Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179 and NSE: PERSISTENT), a global Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization leader, today announced the continued evolution of its nearshore engineering and delivery capabilities in Mexico, marking 10 years of operations in the country. Over the past decade, Persistent's Mexico center has evolved into a strategic engineering hub supporting enterprise clients across North America and Latin America with cloud modernization, platform engineering and digital product development services. The center also helps enterprises as they scale AI adoption across modernization initiatives, combining engineering depth with platform and cloud capabilities to accelerate execution across distributed teams.

Mexico continues to emerge as a strategic nearshore destination for enterprise technology services, driven by its strong engineering talent ecosystem and proximity to North American markets. Persistent's Mexico operations enable closer collaboration and faster execution for enterprise clients across the Americas, particularly in industries where speed, agility and operational resilience are increasingly critical.

RouteMatic, a leading AI-enabled corporate mobility solutions provider serving over 400 enterprises across India, announced a strategic partnership with Green SM, a global all-electric mobility brand originated from Vietnam. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during Green SM's official India launch in New Delhi, marking a new step toward accelerating the green transition of corporate transportation in one of the world's most dynamic mobility market.

Under the agreement, RouteMatic will leverage Green SM's electric vehicles across its corporate mobility fleet operations, enabling organizations to access fully electric, technology-enabled transportation solutions for their workforce while maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. 

A survey of over 6,000 active Indian crypto traders and investors found that nine in 10 avoid panic trading during sharp market movements, challenging the long-held perception that retail crypto participation in India is driven by speculation and impulse. The How India Trades Crypto 2026 report, published by Mudrex, a leading Indian crypto exchange platform, is a pan-India behavioural study of Indian crypto traders and investors, covering respondents across 22 states.

Nine in 10 Indian crypto traders avoid panic trading during market volatility

The survey found that only 9% of Indian crypto investors panic-sell or chase hype during periods of market volatility. At 91%, the overwhelming majority respond to sharp price movements with calibrated portfolio adjustments, patient observation, or deliberate inaction.The finding points to a significant shift in trader and investor psychology, defined by strategy and market understanding rather than impulse. This discipline is particularly pronounced in certain states. 

Maharashtra, Telangana and TN are India's most disciplined crypto traders

In Maharashtra (3.2%), Telangana (3.2%), and Tamil Nadu (4%), only 3-4% of crypto traders reported reactive behaviour during sharp price moves, less than half the national figure, with just 1 in 29 traders describing their response as panic-driven. At 48.4%, nearly half of all respondents allocate less than 10% of their total portfolio to crypto, while over 70% keep their allocation under 25%. Rather than concentrated bets, Indian crypto traders and investors are treating digital assets as a satellite allocation within a broader portfolio. The conservative allocation behaviour extends well beyond the national average in several states, with Madhya Pradesh standing out with 72.7% of crypto traders, nearly three in four, keeping their crypto exposure below 10% of their total portfolio.

Crypto SIP openings grow over 220% as systematic investing gains traction

"There's a dated perception that India's crypto users are speculative traders chasing the next price move. This survey shows that most Indian crypto traders and investors are systematic, patient, and measured under pressure," said Edul Patel, Founder and CEO, Mudrex. "Mudrex platform data shows that crypto SIP openings grew over 220% in 2025, with average monthly contributions climbing to ₹4,000-₹6,000 by December. Investors are not just claiming they think long-term, they are putting money in, month after month," said Prateek Gupta, Head of Business, Mudrex.

The demographic and geographic shift driving the change

When asked to describe their primary approach to crypto, 41.2% of respondents identified themselves as long-term buy-and-hold investors, the single largest cohort in the survey, ahead of short-term traders at 25.8%. The buy-and-hold majority is distributed across the country. In West Bengal (60%), Rajasthan (52%), Karnataka (51%), and Bihar (48%), buy-and-hold rates range from 48% to 60%%, all above the national figure of 41.2%, indicating that the long-term turn in Indian crypto is not confined to metros.

Investors aged 35-44 show the highest conviction in crypto, with 45.2% identifying as long-term holders

The 35-44 age group recorded the highest long-term conviction of any cohort, at 45.2%, suggesting that experience in financial markets is translating directly into greater discipline in crypto. 

46.4% of women crypto investors identify as long-term holders, six percentage points more than men

Among women investors, 46.4% identified as long-term holders, a rate that exceeds the survey average and is nearly six percentage points higher than that of men.Taken together, the data describes a crypto trader and investor class that has taught itself to behave with discipline across age groups, genders, and geographies.India is already the world's largest crypto market by user count, with approximately 120 million active participants, according to Chainalysis. The behaviour this survey documents is the foundation on which a formally recognised asset class is built. "India's crypto investors have already done the hard work of building sound habits. What the market now needs is the policy clarity and institutional infrastructure to match that maturity. The frameworks around this asset class need to catch up with the investors who are already in it," Patel said.

Sterling Ark, an integrated real estate advisory and project delivery firm formerly known as Colliers Project Leaders, has named Cherian Sankey as Group Managing Director - Strategy & Innovation. The move also brings him into the company's ownership structure through a 25% stake.

Working alongside Chairman Sankey Prasad, Cherian will oversee a broad remit covering business strategy, technology programs, financial planning, investment evaluation, and operational performance across the organization. The role places him at the center of decisions that shape the firm's commercial direction. It also gives him responsibility for identifying where technology can create measurable value across the business.

A seasoned entrepreneur, Cherian has spent much of the past decade working with technology-led businesses in multiple geographies. Product development and business expansion have given him first-hand insight into the commercial and operational considerations that accompany scale. Those experiences are relevant to Sterling Ark's work with developers, investors, occupiers, and institutions undertaking complex real estate and project delivery assignments.

Rajat Bokolia, CEO, Newstone

"Based on Knight Frank India's assessment of the NCR Regional Plan 2041, which projects over Rs 20 lakh crore in investments, accommodation for 3 crore additional residents, and the emergence of new growth corridors, Sonipat is well-positioned to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this transformation. Improved regional connectivity, planned urban expansion, and the creation of new economic hubs will accelerate demand for residential, plotted, and mixed-use developments in Tier-II markets. Sonipat's strategic location, affordability advantage over core NCR cities, and evolving infrastructure ecosystem make it a compelling destination for both end-users and long-term investors seeking future-ready real estate opportunities."

Himalia Prime Assets, an asset development and management platform focused on a diversified pool of real estate assets including but not limited to Residential, Resorts and Commercial Office and Retails spaces backed by private equity investment firm Jupiter Capital, has announced the acquisition of Our Native Village - a sustainability-driven eco-resort located next to Hesaraghatta grasslands, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. With the recently concluded transaction, Himalia Prime Assets Private Limited now owns 100% the property, marking the company's foray into Bengaluru's hospitality market, alongside taking a meaningful step forward in its broader expansion plans.

The resort's proximity to Central Bengaluru gives it a strong commercial potential, and Himalia expects the asset to meaningfully strengthen the company's revenue top-line and operating margins within a short timeframe. The company expects this asset to generate a strong yield on the investment, and to contribute to a strong growth in its EBITDA, underscoring both the strategic and financial rationale behind the acquisition.

Yashank Wason, Managing  Director, Royal Green Realty

"Knight Frank's findings reinforce the growing importance of Tier-II markets in NCR's next phase of urban expansion. Sonipat, in particular, stands to gain from the decentralisation of economic activity and the development of new growth corridors envisioned under Regional Plan 2041. As businesses and homebuyers increasingly look beyond saturated urban centres, cities with strong infrastructure linkages and competitive pricing will attract significant investment. Sonipat's proximity to Delhi, improving connectivity, and expanding urban ecosystem position it as a natural extension of NCR's growth story and a promising destination for future real estate development."

Abhay Mishra, President & CEO, Jindal Realty

"The NCR Regional Plan 2041 marks a significant shift from concentrated urban growth to a more balanced regional development model. As infrastructure and transit-oriented corridors expand beyond Delhi and Gurugram, Tier-II destinations such as Sonipat are expected to emerge as key investment hotspots. The city offers a unique combination of affordability, land availability, and improving connectivity, making it attractive for both residential and commercial development. With the proposed creation of new urban centres and enhanced mobility networks, Sonipat is likely to witness sustained real estate demand and stronger capital appreciation over the next decade."

POP, India's fast gaining UPI payments app tailored for Gen Z users, has announced the introduction of biometric authentication to make payments safer. This update replaces the traditional 6-digit UPI PIN with fingerprint or Face ID verification for transactions up to Rs 5,000. The feature is fully available on Android devices and is being phased in on iOS.

The launch was driven by data showing that approximately one in every hundred payments on POP's platform failed at the authentication stage. As UPI adoption has matured, authentication has emerged as one of the most critical friction points in the payment experience and a major source of consumer dissatisfaction. Most payment failures today do not occur because users change their minds or merchants reject payments, but because users struggle with the final authorization step of mistyping PINs, selecting the wrong bank account, or abandoning transactions under time pressure. POP's biometric authentication is designed to eliminate this friction by replacing PIN entry with a simple fingerprint or Face ID verification.

The NCR Planning Board decided to retain the existing boundaries of the National Capital Region while focusing on more balanced regional growth. Read full report here

Deel, the leading global payroll and HR platform, today announced the launch of Deel Field Services (DFS), a purpose-built solution for organizations operating in medium-to-high complexity, on-site environments. Built on the infrastructure and expertise of Employ Africa Group (acquired April 2025), Deel Field Services extends Deel's existing workforce platform into a new category: operationally intensive, location-based deployment for industries including oil & gas, mining, construction, and heavy logistics where standard EOR models were never designed to go.

Deel's existing EOR, global payroll, and contractor products handle the full spectrum of remote and office-based hiring. Field Services is built for what sits beyond that: high-risk, operationally complex deployments where workers are on rigs, at mining sites, on construction projects, or in warehouses across multiple jurisdictions, environments that demand specialised pay structures, HSE compliance, rotational scheduling, and direct financial infrastructure that standard EOR cannot provide.

Raptee.HV, the Chennai-based electric motorcycle OEM pioneering the use of electric car high-voltage technology (HV-Tec) in two-wheelers, has partnered with one of India's largest EV financiers in a major push to democratise ownership of electric motorcycles in India.

The collaboration aims to break down the biggest remaining barrier to electric motorcycle adoption - financing, by offering customers attractive loan terms, faster approvals, flexible repayment options, and an end-to-end seamless purchase experience. 

Speaking about the partnership, Dinesh Arjun, CEO & Co-Founder of Raptee.HV said, "For most customers, the decision to switch to electric is not just about the motorcycle itself; it's about how easy and convenient the entire ownership experience is. At Raptee.HV, we have always focused on removing friction at every step of that journey, whether it's charging, service, insurance, or financing. Through our partnership, customers can now benefit from easier access to financing and a smoother purchase experience, making it simpler to own an electric motorcycle. This partnership is another important step towards accelerating the adoption of electric motorcycles across India."

As Bharat Innovates 2026 commenced in Nice, France, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and TEXMiN proudly represented India's growing strength in mining innovation, critical minerals, deep-tech research, and technology translation on a global platform.

The first day of the prestigious event marked a significant milestone for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and TEXMiN, resulting in strategic international collaborations, technology showcases, and high-level engagements with global industry and academic leaders.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of two international Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with renowned French institutions, IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) and École Centrale de Nantes. The partnerships were formalized in the presence of Hon'ble Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal and Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Sanket Rambhia, MD of LEDX Technology & Xtreme Media

"India's electronics manufacturing journey over the past decade has been remarkable, with production and exports scaling new heights. Yet, the need to strengthen our domestic component ecosystem has long been evident. The recent disruptions in West Asia have only underscored this urgency, reminding us that resilience cannot rest on assembly alone. While India has proven its ability to manufacture at scale, true self-reliance will come only when we localise critical inputs such as semiconductors, display panels and PCB materials. For companies like ours, operating in high-technology domains, supply-chain volatility directly impacts innovation cycles and cost structures. The next phase of growth must therefore prioritise building robust upstream capabilities - from semiconductor fabs and advanced material production to automation in component manufacturing. Achieving India's $500-billion electronics target by 2030 will require not just scale, but depth. At LEDX, our belief is simple: India cannot remain a tenant in the global electronics ecosystem. That means investing in component manufacturing, automation and R&D right here in India. Only then can we build resilience, deliver world-class technology and ensure that the next wave of growth is truly 'Made in India.'

Alliance of Reporting Entities in AML/CFT (ARIFAC), a private-private partnership initiative in India on Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) has been launched to strengthen India's AML and CFT ecosystem. The Financial Intelligence Unit - India (FIU-IND) is an observer of the group. The secretariat of the ARIFAC is managed by the Payments Council of India (PCI) and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC). Among the main areas of activities of the ARIFAC will be training and certification, conducting workshops and facilitating continuous learning to build awareness on AML/CFT.

The Alliance of Reporting Entities in AML/CFT (ARIFAC), a private-private partnership initiative in India on Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) has been launched to strengthen India's AML and CFT ecosystem. The Financial Intelligence Unit - India (FIU-IND) is an observer of the group.

The secretariat of the ARIFAC is managed by the Payments Council of India (PCI) and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC). Among the main areas of activities of the ARIFAC will be training and certification, conducting workshops and facilitating continuous learning to build awareness on AML/CFT.

The ARIFAC serves as a common industry platform bringing together Reporting Entities (REs) across sectors including banks, NBFCs, payment system operators, securities market intermediaries, insurance companies, virtual digital asset service providers (VDASPs), cooperative institutions, and other entities covered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The platform aims to promote knowledge sharing, improve compliance standards, enhance institutional capabilities, and support India's efforts to combat financial crime while strengthening the integrity of the financial system.

Studies show that nearly half of working women drop out of their careers before the age of 30, with childcare responsibilities emerging as one of the biggest reasons behind the exodus. Read full report here

Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder & CEO, Pi42

Bitcoin's pullback into the mid-$60,000 range reflects a market that is still navigating the aftermath of recent volatility, with extreme fear continuing to dominate investor sentiment. While short-term price action remains cautious, recent liquidations and a decline in open interest suggest that a significant portion of excess is continuing to be cleared from the system.

What is particularly interesting is that despite the prevailing fear, both retail and whale traders in derivatives markets continue to maintain a constructive bias toward Bitcoin. At the same time, broader market optimism has improved following recent geopolitical developments without reaching excessive euphoria. Historically, markets tend to turn when conviction is lowest, not highest.

The $64,000 level is emerging as a key area for investors to monitor. A sustained hold above this zone could help rebuild momentum and support a move toward the $74,000-$79,000 range. Conversely, a decisive break below it may invite further volatility and delay the recovery process.

For investors, the current environment reinforces the importance of looking beyond short-term sentiment and focusing on market participation, positioning, and conviction. While volatility is likely to remain elevated, the absence of excessive optimism suggests there is still room for confidence to improve if broader conditions become more supportive.

Alcobrew Distilleries India Limited has become the newest member of the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA), joining with the concurrent launch of Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Whisky, the company's first-ever single malt expressions namely Private Edition 1 and Vault Series, distilled, matured, and bottled entirely at its facility in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The membership marks a significant milestone for both the association and India's fast-growing premium whisky landscape.

Established as the unified voice of India's malt whisky producers, IMWA has been at the forefront of building rigorous quality and process guidelines that ensure authenticity, transparency, and excellence in Indian single malt and pure/vatted malt whiskies. The standards emphasise production using 100 per cent malted barley at a single distillery, copper pot still distillation, and a minimum three-year maturation in oak barrels of a capacity less than 700 litres within India. Alcobrew's Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Whisky has been produced in full conformity with these standards.

India has made notable progress in strengthening maternity benefits. But workplace infrastructure has not evolved at the same pace, say experts. Read full report here

Harmony Infra Ventures Private Limited has acquired complete ownershipp of The Horizon Residences, a Rs 1,600 crore ultra-luxury residential project in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, bringing the development under unified ownership.

The company will invest approximately Rs 550 crore in construction. Substructure works are currently underway across the two G+33 towers. The project - comprising 264 ultra-luxury residences priced from Rs 5.99 crore - is RERA registered with all statutory approvals in place.

Indigo Infraprojects Pvt. Ltd. is currently executing the project's critical foundation carrying out deep excavation, piling, diaphragm wall construction, shoring, and associated ground engineering works across both residential towers.

BTC's move below $66K suggests the market is now in a consolidation phase after a brief relief rally around the U.S.-Iran peace deal. Softer oil prices improve the macro backdrop, but the Fed meeting today remains crucial. Markets are expecting no rate change, but the Fed's messaging could move overall markets. The $64K zone is important for BTC, as holding above it would keep BTC's current structure intact and support a recovery setup. A break below that level could bring the recent $60K area back into focus. For now, the market needs fresh strength, while themes like tokenized stocks and Hyperliquid continue to attract attention.

Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst, Delta Exchange

Crypto markets are currently in a cautious consolidation phase, with Bitcoin holding the $65,000-$66,000 zone ahead of the FOMC decision. The recent recovery from sub-$60,000 levels has improved short-term sentiment, but the move still lacks strong confirmation from ETF flows and broader liquidity signals. The Fed's tone, updated dot plot and commentary on inflation will be more important for crypto than the rate decision itself, as markets have largely priced in a hold. A dovish signal could support risk assets and push BTC toward the $68,500-$69,000 resistance zone, while a hawkish message may trigger profit booking toward $64,000-$63,000.

Technically, Bitcoin remains constructive above $65,000, but a decisive close above $67,000 is needed to confirm stronger bullish momentum. Ethereum is showing relatively healthier short-term structure, holding above key EMAs near $1,755-$1,765, with resistance placed around $1,815-$1,845. A breakout above this zone could open the path toward $1,880 and then $1,935-$1,980. Traders should expect volatility around the Fed event, ETF flow updates and geopolitical headlines

Rajesh Palviya, Head of Research, Axis Direct

The Nifty 50 extended its gaining streak for a third consecutive session, rising 135 points to close at 23,989.15 on Tuesday after briefly crossing the psychologically important 24,000 mark intraday. The rally was largely driven by a sharp correction in crude oil prices, sustained foreign institutional buying, and a nearly 7% decline in India VIX, indicating easing risk perception as geopolitical tensions moderated.

Global cues remain mixed. While optimism surrounding the U.S.-Iran peace developments pushed the Dow Jones to fresh record highs, weakness in technology stocks dragged the Nasdaq lower, leaving the S&P 500 marginally in the red. Asian markets are trading mixed this morning, although the sharp fall in Brent crude to around $78.6 per barrel is emerging as a significant positive for India, as lower energy prices improve the inflation outlook, reduce import costs and support corporate profitability. GIFT Nifty around 24,064 indicates a firm start for domestic equities.

From a technical perspective, the broader trend continues to remain positive, with the index sustaining above key support levels. However, the 24,000-24,050 zone remains an immediate resistance, and failure to register a decisive breakout could trigger some profit booking after the recent three-session rally. On the downside, 23,800 remains the first line of support, followed by 23,650. A sustained move above 24,050 could trigger fresh short covering and open the door for an advance towards the 24,300-24,400 zone. Investors will also closely track the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy decision tonight, which is likely to set the tone for global risk sentiment and near-term market direction.

Akshat Siddhant, Lead quant analyst, Mudrex

Bitcoin is trading in a narrow range between $65,000 and $67,000 as investors await guidance from the upcoming FOMC meeting. While markets largely expect the Federal Reserve to keep rates unchanged, the recent 75-basis-point rate hike by the Bank of Japan has heightened sensitivity to the Fed's outlook and policy commentary. On the other hand, the Sharpe ratio, a metric that measures return relative to volatility, dropped to -20, a threshold that marked major Bitcoin bottoms in every bear market since 2015. A dovish tone from the Fed today could improve risk appetite and help Bitcoin break above the $68,000 resistance. However, a more hawkish stance may trigger fresh selling pressure, potentially pushing BTC back toward the $60,000 level.

Bitcoin is showing early signs of recovery as macroeconomic pressures begin to ease and institutional conviction remains strong.One of the most significant developments this week is Strategy's continued Bitcoin accumulation of another 1,587 BTC to its balance sheet.

The broader macro environment is also becoming more supportive for risk assets. Oil prices have fallen sharply following easing geopolitical tensions, helping remove some of the inflation premium that energy markets had priced in during recent conflicts. Lower energy costs can help moderate inflation expectations, which is generally positive for assets like Bitcoin.

Investor sentiment is also beginning to recover. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has climbed to 23 after touching single-digit levels last week. From a technical standpoint, Bitcoin continues to show encouraging signals. The MACD remains on a buy indication, suggesting that bearish momentum is weakening and buyers are gradually regaining control.

If the current rebound continues, the first major level to watch is $70,000, which coincides with the 50-day EMA. A successful move above that could open the door toward the $75,000-$76,000 zone. However, a pushback to that could be the current interest rate decision by the Fed. According to CME FedWatch estimates, markets are overwhelmingly expecting the Fed to keep interest rates unchanged, with a high probability of the benchmark rate remaining within the 3.50%-3.75% range.

Stock Market Today: Agnam Advisors CEO says investors need to look beyond headlines and focus on where value is actually being created. Read full report here

At the close on Tuesday, the total market cap of all BSE Sensex companies stood at Rs 4,72,24,856.