News for 'India Lends'

India added three 'unicorns' per month in 2021

India added three 'unicorns' per month in 2021

Rediff.com2 Sep 2021

India added three 'unicorns' per month in 2021 to nearly double the overall number of startups valued at over USD 1 billion to 51 as of end-August, a report said on Thursday. Even as, cumbersome regulations are forcing startups to leave India and settle in other countries where they enjoy better treatment, as per the Hurun India, which prepared the list. It can be noted that over the last few years, dedicated efforts have been undertaken to hone the startups ecosystem by the government through flagship initiatives like 'Startup India'.

India Inc looks forward to repo rate cut in future

India Inc looks forward to repo rate cut in future

Rediff.com4 Jun 2021

India Inc on Friday said it is looking forward to a repo rate cut in future as cost of funds has to come down in coming times, and expects continuation of accommodative policy stance by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI decided to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4 per cent but maintained an accommodative stance, as the economy faces the brunt of the second COVID-19 wave. Sanjay Aggarwal, president of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the RBI has maintained an accommodative stance as long as necessary to revive and sustain growth on a durable basis and to mitigate impact of COVID-19, apart from an aim to keep inflation within the target.

Sensex falls 215 points in volatile trade

Sensex falls 215 points in volatile trade

Rediff.com7 Dec 2022

Equity benchmark Sensex declined over 215 points on Wednesday, weighed by losses in index heavyweight Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finserv and Tata Steel, after the Reserve Bank raised the key interest rate by 35 basis points. Subdued Asian markets and continued selling by foreign investors also weighed on sentiment, traders said. Extending its losses for the fourth straight session, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 215.68 points or 0.34 per cent lower at 62,410.68.

Credit card spends fall 11% in Nov

Credit card spends fall 11% in Nov

Rediff.com27 Dec 2022

Credit card spending dropped 11 per cent sequentially in November at Rs 1.15 trillion, but topped Rs 1 trillion for the ninth month straight, data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed as the festive season ends and consumption activity slows down. Year-on-year (YoY), spending was up 29 per cent. Card spends have consistently topped the Rs 1 trillion mark, led by the rising share of e-commerce transactions.

Services sector output hits 3-month high in Nov

Services sector output hits 3-month high in Nov

Rediff.com5 Dec 2022

India's services sector output growth touched a three-month high in November as business inflows rose markedly amid accommodative demand conditions, a monthly survey said on Monday. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global India Services PMI Business Activity Index rose from 55.1 in October to 56.4 in November, indicating a sharp increase in output that was the quickest in three months even amid higher operating expenses. Survey participants linked the latest expansion to demand strength, successful marketing and a sustained upturn in sales.

COVID-19: India Inc asks RBI for one-time loan recast

COVID-19: India Inc asks RBI for one-time loan recast

Rediff.com21 Apr 2020

The one-time restructuring of loans will help every firm and prevent cost-cutting measures such as lay-offs.

RBI Governor Is A Trapeze Artist

RBI Governor Is A Trapeze Artist

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

Shaktikanta Das is a master of the finest balancing act who listens to all but takes his own decisions, discovers Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Planning For Digital Loan? Read This

Planning For Digital Loan? Read This

Rediff.com18 Oct 2022

Borrowers should be careful if the app promises too-quick disbursal, and doesn't provide adequate information on the terms of the loan, such as interest rate, repayment schedule, etc.

SBI to lend $500 mn, redeem securities worth $800 mn

SBI to lend $500 mn, redeem securities worth $800 mn

Rediff.com23 Apr 2014

SBI's overall gross NPA as on end-December 2013 was close to Rs 68,000 crore ( Rs 680 billion) or 5.73 per cent of its gross advances.

When Retro Songs Make A Re-Entry In The Movies

When Retro Songs Make A Re-Entry In The Movies

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

Using snatches of a cult favourite or evergreen classic in its original form for action, comedy or romance can transform the entire vibe of a scene.

Om Puri: The Chronicler Of Cities On The Boil

Om Puri: The Chronicler Of Cities On The Boil

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

'If it weren't for Om Puri, a whole range of our big city experiences wouldn't have found their honest representations on the screen.'

Differing Tenures FDs: Time To Lock In

Differing Tenures FDs: Time To Lock In

Rediff.com2 May 2023

Instead of only focusing on the tenure for which the best interest rate is available, investors should also focus on their own investment horizon.

Pathaan Review: Shah Rukh Wows And How!

Pathaan Review: Shah Rukh Wows And How!

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

Shah Rukh Khan's weathered intensity, grizzly charisma and trademark wit lends Pathaan's all-out, devil-may-care antics a sense of purpose that evades mindless acts of mayhem, cheers Sukanya Verma.

South Africa's FirstRand Bank to exit India after 12 years

South Africa's FirstRand Bank to exit India after 12 years

Rediff.com23 Apr 2021

The plan was to expand further, add more branches and also eventually become the third bank in India to start a wholly owned subsidiary after Singapore's DBS Bank and State Bank of Mauritius, but those plans never materialised due to lack of scale and rising non-performing assets in the country.

Cricketer Vastrakar recovers from COVID, set to join CWG squad

Cricketer Vastrakar recovers from COVID, set to join CWG squad

Rediff.com31 Jul 2022

While Meghana played against Pakistan on Sunday, Vastrakar will be available for the final league game against Barbados on August 3. Her presence lends balance to the team combination.

RBI cautions banks against excessive lending to infra projects

RBI cautions banks against excessive lending to infra projects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2015

The NPAs of banks stood at over Rs 3 lakh crore as on December 2014.

Survey pegs 2024 economic growth at 6.5%

Survey pegs 2024 economic growth at 6.5%

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

India's economy is projected to slow to 6.5 per cent in the fiscal year starting April but will remain the fastest growing major economy in the world as it fared better in dealing with the extraordinary set of challenges the globe has faced, the Economic Survey 2022-23 said on Tuesday. India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.5 per cent in 2023-24 compares with an estimated 7 per cent expansion in current fiscal year (April 2022 to March 2023) and 8.7 per cent in the previous year. Like the rest of the world, India too faced an extraordinary set of challenges in tightening financial conditions and supply chain disruptions from a prolonged war in Europe but "withstood them better than most economies", the annual document detailing the state of the economy said.

An Indian at the FIFA World Cup

An Indian at the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com16 Nov 2022

The 48-year-old has previously also worked with Chelsea FC, one of the top clubs in Europe; he has also played an important role in fine-tuning the Chelsea squads that won the UEFA Champions League in the 2011-12 and 2020-21 seasons.

Governor Das against pause in rate hikes: MPC minutes

Governor Das against pause in rate hikes: MPC minutes

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

In a tightening cycle, a premature pause in monetary policy action would be a costly policy error, Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das opined while voting along with five other members of the MPC for raising the key lending rate by 35 basis points earlier this month, according to the minutes of the meeting released on Wednesday. Prior to the December hike in repo rate, the RBI had raised the key short-term lending rate by 190 bps in four tranche.

Disappointed Tendulkar says 'don't judge team just yet'

Disappointed Tendulkar says 'don't judge team just yet'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2022

Sachin Tendulkar said he too was disappointed at India's humiliating loss against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final but urged the critics not to "judge" the side on the basis of one defeat.

Now, Brett Lee donates bitcoin for India's Covid fight

Now, Brett Lee donates bitcoin for India's Covid fight

Rediff.com27 Apr 2021

Former Australia pacer Brett Lee says the love and affection he has got from the people of India during his professional career and even after retirement holds a special place in his heart.

Airlines send out SOS as loans dry up, fuel prices hit record high

Airlines send out SOS as loans dry up, fuel prices hit record high

Rediff.com24 Mar 2022

Loans for Indian airlines have dried up as banks have become cautious to lend to the sector.

At a glance: What RBI's latest monetary policy says

At a glance: What RBI's latest monetary policy says

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

The highlights of the RBI's fourth monetary policy review of fiscal year 2022-23 announced by Governor Shaktikanta Das.

Crypto firms see no long term impact of fall of US banks, investors unsure

Crypto firms see no long term impact of fall of US banks, investors unsure

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

The collapse of Silvergate Bank, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank in the US might create temporary liquidity issues but will not have any significant impact on the Indian crypto market in the long run, officials from several exchanges told Business Standard. All three banks are considered crypto-friendly. SVB offered services such as cryptocurrency custody and lending.

'There could be new challenges, new battles'

'There could be new challenges, new battles'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2023

'The Indian economy and the Indian financial sector today remain resilient and much better placed.'

India's fast bowling bench strength impresses Kapil

India's fast bowling bench strength impresses Kapil

Rediff.com14 Apr 2021

Former pace ace Kapil Dev says there are enough fast bowlers to win India a match if the top guys are unavailable.

This is the best time to invest in India: Modi

This is the best time to invest in India: Modi

Rediff.com17 Jan 2022

Citing India's commitment to deep economic reforms and ease of doing business, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Monday that this is the best time to invest in the country as policy-making is focussed on the needs for the next 25 years for a 'clean and green' as well as 'sustainable and reliable' growth period. In his special address to the World Economic Forum's online Davos Agenda 2022 summit, Modi underlined a host of reform measures undertaken by his government to stress that it has worked to reduce the administration's interference in business by deregulating many sectors and to clear the way for free trade agreements with different countries. India was once associated with "license raaj", he noted and highlighted the measures, including reduction of corporate tax to boost business and doing away with over 25,000 compliance requirements.

How credit card route to UPI may come at a price for merchants

How credit card route to UPI may come at a price for merchants

Rediff.com20 Jun 2022

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) recent decision to allow credit cards for payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is likely to attract a merchant discount rate (MDR), said a top payment industry source. For smaller merchants, a subsidy for MDR could be provided. "With credit card-UPI linkage, UPI will not only be a payment instrument but also a lending platform. "How can banks lend without a commercial model? Also, the government has said MDR will be zero for payment products but not for lending products," the source said, indicating the MDR regime for credit card-linked UPI payments.

The Must-Visit City By The Lake

The Must-Visit City By The Lake

Rediff.com27 May 2023

The elegant architecture, tree-lined roads, delightful gardens, delicious food, art and military history make Chandigarh an ideal short-trip destination.

RBI may effect one more rate hike: Uday Kotak

RBI may effect one more rate hike: Uday Kotak

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

A day after the RBI raised the benchmark lending rate by 35 basis points, Kotak Mahindra Bank Managing Director Uday Kotak on Thursday said the central bank may go for one more rate hike to bring inflation below its upper tolerance level of 6 per cent. Yesterday, the RBI indicated that it wants inflation to be within the band first and then move towards the target of 4 per cent, Kotak said at the CII Global Economic Policy Summit 2022. "My sense is that there could be one more rate hike and that may be the time for thinking about a pivot, but we got to watch very closely the data, and maybe around 6.5 per cent as it looks today, subject to what happens to the world, subject to what happens to oil, subject to what happens to many other things," he said.

New Interest Regime: Both Customers And Banks To Feel Pain

New Interest Regime: Both Customers And Banks To Feel Pain

Rediff.com29 Jun 2022

Shifting to floating rate deposits can work as an anaesthetic gel for some customers, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

India's exchange rate policies are flawed

India's exchange rate policies are flawed

Rediff.com9 Aug 2019

If net forex outflows turn out to be relatively high in the next few years, the rupee could depreciate beyond Rs 80 to a dollar by 2022. The causal reasons could, for example, include unmet expectations of FPI and FDI investors about the performance of the Indian economy, sharp rise in prices of imported oil and decrease in FX remittances. The RBI has to ask itself whether guaranteeing future rupee-dollar exchange rates on FX forward contracts is a reasonable way to use its risk-bearing capacity, says Jaimini Bhagwati.

Bloodbath on D-Street; Hindenburg report on Adani sinks markets

Bloodbath on D-Street; Hindenburg report on Adani sinks markets

Rediff.com27 Jan 2023

From the Sensex pack, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries were among the major laggards. Bucking the trend, auto stocks Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra closed with gains.

'RBI should pause rate hikes'

'RBI should pause rate hikes'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2023

'It will send a very strong signal that it is now our time to grow.'

Mr PM, This Is What You Could Do For Banks

Mr PM, This Is What You Could Do For Banks

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

Your promise to protect bankers for their commercial decisions is a huge confidence booster, but how does one define a commercial decision? Are our investigative agencies well equipped to dissect lending decisions of bankers?

Govt blocks access to BBC documentary on Modi

Govt blocks access to BBC documentary on Modi

Rediff.com21 Jan 2023

The Centre has issued directions for blocking multiple YouTube videos and Twitter posts sharing links to the BBC documentary 'India: The Modi Question', sources said.

Why did India's building craze halt?

Why did India's building craze halt?

Rediff.com15 Nov 2019

'The real estate sector has been badly bruised because it has become too reliant on funding from NBFCs, including housing finance companies. 'When the NBFC industry was rocked late last year by a large default, the real estate sector was hit hard. 'An intricate web of links between rural incomes, construction activity and shadow banks are fuelling the economic slowdown', says Pranjul Bhandari.

'May he play for India one day': Gani leaves his mark

'May he play for India one day': Gani leaves his mark

Rediff.com19 Feb 2022

Their home is, not surprisingly, teeming with visitors who are received by the proud father and Azma Khatun, the mother of the 22-year-old.

RBI hikes interest rate by 40 bps; EMIs to become expensive

RBI hikes interest rate by 40 bps; EMIs to become expensive

Rediff.com4 May 2022

The Reserve Bank on Wednesday increased the benchmark lending rate by 40 basis points (bps) to 4.40 per cent in a bid to contain inflation, which has remained stubbornly above the target zone of 6 per cent for the last three months. The decision follows an unscheduled meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), with all six members unanimously voting for a rate hike while maintaining the accommodative stance. While the inflation has remained above the targetted 6 per cent since January, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the inflation print in April is also likely to be high.

3rd ODI: Can India avoid series whitewash vs SA?

3rd ODI: Can India avoid series whitewash vs SA?

Rediff.com22 Jan 2022

The Indian team's strategy is expected to undergo paradigm shift with some players getting a subtle yet stern message to lift their games as they face an embarrassing possibility of a clean sweep against South Africa in the third ODI, in Cape Town on Sunday.