The World Bank has approved loans totaling USD 680 million to support a new phase of development projects in Assam, reinforcing its long-term engagement with India’s northeastern region. The funding is aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving urban services, and enhancing climate resilience in a state that plays a critical role in regional connectivity and economic integration. By targeting transport networks, flood management, and institutional capacity, the financial assistance seeks to unlock sustainable growth while addressing structural challenges.

ITC has strengthened its presence in India’s hospitality sector with the launch of a Welcomhotel property in Dehradun, marking a strategic expansion into one of North India’s fastest-growing urban and tourism hubs. The new hotel reflects ITC’s broader strategy of tapping emerging cities with rising demand for premium accommodation driven by business travel, weddings, and leisure tourism.

Bajaj Auto is intensifying its push in the electric two-wheeler market with a clear ambition: to emerge as the leading player in India’s fast-growing e-scooter segment. Building on strong early traction, the company is scaling production, expanding its distribution network, and sharpening its product strategy to capture a larger share of demand. The move reflects Bajaj Auto’s confidence in electric mobility as a long-term growth driver amid tightening emission norms and rising consumer preference for sustainable transport.

The Reserve Bank of India has introduced significant changes to foreign exchange regulations governing banks, aiming to modernize forex operations, improve compliance, and strengthen risk management frameworks. The revised rules are designed to simplify procedures, provide greater operational flexibility to banks, and align India’s forex regime with evolving global standards. By refining reporting norms, exposure limits, and transaction guidelines, the central bank seeks to reduce systemic risks while supporting smoother cross-border trade and capital flows.

Indian Overseas Bank has announced plans to raise up to Rs. 4,000 crore in the fourth quarter of the current financial year, signaling a renewed focus on capital strengthening and sustainable growth. The proposed fundraise is aimed at improving the bank’s capital adequacy, supporting future credit expansion, and enhancing its resilience amid a competitive banking environment. Coming after a period of improved asset quality and profitability, the move reflects growing confidence in the public sector lender’s financial turnaround.

Public sector banks are increasingly refining salary account offerings to meet the evolving financial needs of government employees. The DFS Salary Account Package, designed specifically for central and state government staff, reflects a broader push to combine convenience, security, and long-term financial planning under one umbrella. The package typically offers zero-balance facilities, preferential loan rates, insurance cover, and digital banking privileges.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance reported a robust financial performance in the third quarter, posting a 19% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rs 390 crore. The growth was driven by disciplined cost management, improved persistency ratios, and a steady expansion in value of new business. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, the insurer demonstrated resilience through balanced product diversification and a focus on high-margin offerings.

Gold and silver prices surged to fresh all-time highs in Delhi, reflecting strong investor demand amid global economic uncertainty and currency volatility. Rising geopolitical risks, expectations of easier monetary policy by major central banks, and persistent inflationary concerns have reinforced the appeal of precious metals as safe-haven assets. Domestic prices were further supported by a firm global trend and steady retail demand ahead of the wedding season.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance reported a 9 percent year-on-year decline in net profit for the third quarter, with earnings slipping to Rs 659 crore. The performance was shaped by elevated claims, particularly in health and motor insurance, alongside pricing pressure in a competitive market. While premium growth remained steady and the insurer retained a strong balance sheet, underwriting margins came under strain.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to resume issuing licenses to urban co-operative banks (UCBs), marking a significant policy shift after years of regulatory restraint. The move reflects improved governance standards, tighter supervision, and a more robust regulatory framework within the co-operative banking sector. By reopening the licensing window, the central bank aims to strengthen financial inclusion, enhance credit access for small businesses and local communities, and encourage consolidation-driven stability.