New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) In a major security incident, CoinDCX, one of India’s cryptocurrency exchanges, has confirmed a hacking attack that led to a loss of around $44 million (nearly Rs 368 crore).

The hack took place early on Saturday and targeted one of the company’s internal operational accounts.However, the Mumbai-based crypto platform has assured users that their personal funds are completely safe.In a statement, CoinDCX clarified that the compromised account was only used for liquidity operations on a partner exchange and did not store any customer assets.Sumit Gupta, Co-founder of CoinDCX, explained on social media that this particular account was hit due to a “sophisticated server breach.”He added that the losses will be covered entirely by the company’s treasury reserves, which are “sufficiently healthy” to absorb the damage.Soon after detecting the attack, CoinDCX temporarily paused its Web3 trading platform as a precaution.However, it is now live again. Regular trading and INR withdrawals on the main crypto exchange were never stopped, and users can continue to use the platform without any issues.Gupta also advised investors not to panic. “Don’t panic, sell your assets,” he wrote on X, warning that such moves often result in bad prices and unnecessary losses. “Let the markets settle. Stay calm, stay confident,” he added.The company’s internal security team is currently working with global cybersecurity partners to investigate the breach, patch vulnerabilities, and trace the stolen funds.CoinDCX is also planning to launch a bug bounty programme soon. This programme will encourage ethical hackers to report any weaknesses in the system in exchange for rewards.While the incident has shaken some users, CoinDCX has promised to share all verified details once the investigation is complete.“This is more than just an internal matter. It’s a reminder of the evolving threats facing crypto platforms globally,” Gupta said.The breach comes at a time when crypto security is under the spotlight in India. The government is expected to release its first crypto policy paper soon, which could bring clearer regulations to the sector.This is not the first time a major Indian exchange has suffered a hack. Last year, WazirX lost over $230 million worth of crypto due to a security breach linked to compromised private keys.CoinDCX says it is taking this incident very seriously and will continue to focus on building a safe and trustworthy crypto ecosystem in India.–IANSpk/dan

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) India has emerged as the global leader in fast payments, as UPI processed over Rs 24.03 lakh crore in payments through 18.39 billion transactions in June, according to a note by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Sunday.

In June last year, 13.88 billion UPI transactions were done while 18.39 billion in the same period this year, marking a sharp 32 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth.Today, UPI powers 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and nearly 50 per cent of all real-time digital payments across the world, as per the report.It now handles more than 640 million transactions daily, surpassing global giants like Visa, which processes around 639 million transactions per day.This achievement is especially significant considering UPI reached this scale in just nine years.The platform currently serves 491 million individuals and 65 million merchants, connecting 675 banks through a single system.It has played a major role in promoting financial inclusion, helping people across the country — especially in rural and small-town areas — access digital financial services with ease and affordability.The IMF report highlights how India’s success is the result of years of digital groundwork and a strong vision to use technology for inclusive growth.UPI, which started as a payment system, has now become a global benchmark in public digital infrastructure.UPI’s impact is not just limited to India. It is already live in seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France and Mauritius.Its launch in France marks its entry into Europe, enabling Indians travelling or living there to make payments seamlessly.India is also advocating for UPI to be adopted as a payment standard within the BRICS group, which recently added six new member countries.If accepted, this could make cross-border payments faster, cheaper and more secure, further strengthening India’s position as a global digital leader, the report stated.Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI has made digital payments simple, fast and accessible.With just a few taps on a mobile phone, users can pay merchants, transfer money to friends, or handle their bank accounts — regardless of which bank they use.Its convenience and speed have made it a popular choice among individuals and businesses alike.–IANSpk/svn

Seoul, July 20 (IANS) Foreign ownership of Samsung Electronics has climbed back above 50 percent in the South Korean stock market, while retail investors favoured SK hynix this month, the main bourse said on Sunday.In the first three weeks of this month through Friday, foreign investors bought a net 1.877 trillion won (US$1.34 billion) worth of Samsung Electronics shares, more than double their net buying of 713 billion won for all of last month, according to the Korea Exchange (KRX).As of Friday, foreigners held a 50.19 percent stake in the chip giant, rising above the mark for the first time since April 24, when their ownership stood at 50 percent, reports Yonhap news agency.On Thursday, Samsung Electronics shares rallied after the Supreme Court upheld the acquittal of the company’s Chairman Lee Jae-yong, affirming lower court rulings that cleared him of financial crimes related to a 2015 merger between Samsung affiliates that consolidated his control over the conglomerate.However, foreigners offloaded 301 billion won worth of SK hynix stocks in the first three weeks, ending their two-month buying streak in the broader market.SK hynix shares slumped after Goldman Sachs on Thursday downgraded the chipmaker to neutral from buy, citing a possible decline in high bandwidth memory (HBM) prices next year amid intensifying competition.On Thursday, Samsung rose 3.09 percent to close at 66,700 won, while SK hynix fell 8.95 percent to 269,500 won.Affected by foreigners’ portfolio adjustments, Samsung shares have gained 12.2 percent so far this month, while SK hynix has dropped 7.9 percent.Meanwhile, retail investors took the opposite approach, buying a net 1.23 trillion won of SK hynix shares and selling 2.31 trillion won of Samsung shares during the same period, according to the report.—IANSna/

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) Almost 70 per cent of Rajasthan’s power capacity is now sourced from renewable energy, with over 35.4 gigawatts installed, 29.5 gigawatts from solar and 5.2 gigawatts from wind, according to Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi.The state is now a beacon of hope, energy independence, and self-reliance, said the minister while inaugurating the 435 megawatt Gorbea Solar Power Project, developed by Zelestra India, in Rajasthan.He described the Gorbea project as a shining example of what is possible through visionary leadership and honest intent. “With every megawatt we generate, we are not just producing power, we are building a New India,” he remarked, adding that the project reflects the speed and scale of change.The Gorbea Solar Power Project, delivered in under eight months, spans 1,250 acres and is backed by a 25 year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India. It will generate 755 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually, powering approximately 1.28 lakh homes and reducing nearly 7.05 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions each year.The minister highlighted that the project has turned farmers into partners in India’s energy journey, as the land used has been leased from them, offering stable income. “Our farmers are no longer just food providers. They are now energy providers as well,” he said.During construction, over 700 local workers were employed, contributing to livelihood generation and skill development. Joshi also noted that the entire evacuation infrastructure, including the on-site substation and a 6.5 kilometre transmission line, was completed in just five months.The project uses advanced solar panels (TOPCon bifacial mono PERC modules) and over 1300 robotic cleaning units to maintain peak performance. Joshi called this a world-class facility and urged broader adoption of such technologies.Referring to his visit to IIT Bombay, the Minister spoke about ongoing work on Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells and encouraged Zelestra and Rajasthan officials to explore pilot projects using this next-generation solar technology. He said such innovations could significantly boost energy yields in high-irradiance states like Rajasthan.Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 49,000 rooftop installations have been completed in Rajasthan, with more than Rs 325 crore in subsidies disbursed. He urged faster implementation, given the 2.7 lakh applications already received. Under PM-KUSUM, nearly 1.45 lakh solar pumps have been installed.The minister said that India has already achieved its target of 50 percent installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of the 2030 deadline.—IANSna/

Mumbai, July 19 (IANS) India Cements Limited, a subsidiary of UltraTech cement, on Saturday slipped into losses in the first quarter of the financial year (Q1 FY26), reporting a net consolidated loss of Rs 132.90 crore.The Aditya Birla Group-owned cement company had posted a net consolidated profit of Rs 58.47 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago (Q1 FY25). In the last quarter (Q1 FY25), the company’s profit stood at Rs 14.68 crore, as per its exchange filing.Meanwhile, its revenue from operation remained flat at Rs 1,024.74 crore (year-on-year) from Rs 1,026.76 crore in the same period a year earlier. However, the revenue declined 14 per cent sequentially from Rs 1,197.30 crore in the preceding quarter.The company’s expenses for the quarter under review stood at Rs 1,042.19 crore, falling slightly as compared to Rs 1,190.24 crore in Q1 FY25, according to the filing.However, the expenses were higher than the total revenue (revenue from operation + other income) of Rs 1,033.85 crore, dragging cement manufacturing firm in the losses.Profit after tax (PAT) before one-time exceptional items was a negative Rs 9.13 crore compared to negative Rs 182.21 crore over the same period last year, according to the filing.UltraTech acquired the promoter’s stake in the south India-based cement maker.It later became a subsidiary of UltraTech Cement, with effect from December 24, 2024.”The Company is planning a capital expenditure programme over the next 2 years for improving efficiency and reducing operating costs; increasing share of renewable power and improving safety standards,” it said in the filing.On the future outlook, the cement manufacturer said that India Cements is poised to grow stronger.In last quarter, India Cements reported a 3.11 per cent annual fall in its revenue to Rs 1,197.3 crore.–IANSaps/na

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) Long treated as a remote corner of the country, the northeastern region is becoming a frontrunner in several fields amid a mega infrastructure drive, and the mineral-rich states are now receiving focused attention to transform untapped resources into drivers of economic growth, employment, and local empowerment.This is crucial as the world races towards clean energy, making critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths, graphite and vanadium, among others.The government recently announced that northeast is home to several critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, chromium, rare earths, graphite, and vanadium.The National Mineral Exploration Trust’s ongoing survey has identified 38 blocks in the region, and seven have been cleared for auction.Critical minerals are essential to semiconductors, smartphones, servers, precision tools, telecom equipment, medical electronics, batteries, and clean energy, among others. These inputs underpin industrial strength and national resilience. Global supply chains remain vulnerable due to geopolitical concentration and strategic trade controls and a focused national mission was both timely and necessary.Recently-concluded ‘North-East Mining Ministers’ Conclave’ in Guwahati underlined the Centre’s commitment to strengthen mining infrastructure, fast-track project approvals, and promote sustainable mining practices in the northeastern region.The development of the northeast is central to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with the eight states — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim — rightfully celebrated as Ashta Lakshmi.India’s mineral auction framework has gained strong momentum in recent months. Since FY2024–25, a total of 283 mineral blocks have been put up for auction by the State and Central Governments. Of these, 161 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned, bringing the cumulative tally to 515. This includes five mineral blocks from Assam and four critical mineral blocks from Arunachal Pradesh, opening new avenues for industrial growth and employment in the region.These auctions underscore the readiness of the North-East to play a central role in India’s critical mineral strategy, while also reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency and competitiveness in resource allocation.India holds 8 per cent of the world’s rare earth element reserves, which gives it the potential of playing a key role in the gradually evolving global supply landscape as China’s current dominance is projected to decline, according to a recent CareEdge report.–IANSna/

Mumbai, July 19 (IANS) Central Bank of India on Saturday reported a 33 per cent…

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) ICICI Bank’s consolidates net profit stood at Rs 13,557.60 crore in the first quarter of financial year 2026 (Q1 FY26), surging 15 per cent year-on-year (YoY), the private lender informed exchanges on Saturday.The bank posted Rs 11,695.84 crore profit in corresponding quarter a year ago (Q1 FY25). Sequentially, the private bank’s consolidated profit was up marginally (Rs 55 crore) as it reported Rs 13,502.22 crore profit in Q4 FY25.The private sector lender saw a decline of over Rs 5,000 crore in its net income or income from operations sequentially at Rs 74,576 crore against Rs 79,747 crore in Q4 FY25.However, the net income surged Rs 7,306 crore YoY from Rs 67,270 crore in the same period a year earlier, according to its filing.The bank posted a 10.6 per cent increase YoY in net interest income (NII), which rose to Rs 21,635 crore in the June quarter from Rs 19,553 crore a year ago.Earning from interest stood at Rs 49,079.96 crore during the quarter under review, up Rs 693 crore from preceding quarter’s number of Rs 48,386.92 crore and Rs 4,498 crore from Rs 44,886, a number it posted in the same quarter a year ago.Meanwhile, its advances jumped to Rs 14.45 lakh crore in the quarter from 14.20 lakh crore QoQ and Rs 13.03 lakh crore YoY. Bank’s total asset advanced substantially to 26.68 lakh crore in Q1 FY26 from Rs 24.07 lakh crore in Q1FY25.According to the filing, retail banking contributed Rs 40,458.10 crore to its overall revenue, followed by wholesale banking (Rs 21,450.76 crore), and treasury (Rs 36,973.20) crore.Total expenditure excluding provisions and contingencies sat at Rs 53,259.22 crore, up over Rs 4,000 crore YoY from Rs 49,192 crore in corresponding quarter.Meanwhile, the private lender saw improvement in gross non-performing assets (NPA) ratio to 1.67 per cent as of June 30, 2025, compared to 2.15 per cent a year earlier. The net non-performing assets ratio stood at 0.41 per cent year-on-year, slightly lower than the 0.43 per cent recorded in the same period last year.The shares of the bank settled in positive territory on Friday, the last trading session of the week. The stock closed at Rs1425.80, up 0.50 per cent on National Stock Exchange (NSE).–IANSaps/na

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) A Phuket-bound Air India Express flight returned to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Saturday shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The flight was originally scheduled to land in Phuket at 11.45 am.Flight IX110, operated by a Boeing 737 Max 8, took off to its destination but returned to Hyderabad with a total airborne time of just 16 minutes, leaving passengers frustrated.An Air India Express spokesperson said in a statement that shortly after take-off, “crew on one of our flights exercised abundant caution and elected to return to Hyderabad on account of a technical issue”.“We arranged an alternative aircraft on priority, provided refreshments to guests during the delay, and the flight has since departed. We regret the inconvenience while reiterating that safety remains the priority in every aspect of our operations,” the spokesperson added.Passengers took to social media about the tough experience, saying they were left waiting inside the aircraft without any clear communication from the airline.“@DGCAIndia @AirIndiaX flight iX110 en route Hyderabad to Phuket returns after takeoff. Still no update—we’re waiting inside the plane. Frustrating,” an affected passenger posted on X.Another posted: “Thank you @AirIndiaX for making me realise to never ever fly with you again… after being redirected and made to go through an unorganised re-security check.”In an earlier message posted on X, the airline said it apologises for the inconvenience caused due to the disruption of your flight.“Please note that the delay was due to technical reasons, as ensuring our guest’s safety remains our top priority. We are working on resolving the issue and are currently awaiting the updated ETD. Our team will keep you informed and provide the necessary assistance regarding the departure time. We sincerely apologise once again and look forward to providing you with a better experience the next time you fly with us,” said the airline.–IANSna/

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) HDFC Bank on Saturday reported a 13 per cent sequential drop in net profit (unaudited consolidated) for Q1 FY26 at 16,257.91 crore, down from Rs 18,834.88 crore in the previous quarter that ended on March 31.On the year-on-year basis, India’s largest private lending bank registered a marginal dip of 1.3 per cent in net profit from 16,474.85 crore it clocked in Q1 FY25 (after accounting for minority interest).The bank earned an interest income of Rs 77,470 crore, which was up 6 per cent from Rs 73,033 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year. HDFC Bank’s interest expenses reached Rs 46,032.23 crore during the review period, compared to Rs 43,196 crore in the previous year, marking a rise of 6.6 per cent.According to the exchange filing, the net interest income (the difference between interest earned and interest expended) for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, increased by 5.4 per cent to Rs 31,439 crore, up from Rs 29,839 crore for the quarter ending June 30, 2024.HDFC Bank announced issuance of first-ever bonus shares in the proportion of 1:1 which means one equity share for every 1 fully paid-up equity share, each held by the members of the bank as on the record date of August 27.The bank also announced a special interim dividend of Rs 5 per equity share for FY 2025-26. “The Special Interim Divided shall be paid to the eligible Members on Monday, August 11, 2025,” the HDFC bank said in its stock exchange filing.The gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio stood at 1.40 per cent, while the net NPA ratio was 0.47 per cent as of June 30, both slightly higher than the year-ago levels.The bank gained from the recent IPO of its subsidiary HDB Financial Services, booking a pre-tax gain of Rs 9,128 crore from the offer for sale of shares.–IANSna/