government-run liquor outlets.

Excise department officials said the rise in sales significantly strengthened state revenues at the end of the calendar year. However, social organisations and public health experts have expressed concern over increasing alcohol consumption and urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns and strengthen regulatory oversight.

Nellore, January 2:
The ambitious “Kris City” industrial development project in Nellore district is progressing steadily, involving an estimated investment of ₹37,500 crore aimed at transforming the region into a major industrial and employment hub. Spread across more than 10,000 acres, the project is being developed as a fully integrated industrial township with modern infrastructure, logistics facilities, residential zones and support services.

Officials said the project is expected to generate employment for more than four lakh people, both directly and indirectly, providing a major boost to livelihoods and regional economic growth. The state government views Kris City as a flagship initiative under its industrial policy, aimed at attracting global investors and promoting balanced development beyond major urban centres.

Amaravati, January 2:
Andhra Pradesh recorded a notable increase in State GST collections in December 2025, registering around 5.78 per cent growth compared to the corresponding period last year. The improved revenue performance reflects stronger economic activity across sectors such as trade, transport, construction and services.

Finance department officials said the state emerged as one of the leading performers among southern states in GST growth. They attributed the rise to improved compliance, digitisation of tax administration and focused efforts to expand the tax base, which have helped strengthen revenue mobilisation.

New Delhi, December 30:
Gold loans in India have witnessed a remarkable surge, scaling nearly four times in recent years, according to banking and financial experts. Analysts attribute this growth to rising consumer demand for quick, collateral-backed credit and the flexibility offered by gold-backed lending. The trend highlights a shift in India’s credit mix, with gold loans emerging as a popular alternative to traditional personal loans, especially among middle-class households and small business owners seeking immediate financial support without extensive documentation.

Financial commentators noted that the growth of gold loans is also driven by technological innovations, including digital gold loan platforms, faster appraisal processes, and improved risk management by lenders. This boom is expected to strengthen financial inclusion, allowing a broader segment of the population to access credit while simultaneously boosting the formal banking sector’s loan portfolio. Experts also highlighted that sustained gold price appreciation, combined with favorable lending policies, could maintain this growth trajectory in 2026, positioning gold loans as a key component of India’s evolving financial ecosystem.

Cupertino, December 30:
Apple is expected to roll out a major wave of product innovations in 2026, with industry reports suggesting the launch of foldable iPhones, OLED-powered iPads, and upgraded Mac and wearable devices. The tech giant is reportedly focusing on design evolution, display technology, and AI-driven performance enhancements as part of its long-term hardware strategy.

Sources familiar with Apple’s roadmap indicate that the company may introduce its first-ever foldable iPhone, aimed at competing with foldable smartphones already present in the global market. Alongside this, Apple is expected to expand the use of OLED displays across its iPad lineup, replacing traditional LCD panels to offer improved brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency.

In addition to smartphones and tablets, Apple is also likely to refresh its MacBook and iMac series with next-generation silicon chips, promising better performance and power efficiency. Wearables, including the Apple Watch and AirPods, are expected to see feature upgrades with deeper health tracking and AI integration.

Analysts believe the 2026 launches could mark one of Apple’s most significant product cycles in recent years, reinforcing its focus on premium design, ecosystem integration, and cutting-edge technology to maintain its competitive edge in the global consumer electronics market.

Mumbai, December 30:
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation on Monday announced that Metro Line-3 will operate overnight on January 1, 2026, to facilitate safe and smooth travel for citizens during New Year celebrations. The decision has been taken in view of increased passenger movement across the city on New Year’s Eve, especially in key commercial and entertainment hubs.

Officials said extended services will help reduce road congestion and provide a reliable public transport option for late-night commuters. Adequate security arrangements, staff deployment and crowd management measures will be in place to ensure passenger safety. Authorities have urged commuters to cooperate with metro staff and follow safety guidelines while travelling during the extended service hours.

The move has been welcomed by residents, with officials reiterating that promoting public transport during major events remains a key priority to ensure convenience, safety and environmental sustainability.

Mumbai, December 27:
Retail major DMart has reaffirmed its strategy of prioritising store expansion as a key driver of long-term growth, even as the company navigates evolving consumer behaviour and competitive pressures in the organised retail sector.

Company officials indicated that DMart continues to focus on opening new stores across urban and semi-urban markets, viewing physical presence as a critical advantage in offering value pricing and consistent customer experience. The retailer believes its brick-and-mortar-led model remains resilient, particularly for essential goods and high-frequency purchases.

Analysts noted that DMart’s disciplined expansion approach, coupled with cost control and supply-chain efficiency, has helped it maintain profitability while scaling operations. The company is also selectively strengthening its digital and omni-channel capabilities to complement its core store-led strategy.

With rising consumption and improving footfalls, DMart expects store additions to support sustained revenue growth over the long term, reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading value retailers.

Mumbai, December 27:
The long-awaited redevelopment of Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, has officially moved from vision to execution as preparatory work on the ambitious project gathers pace. Authorities said the transition marks a major milestone in transforming one of Mumbai’s most densely populated areas into a modern, sustainable urban hub while ensuring inclusive rehabilitation for residents and businesses.

Officials involved in the project stated that detailed surveys, land demarcation, and stakeholder consultations are progressing steadily. The redevelopment plan aims to provide formal housing, improved sanitation, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced civic amenities to lakhs of residents, while also preserving Dharavi’s vibrant small-scale industries that contribute significantly to the city’s economy.

The project is being implemented with a focus on in-situ rehabilitation, ensuring eligible residents receive homes within Dharavi itself. Special emphasis is being placed on transparency, grievance redressal, and coordination with local communities to minimise disruption during the execution phase. Authorities noted that the redevelopment is expected to create employment opportunities and boost economic activity across Mumbai.

New Delhi, December 27:
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai Sirsa on Saturday warned that an approaching western disturbance could further worsen weather conditions in the national capital, including increased fog, cold waves and poor visibility.

Sirsa said meteorological forecasts indicate fluctuating temperatures and dense fog in the coming days, which could impact road, rail and air traffic. He urged citizens to exercise caution while commuting, especially during early morning and late-night hours.

The minister added that authorities are closely monitoring weather developments and coordinating with relevant departments to manage any disruptions. He also appealed to residents to follow advisories issued by weather and health agencies.

Officials said precautionary measures are being reviewed to minimise inconvenience to the public, while emergency services remain on alert in view of changing weather patterns.