Shares of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries declined over a per cent to their day’s low of Rs 1,311 on the NSE on Monday after it reported a 13% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 16,971 crore for the fourth quarter of FY26, compared with Rs 19,407 crore in the same period last year.

Revenue from operations during the quarter rose 13% YoY to Rs 2.98 lakh crore. On a sequential basis, profit slipped 8% from Rs 18,645 crore reported in the December quarter. Operating performance remained largely flat, with EBITDA easing 0.3% YoY to Rs 48,588 crore. EBITDA margin declined 200 basis points from the year-ago period to 14.9%.

Jio Platforms delivered a strong quarter, with operating revenue rising 13% YoY to Rs 44,928 crore. Reliance Retail posted a marginal increase in profitability for the March quarter. Net profit rose 0.5% YoY to Rs 3,563 crore, while revenue from operations climbed 11% to Rs 87,344 crore.

The O2C business reported mixed trends in Q4. Revenue increased 12% YoY to Rs 1.84 lakh crore, while EBITDA fell 4% to Rs 14,520 crore. The oil and gas segment had a weaker quarter, with revenue declining 9% YoY to Rs 5,867 crore. EBITDA dropped 18% to Rs 4,195 crore. JioStar reported strong performance, with revenue of Rs 9,784 crore and EBITDA, including other income, of Rs 827 crore.

Reliance Industries share: Should you buy, sell or hold?

Morgan Stanley has maintained its Overweight rating on Reliance Industries with an unchanged target price of Rs 1,803, implying an upside potential of 35%. The brokerage said earnings were largely in line, though EBITDA was slightly below expectations due to higher upstream costs. It highlighted strong retail growth led by quick commerce and FMCG, while O2C margins remained weaker than peers but were improving due to better crude sourcing trends. Morgan Stanley added that chemicals and fuel markets are showing early signs of recovery.

The brokerage noted that capex remains elevated with a focus on new energy. It said any rerating in the stock would depend on margin improvement across segments and continues to view Reliance as a top pick, with recovery in the energy and retail businesses seen as key triggers.
Goldman Sachs has maintained its Buy rating on Reliance Industries with an unchanged target price of Rs 1,910. The brokerage said Q4 EBITDA missed estimates mainly due to weaker O2C margin capture, as high crude premiums and elevated logistics costs offset the benefit of strong product cracks. It noted that the petrochemical business delivered mixed performance, with pressure continuing in the naphtha chain. However, Goldman Sachs expects sequential margin recovery in the coming quarters.The brokerage added that retail growth remained strong, although margins were impacted by quick commerce. It believes Reliance’s integrated business model is well placed to benefit from a tightening downstream environment, with earnings recovery likely to be driven by normalisation in refining and chemicals.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services has maintained its Buy rating on Reliance Industries while reducing the target price to Rs 1,655, implying a potential upside of 25%. The brokerage has cut its FY27E EBITDA and PAT estimates by 3-4% due to challenges in the energy business and delays in tariff hikes at Jio. It expects Jio to remain the company’s biggest growth driver, with digital expected to contribute around 80% of Reliance’s incremental EBITDA. EBITDA is projected to grow at an 18% CAGR over FY26-28E, supported by an expected wireless tariff hike of around 15% in 2Q, market share gains in wireless, and continued expansion of Homes and Enterprise offerings.

It also expects Reliance Retail to deliver around 12% revenue CAGR over FY26-28E, driven by store additions, better productivity, and the scale-up of hyper-local offerings. However, it noted that faster growth in lower-margin businesses could weigh on blended EBITDA margins.

Elara Capital has upgraded Reliance Industries to Buy while revising its target price downward to Rs 1,619. The brokerage said weak O2C margin capture weighed on performance despite strong product cracks. It noted that the digital and retail businesses continue to provide steady growth support, though retail margins remain under pressure due to ongoing investments. At the same time, the oil and gas and O2C segments continued to drag overall performance.

Elara Capital has cut its EPS estimates because of a weaker outlook for petrochemicals and retail. However, it believes the recent correction in the stock price has already factored in near-term headwinds. The brokerage sees upside potential led by normalisation in GRMs and sustained growth in the digital business.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

Officers note ‘adverse landscape impacts’ but say project would help authority meet housing targets

Cheshire East planners are recommending approval for up to 85 homes in the open countryside at Nantwich despite acknowledging ‘the proposed development on this site would cause harm’.

Barratt David Wilson Homes has applied for outline permission for the dwellings, including 30 per cent affordable, together with landscaping, children’s play area and sustainable urban drainage on 6.39 hectares of agricultural land at London Road.

Cheshire East doesn’t have a five-year housing land supply, a significant material consideration which weighs in favour of permitting the development.

A report from a council planning officer to next week’s meeting of the strategic planning board, states: “The proposed development on this site would cause harm.

“There would be adverse landscape impacts on the character and appearance of the area due to the urbanising effect of the housing within the open countryside.

“There would also be a minor reduction in the Willaston, Wistaston, Nantwich, Crewe strategic green gap.

“However, these impacts could be appropriately managed and limited by securing appropriate details at the reserved matters stage.”

It adds: “Development of the site would result in the loss of ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land.

“This does weigh in against the proposal but needs to be balanced against the prevalence of agricultural land in Cheshire East.”

Stapeley Parish Council has objected to the proposal citing several reasons why it should be refused.

These include the impact on highways and the loss of agricultural land and natural habitats.

Ward councillor John Priest has also raised concerns about highways.

Thirteen residents have objected for varying reasons including loss of open countryside, loss of strategic green gap and landscape, and visual impacts.

The planning officer’s report says there are a range of benefits that weigh in favour of the scheme.

It states: “The NPPF (national planning policy framework) attaches great importance to housing delivery that meets the needs which the proposal would help address.

“The construction of up to 85 homes, including 26 affordable units, is provided substantial weight.

“The application site is also adjacent to the settlement boundary of Nantwich, which is a key service centre, and will be accessible to all the various services in the area.”

It says the development would produce some economic benefits in terms of employment opportunities during the construction phase and direct and indirect benefits associated with additional household expenditure within the local economy.

The strategic planning board meeting takes place at 10.30am on Wednesday, April 29, at Macclesfield Town Hall.

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain but is progressing in his recovery, with Lakers insiders projecting a potential return in Game 1 or Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals if the team advances past the Houston Rockets, according to multiple reports on Monday.

The Slovenian superstar has been out since suffering the injury on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has not played in the Lakers’ first-round playoff series, which stands at 3-0 in Los Angeles’ favor entering Game 4 on Sunday. Coach JJ Redick and team officials continue to describe Doncic’s status as “out indefinitely,” emphasizing caution with the partial muscle tear.

Medical experts note that Grade 2 hamstring strains typically require four to six weeks of recovery, sometimes longer for athletes with prior hamstring issues. At roughly 25 days since the injury as of April 27, Doncic has begun light on-court work and is ramping up his return-to-play progression, but no firm timeline has been set.

Injury Details and Recovery Progress

Doncic initially felt discomfort late in the first half against Oklahoma City and was removed after grabbing his leg. An MRI confirmed the Grade 2 strain, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season and the early playoffs. He traveled to Europe for specialized regenerative treatments before returning to Los Angeles to continue rehab.

Recent updates show encouraging signs. Redick revealed Doncic is preparing to increase on-court activity soon, though the team is managing expectations. Lakers insider Jovan Buha and others suggest the goal is to have him ready for the second round against a likely opponent like Oklahoma City, giving him additional rest while the supporting cast closes out Houston.

Austin Reaves, dealing with his own oblique strain, is further along and listed as questionable for recent games, providing a clearer path for his return. Doncic’s situation requires more patience due to the hamstring’s vulnerability to re-injury.

Impact on Lakers’ Playoff Run

The Lakers have shown impressive depth without their star acquisition. LeBron James continues to lead the way with vintage performances, while role players have stepped up in a balanced attack. A 3-0 series lead against Houston demonstrates resilience, but coaches acknowledge the ceiling rises significantly with Doncic available.

A return in early May would align with a potential Game 1 or 2 of the next round. This timeline allows for proper healing while minimizing risk of setback. Rushing back too soon could sideline him longer, a lesson learned from past hamstring cases across the league.

Expert Opinions and Medical Outlook

Physical therapists and analysts caution against aggressive timelines for Grade 2 strains. The injury involves partial tearing of muscle fibers, requiring careful loading to avoid aggravation. Doncic’s history with lower-body issues adds extra precaution. Reports indicate he has looked strong in recent light sessions, but full basketball activity remains the next major step.

League insiders emphasize that the Lakers’ conservative approach prioritizes long-term health over short-term gains, especially with a potential deep playoff run ahead. If Los Angeles advances quickly, Doncic could gain valuable extra recovery time.

Fan and League Reaction

Supporters have mixed feelings — excitement over the team’s strong start without Doncic tempered by eagerness for his return. Social media buzzes with debates over optimal timing, with many urging patience to ensure he’s fully healthy for tougher matchups.

League-wide, the case highlights ongoing discussions about star availability in the playoffs and load management. Doncic’s acquisition represented a major shift for the Lakers’ championship aspirations, making his recovery a focal point of the postseason narrative.

What’s Next for Doncic and the Lakers

As the first-round series progresses, updates will come through official injury reports and coach comments. Game 4 offers another chance for the supporting cast to shine, potentially setting up a favorable second-round scenario. Doncic continues individualized work, with re-evaluations guiding the next phase of his progression.

The 27-year-old, acquired in a blockbuster move, averaged elite numbers before the injury. His playmaking, scoring and vision elevate the offense, making his return a game-changer regardless of when it occurs. For now, the focus remains on smart rehab and team momentum.

Doncic’s exact return date stays fluid, but the consensus points toward early May if the Lakers advance. Fans and analysts will monitor every update closely as the postseason unfolds. The organization’s measured approach suggests confidence in a strong comeback rather than a rushed one, positioning the Lakers for sustained success with their star back on the court.

LOS ANGELES — Meghan Markle has sparked intense speculation and renewed royal watchers’ interest after reposting a pair of astrology memes on her Instagram Stories on April 25, 2026, hinting that the “hardest seven years” of her life may finally be coming to a close as the planet Uranus exits Taurus.

The Duchess of Sussex, a Leo, shared content from astrology accounts that directly referenced the astrological transit and its impact on fixed signs including Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. One post featured two men dancing joyfully with the caption: “Taurus, Leo, Scorpio & Aquarius ending the hardest seven years of their lives on April 25.” Another horoscope post spoke to themes of exhaustion, questioned self-worth and the relief of emerging pressure.

Many fans and commentators immediately interpreted the posts as a subtle but pointed reference to the intense media scrutiny, public backlash and family tensions that began shortly after her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry and escalated dramatically with the couple’s 2020 decision to step back from royal duties.

Astrological Context and Timing

Astrologers note that Uranus, the planet associated with sudden change, disruption and liberation, spent approximately seven years in Taurus from 2018 to 2025 before shifting into Gemini. This long transit is said to bring upheaval to areas ruled by Taurus, including stability, values and public image — themes many observers link to Markle’s experience in the royal spotlight.

The timing aligns closely with major milestones in Markle’s public life: her wedding in May 2018, the birth of her children, the Netflix series, the Spotify podcast deal, the Oprah interview, the release of “Spare” and ongoing legal battles. For a Leo like Markle, the transit is believed to have challenged identity, creativity and recognition.

Public Reaction and Interpretation

The reposts quickly went viral, with royal gossip accounts, astrology enthusiasts and mainstream media dissecting every word. Supporters celebrated what they saw as a message of hope and renewal for the Duchess. Critics accused her of vague posting or using astrology to indirectly address ongoing controversies.

Some observers connected the post to recent media appearances and business ventures, suggesting Markle feels a shift toward calmer waters after years of intense coverage. Others noted the irony of a celebrity known for privacy concerns using social media to share such personal reflections.

Seven Years of Headlines

Since marrying into the British royal family, Markle has been one of the most discussed figures in global media. The period has included landmark moments — the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, their relocation to California, the launch of Archewell, Netflix projects and children’s books — alongside persistent tabloid scrutiny, lawsuits and public debates about race, privacy and family dynamics.

The “seven-year” reference resonates because it roughly spans from her engagement announcement through the present. Many royal commentators view the Uranus transit narrative as a metaphorical farewell to that turbulent chapter.

Markle’s Current Focus

Markle has maintained a relatively lower public profile in recent months while focusing on family, brand initiatives and selective projects. She and Prince Harry continue raising their two children in Montecito, California, and have expanded their philanthropic and media endeavors.

The Instagram Stories posts mark one of her more personal shares in some time, as she typically uses the platform for lifestyle, wellness or brand-related content. The move has reignited conversations about her relationship with the press and public perception.

Astrology’s Role in Celebrity Culture

Celebrities frequently turn to astrology for guidance or subtle messaging, and Markle’s posts fit into a broader trend. In 2026, interest in astrological transits remains high, with many public figures sharing similar content during major planetary shifts. Uranus in Gemini is expected to bring innovation, communication breakthroughs and adaptability — qualities supporters hope will define Markle’s next phase.

Royal experts remain divided on whether the posts signal genuine optimism or continue a pattern of cryptic communication. Some see it as empowering self-reflection; others view it as calculated engagement with her audience.

What Lies Ahead

As Uranus settles into Gemini, astrologers predict faster-paced change, new ideas and greater flexibility for affected signs. For Markle, this could translate to smoother professional projects, reduced media intensity or renewed focus on personal goals.

Whether the posts truly herald the end of a difficult era or simply reflect an interest in cosmic timing, they have once again placed Markle at the center of public conversation. Fans and critics alike will watch closely for signs of this new chapter unfolding in her work, family life and public presence.

The viral reaction underscores the enduring fascination with the Duchess of Sussex. Seven years after stepping onto the global stage as a royal bride, Meghan Markle’s latest social media activity suggests she believes the stars — and perhaps her own path — are finally aligning for something brighter.