News Overview

India’s massive dependence on imported crude oil has pushed the government to accelerate its ethanol mission with a nationwide E100 fuel rollout. From reducing foreign exchange outflows to supporting farmers and strengthening energy security, the plan aims to transform ethanol from a blending component into a primary transport fuel. But the success of the initiative depends on solving India’s flex-fuel vehicle and fuel infrastructure deadlock.

WeWork India reported a 29% rise in Q4 FY26 revenue to ₹696 crore, while profit surged nearly 80% YoY to ₹66 crore amid strong demand for managed workspaces.

Vodafone Idea Limited announced a ₹4.33 crore investment in MTK Quantum Green Energy Pvt. Ltd. to secure captive renewable energy for internal consumption. The telecom operator will acquire at least a 26% stake in the SPV as part of its strategy to reduce energy costs and expand clean energy usage.

Grasim Industries shares surged after the company announced a ₹2,880 crore investment in Aditya Birla Capital and reported strong Q4 FY26 earnings. The capital raise is expected to strengthen ABCL’s balance sheet, support lending growth, and boost long-term expansion across financial services businesses.

Protean eGov Technologies shares surged 20% after the company posted strong Q4 FY26 earnings. PAT rose 48.9% YoY, revenue jumped 38.4%, while the company announced a ₹10 dividend and new CEO appointment.

Apollo Micro Systems shares surged to a fresh 52-week high after reporting strong Q4 FY26 earnings. The defence stock rallied over 22% in three sessions as profit jumped 163% YoY and revenue rose 81%.

Indian benchmark indices staged a strong intraday recovery on May 18, 2026, despite a sharp opening selloff caused by escalating US-Iran tensions, Brent crude crossing $111 per barrel, and the rupee hitting record lows. IT and pharma stocks supported the rebound as Nifty and Sensex closed marginally in the green.

HFCL share price dropped nearly 5% on May 18 despite winning a ₹106.19 crore export order. Profit booking, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain worries impacted investor sentiment.

Gold and silver prices remained under pressure on May 18 as stronger US inflation data, rising Treasury yields, and a firm US dollar weighed on bullion sentiment. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and upcoming Donald Trump-Xi Jinping talks kept safe-haven demand alive. Domestic MCX gold and silver futures also declined sharply amid India’s stricter import restrictions and higher duties on precious metals.

Indian IT stocks outperformed the broader market on Monday, supported by a weaker rupee, strong US technology cues, and optimism around AI-led digital transformation demand. Stocks including Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Coforge, and Persistent Systems witnessed strong gains as investors turned bullish on export-oriented technology companies.