State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) posted a year-on-year drop in its consolidated net profit for the first quarter, largely due to lower crude oil prices in the global market. The company’s revenue from operations also moderated, reflecting weaker price realizations despite steady production levels. ONGC attributed the decline to softer international benchmarks for crude, which weighed on margins. However, natural gas output and sales provided partial relief.

In a move set to redefine workplace benefits, Eternal has announced a sweeping reform to its parental leave policy, granting employees the flexibility to take up to three years off following the birth or adoption of a child. The program, designed to accommodate diverse family needs, allows leave to be taken in a single block or spread across multiple periods. This progressive initiative underscores the company’s commitment to work-life balance, employee well-being, and talent retention.

CapitaLand Investment Ltd (CLI), a Singapore-based real asset manager, has formalized plans to inject over ₹19,200 crore into Maharashtra by 2030. This sweeping investment agreement, signed with the state government coinciding with the launch of CLI’s first Indian data centre in Navi Mumbai, will channel funds into business parks, data centres, logistics, and industrial infrastructure across Mumbai and Pune. The push serves as a cornerstone of CLI’s broader India strategy—targeting rapid expansion of its assets under management from S$8 billion to S$15 billion by 2028.

Artificial intelligence firm Fractal Analytics has filed its draft red herring prospectus with SEBI, aiming to raise ₹4,900 crore through a combination of a ₹1,279 crore fresh equity issue and ₹3,621 crore worth of shares offered for sale. The Mumbai-based company is set to be the first AI-focused entity to go public in India, targeting listings on BSE and NSE by December. Fresh capital will fuel R&D, strategic expansion, debt reduction, and domestic infrastructure.

In a decisive move unveiled in the Union Budget 2025–26, the Indian government has lifted the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ceiling in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asserted that this policy shift, now in effect from August 1, 2025, is poised to inject new players into the market, catalyze job creation, and accelerate technology integration. Improved automation promises expedited underwriting and claims processing, reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

The Government has granted clearance for the Tato-II Hydro Project, allocating ₹8,146 crore toward its development. Positioned to bolster the nation’s renewable energy infrastructure, the venture emphasizes hydropower’s pivotal role in achieving sustainable growth while supporting regional economies. The approval underscores strategic confidence in harnessing clean power amidst escalating energy demands. With a focus on long-term viability, the project promises enhanced grid stability, local employment, and clean generation capacity.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has unveiled a consultation paper proposing a lighter regulatory framework tailored for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that cater exclusively to accredited investors. The reforms, currently out for public consultation, aim to enhance efficiency and accessibility by lowering operational barriers and leveraging fund managers’ due diligence.

In a significant push to strengthen India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, the government has approved new chip fabrication and packaging facilities in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh. The projects, backed by both domestic and international investors, aim to bolster self-reliance in critical electronics components, reduce import dependence, and position India as a competitive player in the global semiconductor value chain.

PwC India has unveiled an ambitious workforce expansion plan, aiming to add 20,000 jobs over the next five years as part of its long-term growth strategy. The move reflects the firm’s intent to strengthen its capabilities in management consulting, risk advisory, and digital transformation services, driven by rising client demand in a rapidly evolving business environment. The hiring push will focus on technology specialists, data analysts, ESG experts, and sector-focused consultants.

Celcius Logistics, a leading cold chain solutions provider, has announced its entry into the pharmaceutical logistics segment, marking a strategic diversification to meet rising demand for temperature-controlled supply chain services in healthcare. Leveraging its existing expertise in cold storage and transport, the company plans to develop specialized infrastructure and technology for the safe movement of vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive medicines.