Stocks to watch: Shares of HDFC Bank will be in focus as Atanu Chakraborty has, on March 18, 2026, tendered his resignation as the part-time chairman and independent director of the bank with immediate effect.
The GIFT NIFTY futures indicate that the NIFTY50 index will open 444 points lower. | Image: Shutterstock
Stocks to watch: The domestic equity market is expected to see a gap-down opening on Thursday, March 19. The GIFT NIFTY futures indicate that the NIFTY50 index will open 444 points lower.
Here is a list of stocks that may remain in focus today.
HDFC Bank: Shares of the banking giant will be in focus as Atanu Chakraborty has, on March 18, 2026, tendered his resignation as the part-time chairman and independent director of the bank with immediate effect. In his resignation letter, Chakraborty said certain happenings and practices within the bank that "I have observed over the last two years are not in congruence with my personal values and ethics".
"This is the basis of my aforementioned decision. I confirm that there are no other material reasons for my resignation other than those stated above," Chakraborty added.
Crude oil-sensitive stocks: OMCs, upstream, paints, tyres, and aviation stocks will remain in focus as the oil prices remain elevated. International benchmark Brent crude gained 3.43% to $103.65 per barrel, while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 3.85% to $97.08 per barrel in early trade.
Manappuram Finance: Bain Capital has received the RBI approvals for joint management control of Manappuram Finance and its subsidiaries pursuant to the acquisition of a stake in the gold loan firm.
Following the proposed acquisition of up to a 41.66% stake of Manappuram Finance, its subsidiaries Asirvad Micro Finance Limited (AMFL) and Manappuram Home Finance Limited (MHFL) would come under the joint control of the US-based global private investment firm Bain Capital, Manappuram Finance said in a statement on Wednesday.
With this, Manappuram Finance and its subsidiaries are now in receipt of all requisite statutory approvals for Bain Capital's proposed investment of approximately ₹4,385 crore and joint control with the existing promoters, together with the consequent open offer under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, it added.
Nazara Technologies: Diversified gaming and sports media firm Nazara Technologies on Wednesday said its UK-based subsidiary will acquire a 50% controlling stake in Spanish social gaming platforms Bluetile Games and BestPlay Systems for $100.3 million (about ₹918 crore).
Of the total cash consideration, $59.7 million (about ₹546 crore) will be paid at the first close, while the remaining $40.6 million (about ₹372 crore) is payable within six months of the first close, the company said in a regulatory filing.
The transaction also includes performance-linked earn-outs estimated at $98.2 million (about ₹898 crore), which are contingent on the achievement of agreed revenue and EBITDA targets for calendar years 2027–2029 and payable between 2028 and 2030.
Belrise Industries: Belrise Industries on Wednesday said it has acquired UK-based precision engineering group Chester Hall at an enterprise value of 13.2 million GBP, marking the company's strategic entry into high-value aerospace and space manufacturing.
Belrise UK Holdings Ltd, the step-down subsidiary of automotive component manufacturer Belrise Industries, signed a definitive share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Chester Hall Precision Engineering Holdings Ltd, according to a company statement.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has entered into a contract with Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI) for the construction and sale of one 3000 DWT methanol dual-fuel platform supply vessel (PSV). The contract value is approximately $39 million. The vessel will be constructed and delivered as per the mutually agreed contractual schedule between the parties.
GR Infra: The company has emerged as the L-1 bidder in the financial bid opening dated March 18, 2026, for a tender invited by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The cost of the project is ₹2,440.87 crore.
Ahluwalia Contracts: The company has secured a work order. The cost of the project is ₹393.04 crore (excluding GST).
Physicswallah: Edtech firm Physicswallah has received an income tax demand notice of ₹263.34 crore for the assessment year 2023-24.
The demand was raised after the Income Tax Department treated investments received by the company from investors during the period, including funds from SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Funds (AIF), as taxable income, Physicswallah said in a regulatory filing.
The company plans to challenge the assessment order.
"Based on its preliminary assessment, the company believes that it has strong legal and factual grounds to file an appeal before the appropriate appellate authority," Physicswallah said.
Vedanta: The company is slated to hold a board meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, to consider and approve the third interim dividend on equity shares, if any, for the financial year 2025-26.
Natco Pharma: The company is slated to hold a board meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to consider among other things, the Scheme of Arrangement for the demerger of Agrochemicals Division on a going concern basis into its Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company i.e., Natco Crop Health Sciences Limited.
With inputs from PTI
Disclaimer: This article is purely for informational purposes and should not be considered investment advice from Upstox. Please consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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Swati Verma is a business journalist with over 11 years of experience. She writes on equities, corporate earnings, sectoral trends, and industry outlook, among others. At Upstox, she leads financial markets coverage.
