Verizon Communications and BT Group said they would merge their international enterprise operations to form a joint venture, turning to a partnership to provide connectivity services to thousands of clients across several countries.

The two companies said in a joint statement that they had signed an agreement to set up the joint venture, in which both groups will have equal voting rights. The joint venture is expected to serve over 3,000 clients in more than 180 countries, representing roughly $4 billion in combined annual revenue.

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State-run aerospace and defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has declared a final dividend of Rs 10 per equity share (200%) for FY26, subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming AGM.

If approved at the AGM, the dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders within 30 days. The company has also set Friday, August 14, 2026 as the record date for determining eligibility for the payout.

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HAL is India’s premier aerospace and defence company. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence and plays a crucial role in the design, development, manufacture, repair, and overhaul of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and related systems.

The company is a key supplier to the Indian Armed Forces and has been at the forefront of India’s defence indigenisation efforts.

Over the past three months, HAL shares have gained 20.63%, while rising 0.63% in the last one month. However, the stock is down 11.62% over the past year and 17.77% over the last two years.
In Q4 results, the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 4,196 crore for the March-ended quarter, marking a 6% year-on-year (YoY) rise from the Rs 3,977 crore profit reported in the year-ago periodThe defence major’s revenue from operations rose 2% YoY to Rs 13,942 crore in Q4FY26, from Rs 13,700 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.

For the full financial year 2026, the company reported a nearly 9% rise in net profit to Rs 9,116 crore, compared with Rs 8,364 crore in FY25. The company’s revenue grew around 7% to Rs 33,089 crore in FY26 from Rs 30,981 crore in the previous financial year.

The PSU’s net profit more than doubled from Rs 1,867 crore reported in the third quarter of FY26. Revenue from operations surged over 81% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) from Rs 7,699 crore in the December quarter.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s earnings per share (EPS) rose nearly 6% to Rs 62.57 during the fourth quarter and more than 9% to Rs 135.71 for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. Its overall net worth, meanwhile, jumped 17% to Rs 40,862 crore in FY26.

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Instagram is rolling out additional ways for users to directly influence the content they see, as the Meta-owned platform continues to expand its “Your Algorithm” feature across more sections of the app.

In a recent post, Instagram head Adam Mosseri highlighted several experimental ideas aimed at making algorithm customization more accessible and integrated into everyday use. The updates build on efforts launched last year to give users greater visibility into and control over the topics the platform’s recommendation systems associate with their accounts.

“We want to evolve Your Algorithm from a setting to something that feels central to your experience on Instagram,” Mosseri said. He added, “Some of this is testing now, some is coming soon, some might not work.”

The feature, initially introduced for Reels, allows users to review topics Instagram believes they are interested in, add new ones they want to see more of, and remove those they prefer less. It has since expanded to the Explore page and, more recently, the main feed.

Mosseri’s latest examples demonstrate potential new access points. One concept involves pulling down on the home feed to surface the Your Algorithm menu for quick adjustments. Another envisions swiping up from a Reel to prompt similar customization options. A third shows simple buttons beneath individual Reels, letting users signal whether they want to see more content like it.

These tests reflect a broader push by Instagram to increase user agency in an era where algorithmic recommendations dominate feeds. Mosseri has emphasized that people who spend significant time on the platform should have meaningful control over their experience.

The expansion to the main feed, announced earlier in June, marked a notable step. Users can now see and tweak the topics the system links to their interests across major surfaces including Reels, Explore and Feed.

Instagram’s algorithm relies on numerous signals, with watch time, likes and shares emerging as particularly influential factors according to previous statements from Mosseri. The company uses machine learning to predict engagement, but the Your Algorithm tool aims to make those predictions more transparent and adjustable.

Topics currently form the core of the customization options, but Instagram plans to broaden the feature. Future iterations could support preferences for specific people, moods or vibes, and different content types.

This evolution comes amid ongoing user feedback about feed relevance. Many express frustration that recommended content often overshadows posts from accounts they follow. Popular comments on Mosseri’s announcements frequently echo calls for prioritizing followed accounts.

Instagram has acknowledged the tension between personalized recommendations and chronological feeds from connections. Recommendations now drive much of the platform’s growth, particularly through Reels, while still blending content from followed users.

The platform reached over 3 billion monthly active users in recent years, highlighting the scale at which these algorithmic decisions affect global audiences. For creators, the changes could influence visibility, as content aligned with user-selected topics may perform better in recommendations.

Experts note that giving users more direct input could help address concerns about filter bubbles and echo chambers. By allowing explicit topic adjustments, Instagram hopes to balance discovery of new content with relevance to stated preferences.

However, challenges remain in implementation. Algorithms must interpret user signals accurately without creating overly narrow experiences. Testing phases allow the company to gather data on what works before wider deployment.

Mosseri has shared philosophical thoughts on the matter, framing it as part of a larger effort toward transparency and user empowerment in social media. He has reviewed his own algorithm settings and encouraged others to do the same.

For everyday users, these tools could simplify managing overwhelming feeds. Instead of relying solely on implicit signals like past likes and views, people can make declarative choices about interests ranging from hobbies and news to entertainment categories.

The feature’s rollout has been gradual, starting with Reels before broader integration. This phased approach helps Instagram refine the interface based on real usage patterns.

As social platforms face scrutiny over content moderation, mental health impacts and information flow, features like Your Algorithm represent attempts to shift some control back to individuals. Similar tools exist on other services, but Instagram’s integration across multiple surfaces stands out.

Creators and marketers are watching closely. Content that matches actively chosen topics stands a better chance of surfacing, even for non-followers. This encourages more focused, high-quality production rather than generic posts.

Instagram continues to iterate on ranking systems. Watch time remains a top signal, underscoring the importance of engaging, vertical-format videos that hold attention.

The latest tests for in-the-moment customization, such as quick “more of this” or “less of that” signals during browsing, could make adjustments feel seamless rather than buried in settings menus.

User reactions vary. While some welcome greater control, others prioritize simplicity and question whether deeper tweaks will truly change their experience. The most common request remains stronger emphasis on content from followed accounts in primary feeds.

Instagram has not announced exact timelines for all proposed features, consistent with Mosseri’s note about ongoing experimentation. Some elements may never launch if testing reveals issues.

This focus on algorithm transparency aligns with Mosseri’s history of sharing insights into how Instagram ranks content across different surfaces. He has previously detailed factors for Feed, Reels, Explore and Stories.

For businesses and influencers, understanding these shifts is crucial. Adjusting strategies to align with user-selected interests could boost reach, while ignoring them might limit exposure in recommendation-driven sections.

Parents and younger users may also benefit from clearer controls, though Instagram maintains separate safeguards for teen accounts.

As the platform evolves, the balance between algorithmic curation and user direction will likely remain a key area of development. Mosseri has indicated this is just the beginning of efforts to make Instagram more responsive to individual needs.

In practice, accessing Your Algorithm currently involves navigating to relevant sections or checking account settings. With new tests, it could become as intuitive as interacting with any post or swipe gesture.

The feature does not alter content moderation policies or introduce new restrictions. It focuses purely on personalization of recommendations.

Industry observers see this as part of a competitive response to user demands for better feed quality across social apps. As attention economies intensify, platforms investing in perceived control may retain users longer.

Instagram’s parent company Meta has emphasized responsible AI development, which extends to recommendation systems. Large language models reportedly help translate complex ranking data into understandable topic labels for users.

Looking ahead, expansions beyond topics could include vibe-based preferences, such as uplifting content or specific aesthetics, further personalizing the experience.

Users interested in trying current options can check their settings or look for prompts in Reels and Explore. As tests progress, more may appear in the main feed.

The developments underscore Instagram’s ongoing commitment to refining its core product amid a crowded digital landscape. By listening to feedback and experimenting with access methods, the company aims to make its powerful algorithms feel more collaborative than opaque.

Indian equity markets traded with a cautious undertone as the benchmark Nifty surrendered most of its early gains highlighting the lack of fresh momentum. Despite the intraday weakness, technical analysts believe the broader trend remains constructive, with the current phase largely reflecting consolidation rather than a reversal.

Speaking to ET Now, Vinay Rajani from HDFC Securities said the market is moving within a well-defined range after forming a long-leg doji candlestick pattern last week, indicating indecision among market participants.

“The market seems to be in a mood of consolidation. Last week, Nifty formed a long-leg doji candlestick pattern. It was a holiday-truncated week, with last week’s high at 24,261 and the low at 23,784. The index has been consolidating within this range for the last six to seven sessions,” he said.

“If we look at the moving average setup, Nifty is currently holding above its 20-day and 50-day moving averages, which are coinciding around the 23,850 level. On the higher side, however, Nifty has not been able to surpass its 100-day exponential moving average, placed around 24,150. This indicates a complete consolidation phase—above the 20-day and 50-day EMAs but below the 100-day EMA—which shows that confidence is still lacking,” he added.

Rajani also pointed out that the broader market, which had been outperforming in recent months, has begun to lose momentum in the short term, adding to the cautious outlook.

“The broader market, which was previously outperforming, has started losing momentum on the upside and is showing weakness on the short-term charts. Overall, we may continue to consolidate within the current range. On the downside, 23,800 to 23,780 remains an important support zone. Unless this level is broken, we can continue to remain hopeful about the market. Selective sectors are still performing well. Today, pharma and healthcare are outperforming,” he said.
Financials and Pharma Remain Preferred Bets
While the benchmark indices may remain range-bound, Rajani believes sector-specific opportunities continue to exist. He remains optimistic about financials, particularly banking and NBFC stocks, while pharma continues to display relative strength.
“If we look at the sectors, the NBFC and banking space are relatively stronger on the positional charts. Overall, the primary trend of the market remains upward, and we believe financial stocks can be accumulated at lower levels. Dips should be bought. Right now, it is a muted short-term setup, but 23,800 should be kept as the stop-loss on a closing basis,” he said.

Stock Picks for Traders
On individual stock recommendations, Rajani highlighted opportunities in the pharma and NBFC segments, citing strong technical setups.

“Considering the sector strength, pharma is doing very well today and its primary trend remains positive. The index is trading near its all-time high, and the healthcare sector is also performing well. Within the sector, Gland Pharma is looking quite strong. It is on the verge of breaking out from a consolidation pattern, while the primary trend remains positive. Around ₹2,360, one can go long with a trading stop-loss at ₹2,310. On the upside, I expect a target of ₹2,470,” he said.

He also recommended L&T Finance as his preferred pick from the financial space.

“The second stock I would pick is from the NBFC space. L&T Finance is one stock that we believe could perform well in the coming weeks. Although it has corrected slightly in the intraday session, we believe the dip should be bought. Around ₹300–301, one can go long with a stop-loss at ₹295. On the upside, I expect a short-term target of ₹312,” he said.

Near-Term Outlook
With Nifty caught between key moving averages, traders are likely to watch the 23,800 support level closely. A decisive move beyond the current trading range could determine the market’s next direction. Until then, analysts continue to favour a stock-specific approach, with financials and pharma emerging as preferred sectors during the consolidation phase.

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.