20, Jul 2026
President Murmu Begins Historic First Visit to Moldova, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

New Delhi, July 20: President Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Moldova on a historic visit, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the European nation.

The landmark visit is aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations between India and Moldova and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The visit reflects India’s continued efforts to expand engagement with European partners.

During the visit, discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people connections.

The historic presidential visit is seen as an important milestone in India-Moldova relations and is expected to further deepen bilateral understanding and collaboration between the two countries.

The visit highlights India’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships and building closer ties with nations across regions.

20, Jul 2026
Federal Bank Q1 Profit Jumps 36.57 percent to INR 1,177 Cr; Net NPA at Decadal Low

Federal Bank Q1 Profit Jumps 36.57 percent to INR 1,177 Cr; Net NPA at Decadal Low

Chennai, July 20: Federal Bank today reported net profit of ₹1,176.93 crore (Record quarterly profit, on an underlying basis) for the quarter ended 30 June 2026 (Q1 FY27), up 36.57% over the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The quarter was defined by the strength of the Bank’s core franchise, with net interest income growing 26.06% and fee income 21.71%, even as treasury income remained subdued through a volatile market period.

 
Note on comparisons: All sequential comparisons in this release are stated on a BAU basis, excluding the one-off windfall gain recorded in Q4 FY26, consistent with the BAU disclosure in the Bank’s investor presentation. Year-on-year comparisons are like-for-like and unaffected.
 
Key Highlights – Q1 FY27
•    Profitability: Net profit at ₹1,176.93 crore, up 36.57% YoY. Earnings per share rose 36.06% to ₹19.15.
•    Core Earnings Engine: Net Interest Income grew 26.06% to ₹2,945.89 crore – well ahead of advances growth of 14.94%.
•    Margin Expansion: NIM expanded 39 bps YoY to 3.33%, as Cost of Funds fell 60 bps against a 44 bps compression in asset yield. Cost of Deposits declined 57 bps YoY to 5.21%.
•    Asset Quality at Historic Best: Net NPA at 0.18%, a decadal low for the Bank, with the absolute figure down 56.29% YoY to ₹506.04 crore. Gross NPA improved to 1.52%. Fresh slippages fell 37.79% YoY to ₹409.48 crore.
•    Fortified Coverage: Provision Coverage Ratio (excluding TWO) strengthened to 87.37%, up 1,296 bps YoY and credit cost declined 24 bps to 0.41%. Coverage including technical write-offs stands at 94.23%.
•    Balance Sheet Scale: Total business reached ₹5,97,615.83 crore, up 13.05% YoY, approaching the ₹6 lakh crore mark. Total deposits stood at ₹ 3,20,117.66 crore (+11.37% YoY) and gross advances at ₹2,81,239.54 crore (+14.94% YoY).
•    CASA Franchise: CASA balances at ₹1,03,163.15 crore, up 18.26% YoY – growing significantly faster than the overall deposit book. CASA ratio improved 188 bps YoY to 32.23%.
•    NR Franchise: NR deposits (NRE and ONR) reached ₹1,05,123.41 crore, up 14.24% YoY, building on the ₹1 lakh crore milestone crossed last quarter.
•    Chosen Segments Delivering: Granular businesses continued to see strong momentum, with Commercial Banking growing 22.96% YoY, CV/CE 21.07%, Gold Loans 33%, LAP 21% and Credit Cards 36%. Growth remained broad-based across higher-yielding retail segments, while Corporate & Institutional Banking also delivered healthy growth of 16.12% YoY. Corporate & Institutional Banking book surpassed ₹1 lakh crore, marking a key scale milestone.
•    Operating Efficiency: Cost-to-Income ratio improved 239 bps YoY to 52.50%, achieved while absorbing the annual wage revision.
•    Return Metrics: RoA improved 22 bps YoY to 1.22% and RoE expanded 171 bps YoY to 12.01%. Book value per share grew 17.02% YoY to ₹161.87.
•    Network: 10 branches were added during the quarter, taking the network to 1,650 outlets.
 
MD & CEO’s Comment
Commenting on the performance, Mr. KVS Manian, Managing Director & CEO, said: “This quarter demonstrates something important about the franchise we have been building. Our profit grew nearly 37% in a period when treasury had a challenging period, which tells you that the earnings are coming from the core business, not from market gains. Net interest income growing 26% against advances growth of 15% represents the expansion in our NIMs, which has been a core focus for the bank.”
“Our net NPA at 0.18% is the lowest in the Bank’s recent history, and simultaneously and provision coverage ratio stands at 87%. We are building a resilient balance sheet through a combination of lower credit cost and a strong buffer out of our current earnings.”
 
“Our chosen advance segments are delivering as intended, and the NR and CASA franchises continue to deepen. We enter the rest of the year with our capital position strong, our asset quality at its decadal best, and good momentum in our core business.”
 
Asset Quality and Resilience
 
Asset quality reached the strongest position in the Bank’s recent history. Beyond the headline ratios, the leading indicators point in the same direction: fresh slippages declined 37.79% YoY, and the slippage ratio improved to 0.61% from 1.11% a year ago. The restructured book has reduced to ₹1,541.30 crore, or 0.55% of gross advances. The Bank’s balanced risk approach and the deliberate pivot toward secured, granular segments continue to provide meaningful buffer against external uncertainty.
 
Liability Franchise
 
The Bank’s funding profile continued to improve, with CASA growing 18.26% YoY against total deposit growth of 11.37% – a mix shift that directly supported the 57 bps reduction in Cost of Deposits. The NR franchise, a structural strength of the Bank, grew ahead of the overall deposit book.
 
20, Jul 2026
Deep-Water Ports to Strengthen India’s Maritime Growth

New Delhi, July 20: India is stepping up efforts to develop deep-water port projects as part of a strategy to strengthen its maritime infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs.

The initiative aims to enhance India’s position in global trade by improving port capacity, increasing cargo handling efficiency, and creating stronger connectivity with international shipping routes. Deep-water ports are expected to help accommodate larger vessels and support faster movement of goods.

The development of advanced port facilities is also aligned with India’s broader efforts to boost logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and improve competitiveness in international trade.

Officials and industry stakeholders have emphasized that expanding domestic maritime infrastructure will provide greater control over cargo movement and support the growth of manufacturing, exports, and supply chain networks.

The push for deep-water ports reflects India’s long-term vision of building a self-reliant and globally competitive maritime sector while strengthening its role in global commerce.

20, Jul 2026
Floodwaters Disrupt Train Services in Assam as Railway Tracks Go Under Water

Guwahati, July 20: Train services in Assam have been affected after floodwaters submerged railway tracks at several locations, disrupting normal rail movement in the state.

Continuous rainfall and rising river levels have caused water accumulation over railway sections, forcing authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety. Railway teams are monitoring the affected areas and carrying out inspections to assess the condition of the tracks.

Passengers have been advised to stay updated on train schedules and follow official travel advisories as restoration work continues. Railway authorities are taking steps to resume services safely once conditions become favourable.

The flood situation in Assam remains under close watch, with local authorities and emergency teams working to manage the impact of rising water levels and provide necessary support to affected areas.

Railway officials have stated that passenger safety remains the top priority while efforts are underway to restore normal train operations at the earliest.

20, Jul 2026
Credit Growth Remains Resilient Amid Deposit Challenges

New Delhi, July 20: Bank credit growth in India is expected to remain strong despite concerns over the gap between credit expansion and deposit growth, according to a report by SBI Research.

The report highlighted that lending activity is likely to maintain momentum, supported by economic growth, improving demand across sectors, and continued financial system stability. However, the difference between loan growth and deposit mobilisation remains a key area of focus for banks.

Experts noted that strengthening deposit flows will be important to ensure sustainable credit expansion and maintain adequate liquidity within the banking system.

The banking sector continues to play a crucial role in supporting economic activity by providing credit to businesses, individuals, and various sectors of the economy.

SBI Research said ongoing trends in deposits, lending demand, and overall economic conditions will determine the future pace of credit growth in the banking sector.

20, Jul 2026
Rising Brent Crude Prices Raise Energy Concerns for India, Rupee and Foreign Flows in Focus

New Delhi, July 20: The rise in Brent crude oil prices above the USD 90 per barrel mark has renewed concerns over India’s energy costs, with markets closely monitoring the impact on the rupee and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) flows.

The increase in global crude prices could pose challenges for India, which relies significantly on imported oil to meet its energy requirements. Higher crude prices may influence import costs, inflation trends, and the country’s external balance.

Market participants are also keeping a close watch on currency movements, particularly the performance of the Indian rupee, as well as foreign investor activity amid changing global economic conditions.

Analysts said developments in international oil markets, currency fluctuations, and global investor sentiment will remain key factors shaping India’s financial markets in the near term.

The government and market stakeholders continue to monitor global energy trends and their potential impact on economic stability and growth.

20, Jul 2026
India and Canada Discuss Trade Opportunities, Sustainable Growth Through CEPA Framework

New Delhi, July 20: Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran held a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner to discuss opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation between India and Canada, including areas linked to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, enhancing investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable economic growth between the two countries. Both sides highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration across key sectors through stronger economic engagement.

The meeting underscored the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to create new avenues for businesses, improve market access, and support long-term economic development.

India and Canada have been working towards strengthening their economic partnership, with trade and investment cooperation remaining key areas of mutual interest.

The engagement reflects ongoing efforts to build stronger international partnerships and encourage sustainable growth through greater economic collaboration.

20, Jul 2026
Gold and Silver Prices Rise as Weaker Dollar Supports Precious Metals

New Delhi, July 20: Gold and silver prices moved higher as a weaker US dollar provided support to precious metals, offsetting concerns over possible interest rate decisions by the US Federal Reserve.

Market sentiment remained influenced by global economic developments, with investors closely tracking currency movements and monetary policy signals. A softer dollar generally makes precious metals more attractive for buyers holding other currencies, contributing to the upward movement in prices.

Analysts said ongoing uncertainty over interest rate policies and global market conditions continues to influence precious metal trading. Investors are keeping a close watch on inflation trends, economic data, and central bank decisions for further direction.

The rise in gold and silver prices reflects continued demand for safe-haven assets amid changing global financial conditions. Market participants expect volatility to remain as investors assess future interest rate outlooks and currency trends.

20, Jul 2026
India’s Gems and Jewellery Exports Rise Over 26 pc in June, Boosting Trade Growth

New Delhi, July 20: India’s gems and jewellery exports recorded strong growth in June, rising by more than 26% compared with the previous period, reflecting increased demand from international markets and strengthening the country’s position in the global jewellery trade.

The export growth was supported by improved market conditions, steady demand for precious jewellery, and rising interest in Indian craftsmanship across global markets. The sector continues to play an important role in India’s export economy by generating employment and supporting businesses across the value chain.

Industry stakeholders said the positive trend highlights the resilience of the gems and jewellery sector despite global economic challenges. Exporters are focusing on expanding international reach, improving product quality, and adopting new designs to meet changing consumer preferences.

The growth in exports is expected to provide further momentum to the sector and create new opportunities for manufacturers, artisans, and exporters. The industry remains focused on strengthening India’s presence in global markets through innovation, sustainability, and competitive trade practices.

The latest performance underscores the significant contribution of the gems and jewellery sector to India’s economic growth and export diversification efforts.

20, Jul 2026
XElectron Brings Cinematic Experience to Home with New Techno Android 14 Smart HD Projector Supporting 1080P, 4K and OTT Streaming

XElectron Brings Cinematic Experience to Home with New Techno Android 14 Smart HD Projector Supporting 1080P, 4K and OTT Streaming

New Delhi, 20th July: XElectron, one of India’s fastest-growing homegrown smart home technology and consumer electronics  brands, has announced the launch of XElectron Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theatre Movie HD Projector. It is designed to elevate everyday entertainment into a cinematic experience. It has Android 14, HD projection with 1080P, 4K support, smart streaming, electric focus, and Intelligent auto keystone correction, all in a compact and stylish form factor. With cutting-edge picture and sound quality, the XElectron Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theatre Movie HD Projector delivers breakthrough performance and is considered as a cost-effective product. It streams all major OTT platforms including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, JioCinema, Zee5, and SonyLIV, directly without external devices for home entertainment.

It projects 40 to 200 inches from 4 to 16 feet with a 180-degree rotatable tabletop design. It connects wirelessly through WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 or is wired via HDMI and USB Ports. It is also supported with an integrated bass speaker and a 5000:1 contrast ratio, delivering clear audio and visuals. Its native 720p resolution displays 1080p and 4K content with detail scaling on larger screens.

With Indian consumers increasingly embracing smart home entertainment and OTT platforms, there is a growing demand for projectors offering hassle-free setup, immersive viewing and built-in-streaming without additional devices. The XElectron Techno Projector addresses this need by integrating Android 14, Bluetooth, WiFi, intelligent image correction technologies, and screen mirroring, turning it into the ideal entertainment solution for apartments, homes, and personal theatres.

Commenting on the launch of the Techno Android 14 Smart Home Movie HD Projector, Gagan Sharma, Managing Director, XElectron, shared: “Today consumers expect entertainment devices to be smarter, seamless to use and multi-functional enough for fitting into the modern and contemporary  lifestyles. With the Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theatre Projector, we intended to provide an all-in-one entertainment solution, combining  premium picture quality, smart software  and intelligent features in a compact and portable design. Whether it’s enjoying family movie nights, gaming or streaming live events, or binge-watching OTT content, the projector offers an immersive  and seamless viewing experience without the complications of traditional home theatre setups.”

Features & Specifications – 

Android 14 Smart Entertainment Platform

Built on the latest Android 14 operating system, the projector provides users an intuitive and smart interface while supporting live streaming and access to a broad range of entertainment applications directly from the device.

HD Projection with upto 4K Support

The projector delivers sharp HD visuals while enabling 4K content playback, delivering exuberant colours and detailed picture quality for movies, sports, gaming and presentations.

All-in-One OTT Entertainment

Users can stream content directly through popular OTT platforms, such as  YouTube, Prime Video, Netflix,  JioHotstar, ZEE5 and SonyLIV, minimizing the need for external streaming devices.

Electric Focus with Auto & 4D Keystone Correction

The projector features intelligent Auto & 4D Keystone correction and electric focus, automatically adjusting image sharpness and alignment, ensuring a perfectly projected image with minimal setup.

Rotatable Adjustable Design

Its rotatable adjustable-angle design allows users to project content on ceilings or walls  with ease, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms and home theatres.

WiFi, Bluetooth and Screen Mirroring

Built-in dual-band Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity enable wireless streaming and audio connectivity, while screen mirroring helps users to project content in a smooth manner from tablets, smartphones and laptops.

Multi-Language Support

The projector supports 25 global languages, including English, Hindi and Bangla, making it accessible to a wide range of users across India and international markets.

Compact Home Entertainment Solution

Engineered for modern homes, the projector combines intelligent software, premium imaging technology,  and wireless connectivity into a single compact device, making it suitable for gaming, movies,  presentations, online learning and everyday entertainment.

Pricing and Availability –

XElectron Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theatre Movie HD Projector is available for purchase through Amazon India and authorized retail channels across the country.