ATM cash withdrawals across India continued to decline in 2025, underscoring the steady shift toward digital and contactless payment systems, according to a recent report. The trend reflects growing consumer confidence in UPI-based transactions, wider acceptance of cards and QR codes, and increased penetration of mobile banking in both urban and semi-urban markets. While cash remains relevant for specific use cases, its role in everyday transactions is steadily shrinking.

Larsen & Toubro reported a modest decline in third-quarter profit, reflecting the near-term impact of margin pressures despite steady execution across core businesses. Consolidated net profit slipped 4 percent year-on-year to Rs 3,215 crore, as higher input costs and project-related expenses weighed on earnings. The performance highlights the challenges facing large infrastructure players amid volatile commodity prices and competitive bidding.

Radisson Hotel Group is stepping up its expansion across India’s key spiritual and pilgrimage destinations, tapping into the rising demand for organized hospitality in religious tourism hubs. The strategy reflects a broader shift in India’s travel landscape, where spiritual travel is increasingly blending with leisure and comfort-driven experiences. Improved infrastructure, higher disposable incomes and year-round tourist inflows have made these locations commercially attractive.

Hiring in India’s defence technology sector has doubled over the past three years, reflecting accelerated investment in indigenous manufacturing, advanced research and next-generation military capabilities, according to a recent industry report. The surge underscores growing demand for engineers, data specialists and systems designers as defence companies expand production and innovation. Policy support for domestic defence manufacturing and rising capital outlays have strengthened the sector’s employment outlook.

HT Media Ltd. reported a wider net loss of Rs. 24 crore for the third quarter, reflecting persistent pressure on its core print and digital businesses amid a subdued advertising environment. Weak ad spending, rising operating costs and ongoing investments in digital transformation weighed on profitability during the period. While the company continues to focus on cost rationalization and revenue diversification, near-term challenges remain pronounced.

V-Guard Industries Ltd. reported a moderate yet resilient performance in the third quarter, with net profit increasing 9.4 percent year-on-year to Rs. 20.26 crore. The growth was supported by stable demand across key product segments, improved operational efficiencies and disciplined cost management. While margin pressures from input costs and competitive pricing persisted, the company managed to sustain profitability through volume-led growth and supply chain optimization.

Indian equity markets closed sharply higher, with the benchmark Sensex rising 487 points, buoyed by optimism surrounding progress in India–European Union free trade negotiations. Investors welcomed the prospect of improved market access, stronger exports and enhanced economic cooperation between the two regions. The positive sentiment was broad-based, with gains seen across industrials, automobiles and export-oriented stocks.

Arvind Fashions Ltd. reported a 22.4 percent year-on-year decline in net profit for the third quarter, with earnings falling to Rs. 36.11 crore as subdued consumer demand and higher operating costs weighed on performance. The apparel retailer faced margin pressure amid inflationary headwinds, increased promotional spending and cautious discretionary consumption. While revenue remained relatively stable, profitability was impacted by cost absorption challenges and a competitive retail environment.

Aditya Birla Real Estate posted a net loss of Rs. 75 crore for the reported period, reflecting ongoing challenges in the property sector, including cost pressures, project execution timelines and uneven demand recovery. The performance underscores the impact of high interest rates and cautious buyer sentiment on real estate developers, particularly in premium and commercial segments. Despite the setback, the company continues to focus on balance-sheet discipline and selective project development.

The proposed India–European Union free trade agreement is emerging as a potentially significant development for India’s automotive sector, with companies such as TVS Motor assessing its implications for global competition and market access. The pact could lower tariffs, improve regulatory alignment and open European markets to Indian manufacturers, while also intensifying competitive pressure at home. For TVS Motor, the agreement presents both opportunities for export-led growth and challenges from increased foreign competition.