In a major move to expand artificial intelligence accessibility, OpenAI has announced that Indian users will receive one year of free access to ChatGPT, its flagship conversational AI platform. The initiative, aimed at boosting AI adoption and familiarity among India’s rapidly growing digital user base, marks a significant step in OpenAI’s global outreach strategy.

In a prompt display of crisis management, Air India deployed a special relief flight to assist passengers stranded after one of its scheduled services suffered a technical malfunction. The national carrier swiftly organized an alternative aircraft to ensure all affected travellers reached their destinations safely. The incident, which disrupted travel plans for several passengers, was handled with efficiency and transparency, reflecting the airline’s renewed operational focus under the Tata Group.

Automaker Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) reported a 28% year-on-year rise in net profit for the second quarter of FY2024–25, reaching Rs. 3,673 crore, supported by strong sales of its SUV portfolio and a rebound in rural markets. The company’s consolidated revenue rose sharply, aided by solid performance in the automotive and farm equipment segments. Despite rising input costs and global economic uncertainties, Mahindra maintained steady margins and reaffirmed its growth outlook for the rest of the fiscal year.

A recent trading disruption at the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) has drawn sharp criticism from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), with Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch expressing strong displeasure over the incident. The outage, which halted trading activity for several hours, raised concerns about operational resilience and the robustness of the exchange’s technological infrastructure. SEBI has directed MCX to provide a comprehensive explanation and ensure stronger contingency protocols.

Eyewear retailer Lenskart’s initial public offering (IPO) witnessed overwhelming investor participation, closing with a subscription of 7.4 times on the final day. The robust response was led by qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), with significant support from retail investors and non-institutional participants. The company’s strong brand recognition, consistent profitability, and expanding presence across online and offline channels appear to have boosted investor confidence.

State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, posted a 10% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit for the second quarter of FY2024-25, reaching Rs. 20,160 crore. The growth was primarily supported by strong loan disbursements, steady interest income, and lower provisioning for bad loans. While the bank maintained healthy asset quality, its net interest margin (NIM) saw mild compression amid rising funding costs.

In a move that underscores the growing convergence of technology and infrastructure, the Adani Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Autodesk Inc. to advance digital transformation across its construction and infrastructure businesses. The collaboration will focus on deploying cloud-based solutions and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies to enhance design efficiency, project execution, and sustainability outcomes.

FCC Analytics, a global leader in financial data intelligence and quantitative market insights, has announced plans to expand its footprint in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing financial ecosystems. The firm aims to tap into India’s rapidly evolving capital markets, driven by digital transformation, retail participation, and regulatory modernization. By introducing advanced analytical tools and machine-learning-driven investment platforms, FCC Analytics seeks to empower financial institutions, asset managers, and policymakers with deeper market intelligence.

The much-awaited initial public offering (IPO) of Groww, the Bengaluru-based online investment platform, opened to a steady investor response, recording a 29% subscription on its first day. The retail investor segment showed the strongest participation, reflecting widespread enthusiasm for the fintech brand that has redefined retail investing in India. Institutional and non-institutional investors adopted a measured approach, with expectations of stronger participation in subsequent days.

Bajaj Finance Ltd has reported a sharp 27% increase in festive season loan demand, signaling robust consumer sentiment and strong credit appetite across retail and personal finance segments. The surge was primarily driven by rising discretionary spending, digital adoption, and attractive financing schemes during the festive period. With consumers turning to easy credit for lifestyle purchases and big-ticket items, the company witnessed record disbursals in segments such as consumer durables, personal loans, and two-wheeler financing.