Urban Company, India’s leading platform for home services and freelance professionals, has revealed that gig workers on its platform are earning, on average, more than freshly graduated IT professionals. Data indicates that skilled service providers in segments such as plumbing, electrical work, and beauty services are securing higher net incomes than entry-level IT hires, reflecting the robust demand for gig-based expertise and flexible work models. The trend underscores the shifting labor market dynamics in India, where alternative employment avenues are increasingly lucrative.

Devyani International reported a wider consolidated loss of Rs. 109 crore in the third quarter, highlighting persistent pressures on margins and consumer demand across its quick-service restaurant portfolio. The company, which operates prominent international and domestic food brands, continued to grapple with elevated operating costs and muted discretionary spending. While revenues remained supported by store expansion and steady footfalls in select markets, profitability was weighed down by inflationary inputs and higher overheads.

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank reported a robust financial performance for the third quarter, posting a net profit of Rs. 341.50 crore, underscoring steady operational execution amid a challenging banking environment. The result reflects disciplined cost management, healthy credit growth, and stable asset quality. The lender continues to benefit from its conservative lending approach and strong regional franchise, particularly in southern India.

Commercial flight operations from Halwara Airport are scheduled to begin in March, marking a significant milestone in Punjab’s regional aviation infrastructure. The launch is expected to enhance air connectivity in the Ludhiana region, reduce travel time for business and leisure passengers, and stimulate local economic activity. Designed to handle short-haul domestic routes, the airport will serve as a catalyst for trade, investment, and tourism. Officials see the project as part of a broader push to strengthen tier-two city connectivity under India’s expanding aviation ecosystem.

Aptus Value Housing Finance India Ltd. reported a strong financial performance in the third quarter, with net profit rising 24% year-on-year, underscoring sustained momentum in the affordable housing finance segment. The growth was driven by healthy loan disbursements, steady asset quality, and disciplined cost management. Despite a cautious macroeconomic backdrop and elevated interest rates, the company maintained stable margins and contained credit risks.

Tube Investments of India Ltd. delivered a stable financial performance in the third quarter, reporting a profit after tax of Rs. 279 crore, reflecting resilience across its diversified business portfolio. The performance was supported by steady demand in core manufacturing segments, operational efficiencies, and disciplined capital deployment. While macroeconomic uncertainty and cost pressures persisted, the company managed to protect profitability through prudent execution and portfolio diversification.

Century Plyboards reported a healthy financial performance for the third quarter of FY26, with net profit rising 10.5 percent year on year, supported by steady demand and operational efficiencies. The improvement came despite a competitive building materials market and fluctuating input costs. Growth across core product segments, including plywood and laminates, combined with disciplined cost management, helped protect margins.

Tata Group’s retail arm Trent reported a modest yet steady performance in the third quarter, with net profit rising 2.7 percent year on year to Rs. 510 crore. The results reflect the company’s ability to navigate a demanding consumption environment marked by cost pressures and uneven discretionary spending. While revenue growth remained healthy, margin expansion was constrained by higher operating expenses linked to store expansion and inflationary inputs.

Apple has released iOS 26.3, a maintenance-focused update designed to enhance system stability, strengthen security protections, and refine overall performance across supported iPhone models. Rather than introducing sweeping design changes, the latest version emphasizes behind-the-scenes improvements aimed at delivering a smoother and more reliable user experience. The update reflects Apple’s incremental software strategy, prioritizing bug fixes and security patches as part of its broader ecosystem stewardship.

Paradeep Phosphates Ltd. reported a 13% decline in net profit for the third quarter, reflecting margin compression caused by higher input costs and challenging pricing conditions in the fertilizers market. The earnings performance highlights the pressures facing nutrient producers as global raw material volatility, logistical costs, and regulated pricing frameworks limit profitability. Despite the decline, the company continues to benefit from steady domestic demand supported by the agricultural cycle and government-backed fertilizer usage.