Author: Aruna Kaim

MUMBAI – In a landmark development for the Indian banking sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted its approval for Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.) to acquire a majority stake in RBL Bank. This move marks the first time a foreign lender will take a controlling interest in a profitable, mid-sized Indian private bank. The deal, valued at approximately ₹26,850 crore ($3 billion), is now awaiting final clearance from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) before the formal acquisition process begins. Key Highlights of the Deal The acquisition is structured as a multi-stage transaction to comply…

MUMBAI – E-waste and lithium-ion battery recycler Recyclekaro India Limited is gearing up for a significant financial milestone, planning to raise ₹240 crore in fresh equity over the next six months. The company is also evaluating an Initial Public Offering (IPO) as it seeks to capitalize on India’s surging demand for critical minerals and clean energy materials. This capital push follows a recent ₹93 crore funding round and is designed to move the company further up the value chain—transitioning from basic recycling to the extraction of high-purity materials essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Scaling for the…

As India’s retail sector undergoes a massive structural shift, the “Retail Tech Stack”—the digital infrastructure of logistics, discovery, and marketplaces—is becoming the primary engine of growth. A joint report by BCG and the Retailers Association of India (RAI) projects the market to hit ₹215 trillion by 2035, doubling from its 2025 levels. This transition is no longer just about opening more physical stores; it is about who controls the speed, cost, and discovery of products. Here is an audit of the four key enablers shaping this future, based on their high-stakes Q3 FY26 performances. 1. Zomato (Eternal): The Speed King…

If you were about to call the technician for your annual AC tune-up, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggests you might have a brief window of relief. In its latest seasonal outlook released on March 31, 2026, the weather office predicts a wetter and relatively cooler start to the summer in many regions, followed by a severe escalation in heat later in the season. 1. The April “Cooling” Effect For much of North, Central, and Northwest India, April is expected to be milder than usual. More Rain: The IMD predicts above-normal rainfall (roughly 112% of the Long Period Average) across…

New Delhi – In a significant move to reassure global investors, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clarified that investments made before April 1, 2017, will remain exempt from the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR). The announcement, issued late Tuesday night, aims to provide long-term tax certainty for foreign investors and private equity funds exiting their legacy holdings in India. Key Highlights of the Notification: Grandfathering Clause: Income generated from the transfer of assets acquired before April 1, 2017, is officially “grandfathered,” meaning it stays outside the purview of GAAR. Rule Amendment: The CBDT has amended Rule 128 of…

New Delhi – In a move aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and supporting businesses within Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the Indian government has announced a temporary reduction in customs duties for SEZ-manufactured goods sold in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). According to a government notification issued on Tuesday, the relief is designed to provide a competitive edge to local units amid shifting global trade dynamics. Key Details of the Policy: Reduced Duty Rates: Customs duties for eligible goods will now range between 5% and 12.5% across various industries. Effective Period: The relief is temporary, remaining in effect from April 1,…

Dalal Street kicked off Tax Year 2026-27 with a massive offensive in the defence sector. While the Nifty Defence Index climbed nearly 5%, individual powerhouses like Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE) stole the show with a staggering 17% intraday rally. Here are the five key catalysts driving this explosive growth: 1. GRSE’s Record-Breaking FY26 Performance The primary spark for today’s rally was the stellar business update from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). Revenue Milestone: The company reported its highest-ever annual turnover of ₹6,400 crore, marking a robust 26% YoY growth from ₹5,076 crore in FY25. Execution Excellence: GRSE successfully commissioned…

Bilaspur/Kolkata – South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the premier subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has concluded the 2025-26 fiscal year on a high note, recording a production increase of over 5%. This milestone comes as India ramps up domestic energy production to counter global supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict. Key Production Highlights The Chhattisgarh-based coal miner has exceeded its previous benchmarks, significantly contributing to the national energy security grid: Total Output: SECL reported a record production of 192 million tonnes (MT) for FY26, surpassing the 182.7 MT achieved in the previous fiscal. Growth Driver:…

The Indian fiscal landscape undergoes a historic transformation today as the Income Tax Act of 2025 officially replaces the decades-old 1961 Act. These changes are designed to simplify compliance, provide targeted relief to the middle class, and digitize the taxpayer experience. 1. Enhanced HRA (House Rent Allowance) Relief One of the most significant updates for salaried individuals is the revision of HRA rules: Metric Update: The “metro city” benefit (50% of salary for HRA calculation) has been expanded to include rapidly growing hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, moving them out of the 40% non-metro bracket. Standardization: The exemption limit…

As of April 1, 2026, India has transitioned to the Income Tax Act, 2025, replacing the historic 1961 Act. While tax rates and slabs remain largely unchanged, the restructuring introduces a new vocabulary and significantly higher exemption limits for several long-stagnant allowances. Here is a breakdown of the key changes you need to know: 1. The “Tax Year” Concept The confusing distinction between “Financial Year” (FY) and “Assessment Year” (AY) has been abolished. Unified Term: From today, the year in which you earn income is simply called the Tax Year. Tax Year 2026-27: Covers income earned from April 1, 2026,…