24-FEB-2026, 2:38 PM In Wednesday’s trading session, several stocks are catching investor attention due to notable developments, regulatory movements, and strategic business news. Among them Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), IDFC First Bank and Mobikwik are among the standout names that market participants are closely watching today. These stocks have seen heightened volatility and trading activity due to fresh developments and investor reaction.
1. BPCL: Tax Demand Sparks Investor Focus
BPCL is in the spotlight today after a tax demand of ₹1,816.65 crore was served by the Kochi excise department, primarily relating to legacy liabilities from the pre-merger days of Kochi Refineries (2004-06). The company is planning to challenge this order before the customs tribunal (CESTAT), positioning the matter as a long-term legal issue rather than an immediate cash outflow.
This development has spiked short-term trading interest as investors assess the potential impact of the dispute on the company’s earnings and cash flows. BPCL’s refined product margins and standalone business fundamentals continue to be watched amid these regulatory news flows.
2. IDFC First Bank: Market Turmoil on Fraud Disclosure
IDFC First Bank has seen its stock come under pressure recently after the disclosure of a ₹590 crore fraud involving a branch account related to a government transaction. The news caused intense market reaction, dragging the stock into steep declines and making it one of the most actively traded banking counters.
Investors are now evaluating the bank’s governance response and regulatory oversight following this disclosure. While the RBI and bank management have stated that they are closely monitoring the situation, traders are keeping a close eye on how this episode unfolds in relation to asset quality, risk management, and future earnings prospects.
3. MobiKwik: Surge on Broking License Approval
Shares of MobiKwik are also on investors’ radars after its subsidiary received approval from the Bombay Stock Exchange to launch stock broking operations. This regulatory green light has lifted sentiment, sending MobiKwik’s stock price higher as traders price in the company’s expansion into financial services beyond its core digital payments business.
This market reaction highlights how potential diversification into new revenue streams — especially in financial services — can boost investor confidence, particularly for fintech firms expanding their product ecosystem.
Market Mood: Mixed Signals but Active Trading
Today’s overall market sentiment remains mixed, with broader indicators showing volatility influenced by global cues, sectoral rotations, and stock-specific news flows. While earnings season and macroeconomic data continue to guide institutional flows, company-specific triggers such as regulatory notices, fraud disclosures, and business approvals are driving active trading in mid- and small-cap counters.
BPCL, IDFC First Bank, and MobiKwik exemplify different catalysts — regulatory developments, risk management concerns, and growth opportunities — that are influencing investor behaviour in the current market environment.
What Investors Should Watch
BPCL’s Legal Outcome: Keep an eye on updates regarding BPCL’s appeal against the tax demand and any commentary from the company on financial implications.
IDFC First Bank Risk Management: Monitoring statements from regulators and the bank’s board regarding controls and corrective actions will be key.
MobiKwik’s Business Expansion: Progress on stock broking operations and any strategic tie-ups may offer further catalysts for the stock.
Conclusion
As trading unfolds, BPCL, IDFC First Bank, and MobiKwik have emerged as key stocks to watch due to their recent company-specific news and potential market impact. While BPCL deals with a regulatory tax demand, IDFC First Bank faces scrutiny after a fraud disclosure, and MobiKwik is riding optimism on business diversification.
Investors should monitor these developments carefully, as evolving corporate actions and regulatory responses will likely continue to shape price movements in these stocks throughout the day.
SOURCE : BUSINESS STANDARD
