The Indian rupee appreciated for the second consecutive session on Monday, climbing 35 paise to settle at Rs. 85.10 against the US dollar. The rally was supported by strong inflows into domestic equity markets, a subdued US dollar in global trade, and the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) record dividend announcement. Although a modest uptick in crude oil prices slightly limited the rupee’s upside, investor sentiment remained largely bullish.

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s second-largest state-owned lender, is charting an ambitious course for fiscal year 2025–26 with a targeted recovery of Rs 16,000 crore and a sharp focus on containing slippages below 1%. The bank, which posted a staggering 102% year-on-year profit growth to Rs 16,630 crore in FY25, attributes its robust financial performance to prudent asset management and strategic expansion in the retail, agriculture, and MSME (RAM) segments.

Renowned Indian television actor Rajesh Kumar, best remembered for his comedic portrayal of Rosesh Sarabhai in the cult classic Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, recently turned social media upside down with a satirical video impersonating former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The video, posted "on public demand," humorously mirrored Mr. Zardari’s impassioned parliamentary speech criticizing India’s recent Operation Sindoor — a retaliatory military strike following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.

The fatal shooting of Shiromani Akali Dal Councillor Harjinder Singh Bahman in Amritsar has reignited concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. Bahman was gunned down in broad daylight by assailants on a motorcycle, despite previous threats and a documented attack on his residence. The brazen killing has provoked widespread condemnation from political leaders, with critics accusing the state administration of negligence.

Indian equity markets opened the week on a strong footing, buoyed by a confluence of favorable macroeconomic indicators and global developments. News confirming India's rise to the fourth-largest global economy triggered a surge in investor sentiment, complemented by the Reserve Bank of India's record dividend payout of Rs. 2.69 lakh crore, the early onset of the southwest monsoon, and a delay in US tariff action on the European Union. The benchmark indices—Sensex and Nifty—posted significant early gains, supported by foreign institutional buying and robust performances from key sectors.

Groww, one of India's fastest-growing retail broking platforms, has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), aiming to raise between USD 700 million and USD 1 billion. The offering will comprise both fresh equity and an offer-for-sale (OFS) component. Backed by leading global investors such as Peak XV, Tiger Capital, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Groww plans to deploy the proceeds toward technology enhancement and strategic expansion.

Indian equity markets opened the week on a strong footing, buoyed by a confluence of favorable macroeconomic indicators and global developments. News confirming India's rise to the fourth-largest global economy triggered a surge in investor sentiment, complemented by the Reserve Bank of India's record dividend payout of Rs. 2.69 lakh crore, the early onset of the southwest monsoon, and a delay in US tariff action on the European Union. The benchmark indices—Sensex and Nifty—posted significant early gains, supported by foreign institutional buying and robust performances from key sectors.

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of actor Mukul Dev, who passed away at the age of 54 in New Delhi after a brief illness. Known for his impactful roles in films such as Son of Sardaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, and Jai Ho, Mukul was widely respected for his on-screen presence and off-screen humility. His passing comes months after the loss of his mother, which reportedly led to a period of emotional and physical decline.

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival has captivated both fashion aficionados and social media users alike. Her striking appearances in designer gowns not only set high sartorial standards but also sparked widespread speculation about a possible second pregnancy. Married to actor Ranbir Kapoor, with whom she shares a daughter, Alia’s recent public outings have intensified conversations around expanding their family. While both have publicly expressed interest in having more children, no official confirmation exists.

Jagran Prakashan Ltd., the media conglomerate behind Dainik Jagran, reported a consolidated net loss of Rs. 51.46 crore for the fourth quarter of FY25, marking a significant reversal from the Rs. 6.02 crore profit reported in the same period last year. The downturn was driven by declining revenue across core business segments and rising expenses. Total income dipped by 3.47%, while operating revenue fell 5.6% year-on-year. Despite the disappointing earnings, the company’s board approved a substantial interim dividend of Rs.