The global coronavirus caseload has topped 429.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.91 million and vaccinations to over 10.42 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In its latest update on Thursday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 429,415,033 and 5,916,373, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 10,424,448,190.

South Korea said on Thursday that it will join a move to sanction Russia if the latter carries out a full-blown invasion of Ukraine.

The (South Korean) government has no other option but to join sanctions against Russia, including export controls if Russia goes ahead with a full-fledged war in any form despite repeated warnings from the international community, Yonhap news agency reported citing a senior foreign ministry official's statement.

Shares of Dr Reddy's Laboratories hit a 52-week low of Rs 4,055.85, down 3 per cent on the BSE in Thursday's intra-day trade, after Russia ordered military operations in Ukraine and reports emerged of blasts in some major Ukrainian cities.

The stock of the pharmaceutical company, which has a significant presence in the Russian market, has fallen below its previous low of Rs 4,135.90 touched on March 19, 2021.

Ten gram of 24-carat gold is selling at Rs 50,180 on Thursday, down Rs 280 since the last trade as demand dips for the safe-haven bullion.

Gold of 22 carat is selling at Rs 46,000, down Rs 250 from Wednesday according to the Goodreturns website. One kg of silver is selling at Rs 64,300, down Rs 100 from the last trade.

Market gauges Sensex and Nifty extended their losing streak to the sixth session on Wednesday as lingering Ukraine crisis continued to dent investor sentiment.

The Sensex closed 68.62 points, or 0.12 per cent, lower at 57,232.06; the Nifty ended 28.95 points, or 0.12 per cent down, at 17,063.25.

British telecom giant Vodafone is in discussions to sell around five per cent stake in Indus Towers to Bharti Airtel, according to industry sources. The stake is estimated to be valued at over Rs 3,300 crore, and the proceeds will be pumped into the Indian entity Vodafone Idea, PTI reported.

Though Vodafone did not confirm the stake sale to Airtel, the British firm confirmed on Wednesday that it is in talks to sell an initial 4.7 per cent stake and is looking to eventually sell its entire 28.1 per cent stake in Indus Towers, India’s largest cell tower firm.

Vedanta Ltd on Wednesday said its board will meet on March 2 to consider and approve third interim dividend for the current financial year.

The board of directors of the company on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, will consider and approve third interim dividend on equity shares, if any, for the financial year 2021-22, Vedanta said in a filing to the BSE.

India is likely to overtake some of the European markets and become fifth largest in the world very soon, a top official of beauty and wellness online e-commerce firm Nykaa said on Wednesday.

Nykaa executive chairperson, MD and CEO Falguni Nayar during a panel discussion at Investcorp Global Conversations said that even fashion business in India is taking shape of organised market from the present level of 80-85 per cent being unorganised.

Sweden-based IKEA, the world's leading home furnishing retailer, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Susanne Pulverer as its first woman chief executive officer (CEO) and chief sustainability officer (CSO) for its India business.

Pulverer will replace the outgoing IKEA India CEO and CSO Peter Betzel, IKEA said in a statement.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) on Wednesday said it will seek shareholders' approval to raise up to Rs 600 crore as equity capital by issuing shares to qualified institutional buyers in order to meet the regulatory requirements for amalgamation with its parent company.

Besides, the lender will seek approval of shareholders for appointment and re-categorisation of Sudha Suresh as an Independent Director of the bank from the next fiscal year, according to a regulatory filing.

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