Author: vitorcherulli

  • PVR INOX Shares Tumble 8% Following Buyback Record Date and Internal Investigation Report

    PVR INOX Shares Tumble 8% Following Buyback Record Date and Internal Investigation Report

    PVR INOX shares fell more than 8% on Monday, September 7, as investors reacted to the passing of the record date for the company’s Rs. 300 crore share buyback and a media report about an internal investigation involving a former senior executive.

    The stock dropped as much as 8.27% to Rs. 1,125.70 on the NSE during early trade before recovering 4%. PVR INOX had fixed September 4 as the record date for determining shareholders eligible to participate in the buyback.

    PVR INOX Buyback Record Date Passes

    PVR INOX plans to repurchase up to 20.69 lakh equity shares at Rs. 1,450 per share through the tender-offer route. The total buyback size is up to Rs. 300 crore. The announcement had earlier supported buying interest in the stock as investors positioned themselves ahead of the record date. However, with September 4 now behind, investors who bought shares mainly to become eligible for the offer no longer need to hold the stock. This may have contributed to selling pressure on Monday.

    The Rs. 1,450 buyback price does not guarantee that every eligible shareholder can sell all their shares at that price. The company will accept only the specified number of shares under the offer.

    Meanwhile, JM Financial retained its ‘ADD’ rating on PVR INOX and raised its 12-month target price to Rs. 1,270 from Rs. 1,130. The brokerage also increased its valuation multiple to 9 times EV/EBITDA from 8 times.

    Report on Internal Investigation Adds Pressure

    The decline also came after a media report said PVR INOX had conducted an internal investigation into alleged kickbacks involving a former senior executive. The Economic Times reported that the company asked Pramod Arora, its former CEO for growth and investment, to leave in April after an internal probe. The report said alleged payments from developers involved in cinema property construction may have reached as much as Rs. 200 crore over several years.

    PVR INOX has not publicly confirmed or denied the reported Rs. 200 crore amount. The figure therefore remains based on the media report and has not been independently established through a company disclosure.

    Nuvama Institutional Equities, meanwhile, maintained its ‘BUY’ rating and raised its target price to Rs. 1,640 from Rs. 1,620. The brokerage expects the company to benefit from its film release pipeline during FY27.

    PVR INOX Q1 FY27 Profit Returns, Revenue Rises

    PVR INOX reported a consolidated profit after tax attributable to owners of Rs. 56.5 crore for the June quarter of FY27. The company had posted a net loss of Rs. 54.5 crore in the same quarter a year earlier. Revenue from operations rose 11.91% year-on-year to Rs. 1,622.20 crore from Rs. 1,449.6 crore. EBITDA increased 30.91% to Rs. 529 crore from Rs. 404 crore, while the EBITDA margin rose to 32.58% from 27.85%.

    The multiplex operator is also expanding into smaller cities. On September 4, the company announced its first SMART Cinema at ICON Plaza Mall in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. PVR INOX said, “The opening marks the first step in PVR INOX’s strategy to expand its presence across India’s emerging growth markets.” The four-screen property has 644 seats. Following the launch, PVR INOX operates about 1,785 screens across 356 properties in 114 cities in India and Sri Lanka. The company was formed through the merger of PVR Limited and INOX Leisure Limited in 2023.

  • NVIDIA DLSS 5 Confirmed for RTX 40 Series: Key Details for Gamers

    NVIDIA DLSS 5 Confirmed for RTX 40 Series: Key Details for Gamers

    NVIDIA has officially confirmed that DLSS 5, the latest iteration of its AI-powered upscaling technology, will not be exclusive to the RTX 50 series. The company plans to bring DLSS 5 to GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards as well, offering a significant performance and visual boost to a wider audience.

    DLSS 5 introduces 3D-Guided Neural Rendering, which enhances lighting, shadows, skin, hair, and foliage in real time. The technology goes beyond previous versions by delivering more natural light behavior, improved global illumination, and richer material details—all without sacrificing performance. NBA 2K27 is the first game to support DLSS 5, giving players an early look at what neural rendering can achieve.

    While RTX 50 series cards will have an initial advantage, NVIDIA is actively working to optimize DLSS 5 for the fourth-generation Tensor cores in RTX 40 GPUs. A specific launch date for RTX 40 support has not been announced, but the company suggests it could arrive within a few months. This means gamers who already own an RTX 40 card may not need to upgrade immediately to enjoy the new features.

    For those considering a switch to an RTX 50 card solely for DLSS 5, patience is advised. The RTX 40 version is in development, and once released, it will bring the technology to a much larger PC gaming audience. This move by NVIDIA ensures that more gamers can experience cutting-edge AI enhancements without replacing their current hardware.

  • SEC Proposal Mandates Detailed Disclosures for Stock Tokens: Issuers, Custodians, and Blockchains

    SEC Proposal Mandates Detailed Disclosures for Stock Tokens: Issuers, Custodians, and Blockchains

    The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is advancing a proposal that would require clearer disclosures for stock tokens, specifically detailing the roles of issuers, brokers, custodians, and the underlying blockchain. The formal comment period opened on September 4, 2026, with public submissions accepted until November 3, 2026. This initiative responds to the growing trading activity of tokenized equities, whose legal frameworks remain fragmented across various product documents.

    Understanding the Four Core Parties in Stock Tokens

    Most stock tokens involve four essential participants: the issuer, broker, custodian, and blockchain. These parties collectively define who creates the instrument, sells it, holds the underlying shares, and records investor positions. Notably, the issuer is often a separate entity from the public company whose stock price the token tracks. This issuer creates the token and provides economic exposure to the share price without transferring direct ownership, making the issuer the investor’s counterparty rather than the listed company. Should the issuer fail, the value of the underlying share does not mitigate the investor’s exposure to that issuer.

    Broker and Custodian Roles in Investor Protection

    Brokers provide the account through which investors buy and hold the product, and their regulatory authorization is critical—investors can verify this status via public registers of relevant supervisors. Custody arrangements add another layer of protection: in the event of broker insolvency, the treatment of the product depends on how underlying assets and customer positions are held within the custody structure. The blockchain also influences operational aspects, such as transfer availability and network uptime, which can affect the practicality of holding these tokens.

    Market Growth and Regulatory Scrutiny

    Weekly spot trading volume for tokenized stocks approached $3 billion in early August, driven largely by Robinhood Chain, BNB Chain, and Solana, according to Grayscale Investments. The tokenized-stock market capitalization now stands near $3 billion, compared to about $34.3 billion for tokenized funds. However, only around 5% of tokenized equities are used in on-chain financial applications like lending and collateral, with total value locked exceeding $110 million. Legal structures vary by provider; for instance, Robinhood’s Stock Tokens use debt securities to deliver economic exposure without legal ownership of the underlying shares.

    The SEC’s proposal aims to enhance transparency and investor protection by mandating that official filings disclose all relevant parties and the blockchain supporting each product. If enacted as written, investors would gain clearer insight into the operational and legal nuances of tokenized equities, a step toward integrating these innovative instruments into the broader regulatory framework.

  • India’s Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Sales Overtake Petrol Cars for First Time in August 2026

    India’s Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Sales Overtake Petrol Cars for First Time in August 2026

    For the first time in India, sales of alternative-fuel passenger vehicles—CNG, hybrid, and electric—surpassed those of petrol-powered cars in August 2026, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). The milestone reflects shifting consumer preferences driven by rising fuel costs, concerns over E20 petrol, and a widening selection of alternative-fuel models.

    Alternative-fuel vehicles captured 41.95% of passenger vehicle retail sales during the month, while petrol vehicles accounted for 40.85%. This marks a dramatic reversal from just over a year earlier, when petrol vehicles led alternative-fuel models by nearly 11 percentage points.

    FADA Vice President Sai Giridhar attributed the change to several factors. “This shift was bound to happen,” he said. “Concerns about E20 petrol may have pushed some buyers to consider other fuel options earlier than expected.” He noted that better electric vehicle driving ranges, expanding charging infrastructure, and a broader array of alternative-fuel models now support the trend.

    E20 Petrol and Fuel Costs Drive Buyers

    India is transitioning from E10 to E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported crude oil. However, some owners of older vehicles have raised concerns about fuel economy and compatibility, fearing that E20 could reduce mileage or harm engines not designed for the higher blend. The government has dismissed these as “wild claims,” but the debate continues as E20 becomes more widely available.

    Higher crude oil prices, exacerbated by the ongoing Middle East conflict, have also heightened attention to running costs for petrol vehicles, accelerating the shift toward alternatives.

    Record August Sales, but Monthly Dip

    India’s total automobile retail sales rose 17.51% year-on-year to 24,23,201 units in August, marking the strongest August performance on record. However, sales fell 6.48% from July, which FADA linked to monsoon conditions and the shifting festive calendar—Ganesh Chaturthi and part of Onam moved into September this year.

    Rural markets outperformed urban areas, with rural vehicle sales climbing 19.79% year-on-year versus 15.17% in cities. Rural passenger vehicle sales surged 24.99%, compared to 10.93% in urban markets.

    Festive Season Outlook and Price Hikes

    Although dealers remain optimistic about the upcoming festive season, vehicle price increases and inflation are key concerns. Maruti Suzuki India announced it will raise prices on selected models by up to Rs 20,000 starting September, its third hike since May. Giridhar warned that further price increases could dampen the demand boosted by recent tax reforms.

    Passenger vehicle inventory rose to 38–40 days by end of July, up by about five days. FADA said demand from September through November will provide crucial insight into festive-season buying behavior, as buyers weigh prices, fuel costs, and their growing array of vehicle choices.

  • WhatsApp to Allow Non-Users to Join Voice and Video Calls via Guest Links

    WhatsApp to Allow Non-Users to Join Voice and Video Calls via Guest Links

    WhatsApp is developing a new guest calling feature that will let people without a WhatsApp account join voice and video calls through secure web links, eliminating the need to download the app or create an account. This move is expected to lower the barrier for participation and expand the platform’s reach.

    How Guest Calls Will Work

    According to feature tracker WaBetaInfo, the Meta-owned messaging platform is working on an upgrade to its existing call-link system. Users will be able to generate a call link from the Calls tab and share it with anyone. Recipients will open the link in a web browser and, instead of being redirected to an app download or registration page, will be able to join the call as a guest directly through WhatsApp Web.

    The feature is still under development and not yet available for beta testing, WaBetaInfo noted.

    Control and Security Measures

    WhatsApp plans to include safeguards to give hosts control over guest participation. Before a guest can enter a call, the host must approve their request. This approval requirement applies to every participant joining without a WhatsApp account. Additionally, hosts can remove guests from an active call if necessary, preventing unwanted participants from joining via forwarded or widely shared links.

    This development aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance its calling functionality while maintaining security and user control.

  • Jaguar Land Rover Announces 4,000 Job Cuts Globally to Drive Cost Savings

    Jaguar Land Rover Announces 4,000 Job Cuts Globally to Drive Cost Savings

    Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the luxury automaker owned by Tata Motors, has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 4,000 roles over the next two years. The move is part of a broader restructuring strategy aimed at cutting costs by £1.7 billion and improving competitiveness in the face of rising expenses, tariffs, and intense market pressure.

    CEO PB Balaji confirmed the job reductions, which will affect salaried and management positions. The company has initiated a voluntary redundancy program, allowing eligible employees to leave voluntarily, with further details to be communicated to staff first.

    The restructuring is designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and lower the company’s breakeven point to 300,000 units annually. JLR cited the need for operational simplification and greater resilience amid shifting global market conditions.

    Key challenges driving the layoffs include declining sales, escalating costs, US tariffs, and stiff competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. This announcement follows similar job cuts across the European automotive sector, reflecting broader industry pressures.

    JLR’s efforts are part of a wider trend among traditional automakers to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the rise of affordable EVs from China. The company remains focused on achieving long-term sustainability while navigating these industry disruptions.

  • Killzone Revival Rumored: Remake in Development at Sony, May Launch Before Horizon 3

    Killzone Revival Rumored: Remake in Development at Sony, May Launch Before Horizon 3

    Sony is reportedly moving forward with a new Killzone project. According to a recent report, Guerrilla Games is collaborating with an external studio to develop a remake or remaster of the classic first-person shooter. The original Killzone debuted on PlayStation 2 in 2004, spawning several sequels before the franchise went dormant after Killzone: Shadow Fall on PS4 in 2013.

    The rumored project is still in early development, so no release window has been set. Neither Sony nor Guerrilla has officially commented, but insiders suggest the new Killzone could arrive before the next mainline Horizon title. Horizon 3 is believed to be years away, with only a small team currently working on it. Guerrilla is also reported to be handling Horizon Hunters Gathering, another project that has undergone changes.

    Polish studio People Can Fly is said to be involved in the Killzone remake, though their specific role remains unclear.

    Bringing Killzone back via a remake would allow Sony to reintroduce the series to modern consoles without building from scratch. The original game sold roughly 2 million copies, and a polished remaster could attract both nostalgic veterans and new players looking for a gritty shooter.

    Killzone Remake vs. Horizon 3

    Based on current rumors, Killzone seems more likely to launch first. While the project is in early stages, it is reportedly further along than Horizon 3. Still, plans can change, and fans should temper expectations until Sony makes an official announcement.

    If the remake is real, it could give Sony a flagship shooter franchise once again. For now, the PlayStation community waits for confirmation.

  • Huawei Mate XT2 Debuts with Tri-Fold Display and Kirin 9050 Pro, Intensifying Foldable Market Rivalry

    Huawei Mate XT2 Debuts with Tri-Fold Display and Kirin 9050 Pro, Intensifying Foldable Market Rivalry

    Huawei has officially launched the Mate XT2 series in China on September 7, 2026, further heating up the foldable smartphone competition. Priced from CNY 19,999 (approximately USD 2,980), the flagship device introduces a tri-fold display that unfolds twice into a tablet-sized screen, powered by the in-house Kirin 9050 Pro chip.

    The Mate XT2 features a redesigned hinge, enhanced water resistance, and a privacy-focused display mode for sensitive viewing. Huawei claims a 42% performance boost over the previous Mate XT series, thanks to the Kirin 9050 Pro’s LogicFolding architecture under the company’s Tau Scaling Law approach, which balances higher computing power with reduced battery consumption.

    Huawei remains China’s leading smartphone brand with a 22.6% market share in Q2 2026 and controls 68% of the country’s foldable phone shipments. However, the company faces immediate pressure from Xiaomi’s upcoming foldable launch, scheduled later the same day. Xiaomi’s shares dropped about 3% in afternoon trading following the Mate XT2 unveiling, highlighting the market’s sensitivity to competitive moves.

    Apple is also expected to enter the foldable segment soon, with its iPhone event set for Wednesday, September 9. Analysts anticipate a foldable iPhone that could leverage Apple’s integrated hardware and software ecosystem to challenge Huawei’s dominance.

    Richard Yu, Huawei’s executive, noted pricing challenges due to rising memory costs. The top-tier Mate XT2 model reaches CNY 24,999, positioning the device as a luxury purchase for Chinese consumers. Sales begin September 12.

  • Apple iOS 27: September 2026 Release, AI-Powered Features, and Compatible iPhone Models

    Apple iOS 27: September 2026 Release, AI-Powered Features, and Compatible iPhone Models

    Apple is set to release iOS 27 in September 2026, bringing a wave of artificial intelligence enhancements, a smarter Siri, upgraded Photos capabilities, and new child safety tools. The update was first previewed at WWDC 2026 on June 8 and has since undergone developer and public beta testing. Here’s everything you need to know about the release timeline, standout features, and which iPhones will support the new operating system.

    When Will iOS 27 Be Released?

    Apple plans to roll out iOS 27 sometime in September 2026, following its traditional release schedule alongside new iPhone launches. While an exact date hasn’t been confirmed, the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable smartphone at a September 9 event. The iOS 27 update will likely become available to the public shortly after that event.

    Key Features in iOS 27

    Artificial intelligence is the centerpiece of iOS 27. The update introduces a more capable Siri that understands natural language better and delivers more helpful assistance. AI-powered tools are also coming to the Photos app, allowing users to edit and manipulate images with ease. Additionally, Siri will integrate with the Camera app to recognize objects and provide real-time information about what the iPhone is viewing.

    Apple is also adding new child safety features, alongside broader improvements to performance, Search, design, and the Liquid Glass interface.

    Which iPhones Are Compatible with iOS 27?

    iOS 27 will support iPhone models starting from the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd generation) onward. However, Apple has noted that not all supported devices will receive every AI feature. The full list of compatible models includes:

    • iPhone 17 series
    • iPhone 16 series
    • iPhone 15 series
    • iPhone 14 series
    • iPhone 13 series
    • iPhone 12 series
    • iPhone 11 series
    • iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

    What to Expect

    As September approaches, iOS 27 promises to deliver a range of AI-based features, security enhancements, and system-level changes that will redefine the iPhone experience. Stay tuned for more details as the official launch draws near.

  • Lenovo Project Swan Rollable Laptop Unveiled at IFA 2026: Specs, Price, and Availability

    Lenovo Project Swan Rollable Laptop Unveiled at IFA 2026: Specs, Price, and Availability

    Lenovo has introduced Project Swan at IFA 2026 in Berlin, a rollable laptop concept that expands from a standard 14-inch display to a 17-inch screen using a flexible OLED panel. Designed for professionals who require extra workspace without sacrificing portability, the ThinkBook concept aims to bridge the gap between compact laptops and larger monitors.

    The device starts as a conventional 14-inch laptop and expands horizontally to a 17-inch 16:9 display via a motorized mechanism. This approach keeps the laptop’s base footprint unchanged while providing additional screen real estate for multitasking, document comparisons, presentations, dashboards, and creative workflows. Project Swan runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor based on the Lunar Lake architecture.

    Measuring approximately 17.9mm thick and weighing around 1.6kg, the rollable laptop is lighter than many traditional 17-inch models while offering comparable screen space when fully expanded. The horizontal expansion design distinguishes it from Lenovo’s earlier ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, which increased screen height instead.

    Durability remains a key concern before any commercial launch. The moving OLED mechanism could experience wear, dust infiltration, and hinge stress over repeated use. Battery consumption may also rise when the larger display operates for extended periods. Lenovo has not announced pricing or retail availability, classifying the device as a proof of concept for now. Nonetheless, Project Swan points toward future laptops that adapt their screen size based on changing work needs.