Indian Stock Market Hits Record High
The Indian stock market experienced a remarkable surge on Monday, September 23rd, with nearly 350 stocks hitting their 52-week highs on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Notable performers included Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), Kotak Mahindra Bank, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, and Sun Pharma. This bullish sentiment propelled the Sensex and Nifty 50 to fresh record levels, reflecting a strong overall buying trend. Investors witnessed an impressive gain of approximately ₹ 4 lakh crore within a single day.
First Case of Mpox Clade 1b Strain Detected in India
India has confirmed its first case of the Mpox Clade 1b strain, which prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency last month. The case was detected in a 38-year-old man from Malappuram district in Kerala, who had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. The detection of this specific strain, which has been spreading globally, highlights the ongoing public health concerns surrounding the virus.
Formal Hiring Recovers in July
The Indian labor market showed signs of recovery in July, according to the latest monthly payroll data released by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The number of fresh formal hirings under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) increased by 2.6% to 1.05 million in July, indicating a positive trend in the formal sector. This data is considered crucial as it reflects the growth of the workforce that enjoys social security benefits and protection under labor laws.
Congress Slams Kangana Ranaut’s Remarks
The Himachal Pradesh Congress has threatened legal action against actor-politician Kangana Ranaut for her controversial remarks about Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress. Ranaut’s comments sparked outrage after she alleged that the state government had diverted funds to Sonia Gandhi. Congress leaders have dismissed these claims as baseless and issued an open challenge to Ranaut to prove her allegations.
Vodafone Idea in Talks with Government Over AGR Issue
Telecom giant Vodafone Idea is engaging in fresh negotiations with the Indian government regarding its Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) issue. Following a setback in the Supreme Court, Vodafone Idea’s CEO, Akshaya Moondra, confirmed the ongoing dialogue during a conference call with investors. This new round of talks aims to explore potential remedies for the company’s financial challenges related to the AGR issue.
Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified on Monday, September 23rd, with Israel launching airstrikes on over 300 targets in Lebanon. The intense barrage of attacks followed Israel’s warning to residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes, citing the presence of Hezbollah weapons. The conflict has resulted in at least 100 fatalities and over 400 injuries.
Coldplay’s India Tour Drives Hotel Prices Up
Coldplay’s highly anticipated return to India after a nine-year hiatus is creating a frenzy, not only for concert tickets but also for hotel accommodations. Hotel rates in the vicinity of the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where the band will perform, have skyrocketed to almost ₹ 1 lakh per night. Hotels like Courtyard by Marriott and Taj Vivanta have already sold out their rooms for the concert dates.
