Indian equities closed higher for the third consecutive week, buoyed by positive domestic and global factors, including renewed India-US trade talks optimism and the US Federal Reserve's first rate cut. Amidst this positive market sentiment, several significant developments unfolded across various sectors.

YES Bank Receives Substantial Japanese Investment

In a major boost to YES Bank, Japanese lender SMBC has decided to acquire nearly 25% stake in the bank for approximately Rs 16,000.00 crore. This move is viewed as a vote of confidence in YES Bank and may potentially lead to rating upgrades. The substantial investment is expected to strengthen YES Bank's financial position and improve its market standing.

Indian IT Sector Faces Pressure from New H-1B Visa Fee

The Indian IT sector, including giants like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech, is facing pressure following an announcement by US President Trump. The new policy states that H-1B visas will carry an annual fee of $100,000.00 for fresh applications. This significant increase in visa fees is likely to impact the operational costs and hiring strategies of Indian IT companies with a substantial presence in the United States.

Energy Sector Developments

Several noteworthy developments have been reported in the energy sector:

• NTPC is exploring overseas uranium asset acquisitions for its nuclear projects, signaling a strategic move to secure fuel supplies for its expanding nuclear power portfolio.
• ONGC and Oil India are planning a Rs 3,200.00 crore offshore drilling campaign, indicating continued investment in domestic oil and gas exploration.
• Shipping Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BPCL, HPCL, and Indian Oil for fleet collaboration, potentially leading to synergies in the oil and gas transportation sector.

Other Notable Corporate News

• Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has secured a $62.44 million contract for four hybrid vessels, showcasing the company's capabilities in advanced shipbuilding.
• Netweb Technologies received a significant order worth Rs 450.00 crore for AI GPU systems, highlighting the growing demand for high-performance computing solutions in India.

The Indian stock market's positive performance, coupled with these diverse corporate developments, reflects a dynamic economic landscape. While challenges such as the H-1B visa fee hike pose concerns for the IT sector, investments like SMBC's stake in YES Bank and strategic moves in the energy sector indicate ongoing growth and transformation across various industries.

Several Indian listed companies have scheduled significant corporate actions this week, including stock splits, bonus issues, and dividend payments. These actions are set to benefit shareholders with various record dates throughout the week.

Stock Splits

Adani Power has announced a stock split, reducing its face value from Rs 10.00 to Rs 2.00 per share. The record date for this split is set for September 22. This 5:1 split will increase the number of shares for existing shareholders without affecting their overall holding value.

Nazara Technologies plans to split its shares from Rs 4.00 to Rs 2.00 per share. The record date for this 2:1 split is scheduled for September 26.

Bonus Issues

Nazara Technologies is not only splitting its stock but also rewarding its shareholders with a bonus issue. The company will issue one bonus share for every share held, effectively doubling shareholders' holdings. The record date for this bonus issue coincides with its stock split on September 26.

Other notable bonus issues include:

• Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores: The company is offering two bonus shares for every one share held, with a record date of September 22.
• Pidilite Industries: Shareholders will receive one bonus share for every share held, with the record date set for September 23.

Dividend Payments

Several companies have announced dividend payments, with the following being particularly noteworthy:

Important Note for Investors

Under India's T+1 settlement cycle, it's crucial for investors to note that shares purchased on the record date itself will not qualify for these benefits. To be eligible, investors must complete their purchases before the respective record dates.

These corporate actions demonstrate the companies' commitment to enhancing shareholder value through various means. Stock splits can potentially increase liquidity, while bonus issues reward existing shareholders without impacting the company's financials. Dividends provide direct cash returns to investors.

Investors are advised to consider these corporate actions in the context of their overall investment strategy and to consult with financial advisors if needed.