IBTimes

IntelliSmart operates more than 2.2 crore smart meters, and the deal is expected to strengthen AESL's scale, efficiency, and role in modernising India's power distribution sector, subject to regulatory approvals.

India's largest lender, SBI, has presented a dividend cheque of 8,813 crore to the Central government for FY26. The cheque was handed over by SBI Chairman C S Setty to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reflecting the bank's strong financial performance and contributing significantly to the government's non-tax revenue.

Gold futures dropped nearly 2 per cent to an intraday low of 1,52,712 per 10 grams, while silver futures fell as much as 3.8 per cent to 2,39,064 per kg. Internationally, COMEX gold and silver also traded lower.

India's business environment has improved significantly over the past 12 years due to reforms aimed at reducing compliance burdens and promoting ease of doing business, according to a government factsheet.

Adani's wealth increased following a rally in Adani Group stocks, including gains in Adani Power, Adani Ports, Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions. The combined market value of six listed Adani Group companies reached about $191 billion.

RBI introduced incentives for FCNR(B) deposits, eased norms for foreign investments, and expanded access to government securities. The measures helped the rupee recover from recent record lows driven by rising crude oil prices, foreign fund outflows, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

While India retains strong macroeconomic buffers such as large forex reserves, a healthy banking system, and robust digital infrastructure, economists warn that structural challengesincluding weak private investment, declining net FDI, regulatory uncertainty, and sluggish job creationcould limit growth.

Economist Neelkanth Mishra has been appointed India's Executive Director at the World Bank for a three-year term. Currently Chief Economist at Axis Bank and Head of Global Research at Axis Capital, he will represent India on the World Bank Board, overseeing key decisions on development financing and economic growth.

RBI is set to announce its monetary policy decision after the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Most economists expect the central bank to keep the repo rate unchanged amid rising crude oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

As the Reserve Bank of India prepares to announce its latest monetary policy decision, expectations of another rate cut appear to be fading. Most experts now believe the central bank will keep the repo rate unchanged and continue with a wait-and-watch approach. Here are three reasons why.

ICICI Bank has received a warning letter from SEBI for allowing an FPI to repatriate funds before completing the mandatory retention period under the Voluntary Retention Route. The bank said the issue has no material impact on its financials, operations, or business activities.

August gold futures rose 0.35% to 1,59,052 per 10 grams, while July silver futures touched an intraday high of 2,64,324 per kg before turning volatile.

Global crude oil prices fell more than 1 per cent on Thursday after Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, boosting hopes of easing tensions in West Asia. Brent crude dropped to $96.50 per barrel, while WTI crude slipped to $94.76 per barrel.