Centre cracks down to curb diversion, misuse of fertilisers in crop season

IANS | January 31, 2026 11:30 AM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) The government has issued 14,692 show-cause notices, suspended or cancelled 6,373 licenses and registered 766 first information reports (FIRs) to curb the diversion and misuse of fertilisers during the Kharif and the ongoing Rabi season 2025–26 (April–Mid January 2026), to safeguard farmer interests and ensure the integrity of the national fertiliser supply chain, an official statement said on Saturday.

American Express investors question growth costs

IANS | January 31, 2026 11:17 AM

Washington, Jan 31 (IANS) Investors on Friday pressed American Express executives on slowing net card additions, rising growth costs, and signs of middle-market softness, even as the payments company defended its push into premium cardholders and heavy investment.

Indian stock markets gain this week ahead of Budget 2026

IANS | January 31, 2026 10:01 AM

Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS) The Indian equity benchmarks gained around 1 per cent during the week, though the trading sessions were volatile but with a cautiously constructive tone amid mixed global cues and rising geopolitical tensions.

ED arrests RCOM ex-chief Punit Garg in Rs 40,000 crore bank fraud case

IANS | January 30, 2026 8:31 PM

New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has arrested Punit Garg, ex-Director of Reliance Communications (RCOM) Ltd, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the over Rs 40,000 crore bank fraud and money laundering case, an agency statement said on Friday.

'India's new FTAs mark a shift to growth-driving trade policy'

IANS | January 30, 2026 7:25 PM

New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) India’s recent free trade agreements (FTAs) reflect a strategic shift from defensive trade policy toward a targeted, growth-driven approach, which is focused on partners where trade complementarities are already strong, logistics are efficient, and economic interests are aligned, an Australian media article said.