Cottonseed oil cake futures edged higher on Monday as investors initiated fresh positions, supported by improved buying sentiment in spot markets and a rebound in demand from cattle feed manufacturers. The commodity, a key input for the dairy and livestock sector, has witnessed steady price recovery after a brief period of volatility. Analysts attribute the uptrend to renewed hedging activities, expectations of stable supply, and increased participation by market players seeking to capture short-term gains amid shifting dynamics in the edible oil complex.

Market Performance

In a significant development within India’s banking sector, Bank of India (BoI) has officially categorized Reliance Communications Ltd. (RCom) and its chairman Anil Ambani as “fraud” accounts. The decision follows years of financial turmoil surrounding the telecom operator, once a major player in India’s mobile services industry. By taking this step, BoI joins other lenders that have intensified scrutiny over high-profile defaults.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers, is preparing to scale up its production capabilities and strengthen its after-sales footprint through a new manufacturing plant and an expanded service network. The move comes as demand for passenger vehicles, SUVs, and electric models continues to climb both domestically and in select overseas markets. With this investment, Mahindra seeks to address capacity constraints, reduce delivery timelines, and ensure stronger customer engagement.

Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), the hospitality arm of the Tata Group, is gearing up for its next phase of expansion through a combination of acquisitions and entry into new destinations. The company, which operates the iconic Taj, Vivanta, SeleQtions, and Ginger brands, is pursuing both domestic and international opportunities to strengthen its portfolio.

India’s equity markets witnessed a sharp uptrend last week, driving a combined Rs. 1.72 lakh crore surge in the market capitalization of the country’s top listed firms. Reliance Industries Ltd. emerged as the biggest gainer, consolidating its dominance in terms of market value. The rally, supported by steady foreign inflows, robust corporate earnings, and resilient investor sentiment, underscores the strength of India’s large-cap companies even amid global economic uncertainties.

Paradeep Phosphates Ltd. (PPL), one of India’s prominent fertiliser producers, is ramping up its focus on innovative agri-solutions with a clear roadmap for nano-fertiliser production. The company aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving fertiliser market by targeting large-scale manufacturing of nano-based nutrients. This strategic shift aligns with the government’s push for sustainable agriculture, cost-effective input use, and reduced import dependency.

Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s leading public sector lenders, is set to undertake a major restructuring of its credit card operations from November. The move is aimed at strengthening its market position, enhancing customer engagement, and expanding its digital offerings at a time when the credit card industry is witnessing rapid growth. The revamp is expected to align PNB’s card business with evolving consumer preferences, regulatory directives, and competitive pressures from private players and fintech-led issuers.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has put forward a proposal to introduce a revised framework for the closing auction session in stock markets, aiming to improve transparency, liquidity, and price discovery. The regulator believes a structured approach to the closing session will help align Indian markets more closely with global practices, ensuring fairer outcomes for investors. This move comes amid rising participation from institutional investors and retail traders, both of whom rely heavily on accurate closing prices for portfolio valuation and settlement.

Health and wellness brand VLCC has been fined Rs. 3 lakh by a consumer commission for publishing misleading advertisements related to its slimming treatments. The ruling comes after complaints that the company’s promotional claims exaggerated results without scientific substantiation, thereby misleading consumers. The order underscores growing scrutiny on health, fitness, and beauty service providers, particularly in a sector where consumer vulnerability is often exploited through aspirational messaging.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case against Anil Ambani and his telecom firm, Reliance Communications (RCom), in connection with a massive bank fraud. The charges stem from allegations of misrepresentation, diversion of funds, and default on loans taken from a consortium of Indian banks. Once a telecom giant, RCom has been struggling with insolvency and mounting debt, and this probe adds another layer of complexity to its long-running financial troubles.