RAJIV KUMAR
Government may do away with UPI subsidies as MDR revenue kicks in
Government may end UPI subsidies for small transactions as merchant fees are introduced. Taxpayer-funded incentives for UPI and RuPay transactions are being phased out. No new subsidies have been paid for transactions since April 2025. This shift aims to make the payment ecosystem self-sustaining and reduce taxpayer burden. Incentive disbursements have significantly decreased in recent fiscal years.
SIR row brings past Election Commission differences back into focus
Differences among election commissioners have resurfaced regarding the handling of electoral matters in India. Previously, Ashok Lavasa expressed disagreement over clean chits granted to BJP leaders during elections. In another instance, Rajiv Kumar sought to defend the Election Commission's actions in court against criticisms. Current commissioners are also raising concerns about voter deletions in the ongoing voter list revision.
Big to get bigger: India's UPI fee shift to entrench dominant incumbents
PhonePe and Google Pay could earn about $900 million annually from India’s new UPI merchant fee regime by March 2028, according to Bernstein estimates, strengthening their already dominant position. The 0.4% fee on merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 could also encourage payment apps to expand in rural areas and push smaller rivals towards higher-value transactions.
India likely to emerge as global leader in number of AI projects: Microsoft India's Rajiv Kumar
Addressing the Microsoft AI Infrastructure Summit India, Kumar highlighted the transition to AI presents companies with the challenge of building new solutions while continuing to maintain and evolve their existing core capabilities.
UPI charges could reverse digital payments gains, push users back to cash, says ex-NITI VC Rajiv Kumar
Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to keep UPI merchant payments free for a few more years, warning that even a small fee could push transactions back towards cash. His comments come after the government announced a 0.4% MDR on UPI merchant payments above Rs 2,000 from October 15, while keeping consumer payments free.
From 52% to 42%: Is HDFC Bank’s 10 percentage point drop in FII shareholding a worrying sign?
HDFC Bank has seen a sharp decline in foreign investor ownership since its merger with HDFC, reflecting concerns over slower growth, funding pressures, margins and leadership changes. FII holding has fallen from 52.13% in September 2023 to 41.82% in June 2026. While valuations have become more attractive, investors await clearer signs of improving growth, profitability and post-merger execution.
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HDFC Bank CEO Jagdishan’s refusal to overhaul bank fueled surprise exit as chairman pushed for changes
HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan will depart after his term ends next month. New chairman Rajiv Kumar sought aggressive changes and executive replacements. Jagdishan resisted some proposals and decided not to seek reappointment. The bank now faces a swift search for a new leader. This departure adds to recent turmoil and stock market struggles.
HDFC Bank shares after Jagdishan: What lies ahead for the country’s largest private lender?
HDFC Bank's CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan plans to retire in October 2026 following a major merger, leaving investors eager for details on his successor and the bank's future direction. The institution encounters hurdles in attracting deposits and enhancing margins post-merger. Experts propose either a temporary internal leader or an external hire. In the meantime, stock performance may remain subdued until the next leadership is established.
HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan to step down in October
Ending all speculation over extension, Jagdishan has told the board he won't be seeking reappointment. The bank will now fast-track the successor selection process.
Launch of 6,000 luxury hotel rooms likely in Delhi NCR by 2030
Delhi NCR anticipates significant hotel room additions by 2030. New luxury hotels from Taj, Marriott, and Hyatt are planned. Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 rooms are expected to open by 2029. High land costs and development constraints continue to limit new supply. The market remains supply constrained with strong performance indicators.
Delhi State Cooperative Bank to venture into financing farmers, artisans
Inaugurating the programme, Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, highlighted the critical role of cooperative banks in financial inclusion and local economic development.
Mathura tightens rules ahead of Krishna Janmabhoomi ‘karseva’
Mathura administration banned new religious traditions and illegal activities in Govardhan. This action follows Supreme Court and Allahabad High Court directions regarding the disputed site. Organizers announced 'karseva' for temple construction without obtaining necessary police permission. Police are stopping participants and sending them back to their respective police stations. Elaborate security arrangements have been made to maintain peace and order.
'No US lawsuits filed yet, ready to defend on facts if needed': HDFC Bank CEO clarifies on governance allegations
HDFC Bank assured shareholders about its strong governance credentials. No US lawsuits have been filed against the bank following investigations. The bank's leadership stated they are well-positioned to defend any potential legal action. HDFC Bank is fundamentally strong with a pristine balance sheet. The integration with HDFC Limited is unlocking meaningful synergies for future growth.
More dialogue needed between youth & policymakers as AI creating uncertainty about jobs: Ex - NITI Aayog VC
Former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar urged policymakers to engage with India's youth. He highlighted youth frustration over job prospects due to Artificial Intelligence advancements. Kumar stressed India must grow above eight percent to achieve upper-middle-income status. He advocated for state-specific export policies to boost manufacturing and employment. Strengthening the domestic economy is also seen as India's best foreign policy.
HDFC Bank fines CEO, CFO Rs 1 lakh each over MSRDC deposit case
In a notable move, HDFC Bank has penalized senior executives and delivered warning letters after conducting an internal assessment of a deposit arrangement from 2017 and 2021. The bank's board determined that the actions were categorized as business overreach, lacking any improper intentions. Consequently, three senior officials received fines of one lakh rupees each, and the matter will also be reported to the Reserve Bank of India.
Ex NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar got attracted to Naxal ideology as student, hung Che's poster in room: New book
Kumar, as per the book, got attracted to the Communist Party of India (CPI) (Marxist-Leninist) when he was a student of Delhi's prestigious St. Stephen's College but now considers present day Naxalism as the "most pernicious and dishonest impact" on Indian youths which has perhaps "set back India's political and economic development by years".
HDFC Bank gets RBI nod to appoint Rajiv Kumar as part-time chairman
HDFC Bank received RBI approval for Rajiv Kumar's appointment as part-time chairman. His three-year term as chairman will begin on July 15, 2026. This appointment follows the bank's application and an earlier intimation to the regulator. The bank thanked Keki Mistry for his service as interim chairman. Mistry will continue his role as a non-executive director on the board.
HDFC Bank shares in focus as lender appoints ex-finance secretary Rajiv Kumar as part-time chairman
HDFC Bank has appointed former IAS officer and ex-Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as its Part-time Chairman, following Atanu Chakraborty's abrupt resignation over ethical concerns. Kumar, known for his role in cleaning up public sector bank balance sheets, will serve a three-year term subject to RBI approval. The bank also announced Puneet Sharma as its new CFO. This news comes as HDFC Bank shares have seen mixed performance recently.
Rajiv Kumar wants a job post-retirement: Arvind Kejriwal attacks CEC on 'Yamuna poison' row
Arvind Kejriwal criticized the Election Commission for rejecting his claim about Yamuna poisoning, accusing CEC Rajiv Kumar of political motives. Kejriwal urged Rajiv Kumar to contest the Delhi polls if he wants to engage in politics. The poll body had asked Kejriwal for evidence to support his claims or face consequences, emphasizing that the water issue is a governance matter.
Centre accords Z-category VIP security cover to CEC Rajiv Kumar "in view of potential threats"
The Union government has provided Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar with a Z-category VIP security cover of armed commandos due to potential threats. The Central Reserve Police Force will provide 40-45 personnel for the task, as recommended by a threat perception report.
Why did the Central govt increase CEC Rajiv Kumar's security?
The Central government has upgraded Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar's security to the 'Z' category, deploying armed commandos from the CRPF for his safety during official engagements and travels across India. This decision, based on a threat perception report, aims to ensure enhanced security amidst political tensions and preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Rajasthan assembly polls: CEC Rajiv Kumar urges voters to exercise their franchise
A delegation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) spearheaded by CEC Rajiv Kumar arrived in Rajasthan on September 29 to review preparedness for Assembly elections to be held later this year in the state. The previous assembly elections in the state were held in December 2018, when the Indian National Congress emerged as the single-largest party with 100 seats, falling short by 1 seat to secure the majority mark.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar signs MoU with poll authority of Seychelles to expand 'cooperation'
The Chief Election Commissioner of India, Rajiv Kumar, has signed a MoU with the Electoral Commission Chairperson of Seychelles, Danny Lucas, on 'Electoral Cooperation'. The MoU aims to enhance the exchange of best practices in election management and the training of officials. This agreement is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships and cooperation between election management bodies.
NITI Aayog’s vice chairman Rajiv Kumar steps down
The post of the vice-chairman of the Aayog is co-terminus with the five-year term of the institution. NITI Aayog was reconstituted in 2019 after PM Narendra Modi-led BJP government came back to power for a second-term.
Coalitions of like-minded nations need of the hour: NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar
NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar is of the view that the corporate sector should take the lead in setting the world order post the pandemic. “Governments world over have tried but so far the corporate world has not lent their shoulder to reshape the world order,” he said.
Former Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar appointed as new Election Commissioner
Rajiv Kumar will replace Ashok Lavasa on August 31, the Law Ministry mentioned in a notification today. On August 18, Ashok Lavasa had resigned from his post of EC. Lavasa would join the Asian Development Bank (ADB) next month as a vice-president.
There is need to support export-oriented industries to boost growth: Finance Secretary
If you join the dots, there is a much a cleaner credit system in place and better corporate governance standards, says Kumar.
Rajiv Kumar to be new Finance Secretary
The senior most bureaucrat among all secretaries in the finance ministry is designated as the finance secretary.
Dewan Housing Finance Corporation appoints Rajiv Kumar, an economist in the board
Rajiv Kumar, a senior fellow at Centre for Policy Research, is an economist, who is also chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Economics and Politics in Pune.
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