Petronet LNG Ltd, the world's largest LNG import terminal operator, plans to invest Rs 40,000 crore in expanding import capacity and petrochemicals by 2028. This includes a propane dehydrogenation plant and an LNG import facility at Gopalpur port in Odisha. They aim to triple net profit by investing in overseas projects like a floating terminal in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark KSE-100 index went down by 1,700 points on Friday as confusion prevailed over the results of the general elections in Pakistan. A top financial analyst said that the KSE-100 index has plummeted because investors were looking to sell instead of buying due to the uncertain situation created after the elections.

IndianOil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Indian Oil Corp and Adani Total Gas, plans to invest 25 billion rupees over four years to double gas sales and expand its retail outlets from 300 to 600. The company currently sells one million standard cubic metres of gas per day and aims to meet the increasing demand for gas in India.

IndiGo and SpiceJet stocks dropped after a parliamentary panel suggested capping airfare for specific routes and creating a separate entity to regulate ticket prices. The panel found that airlines were not effectively self-regulating and that customers were concerned about rising prices. The panel recommended that DGCA should be empowered to regulate tariffs.

The BSE MidCap and SmallCap indices saw a drop of over 2 percent each as investors took profits after a 6.5 percent rally this year. The RBI and US Fed's decision not to cut rates may have influenced the selling. Market correction was seen in midcap and smallcap segments, with sectors like railways, PSUs, and defence performing well.

Capital Small Finance Bank's initial public offering was subscribed 1.53 times, with non-institutional and retail investors showing strong interest. The bank is aiming to raise Rs 523.07 crore and plans to use the proceeds to augment its capital base. In Q1 FY24, the bank reported a 15.6% growth in total business and a significant increase in profit after tax.

German lender, Deutsche Pfandbriefbank, assures investors it has enough funds to handle a downturn in the U.S. commercial real estate market. With a focus on real estate, the bank's shares and bonds have come under pressure, and its liquidity is twice the required amount by regulators. Despite a decline in shares, retail deposits continue to grow and the bank primarily raises funding.

Japanese shares hit 34-year highs on Friday and strong earnings had the S&P 500 at record close, while oil prices were set for a sharp weekly rise on Israel's rejection of a ceasefire offer from Hamas. Trade was lightened in Asia by the closure of Chinese markets for the Lunar New Year break and by a shortened session in Hong Kong.

Indian kirana store owners are turning to other payment apps following restrictions imposed by RBI on Paytm Payments Bank. Within a week of the announcement, 42% of stores have switched to alternative apps, with PhonePe being the most preferred choice. A survey also reveals a decline in trust for Paytm and a growing trend towards cashless transactions at local stores in states like UP and Bihar.

Patanjali Foods' shares dropped 6% in Friday's trade after reporting a 19% drop in net profit for the quarter ended December. Despite growth in the FMCG business, overall revenue fell by 0.2%. EBITDA also declined by 7%. The stock has gained 70% in the past year and analysts have given a strong buy recommendation with a target price of Rs 1,773.

Reported Standalone quarterly numbers for Shilpa Medicare are: Net Sales at Rs 63.98 crore in December 2023 up 23.89% from Rs. 51.64 crore in December 2022. Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 2.70 crore in December 2023 up 156.34% from Rs. 4.79 crore in December 2022. EBITDA stands at Rs. 19.02 crore in December 2023 up 159.13% from Rs. 7.34 crore in December 2022.

Orchid Pharma reported significant growth in its standalone quarterly numbers with an increase in net sales, net profit, and EBITDA. EPS has also shown a substantial increase. During the last 6 months, Orchid Pharma's shares have gained 44.23%, and over the last 12 months, they have gained 125.85%. The company also disclosed details of expenditure, other income, and PAT for the period.

In the December quarter of 2023, Life Insurance Corporation of India reported a 8.32% increase in net sales at Rs. 213,344.77 crore and a 49.1% increase in net profit at Rs. 9,444.42 crore compared to the same period in 2022. The company's EBITDA stood at Rs. 10,863.35 crore, up 2.25% from the previous year.

The government is introducing a GPS-based toll collection system on national highways, alongside the existing FASTag system. A consultant has been appointed for implementation and NHAI is encouraging users to complete their KYC process. The aim is to make the system 100% compliant and avoid inconvenience by deactivating/blacklisting multiple FASTags issued for a single vehicle.

Veljan Denison reported strong standalone quarterly numbers in December 2023, with a 17.58% increase in net sales, a 64.61% increase in net profit, and a 43.26% increase in EBITDA. The EPS also increased from Rs.14.34 to Rs.23.61. The stock price has performed well, giving returns of 37.62% over the last 6 months.