Several high-profile IPOs have been withdrawn, delayed or shelved in 2026 as market volatility and valuation concerns weigh on investor demand. From Firmus and Oura to PhonePe and KNDS, companies are reassessing public listings and fundraising plans.
BSP president Mayawati raised concerns regarding poverty, inflation and unemployment during an event marking Kanshi Ram’s death anniversary. She emphasised that these issues now resonate with younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The party chief reiterated her demand for Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram, focusing on his contributions to social transformation. Additionally, she urged party workers to prepare for upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and other states.
President Droupadi Murmu has agreed to meet with leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc on Friday evening. This meeting is scheduled amid ongoing protests by Opposition parties regarding the Chief Election Commissioner. Opposition MPs had earlier been halted by police while marching towards the Election Commission's office. They later shifted their protest to Raj Ghat, requesting the President's attention on this matter.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has launched a strong critique of the Election Commission of India. Allegations include voter list manipulation and mass deletions targeting specific communities. Protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation continue, representing various political outfits and citizens. Congress leaders have highlighted issues in West Bengal's electoral rolls and procedural deficiencies within the Election Commission.
Vedanta shares rose on Friday after the mining major announced its first interim dividend of Rs 5 per share for FY27, with a total payout of Rs 1,955 crore. The dividend marks the company's first since its demerger into five entities, which could reshape its future dividend payouts.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced plans to question the Congress government in Kerala during the Assembly session. He mentioned three BJP MLAs inquiring about the legality of the Assembly after recent remarks regarding the electoral revisions. Meanwhile, KPCC president Sunny Joseph dismissed the BJP’s claims as excuses and defended the electoral process.
During a seminar discussing modern warfare dynamics, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh pointed out the importance of predicting shifts in conflict to ensure success in today's battlefields. He stressed that air power is essential for defending national priorities amidst global unrest. The seminar also marked the occasion of the 'Tarang Shakti' air exercise, showcasing the Indian Air Force’s transformation into a premier military force since its establishment in 1932.
Chinese blue-chip stocks fell significantly, marking their lowest point in over a year. The CSI300 Index decreased by 1.3%, while the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 1.2%. Conversely, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index saw an uptick of 1.1%, driven by a surge in technology stocks. Investor sentiment has leaned towards safer sectors amid concerns regarding currency fluctuations and AI-related investments, highlighting a pervasive caution across both markets.
