Gita Gopinath Returns to Harvard: IMF Departure

Pakistan is facing a potential shift in power as Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir maneuvers for the presidency, which could deepen military control over the government. This move might render Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a mere figurehead, as Munir's influence grows. His actions, including direct diplomacy and sidelining civilian leaders, echo past military rule. For India, Munir's presidency could lead to a more confrontational stance, escalating tensions in Kashmir and beyond. The military's grip on governance signals a troubling future for democracy in Pakistan.

Paytm's parent company, One 97 Communications Ltd, announced a consolidated net profit of ₹123 crore for Q1 FY26, a significant turnaround from a ₹839 crore loss last year. This growth was fueled by a strong lending business and effective cost management. Operating revenue also rose by 28% to ₹1,918 crore. The company reported a notable increase in payment revenue, boosted by a rise in subscription-based merchants. With a cash balance of ₹12,872 crore, Paytm is positioned for further growth, focusing on AI-driven innovations and expanding its financial services offerings.

Bajaj Finance Ltd faced a dip in shares after managing director Anup Kumar Saha resigned for personal reasons. Saha, who was a potential candidate for IndusInd Bank's MD and CEO position, expressed gratitude to the board and committed to a smooth transition. Rajeev Jain has been appointed as the new MD and vice chairman until March 2028. Analysts view Saha's departure as a challenge for succession planning but note that Jain's leadership offers stability in the short term. Overall, while immediate concerns are addressed, the long-term succession strategy remains critical for Bajaj Finance.

The National Skill Development programme in Haryana is facing a significant shortage of vocational teachers, which is affecting the skill-based education of students in 65 government schools. Currently, there are only 95 teachers for 137 required positions, leading to shared classes across multiple schools. Students like Riya and Arjun express their frustration at the lack of regular, practical training in vital skills such as IT and beauty. Education officials recognize the problem and are working to hire more teachers to ensure students receive the quality training they need to secure jobs after school.

Xiaomi, co-founded by Lei Jun in 2010, has become a powerhouse in the tech industry, recently selling 200,000 electric SUVs in just three minutes. With a 35% revenue increase last year, it now ranks just behind Apple and Samsung in smartphone sales. The company is also rapidly expanding its EV division, having sold over 300,000 units in just 15 months. While facing fierce competition, Xiaomi’s unique marketing and strong customer base, particularly in India, position it well for future growth. Will its ambitious plans for global expansion succeed?

The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 has been extended to September 15, 2025, according to the Central Board of Direct Taxes. This new date applies to salaried taxpayers and non-audit cases. Filing after this date incurs penalties, while belated returns can be submitted until December 31, 2025. Taxpayers must still pay self-assessment taxes by July 31 to avoid interest charges. The extension is due to delays in ITR forms and TDS data issues. Additionally, refund interests could be higher due to this extension.

Public sector banks in India have significantly reduced their gross non-performing assets (NPAs) from ₹6.17 lakh crore in March 2021 to ₹2.84 lakh crore by March 2025. This positive change is largely attributed to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which has improved the recovery process and altered the creditor-borrower dynamics. The gross NPA ratio decreased from 9.11% to 2.58% during this period. Government measures, such as enhanced monitoring and stricter laws, have further contributed to this decline, ensuring a healthier financial environment for the banking sector.

Eternal, the parent company of Zomato and Blinkit, saw its shares surge nearly 15% after reporting strong quarterly revenue. Blinkit, known for fast deliveries in under 10 minutes, is gaining ground against competitors like BigBasket and Amazon. Analysts now believe they underestimated Blinkit's growth potential, leading to increased stock price targets. The quick-commerce segment, specifically Blinkit, reported a remarkable 127% rise in net order value, outpacing Zomato for the first time. This shift highlights Blinkit's growing importance in Eternal's overall business.

Today, July 23, many schools in Noida are closed for Sawan Shivratri, leading to concerns that banks might also be closed. However, the Reserve Bank of India has confirmed that banks are open today. This week, there are several bank holidays across India, including the Buddhist festival in Gangtok. It's important for customers to check their local bank's schedule, as the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays are regular holidays. Online banking services remain available for emergencies, and ATMs function as usual, ensuring access to cash.

HDFC Bank, India's largest private lender, reported a 12% rise in net profit for Q1 2025, reaching ₹18,155 crore. This positive performance led brokerages to raise their target prices, anticipating stronger growth in the coming months. Interest income increased by 6% to ₹77,470 crore, while the bank's net interest margin slightly declined. HDFC Bank's robust provisioning strategy has fortified its balance sheet, and brokers are optimistic about its growth trajectory. With shares trading higher, the bank is seen as a favorable investment option.

Indian stock markets are set for a robust opening on July 22, buoyed by positive signals from GIFT Nifty, which was trading around 25,184. After a two-day decline, the Nifty rebounded, closing above 25,000, driven by gains in auto, real estate, metal, and private banks. The Sensex rose by 442.61 points, while the Nifty increased by 122.30 points. Global markets showed mixed results, with Asian equities demonstrating modest gains and U.S. markets reaching record highs. Investors are keenly watching trade developments as they affect market dynamics.

Choice International, a financial services firm, reported a remarkable 50% increase in its profit after tax, reaching Rs 47.96 crore for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. This growth stemmed from robust performance across various business sectors, with stock broking being the major contributor. Revenue rose by 16% year-on-year, and the company significantly expanded its demat accounts and advisory business. Despite a sequential decline from the previous quarter, the firm’s commitment to operational excellence and customer service is evident as it opened more branches nationwide, enhancing accessibility for clients.

Inflation data suggests that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may cut interest rates soon, possibly even twice. This could lead to a prolonged pause in rate changes. While the equity market is currently fairly valued, it holds the potential for double-digit returns as earnings grow. In the banking sector, initial earnings growth may be modest due to rate cuts affecting profit margins, but a recovery is expected by late FY26. The IT sector faces challenges, particularly in large-cap companies, yet stock-specific opportunities may arise. Overall, investors should remain cautious yet optimistic.

PNB Housing Finance has reported a remarkable 23% rise in net profit, reaching Rs 534 crore for Q1 ending June 2025. This growth comes from a net profit of Rs 433 crore during the same quarter last year. The company's total income increased to Rs 2,082 crore, driven by higher interest income of Rs 1,980 crore. The net interest income also saw a significant 17% boost, and the net interest margin rose to 3.75%. Additionally, the gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) fell to 1.06%, showcasing improved financial health. Overall, PNB Housing is on a solid growth trajectory.

State Bank of India (SBI) has raised Rs 25,000 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) to boost its business growth. The board approved the issuance of over 30.5 million equity shares at Rs 817 each. Additionally, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) increased its stake in SBI from 9.21% to 9.49%. This fundraising effort, part of SBI's strategy to enhance its capital base, follows a successful Rs 15,000 crore QIP in 2017-18. SBI also plans to raise more funds through tier 1 and tier 2 bonds, reflecting its robust financial growth and commitment to shareholder returns.

Global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions pose risks for Indian equities in late 2025, according to Manpreet Gill from Standard Chartered. However, he believes India's economic growth and corporate earnings will rebound as the worst is likely behind us. While policy uncertainty is a major concern, the outlook remains positive, especially for domestic sectors like financials and healthcare. Investors are encouraged to stay invested despite market volatility, as the potential for returns in Indian equities remains strong.

Gold prices have seen a slight increase today, with 24-carat gold priced at ₹97,505 per 10 grams on the MCX. This marks a small rise from yesterday's levels, reflecting ongoing market fluctuations. The price reached a record high of ₹1,00,314 in June 2025 amidst geopolitical tensions. As trade talks between the US and other nations continue, the gold market remains sensitive to global events. Chennai currently has the highest gold prices, while New Delhi has the lowest. Silver prices have also dipped slightly, indicating mixed trends in precious metals.

YouTube is set to eliminate its “Trending” page, a feature that has been around since 2015. This change comes as users are finding trends through recommendations, searches, and other features. Instead of a general trending list, YouTube will now offer YouTube Charts, allowing users to explore popular content in specific categories, such as music and gaming. Creators will also benefit from personalized suggestions to engage their audiences better. This shift aims to enhance user experience and help creators thrive on the platform.