Thursday, 14 May 2026
Banking & RBI

Axis Bank Increases Branch Count Amid Staff Reduction Due to Tech Improvements

Axis Bank expanded its network by opening 400 new branches in fiscal year 2026, despite a 3% drop in its overall employee numbers compared to the previous year. This development reflects an evolving approach to growth in the banking sector, where physical presence grows alongside streamlined operations. According to CEO Amitabh Chaudhry during the earnings discussion, advancements in technology have boosted efficiency for both staff and branches. The bank also reported enhancements in its operational performance over the period. This shift is significant because physical locations continue to play a key role in attracting customers, facilitating loans, and handling deposits,...

BCN Editor In Chief April 26, 2026
BC ECONOMY TERMINAL · LIVE LIVE
> MACRO INDIA
GDP Growth 7.6% ▲ 7.1%
CPI Inflation 2.1% ▲ 4.6%
WPI Inflation 3.8% ▼ 2.13%
IIP Growth 5.2% ▲ 4..8%
> FISCAL
Fiscal Deficit $-289.8B ▲ $-297.1B
GST Collections ₹1.66L Cr ▲ 2.0% YoY
Direct Tax ₹22.8L Cr ▲ 7.19% YoY
> EXTERNAL
Forex Reserves $725.6B ▲ $700.1B
FDI $33.9B ▲ $28.2B
Current Acct Deficit $-36.2B ▼ $-22.9B
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Stock Market LIVE: Sensex tanks 1,660 pts, Nifty below 23,300; HDFC Bank shares pare losses
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Latest Economy Updated March 11, 2026
Markets
Ten Prominent Stocks Drop Up to 70% in a Year Due to Foreign Investor Sell-Off

Foreign institutional investors reduced their stake in the leading fast-moving consumer goods firm ITC from 39.87% in March 2025 to 34.83% in March 2026, reflecting a decrease exceeding 500 basis points over the year, with cuts occurring every quarter. The shares have fallen almost 30% during the last 12 months, rendering it among the more

March 11, 2026 BCN
Indian Prime Minister Modi Expresses Relief Following Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commented on an assassination attempt targeting U.S. President Donald Trump, which took place on Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton in the United States. Modi used the social media platform X to voice his support for the American leader and to denounce acts of violence within democratic systems. ‘I

March 11, 2026 BCN
All Economy
Obstacles Impede UK’s Commitment to Construct 1.5 Million New Residences

In a Birmingham college, groups of young trainees wearing safety vests and helmets practice constructing small walls and applying plaster to incomplete spaces. Some maneuver wheelbarrows through piles of bricks, while others verify wall alignment using leveling tools. Soon, these structures will be dismantled for incoming students to practice. These individuals represent the emerging workforce

March 11, 2026 BCN
Banking & RBI
IDFC First Bank Sees 5% Increase in Q4 Net Profit Amid Reduced Provisions, Operating Profit Drops 42% Due to Fraud

IDFC First Bank’s net profit for the fourth quarter rose to Rs 319 crore, compared to Rs 304 crore in the same period last year. Provisions decreased to Rs 869 crore from Rs 1,451 crore previously. The net interest margin rose to 5.95% from 5.76% in the prior quarter and 5.93% a year earlier. Operating

March 11, 2026 BCN
Banking & RBI
What RBI’s Cancellation of Paytm Payments Bank’s License Means for Users and App Functionality

New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revoked the operating license of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) effective immediately, raising questions among customers about the Paytm application’s performance and related offerings. Below is an explanation of the implications for Paytm UPI users. One 97 Communications, Paytm’s parent firm, issued a clarification separating itself

March 11, 2026 BCN
Market Snapshot · 14 May 2026 Mkt Closed 15:30 IST
Index / Asset Price Day Chg 52W High 52W Low
SENSEX 75398.72 +789.74 (+1.06%) 86159.02 71545.81
NIFTY 50 23689.6 +277 (+1.18%) 26373.2 22182.55
NIFTY BANK 54128.95 +672.8 (+1.26%) 61764.85 49954.85
USD/INR 95.75 +0.13 (+0.14%) 95.96 82.1
Gold (10g MCX) ₹1,51,852 +514 (-0.34%) ₹2,02,797 ₹1,24,218
Brent Crude $105.22 -0.41(-0.39%) $126.1 $58.72
SECTOR PERFORMANCE Closed
IT & Tech -1.99%
Pharma +2.74%
PSU Banks +1.37%
Auto +0.62%
FMCG +0.34%
Realty +0.77%
Metal +2.04%
RBI CALENDAR FY26
Next MPC Meeting Apr 4, 2026
Market Consensus 78% — 25bp Cut
CPI Target Band 4% ± 2%
Current CPI 5.18%
GDP Forecast (IMF) 7.2%