Manojit Saha And Sohini Das

Stories by Manojit Saha And Sohini Das

Banks turn cautious on lending to smaller microfinance players

Banks turn cautious on lending to smaller microfinance players

Rediff.com   8 Jul 2024

Commercial banks have turned cautious in lending to smaller microfinance institutions (MFIs), which has compelled the latter to borrow from non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) at much higher rates. Recently Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao slammed micro lenders for increasing their margins "disproportionately" and said these lenders were quick to pass on the increased cost to the borrowers but reluctant to pass on the benefits under the new regime, where margins are not capped.

Can the 'new' HDFC Bank reclaim its old glory?

Can the 'new' HDFC Bank reclaim its old glory?

Rediff.com   8 Jul 2024

For over a decade, HDFC Bank consistently outperformed industry growth rates in both deposits and advances, maintaining impeccable asset quality. Amid a landscape where other banks struggled with soaring non-performing assets (NPAs), HDFC Bank thrived, eventually surpassing ICICI Bank to become the largest private sector lender in India. Its net interest margin (NIM) remained stable in the range of 4.1-4.4 per cent.

'High real repo rate can have adverse effects on demand as well as supply'

'High real repo rate can have adverse effects on demand as well as supply'

Rediff.com   6 Jul 2024

'The real repo rate is very high in terms of core inflation.'

How Kalki's Bujji Was Born

How Kalki's Bujji Was Born

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2024

'Fun stuff does, indeed, happen on X.'

Quality Lapses Shut Down Drug Makers

Quality Lapses Shut Down Drug Makers

Rediff.com   28 Jun 2024

Most of the pharma units are failing in documentation, and validation processes, and many don't have full-fledged quality control laboratories.

Bharat Biotech finally names ICMR as co-owner in Covaxin patent filings

Bharat Biotech finally names ICMR as co-owner in Covaxin patent filings

Rediff.com   25 Jun 2024

After reports claimed that filings in patent offices in India, the US, and Europe did not mention ICMR or its scientists, but only BBIL and its scientists, the Hyderabad-based biotechnology (biotech) company clarified that in the "rush" to develop vaccines and file appropriate patents, BBIL had missed adding ICMR's name in the original filings.

Cleaner Fuels Driving One-Fifth Of PVs Sold In India

Cleaner Fuels Driving One-Fifth Of PVs Sold In India

Rediff.com   18 Jun 2024

Auto manufacturers have focused on launching CNG variants of their popular models to meet consumer demand for vehicles with lower running costs.

'No Hurry To Convert To Universal Bank'

'No Hurry To Convert To Universal Bank'

Rediff.com   11 Jun 2024

'Have a long way to go even as a small finance bank, both in terms of size, and in terms of fulfilling our aspirations for financial inclusion.'

'Second-gen promoters more open to selling out'

'Second-gen promoters more open to selling out'

Rediff.com   6 Jun 2024

'There is not any negative connotation associated with it.'

'Depending on the product, the pricing pressure will always be there'

'Depending on the product, the pricing pressure will always be there'

Rediff.com   3 Jun 2024

'That is a significant milestone for us and something we aspired for.'

'Climate shocks' add uncertainty to inflation outlook: RBI annual report

'Climate shocks' add uncertainty to inflation outlook: RBI annual report

Rediff.com   31 May 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has identified "climate shocks" as a risk to food inflation rates and overall price rise while stating that the outlook for the country's economic growth remains bright. In its Annual Report for 2023-24, released on Thursday, the central bank said easing supply-chain pressures, broad-based softening in core inflation, and early indications of an above-normal southwest monsoon meant well for the inflation outlook in 2024-25. "The increasing incidence of climate shocks, however, imparts considerable uncertainty to the food inflation and overall inflation outlook," said the RBI while noting headline inflation moderated by 1.3 percentage points on an annual average basis to 5.4 per cent in 2023-24.

US Treasuries drive RBI's bumper surplus to Centre

US Treasuries drive RBI's bumper surplus to Centre

Rediff.com   31 May 2024

A combination of factors, including heavy investments in US Treasury bonds and dollar sales at a healthy profit, facilitated the Indian central bank in transferring a record surplus of Rs 2.11 trillion to the government for 2023-24 (FY24). The RBI's dollar purchases increased in FY24, supported by robust capital inflows endorsing the economy's health.

New-Gen COVID Jabs Coming Soon...

New-Gen COVID Jabs Coming Soon...

Rediff.com   28 May 2024

India currently does not have any XBB 1.5 variant-based vaccines available.

Recharge Zones To Cool Clothing: Indian Companies' Summer Strategies

Recharge Zones To Cool Clothing: Indian Companies' Summer Strategies

Rediff.com   23 May 2024

Several firms are stepping up to help their workforce cope with soaring temperatures

Inflation seen closer to target in FY26: RBI report

Inflation seen closer to target in FY26: RBI report

Rediff.com   22 May 2024

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) state of the economy report observed that any durable alignment of headline retail inflation with the target of 4 per cent could recommence in the second half of FY25 and sustain until numbers closer to the target are seen during the course of FY26, dashing hopes of any reduction in the policy repo rate in the current financial year. The report, authored by RBI staffers, including Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy Michael Patra, said though headline numbers may fall in July and August due to base effect, it is likely to reverse in September.

Should Govt Continue Covid Vax Drive?

Should Govt Continue Covid Vax Drive?

Rediff.com   20 May 2024

India has covered enough population with vaccine and infection, but protein vaccines should remain available on payment basis for elderly and those with comorbidities.

M&M shifts to high gear with Rs 37K cr investments

M&M shifts to high gear with Rs 37K cr investments

Rediff.com   17 May 2024

Automotive (auto) major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), which is readying to launch nine sport utility vehicles (internal combustion engine/ICE), seven Born Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and seven light commercial vehicles by 2030, has outlined an investment of Rs 27,000 crore in its auto business between 2024-25 (FY25) and 2026-27 (FY27). Over the next three years, the company will deploy Rs 37,000 crore, including its auto business, farm business (Rs 5,000 crore), and service business (Rs 5,000 crore).

ARC chiefs to meet RBI deputy guvs for seeking clarity on bank borrowing

ARC chiefs to meet RBI deputy guvs for seeking clarity on bank borrowing

Rediff.com   16 May 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will meet top executives of asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) on Friday to take stock of the sector. During the meeting, ARCs will also seek clarity from the regulator on bank borrowing. While there is no regulatory ban in place, ARC sources said banks often refuse funding.

'MSMEs, mid-corporate will be focus for loan growth'

'MSMEs, mid-corporate will be focus for loan growth'

Rediff.com   15 May 2024

'As these segments are growing at 25 per cent for the last three years, credit quality has been extremely good.'

Can Ashok Chavan Turn Tide in Nanded?

Can Ashok Chavan Turn Tide in Nanded?

Rediff.com   25 Apr 2024

The BJP has again fielded Prataprao Patil Chikhalikar who humbled Ashok Chavan in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls by over 40,000 votes.