SENSEX
NIFTY
GOLD
USD/INR

Weather

image 15    C

Livemint

Business / Livemint

Govt. launches 20,000 crore credit guarantee scheme to boost microfinance lending amid liquidity crunch

The scheme offers 70-80% guarantee cover on loans to MFIs, aiming to restore lender confidence and improve credit access for underserved borrowers.

20 Mar 2026 10:53 pm
RBI moves to prevent banks from mis-selling financial products: How will it protect customers?

The RBI directions to banks include obtaining the customers explicit consent, ensuring product suitability for the customer before it is marketed, and giving a refund with compensation where mis-selling is established.

20 Mar 2026 9:09 pm
Middle East conflict unlikely to hurt Indian economy's structural strength, says Radhika Rao of DBS Bank

Rao said escalating tensions in the Middle East and resultant risks from pipeline inflationary pressure indicated that the RBI's monetary policy committee would prefer to keep the repo rate unchanged.

20 Mar 2026 8:30 pm
India calls for bidders to set up five rare earth magnet making plants under 7,280 cr scheme

India has launched a 7,280-crore incentive scheme to establish five rare-earth magnet manufacturing plants, aiming to achieve an annual capacity of 6,000 tonnes. The move seeks to build a self-reliant defence and electric vehicle supply chainto counter Chinas dominance in the sector.

20 Mar 2026 7:45 pm
Never waste a good crisis: Zerodha's Nithin Kamath outlines alternative amid fuel shortage due to war in West Asia

Zerodha co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath noted the country's dependence on energy imports from the Middle East, and consequent impact due to the war in the region. He also outlined an alternative that India can tap into for long-term resilience.

20 Mar 2026 6:53 pm
Should you pause your SIP amid market volatility? Heres what experts advise

Continuing your SIP during market volatility helps build wealth through disciplined investing and rupee-cost averaging, ensuring long-term growth while navigating market fluctuations. It will enhance returns over time.

20 Mar 2026 5:22 pm
Finance Ministry notifies new Income-Tax Rules 2026 Here's what changes for you from 1 April

The Finance Ministry on 20 March notified the Central Board of Direct Taxes' new Income-Tax Rules 2026. Here's what this means for taxpayers and how the changes impact you with effect from 1 April 2026.

20 Mar 2026 5:01 pm
7 costly financial mistakes young professionals make and how to avoid them

Financial mistakes young professionals make include overspending, delaying investments, and poor planning, highlighting the importance of disciplined saving, early investing, and smart money habits for long-term financial stability.

20 Mar 2026 3:02 pm
Inside Sebis accredited investor pushand why it matters now

Indias accredited investor base has more than tripled in under a year, now accounting for 30% of AIF investments, as Sebi expands access to high-risk, high-return opportunities.

20 Mar 2026 2:26 pm
How to reduce EMI burden: 5 tips to manage debt and improve your finances

Managing personal finances involves consulting experts, prioritizing high-interest debt, and implementing effective budgeting strategies. Establishing an emergency fund and reviewing expenses can help regain control over finances and improve long-term financial health.

20 Mar 2026 1:04 pm
Indias carbon trading plan for steel industry slows as emissions data gaps force reset

Inconsistent plant-level reporting has derailed baseline setting, delaying Indias carbon trading rollout as policymakers race to align with EU carbon rules and avoid double compliance costs.

20 Mar 2026 12:11 pm
How to split 50,000 monthly income: 5 smart budgeting rules to manage expenses and build wealth

Effective salary splitting and budgeting depend on personal financial situations. Common strategies include 50-30-20 and 70-20-10 rules. Engaging a financial advisor before making decisions helps in managing expenses, savings, and aligning financial goals for better wealth management.

20 Mar 2026 11:14 am
Bank holiday update: Are banks closed for Eid today? When is Eid al-Fitr holiday March 20 or March 21?

Most states will observe the Eid holiday on Saturday, March 21. However, banks in two Indian states J-K and Andhra Pradesh will remain closed on March 30. 

20 Mar 2026 9:30 am
Why arent petrol prices rising in India despite global crude surge?

Even as global crude prices surge past $100, petrol prices in India remain stable. Heres how OMCs, taxes and government intervention act as shock absorbers for consumers.

20 Mar 2026 6:00 am
In current times, look at debt investments for accrual only

With RBI likely pausing rate cuts after aggressive easing, bond gains from falling yields fade, pushing investors to focus on accrual, shorter duration and selective credit risk

20 Mar 2026 5:56 am
Centre has no plans to exit Vodafone Idea: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said Indian telecom operators are among the healthiest globally, with the sector continuing to grow steadily. He added that the government is evaluating the next phase of the PLI scheme for telecom equipment.

20 Mar 2026 5:52 am
Will health insurance cover LASIK surgery? Heres what you need to know

Most health insurance plans in India dont automatically cover LASIK, but exceptions exist. Heres how medical necessity, limits and waiting periods determine your eligibility.

20 Mar 2026 5:50 am
Nestle India sets up new manufacturing unit for Munch at Sanand factory

The 225-crore expansion at the Gujarat facility adds roughly 8,300 annual tons of capacity, the company has said.

19 Mar 2026 7:10 pm
Govt declares energy statistics as national security matter; oil and gas entities mandated to disclose data

The government directive seeks to establish a unified, real-time data architecture to facilitate rapid responses to supply outages. The required disclosures encompass production volumes, import figures, inventory levels, and usage trends.

19 Mar 2026 6:10 pm
Digital arrest fraud costs Noida man 1 crore: 5 key lessons to keep your money safe

Digital arrest scams are on the rise as fraudsters impersonate officials, pressure victims, and extort money through fear, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, verification, and timely reporting to prevent losses.

19 Mar 2026 5:04 pm
Adani-owned Mumbai airport takes Jet Airways dues row to appellate tribunal

Mumbai International Airport had submitted claims of over 860 crore towards parking, storage, hangar and related charges after Jet Airways aircraft remained parked at the Mumbai airport for several years following the airlines collapse in 2019. The NCLT admitted only about 510.75 cr.

19 Mar 2026 4:09 pm
Planning for retirement by 2030? How to build a sustainable income

A reader planning to retire at 48 in 2030 with annual expenses of 20 lakh asks how to secure a steady income. A financial planner outlines the required corpus, portfolio balance and key safeguards.

19 Mar 2026 3:55 pm
8th Pay Commission: How to send your suggestions to government at www.mygov.in? Who can send them?

The extension of the deadline would mean that central government employees, pensioners and other stakeholders would get more time to share their views regarding the framing of the policies of the 8th Pay Commission, which is currently under work.

19 Mar 2026 2:48 pm
Salary shakeup: How new wage rules and income tax tweaks will change take-home pay

Changes to your salary components will depend on your income, organization profile and industry, though most companies aim to keep take-home pay broadly unchanged.

19 Mar 2026 2:44 pm
Personal loan interest rates March 2026: Comparison of top banks, fees and 5 key things to check before you apply

Personal loan interest rates in March 2026 vary across top lenders, making comparison essential to reduce EMIs and total cost while considering fees, tenure, credit score, and hidden charges.

19 Mar 2026 2:04 pm
Mint Explainer | How long can India delay a fuel price hike?

While several global economies, from the US to China, have already passed on higher costs to consumers, India has kept prices stable. With crude prices surging, oil marketing companies are taking a big hit. How long can the government avoid an increase?

19 Mar 2026 1:08 pm
Buying gold on Gudi Padwa, Ugadi? Dont skip these purity checks to safeguard your festive purchase

Even though mandatory gold hallmarking has been in place for five years, recent BIS raids on traders - who displayed hallmarking certificates and the BIS logohave still uncovered lapses in purity.

19 Mar 2026 12:42 pm
These 7 PSU banks offer up to 7.25% FD rates for senior citizens: 5 steps to choose the best fixed deposit

Senior citizens can enhance safety and wealth by choosing the right bank and FD tenure. Comparing interest rates is crucial, as many banks offer an extra 0.50% for seniors, making these FDs more attractive for retirees.

19 Mar 2026 12:23 pm
RajinikanthKamal film spotlights Bollywoods struggle with mega collaborations

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth's collaboration for a 2027 film highlights Tamil cinema's strength in bringing stars together, unlike Bollywood, where egos and financial complexities often impede such projects. This successful model emphasizes narrative-driven filmmaking and a supportive fan culture.

19 Mar 2026 11:41 am
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on 19 March for Gudhi Padwa, Ugadi Festival, Navratri? Check RBI calendar

Bank holiday today, 19 March: All public and private banks in will be closed today in several states due to Gudhi Padwa, Ugadi Festival, Telugu New Year, Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba), and 1st Navratra. Here is the full list of states where banks are closed today.

19 Mar 2026 7:04 am
Solar power is all the rage, but something is troubling banks

Banks have turned cautious about lending to solar module makers after a December letter from the clean energy ministry urging them to be cautious about financing new solar photovoltaic module capacity. The sector also faces pressure from a preliminary 126% US tariff.

19 Mar 2026 6:01 am
Walt Disneys Bengaluru centre triggers revenue risk for IT vendor Globant

For Globant, which counts India as one of its largest employee hubs, Walt Disney has been its largest client, contributing 9% of its $2.46 billion in revenue in 2025. Companies are setting up in-house technology centres in a troubling shift for the IT sector as it faces disruption from automation.

19 Mar 2026 6:00 am
Connected car in the driveway as Trai set to frame spectrum rules

The government has tapped Trai to frame spectrum rules for connected vehicle rollout, weighing licence-exempt in-car devices and administrative allocation for roadside infrastructure.

19 Mar 2026 5:30 am
Govt mandates use of local wafers, ingots for solar projects from June 2028

The move marks a step towards building a robust, self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem that will boost domestic production, strengthen supply chains

19 Mar 2026 5:00 am
HDFC Bank chair Atanu Chakraborty resigns citing certain practices incongruent with his values

HDFC group veteran Keki Mistry to be part-time chairman at India's largest private lender for three months starting 9 March. 

18 Mar 2026 11:59 pm
Centre sets stage for Bhavya plug-and-play industrial parks

The Bhavya parks will range from 100 to 1,000 acres, and receive financial support of up to 1 crore per acre provided for core, value-added and social infrastructure. In North Eastern and hilly states with geographical constraints, the minimum size will be 25 acres.

18 Mar 2026 9:15 pm
Crude hovers near $108 amid US-Iran conflict: How could oil volatility affect your investment portfolio?

Crude prices, which are near $108 per barrel due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, are bound to adversely affect global markets and personal finances. Strategic investing, expense planning, and inflationlinked assets can help protect portfolios during oil volatility.

18 Mar 2026 8:22 pm
Print continues to command trust, deep engagement over TV, digital: Survey

Even as the rapid rise of internet penetration raise doubts on the future of print, the results of a survey conducted across metros and Hindi-speaking markets finds newspapers remain the go-to source for highly engaged readers looking for trustworthy news.  

18 Mar 2026 4:54 pm
8th Pay Commission extends deadline to 31 March: What it means for your salary, pension and allowances

The 8th Pay Commission questionnaire deadline has been extended to 31 March 2026 for employee feedback on pay, pensions and allowances, ensuring comprehensive stakeholder input before final recommendations.

18 Mar 2026 3:58 pm
War-hit flight disruptions expose travel insurance gaps

Travel insurance is fundamentally designed to cover individual, unforeseen risks, not large-scale geopolitical events

18 Mar 2026 3:33 pm
Claiming HRA? New rental rules kick in from 1 April what are the changes and what happens if they are ignored?

Starting 1 April, taxpayers must disclose their relationship with landlords when claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA), especially if rent exceeds 1 lakh annually. Here's what happens if you ignore or misreport the details. 

18 Mar 2026 3:11 pm
Women are powering Indias next credit boom; heres what the data shows

India's credit ecosystem is evolving, with women emerging as a significant force. They represent 27.6% of retail credit and show faster growth rates compared to men. 

18 Mar 2026 2:17 pm
Markets fall, fear rises. Should investors really sit this out?

Market falls trigger fear, but history shows exits often cost more than corrections. The real risk isnt volatilityits missing the rebound while waiting for clarity.

18 Mar 2026 1:45 pm
Delhi HC clarifies Pisco brandy belongs to both Peru and Chile

The Delhi High Court has ruled that both Peru and Chile hold legitimate claims to the Pisco name in India, rejecting Peru's demand for exclusivity. The decision mandates origin labelling, resolving a 20-year legal battle over the niche grape brandy.

18 Mar 2026 1:37 pm
Mint Explainer | Why India remains dependent on fertilizer imports

Despite building significant capacity, structural constraintsfrom raw material shortages to policy designkeep the country reliant on overseas supplies.

18 Mar 2026 1:02 pm
Feed-first growth, weak monetization: Inside Indias micro-drama market

A Meta report shows 89% of Indias micro-drama audience discovered the format via social media, spending 35 hours weekly, mostly watching solo. But weak monetization persists, with just 28% ever paying amid trust deficits.

18 Mar 2026 12:32 pm
Milk, dairy products take centre stage as counterfeiting soars in India

Counterfeiting in the dairy sector has surged since 2018, driven by complex supply chains and a massive informal market. Regulators are now pushing for stricter licensing and track-and-trace tech to mirror the success of the pharmaceutical industry.

18 Mar 2026 11:49 am
Why you must plan for a 30-year retirement

Longer lifespans and shorter careers mean affluent Indians must plan for a 30-year retirement, not 15requiring disciplined investing, diversified income and strong health coverage.

18 Mar 2026 10:16 am
The $4.5 billion shift: how India is transforming from niche audio mkt into video-podcast powerhouse

Podcast revenues may soar from $969 million to $4.5 billion by 2030, while live events could double in value, indicating a vibrant creative economy, according to Deloitte.

18 Mar 2026 6:00 am
Reliance-Samsung deal boosts Indias green hydrogen push, but 2030 goal remains distant

The Reliance-Samsung deal strengthens India's hydrogen ambitions. But limited domestic offtake and slow project progress keep the 2030 production target a distant goal.

18 Mar 2026 6:00 am