EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL BORROWINGS CHANGES
MSME activity expands but loses steam as global headwinds bite: PHDCCI survey
India's manufacturing MSME sector continues to expand. However, growth momentum is slowing. New orders and production are increasing at a slower pace. The outlook for the next quarter remains positive but cautious.
'Monumental setback' for PM Modi's foreign policy: Congress on Pakistan's role in US-Iran peace moves
Pakistan is reportedly hosting US-Iran peace talks. Congress criticizes Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy, stating Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's closeness to US President Donald Trump is a setback. The party claims India needs a diplomatic strategy overhaul, which Modi is incapable of achieving. This situation highlights a shift in regional engagement.
As costs remain high, MFIs raise rates
Microfinance lending rates are rising for the poorest borrowers. This is happening despite a government credit guarantee scheme designed to lower these rates. Microfinance companies cite their own increased borrowing expenses as the main reason. They are paying more to banks for funds. This trend is impacting the cost for end borrowers.
Sufi Proverb of the Day: ‘Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world; today I am wise, so I am…’ — Wisdom on inner growth and limitless potential
Sufi teachings have long stressed introspection, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. Rather than focusing only on external success, Sufi philosophy encourages individuals to turn inward and cultivate their inner world.
African Proverb of the Day: ‘When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you’ — Wisdom on inner growth and self-discovery
In embracing this African wisdom, individuals are reminded that true resilience is not about controlling the outside world, but about mastering the one within.
India summons Iran envoy over incident of firing at ships in Strait of Hormuz
India summoned the Iranian envoy after an incident in the Strait of Hormuz. Two Indian vessels had to turn back following reports of gunfire from Iran's Revolutionary Guards. This occurred after Iran initially opened and then closed the waterway. India has previously stated its commitment to safe maritime passage.
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How Dogs Navigate the World Through Scent
Dogs possess an advanced sense of smell, allowing them to detect faint chemical substances and create internal scent maps. They can precisely trace odor sources by following gradients, even in complex urban environments. Their tracking abilities adapt to environmental factors like humidity and wind, demonstrating remarkable biological and behavioral preparedness.
Pakistan keen for early approval for next IMF tranche: Aurangzeb
Pakistan is eager for the International Monetary Fund's next loan installment. A Fund team will visit next month for crucial review talks. This comes as Pakistan's Finance Minister met IMF officials in Washington. The country aims to secure funds to bolster its economy. Discussions also covered global economic shocks and reform progress.
Visa's likely to appoint Suresh Sethi as India head
Visa is reportedly appointing Suresh Sethi, former CEO of Protean eGov Technologies, as its new India country head. Sethi, with extensive experience in banking and tech, succeeds Sandeep Ghosh. This leadership transition occurs as Visa intensifies its focus on digital payments and regional partnerships, aiming for continued growth and innovation in the Indian market.
What’s happening with mortgage rate right now— should you lock before the April Fed meeting or wait for lower home loan rates?
Mortgage rates today are hovering near 6.3%. That is a sharp jump from around 5.7% just weeks ago. The market is moving fast. Buyers are feeling the pressure. The big question now is simple. Should you lock your mortgage rate before the April Fed meeting or wait? Right now, inflation is still high. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady. That does not guarantee mortgage rates will fall. In fact, they can rise even without a Fed hike. Bond yields are driving home loan rates higher. If volatility continues, today’s rates may look cheaper soon. Waiting could be risky. Locking may offer stability in an uncertain market.
NBCC sells 14 lakh sq ft commercial space in South Delhi for Rs 5,779 cr via e-auction
NBCC has successfully sold commercial space in South Delhi. The sale of approximately 14 lakh square feet at Bharat Business Park fetched Rs 5,779 crore. This significant transaction was conducted through an e-auction. NBCC will receive a one percent marketing fee. These funds will support the redevelopment of residential colonies in the area.
Strongly urge early restoration of freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz: India
India has called the targeting of commercial shipping in the West Asia conflict “deplorable” and urged the immediate restoration of safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns over energy security and global trade.
Around 10.10 lakh passengers travelled to India since February 28 from region amid West Asia tensions, says Govt
India is ensuring smooth functioning across key sectors amidst the West Asia situation. The Petroleum Ministry guarantees uninterrupted fuel and LPG supply. Commercial LPG prioritizes essential services. Refineries operate at high capacity with adequate crude. Indian vessels and seafarers are safe. Flights continue to operate, with many passengers returning. The government is actively monitoring and coordinating efforts.
African proverb of the day: 'No medicine exists that can cure...' Life lessons on human nature, inner peace, happiness and why choosing empathy over resentment is beneficial
African proverb of the day highlights the saying “No medicine exists that can cure hatred.” The proverb explains how hatred grows from deep emotions and cannot be fixed by external solutions. It shows the role of empathy, love, patience and forgiveness in healing. The saying also explains how hatred harms individuals and society. The message is often used in conflict resolution and personal growth discussions worldwide.
Zerodha traders saved Rs 25,620 crore brokerage: Nithin Kamath shows the calculation
Zerodha traders saved Rs 25,620 crore in brokerage between 2016 and 2025 due to the firm’s zero-delivery brokerage model, founder Nithin Kamath said. He credited the bootstrapped structure for enabling a customer-first approach, avoiding aggressive monetisation, ads, and cross-selling while maintaining low-cost trading and high user trust.
Indian restaurants' 'slowdown' is ringing up a ₹79,000 cr bill as Iran war chokes LPG supply
The Indian dining scene is looking at a staggering monthly loss of ₹79,000 crore as a result of a commercial LPG shortage. This hiccup is forcing all types of eateries to shut down temporarily or seek alternative cooking methods.
How Engagement Drops During Workplace Transitions
A worker sends messages that, upon receiving them, result in very detailed feedback, but starts noticing that the response has become either very brief or delayed or not forthcoming at all. Such a shift takes place gradually and cannot be traced to any particular time. Gradually, though, a trend emerges
Lowest home loan interest rates in 2026: PSU banks vs private banks; check lists
home loan interest rates: The RBI's decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% has left borrowers questioning the impact on home loan interest rates and EMIs. While floating rate loans are directly influenced, fixed-rate loans remain unchanged. The article provides a comparative list of the lowest home loan interest rates offered by public and private banks for loans exceeding Rs 75 lakh.
Fintechs leverage AI to boost creditworthiness and reduce rejections
Fintech startups are leveraging AI to help borrowers improve their creditworthiness and reduce loan application rejections. Companies like BankSathi, GoodScore, and Credgenics are offering AI-led advisory services, addressing a significant demand, especially from smaller cities. While AI automates much of the process, manual intervention remains crucial for resolving defaults with lenders.
India Inc reduced overseas bond issues on local liquidity, rupee fall
Indian companies scaled back overseas bond issuances as improved domestic liquidity and a weaker rupee made local fundraising more attractive.
Can AI fix your credit score? Krutrim shuts down assistant Kruti
Happy Thursday! Fintechs are building AI solutions to help boost the creditworthiness of borrowers. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
NBFCs' reliance on bank borrowings to increase in FY27 on lower interest rates
In the next fiscal year, non-banking finance companies are likely to increase their borrowing from banks due to the attractive lower interest rates available. Additionally, the unpredictable geopolitical landscape is making external commercial borrowings less appealing. To mitigate funding challenges, NBFCs may turn to securitisation for support.
For a few billion dollars, Pakistan has landed in dire straits
Pakistan is facing big economic stress after the UAE has demanded repayment of a multibillion-dollar deposit. This has strained the country's thin foreign exchange reserves. Rising oil prices and limited financing options have added to the pressure. Pakistan is seeking new funding sources, including international bonds and bilateral aid.
Over 9 lakh people evacuated from West Asia: MEA
As the security situation evolves in West Asia and the Gulf region, a senior MEA official said on Monday that wide-scale efforts are underway to ensure the safety and movement of the Indian community in the region, with over 9 lakh Indians having been brought back to the country.
West Asia crisis: EAM Jaishankar calls for swift return to peace
In response to the unrest in West Asia, India has articulated its urgent desire for peace. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed his worries about the continuing conflict and its implications for global commerce. He noted the dire economic repercussions, especially concerning energy, food supplies, and fertilizer availability. India envisions a future of lasting harmony for the region.
The rupee’s swing: When currency becomes the deal maker or breaker
Rupee volatility has become central to India’s distressed deals, driving stress for firms with dollar debt despite stable operations. Elevated hedging costs and FX uncertainty are reshaping pricing, deal structures, and timelines, with investors favouring export-linked assets and natural hedges.
West Asia war: Indian banks better placed to weather global stress but face margin squeeze, Fitch Ratings says
Indian banks are poised for resilience despite global uncertainties. However, persistent external risks may impact their profit margins and liquidity. The nation's lenders begin this phase from a strong footing with improved asset quality. Higher energy prices and tighter liquidity could gradually affect profitability and borrower repayment capacity.
Women borrowers hold Rs 76 lakh crore credit portfolio: Report
The Aayog, in the report titled 'From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India's Evolving Credit Market', said that between December 2017 and December 2025, the number of credit-active women borrowers registered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9 per cent, while credit penetration among them increased from 19 per cent to 36 per cent.
Crude oil, remittances & exports: RBI spells out where the Iran war bites India
The Reserve Bank of India emphasises the ramifications of the West Asia conflict on the nation's economy. Fluctuating energy prices, uncertainties in trade, and market volatility present emerging risks. While the country's foundational economic strengths are robust, the potential impact of external disruptions is worrisome.
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