Update

• The BSE Sensex surged 965 points and the Nifty50 closed above 24,300 during a volatile trading session on Thursday. • Gains in IT stocks helped the indices remain resilient, offsetting significant profit booking in heavyweight banking and financial shares. • Market sentiment remains cautious due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, rising crude oil prices, and pressure on global chip stocks.

• Naturis Cosmetics, a contract development and manufacturing organization specializing in beauty and personal care, has successfully raised Rs 100 crore. • The funding was secured in a maiden round led by Sharrp Ventures to scale the company's manufacturing capabilities. • This investment highlights the growing demand for specialized contract manufacturing within the Indian beauty and personal care sector.

• DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin held a news conference on Friday to address the Trump administration's claims regarding U.S. election vulnerabilities following a prime-time speech by the President. • The administration also announced a new policy on Thursday that restores the ability to deny green cards to immigrants who have used certain noncash government benefits. • This move effectively reverses a 2021 Biden administration rule that protected immigrants from being excluded based on their use of most public assistance categories.

• On July 17, 2026, DA Davidson raised its stock price target for Citizens Financial. • The upgrade follows an improved outlook regarding the bank's earnings growth and overall financial performance. • This move signals increased analyst confidence in the company's future potential and stability.

• Aston Villa is reportedly competing with Manchester United to sign midfielder Manu Kone and winger Crysencio Summerville. • Italian outlet Sports Media Set suggests Villa may attempt to "hijack" these targets, following a similar pattern seen in their pursuit of Johan Manzambi. • This potential rivalry adds pressure to United's recruitment strategy as they seek to strengthen their squad with high-profile talent.

• The Indian stock market experienced a significant rally, with the BSE Sensex surging by more than 900 points. • Simultaneously, the Nifty50 index climbed to trade above the 24,300 level, reflecting strong bullish momentum. • This surge indicates high investor confidence and positive market sentiment across key Indian benchmarks.

• U.S. forces have launched new strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, specifically hitting bridges and a railway junction according to Iranian state media. • Iranian official Mohammad Ghalibaf has emphasized that Iran will maintain its claim to the Strait of Hormuz by force if necessary. • The situation highlights a strategic tension where Iran is simultaneously endorsing military resistance and leaving the door open for diplomatic negotiations.