SML Mahindra's Q1 profit falls 5 pc to Rs 64 crore

IANS | July 20, 2026 8:28 PM

Mumbai, July 20 (IANS) Mahindra Group-owned SML Mahindra Limited on Monday reported a 5.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in its consolidated net profit to Rs 64 crore for the first quarter of FY27.

Govt yet to decide on raising ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20 pc: MoS

IANS | July 20, 2026 6:48 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) The government has not taken any decision to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20 per cent level, and any future move will be based on detailed scientific studies and consultations with stakeholders, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

RVNL secures Rs 359 crore contract for Bihar rail doubling project

IANS | July 20, 2026 5:09 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) PSU Navratna firm Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) on Monday said it has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract worth Rs 358.97 crore from East Central Railway for rail doubling works in Bihar.

Govt to review pension regulations to reduce legal disputes: Dr Jitendra Singh

IANS | July 20, 2026 4:36 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday called for a comprehensive review of pension regulations to ensure they reflect changing social realities, saying outdated rules are a major reason behind recurring pension-related litigation, an official statement said on Monday.

India’s space industry and public figures celebrate Vikram‑1 orbit success

IANS | July 20, 2026 3:46 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram‑1, successfully reached orbit under Mission Aagaman and drew praise from industry and public figures, who called it a landmark achievement for the country’s burgeoning private space sector, according to multiple reports.

No proposal at present to scrap LTCG tax on equity deals: Minister

IANS | July 20, 2026 3:42 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) There is no proposal under the consideration of the government at present to scrap the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on equity transactions for retail and domestic investors, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed Parliament on Monday.

Pakistan's poverty rate rises 29 pc after six years of economic shocks

IANS | July 20, 2026 3:26 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) Pakistan's poverty rate has risen sharply over the past six years, with nearly 29 per cent of the population now living below the poverty line, as repeated economic shocks, high inflation and weak growth eroded household incomes and consumption, a report has said.

Cotton blossoms as India’s ‘white gold’

IANS | July 20, 2026 2:53 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) India ranks first globally in acreage and second in production and consumption of cotton, with the country’s cotton production standing at 290.91 lakh bales in 2025-26 while domestic consumption reached 328 lakh bales during the same period, according to an official factsheet issued on Monday.

China’s expanding role in Kyrgyzstan fuels concerns among locals

IANS | July 20, 2026 2:40 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) China's expanding role in Kyrgyzstan has fuelled concerns over jobs, land, natural resources, and national sovereignty in Kyrgyzstan, with many ordinary Kyrgyz citizens saying that the country’s leaders are ignoring the national interest, a report has said.