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The Reserve Bank of India has kept key policy rates and its stance unchanged, in line with expectations, according to Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank. Reacting to the latest monetary policy, Bhardwaj said recent measures, including restrictions on offshore speculative activity and easing geopolitical tensions, have provided some relief to the Indian rupee. This, she noted, gives the central bank room to better assess the evolving impact on growth and inflation, as well as the persistence of the balance of payments (BOP) deficit. She added that the RBI is expected to remain firmly data-dependent amid the current…

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has activated a nationwide supply and enforcement mechanism to manage a temporary surge in fuel and LPG demand across select markets, the company said on April 8. In the first week of April, HPCL recorded fuel sales of 2,64,548 KL of  Petrol  and 4,77,030 KL of Diesel between April 1 and 7. To meet rising demand, the company dispatched 48,099 tankers carrying petrol, diesel and subsidised kerosene, ensuring steady replenishment across its retail network. The LPG segment also operated at full capacity, with 89 lakh cylinders delivered during the same period. HPCL enhanced last-mile access by…

A recent assessment by TATA AIG General Insurance has flagged a widening gap between increasing health risks and financial preparedness in India, raising concerns on World Health Day. The findings show that serious illnesses, particularly heart disease, are increasingly affecting younger populations, while financial readiness remains alarmingly low. According to a survey conducted among doctors, 59% said that fewer than 40% of heart disease patients are financially prepared for advanced treatment. The situation is further aggravated by a surge in critical illness claims, with lung cancer cases doubling in 2025. Smoking continues to be the primary cause, linked to over…

Jayant Chaudhary on Wednesday launched a national campaign to build a first-of-its-kind Skills Outcomes Fund, aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth from low-income backgrounds by directly linking skilling investments to verified employment outcomes. The proposed fund will be anchored by National Skill Development Corporation under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, with support from industry and philanthropic partners. It seeks to mobilise public and private capital to scale outcomes-based financing (OBF), positioning India as a global leader in this model, as highlighted at the Outcomes Finance Alliance Summit 2026. Addressing a funder roundtable hosted by British Asian…