BANK FINANCING FOR FARMERS
Citi, SBI announce $295 million facility for small farmers
Citi and State Bank of India (SBI) launched a $295 million social loan facility to support India's small farmers by improving their productivity and income. Citi's Trade & Working Capital Solutions will provide the loan, which SBI will use to finance its Kisan Credit Card loans, targeting financial inclusion for farmers with small landholdings.
Comeback candidates of FY26? Three sectors, 19 stocks: Out of favour for some time now, for right or wrong reasons
In every stock market, from time to time, a set of theme-based stocks catch the limelight. Then their valuations get stretched, and they slip into a period of underperformance. This underperformance could be for any reason: Industry not doing as expected, change in technology, whatever. But the fact is these stocks don't perform. Now, there is another side to this story. If the higher valuations were given due to some one-off event, the probability is low that such stocks will see a recovery, either in absolute or relative terms. But if the higher valuation was given because of the overall potential of the sector, the chances are these stocks will make a comeback.
NABARD and SBI forge strategic partnership for sustainable growth of rural Assam
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and State Bank of India (SBI) have signed an MoU to boost rural growth in Assam. The partnership aims to finance Rs. 500 crores in FY 2025-26, with a target of Rs. 1,000 crores annually thereafter. The focus is on enhancing rural livelihoods and improving the credit ecosystem.
Nirmala Sitharaman's humorous take on AAP's Raghav Chadha raising conditions of banks
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded humorously to Raghav Chadha's banking concerns, urging him to leverage his western exposure to bring more insights. Chadha highlighted issues like high loan rates, declining interest returns, and increasing digital banking fraud. He called for better regulations and support for rural banking.
Deceiving farmers is for nobody's good: FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the Congress for allegedly deceiving farmers with their loan waiver promises that were not fully implemented and left many farmers ineligible for new loans. She contrasted this with Prime Minister Modi's transparent Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, which provides direct financial aid to small farmers.
BFSI stocks in focus as RBI revises priority sector lending guidelines to boost credit access
The RBI's revised Priority Sector Lending (PSL) guidelines, effective April 1, 2025, aim to improve credit access to key sectors like housing, renewable energy, and MSMEs. Key changes include higher loan limits, expanded definitions for weaker sections, and revised targets for various banks. The new framework seeks to support national development, financial inclusion, and sustainable economic growth.
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RBI unveils revised guidelines on priority sector lending to boost credit access
The Reserve Bank of India has announced new guidelines for Priority Sector Lending (PSL), effective from April 1, 2025. These revised provisions include higher loan limits, expanded coverage for renewable energy and weaker sections, and revised PSL targets for Urban Cooperative Banks. The changes aim to improve credit access to priority sectors of the economy, ensuring better financial inclusion.
Haryana budget proposes Rs 5,000 cr for Lado Lakshmi Yojana, authority to check drug abuse
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini introduced a tax-free Rs 2.05 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, with Rs 5,000 crore allotted for 'Lado Lakshmi Yojana' and initiatives like the creation of a 'Department of Future' and an AI mission in collaboration with the World Bank.
He was once a covert Taliban operative. Now he's the friendly taxman.
Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi, the Director of the Taliban's Taxpayers Services Directorate in Kabul, oversees revenue collection in a struggling economy. The Taliban have streamlined tax processes, reducing corruption and ensuring transparency. Generous exemptions mean most Afghans don't pay income taxes. Despite heavy sanctions, the Taliban's revenue has increased, with significant spending on security and education for boys.
FD interest rate up to 9%: Check highest interest rate and one-year interest rate of fixed deposits of these banks
Many small finance banks are offering attractive fixed deposit interest rates, with Unity Small Finance Bank and NorthEast Small Finance Bank providing the highest at 9% for specific tenures. The table lists various banks and their respective rates.
Trump's April 2 threat to India may cost $7 billion a year
President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, targeting countries including India, which charges higher tariffs on US goods. The move could impact India's export sectors, possibly leading to $7 billion annual losses. India's trade minister Piyush Goyal is visiting Washington to discuss potential concessions and seek clarity on the reciprocal tariffs.
Mizoram govt presents Rs15,198 crore budget, allocates 75% more in flagship scheme
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma presented a Rs 15,198.76 crore budget for 2025-2026, with a significant increase in fund allocation for the 'Bana Kaih' scheme and a new health insurance scheme. No new taxes were introduced, and the state's GSDP for the next fiscal year is projected at Rs 36,088.82 crore.
Understanding Tariffs: Here's what they are and how they work
Tariffs are taxes on imports, typically paid by importers and passed on to consumers. While intended to protect domestic industries and can serve as political leverage, tariffs often raise costs, provoke retaliatory measures, and may not achieve the intended economic benefits. Trump's tariffs created mixed economic impacts but shaped political support in key regions.
From upcoming financial year onwards, all schemes' funds must flow via single nodal agency: FM Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has instructed the Department of Expenditure to route all funding for schemes through a single nodal agency from the next fiscal year. She emphasized the role of the CGA to support states in adopting this system, which has already saved over Rs 11,000 crore since 2021-22.
Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of more than 33% in 1 year
Back in September 2024, who would have thought that bulls would vanish from the street in just six months, and bears would rule? But markets going through cycles and corrective phases is normal. The best way to deal with such times of global uncertainty is to be calm and review your portfolio. If required, book some losses in poor stocks. Clean up your portfolio so that when the bulls return, your returns are better. Look at the fundamentals, and if there is business growth over the long term, just ignore the noise. Our selected stocks for today depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars: Earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.
India’s Q3 GDP growth quickens to 6.2%, FY25 output still seen at 4-year low
India GDP Data: India's GDP growth accelerated to 6.2% in Q3 FY25 from 5.6% in the previous quarter, supported by rural consumption after a good monsoon and higher government spending. However, this growth is still below the 8.6% recorded in the same quarter last year, and concerns over trade risks from potential Trump tariffs persist.
Down today, but they cannot be out in the long term: 7 stocks from the NBFC space, 5 with an upside potential of over 26%
While the broader market is witnessing sharp cuts, some sectors have been under pressure much before the current phase of correction began. NBFCs, for instance, have been under pressure for more than two years. Now, you may ask why you should look at a sector that was faring poorly even in a bull run. To answer that, you need to know the reason why they were under pressure. But before we get to that, remember: NBFCs are the backbone of the economy. In times like these, just make sure that you buy stocks of companies where promoters have a track record of dealing with both euphoria and depression on the street, and in the real business as well.
India GDP data to soothe nerves? The economy’s recovery is likely clouded by trade risks ahead
India’s economy likely rebounded last quarter with a growth rate of 6.2%, although this falls short of the central bank’s 6.8% projection. Growth prospects remain uncertain amid potential global trade disruptions. The government has revised its GDP forecast for the fiscal year to 6.4%, the weakest since the pandemic.
Operative Kisan Credit Card amount crosses Rs 10 lakh crore benefiting 7.72 crore farmers
The finance ministry announced that the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has provided over Rs 10 lakh crore in affordable loans to 7.72 crore farmers as of December 31, 2024, up from Rs 4.26 lakh crore in 2014. The government also offers interest subventions and plans to increase the loan limit to further benefit farmers.
4 popular global investment strategies discounting Trump as a lot of fury & fire: Ajay Bagga
Ajay Bagga identifies long positions in gold, emerging market debt, US and Chinese technology stocks as popular strategies. He warns the market is complacent about Trump's tariffs, anticipating clearer implications in the next few months. He advises caution in broader markets and highlights power sector opportunities, while noting concerns about discom losses and LPG under-recoveries affecting OMCs.
Homemakers to changemakers: Women entrepreneurs help empower rural Bihar against climate challenges
In rural Bihar, a group of women have become agri-entrepreneurs, helping their communities tackle climate change. They advise on irrigation, provide climate-resilient seeds, and promote sustainable farming. Supported by JEEVIKA, these women are transforming lives and securing farmers' livelihoods.
Coffee prices are at a 50-year high. Producers aren't celebrating
Coffee farmers are facing challenges such as rising production costs, climate change, and labor shortages, despite surging coffee prices. Specialty coffee producers are concerned about sustainability and future prospects, as climate change impacts their crops and international market conditions remain volatile.
Europe stocks mark record closing as defence stocks soar
European governments are poised to further scale up their plans for defence spending in the coming years, which should benefit the equity prices of European defence companies
NABARD pegs Odisha's credit potential for 2025-26 at Rs 2,52,000 cr
NABARD has projected Odisha's credit potential for 2025-26 fiscal at Rs 2,52,000 crore. This projection is about 20 percent higher than the previous year's Rs 2,10,140 crore. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized the need for increased bank credit for priority sectors and urged banks to support agriculture and innovative projects to enhance farmers' incomes.
Jharkhand's credit potential for priority sector lending in FY'26 projected at Rs 88,303 cr
Jharkhand's priority sector lending credit potential for 2025-26 is projected at Rs 88,303 crore, a 64% increase from the current year. Emphasizing sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and infrastructure, NABARD supports various initiatives, including crop diversification and climate-resilient practices. The state is encouraged to expand Kisan Credit Card coverage and create a credit guarantee corpus for women farmers and entrepreneurs.
BJP to fight Bihar polls under Nitish Kumar's leadership
Despite Nitish Kumar’s health concerns, the BJP confirms that the NDA will contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections under his leadership, appreciating his credibility and governance. PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Bihar aims to strengthen support by distributing benefits to farmers and launching development projects worth ?15,000 crore.
PACS to sell airline tickets soon, linked to 20-plus activities: Amit Shah
Amit Shah announced that soon primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) will sell airline tickets, following computerisation and other enhancements. The establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University will provide essential training for the cooperative sector, and new national-level cooperatives will boost exports, organic production, and advanced seeds.
Cooperative database almost ready, bill to set up coop varsity to be passed by Parl soon: Amit Shah
Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the near completion of the National Cooperative Database and the upcoming establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University to boost the cooperative sector. Efforts include parity with the corporate sector, development of national federations, uniform tax structure, and multiple services for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. These initiatives aim for balanced development and empowerment of cooperatives.
China's record mergers in $8 trillion small banking sector raises future risks
China executed its largest rural bank consolidation in 2024, merging 290 banks and cooperatives into larger regional lenders. Analysts warn that merging struggling banks could worsen financial stability, as these small banks are often backed by indebted provincial governments and already suffer from high bad loan ratios.
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