Defense, Pharma, and Banking Stocks Lead Market Rally

The Indian stock market saw strong gains in key sectors as major companies announced significant contracts and business updates. While defense stocks surged on new government orders, pharma stocks gained after receiving exemptions from Trump’s recent tariffs.

Defense Sector Gains on Major Orders

Kirloskar Oil Engines Surges on Indian Navy Contract

• Kirloskar Oil Engines (KOEL) stock rallied after securing a ₹270 crore order from the Indian Navy to design and develop a 6MW medium-speed marine diesel engine under the Make-I scheme.

• The order aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliance) initiative, boosting investor sentiment in defense manufacturing stocks.

Bharat Electronics Jumps on Akash Missile System Contract

• Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) gained after winning a ₹593.2 crore contract from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the maintenance of the Akash Missile System.

• The contract is expected to strengthen BEL’s revenue pipeline, reinforcing its leadership in India’s defense electronics sector.

Pharma Stocks Rally as Trump Exempts Sector from Tariffs

• US President Donald Trump’s decision to exempt the Indian pharmaceutical sector from the 26% reciprocal tariff triggered a sharp rally in pharma stocks.

• Gland Pharma, Marksans Pharma, Aurobindo Pharma, and Lupin surged more than 6%, as investors welcomed the move, which protects revenue from US exports.

• The exemption reassures investors about stable earnings for Indian drugmakers, who supply a large portion of generic medicines to the US market.

Punjab National Bank Gains on Strong Q4FY25 Growth

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) stock rose as it reported a 13.2% YoY rise in its domestic business, reaching ₹25.8 lakh crore in Q4FY25.

• Domestic deposits grew 13.3% to ₹15.1 lakh crore, while global deposits rose 14.3% YoY to ₹15.7 lakh crore.

• The strong growth reflects PNB’s improved asset quality and expanding credit portfolio, boosting confidence in the Indian banking sector.

The stock market saw strong momentum in defense, pharma, and banking stocks, driven by key contracts, tariff exemptions, and strong earnings growth. While defense companies like Kirloskar Oil and BEL benefited from government orders, pharma stocks surged on US tariff relief, and PNB’s strong Q4 performance lifted banking sector sentiment.

The Current active IPO are Infonative Solutions Limited,Spinaroo Commercial Limited.

The Closed IPOs are  Retaggio Industries Limited.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX