Axis Bank reports 26% drop in Q2 net profit amid one-time provisions

Axis Bank reported a 26% drop in September-quarter net profit to 5,090 crore, primarily due to a one-time 1,231 crore standard asset provision for discontinued crop loan variants. Despite this, net interest income rose 2% year-on-year to 13,745 crore, with the bank optimistic about GST cuts and retail loan growth.