Drone-based land mapping boosts rural credit flows

MUMBAI: Govt’s shift to drone-based land mapping has lifted rural credit flows, with sanctioned loan amounts rising 23% after residential plots were converted into verifiable collateral under the SVAMITVA scheme, according to an April 2026 working paper published by the economic advisory council to the Prime Minister.The move replaces informal land demarcation with legally recognised,…

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Will consumption slip on oil, monsoon forecast?

The twin headwinds of rising oil prices, fuelled by West Asia’s ongoing conflict, and a below-normal monsoon forecast for 2026, are putting India’s consumption-driven growth story under pressure. While sectors hit by the conflict have raised prices to offset costlier raw materials and freight, a below-normal monsoon would squeeze farm incomes and hurt rural demand,…

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Paytm ownership shift: Domestic investors cross 50% stake; firm turns majority Indian-controlled

One 97 Communications Ltd, which operates the Paytm brand, has become a majority Indian-owned and controlled company after domestic investors raised their stake to 50.3% as of March-end 2026, PTI reported.The shift marks a structural change in ownership for the fintech firm, with domestic shareholding rising steadily in recent quarters, reflecting growing investor confidence.Domestic institutional…

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`Indian pharma must balance generics with innovation’

NEW DELHI: India’s pharmaceutical industry must focus on both generics and innovative products, as well as develop products specially tailored for the country’s patient needs. Domestic companies particularly smaller to mid-sized players can carve out a strong role in rare diseases and niche patient segments, where agility and specialised research can drive meaningful breakthroughs, pharma…

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US markets today (April 14, 2026): Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq rise on Middle East de-escalation hopes; earnings in focus

Wall Street extended its gains on Tuesday, with investors stepping back into equities amid fresh signals that diplomatic efforts could ease tensions in the Middle East, even as corporate earnings remained in sharp focus.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 227.05 points, or 0.47%, to 48,445.30, while the S&P 500 gained 32.09 points, or 0.47%, to…

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