Business - The Purbottar

15 May

Fuel Prices Soar as State-Run Oil Companies Scrap 4-Year Rate Freeze

anuprova EditorBusiness

Petrol, diesel prices hiked by up to ₹3/litre across India from Friday, May 15, 2026; first major hike in over four years Petrol prices hiked to Rs 97.77 from Rs 94.77 in the national capital, while diesel is now priced at Rs 90.67 per litre. Other major metros saw even higher increases as local taxes kicked in; petrol in Mumbai touched Rs 106.68 and Kolkata’s rates crossed Rs 108.74. The sudden spike follows a long period of price stability, with state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) taking huge losses to protect consumers from volatile global markets. The price revision is largely…

14 May

New energy rules make 2026 ACs more efficient, consumers advised to check star labels

Business BureauBusiness

With summer driving up demand for air conditioners across the country, consumers are being advised to pay closer attention to star ratings, manufacturing year and ISEER values while purchasing ACs, as revised energy efficiency norms introduced from January 1, 2026, promise better long-term savings on electricity bills. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has updated star rating standards for air conditioners for the 2026–2027 period, making new AC models nearly 10 per cent more energy-efficient than those manufactured in 2025 or earlier. Under the revised norms, a 5-star split AC manufactured in 2026 must have an ISEER value of 5.6,…

14 May

Illegal mosquito agarbattis pose bigger health risk than dengue, warn doctors

Business BureauBusiness

Illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis used in Indian households may be posing a greater immediate health threat than mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, according to a new public health study released ahead of National Dengue Day on May 16. The study, commissioned by the Home Insect Control Association (HICA) and conducted by market research firm Kantar, found that 70 per cent of doctors surveyed classified illegal mosquito agarbattis containing unapproved chemicals as a “major respiratory hazard”. The survey, conducted across 12 cities among 1,264 households and 405 doctors, revealed that while 95 per cent of households reported no dengue or…

14 May

TVS Motor Company posts 30% revenue growth in FY26, records highest-ever sales

Business BureauBusiness

TVS Motor Company has reported a 30 per cent rise in revenue for the financial year 2025-26, posting its highest-ever annual sales and revenue figures driven by strong growth across motorcycles, scooters and electric vehicles. The company recorded revenue of Rs. 47,270 crore in FY26 compared to Rs. 36,251 crore in the previous financial year. Operating profit before tax (PBT) rose 40 per cent to Rs. 4,975 crore from Rs. 3,563 crore in FY25, while operating EBITDA improved to 12.9 per cent. TVS Motor sold 58.89 lakh two-wheelers and three-wheelers during FY26, marking a 24 per cent increase from 47.44…

14 May

Sony launches BRAVIA 3II smart TVs in India with XR processor, 4K 120Hz gaming features

Business BureauBusiness

Sony has announced the launch of its new BRAVIA 3II television series in India, introducing advanced AI-powered picture processing and next-generation gaming features to its mid-premium smart TV lineup. The company said the new series is powered by Sony’s XR Processor™, designed to analyse content the way humans see and hear to deliver enhanced colour, contrast, depth and clarity. The BRAVIA 3II series comes with XR Triluminos Pro™, Dolby Vision®, Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X® and support for 4K 120Hz refresh rate aimed at improving cinematic viewing and gaming experiences. Sony said the television lineup will initially be launched in 55-inch and…

14 May

Net Receivables Hit ₹12,540 Crore as DLF Accelerates Development Pipeline

nanika EditorBusiness

India’s premier real estate developer, DLF Ltd, has announced a significant capital commitment of ₹21,300 crore to complete its ongoing residential projects. According to the company’s latest investor presentation, this investment will primarily target developments in the Delhi-NCR region, Mumbai, and the Chandigarh tri-city area, reinforcing DLF's position as a dominant force in the Indian property market. The financial breakdown reveals a robust liquidity position for the firm. While the pending cost to finish all launched projects is pegged at ₹21,300 crore, the company is set to receive ₹33,840 crore from customers against property sales. This leaves DLF with a…

14 May

UWA India announces major scholarship push for Indian students

Business BureauBusiness

The University of Western Australia (UWA) has announced a major scholarship initiative through UWA India, marking one of its biggest standalone commitments in the Indian education sector. The move aims to make globally recognised education more accessible for Indian students from diverse academic, socioeconomic and regional backgrounds. Announcing the initiative, UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the scholarship program reflects the university’s long-term commitment to India and its focus on expanding access to quality international education. “We are ensuring that financial constraints do not limit ambition. Our goal is to empower talented students across India to prepare for global careers,”…

14 May

AI drives India’s startup boom as ‘Portfolio Careers’ gain ground: LinkedIn

Business BureauBusiness

India is witnessing a sharp rise in entrepreneurship as artificial intelligence and digital tools reshape the country’s work culture, according to new data released by LinkedIn on May 12. The report showed a 104 per cent year-on-year increase in members adding “Founder” to their LinkedIn profiles in India, the highest growth recorded globally. The study highlighted how younger professionals are moving away from traditional career paths and embracing “portfolio careers” with multiple income streams. Around 75 per cent of Gen Z entrepreneurs in India said they have more than one source of income, compared to 62 per cent of Gen…

14 May

Berger Paints posts strong Q4 profit growth amid rising demand

Business BureauBusiness

Berger Paints India Ltd has reported strong growth in its fourth quarter earnings for FY26, driven by improving domestic demand, higher volumes and better operating margins. The company posted a 38.1 per cent year-on-year rise in standalone net profit at Rs 327.3 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 236.9 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. According to the company’s financial results, standalone revenue from operations during the quarter rose 6.7 per cent to Rs 2,504 crore, while EBITDA increased 17.8 per cent to Rs 458.7 crore. The company also recorded volume growth of 11.8…

14 May

High Court allows withdrawal of petition against composition of Sir Ratan Tata Trust

anuprova EditorBusiness

The Bombay High Court has given its official nod to withdraw a petition challenging the present composition and some appointments in the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. In a recent hearing, the petitioner, who sought to question the internal governance and the selection process of trustees, withdrew the legal challenge. The court’s decision to allow the withdrawal effectively ends this particular legal battle over one of India’s most prominent philanthropy outfits. The petition had originally raised concerns about whether the trust’s leadership structure was in strict compliance with its governing bylaws. However, when the matter was called for hearing, the counsel…