ICICI Bank Allots 243,921 Equity Shares Under Employee Stock Option Scheme ICICI Bank has completed the allotment of 243,921 equity shares under its Employee Stock Option Scheme-2000 on March 17, 2026. The shares, each with a face value of Rs.2, were allocated to eligible employees as part of the bank’s ongoing employee incentive program. The allotment was approved by two Executive Directors at 10:46 a.m. on the same day, following delegation of authority from the Board of Directors during a meeting held on October 21, 2023. The bank formally notified the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) about the allotment through proper regulatory channels. The equity share allotment was executed in accordance with corporate governance procedures. The bank provided comprehensive details of the allotment to stock exchanges, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements. The approval from the Executive Directors was granted under the delegated powers from the Board, which facilitates efficient execution of employee stock option schemes while maintaining oversight. Regulatory compliance was a key aspect of the process. ICICI Bank fulfilled its obligations by notifying both BSE and NSE about the share allotment. The formal communication was signed by Prashant Mistry from the Associate Leadership Team, ensuring proper authorization and documentation of the corporate action. This step underscores the bank’s adherence to regulatory frameworks governing employee stock options. The Employee Stock Option Scheme-2000 reflects ICICI Bank’s long-standing commitment to employee participation in organizational growth. Such schemes are designed to align employee interests with shareholder value creation and serve as retention tools.#icici_bank #national_stock_exchange #prashant_mistry #bombay_stock_exchange #vivek_ranjan

PFC shares climb 4% as board approves fourth interim dividend, borrowing plan for FY27 Shares of the state-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) surged 4.04% to an intraday high of ₹434.95 per unit on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on March 18, 2026, following the announcement that its board had approved the fourth interim dividend for the 2025-26 financial year. The dividend, set at ₹3.25 per equity share with a face value of ₹10, was declared by the board during its meeting on March 17, 2026. The payment date for the dividend is scheduled for April 16, 2026, with the record date for eligibility determination fixed for March 23, 2026. The stock was trading at ₹426.60 per share as of 12:57 PM on March 18, reflecting a 2.05% gain. Over the past week, the stock had risen 5%, and it was up 2% for the month. On a year-to-date basis, the share price had advanced 18%. However, the stock had previously touched a 52-week low of ₹329.90 on December 18, 2025, before hitting a yearly high of ₹444.10 on April 22, 2025. In addition to the dividend approval, the board sanctioned a borrowing plan of ₹1.6 lakh crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The company stated it may borrow up to ₹1.6 lakh crore in FY27, excluding funds raised under extra budgetary resources (EBR), subject to borrowing limits approved by shareholders. The plan includes ₹1 lakh crore in the form of bonds, securities, long or medium-term instruments, and term loans, along with ₹20,000 crore in foreign currency borrowing through various instruments. The company’s total market capitalization stood at ₹1.41 lakh crore as of March 18, 2026, according to NSE data. The borrowing plan is part of PFC’s strategy to manage its financial obligations and support its operations, which include managing power sector projects and infrastructure development.#india #national_stock_exchange #power_finance_corporation #dividend #borrowing_plan

Bandhan Bank Share Price Plummets 10% Amid Market Volatility The stock of Bandhan Bank experienced a significant decline, dropping by 10% as of 1.50 pm on the National Stock Exchange (BSE). The shares were trading at approximately Rs 159.50, reflecting a sharp 9.19% decrease from previous levels. Investors and market analysts are now closely examining the factors contributing to this sudden downturn. A key development in the market was the decision by brokerage firm JM Financial to upgrade Bandhan Bank’s stock rating from "Reduce" to "Add." Alongside this change, the firm adjusted its target price for the stock to Rs 160. This move suggests that JM Financial has revised its outlook on the bank’s performance and potential for future growth. However, the immediate drop in share price indicates that market sentiment remains cautious despite the positive rating change. The decline in Bandhan Bank’s stock price could be attributed to a combination of factors, including broader market trends, regulatory developments, or shifts in investor confidence. While the brokerage’s upgrade may signal optimism about the bank’s prospects, the market’s reaction highlights the sensitivity of investor sentiment to external pressures. Analysts are now likely to scrutinize recent financial reports, strategic initiatives, and macroeconomic indicators to determine whether the downturn is a temporary fluctuation or a sign of deeper concerns. The timing of the price drop also raises questions about its connection to other market events or sector-specific challenges. Bandhan Bank, a prominent player in the Indian financial sector, has faced scrutiny in recent months over issues such as liquidity concerns, competition, and evolving regulatory requirements.#bse #national_stock_exchange #jm_financial #bandhan_bank #indian_financial_sector

ITI shares surge 15%, post best day in 14 months amid spike in trading volumes Shares of the state-run telecom equipment and smart meters maker ITI posted their best day in over a year on Monday, March 16, in a highly volatile trading session. ITI shares rose as much as 15%, its biggest intraday gain since January 6, 2025, to hit an intraday high of ₹279 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). On the BSE, ITI shares also jumped 15% amid a sharp spike in trading volumes. The surge followed a dramatic increase in trading activity, with the stock’s volume jumping 167 times to over 5.38 crore shares compared to an average of 3.22 lakh shares. On the BSE, 34.78 lakh shares were traded, far exceeding the average of 25,000 shares in the past two weeks. The sharp rise in ITI shares came despite the company’s recent financial performance, which included a net loss of ₹25 crore in the third quarter of the current financial year, compared to a loss of ₹49 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations dropped 50% to ₹515 crore, down from ₹1,034 crore in the year-ago period. However, ITI reported stable operational performance, with EBITDA at ₹26 crore, compared to an EBITDA loss of ₹11 crore in the previous quarter. The surge in ITI shares also coincided with broader market movements, as the NIFTY 500 index closed lower by 0.65% at 1:30 pm. ITI shares traded 9% higher at ₹264.85, outperforming the benchmark index. Separately, a parliamentary panel has urged the power ministry to accelerate the installation of smart meters across the country. The report highlighted that the pace of smart meter deployment has fallen far below targets, with only 5.83 crore meters installed by February 15, 2026, against a government target of 25 crore by March 2025.#parliamentary_panel #bse #national_stock_exchange #iti #smart_meters

TVS Motor Launches Orbiter V1 Electric Scooter at ₹49,999, Introduces Battery Subscription Model TVS Motor Company has expanded its electric scooter lineup with a lower-capacity variant and a battery subscription option aimed at reducing the upfront cost of EV ownership in India. The Orbiter V1 electric scooter was launched on March 12, 2026, priced at ₹49,999 (ex-showroom Delhi, inclusive of PM e-Drive subsidy) under a new Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. Without BaaS, the scooter is priced at ₹84,500 under the same subsidy conditions. The announcement was made in Lucknow and simultaneously disclosed to the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange. The Orbiter V1 is powered by a 1.8 kWh battery and delivers a certified IDC range of 86 km per charge. It supports charging from zero to 80% in approximately two hours and 20 minutes, making it practical for daily urban use. The scooter joins the existing Orbiter V2, which carries a 3.1 kWh battery and was launched last year to positive market reception. With the addition of the V1, TVS now offers the Orbiter in two variants catering to different range and budget requirements. On design, the V1 features an 845 mm flat-form seat built for both rider and pillion comfort, a 290 mm straight-line footboard offering legroom, and an upright handlebar intended to reduce riding fatigue. Under-seat storage stands at 34 litres, sufficient to hold two helmets. The overall design is described by TVS as modern and purposeful, prioritising function without sacrificing form. The scooter is equipped with a range of technology features. A coloured LCD instrument cluster displays incoming calls alongside standard ride information.#national_stock_exchange #bombay_stock_exchange #tvs_motor_company #gaurav_gupta #aniruddha_haldar

Cupid Shares Surge Over 15% Amid Bonus Share Announcement Shares of Cupid Ltd., India’s leading condom manufacturer, surged nearly 15% on Monday, March 9, as the stock began trading ex-bonus in a 4:1 ratio. The company’s shares hit an intraday high of ₹92.90 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and climbed to ₹91 on the BSE, outperforming the NIFTY50 index, which fell 2.3% during the session. The rally followed the announcement of a bonus share issuance, which rewards existing shareholders by granting four additional shares for every one held on the record date. Cupid disclosed in a regulatory filing that the bonus shares would be allotted on March 10, 2026, with the deemed date of allotment set for the next working day. The company stated that shareholders would receive 107,57,28,560 fully paid-up equity shares of ₹1 each, distributed in a 4:1 ratio. Analysts noted that such bonus share offerings are a common strategy to boost shareholder value and incentivize long-term investment. The stock’s sharp rise coincided with a spike in trading volume, with 4.97 crore shares exchanged on the NSE—11 times the average of 43.64 lakh shares in the past two weeks. On the BSE, trading volume reached 61.12 lakh shares, compared to an average of 2.36 lakh shares daily. The increased activity reflects heightened investor interest in the company’s equity following the bonus announcement. Cupid also announced the resignation of independent director Smeeta Bhatkal, effective from March 2, 2026, citing full-time professional commitments. Her departure means she will no longer serve on the company’s Audit Committee. This development, while separate from the stock’s performance, adds context to the company’s corporate governance dynamics.#nifty50 #bse #national_stock_exchange #cupid_ltd #smeta_bhatkal

ICICI Bank Allots 485,368 Equity Shares Under Employee Stock Option Scheme-2000 ICICI Bank Limited has completed the allotment of 485,368 equity shares under its Employee Stock Option Scheme-2000. The shares, each with a face value of Rs.2, were allotted on March 9, 2026, following regulatory approvals and internal governance procedures. The allotment was authorized by two Executive Directors at 04.55 p.m. on the same day, under powers delegated by the Board of Directors during a meeting on October 21, 2023. The bank has formally communicated the allotment to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) through regulatory channels. The allotment marks a significant step in the bank’s employee compensation framework, reinforcing its commitment to aligning employee interests with shareholder value. The transaction was executed in compliance with all statutory requirements, ensuring transparency and adherence to governance standards. The shares were allocated as part of the ICICI Bank Employees Stock Option Scheme-2000, which provides employees with opportunities to benefit from the bank’s long-term growth. The bank’s regulatory communication included details such as the number of shares, face value, allotment date, and the specific scheme under which the shares were issued. The notification was signed by Prashant Mistry from the Associate Leadership Team and digitally authenticated on March 9, 2026, at 17:03:17 +05:30, ensuring compliance with exchange regulations. Separately, ICICI Bank also reported a block trade of shares on the NSE, reflecting its active participation in the capital market. The bank’s corporate actions, including share allotments and trades, underscore its strategic focus on balancing shareholder returns with employee incentives.#icici_bank #bombay_stock_exchange #national_stock_exchange #prashant_mistry #employee_stock_option_scheme_2000

Mazagon Dock Share Price Surges Amid Defense Contract Speculation Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) addressed recent speculation about its share price surge, attributing the rise to completed Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) discussions for a potential defense contract valued at ₹99,000 crore. The company clarified that the proposal is currently under consideration for approval by the relevant authorities, with no undisclosed information influencing market activity. The clarification followed reports linking the sharp increase in MDL’s share price to rumors of a major defense order. The firm emphasized that, beyond the finalized negotiations, it is unaware of any additional material developments that could impact trading. MDL reiterated that all mandatory disclosures under SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, have been made, including updates shared on August 25, 2025, September 10, 2025, and January 9, 2026. The company also stated that media claims suggesting a significant impact on its operations are inaccurate, ensuring transparency for investors. MDL confirmed that while discussions with the government have concluded, the contract remains pending official approval. The company stressed that no further announcements have been made beyond the information already disclosed. Mazagon Dock shares closed at ₹2,352.50 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on March 5, reflecting an increase of ₹187.10, or 8.64%, from the previous day’s closing price.#government #national_stock_exchange #mazagon_dock_shipbuilders_limited #contract_negotiation_committee #sebi_lodr_regulations
Holi 2026: What’s Open And What’s Closed – Banks, Schools, Offices And Stock Market Holi 2026 is set to be celebrated across India with vibrant festivities, but the holiday schedule varies by state, affecting the operations of banks, schools, offices, and stock markets. In many regions, the festival will be observed on March 4, with Holika Dahan falling on March 2. The exact closure dates for institutions depend on local government notifications, as some states have declared Holi a gazetted holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Schools across the country are expected to close for one or two days during the festival. In states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi NCR, schools and offices will observe a restricted holiday on March 3 and a public holiday on March 4. Rajasthan typically declares a full public holiday on Holi, while Punjab schools will remain closed on March 4. In Maharashtra, schools in major cities such as Mumbai and Pune are confirmed to be closed on Dhulandi, the main day of celebration. Southern states may adjust schedules due to overlapping regional festivals like Attukal Pongala, with some schools potentially closed on March 3. Parents and students are advised to check official school communications for private institution updates. Banks will follow guidelines from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), with closures varying by state. In Uttar Pradesh, banks will be closed on March 2 (Holika Dahan) and March 4 (Holi). On March 3, banks in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Telangana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Goa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh will remain closed for Holi, Dol Jatra, or Dhulandi.#national_stock_exchange #bombay_stock_exchange #reserve_bank_of_india #holi_2026 #attukal_pongala
Stock Markets to Remain Closed on March 3 for Holi 2026 The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India will remain closed on March 3, 2026, for the festival of Holi. Despite confusion over whether Holi will fall on March 3 or 4, the markets have officially designated March 3 as the holiday. This decision aligns with the traditional celebration of Holi, which marks the arrival of spring and is widely observed across the country. The confusion stems from the varying regional dates for Holi, which is traditionally celebrated on the full moon of the Phalguna month in the Hindu calendar. However, the stock exchanges have opted for March 3 as the closure date, ensuring consistency with national observances. Other Market Holidays in 2026 In addition to Holi, the stock markets will observe several other holidays throughout the year. These include: Diwali: While Diwali falls on a Sunday in November 2026, no separate holiday is declared for the festival. However, a special trading session is scheduled for November 8, 2026, to accommodate the occasion. Christmas: December 25, 2026, will be a holiday. Other Observances: Dates for festivals like Eid, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and others will be announced in subsequent circulars. Market Volatility Amid Israel-Iran Conflict Prior to the Holi closure, the Indian stock market experienced significant volatility due to tensions between Israel and Iran. On the previous trading day, the Sensex and Nifty indices closed with sharp declines. The Sensex fell 1.29% to 80,238.85, while the Nifty dropped 1.24% to 24,865.70. Key sectors such as infrastructure, automobiles, and energy saw declines of over 2%, while defense and metals indices showed minor gains.#nifty #holi #sensex #national_stock_exchange #bombay_stock_exchange
Holi Stock Market Holiday: Share Market Closure Date Confirmed for March 2026 The stock market in India will remain closed on March 2, 2026, for the festival of Holi. However, investors are facing confusion due to the simultaneous occurrence of a lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, which has led to uncertainty about the exact date of the festival. Traditionally, Holi is celebrated on March 2, but the lunar eclipse on March 3 has caused widespread speculation about whether the festival will be observed on the earlier date or shifted to March 4. This ambiguity has left investors unsure about whether the stock exchanges, including the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), will be closed on March 3 or March 4. The confusion arises because lunar eclipses are considered inauspicious for public celebrations in many parts of India, leading to the possibility of Holi being postponed. However, the exact decision on the festival’s date has not been officially announced, leaving the market participants in a state of uncertainty. The situation highlights the challenges faced by investors when public holidays and astronomical events overlap, creating a need for clear communication from authorities to avoid disruptions in financial activities. Until the official announcement is made, the stock market closure date for Holi remains tied to March 2, but the potential impact of the lunar eclipse on the festival’s timing continues to cast doubt on the exact schedule.#march_2026 #holi_festival #national_stock_exchange #bombay_stock_exchange #lunar_eclipse