Gold prices advanced sharply in futures trading on Friday, rising Rs. 890 to settle at Rs. 1,60,599 per 10 grams, supported by renewed speculative interest and firm demand in the physical market. The upward movement was observed on the Multi Commodity Exchange, where April delivery contracts recorded notable trading activity. Analysts attributed the gains to fresh long positions built by traders anticipating sustained strength in spot prices.

IDFC Bank has returned Rs 583 crore to the Haryana government, a move reflecting robust fiscal management and regulatory compliance. The repayment, tied to prior financial arrangements, underscores the bank’s commitment to maintaining transparent government relations while optimizing its capital deployment. Analysts note that such transactions enhance investor confidence and strengthen public-private financial partnerships.

Homegrown auto major Bajaj Auto has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Maharashtra’s electric vehicle policy, cautioning that regulatory uncertainty and implementation gaps could deter future investments. The company signaled that inconsistent incentive structures and delays in subsidy disbursement risk undermining industry confidence at a critical juncture in India’s EV transition. Maharashtra, one of the country’s largest automotive hubs, has been positioning itself as a leader in electric mobility.

Indian Stock Markets Close Flat After Volatile Session Marked by Profit BookingIndian equity benchmarks ended virtually unchanged after a highly volatile trading session, as gains in select heavyweight stocks were offset by profit booking in banking and technology counters. Investors navigated mixed global cues, fluctuating crude oil prices and cautious institutional flows. While intraday swings reflected fragile sentiment, the broader market displayed resilience supported by domestic macroeconomic stability and selective buying in defensives.

The initial public offering of Omnitech Engineering recorded a subdued investor response, with the issue subscribed 13% by the end of the second day of bidding. The offering, which aims to raise capital for expansion and working capital requirements, has witnessed cautious participation across investor categories. Retail investors have shown modest interest, while non-institutional and institutional segments remain largely on the sidelines. Market analysts attribute the slow traction to valuation concerns, prevailing liquidity conditions and selective risk appetite in the primary market.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated the process to hire 38 consultants to mitigate staffing shortages and strengthen oversight functions in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. The move comes amid rising passenger traffic, fleet expansion and increased compliance requirements for airlines and airport operators. By onboarding domain specialists on a contractual basis, the regulator aims to enhance surveillance, air safety audits and technical certification processes.

GAIL has established a state-of-the-art research and development center in Haryana, reinforcing its long-term strategy to drive innovation across India’s energy value chain. The facility is designed to accelerate advancements in natural gas processing, petrochemicals, renewable integration and hydrogen technologies. By consolidating scientific expertise under one institutional framework, GAIL aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce carbon intensity and strengthen energy security.

Yes Bank is confronting customer concerns following reports of unauthorised transactions on its forex card platform. The issue has reignited debate around cybersecurity safeguards, fraud detection systems and consumer protection protocols in India’s digital banking ecosystem. Affected customers have flagged suspicious overseas transactions, prompting the bank to initiate internal reviews and reinforce monitoring mechanisms. While no systemic breach has been officially confirmed, the episode underscores the operational risks associated with cross-border prepaid instruments.

Jio Financial Services has infused Rs. 2,000 crore into its subsidiary, Jio Credit, reinforcing its ambition to scale operations in India’s rapidly evolving lending market. The capital allocation strengthens the company’s balance sheet, enhances lending capacity and signals an aggressive push into consumer and enterprise credit segments.

Tata Motors is set to deploy hydrogen-powered trucks at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, marking a significant milestone in India’s transition toward low-emission freight transportation. The initiative underscores the automaker’s commitment to alternative fuel technologies and aligns with national decarbonization objectives. Hydrogen fuel cell trucks are expected to reduce carbon emissions in heavy-duty logistics operations while maintaining long-haul efficiency.