Wednesday, March 18
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is set to announce its latest policy decision on Friday, one that could have a direct bearing on loan EMIs, savings returns and market sentiment. The meeting comes soon after the Union Budget 2026 and a major India–US trade agreement—two developments that may influence growth prospects in the months ahead.With inflation risks, global volatility and domestic demand trends in focus, the RBI’s assessment and forward guidance will be watched as closely as the rate decision itself. Borrowers, investors and businesses are awaiting cues on the future direction of interest rates.Here is a quick look at the likely key takeaways from the MPC today: Repo rate: Pause widely expectedMost economists expect the RBI to keep the policy rep
Shares of state-run Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) jumped 4% to Rs 874.95 in Friday’s session, supported by a 17% rise in Q3FY26 profit and a favourable brokerage note from Bernstein, which maintained a Market-Perform rating and set a target price of Rs 940.The insurer reported a 17% year-on-year (YoY) rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 12,930 crore for the December quarter, compared with Rs 11,008 crore in the year-ago period.Net premium income stood at Rs 1.26 lakh crore in Q3FY26, up 17% from Rs 1.07 lakh crore in the corresponding period last year. On a sequential basis, profit after tax rose 28% from Rs 10,098 crore reported in Q2FY26, even as net premium income declined marginally by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter.During the nine months ended December 31, 2025, LIC sold 1,16
India’s next generation announced itself in emphatic fashion as a fearless, record-shattering knock from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered the side to a commanding 100-run victory over England and a record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title on Friday.Batting first on the biggest stage of youth cricket, India produced a statement total of 411 for 9, a score built around Sooryavanshi’s breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls. Playing with a freedom that belied his age, the teenage prodigy dismantled the English attack with clean striking and relentless tempo, reaching the fastest 150 ever recorded in Under-19 cricket in only 71 deliveries. His innings, studded with 15 sixes and 15 fours, is now the highest individual score in an ICC tournament final and instantly enters the f
All eyes are now on the Reserve Bank of India as its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) prepares to announce its latest policy decision, a move that could directly affect loan EMIs, savings returns and market sentiment.Here’s a simple, clear guide to what’s happening, when to watch, and why it matters.Read More: RBI Monetary Policy 2026 LiveRBI MPC meeting time: When will the policy decision be announced?The RBI’s six-member Monetary Policy Committee began its three-day review on February 4 and will wrap up discussions on February 6, 2026.The key announcements, including the all-important repo rate decision, will be made at 10:00 a.m. IST on Friday. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra is expected to address the media around midday, outlining the central bank’s outlook on inflation, growth a
