Topic
Finance
Finance RBI's Special Swap Facility Draws $40.8 Billion in Foreign Inflows by July-End
Foreign currency inflows under the RBI's special swap facility rose to $40.816 billion by July 31, nearly doubling from $20.718 billion on July 17. FCNR(B) deposits contributed $36.725 billion, around 90% of total inflows, while the facility remains open through 2026.
Finance Maharashtra Extends PMFBY Crop Insurance Enrolment Deadline to August 10; 61.82 Lakh Farmers Registered
The Maharashtra government has extended the PMFBY enrolment deadline from July 31 to August 10, with 61.82 lakh farmers already registered. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane cited El Nino conditions and technical issues as reasons for the extension, urging remaining farmers to enrol before the new cut-off.
Business India's GST Collections Jump 15.4% to Over Rs 2.11 Lakh Crore in July
India's gross GST collections rose 15.4% year-on-year to over Rs 2.11 lakh crore in July, according to government data. Refunds climbed 13.1% to Rs 29,968 crore, while net GST revenue stood at over Rs 1.81 lakh crore. KPMG's Abhishek Jain called the momentum healthy and suggested exploring 'GST 3.0' for refunds on input services.
Finance 'Buy $5-10 Billion Yen': Bessent's 'To Do' Note Hints at US Plan to Back Japanese Currency
A Reuters photograph of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's notepad at a Camp David cabinet meeting shows a 'To Do' entry to buy $5-10 billion yen, signaling US readiness to intervene in the currency market. The Financial Times reports the US has already joined Tokyo in yen support for the first time since 2011, while Japan may have spent $58.97 billion on Thursday alone.
Finance FIFA abandons $4.2-billion World Cup stake sale plan after global backlash
FIFA has abandoned a plan to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling a 20% stake in a new commercial entity managing the World Cup, following opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC. The proposal, which would have created a $20-billion subsidiary, was withdrawn by President Gianni Infantino amid internal resignations and political controversy.
Finance Parametric climate insurance can safeguard India's ₹52 lakh crore agriculture economy in El Niño year
India's agriculture is increasingly exposed to structural climate risk, with 2026 predicted to be an El Niño year and seasonal rainfall already 13 per cent below normal. The Hindu Business Line reports that parametric climate insurance — with localised triggers, fast payouts and clear thresholds — can safeguard the ₹52 lakh crore agriculture economy. The article urges expansion of PMFBY and links insurance with adaptation.
Finance US Stock Markets Rally as Chip Stock Gains Lift Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow
US stock markets rallied yesterday, with chip stocks driving the Nasdaq Composite up 2.8% to end a six-day losing streak. Meanwhile, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis reported second-quarter GDP growth slowed to 1.5% from 2.1%, and June PCE price inflation cooled to 3.7% annually.
Finance SEBI Clarifies Unlisted Share Sale Rules: 200-Buyer Private Deal Limit
SEBI has clarified that private sales of unlisted company shares to up to 200 buyers in a financial year will not be treated as a public issue. The clarification, issued to IDBI Bank in a published letter, permits non-advertised, privately negotiated transfers and preserves promoter rights such as right of first refusal.
Finance Moody's Assigns First-Time Baa2 Rating to RBL Bank, One Notch Above India's Sovereign
Moody's assigned a first-time Baa2 long-term issuer and deposit rating to RBL Bank, one notch above India's Baa3 sovereign rating, with a stable outlook. The rating follows Emirates NBD's acquisition of a 60% controlling stake in the bank for Rs 26,000 crore, supported by a two-notch uplift over the bank's standalone credit profile.
Finance Sebi Bars Zee's Subhash Chandra, Punit Goenka From Market for One Year
Sebi has barred Zee group's Subhash Chandra and Punit Goenka from the market for one year for fraudulently pledging ZEEL's Hyderabad land parcels as security for personal loans. The regulator fined Chandra Rs 60 lakh, Goenka Rs 58 lakh and ZEEL Rs 30 lakh over the 2018 incident. The order came after four group entities took loans totalling Rs 726 crore in December 2016.
Finance Zepto Defers IPO by Two to Three Quarters After Tepid Investor Response
Zepto will defer its IPO by two to three quarters, CEO Aadit Palicha told employees. Domestic investors value the quick-commerce firm at $3-3.5 billion, over 50% below its last $7 billion valuation. The company is raising a pre-IPO round at a $4-4.5 billion valuation.
Finance Bloomberg Delays India's Sovereign Bond Index Inclusion as Market Reforms Need Further Testing
Bloomberg Index Services has delayed the inclusion of India's sovereign bonds in its global bond indices, saying recent market reforms need more time to be tested in practice. The delay is a negative for bond markets, as inclusion would have driven fund flows from several passive bond funds globally.
Finance Gold loans jump 93.8% y-o-y, fuel bank credit growth in Q1FY27
According to Business Today, gold loans expanded 93.8% year-on-year at end-June 2026, accounting for 13.1% of incremental non-food credit. Overall bank credit rose 18.6% to Rs 219.3 lakh crore, led by industry (19.2%) and services (21.4%) growth.
Finance Covenant Logistics Shares Plunge 11.2% on Earnings; CFO Stresses Long-Term Strategy
Covenant Logistics stock plunged 11.2% to $36.85 on Thursday after the company reported adjusted EPS of 42 cents, down from 45 cents, despite a 6.16% rise in freight revenue. CFO James Grant told analysts the company is deliberately built for long-term structural strengthening rather than short-term rate surges. The Expedited division lagged, with ex-fuel revenue down 12.9%.
Finance India Permits 2 Billion Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes for Field Trials
India has permitted the Reserve Bank of India to print 2 billion polymer notes — one billion each of Rs 10 and Rs 20 — for field trials, reviving a decades-old plan. The RBI has floated a global tender for polymer substrate sheets through BRBNMPL. Experts say polymer notes last two to three times longer than paper, lowering lifetime cost despite higher upfront unit cost, and paper currency will remain legal tender.
Finance Zepto Delays Listing, Looks to Raise Rs 1,000 Crore in Pre-IPO Funding at Reduced Valuation
Zepto is raising about Rs 1,000 crore (~$105 million) in pre-IPO funding at a $4–4.5 billion valuation, over 30% below its last round, postponing its public listing. The company aims to close the round in a couple of weeks and then file its RHP with Sebi, amid valuation gaps between domestic and foreign investors and intensifying competition.
Finance NSE settles pending Sebi cases for nearly Rs 1,500 crore
NSE will pay nearly Rs 1,491 crore to settle pending regulatory cases with Sebi after the regulator accepted the revised settlement terms in principle. The settlement covers the co-location and dark-fibre cases and clears the path for NSE's IPO, for which the exchange has already filed the offer document.
Finance Formal retail credit access doubles over past decade
India's formal retail credit penetration doubled to 74% in March 2026 from 35% in March 2017, with credit-active consumers rising from 11% to 28%, according to TransUnion CIBIL. Consumption-led lending drove the expansion, with personal loans, credit cards and durable loans becoming the main entry points.
Finance Govt Debunks AI-Generated Fake Video of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Promoting Investment Scheme
The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check Unit has debunked a social media video claiming Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoted an investment scheme with easy returns. The video is AI-generated and fake, the government said, urging citizens and professionals to verify claims through official channels.
Finance Patanjali Gets IRDAI Nod for Rs 4,500 Crore Acquisition of Magma General Insurance
Patanjali Ayurved has secured IRDAI approval for a Rs 4,500 crore acquisition of Magma General Insurance. The deal gives Patanjali a 73.6% stake, with DS Group taking 24.5%. Magma reported breakeven in FY25 and premium growth of 22% CAGR over FY21-25.
Finance Sid's Farm Raises ₹81 Crore in Pre-Series B Round Led by Omnivore and NSFO
Direct-to-consumer dairy and foods brand Sid’s Farm has raised over ₹81 crore in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Omnivore, NSFO, Dodla Dairy, Next Bharat Ventures, and LIO. The capital will be used to strengthen supply chain, expand manufacturing and distribution, and invest in product innovation and farmer partnerships.
Finance Wall Street Rebounds on Tech Rally as Microsoft Surges 15% on Strong Earnings, Nasdaq Climbs 1.8%
US stocks rebounded on Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite climbing 1.8% as Microsoft surged 15.2% on strong quarterly earnings. The S&P 500 rose 0.9%, recovering half of Wednesday's decline, while the Dow gained 250 points. Meta Platforms fell 8.9% on disappointing earnings. Treasury yields eased slightly after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh offered little clarity on rate policy. Economic data showed slower growth and persistent inflation.
Former DOGE Staffers Take Senior Roles at Prediction Market Firms Polymarket and Novig
Prediction market giants Polymarket and Novig have hired former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) affiliates Jonathan Mendelson and Elie Mishory, respectively. Mendelson joined Polymarket as a senior strategic executive, while Mishory became chief regulatory and legal affairs officer at Novig. The hires come amid intense regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets.
Finance Bombay HC Grants SEBI Time for Affidavits in Embassy REIT Petitions; Regulator Signals Likely Stance
The Bombay High Court has granted SEBI time to file detailed affidavits in two writ petitions concerning allegations against the Sponsor and promoters of Embassy Office Parks REIT. SEBI informed the court that it had examined the representation and arrived at a decision, which it indicated was unlikely to support the relief sought. The court directed SEBI to file reasoned affidavits by August 27, 2026, with further hearing scheduled for September 9.
Business Sensex, Nifty Trade Flat After Rebound; Rupee Gains on Foreign Inflows, Asian Markets Mixed
Indian equity benchmarks traded flat on Thursday after a strong rebound the previous session, while the rupee strengthened 13 paise to 95.63 against the US dollar on foreign capital inflows. Asian markets were mixed, with gains in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan offset by losses in Hong Kong and China. Microsoft reported a 31% jump in net profit, driven by cloud and AI growth.
Finance AstraZeneca India Buys First Group Cancer Top-Up Cover for 25,000 Employees
AstraZeneca Pharma India has purchased a group cancer care top-up policy, covering nearly 25,000 employees and their families. The policy, structured by Howden India with a private insurer, supplements existing group medical insurance. This reflects a broader trend of employers expanding health benefits to cover high-cost diseases like cancer.
Finance Banks Collected Rs 7,100 Crore as Minimum Balance Penalty in FY26, Private Banks Account for 70%
Indian banks collected nearly Rs 7,100 crore in penalties from customers for failing to maintain minimum average balance in FY26, up from Rs 6,800 crore in FY25. Private banks accounted for 70% of the charges, with HDFC Bank alone collecting Rs 1,800 crore. Meanwhile, 10 of 12 public sector banks have discontinued such penal charges, leading to a decline in their collections.
Finance Gold loans surge over 50% in FY26 on larger ticket sizes, shift from unsecured credit
Gold loans in India surged over 50% in FY26, driven by larger loan sizes for existing borrowers and a shift from unsecured credit products. According to Icra, rising gold prices enabled higher collateral valuation. NBFCs increased their market share to 22%, while Canara Bank's non-agri gold loan book crossed Rs 1 lakh crore. The number of borrowers grew only 3.1%, indicating growth came from existing clients.
Finance Asian stocks trade mixed after Fed holds rates; Kospi rallies 4%, Shenzhen slips 300 points
Asian stocks showed mixed performance after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. South Korea's Kospi rallied 3.55% while China's Shenzhen declined 2.19%. The Fed's split decision and 30-year treasury yields hitting 19-year highs fueled uncertainty, with the dollar weakening. South Korea's market saw $2 trillion wiped out amid AI sell-off, prompting Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol to apologize for single-stock leveraged ETFs.
Logistics Baltic Exchange CEO Predicts Rise of Outcome Markets as Shipping Faces New Volatility
Baltic Exchange CEO Mark Jackson forecasts the emergence of outcome markets alongside freight forward agreements (FFAs) and options as shipping faces increased volatility from geopolitical shocks, weather disruptions, and shifting trade patterns. He will discuss these trends at the Splash Singapore conference in September 2026, where dry bulk market dynamics and technology will be key topics.
Finance NCDEX launches NCDEX Nidhi to distribute mutual funds to rural India via FPO network
NCDEX, the largest commodity derivatives exchange, launched NCDEX Nidhi on Wednesday to distribute mutual funds to rural and semi-urban India. The platform leverages the exchange's network of over 700 farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and 200 broker organisations. Six fund houses have been onboarded, with 20 more expected by end of August.
Finance RBI Orders Winding Up of Paytm Payments Bank, Appoints Liquidator
The Reserve Bank of India has ordered the winding up of Paytm Payments Bank Limited and appointed Girikumar Nair, former Chief General Manager of SBI, as the Official Liquidator. The move follows the Delhi High Court's approval under the Banking Regulation Act and Companies Act, after the RBI earlier cancelled the bank's licence citing serious regulatory violations.
Technology Is AI facing a big financial reckoning? Chip stocks tumble as investor euphoria fades
Sharp falls in chip maker stocks have triggered investor concerns that the AI euphoria is fading. Korean chip makers SK Hynix and Samsung dropped 46% and 35% in a month, while US firms Micron and Intel fell 28% and 35%. China's reported chip breakthrough and worries over AI monetization add pressure. Despite the sell-off, Eileen Burbidge calls it a healthy correction after massive gains.
Finance South Korea's Kospi tumbles 6% as SK Hynix miss, AI spending fears trigger chip rout
South Korea's benchmark Kospi index plunged 6% on Wednesday, closing at 5,663.24, its lowest since early April. The selloff was led by a 9.4% drop in SK Hynix after quarterly earnings missed forecasts, and a 4.8% decline in Samsung Electronics. Renewed concerns over high AI valuations and China's progress in low-cost AI models weighed on the sector, with regional markets like Japan's Nikkei and Taiwan's Taiex also falling.
Logistics Jinhui Secures $36M via Leaseback for Two Ultramax Newbuilds, Advancing Fleet Renewal
Jinhui Shipping and Transportation has arranged up to $36 million in sale-and-leaseback financing for two new ultramax bulk carriers building in China. The vessels, scheduled for delivery in early 2028, will be leased back for up to five years, supporting the company's fleet renewal programme and retention of operational control.
Finance Rupee Gains for Fourth Straight Session as Dollar Weakens, Oil Prices Remain Below $90
The Indian rupee appreciated for the fourth straight session as the US dollar softened and oil prices remained below the $90 mark. The gains reflect broader currency market trends, though specific exchange rate data is not provided in the source.
Finance India Public Sector Banks' Bad Debt at Lowest Levels in Decades, Government Says
Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed Rajya Sabha that public sector banks' bad debt has fallen to the lowest levels in several decades. Gross NPAs declined from 7.3% to 1.9% in five years, while cumulative profits reached nearly Rs 2 lakh crore in FY2025-26, nearly three times the FY2021-22 level. The government also highlighted the continued credit growth and the role of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) in supporting businesses.
Finance Government Clarifies: Using E20 Petrol Cannot Lead to Insurance Claim Rejection
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that using E20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol cannot be a reason for insurance claim rejection. The government dismissed concerns about engine damage and fuel quality, stating the Ethanol Blending Programme is scientifically validated and has not caused widespread issues since its 2023 rollout.
Finance Poonawalla Vision Fund Invests ₹230 Crore in Lohum Cleantech for Critical Minerals
Poonawalla Vision Fund-1 (PVF1) and family offices have invested ₹230 crore in Lohum Cleantech, a leading sustainable critical minerals platform outside China. The fund, managed by Ambit, has deployed 60% of its ₹1,050 crore corpus within three months, tracking a ~40% IRR. The investment highlights the strategic focus on critical minerals for energy transition and supply chain resilience.
Finance Rupee Surges 66 Paise on RBI Governor's Remarks; Sensex Jumps 776 Points
The Indian rupee strengthened sharply on Monday, closing at 95.91 against the US dollar, up 66 paise, after RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra signalled the currency is undervalued and highlighted robust foreign inflows. The central bank's intervention amplified gains, with Brent crude falling 10% to below $88 per barrel. The Sensex jumped 776 points to settle at 76,836, while the Nifty rose 229 points to 23,996.
Finance HDFC Board Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Fine on MD, CFO Over Extra Payout to Maharashtra PSU
HDFC Bank's board imposed a Rs 1 lakh penalty each on MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, CFO Srinivasan Vaidyanathan, and group head Arvind Vohra for 'business overreach' in deposit deals with Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The board found no mala fide intent but issued warning letters, in an action seen as unprecedented and aligned with RBI's push for stronger board oversight.
Finance RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain Calls for Wider Bond Market Access to Meet India's 2047 Goals
RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain said bond markets need more depth, not just scale, so that a wider range of enterprises can access market-based finance. Speaking at the Financial Institutions Leadership Conference, he emphasised that India's goal to become a developed economy by 2047 requires financial markets to mobilise substantially more long-term capital and distribute risk efficiently.
Finance Bank of Baroda Confirms Compromised Email Led to Data Leak; Core Systems Secure
Bank of Baroda reported a data leak from a cyberattack that compromised one employee's email account, exposing customer data. The bank assured that core banking systems remain secure and initiated a forensic investigation. Srikanth Lakshmanan of Cashless Consumer verified the leaked dataset included Aadhaar-linked details and internal documents.
Finance India Approves 2 Billion Polymer Banknotes of Rs 10 and Rs 20 for Field Trials
The Indian government has permitted the Reserve Bank of India to print 2 billion polymer banknotes – 1 billion each of Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations – for field trials. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed Parliament that the notes will be tested before regular issue, and polymer will coexist with paper currency. The move follows RBI's tender for sourcing materials and aims to leverage the longer lifespan of polymer notes highlighted by international studies.
Finance HDFC Bank Board Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Penalty Each on MD, CFO, Group Head in MSRDC Case
HDFC Bank's board imposed a Rs 1 lakh penalty each on its MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, CFO Srinivasan Vaidyanathan, and Group Head (Retail Assets) Arvind Vohra for divergence from RBI directions in the MSRDC matter. The bank also issued warning letters to other employees involved in mobilising large deposits between 2017 and 2021.
Finance Hudco Q1 Net Profit Surges 35% to ₹851 Crore, Interest Income Rises Sharply
Housing and Urban Development Corporation (Hudco) posted a 35% jump in Q1 FY27 net profit to ₹851 crore, with total income rising to ₹3,737 crore. The company declared an interim dividend of ₹1.25 per share and reduced loan provisions significantly.
Finance RBI's Swap Scheme May Attract $80-85 Billion in Forex Inflows, Says SBI Report
The Reserve Bank of India's concessional swap facility could attract $80-85 billion in foreign currency inflows, led by FCNR(B) deposits, according to a report by SBI Research. By July 17, inflows reached nearly $20 billion, providing a positive reprieve for India's external sector. The report projects a balance of payments surplus of over $50 billion for FY27.
Finance Oil Price Volatility and RBI's Steady Hand Stabilise Rupee Ahead of August MPC Meeting
The Indian rupee is entering a stable phase ahead of the RBI's August MPC meeting, with analysts ruling out sharp depreciation. Brent crude below $105 limits USD/INR below 97.50, while the RBI prioritises managing volatility over defending specific levels. Rising crude inflation may delay rate cuts.
Finance CXMT Soars Over 500% on Debut, Becomes China’s Most Valuable Listed Company on AI Memory Boom
ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) surged over 500% on its Shanghai debut, reaching a market capitalisation of 3.65 trillion yuan ($539.21 billion) and becoming China's most valuable listed company. The IPO, Asia's biggest this year, raised 57.92 billion yuan ($8.6 billion), reflecting strong investor demand for a domestic semiconductor champion central to Beijing's tech self-sufficiency drive.
Business BSE Sensex Surges Over 800 Points, Nifty50 Tops 24,000 as Oil Drop and Geopolitical Easing Boost Sentiment
Indian benchmark indices BSE Sensex and Nifty50 surged on July 27, 2026, with the Sensex gaining over 800 points to 76,859 and the Nifty crossing 24,000. The rally was fueled by a sharp decline in crude oil prices and easing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Meanwhile, Mangalam Worldwide Ltd reported an 18.7% rise in quarterly profit.
Finance Japanese Bank Merger Creates $12.8bn Ship Finance Heavyweight, Uniting Two Regional Lenders
Two of Japan's most important regional maritime lenders, Iyogin Holdings and Ehime Bank, have signed a basic agreement to integrate, creating a banking group with more than ¥2.1trn ($12.8bn) in ship and maritime loans. The merger, effective April 1 next year, will combine Iyo Bank's ¥1.6trn shipping portfolio with Ehime Bank's ¥500bn exposure, making the group the third-largest ship finance lender in Japan and 10th globally.
Finance BNP Paribas Cardif Acquires 26% Stake in IndiaFirst Life via Bancassurance Route
BNP Paribas Cardif has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire approximately a 26% stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance from Warburg Pincus, subject to regulatory approvals. The deal replicates the bancassurance model previously used by the French insurer with SBI Life, now partnering with Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India.
Finance IPO Buzz: Over a Dozen Companies Set to Raise Rs 25,000 Crore in August 2026
Over a dozen Indian companies, including Zepto, Truhome Finance, and Shiprocket, are set to launch IPOs in August 2026, collectively targeting over Rs 25,000 crore. The offerings include fresh equity and offer-for-sale components, reflecting improving investor sentiment and market stability, according to merchant bankers.
Finance FPIs Infuse Over ₹3,000 Crore in Indian Domestic Market Last Week, Data Shows
Foreign Portfolio Investors turned net buyers in July, infusing ₹3,049 crore into Indian stocks last week and ₹14,946 crore month-to-date. The debt market also saw strong inflows of ₹9,521 crore via the Fully Accessible Route and ₹27,391 crore via the general route, according to depository data.
Finance IPO Rush Ahead: Zepto, Shiprocket and 12 More Firms to Hit Primary Market; Eye Rs 25,000 Crore-Plus Fundraising
At least 14 companies are expected to launch IPOs in the coming weeks, targeting combined fundraising of over Rs 25,000 crore through fresh equity and offer-for-sale. Quick commerce leader Zepto leads with an Rs 8,010 crore fresh issue, while logistics platform Shiprocket and housing finance firm Truhome Finance are among other major names. Market participants expect robust activity as investor sentiment improves.
Business Top-10 Firms Shed Rs 2.74 Lakh Crore in Market Value; HDFC Bank Takes Biggest Hit
A weak week on Dalal Street erased Rs 2.74 lakh crore from the combined market capitalisation of nine of India's 10 most-valued firms. HDFC Bank recorded the sharpest fall of Rs 1,18,383.91 crore, while Hindustan Unilever was the only gainer. The BSE Sensex dropped 2.67% and the Nifty fell 2.32% amid rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
Finance Tulsian, Asit C Mehta, ICICI Pru, Green Lantern, Sundaram Lead PMS Alpha Generation in India
A bl.portfolio analysis of 554 active PMS strategies shows category-average returns beat benchmarks in three of six equity categories over five years. Multi- & Flexi-cap strategies stand out with two-thirds of strategies outperforming. Mid-cap remains challenging, with no strategy beating the Nifty Midcap 150 TRI. The industry has 530 SEBI-registered managers managing ₹8.9 lakh crore. Key cost and tax considerations are highlighted.
Finance Bank of Baroda, Bank of India target over $6 billion through forex mop-up schemes
Bank of Baroda and Bank of India are targeting over $6 billion in foreign capital through FCNR(B) deposits, medium-term notes, and foreign currency bonds. RBI has undertaken to cover forex risk via dollar swaps. Banks have collectively raised over $17 billion so far.
Finance Climate Risk and El Niño Threaten Rural Credit: Rethinking Financial Resilience for Indian Farmers
As of early July, kharif sowing in India is 20% below last year's pace due to uneven monsoon and El Niño impacts. The all-India rainfall deficit narrowed to 18% but East and Northeast India face 37% deficit. LVLN Murty, CEO of Dvara KGFS, argues that rural credit must reflect local conditions, seasonal income patterns, and the need for savings and insurance to build financial resilience.
Finance SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won Ordered to Pay Ex-Wife $644 Million in Landmark Divorce Ruling
A South Korean court has ordered SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won to pay his ex-wife 944bn won ($644m) in a divorce settlement, reduced from an earlier 1.38tn won ruling. The case, involving the second-largest chaebol and its AI-focused subsidiary SK Hynix, carries corporate governance implications for investors and trade finance professionals.