In a significant development for India’s renewable energy sector, Bengaluru-based solar manufacturer Emmvee has landed a Rs. 1,500 crore contract from KPI Green Energy Ltd for the supply of advanced TopCon bifacial solar modules. The modules, to be manufactured at Emmvee’s state-of-the-art facilities in Karnataka, will power an upcoming solar installation in Gujarat. This order builds on the firms’ ongoing collaboration since 2021 and underscores Emmvee’s rising prominence as a key contributor to India’s clean energy supply chain.

Ashok Leyland, one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, anticipates a single-digit growth in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) segment for the current fiscal year, rebounding from a 3% industry-wide decline in FY25. The company is focused on outpacing industry growth and increasing its footprint, particularly in North India, which accounts for more than a third of total commercial vehicle demand.

India is ramping up efforts to finalize free trade agreements (FTAs) with key partners, notably the United States and the European Union, as it targets an ambitious USD 2 trillion export milestone by 2030. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that negotiations are progressing rapidly, building on recently concluded deals with the UK, UAE, Australia, and the EFTA bloc. India's exports of goods and services reached an all-time high of USD 825 billion in FY25, outperforming global trade trends despite geopolitical uncertainties.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) marked a significant political comeback by clinching two crucial assembly seats—Visavadar in Gujarat and Ludhiana West in Punjab—during recent by-elections. This electoral performance comes months after a disappointing showing in the Delhi Assembly polls and signals renewed voter confidence in AAP’s governance model. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal interpreted the victory as a clear sign of public dissatisfaction with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially in Gujarat.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Samhi Hotels, has launched its second Holiday Inn Express in Kolkata, marking a significant step in their long-term expansion strategy within India’s booming hospitality sector. With a ₹40 crore investment and 113 keys, the hotel adds to IHG’s growing domestic footprint of 52 operational properties. Samhi Hotels owns 12 of the 18 Holiday Inn Express sites nationwide. Both firms foresee vast growth potential across tier-II and tier-III cities, aiming to tap into the robust domestic travel market.

HDB Financial Services Ltd., a prominent non-banking financial subsidiary of HDFC Bank, witnessed a steady response to its ₹12,500-crore initial public offering (IPO), securing 1.16 times subscription by the second day of bidding. The offering comprises both a fresh equity issue and a significant offer-for-sale by its parent firm, with proceeds earmarked for bolstering Tier-I capital. Retail and institutional demand remained moderate, while non-institutional investors drove the momentum.

Sambhv Steel Tubes’ public issue saw an enthusiastic response from retail and high-net-worth investors (HNIs), signaling confidence in the steel pipe maker’s fundamentals and long-term growth prospects. As of the second day of bidding, the IPO received bids for approximately 8.65 crore equity shares against an offer size of 4.92 crore shares, translating into a subscription rate of 1.76 times.

In a decisive move to enhance India’s digital presence on the global stage, the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) have formalized a partnership aimed at promoting the export of Indian digital services. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two organizations will collaborate on resolving trade-related policy hurdles, expanding international market access, and preparing digital enterprises for global engagement.

In a significant escalation of legal troubles for Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested the former state minister on Wednesday in connection with a fresh case related to disproportionate assets. The arrest follows raids on 25 properties across Punjab, triggered by findings linked to an ongoing drug-trafficking investigation dating back to 2021. Majithia, who was previously out on bail in a high-profile narcotics case, has called the latest action politically motivated.

The upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, has ignited a political and cultural controversy due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent military response under Operation Sindoor, the inclusion of Aamir has triggered widespread calls to boycott the film. In response, the producers have defended the casting decision, stating that Aamir was signed before the recent hostilities.