Business Bureau

IDBI Bank Ltd. on Saturday reported a 5 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit to ₹2,115 crore for the first quarter of FY2026-27, driven by higher net interest income, robust loan growth and continued improvement in asset quality. The bank had posted a net profit of ₹2,007 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year, while profit rose 9 per cent sequentially. The Board of Directors approved the financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, at its meeting in Mumbai. Net Interest Income (NII) grew 10 per cent year-on-year to ₹3,486 crore from ₹3,166 crore,…

India needs a harmonised, evidence-based regulatory framework for bike taxis to reduce policy uncertainty, safeguard gig workers, improve commuter safety and strengthen affordable urban mobility, according to a new report released by CUTS International. The report, Harmonising Bike Taxi Regulations in India: An Evidence-Based Assessment and Suggested Pathways for Reform, was launched in New Delhi by Gopal Krishna Agarwal, National Spokesperson (Economic Affairs) of the BharatiyaJanata Party.The report highlights that India's bike taxi regulations currently vary widely across states, with policies ranging from enabling frameworks and conditional approvals to restrictions, EV-only mandates and legal ambiguities. According to CUTS International, this…

Rescue operations continued at the Samardung Tunnel (Teesta VI) project in North Sikkim after a suspected methane gas leak inside the tunnel on July 20 trapped 25 project personnel, resulting in casualties, according to Patel Engineering Limited (PEL). The company said the incident occurred at around 1 pm in the Adit-3, Face 4B section of the project. A sudden release of suspected methane gas trapped within the rock formation allegedly triggered a gas burst or explosion inside the tunnel, filling the area with dense fumes and toxic gases and hampering rescue efforts. PEL said its project team is working closely…

Royal Enfield has introduced the 2026 Classic 350 with new comfort and convenience features, as the mid-size motorcycle maker looks to further strengthen the appeal of one of its best-selling models in the competitive 250cc–750cc segment. The updated Classic 350 now comes equipped with an Assist and Slipper Clutch across all dual-channel variants, offering lighter clutch action for easier operation during city commutes and long-distance touring. The feature also enables smoother upshifts and downshifts, enhancing rider comfort and confidence across varied riding conditions. In another practical upgrade, the motorcycle now features a USB Type-C fast charging port, allowing riders to…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Ultraviolette on Wednesday announced a nationwide customer incentive programme aimed at encouraging petrol-powered two-wheeler owners to switch to electric mobility amid rising fuel costs. The company has launched its 'Kill the Petrol Bill' programme, under which customers purchasing the Ultraviolette F77 or X-47 electric motorcycles can receive cashback based on the distance covered by their existing petrol-powered two-wheelers over the past two years. Under the scheme, riders will receive ₹1 cashback for every kilometre ridden, with benefits of up to ₹30,000. For instance, a customer who has travelled 20,000 km in the last two years will be…

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Wednesday unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening India's future-ready skilling ecosystem during the World Youth Skills Day 2026 celebrations at KaushalBhawan in New Delhi. Addressing the event, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, stressed the importance of continuous learning, innovation and adaptability, saying India's youth must be equipped for both current and future employment opportunities. The Minister launched the IndiaSkills Competition 2026–27 Guidelines, opening registrations for the flagship competition across 63 industry-relevant skill categories on…

Home Credit India, a part of TVS VENU, has entered into an agreement to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Varthana Finance Private Limited through an all-cash transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and customary closing conditions. The proposed acquisition is aimed at strengthening TVS VENU's financial services portfolio by expanding into the secured and longer-tenure education finance segment. TVS VENU said the acquisition aligns with its long-term strategy of building high-quality financial services businesses catering to India's evolving credit requirements. Varthana, known for its specialised education-finance franchise, will complement the…

Sunfeast Marie Light has launched the second edition of its ‘Surya Vardaan’ initiative at the Puri Rath Yatra to raise awareness about Vitamin D deficiency, a condition that continues to affect millions of Indians despite the country receiving abundant sunshine. The campaign is built around the brand’s long-standing association with the Sun and its proposition of the “Goodness of Vitamin D”. Held during one of Odisha’s largest cultural gatherings, the initiative carried the message, “Har Kiran Mein Chhupa Hai Vitamin D Ka Vardaan,” encouraging devotees and families to understand their Vitamin D requirements. At the event, Surya Sahayaks engaged with…

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday flagged off the 13-day ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ from the National War Memorial in New Delhi as part of the nationwide commemoration of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026. Held under the motto ‘One Ride, One Nation, One Salute’, the 1,900-km expedition features 28 riders, including serving and retired defence personnel and next of kin of Kargil martyrs, travelling on Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh. The yatra will conclude on July 26 after passing through the Chandimandir, Rezang La and Leh War Memorials. The expedition is carrying sacred soil from…

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, on Wednesday called on successful entrepreneurs to become mentors for aspiring founders, saying they have a vital role in strengthening India's entrepreneurial ecosystem. He was addressing the first-ever Alumni Connect of the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), organised under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) at the institute's Noida campus. Chaudhary said entrepreneurship thrives on continuous learning and collaboration, urging alumni to share their experiences, build partnerships and inspire future entrepreneurs. During the event,…