GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. reported a 12% rise in net profit for the first quarter of FY2025, underpinned by resilient demand for key prescription brands and meticulous cost management. Revenue grew modestly amid stable therapeutic demand, particularly in respiratory and dermatology segments. The company's focus on operational efficiency, digital outreach, and expansion into smaller markets helped mitigate industry-wide pricing and regulatory pressures. Flagship brands like Augmentin and Calpol continued to anchor growth, while leaner cost structures bolstered margins.

Indian equities took a sharp downturn on Thursday, with the benchmark BSE Sensex tumbling 586 points, dragged down by broad-based selling and negative global cues. Persistent concerns over economic growth, rising bond yields, and uncertainty surrounding interest rate trajectories overseas weighed heavily on market sentiment. The NSE Nifty also mirrored the decline, slipping below key psychological support levels. Heavyweight stocks in banking, technology, and FMCG sectors led the decline, reflecting heightened risk aversion among institutional investors.

The Indian rupee appreciated by 12 paise on Thursday to close at Rs. 87.53 against the U.S. dollar, supported by easing global crude oil prices, positive foreign capital inflows, and a marginal retreat in the greenback overseas. Market sentiment was also buoyed by a modest recovery in domestic equities following a global sell-off. Currency traders attributed the rupee’s upward movement to improved risk appetite and central bank interventions aimed at managing volatility.

Eicher Motors reported a 9% year-on-year growth in consolidated net profit for the first quarter of FY25, reaching Rs. 1,205 crore, supported by robust performance from its flagship brand Royal Enfield. Total revenue for the quarter grew to Rs. 4,256 crore, reflecting consistent demand across domestic and international markets. Healthy volume growth, improved product mix, and cost efficiency contributed to stable operating margins.

Mankind Pharma reported a 17% year-on-year decline in net profit for the first quarter, even as revenue edged upward, reflecting a complex interplay between rising input costs and strategic expansion initiatives. While the company managed to increase its total income from operations, profit margins came under pressure due to elevated raw material costs, marketing spend, and international business scaling. Despite the dip in quarterly earnings, Mankind Pharma remains optimistic about long-term prospects, driven by a broad portfolio in domestic and export markets.

The initial public offering of Laxmi India Finance was subscribed 1.85 times, indicating a healthy appetite from investors, particularly within the retail and non-institutional categories. The Jaipur-based non-banking financial company (NBFC), focused on vehicle loans and small-ticket financing, launched its public issue with the aim of strengthening its capital base and supporting future growth plans. The IPO’s solid subscription performance suggests investor confidence in the company’s regional footprint, lending model, and its focus on underbanked segments.

The initial public offering of Sri Lotus Developers has been fully subscribed, reflecting heightened investor interest in India’s fast-growing real estate and infrastructure sector. The offering, which opened to the public recently, drew significant participation across investor categories, signaling market confidence in the company’s growth story. Known for its residential and commercial developments in southern India, Sri Lotus Developers is leveraging the IPO to enhance brand visibility and fuel expansion.

The initial public offering of the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) witnessed a strong investor response, being oversubscribed five times by the end of the second day of bidding. Enthusiastic participation came from institutional, retail, and non-institutional investors alike, underscoring the market's confidence in the company’s foundational role in India's capital markets. The IPO is being viewed as a strategic bet on the country’s deepening financial infrastructure, given NSDL’s dominance in depository services.

In a decisive move to bolster investor confidence and curb excessive speculation, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has revised its pricing framework for small and medium enterprise (SME) initial public offerings. The exchange has halved the permissible listing price cap—from 40% to 20% above the issue price—aiming to stabilize post-listing price movements. This development follows heightened regulatory attention on inflated SME valuations and sharp day-one gains.

Amid a global pivot toward artificial intelligence and automation, Infosys has announced plans to recruit 20,000 graduates in fiscal year 2025. The move reflects the IT giant’s intent to strengthen its talent pipeline and accelerate its AI-first transformation agenda. At a time when many global technology firms are treading cautiously on hiring, Infosys is signaling confidence in long-term digital demand.