Explained: RELIEF scheme to support exporters amid West Asia logistics disruptions

IANS | March 19, 2026 2:54 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The time-bound Rs 497 crore RELIEF (Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) will support Indian exporters affected by extraordinary freight escalation, heightened insurance premia and war-related export risks arising from disruptions in the Gulf and wider West Asia maritime corridor, the government said on Thursday.

Pakistan’s fragile economy faces turbulence due to Iran war

IANS | March 19, 2026 2:00 PM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Pakistan’s fragile economy faces a major risk from the US-Israel war with Iran, as the country is heavily dependent on imported fuel and energy prices have shot up due the conflict which has spread across the Middle East countries.

No material concerns, HDFC Bank has sound financials: RBI

IANS | March 19, 2026 11:52 AM

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday said that HDFC Bank is a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (D-SIB) with sound financials, professionally run board and competent management team, after the resignation of part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty over alleged “ethical differences” in one of the biggest private lenders.