Dev Chatterjee, Ishita Ayan Dutt &Amp; Abhijit Lele

Stories by Dev Chatterjee, Ishita Ayan Dutt &Amp; Abhijit Lele

Private banks' bottom line remains healthy in Q1, bad loans inch up

Private banks' bottom line remains healthy in Q1, bad loans inch up

Rediff.com   7 Aug 2024

Private banks' net profit grew 26.3 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 48,982 crore in the first quarter ended June 2024 (Q1FY25) owing to healthy growth in credit and other income. The gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) increased with the end of dispensation granted during the pandemic, according to the data compiled by BS Research Bureau for listed 18 private banks.

Skilling plan laudable, but needs clarity: Biz leaders

Skilling plan laudable, but needs clarity: Biz leaders

Rediff.com   2 Aug 2024

While praising the internship scheme announced in the Budget, India Inc wants clarity on how it will be implemented. The scheme is expected to help companies address the skill gap in employment. Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman, auto major Ashok Leyland, said: "We had started an internship programme at our plant in Pantnagar, which we established in 2010 with colleges there.

India Inc awaits demand uptick to go on capex spree

India Inc awaits demand uptick to go on capex spree

Rediff.com   1 Aug 2024

Chief executive officers (CEOs) across sectors have expressed intentions to expand capacities, expecting the government's target to invest a record Rs 11.11 trillion on infrastructure development will act as a catalyst for a jump in consumer demand. "With the government planning a capex of Rs 11.11 trillion, private sector investment will come in a big way. Companies will be preparing for it right from today," H M Bangur, chairman of Shree Cement, told Business Standard. For the past few years, the investment scene in India has been dominated by government capital expenditures; private investments in the manufacturing sector have remained muted.

Hindujas' RCap purchase hangs fire as deadline looms with payment on hold

Hindujas' RCap purchase hangs fire as deadline looms with payment on hold

Rediff.com   1 Aug 2024

Mauritius-based Hinduja group firm IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL) has informed the administrator of Reliance Capital that it is ready with its equity contribution of Rs 2,750 crore in cash to acquire the bankrupt firm, but it wants certain conditions to be met in accordance with the resolution plan before transferring the amount. IIHL has also filed an application with the Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), seeking directions for the administrator and the committee of creditors (CoC) to complete all pending activities to close the transaction and not let the lenders invoke the bank guarantees provided by the firm earlier.

Vedanta's Agarwal urges govt to privatise gold mining to boost production

Vedanta's Agarwal urges govt to privatise gold mining to boost production

Rediff.com   29 Jul 2024

Anil Agarwal, chairman of metals major Vedanta group, has called for the sale of government stake in Bharat Gold Mine and Hutti Gold Mine so as to increase production of the yellow metal in the country. In a social media post, Agarwal said global gold prices are currently at record highs and India imports 99.9 per cent of its requirement. "With massive investments, we can be a major producer of gold and a big generator of employment," Agarwal said.

Indian Biz Sees Hope After Bangladesh SC Order

Indian Biz Sees Hope After Bangladesh SC Order

Rediff.com   22 Jul 2024

'Bilateral trade has suffered seriously because of the growing unrest.' 'There is a standstill on both sides amid the curfew.'

Don't see change in UK strategy: Tata Steel chairman N Chandrasekaran

Don't see change in UK strategy: Tata Steel chairman N Chandrasekaran

Rediff.com   16 Jul 2024

There has been no change in Tata Steel's strategy on operations in the United Kingdom (UK), company chairman N Chandrasekaran has told shareholders. The statement comes amid growing concern about the restructuring plan in the face of change in government in the UK. Tata Steel's plan for the UK entailed a 1.25 billion investment plan agreed upon by the Conservative party-led government in September last year.

Temasek likely to invest $10 billion in India in the next three years

Temasek likely to invest $10 billion in India in the next three years

Rediff.com   16 Jul 2024

Singapore government's sovereign wealth fund Temasek is looking to invest $10 billion in India during the next three years, Ravi Lambah, Temasek's head of India and strategic initiatives, said.

Tyger Capital to list by next year, targets Rs 20,000 crore book

Tyger Capital to list by next year, targets Rs 20,000 crore book

Rediff.com   12 Jul 2024

Bain Capital-backed Tyger Capital is planning to list its shares on the Indian stock exchanges by the next financial year and is targeting to grow its assets under management by four times to Rs 20,000 crore in five years from Rs 5,000 crore now, Gaurav Gupta, MD and CEO of the firm said. In an exclusive interview, Gupta said that keeping with the growing business, the finance company expects to on-board 600 people in the current financial year as it is opening 60-65 new branches for broad-basing its network in the country.

Result preview: Cost of deposits to weigh on banks' margins in Q1

Result preview: Cost of deposits to weigh on banks' margins in Q1

Rediff.com   12 Jul 2024

Despite steady loan growth, the banking sector is expected to report subdued margins in the quarter ending June 2024 (Q1FY25), driven by high demand for deposits amidst tight liquidity conditions. However, according to Bloomberg analysts, listed banks are forecasted to see a 14.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase in net profit. Estimates showed that banks' net interest income (NII), and revenues from interest minus interest expenses might grow 11.9 per cent Y-o-Y.

Labour Pains, The Silent Crisis Undermining India's Infrastructure Boom

Labour Pains, The Silent Crisis Undermining India's Infrastructure Boom

Rediff.com   11 Jul 2024

Severe skilled, unskilled shortage threatens to pull emergency brakes on India's industrial engine.

Fair trade, focus on manufacturing, infra on steel firms' Budget wish list

Fair trade, focus on manufacturing, infra on steel firms' Budget wish list

Rediff.com   10 Jul 2024

India's leading steel companies hope the Modi 3.0 Budget will continue the massive capital expenditure currently underway, focusing on infrastructure development, manufacturing, and fair trade. The infrastructure segment is the largest steel user, and the government's focus has fuelled steel consumption even as international markets have underperformed. According to provisional statistics, steel consumption grew 13.6 per cent in FY24, reaching 136 million tonnes (mt), according to a CRISIL report.

LIC's residual stake value surges in top groups on stock market boom

LIC's residual stake value surges in top groups on stock market boom

Rediff.com   8 Jul 2024

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has made the most of the stock market boom by reducing stakes in all its top conglomerates during the financial year 2023-2024 (FY24). However, even after reducing exposure, the value of its remaining stake has gone up substantially across all groups, according to data collated from stock exchange filings.

Tata Hitachi reaps rich harvest, from field to factory

Tata Hitachi reaps rich harvest, from field to factory

Rediff.com   5 Jul 2024

It was the summer of 2006 (May 18). Writers' Building, then the state secretariat, was buzzing with journalists. The event marked the start of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's second term as chief minister. And in style, it got off with West Bengal bagging the small car plant, Nano.

Sebi Has Strong Case Against Hindenburg

Sebi Has Strong Case Against Hindenburg

Rediff.com   4 Jul 2024

If Hindenburg or its partner do not join the investigation, then Sebi may pass an ex-parte order against it, which may be enforced as a foreign award in US courts.

Even MBAs Find It Tough To Get Jobs

Even MBAs Find It Tough To Get Jobs

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2024

'Corporations that were recruiting 15 or 20 [students] have reduced the number to two or three.'

C S Setty: SBI's New Boss

C S Setty: SBI's New Boss

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2024

'You will see him frequently asking customers -- especially retail -- about service experience, pain points, areas of improvement and suggestions.'

Adani group to press the pedal on its retail play through super app

Adani group to press the pedal on its retail play through super app

Rediff.com   27 Jun 2024

With an existing consumer base of 400 million across airports, electricity and gas distribution businesses, the Adani group is revving up its retail play. It is planning to use the 2.4 billion consumer interactions a year with group companies to push various products and services. The group has already launched the 'Adani One' super app that will eventually sell products across the spectrum, top executives said.

Bidders of Haldiram Snacks Foods seek clarity on ownership of the brand

Bidders of Haldiram Snacks Foods seek clarity on ownership of the brand

Rediff.com   26 Jun 2024

The prospective bidders of Haldiram Snacks Foods (HSFPL), a leading food firm, have sought clarity on the ownership of the brand as it is currently owned by different family factions. The Delhi and Nagpur families have decided to merge their operations and formed a joint venture to sell part of their stake. On the other hand, the Kolkata family runs its separate, independent operations. Bankers said prospective bidders of the company do not want any confusion over the brand in future. They have sought clarity over usage of the brand.