The excitement surrounding SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film, SSMB29, continues to mount with reports that acclaimed actor R Madhavan has joined the already star-studded cast featuring Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu. This Rs. 1,000 crore project is expected to be a globe-spanning action-adventure inspired by the Indiana Jones franchise. Although official confirmation of Madhavan’s role is pending, his involvement adds to the buzz of this cinematic spectacle. The film, with music by M.M.

The Punjab government has announced plans to commission a Rs 9.50 crore chilli processing facility in Abohar by September this year, underscoring the state’s push towards agricultural diversification. The project, spearheaded by the Punjab Agri Export Corporation Ltd (PAGREXCO), aims to support the burgeoning chilli cultivation sector and expand processing capabilities. Spread across one acre, the plant will process five tonnes of chillies per hour, ensuring streamlined supply chains and enhanced market opportunities for farmers.

Ericsson has secured a multi-year Network Operations Centre (NOC) Managed Services contract from Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom operators. The agreement empowers Ericsson to oversee Airtel’s entire nationwide network, encompassing advanced 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA technologies, along with Fixed Wireless Access, Private Networks, and Network Slicing. Ericsson aims to unlock greater service diversification and new revenue streams for Airtel by leveraging Intent-Based NOC operations.

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL), a leading Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, announced on Monday that it has secured new orders totaling Rs. 3,789 crore. The contracts span across domestic and international markets, including the company’s largest Buildings & Factories (B&F) project in India, involving the development of over 12 million square feet of residential buildings on a design-and-build basis. Additional orders include power transmission and distribution (T&D) projects overseas.

The recent decision by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reduce the repo rate from 6 percent to 5.5 percent aims to stimulate economic growth by making credit more accessible. However, this monetary easing is raising alarms, especially from the Maharashtra Congress, over its adverse impact on depositors. Lower lending rates typically lead banks to cut interest rates on deposits, disproportionately affecting middle-class savers and retirees dependent on fixed income.

Roomstory.ai, an emerging AI-powered platform for design and sourcing, has raised Rs 3 crore in a pre-pre-seed funding round led by Rukam Sitara Fund. The Gurugram-based company plans to deploy these funds to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities, develop its website and mobile application, and expand its user base. Notable participants in this funding round include Bella Vita Organic’s founder, Akash Anand, and Wolfpack Labs.

Aayush Art and Bullion, a leading player in the bullion trading sector, recorded a remarkable surge in revenue to Rs 73.77 crore in fiscal year 2024-25, driven by robust demand and strategic initiatives. The company’s promoters have substantially increased their shareholding from 7.01% in March 2024 to 20.71%, signaling strong confidence in future prospects. Over the past five years, the firm has maintained a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 104% in sales revenue and 62% in net profit, achieving a net debt-free position.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced plans on Monday to introduce zanubrutinib, a cutting-edge cancer treatment, to the Indian market. The move follows the recent approval of the drug by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). Zanubrutinib, which will be marketed under the brand name Brukinsa, represents a significant milestone for Glenmark’s oncology portfolio and expands therapeutic options for patients suffering from five distinct types of B-cell malignancies.

The MSC IRINA, the world’s largest container vessel with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, arrived at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala on Monday morning. This milestone underscores India’s emergence as a pivotal player in global shipping and highlights the port’s readiness to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). With a length of 399.9 metres and energy-efficient features, the vessel’s docking not only signals the rising importance of Indian ports in the transshipment network but also reinforces the country’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations.

Lalithaa Jewellery Mart, a prominent jewellery retailer headquartered in Chennai, has initiated the process for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) valued at Rs 1,700 crore. The IPO will comprise a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 1,200 crore and an offer-for-sale of Rs 500 crore by promoter M Kiran Kumar Jain. According to the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) filed with SEBI, the proceeds will largely be used for establishing new stores and general corporate purposes.