Day: May 6, 2026

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): India’s automobile industry is expected to maintain a positive growth outlook for FY27, even amid ongoing global economic uncertainties, according to a recent industry report. The report highlights that strong domestic demand, improving supply chains, and continued policy support are likely to drive the sector’s performance in the coming years. Despite external pressures such as geopolitical tensions and fluctuating global…

New Delhi/Wellington, May 6 (BNP): A new “single desk” investment facilitation initiative between India and New Zealand is projected to unlock nearly $20 billion in investments over the coming years, according to New Zealand Investment Minister Todd McClay. The initiative aims to streamline investment procedures through a unified platform, making cross-border business operations simpler, faster, and more transparent. Officials say this mechanism is expected to…

Mumbai, May 6 (BNP): Indian stock markets opened on a strong note on Wednesday, supported by positive global sentiment and a decline in crude oil prices. Improved investor confidence followed signals of progress in geopolitical discussions involving Donald Trump and Iran, easing concerns over global tensions. The benchmark BSE Sensex advanced by over 650 points in early trade, reaching 77,675.01. Similarly, the NSE Nifty 50 gained…

May 6: People by WTF, the podcast hosted by Nikhil Kamath, this month released a conversation with Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management and one of the most widely read voices in global investing. Marks brings a rare combination of intellectual range and biographical honesty. The son of parents who never attended college, adults shaped by the Depression and its ethos of frugality, he built…

Mumbai, May 06: Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd, announced its audited financial results for the quarter and full year ended March 31, 2026.  PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS: Q4 & FY26 Assets under management (AUM) grew by 20% YoY to ₹ 30,571 crore as on March 31, 2026, from ₹ 25,531 crore as of March 31, 2025. Disbursements for the quarter stood at ₹ 3,087 crore, reflecting a growth of 20% YoY, marking the highest ever quarterly disbursements by the Company. Total number of loan accounts as of March 31, 2026, stood at 3,36,000+.  Profit after tax grew by 22% YoY to ₹1,108* crore in FY26 from ₹ 912 crore in FY25.  Profit after tax grew by 27% YoY to ₹ 311 crore in Q4 FY26 from ₹ 245 crore in Q4 FY25.  Net worth stood at ₹ 7,541 crore as of March 31, 2026.  Return on assets (ROA) stood at 4.4% and return on equity (ROE) stood at 15.9% for FY26. Gross NPA as of March 31, 2026, stood at 1.08% reflecting stable asset quality. Commenting on the Q4 & FY26 performance, Mr. Rishi Anand, MD & CEO of Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd said:  “Aadhar Housing Finance has delivered strong performance in FY2026, marked by consistent growth and stable asset quality, while crossing the ₹30,000 crore AUM milestone and achieving its highest-ever quarterly disbursements in Q4 FY26. AUM stood at Rs 30,571 crore as of March 31, 2026, registering a year-on-year growth of 20%, while Profit after Tax for FY2026 grew by 22% YoY to Rs 1,108 crore. Our strategic ‘Urban and Emerging’ branch model continues to deliver strong outcomes, with the network expanding to over 626 branches, deepening our reach across underserved and high-potential markets. Demand remains largely end-user driven, led by first-time homebuyers in emerging markets, while witnessing encouraging traction in urban markets, reinforcing our balanced and diversified growth strategy. Government initiatives such as PMAY 1.0 and PMAY 2.0 continue to support affordability for these customers, and we expect this to remain an important driver of demand going forward. Overall, the environment remains supportive, with steady demand in the EWS and LIG segments. During the year, we also made focused investments in AI capabilities, which are beginning to reflect in improved turnaround times, stronger underwriting, and enhanced collections efficiency. We have started leveraging AI-led tools in select parts of the loan lifecycle and see this as an important area of development as we continue to scale.  Asset quality trends remain stable, supported by strong collection efficiency and disciplined underwriting, reflecting healthy borrower behaviour. Our focus remains on expanding our presence in underserved markets, improving productivity, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency across the loan lifecycle. Looking ahead, we remain confident in the medium-term outlook for the affordable housing segment. With strong structural drivers, improving operating leverage, and our continued focus on execution, we are well positioned to sustain growth while maintaining portfolio quality and delivering consistent returns.”

Bangalore, May 06: The Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank today signed financing agreements totaling $515 million for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project, which will account for about one-third of the Kingdom’s total energy generation, drive economic growth through access to affordable electricity and clean energy exports, and create new jobs.  “The Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project is a cornerstone of Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan and will be the Kingdom’s largest hydropower project developed under a public-private partnership. This transformational investment will supply clean…