Blog

14 Apr

UPI transactions upgrade to 18.3 billion in March

Business CorrespondentBusiness, News

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded a robust 13.6 percent growth in transaction volumes in March, hitting a new peak of 18.30 billion transactions, according to the latest data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). While the top five UPI apps - PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, Navi and Super.money - retained their rankings, Axis Bank moved to the sixth spot, overtaking fintech unicorn CRED, which slipped to the seventh spot. This shift follows a similar pattern seen in February, when Super.money displaced CRED to enter the top five. In March, Axis Bank's growth was driven by a…

14 Apr

Bandhan Bank pledges Rs 4 crore to Ramakrishna Mission for education and skill development hub

Business BureauBusiness

In a strong push towards nation-building through education and skill development, Bandhan Bank has extended ₹4 crore as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to the Ramakrishna Mission. The funds will support the construction of the Ramakrishna Mission Centre for Human Excellence and Social Sciences, known as Viveka Tirtha, at Belur Math. The cheque was formally handed over by Bandhan Bank’s MD & CEO Shri Partha Pratim Sengupta to Swami Suvirananda, General Secretary of Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, in the presence of senior dignitaries from both organizations. Speaking on the occasion, Sengupta said, “We are honoured to…

12 Apr

JK Tyreignites North-East with Indian racing festival tour

Business BureauBusiness

JK Tyre& Industries Ltd, a pioneer in Indian motorsport and tyre manufacturing, has announced a thrilling regional campaign—“JK Tyre powered Indian Racing Festival – a carnival of Total Control”—across five North-Eastern cities from April 12 to 22. The tour will accelerate through Kohima, Aizawl, Shillong, Guwahati, and Gangtok, offering a unique mix of motorsport showcase and brand engagement. The festival will spotlight international Formula 4 and Wolf cars, electrifying drifting displays, superbike stunts, and performances by young karting prodigies. These events will run on JK Tyre’s ultra-high-performance Levitas Ultra tyres, reaffirming the brand’s technological edge. Director-Sales & Marketing Srinivasu Allaphan…

12 Apr

Bandhan Bank launches Elite Plus account to woo affluent customers

Business BureauBusiness

Bandhan Bank has rolled out its latest premium banking offering, the Elite Plus Savings Account, aimed at delivering an upgraded experience to its affluent customer base. The account offers a wide array of exclusive benefits including free movie tickets worth ₹750 per month, complimentary airport lounge access, golf sessions, unlimited free transactions, and accelerated reward points. The Elite Plus Savings Account was officially launched by Bandhan Bank MD & CEO Partha Pratim Sengupta, joined by ED & CBO Rajinder Kumar Babbar and ED & COO Ratan Kumar Kesh. Cricket legend Sourav Ganguly was among the first to open the new…

12 Apr

IIFL Finance to raise Rs 500 crore via bonds offering up to 10.25% interest

Business BureauBusiness

IIFL Finance Limited, a leading NBFC, announced a public issue of secured, redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs) to raise up to ₹500 crore, with an attractive coupon of up to 10.25% per annum. The issue opens on April 7 and closes on April 23, 2025, with an option for early closure. Proceeds will be used for onward lending, financing, and general corporate purposes. The NCDs are rated “Crisil AA/Stable” and “[ICRA] AA (Stable),” signifying high safety and low credit risk. Investors can choose from tenors of 15, 24, 36, and 60 months, with monthly, annual, or cumulative interest payment options. The…

12 Apr

CM Manik Saha announces ₹15 cr exam hall for students, aspirants

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

In a major move to improve the quality of education, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday announced plans to bring in top teachers from outside the state to teach critical subjects like English, mathematics, physics, and biology. Speaking at public programmes in Teliamura and Kalyanpur in Khowai district, Dr. Saha said the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce students’ reliance on private tuitions. “We are planning coaching centres in every subdivision, as proposed in the state budget. Since local teachers may not be available for these centres, tenders will be floated to engage top-quality educators…

12 Apr

Dhaka’s Export Route to Third Countries Faces Setback

Sonakshi SarkarBangladesh

India has revoked the transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to third countries through Indian land borders. Introduced in 2020, this route enabled the use of Indian ports and airports, significantly reducing shipping costs for Bangladeshi exporters. The Indian government stated the move was made due to logistical delays and rising costs that hurt its own export competitiveness. While the policy change won’t affect trade to Nepal or Bhutan, it’s a major blow for Bangladesh’s garment industry, which heavily depended on this route for access to markets like the Middle East and Europe. Experts in Dhaka fear this…

12 Apr

Lunglei faces acute water shortage as Tlawng River dries up

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Facing a severe water crisis due to a prolonged dry spell, the Mizoram government has begun deploying water tankers to supply residents in Lunglei town, officials said on Friday. The town, Mizoram’s second largest after Aizawl, has been grappling with acute water shortages since March after the Tlawng River—its main water source—dried up significantly. With rainfall absent since January, the daily supply from the river has dropped to 1.5 million litres, far below the 3.5 million litres required, according to PHE officials. To address the shortfall, the state government has arranged to transport water from the Mat River, flowing between…

12 Apr

Pine Mount School celebrates a century and a half of inspiring generations

Banasree SarkarMeghalayaPine Mount School

Pine Mount School commemorated 125 years of fostering courage, intelligence, and character. As the institution celebrated a journey few others can claim, the celebration reverberated with tales of tenacity and pride, memories and turning points. Prestone Tynsong, the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, served as the Chief Guest at the formal event, marking a momentous and joyous occasion. He reiterated the government's emphasis on education as a catalyst for change by saying, "The budget allocation for 2025-26 has been enhanced to Rs 3635.4 crore, the state of Meghalaya's budget allocation is highest being made to education sector." "We are in…

12 Apr

Annapurna Devi reviews health, nutrition, and education schemes in Arunachal

Sonakshi SarkarArunachal Pradesh

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, on Friday visited Arunachal Pradesh’s Kra Daadi district, underlining the Centre’s commitment to empowering women and children in remote regions through welfare schemes and local engagement. Her visit, marked by a series of interactions and inspections, began at the New Age Learning Centre (NALC) located within Byabang Heri Government Higher Secondary School in Palin. Accompanied by state officials and community leaders, the Minister observed the learning environment and participated in a symbolic tree plantation drive—highlighting the dual focus on education and environmental sustainability. At the General Ground in Palin, the Minister…