Stock Market Gains Highlight Telecom, Financial, and Entertainment Sectors' Strategic Moves Vodafone Idea Limited’s share price rose 3.81% on Friday following Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla’s confidence in the telecom operator’s future. Speaking at the company’s extraordinary general meeting, Birla emphasized that Vodafone Idea had reached an “inflection point” and that “good times” were ahead despite ongoing challenges. The optimism came after the approval of a ₹4,730-crore promoter funding proposal, which Birla said would shift the company’s focus toward execution. This move aims to strengthen operations and enhance competitiveness in the telecom market. Investor sentiment was further bolstered by recent developments, including government relief on adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, promoter support, and efforts to raise capital for network expansion and 5G rollout. IFCI Limited’s shares surged 16.10% as investors flocked to the stock amid heightened expectations for the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) long-awaited IPO. The rally coincided with strong trading activity, driven by bets on value unlocking from IFCI’s indirect stake in the NSE through its subsidiary, the Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL). SHCIL holds a 4.4% stake in the NSE, while IFCI controls SHCIL. Reports that the NSE was preparing to file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) for the IPO further amplified optimism. Market participants view the NSE listing as a major milestone in India’s capital markets, with IFCI’s exposure to the project seen as a key catalyst for its stock. Ola Electric Mobility Limited’s shares rebounded 1.14% after a previous session of profit-booking.#national_stock_exchange #kumar_mangalam_birla #vodafone_idea_limited #stock_holding_corporation_of_india #ola_electric_mobility_limited
RSS Chief Bhagwat Urges India to Lead Through Civilisational Values Amid US-Iran Tensions Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasized during a speech in Nagpur that India must rise as a global leader guided by its civilisational values rather than through domination. Speaking to RSS members at the conclusion of the Vikas Varg-2 event, Bhagwat highlighted the geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, using the conflict as a backdrop to underscore the influence of powerful nations on global affairs. He argued that the world listens only to the strong, with powerful countries imposing their will on weaker nations, as seen in the rising oil prices despite the US-Iran conflict remaining primarily regional. Bhagwat warned that conflicts driven by self-interest have ripple effects even on nations not directly involved. "The war is between Iran and America, yet oil prices are rising here," he said, stressing that power dictates global outcomes. He cautioned against India using its growing strength for domination, instead advocating for a role as a "dharma-centric nation" that protects and supports others. "Bharat will not use its strength to dominate others. It will use it to protect and support all," he declared, framing India’s rise as a moral and civilisational imperative. The RSS chief linked India’s resurgence to its historical legacy, noting that the nation once led the world in spiritual, economic, and scientific domains. He pointed to India’s contributions to global knowledge systems, including mathematics, Ayurveda, and philosophy, and criticized the loss of societal preparedness that allowed historical subjugation. "Those who enslaved us were not superior to us.#nagpur #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #mohan_bhagwat #vikas_varg_2 #kumar_mangalam_birla
