Blog

08 May

The Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank Sign Financing Agreements for the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project

Business BureauBusiness

The Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank have signed financing agreements totaling $515 million for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project, marking a major milestone in Bhutan’s clean energy and infrastructure expansion strategy. The project, to be developed on the Kurichhu River in eastern Bhutan, is expected to generate over 4,500 GWh of electricity annually and contribute nearly one-third of the Kingdom’s total energy generation. The financing package includes $300 million from the International Development Association (IDA), including a $150 million grant, and $215 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The estimated $1.7…

08 May

Kotak Mahindra Bank Set to Acquire Near 10% Stake in Peer Banks

nanikaFinance

In a significant development for the Indian banking sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval to Kotak Mahindra Bank to acquire up to a 9.99% stake in both AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank. The approval, dated May 6, allows Kotak Mahindra Bank, along with its various subsidiaries and managed funds, to hold an "aggregate holding" of up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in these two institutions. The news was confirmed through separate regulatory filings made by AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank on Thursday. This move is seen as…

08 May

HNLC Extortion Threats Must Be Reported Promptly, Says Dy CM

riyaMeghalaya

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong on Thursday urged businessmen, shopkeepers and citizens not to remain silent if they receive extortion threats allegedly linked to the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). He appealed to people to immediately inform the police or the government if they receive such threats. Tynsong said the issue was recently discussed by the government, which stressed that anyone receiving threatening messages should not hesitate to file FIRs or bring the matter to the attention of the authorities. He said citizens could approach local police stations, police outposts, district police headquarters,…

08 May

Kotak Mahindra Bank gets nod to buy 9.99% stake in City Union Bank

anuprovaBusiness

In a major regulatory development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted Kotak Mahindra Bank to acquire a strategic stake of up to 9.99 per cent in Tamil Nadu-based City Union Bank (CUB). The announcement in a regulatory filing on May 7, 2026, confirms the central bank issued its “no-objection” letter earlier this week. The approval will enable Kotak Mahindra Bank and its subsidiaries and managed funds to raise their combined stake in the century-old private sector lender based in Kumbakonam. The acquisition is subject to compliance with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the RBI’s 2025 Master Directions…

08 May

Arunachal Government Announces Memorial for Gyamar Padang

riyaArunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that the state government will erect a memorial statue in honour of late Gyamar Padang, recognising his contribution towards promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions. Announcing the decision on social media, Khandu said Padang’s efforts had played a major role in exposing loopholes in the recruitment system and helped strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in governance. “Today, I met his family members and conveyed my heartfelt respect and condolences. The memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to his life and inspire future generations to uphold honesty, responsibility and public service,” the…

08 May

Swearing-In Ceremony Held for New AMC Corporators; Mayor, Deputy Mayor Elected

riyaMizoram

The swearing-in ceremony of the 19 newly elected corporators of the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) was held on Thursday at the Board of Corporators (BOC) Meeting Hall, AMC Office, Thuampui. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were also elected during the function. The function was chaired by Municipal Commissioner Joseph H. Lalramsanga. After the names of the newly elected corporators were read out, Aizawl District Magistrate Lalhriatpuia, administered the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India to the 19 newly elected AMC corporators. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor was conducted in accordance with…

07 May

Nifty 50 Reclaims Crucial Support as U.S.-Iran Peace Hopes Ignite Path Toward 25,000

anuprovaBusiness

The Indian equity market staged a resilient recovery this week as the Nifty 50 bounced back from its critical support zone near 24,000, closing at 24,326 on Thursday after a volatile session. Investor sentiment has been dramatically reshaped by mounting optimism over a potential peace deal between the United States and Iran, which could bring an end to the "Strait of Hormuz" blockade that has choked global energy supplies since February. Reports of a one-page memorandum of understanding currently under review in Tehran triggered a sharp correction in Brent crude prices—which tumbled from recent highs above $115 toward the $95…

07 May

Sikkim State Day 2026 preparations in full swing ahead of Vice President visit

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Preparations for the upcoming State Day Celebrations 2026 in Sikkim have gathered pace with the state government holding a high-level coordination meeting at the Tashiling Secretariat on Tuesday to review arrangements for the event, which will be attended by the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan. The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary of Sikkim, R. Telang, who reviewed the overall programme schedule and assessed the responsibilities assigned to different departments for the successful organisation of the celebrations. Officials said the State Day celebrations are expected to be held on a large scale this year in view of the…

07 May

Life insurance industry posts 15.7% growth in FY26, premium collections near Rs 4.6 lakh crore

Business BureauBusiness

India’s life insurance industry reported robust growth in FY26, with total new business premium (NBP) rising 15.7% year-on-year to ₹4,59,713 crore, compared to ₹3,97,337 crore in FY25, signalling strong demand and improving market confidence. In March 2026, insurers collected ₹75,872 crore in new business premium, up from ₹61,439 crore in March 2025, reflecting sustained traction across both individual and group segments. Growth was led by the group business segment, with Group Single Premium increasing 17.5% to ₹2,49,766 crore and Group Yearly Renewable Premium surging 39%. Group Non-Single Premium also registered notable gains, though on a smaller base. The individual segment…

07 May

Arunachal Deputy CM Joins Discussion on Buddhist Tourism Development in NE

riyaArunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has attended the inaugural session of the Regional Workshop on Development of the Buddhist Tourism Circuit in Northeast India at Tawang. Speaking on the occasion, he pitched for developing an integrated tourism circuit linking key Buddhist destinations in the northeastern states for a seamless spiritual and cultural experience for visitors. He said that the collaborative effort by roping in neighbouring states and countries should be branded 'Tawang Initiative' to give it a distinct global identity. Calling for a 'professional and collaborative' approach to the development of tourism, Mein said the proposed circuit should…