MUMBAI: IDFC First Bank reported a 48.1% jump in net profit to Rs 503 crore for the third quarter ended December, from Rs 339 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The increase was helped by higher core income, lower sequential provisions and an improvement in asset quality.The bank’s bottom line improved aided by stronger … Read more
India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by a sharp $8.053 billion to touch a new all-time high of $709.413 billion in the week ended January 23, extending the recent rebound after months of pressure from rupee volatility, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India.The latest rise follows a jump of $14.167 billion in … Read more
Several banking and card-related changes will come into effect from February 2026, affecting everyday transactions, credit card benefits and compliance requirements for customers of State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Punjab National Bank, according to ET.Among the key changes, SBI will revise service charges on certain IMPS transactions from February 15, 2026. … Read more
As the Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, education stakeholders across schools, higher education, skilling, and edtech are calling for focused policy measures and financial support to strengthen learning outcomes, employability, and workforce readiness. These expectations come amid a steady rise in education allocations over the past few years and an increased emphasis on execution and infrastructure.The … Read more
Over the last few years, personal taxation has seen meaningful changes, particularly in the form of revised slabs By Sureshkumar SIndia enters the Union Budget 2026 on relatively strong economic footing, supported by steady growth, resilient domestic demand and continued investment in digital public infrastructure. Over the last few years, personal taxation has seen meaningful … Read more
A determined farmer integrates solar power into his rural Indian landscape, balancing tradition with a sustainable future. NEW DELHI: Relatively slow growth in electricity demand in 2025–26, surplus power availability during solar hours leading to weak demand, and assured power availability for discoms after 2028–29 are among the reasons why renewable energy implementing agencies (REIAs) … Read more
With Budget 2026 just a day away, focus has returned to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s red bahi khaata and what it could hold for different sectors. First introduced in 2019, the traditional red ledger has since een representing not just a functional item, but a conscious shift away from colonial-era customs, towards a more … Read more
India-US trade deal: Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal has said that India is not disappointed over delays in the India–US trade agreement as every country will prioritise its interests. Goyal said that India remains focused on safeguarding its interests. “Not at all. Every country looks after its own interests. We have to protect … Read more
Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed the personal and national toll of Islamabad’s ongoing debt crisis. Sharif admitted that both he and field marshal Asim Munir (the Army Chief) were forced to “quietly” solicit billions in loans from friendly nations to bridge the country’s external financing gap.Addressing a gathering of … Read more
The United States has told India it can soon resume purchases of Venezuelan oil to reduce its reliance on Russian crude, Reuters reported. India had pledged to slash Russian oil imports after Washington imposed higher tariffs linked to those purchases.The move is part of a broader US effort to redirect India’s oil imports away from … Read more