News for '-illustration-uttam'

Bank asset quality: Slippages rise 26% in Q1 on stress in unsecured loans

Bank asset quality: Slippages rise 26% in Q1 on stress in unsecured loans

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Commercial banks in India reported 26 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth in slippages at Rs 63,000 crore during the first quarter ended June 2025 (Q1FY26). This was predominantly due to stress in microfinance and unsecured retail portfolios of select lenders.

India Inc turns to equity, bonds as cheaper bank loans remain elusive

India Inc turns to equity, bonds as cheaper bank loans remain elusive

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Indian corporate are increasingly shifting away from bank funding towards alternative sources, such as equity and bond markets, as their deleveraged balance sheets have improved their ability to raise equity at better valuations. Moreover, the 100 basis points (bps) rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has enabled them to access long-term funds from the debt capital market at cheaper rates.

What Insurance Should You Buy?

What Insurance Should You Buy?

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Young investors with a higher risk appetite are better off with a combination of term insurance and equity funds.

Fiscal deficit in Q1 at 17.9% of full-year target

Fiscal deficit in Q1 at 17.9% of full-year target

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The Centre's fiscal deficit stood at 17.9 per cent of the full-year target at the end of June, according to data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on Thursday. It was at 8.4 per cent of Budget Estimates (BE) of 2024-25 in the first three months of the previous financial year.

India Inc meeting capex need with own cash, says SBI chief C S Setty

India Inc meeting capex need with own cash, says SBI chief C S Setty

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

India Inc, which is sitting on cash balances of 13.5 trillion, is using the funds to meet capital expenditure as well as brownfield expansion, resulting in 'anaemic' demand for bank loans, State Bank of India (SBI) chairman CS Setty said at an event on Monday. He added that a slowdown in corporate credit is mainly due to lack of demand.

'Where Your Data Resides Is Now A Fundamental Question'

'Where Your Data Resides Is Now A Fundamental Question'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'What we see now is a much stronger need for data sovereignty.'

'Ample Room For New Entrants In Equity Exchange'

'Ample Room For New Entrants In Equity Exchange'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

'Market momentum and investor interest are at unprecedented levels, making this the opportune moment.'

Kerala couple flees Bengaluru after duping investors of Rs 50 cr

Kerala couple flees Bengaluru after duping investors of Rs 50 cr

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

A couple from Kerala, running a chit fund company in Bengaluru, has allegedly fled after cheating over 1,300 investors of more than Rs 50 crore. Police have launched a manhunt and are investigating the extent of the fraud.

It's time to get started, put money in deals: M&A financing opens up

It's time to get started, put money in deals: M&A financing opens up

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Last fortnight, State Bank of India Chairman C S Setty lifted the veil on a subject long spoken of in corporate corridors: Why can't our banks finance mergers and acquisitions (M&As)? Change is in the air: Indian Banks' Association (of which Setty is the chairman) is to "make a formal request" to Mint Road to make way for it. Thus far the exclusive turf of foreign banks even though its funding remains offshore - as in, it's not on these entities rupee-book (and a few select shadow banks) - a most lucrative segment in the investment banking suite, M&As, will be homeward-bound.

Active Or Passive Funds: Which to Choose?

Active Or Passive Funds: Which to Choose?

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

'Active funds have the ability to manage downside risk.'

Renewal of life insurers' policies, after 1 year, declines in June quarter

Renewal of life insurers' policies, after 1 year, declines in June quarter

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

The 13th-month persistency rate of life insurers - an important metric indicating the retention of new policies - declined in the first quarter of 2025-26 (Q1FY26). This fall was primarily driven by a lower share of high-value policies, following taxation changes implemented in April 2023.

For IT cos, growth in Europe may only be temporary relief

For IT cos, growth in Europe may only be temporary relief

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

With demand for information-technology (IT) services in North America still sluggish, Europe has become a source of optimism for Indian companies because it is delivering steady gains over the past two years and continuing to outperform in the latest quarter. Yet analysts caution a full-scale revival will require a rebound in the United States (US), particularly in manufacturing, retail, and BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), because Europe contributes only about a third of the revenues.

Want To Invest In Debt Funds?

Want To Invest In Debt Funds?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'Maintain a balanced approach with a preference for short-to medium-duration funds.'

Irdai proposes internal ombudsman to address claims up to Rs 50 lakh

Irdai proposes internal ombudsman to address claims up to Rs 50 lakh

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (Irdai) on Wednesday proposed setting up an internal insurance ombudsman for insurance companies -- except reinsurers-- with over three years of operation, to address unresolved complaints. The ombudsman will have power to hear complaints for claims up to Rs 50 lakhs.

Top 18 states' revenues to grow 7-9% in FY26: Crisil

Top 18 states' revenues to grow 7-9% in FY26: Crisil

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

India's 18 largest states, accounting for over 90 per cent of the country's gross state domestic product (GSDP), are likely to record a marginal uptick in revenue growth to 7-9 per cent this year, from 6.6 per cent clocked in 2024-25 (FY25), rating agency Crisil said in a report on Tuesday. This growth, slower than the decadal average of about 10 per cent, would lift these states' cumulative revenue to around Rs 40 trillion in FY26 from Rs 37.26 trillion in FY25.

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Some of the key names include: Maruti, M&M, Ashok Leyland, Britannia, Ultratech, JK Cement, Havells, Voltas, Amber, Metro, Trent, LemonTree, Indian Hotels, Niva Bupa, HDFC Life, IGL, Acme Solar, Suzlon, Swiggy, Delhivery, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance," according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Simplifying GST rates, removing exemptions, easing disputes, and speeding up refunds can boost investment in India and offer the best reply to Trump's tariffs, observes V S Krishnan, former member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

25% Donald Trump tariff likely to weigh on pharma margins: Analysts

25% Donald Trump tariff likely to weigh on pharma margins: Analysts

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

If pharmaceutical exports from India to the US come under a 25 per cent tariff bracket, the impact on earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) could be around 5 per cent, felt analysts. This is after assuming that about 75 per cent of the tariff would be passed on.

'Banca channel key to achieve insurance for all'

'Banca channel key to achieve insurance for all'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'The kind of reach it has with so many bank branches even in the remotest part of the country, it is one channel which will play a very important role in vision of insurance for all.'

US advisory for India warns of crime, rape; MEA says 'noted'

US advisory for India warns of crime, rape; MEA says 'noted'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In the June 16 advisory, the US urged its citizens to exercise "increased caution" due to crime and rape, and advised them not to travel to certain parts of central and eastern parts of the country due to terrorism.

Sebi extends rebalancing timeline rule to all passive MF breaches

Sebi extends rebalancing timeline rule to all passive MF breaches

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Market regulator Sebi on Thursday said that timelines for portfolio rebalancing in mutual fund schemes will now be applicable to all types of passive breaches across actively managed schemes, which was earlier limited to only asset allocation. A passive breach refers to unintended deviations from the mandated asset allocation or regulatory limits that do not arise from the direct actions or omissions of asset management companies (AMCs).

Mutual funds turn up the dial on active factor funds

Mutual funds turn up the dial on active factor funds

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The factor fund launch spree by mutual funds (MFs) is moving from the passive to the active space. Two new fund offerings (NFOs) - ICICI Pru Active Momentum Fund and Bandhan Multi-Factor Fund - are currently open for subscription. Sundaram MF's multi-factor fund NFO closed this Wednesday.

Digital debt collection makes strides as lenders use tech to cut visits

Digital debt collection makes strides as lenders use tech to cut visits

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

"We currently manage collections for over 98 million retail and small-business loan accounts, covering a loan book of about $250 billion," says Rishabh Goel, cofounder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Credgenics, a software-as-a-service platform for debt collection. With more than 700 million smartphone users and over 450 million UPI users, digital access is everywhere.

No changes in FDI policy for Pak, China and few others

No changes in FDI policy for Pak, China and few others

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The government has not made any amendments to the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy for countries sharing land border with India, sources said on Wednesday. In 2020, the government issued Press Note 3 under which investors from these land bordering countries have to mandatorily take prior approval of the government for making investments in any sector.

Why NRIs are holding back on market bets

Why NRIs are holding back on market bets

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) haven't gone big on the Indian stock market story despite the post-pandemic boom. While domestic participation through mutual funds (MFs) and dematerialised accounts has soared, NRI participation figures show limited signs of a similar rise.

India among top fintech hotspots globally: WEF study

India among top fintech hotspots globally: WEF study

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

A new global study on Wednesday listed India among the top fintech hotspots alongside the US and the UK. The World Economic Forum study, released at its Annual Meeting of New Champions in China's Tianjin, also said the fintech sector growth is stabilising amid strengthening profitability and inclusion.

Key factors to drive stock markets this week

Key factors to drive stock markets this week

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Equity investors are up for an eventful trading week ahead as the 90-day suspension period of the reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump ends on July 9, analysts said, adding that a positive outcome from the trade negotiations could further lift market sentiment, particularly benefiting trade-sensitive sectors.

Do fresh steps signal a stable future for India-China ties?

Do fresh steps signal a stable future for India-China ties?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

India and China have announced a series of measures aimed at improving their relationship, including maintaining peace along the border, reopening border trade, and resuming direct flights.

Small is big for PEs, companies as M&As rise to $45.4 billion in H1

Small is big for PEs, companies as M&As rise to $45.4 billion in H1

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

India's mergers & acquisitions (M&As) market recorded deals worth $45.44 billion in the first half of 2025, up nearly 3.3 per cent from a year ago, even as ultra large-ticket transactions remained subdued. During the first half, the 7.1 per cent rise in deal count to 1,614 signals continuing appetite among domestic conglomerates and private equity (PE) funds for mid-sized and smaller assets.

June retail inflation likely to have cooled further on food prices

June retail inflation likely to have cooled further on food prices

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

India's consumer price index (CPI)-based retail inflation rate is likely to have cooled further in June, thus remaining below the 4 per cent target of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a fifth consecutive month, giving the central bank wiggle room to focus on growth. Economists reckon that the decline is on account of easing prices in various categories of goods, especially food items, and a favourable base effect.

Banks make a killing from TERPs, standing deposit facility arbitrage

Banks make a killing from TERPs, standing deposit facility arbitrage

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Banks have been borrowing heavily from the Tri-Party Repo (TREPS) market and deploying those funds into the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is offering higher interest rate than the former, leading to increased volumes in the SDF window. The weighted average TREPS rate was trading at 5.66 per cent on Monday, 9 basis points lower than the SDF rate which currently stands at 5.75 per cent.

FDI inflows rose by around 14% to $81 billion in 2024-25

FDI inflows rose by around 14% to $81 billion in 2024-25

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

India continues to remain an attractive investment destination and rise in repatriation of funds is a sign of a mature market where foreign investors can enter and exit smoothly, Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday. Gross foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows remained strong, rising by around 14 per cent to $81 billion in 2024-25, from $71.3 billion a year ago.

MeitY Probes Indian Data Leak In Global Breach

MeitY Probes Indian Data Leak In Global Breach

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

'Given the proportion of the global leak, it is very likely that the data of Indian citizens might be on the dataset.'

Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank reduce lending rates

Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank reduce lending rates

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) on Sunday said it has cut its benchmark lending rate linked to repo rate by 50 basis points in line with the RBI's rate reduction. Meanwhile, private sector HDFC Bank reduced its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR) by 10 basis points across tenure, which will benefit borrowers whose loans are linked to this benchmark.

Growth to remain muted for IT services firms in Q1 amid macro uncertainty

Growth to remain muted for IT services firms in Q1 amid macro uncertainty

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Indian information technology (IT) service providers are expected to deliver low single-digit sequential growth in the first quarter (April-June) of 2025-26 (FY26), even as macroeconomic uncertainties continue to persist due to the volatile geopolitical environment.

RBI's Rs 2.69 lakh crore bonanza for Modi govt for FY25

RBI's Rs 2.69 lakh crore bonanza for Modi govt for FY25

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Reserve Bank on Friday announced a record Rs 2.69 lakh crore dividend to be paid to the government for the fiscal ended March this year, 27.4 per cent more than the payout in 2023-24. The Reserve Bank had transferred Rs 2.1 lakh crore dividend to the government for the fiscal 2023-24.

'Short-Term Panic Influences Investor Behaviour'

'Short-Term Panic Influences Investor Behaviour'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'Investors who remain calm, consistent, and disciplined through short-term volatility are usually the ones who benefit most in the long run.'

Know Your Rights Before Cancelling Flat Booking

Know Your Rights Before Cancelling Flat Booking

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

There is need for buyers to understand cancellation rules before entering into a purchase agreement with a developer.

Indian pharma eyes US gains as $63.7 bn patent cliff nears

Indian pharma eyes US gains as $63.7 bn patent cliff nears

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is likely to benefit from a major wave of patent expiries in the US, as small-molecule drugs worth $63.7 billion are expected to go off-patent between 2025-29, a 65 per cent rise over the previous five years, according to a report by Antique stock broking limited.

The Truth Behind The ISRO Spy Scandal

The Truth Behind The ISRO Spy Scandal

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

It remains a mystery that when its scientists were accused of selling technologies which did not exist in ISRO, ISRO's leadership did not say to the public that they were searching in a dark room for a black cat which was not there, points out Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.