The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested a fund manager associated with Axis Mutual Fund in connection with a front-running investigation, marking a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny over unethical trading practices in India’s asset management industry. The arrest underscores growing concerns around corporate governance and insider trading within mutual fund operations. Authorities allege that the fund manager leveraged confidential trade information to secure illicit gains through coordinated trades.

Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s largest public sector lenders, has unveiled an ambitious plan to scale its total business to Rs. 30 lakh crore by the end of FY26. With a focus on expanding both credit and deposit bases, the bank aims to achieve sustainable growth by leveraging digital transformation, strengthening its retail portfolio, and enhancing customer engagement. This strategic roadmap reflects the bank’s renewed push toward modernization and financial inclusion, amidst a competitive banking landscape.

Godrej Properties Ltd has announced an ambitious sales target of Rs. 32,500 crore for the current financial year, signaling a significant acceleration in its growth trajectory. The company plans to leverage a robust project pipeline, favorable demand dynamics, and strategic land acquisitions to meet its target. Following a record-breaking performance in the previous fiscal, the real estate major aims to scale operations across key Indian metros by launching a mix of residential and mixed-use developments.

State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched a 5G private network at Numaligarh Refinery in Assam, marking a significant milestone in India’s industrial connectivity landscape. The deployment is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, real-time monitoring, and automation within the refinery complex. This initiative reflects BSNL’s strategic foray into enterprise-grade 5G services, positioning itself as a key enabler in the industrial digital transformation era.

Decathlon India, the domestic arm of the French sporting goods giant, is embarking on an ambitious growth strategy aimed at crossing the $1 billion (approximately Rs. 8,300 crore) revenue milestone within the next five years. With India ranking as its fifth-largest global market, the company is aggressively rethinking its pricing, product assortment, and retail formats to drive deeper market penetration. The push includes a significant expansion of omnichannel capabilities, introduction of smaller high-street outlets, and competitive pricing to tap into the mass-market segment.

As global concerns over rare earth magnet shortages intensify, Mahindra & Mahindra has initiated a comprehensive strategy to secure its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions. The company, a key player in India’s automotive sector, is proactively addressing the supply risk of rare earth magnets—critical components in electric drivetrains. Mahindra’s response includes exploring alternate sourcing regions, deepening supplier partnerships, and evaluating potential substitutes to ensure uninterrupted production.

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), one of India’s oldest private sector lenders, is ramping up its digital capabilities as part of a broader strategy to modernize operations, enhance customer experience, and expand its footprint beyond traditional strongholds. With a focus on technology integration, digital onboarding, and mobile banking enhancements, the bank aims to reach younger, tech-savvy consumers while improving operational efficiency.

In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in India’s fast-growing tourism regions, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is expanding its operations in the Northeast. The hospitality major, known for its iconic Taj brand, is eyeing fresh opportunities in the underpenetrated northeastern states by introducing new properties under its varied portfolio, including Vivanta and Ginger.

Kalyan Jewellers, one of India’s leading jewelry retail chains, is strategically expanding its footprint through an asset-light franchise model, aiming to increase market penetration while simultaneously reducing its debt burden. This shift marks a significant pivot in the company’s operational approach—balancing growth with capital efficiency. With a strong presence in both urban and semi-urban markets, the jeweler is now targeting deeper regional outreach without incurring heavy upfront costs.

Sirca Paints India Ltd has posted a robust 39% year-on-year growth in net profit for the first quarter of FY25, reaching Rs. 14 crore. This performance reflects strong demand momentum, improved capacity utilization, and enhanced cost controls. The company, known for its premium wood coatings and decorative paint solutions, also recorded a notable rise in revenue, supported by a growing distribution network and product diversification.