A report by Scholars at Risk, 'Free to Think 2026', states that academic freedom in India is "severely restricted" due to increasing government influence over higher education, university governance, and curbs on student expression. India is listed among six countries in this category, with its Academic Freedom Index score sharply declining. The report cites instances of faculty dismissals, event cancellations, and pressure on student protests, highlighting the alleged use of the UGC as a vehicle for state influence.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed higher, primarily driven by bank stocks and encouraging US inflation data, which fuelled expectations of a less aggressive Federal Reserve monetary policy. However, escalating US-Iran hostilities tempered investor sentiment, leading to some profit-taking.
The Supreme Court has issued a directive for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, mandating that all donations must be deposited into official donation boxes or the online temple treasury. This comes amidst serious allegations of sevayats siphoning off funds and obstructing online donation methods, highlighting the need for a transparent mechanism in temple management.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled nearly 1 per cent for the third consecutive day, driven by a sharp spike in crude oil prices and significant selling in bank stocks, with Brent crude jumping to USD 95.27 per barrel.
Economists widely anticipate the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee will increase the repo rate by 50 basis points, likely split between the October and December meetings, as retail inflation is projected to peak at 6.1 per cent in the third quarter, exceeding the RBI's tolerance limit.
The CBI has registered a case against Arunachal Pradesh environmental activist and lawyer Bhanu Tatak for allegedly receiving Rs 20.94 lakh in foreign funds without mandatory FCRA registration or prior permission. The agency claims these funds were used to organise and sustain protests against two hydropower projects in the state. A preliminary enquiry indicated Tatak received foreign contributions directly into her personal account and did not file income tax returns declaring these funds.
India is actively integrating payment system harmonisation into its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, especially with countries hosting a large Indian diaspora. This strategy aims to leverage India's growing fintech ecosystem, facilitate cross-border financial services, and position India as a global hub for financial services exports, particularly through platforms like GIFT City.
'It's not about individuals operating the mule accounts being more or less skilled. Instead, 'lower-level' refers to the role the individual account plays in the broader mule network.'
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, extended their losses for a second consecutive day, primarily due to HDFC Bank's disappointing quarterly earnings and escalating tensions in West Asia, coupled with persistent foreign fund outflows.
'Every period of excessive optimism eventually gives way to a correction, while periods of extreme pessimism often create the best investment opportunities.'
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant downturn, with Sensex tanking 778 points and Nifty closing at a five-month low, driven by surging crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and fears of further interest rate hikes by major central banks.
US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 later on Friday (local time). A White House official confirmed the development to ANI without revealing further details.
Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded sharply in early trade, with the Sensex jumping over 530 points, tracking a broad-based rally in Asian markets after four consecutive days of decline.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new framework allowing banks to offer differential interest rates on bulk deposits based on their liquidity characteristics under the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework, while maintaining the principle of uniform pricing across similar deposits.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, traded flat in early deals due to elevated crude oil prices exceeding USD 100 per barrel and persistent geopolitical tensions, which subdued investor risk appetite.
For India, the goal is not simply to host another grand diplomatic gathering. It is to prove that a diverse coalition of emerging powers can still deliver.
A new report by FICCI, BCG, and IBA outlines that India's banking sector must grow significantly faster than nominal GDP to support a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, requiring banking assets of USD 45 trillion. The report highlights the sector's current strength, challenges in digitisation, and the need to enhance resilience against fraud and cyber threats, proposing a 13-point agenda for stakeholders.
A sophisticated cross-bank syndicate is systematically defrauding non-resident Indians (NRIs) and elderly citizens by exploiting their fixed deposits through forged documents and fictitious loans, often involving colluding bank employees and real estate deals.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw an early rebound after significant losses, driven by value buying, though elevated oil prices and anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision tempered gains. Track Sensex, Nifty on September 16.
The Nifty 50 experienced significant volatility during its closing auction session, leading to losses for both long and short retail options traders due to thin liquidity and rapid price swings, particularly in private-sector banks.
BJD MP Santrupt Misra has voiced strong concerns over the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, arguing that the government or large financial institutions could easily absorb the costs of maintaining the digital payment network instead of burdening merchants and consumers.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, recovered intraday losses to close higher, driven by late-day buying and a significant decline in Brent crude oil prices, which fell 3 per cent to USD 89.32 per barrel.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced India's ambition to lead the world in 6G mobile technology and become a designer of global technology standards. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, Scindia highlighted India's shift from being a technology market to a technology maker, emphasizing progress in 5G rollout, affordable data, and digital infrastructure driving fintech growth, while also stressing the importance of digital security.
The National Stock Exchange's (NSE) initial public offering (IPO) is expected to shrink in size to Rs 25,000-27,000 crore, down from an earlier estimate of Rs 30,000 crore, as some shareholders are reducing their offer for sale (OFS) stake.
BJP MP Raghav Chadha addressed the 12th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, highlighting India's digital transformation journey. He emphasised how technology is widening access and promoting inclusion, citing UPI's success, affordable data, and robust data protection laws. Chadha also discussed India's digital cooperation with Uzbekistan and the importance of digital rights, safety, and skill development for all citizens.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal highlighted the critical need for India to diversify its services exports beyond the dominant IT/ITeS and professional services sectors. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, he emphasised the vast potential in the global financial services market, where India currently holds a small share, and stressed how fintech solutions, like UPI, can drive growth, reduce remittance costs, and support MSME trade finance, ultimately leading to sustainable economic expansion.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower, with the Nifty recording its fourth consecutive day of decline, primarily due to elevated oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, which dampened investor sentiment.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has set its initial public offering (IPO) price band at Rs 1,700-1,785 per equity share, with the subscription period running from September 17 to September 21, aiming to raise up to Rs 22,569 crore.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth approximately Rs 112.90 crore, including a residential property in Texas, USA, in a money-laundering case. The case involves a Noida-based air-conditioner components manufacturer, LEEL Electricals Limited, and its promoters, accused of defrauding a consortium of banks led by SBI of Rs 376 crore through manipulated financial statements and siphoning off funds.
Shares of major private lenders, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, experienced a sharp selloff after their June-quarter results indicated persistent pressure on net interest margins (NIMs), despite healthy credit growth. This decline overshadowed gains in ICICI Bank and Punjab National Bank (PNB), which reported resilient or stronger-than-expected earnings.
'Regulations give a particular minimum amount of shares to be given in the OFS or IPO -- without which one cannot do the IPO.' 'We got that number on the day of filing of updated DRHP -- sufficient for us to go live with the IPO.'
The CBI has registered a case against USA-based Christian missionary group The Timothy Initiative (TTI) and its associates for allegedly misusing Rs 92.55 crore in foreign funds for missionary activities, violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. The case, based on a Union Home Ministry complaint and ED investigation, highlights the alleged use of foreign debit cards and attempts to conceal identities.
It is because dealing with a regulatory system that is largely headed by retired IAS officers then becomes relatively easy, points out A K Bhattacharya.
'Banking is the only sector that can see double-digit growth in FY27.'
State Bank of India's latest report highlights a 'chalk and cheese' divide in the Reserve Bank of India's recent policy communications, with the Monetary Policy Committee minutes showing a hawkish tone while the Governor's statements are more data-dependent, leading to market uncertainty regarding future interest rate hikes.
The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has urged the government to reconsider imposing a merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, arguing that the costs do not warrant such a move. This comes after the government announced a 0.4 per cent fee on merchant transfers over Rs 2,000 from October 15, while assuring that person-to-person and small payments remain free. SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan highlighted that banks have not demanded MDR and that UPI has reduced their transaction costs.
This article details the quarter-century journey of BRICS, from its inception as an economic acronym by a Goldman Sachs economist to its current status as an expanded eleven-member international bloc. It highlights its growth, key historical moments, and the significance of its upcoming summit, particularly with Iran's renewed importance in discussions.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw declines in early trade, influenced by rising crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Experts suggest that crude oil remains a primary concern, with Brent holding near USD 88 a barrel due to renewed US warnings against Iran, embedding a geopolitical risk premium in energy markets. Track Sensex, Nifty
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completed a decade since its launch, becoming the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem. It has seen exponential growth in transaction volume and value, expanding financial inclusion and setting a global benchmark for real-time payments.
India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded an unprecedented 24.51 billion transactions valued at Rs 29.8 lakh crore in August, largely propelled by the Raksha Bandhan festival. This surge marks a 22% annual increase in volume and 20% in value, highlighting the expanding reach and depth of the UPI ecosystem. Experts anticipate further growth during the upcoming festive season, while UPI's international acceptance now spans 11 countries.
