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EU lists Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as terrorist group after deadly protest crackdown

EU lists Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as terrorist group after deadly protest crackdown

by | Jan 29, 2026 | Business


Members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards participate in a military parade to commemorate the anniversary of the start of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, in Tehran. A file photo.
| Photo Credit:
MORTEZA NIKOUBAZL

The European Union has listed Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation in the aftermath of Tehran’s bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, the bloc’s top diplomat said in a post on X on Thursday.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said that foreign ministers unanimously agreed on the designation. She said that “any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise.”

The listing came after the 27-nation bloc sanctioned 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders in its Revolutionary Guard, over the violent crackdown on protesters. Activists say the crackdown has seen over 6,300 people killed.

Published on January 29, 2026



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SC asks States to evolve mechanism to bring domestic workers under minimum wages law

SC asks States to evolve mechanism to bring domestic workers under minimum wages law

by | Jan 29, 2026 | Business


Supreme Court
| Photo Credit:
ANUSHREE FADNAVIS

The Supreme Court on Thursday urged State governments to evolve “suitable mechanisms” and take a “final call” on bringing domestic workers under the legal protection and benefits of the Minimum Wages Act and the Code of Wages of 2019.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant allowed domestic workers’ unions, led by Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam, to submit comprehensive representations highlighting the grievances of one of the “most exploited” and weakest section of workers across the country.

Senior advocate Raju Ramachandran and advocate Shreya Munoth, for the petitioner unions, submitted that the exclusion of domestic workers from the Schedule to the Minimum Wages Act and/or the Code of Wages violated the fundamental right against forced labour and the right to life.

Ramachandran urged the court to direct State governments to fulfil their constitutional obligations by initiating a process of determining the “minimum wage for domestic work, and to meaningfully engage with and consult domestic workers and their representatives, including the petitioner-unions, as a part of the process”.

The hearing, however, saw the Chief Justice pass caustic oral remarks against the history and role of trade unions in the country.

“How many industries in this country have been successfully closed thanks to these trade unions… Know the realities also. All traditional industries in this country have been affected by trade unions. As children we used to see these industries being closed because of these jhanda unions… They (trade union leaders) do not want to work. They are largely responsible for stopping the industrial growth in this country,” Chief Justice Kant remarked.

The CJI acquitted that there was “undoubtedly, exploitation”. But the top judge that exploitation at workplaces ought to have been stopped through other measures like making workers more aware of their individual rights or making them skilled, etc.

“With utmost respect, let us not generalise and talk of larger issues. Collective bargaining is a valuable right. Today, we are talking about the weakest section, the domestic worker. There are eight crore of them, and most of them are women. They are the most exploited of workers. Their deliberate exclusion results in violation of the most primary of fundamental rights,” Mr. Ramachandran submitted.

The Chief Justice pointed out that bringing domestic workers under a minimum wage bracket may also prove counter-productive for them too. Households may stop hiring them and turn to service providing agencies. The “human bond” between households who treat workers like their own would die.

On the other hand service providers would exploit domestic workers. The Supreme Court recently contracted an agency and the rate agreed upon was Rs. 40,000 for a worker. The women who worked were only given Rs. 19000,” Chief Justice Kant said, disposing of the petitions. 

Published on January 29, 2026



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Niva Bupa Health Insurance posts Q3 net loss of Rs 87.64 crore, gross premium rises 55%

Niva Bupa Health Insurance posts Q3 net loss of Rs 87.64 crore, gross premium rises 55%

by | Jan 29, 2026 | Business


The insurer posted an operating loss of ₹135.53 crore in Q3FY25

Standalone health insurer Niva Bupa Health Insurance on Thursday reported a net loss of ₹87.64 crore for the third quarter this fiscal as against ₹13.24 crore net profit for the same period last fiscal.

The insurer posted an operating loss of ₹135.53 crore in Q3FY25 compared with an operating profit of ₹3.41 crore in Q3FY26, according to a stock exchange filing. Net premium written during the period under review grew 22.51 per cent y-o-y at ₹1,766.70 crore from ₹1,152.43 crore in the year-ago period.

The insurer’s expenses of management (EoM) ratio improved to 33.10 per cent from 41.73 per cent in Q3FY25. Combined ratio remained flat at 108.19 per cent as against 108.29 per cent in the same period last fiscal.

Solvency ratio

In the third quarter of FY26 solvency ratio stood at 2.49 compared with 3.03 in the corresponding period of FY25.

On a reported basis (with 1/n accounting impact), the company’s gross written premium (GWP) grew 55 per cent y-o-y to ₹2,231 crore in the third quarter from ₹1,442 crore in the year-ago period.

For the first nine months of the current financial year (9MFY26) GWP stood at ₹5,706 crore, registering a 22 per cent growth y-o-y. The health insurer said its customer base continued to show robust 23 per cent year-on-year growth, with the number of lives insured increasing to 24.5 million as of December, 2025.

Commenting on the results, Krishnan Ramachandran, MD & CEO, Niva Bupa said, “Our Q3FY26 performance reflects the strength of our growth strategy, increasing relevance in the retail health insurance market, and sustained focus on profitability. As we continue to scale responsibly, we remain committed to improving customer outcomes while building a resilient and profitable health insurance franchise.”

Published on January 29, 2026



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Cupid net triples in Q3, to issue 4:1 bonus shares

Cupid net triples in Q3, to issue 4:1 bonus shares

by | Jan 29, 2026 | Business


Cupid has reported that its December quarter net profit increased three times to ₹33 crore (₹11 crore) driven by strong execution, healthy demand and sustained momentum across its businesses.

Income more than doubled to ₹104 crore (₹51 crore) in the quarter under review. EBITDA was more than doubled to ₹34 crore.

The company has also announced that its Board has approved a proposal for the issuance of bonus equity shares in the ratio of 4:1.

Shareholders will receive four fully paid-up equity shares for every one equity share held by them as on the record date, which will be announced in due course.

The bonus issue follows a comprehensive evaluation of Cupid’s capital structure, growth trajectory and shareholder base composition, it said.

The bonus issue is expected to improve stock affordability by proportionately reducing the per-share price, thereby making Cupid’s equity more accessible to retail investors, it said.

This enhanced accessibility is anticipated to broaden the company’s investor base and encourage greater retail participation in the company’s equity.

Additionally, the increased number of shares in circulation is expected to improve trading liquidity, providing existing shareholders with greater flexibility in portfolio management.

Aditya Kumar Halwasiya, Chairman and Managing Director said the December quarter performance was the strongest in Cupid’s history, driven by disciplined execution and strong momentum across businesses.

The order book is at an all-time high, providing clear revenue visibility and confidence in sustained performance ahead, he added.

The company continues to strengthen its overseas presence, including in the GCC region, while capacity expansion at the Palava manufacturing facility is progressing as planned in line with the growth roadmap, he said.

To accelerate FMCG growth, the company plans to enter the UAE and Saudi market soon.

“We are confident of exceeding FY26 revenue guidance of ₹335 crore, with net profit expected to exceed ₹100 crore,” he said

The Board evaluated the bonus issue thoughtfully, keeping long-term value creation at the center, said Halwasiya.

Published on January 29, 2026



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Q3 Results 29th Jan Highlights: ITC Q3 net falls 6%, Tata Motors Q3 profit down y-o-y, Swiggy loss widens in Q3, Vedanta, Gillette, Wheels India, Canara Bank & IEX Q3 profit up, Adani Power, Blue Star & KPIT Tech profit down, Dabur India profit up 7%, Voltas profit slides 35.4%

Q3 Results 29th Jan Highlights: ITC Q3 net falls 6%, Tata Motors Q3 profit down y-o-y, Swiggy loss widens in Q3, Vedanta, Gillette, Wheels India, Canara Bank & IEX Q3 profit up, Adani Power, Blue Star & KPIT Tech profit down, Dabur India profit up 7%, Voltas profit slides 35.4%

by | Jan 29, 2026 | Business


Result at a Glance_January 28, 2026

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 49904.1 cr. Vs. Rs. 38764.3 cr. YoY, Rs. 42344.2 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 5573.1 cr. Vs. Rs. 5076.5 cr. YoY, Rs. 5086.0 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 11.2% Vs. 13.1% YoY, 12.0% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 3879.1 cr. Vs. Rs. 3726.9 cr. YoY, Rs. 3349.0 cr. QoQ.

Bharat Electronics Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 7153.9 cr. Vs. Rs. 5770.7 cr. YoY, Rs. 5792.1 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 2127.2 cr. Vs. Rs. 1669.5 cr. YoY, Rs. 1702.2 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 29.7% Vs. 28.9% YoY, 29.4% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 1579.7 cr. Vs. Rs. 1311.6 cr. YoY, Rs. 1287.2 cr. QoQ.

TVS Motor Company Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 14755.5 cr. Vs. Rs. 11034.9 cr. YoY, Rs. 14051.2 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 2270.2 cr. Vs. Rs. 1654.2 cr. YoY, Rs. 2122.4 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 15.4% Vs. 15.0% YoY, 15.1% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 891.3 cr. Vs. Rs. 604.9 cr. YoY, Rs. 832.8 cr. QoQ.

The Fertilisers And Chemicals Travancore Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 1567.8 cr. Vs. Rs. 949.4 cr. YoY, Rs. 1629.3 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. -42.9 cr. Vs. Rs. 31.5 cr. YoY, Rs. 39.5 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at -2.7% Vs. 3.3% YoY, 2.4% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. -67.9 cr. Vs. Rs. 8.0 cr. YoY, Rs. 20.9 cr. QoQ.

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. (C)

NII at Rs. 3213.8 cr. Vs. Rs. 2621.9 cr. YoY, Rs. 2828.5 cr. QoQ.

Net Profit at Rs. 825.6 cr. Vs. Rs. 917.6 cr. YoY, Rs. 566.1 cr. QoQ.

ACC Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 6483.0 cr. Vs. Rs. 5971.8 cr. YoY, Rs. 5931.7 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 700.0 cr. Vs. Rs. 1115.7 cr. YoY, Rs. 845.7 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 10.8% Vs. 18.7% YoY, 14.3% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 404.3 cr. Vs. Rs. 1091.8 cr. YoY, Rs. 1119.3 cr. QoQ.

TVS Holdings Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 15275.6 cr. Vs. Rs. 11359.2 cr. YoY, Rs. 14549.2 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 2463.7 cr. Vs. Rs. 1837.0 cr. YoY, Rs. 2273.1 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 16.1% Vs. 16.2% YoY, 15.6% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 969.4 cr. Vs. Rs. 681.0 cr. YoY, Rs. 880.1 cr. QoQ.

Gland Pharma Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 1695.4 cr. Vs. Rs. 1384.1 cr. YoY, Rs. 1486.9 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 434.9 cr. Vs. Rs. 360.0 cr. YoY, Rs. 313.9 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 25.7% Vs. 26.0% YoY, 21.1% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 261.5 cr. Vs. Rs. 204.7 cr. YoY, Rs. 183.7 cr. QoQ.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (S)

Net Revenue at Rs. 1895.7 cr. Vs. Rs. 1271.0 cr. YoY, Rs. 1677.4 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 171.9 cr. Vs. Rs. 75.6 cr. YoY, Rs. 156.2 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 9.1% Vs. 5.9% YoY, 9.3% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 170.8 cr. Vs. Rs. 98.2 cr. YoY, Rs. 153.8 cr. QoQ.

Pine Labs Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 744.3 cr. Vs. Rs. 601.6 cr. YoY, Rs. 649.9 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 132.0 cr. Vs. Rs. 76.9 cr. YoY, Rs. 75.4 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 17.7% Vs. 12.8% YoY, 11.6% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 42.4 cr. Vs. Rs. -56.7 cr. YoY, Rs. 6.0 cr. QoQ.

Craftsman Automation Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 2057.3 cr. Vs. Rs. 1576.1 cr. YoY, Rs. 2001.6 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 312.2 cr. Vs. Rs. 199.0 cr. YoY, Rs. 301.9 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 15.2% Vs. 12.6% YoY, 15.1% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 107.1 cr. Vs. Rs. 12.9 cr. YoY, Rs. 90.9 cr. QoQ.

Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 81.2 cr. Vs. Rs. 204.4 cr. YoY, Rs. 97.8 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. -89.1 cr. Vs. Rs. -18.0 cr. YoY, Rs. -70.1 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at -109.7% Vs. -8.8% YoY, -71.6% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. -107.4 cr. Vs. Rs. -30.2 cr. YoY, Rs. -73.1 cr. QoQ.

V-Guard Industries Ltd. (C)

Net Revenue at Rs. 1403.5 cr. Vs. Rs. 1268.7 cr. YoY, Rs. 1340.9 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA at Rs. 123.2 cr. Vs. Rs. 104.1 cr. YoY, Rs. 109.3 cr. QoQ.

EBITDA Margin at 8.8% Vs. 8.2% YoY, 8.1% QoQ

Net Profit at Rs. 57.1 cr. Vs. Rs. 60.2 cr. YoY, Rs. 65.3 cr. QoQ.



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Hindustan Zinc launches ‘Zinc Moolya’ a live rupee pricing module on Vedanta Metal Bazaar

Hindustan Zinc launches ‘Zinc Moolya’ a live rupee pricing module on Vedanta Metal Bazaar

by | Jan 29, 2026 | Business


Hindustan Zinc Limited, one of the world’s largest integrated zinc producers and amongst the top five silver producers globally, has launched ‘Zinc Moolya’, an Indian rupee (INR) live pricing module on its flagship metal e-commerce platform, Vedanta Metal Bazaar (VMB).

Designed to democratise access to metal pricing, ‘Zinc Moolya’ enables businesses across India, particularly MSMEs and small-volume buyers, to view, book and lock transparent, real-time metal prices in the INR aligned with global benchmarks, said a company statement.

Launched in 2022, Vedanta Metal Bazaar (VMB) is India’s first online metal marketplace for metal procurement. It offers a seamless digital experience, allowing buyers to access live prices, place orders and manage end-to-end transactions with transparency. Trusted by thousands of businesses nationwide, VMB has emerged as a transformative force in reshaping how metals are sourced across India, the company said.

LME-linked

‘Zinc Moolya’ marks a significant enhancement to the platform’s capabilities. It provides live landed prices in INR, dynamically linked to the London Metal Exchange (LME), ensuring accurate and up-to-date price discovery. 

“In a market where volatility in the INR–USD exchange rate often makes it challenging for small and mid-sized businesses to accurately fix their raw material costs, Zinc Moolya addresses a critical issue by enabling pricing certainty directly in Indian rupees,” the statement said. 

This will help MSMEs and emerging enterprises to participate more actively in the metals market, enabling faster decision-making, improved competitiveness and stronger integration into domestic and global value chains.

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, said, “With the introduction of Zinc Moolya on Vedanta Metal Bazaar, we are fundamentally reshaping how metals are bought in India by removing entry barriers that have traditionally favoured scale… At Hindustan Zinc, we see digital innovation as a nation-building tool…one that strengthens trust, improves competitiveness, and enables India’s manufacturing ecosystem to grow with confidence and resilience.”

The initiative aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening India’s industrial backbone while reducing information asymmetry and enhancing trust in commodity procurement, it said.

Hindustan Zinc’s portfolio, serving 40 countries, includes London Metal Exchange (LME) registered products such as Special High-Grade Zinc, High-Grade Zinc, EcoZen – low-carbon ‘green’ zinc, Prime Western Zinc, Continuous Galvanizing Grade Zinc, High-Grade Jumbo Zinc, and die-casting alloys (Alloy 3 and Alloy 5), along with Special High-Grade Lead. 

Published on January 29, 2026



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