Blog

29 Jan

The Rafah border crossing is about to reopen

editorDefence

In northern Gaza, displaced Palestinians are returning home amidst a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Over 375,000 Palestinians have crossed into northern Gaza since Israel permitted their return. Although many are joyful to be back, they face the grim reality of heavily destroyed homes and loss of loved ones. Egypt is also preparing to treat wounded Palestinians as the Rafah border crossing is set to reopen. Amid the ceasefire, Israel has been involved in shooting incidents in Gaza and friendly fire killing an Israeli civilian contractor. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has ended U.S. endorsement of UNRWA, citing alleged ties…

29 Jan

Governor V K Singh announces budget session of Mizoram assembly

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Governor Gen (retd) V K Singh has summoned the budget session of the 9th Mizoram Legislative Assembly, set to commence on February 19, according to an official notification issued by the assembly secretariat on Tuesday. The detailed schedule for the session will be finalized by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) in the coming days. The session will mark a crucial phase for Mizoram’s governance as the assembly prepares to deliberate on the state’s financial roadmap and key legislative matters.

29 Jan

CPI(M) to hold rally in front of Rabindra Bhavan amid venue denials

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced the implementation of a temporary work permit system at the Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) level to regulate the influx of external workers into Sikkim. The decision, revealed during the 4th SKM legislators' meeting at Samman Bhawan, aims to safeguard local employment opportunities and address concerns over unauthorized workforce entry. The system will enable stricter monitoring of outsider workforce deployment, ensuring fair employment practices while prioritizing the interests of local communities. The meeting, which included SKM legislators, advisors, and officials, also highlighted preparations for the party's 13th Foundation Day celebrations. Members were encouraged to…

29 Jan

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM speaks about poverty and unemployment in the state

Banasree SarkarArunachal PradeshChowna Mein

Chowna Mein, the deputy chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, stated on Tuesday that the state's two main problems are unemployment and poverty. He stated that the administration is striving to end poverty while speaking at the Arunachal Yuva Samanvay's inaugural ceremony in Jirdin, West Siang district. Mein claimed that the state administration has started a number of initiatives to reduce poverty and encouraged citizens to take advantage of them. He went on to say that the government has also started a number of youth self-employment programs and encouraged them to take advantage of them. He described Arunachal Yuva Samanvay as…

29 Jan

Assam’s Mizo community want to be part of Mizoram

editorMizoram

An organisation of Mizo communities living in two valleys in Assam's Karimganj district on Tuesday told Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma they want to be a part of Mizoram. The Thangram Indigenous People's Movement (TIPM) leaders, during a meeting held here, told Lalduhoma that their communities, culture and religion would be most secure and protected if their area was included inside Mizoram, a leader said on condition of anonymity. The TIPM, which represents the Zo indigenous people of the Singla and Langkaih (Longai) valleys, urged Lalduhoma to take steps to ensure that their villages and inhabited areas are merged with Mizoram,…

29 Jan

BHEL Q3 results | Net profit rose 124% on revenue growth

Business CorrespondentBusiness, News

State-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) on Tuesday (January 28) reported a 123.5% jump in net profit to ₹134.7 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024, mainly on account of higher revenue. In the year-ago quarter, BHEL had reported a net profit of ₹60.3 crore. The company's revenue from operations grew 32.2% to ₹7,277.1 crore as against ₹5,503.8 crore in the same quarter last year. At the operating level, EBITDA grew 40.6% to ₹304.3 crore in the third quarter as against ₹216.5 crore in the same quarter in FY24. EBITDA margin stood at 4.2% in the reporting quarter…

28 Jan

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank posts strong Q3FY25 performance; loan book and deposits show robust growth

Business BureauBusiness

Bengaluru, January 23, 2025: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Ltd. [BSE: 542904; NSE: UJJIVANSFB] reported a solid financial performance for Q3FY25, marked by diversification in its asset mix and a significant rise in secured loans. The gross loan book grew 10% year-on-year (YoY) to ₹30,466 crore, with secured loans contributing 39% of the portfolio, up from 35% in September 2024. The bank’s deposits surged 16.3% YoY to ₹34,494 crore, driven by a 15% growth in CASA, which now accounts for 25.1% of total deposits. Collection efficiency improved to 96%, with bucket X efficiency for group and individual loans rising to 99.3%…

28 Jan

Mahindra Truck and Bus strengthens Assam’s transport sector with Lakhimpur dealership

Business BureauBusiness

Mahindra’s Truck and Bus Division (MTBD) has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art dealership in Lakhimpur, Assam, following a remarkable 46% CAGR volume growth over the past three years. The facility features four service bays, capable of servicing over 10 vehicles daily, and offers driver lodging, 24-hour breakdown assistance, and AdBlue—an emissions-reducing solution for diesel engines. Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Business Head of MTBD, highlighted the division's No. 3 position in the Indian commercial vehicle market and the introduction of new dealerships and models, including BLAZO X and FURIO, which come with a Best-in-Class Mileage Guarantee. The re-launched Mileage Guarantee promises significant profitability…

28 Jan

King Charles made a historic visit to Poland as the first British monarch

editorLatest

On January 27, 2025, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony in London, meeting with survivors to honor the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Simultaneously, King Charles made a historic visit to Poland, becoming the first British monarch to tour Auschwitz. These engagements underscore the royal family's commitment to remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust and educating future generations. The events were covered extensively, providing insights into the royal family's activities and their dedication to commemorating this significant historical milestone.

28 Jan

Andy Sigg announced changes to simplify the structure and improve key areas

editorLatest

Citigroup has overhauled its private banking senior leadership after the departure of global head Ida Liu. Andy Sieg, head of Citi Wealth, announced changes to simplify the structure and elevate key regions. James Holder has been appointed as the head of Citi Private Bank for the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Antonio Gonzales and Steven Lo will lead the Latin America and Asia South private banking businesses, respectively, while Cayman Wills has been promoted to interim head of North America. Christian Zeinler has been recruited from UBS as head of strategy for Citi Wealth and business execution. These leaders…