Blog

10 Feb

Kotak Mahindra Bank becomes first custodian to enable fully digital FPI registration

Business BureauBusiness

Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced an industry-first milestone, becoming the first custodian in India to issue Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) licences and execute the entire account-opening process through electronic signatures, marking a major step in capital-market digitisation. The bank has already issued the first two FPI licences based on digitally signed documents, in alignment with SEBI’s digital-transformation agenda under the FPI regime. The initiative is aimed at simplifying and accelerating India market access by creating a digital-first custody and onboarding ecosystem. By eliminating wet signatures, the process reduces operational risks and delivers a seamless client experience while strengthening India’s position…

10 Feb

Mizoram Government to Intensify Action Against Areca Nut Smuggling

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The Mizoram government has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in cross-border areca nut smuggling, including government officials. Home Minister K. Sapdanga emphasized the commitment to eradicating this illegal trade and noted the government's efforts to purge corrupt elements from the system. He remarked that restrictions on foreign imports have positively impacted local areca nut growers, especially in Mamit district. Additionally, he announced the intensification of 'Operation Jericho,' a joint initiative aimed at combating the drug trafficking crisis in the state, where over 10,000 drug addicts are reported in Aizawl, raising safety concerns.

10 Feb

Ahead of TTAADC Elections, Amit Shah Expected in Tripura

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Tripura for a day on February 20, as reported by sources within the state BJP. This visit is considered politically significant ahead of the upcoming elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). While the official itinerary is pending, BJP insiders confirm Shah's arrival on that date. His agenda includes attending a government program that will showcase key developmental projects undertaken by the Centre in Tripura. Furthermore, he is expected to lead a crucial meeting with the BJP state leadership to discuss organizational strategies for the TTAADC elections. This…

10 Feb

Five-Day Internet Shutdown Imposed in Ukhrul Amid Law and Order Concerns

Sonakshi SarkarManipur

The Manipur government has ordered the temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services in Ukhrul district for a period of five days following concerns over the prevailing law and order situation. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure after authorities expressed apprehension that certain anti-social elements might use social media platforms to spread inflammatory content, rumours, and provocative messages that could disturb public peace. According to an official order issued by the Home Department of the Government of Manipur, the suspension applies to internet and data services accessed through broadband, VPN, VSAT, mobile data, and other related services…

10 Feb

Anti-Ganja Drive in Tripura Leaves Two Security Personnel Injured

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Two security personnel sustained injuries in Tripura's Sepahijala district when suspected ganja cultivators attacked them with stones during a law enforcement operation aimed at eradicating ganja plantations. Since January, authorities have intensified efforts to destroy such plants in various forested areas. The incident occurred on Monday when a joint team consisting of police and members of the Assam Rifles and Tripura State Rifles attempted to conduct an operation in North Kalamchoura. The team faced resistance from the suspected cultivators, prompting Assam Rifles personnel to fire shots into the air to disperse the crowd. Although the attackers were initially driven away,…

10 Feb

Arunachal’s historic land acquisition establishes a new standard for ethical mining

Banasree SarkarArunachal Pradesh

M/s Pra Nuravi Coal Mining Pvt. Ltd. has successfully acquired 33.9635 hectares of land in Changlang district's Longtom Village for the Namchik West Block Coal Mine's external overburden dumps, marking an important milestone for the country's mining industry and community-led development. A rare example of quick, consensus-driven land purchase in the mining sector, the acquisition was completed strictly in accordance with the Ministry of Coal's standards and rules. Senior district authorities, such as R.D. Thungon, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Miao, and D. Wangchu, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Kharsang, witnessed the completion of the land acquisition procedure, highlighting the exercise's administrative control…

09 Feb

Guwahati Welcomes Nemichand Bamalwa Jewellers with Open Arms

Business BureauBusiness

Jewellery buyers in Guwahati and across the Northeast will now have direct access to premium collections as Nemichand Bamalwa Jewellers (NCB) launches its flagship showroom at Ganeshguri, GS Road. The nearly 40-year-old jewellery brand unveiled the store in the presence of noted personality Nishita Goswami, with the showroom set to open to customers on February 7, 2026. The new outlet offers a wide range of wedding, bridal and party wear jewellery, featuring designs crafted in natural diamonds, gold, jadau and polki, aimed at customers seeking high-quality jewellery for special occasions as well as long-term family heirlooms. The brand is known…

09 Feb

India’s GDP Seen Growing 6.4% in FY27, Fastest Among G-20: Moody’s

editorEconomy

India’s economy is expected to remain on a strong growth trajectory in FY2026–27, with real GDP projected to expand by 6.4%, the fastest among G-20 nations, according to Moody’s. The global rating agency said steady growth will support financial stability and sustain credit demand across sectors.Moody’s noted that robust domestic demand, improving investment activity and stable macroeconomic conditions are likely to lift business confidence and encourage borrowing. Structural reforms, including GST rationalization and income tax cuts, are expected to boost consumption, while a stable monetary policy stance should keep financial conditions supportive. The Reserve Bank of India has also expressed…

09 Feb

Governor Parnaik calls for timely implementation of schemes for ex-servicemen

Banasree SarkarArunachal Pradesh

Lt Gen K. T. Parnaik (Retd.), the governor of Arunachal Pradesh, underlined the importance of timely welfare program implementation, timely financial aid disbursement, and efficient grievance redressal procedures for state-wide ex-servicemen. At Lok Bhavan, the Governor met with Air Commodore R. D. Mosabi (Retd.), the Director-cum-Secretary of the state's Rajya Sainik Board, to discuss welfare initiatives that the board has undertaken. They had in-depth conversations about effective coordination with the Armed Forces and government agencies, resettlement and employment assistance, and the welfare of former service members and their dependents. The governor expressed his concern for the well-being of his former…

09 Feb

AM/NS India becomes first integrated steelmaker to get green steel certification

Business BureauBusiness

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has become the country’s first integrated steel producer to receive Green Steel certification under the Ministry of Steel’s newly notified Green Steel Taxonomy. The certification covers the company’s flat steel products, with Hot Rolled (HR) coils and sheets earning a four-star rating and Cold Rolled (CR) coils and sheets receiving a three-star rating. The certified products, widely used in the automotive, infrastructure, defence, construction equipment and consumer durables sectors, are now officially recognised as government-certified Green Steel. This enables downstream users to lower Scope 3 emissions across their value chains. Certification eligibility is based…