News for 'Financial Times'

UPI Transactions Surge to Record Levels in March

UPI Transactions Surge to Record Levels in March

Rediff.com1 days ago

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India reached a record high in March, with 22.64 billion transactions, marking a significant increase from the previous year and highlighting the growing adoption of digital payments.

Chhattisgarh to Reward Khelo India Tribal Games Medalists, Promises Olympics Bonus

Chhattisgarh to Reward Khelo India Tribal Games Medalists, Promises Olympics Bonus

Rediff.com10 hours ago

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced cash prizes for the state's medal winners at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games and promised future rewards for Olympic athletes.

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

Why Did Atanu Chakraborty Quit HDFC Bank?

Why Did Atanu Chakraborty Quit HDFC Bank?

Rediff.com4 days ago

'During the bank's board meeting, many directors asked him if there is a governance issue but he said there is none.'

UPI emerges as dominant payment method, drives 92% of transactions

UPI emerges as dominant payment method, drives 92% of transactions

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

A new report indicates that UPI has become the dominant payment method for lenders, accounting for over 90% of transactions. The report also highlights trends in investment amounts, diversification strategies, and geographic participation in peer-to-peer lending.

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pushing Trump to take the war to its bitter finish and 'erase' Iran's presence in the geopolitics of the region. Simply put, the two most powerful Sunni Arab oligarchies are on the same page as Israel. Such interference increases the risk of a breakdown in dialogue between the US and Iran, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Election affidavits in Assam have unveiled significant financial disparities among key candidates, with some declaring extensive assets, multiple bank accounts, and numerous vehicles, while others report more modest holdings.

MF launches taper off in March in the midst of West Asia flare-up

MF launches taper off in March in the midst of West Asia flare-up

Rediff.com1 days ago

Uncertainty stemming from the US-Iran conflict has significantly impacted India's mutual fund industry, leading to a sharp decline in new fund offers (NFOs) in March, despite numerous regulatory approvals. This geopolitical tension, coupled with existing market strain and distributor hesitation, has dampened investor sentiment and affected overall inflows.

458 Prisoners Benefit from Centre's 'Support to Poor Prisoners' Scheme

458 Prisoners Benefit from Centre's 'Support to Poor Prisoners' Scheme

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Centre's 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme has aided 458 prisoners unable to pay fines or secure bail. The scheme, launched in 2023, aims to provide financial assistance to those facing financial constraints.

Banks urge RBI to revisit forex cap, flag MTM losses

Banks urge RBI to revisit forex cap, flag MTM losses

Rediff.com4 days ago

Indian banks are urging the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reconsider its new $100 million cap on net open foreign-exchange positions, warning that the directive could lead to significant mark-to-market (MTM) losses and force an accelerated unwinding of trades, potentially impacting FY26 earnings.

MACT Awards 64.75 Lakh to Family of Pune Businessman Killed in Road Accident

MACT Awards 64.75 Lakh to Family of Pune Businessman Killed in Road Accident

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded a compensation of 64.75 lakh to the family of a Pune-based businessman who died in a road accident in 2022.

J-K Education Board to Act Against Schools Hiking Fees Arbitrarily

J-K Education Board to Act Against Schools Hiking Fees Arbitrarily

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Jammu and Kashmir government has directed the JKBOSE to take strict action against private schools found to be arbitrarily increasing fees and violating established regulations.

UPI Transactions Surge to Record High: Understanding the Growth Factors

UPI Transactions Surge to Record High: Understanding the Growth Factors

Rediff.com1 days ago

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India reached a record high in March, driven by increased adoption and global expansion. The system now accounts for 85% of digital transactions in India and is live in eight countries.

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following reports of Pakistan's involvement in backchannel diplomacy.

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com7 days ago

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'Was the five-day pause ever meant to hold, or was it simply another instrument of signaling, of positioning, of buying time in a war where even the pauses are tactical?' asks Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

CAG flags Rs 12,754 crore misclassification, Rs 54,282 crore in pending UCs in FY25 audit

CAG flags Rs 12,754 crore misclassification, Rs 54,282 crore in pending UCs in FY25 audit

Rediff.com18 hours ago

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has reported significant financial irregularities in the Union government's FY25 accounts, including ~12,754.47 crore in misclassification and ~54,282.32 crore in outstanding utilisation certificates, with some dating back to 1985-86.

MS Dhoni's Kharagpur story: Tea, dreams, and a bond beyond cricket

MS Dhoni's Kharagpur story: Tea, dreams, and a bond beyond cricket

Rediff.com1 days ago

MS Dhoni's journey from a tea stall in Kharagpur to global cricket icon is a story of humility and loyalty, as he continues to support those from his early days.

India's EV market surges in FY26, driven by strong year-end push

India's EV market surges in FY26, driven by strong year-end push

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's electric vehicle (EV) market experienced a significant surge in financial year 2025-26 (FY26), with e4W registrations nearly doubling and e2Ws growing by over 20%, propelled by expanding charging infrastructure, diverse model launches, and accessible financing.

Banks' gold loan portfolio surged 128% in Feb

Banks' gold loan portfolio surged 128% in Feb

Rediff.com3 days ago

Loans against gold jewellery in India surged by an impressive 128 per cent year-on-year to nearly 4.28 trillion in February 2026, according to the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, significantly outpacing overall retail loan growth.

Iran conflict could shave off 1% point from India's FY27 GDP growth projections: EY

Iran conflict could shave off 1% point from India's FY27 GDP growth projections: EY

Rediff.com3 days ago

A new report suggests that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could significantly impact India's GDP growth and inflation.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Police Investigate Alleged Congress Ticket Scam in Delhi

Police Investigate Alleged Congress Ticket Scam in Delhi

Rediff.com7 days ago

Delhi Police have registered an FIR concerning allegations of a 'ticket-for-money' scheme involving individuals connected to the Congress party, following a complaint by a Haryana-based man who claims he was asked to pay substantial amounts to secure an election ticket for his wife.

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank has launched an independent review by external law firms following the abrupt resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited 'ethical concerns and practices within the bank' as the reason for his departure.

Goldman Cuts India Market Outlook

Goldman Cuts India Market Outlook

Rediff.com7 days ago

Goldman Sachs has materially lowered its earnings growth forecast for Indian companies by a cumulative 9 percentage points over the next two years.

Rinku Singh Hails Uttar Pradesh Government For Sports Officer Role

Rinku Singh Hails Uttar Pradesh Government For Sports Officer Role

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

India cricketer Rinku Singh has been appointed as a Regional Sports Officer by the Uttar Pradesh government under the sports quota.

'Stay Away From Equities. Buy Gold'

'Stay Away From Equities. Buy Gold'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'In my entire career, whenever friends, relatives, or associates have sought my counsel, I have told them consistently: Stay away from equities. Buy gold. Place funds in fixed deposits. Acquire some raw land.' 'That is all one genuinely needs to build meaningful, enduring wealth, without the attendant anxiety of equity market participation.'

Haryana Congress MLAs to Visit 'Mandis' Amid Farmer Procurement Concerns

Haryana Congress MLAs to Visit 'Mandis' Amid Farmer Procurement Concerns

Rediff.com4 days ago

Haryana Congress MLAs will visit 'mandis' to assess and support farmers facing difficulties in wheat and mustard procurement, following a decision made at a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Delhi.

India's forex reserves drop $11.41 billion to $698.346 billion

India's forex reserves drop $11.41 billion to $698.346 billion

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's foreign exchange reserves decreased by USD 11.413 billion to USD 698.346 billion during the week ending March 20, primarily due to a significant reduction in gold reserves, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Modi-LDF Alliance in Kerala Elections

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Modi-LDF Alliance in Kerala Elections

Rediff.com4 days ago

Rahul Gandhi accuses Narendra Modi of remaining silent on the Sabarimala issue to protect the interests of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, alleging a hidden alliance between the BJP and LDF.

Delhi car blast: NIA granted 45-day extension to conclude probe

Delhi car blast: NIA granted 45-day extension to conclude probe

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Delhi court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a 45-day extension to complete its investigation into the blast near the Red Fort on November 10 of last year. The court also extended the judicial custody of several accused individuals.

Illegal Kidney Transplant Ring Uncovered in Kanpur, Several Arrested

Illegal Kidney Transplant Ring Uncovered in Kanpur, Several Arrested

Rediff.com3 days ago

Uttar Pradesh Police have dismantled an illegal kidney transplant racket operating in Kanpur, arresting five doctors and the alleged ringleader. The investigation revealed a network exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit, with potential links to other major cities and even international connections.

Delhi Woman and Accomplice Arrested for Attempted Murder of Husband

Delhi Woman and Accomplice Arrested for Attempted Murder of Husband

Rediff.com7 days ago

Delhi Police have arrested a woman and her accomplice for allegedly stabbing her husband and fabricating a story to mislead investigators. The crime occurred in Baljeet Nagar, central Delhi. The victim is hospitalised with multiple stab wounds.

Jio Payments Bank Enables UPI Cash Withdrawals at Touchpoints

Jio Payments Bank Enables UPI Cash Withdrawals at Touchpoints

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Jio Payments Bank introduces UPI-based cash withdrawals at business correspondent touchpoints, enhancing financial inclusion and simplifying access to cash for rural and semi-urban customers.

Chairman's Resignation: HDFC Bank Faces Legal Debate

Chairman's Resignation: HDFC Bank Faces Legal Debate

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank is engaging external legal firms, both domestic and international, to investigate the circumstances surrounding former part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty's resignation.

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Rediff.com1 days ago

When Bangalore-based Arjun* agreed to an arranged marriage, he believed he had found the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. But a quiet conflict over religion at home soon began to test the relationship.

Staggered Jet Fuel Price Hike to Shield Passengers from Steep Fare Rises

Staggered Jet Fuel Price Hike to Shield Passengers from Steep Fare Rises

Rediff.com2 days ago

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that public sector oil marketing companies will implement a partial and staggered increase in jet fuel prices for domestic airlines, aiming to protect passengers from steep fare hikes.

How did India secure Hormuz passage for ships? Jaishankar reveals

How did India secure Hormuz passage for ships? Jaishankar reveals

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amidst rising Middle East tensions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights India's strategic dialogue with Iran to safeguard maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring India's energy security and continued oil trade.

J&K Wrestler Hamam Hussain Wins Gold at Khelo India Tribal Games After Years of Struggle

J&K Wrestler Hamam Hussain Wins Gold at Khelo India Tribal Games After Years of Struggle

Rediff.com2 days ago

Jammu and Kashmir wrestler Hamam Hussain overcame years of hardship, including selling milk to support his family, to win a gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games.

Atanu Chakraborty Flags Governance Gaps at HDFC Bank

Atanu Chakraborty Flags Governance Gaps at HDFC Bank

Rediff.com3 days ago

'My resignation is a larger governance and governance-plus kind of an issue, which the board of directors of the bank should be introspecting.'