In a significant move towards digital transformation, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has introduced a new WhatsApp bot for premium payments, enhancing convenience for its vast customer base. This feature allows policyholders to easily check due premiums and make payments via UPI, net banking, or credit cards, all within the messaging platform. LIC's CEO, Siddhartha Mohanty, highlighted the ease and efficiency the new service brings to customers, reinforcing the company's commitment to modernizing its operations.

Reliance Power has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 126 crore for the January-March quarter of FY25, reversing its previous year’s loss. This financial turnaround is largely attributed to a significant reduction in expenses. While the company’s income saw a slight dip, its effective cost management helped boost its profitability. Additionally, Reliance Power made notable progress in debt reduction, servicing Rs 5,338 crore over the past year. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio also improved, underscoring its growing financial stability.

India's information technology sector witnessed a notable 16% year-on-year surge in hiring activity in April, signaling renewed momentum after a period of volatility. This growth is driven by aggressive adoption of artificial intelligence, the modernization of cloud infrastructure, and the continued expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs). A new report by job platform foundit highlights that skill-based hiring now dominates the recruitment narrative, with practical expertise outweighing formal qualifications.

Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd (MSWIL), a key supplier to the automotive sector, reported a 13.85% decline in net profit for the March quarter of FY25, with earnings dropping to Rs. 164.93 crore despite a robust rise in revenue. Higher raw material costs and overall operational expenses weighed heavily on profitability. For the full fiscal year, the company's profit fell to Rs. 605.86 crore, even as revenues crossed Rs. 9,320 crore.

In an era marked by volatility and growing complexity, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman of Nestlé India, has issued a clarion call for a cultural shift in corporate leadership. Speaking at the second edition of the HR and L&D Conclave, Narayanan emphasized that Indian corporations must cultivate leaders grounded in empathy, ethics, and long-term vision rather than short-term performance metrics.

Belrise Industries, a prominent Indian automotive components manufacturer, has announced a Rs. 2,150 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to reduce its debt burden and strengthen its financial position. The issue, priced between Rs. 85 and Rs. 90 per equity share, will be open to public subscription from May 21 to May 23, with anchor investor bidding commencing on May 20. Unlike many IPOs in recent months, this offering comprises solely a fresh issue of shares, underscoring the company’s intent to raise new capital rather than facilitate promoter exits.

Dharma Productions is set to reinvigorate its beloved franchise with Dostana 2, scheduled for theatrical release in late 2026. Nearly two decades after the original’s immense success, the sequel promises a fresh yet respectful continuation, starring Vikrant Massey and Lakshya alongside a yet-to-be-revealed debutante actress. The production house has finalized a progressive script balancing nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities and is actively searching for a director to bring the project to life.

In a strategic move signaling a reshaping of its investment priorities, the State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the sale of a 13.19% stake in Yes Bank to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for a total consideration of Rs. 8,888.97 crore. The divestment involves over 413 crore shares, priced at Rs. 21.50 apiece, and is contingent on statutory approvals. This marks a significant shift for SBI, which currently holds a 24% equity stake in Yes Bank.

Eureka Forbes Ltd has reported a striking twofold increase in consolidated net profit for the March 2024 quarter, underscoring the success of its ongoing business transformation under private equity ownership. Backed by strong product sales, operational efficiencies, and strategic innovation, the company posted a net profit of Rs. 49.48 crore, compared to Rs. 21.38 crore a year earlier. Revenues rose over 10%, while EBITDA margins reached a lifetime high of 13%. For the full fiscal year, net profit surged 72%.

India’s markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has issued a final reminder to investors impacted by the collapse of Karvy Stock Broking Ltd (KSBL) to file their claims before the looming June 2, 2025 deadline. This follows KSBL’s declaration as a defaulter by the National Stock Exchange in November 2020, after the firm was found guilty of serious regulatory violations, including misappropriating client funds.