VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Stabbed because of religion: What we know about attack on Indian-origin man in US ‘Mossad or CIA’: Vance hints at Epstein link to Israeli intel; admits Trump administration ‘screwed up’ handling of files File photo Jobs, exports, talent and investment increasingly depend on urban India. Three reforms can turn cities from growth constraints into productive assetsIndia’s economic destiny will be decided in its cities. This is a no brainer. They concentrate people, ideas, capital and markets in ways no other mode of human habitation can. India’s transition to a high-income Viksit Bharat will happen on the back of vibrant, well-functioning cities — as has happened everywhere else.For India, the stakes are higher than most. Unlike East Asia, whose rise was powered by manufacturing, India’s competitive edge lies in services. IT, BPO, financial services and over 2,000 global capability centres (GCC) currently employing 2.3 million professionals have driven exports and highvalue jobs for two decades. Services exports now rival merchandise exports. All these industries are urban. They live or die by whether cities can attract skilled talent and investors, provide reliable infrastructure and offer a quality of life that allows firms to compete globally.The liveability of Bengaluru or Gurgaon is not a municipal detail in an era where professionals are mobile. It is a national economic variable that shapes whether India’s brightest build their futures at home or in Singapore, Dubai or London.India has made real progress. Metro rail now operates approximately 1000km in about 20 cities (compared with 229km across less than five cities in 2013). Airports and highways have improved dramatically. Household tap water and sanitation coverage has expanded sharply and are now universal in urban areas with high public awareness. Digital governance has simplified access to civic services.But the gaps that remain are large enough to threaten the entire growth story.MumbaiStart with how we plan our cities. If cities are to drive growth, there is almost no economic visioning or planning for them. Cities and their economies are left to architects and master plans which freeze their future based on a ground truth which is dynamic and fast changing. There is little attempt to identify the strengths of cities — current and potential — and plan to leverage those for rapid economic growth.BengaluruInfrastructure, mobility, housing, services and quality of life need to be designed in line with this growth vision. Singapore, Dubai, and even New York and London have economic blueprints guiding their planning. These are city regions with trillion dollar economies. Hyderabad in the 1990s showed glimpses of such planning. India needs to do much more economic planning for cities for Viksit Bharat to become a reality.Time lost in rush hour.Take air. Delhi is consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted capitals, with annual PM2. 5 concentrations 20 times WHO guidelines. Indian cities dominate global lists of the most polluted urban centres. This is not an unsolvable problem. Mexico City, once a byword for pollution, cut pollution through sustained, coordinated policy. India has yet to mount an effort of comparable seriousness.Basic services tell a similar story. Tap connections may have multiplied but almost no Indian city delivers water 24×7, forcing households to invest in tanks, pumps and purifiers — a private tax on public failure. Waste collection now exceeds 90% in many cities, without scientific processing, leaving mountains of legacy waste — Ghazipur in Delhi, Deonar in Mumbai — towering over neighbourhoods.The future is urban-and closeOr consider the humble footpath. Indian cities are designed for vehicles, not people. In most cities, a majority of roads lack continuous, usable footpaths, even though walking accounts for a third or more of all trips. Cities in Europe and East Asia treat walkability as basic infrastructure; we treat it as an afterthought to be sacrificed whenever a road becomes congested. Behind all this lies a financing failure. India invests roughly 0.6-1.5% of GDP a year in urban infrastructure, against the 3-5% that rapidly urbanising economies have typically invested during their fastest growth phases.Cities spend little, they raise even less.Municipal revenues have stagnated. The World Bank estimates India needs around $840 billion in urban investment over 15 years — about $55 billion a year. Interestingly, cities can finance themselves, given freedom and flexibility.Waste collection by cityThe good news: none of this is intractable. India does not lack entrepreneurial energy or private capital. It lacks a policy framework that lets cities grow.Three reforms matter most.1. Economic planningNot to be confused with more masterplanning. India mistakes detailed regulation for strategic foresight. No govt can predict where every colony or commercial district should stand 50 years hence. What it can predict are regional engines of growth: the Chennai-Bengaluru corridor, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad region, and emerging clusters around Hyderabad and Pune. Govt’s job is to think 50 years ahead — secure land, preserve transport corridors, and build trunk infrastructure early: rail, metro, water, sewage, power. Once those foundations exist, markets should decide the rest. Planning should enable growth, not micromanage it.2. RegulationRegulation that expands supply instead of strangling it. India’s housing affordability crisis is substantially self-inflicted. Low floor space index in cities should be relaxed for a premium, creating more floor space and generating revenue. Rigid FAR (floor-to-area ratio), archaic land-use conversion rules, and slow approvals make development costlier everywhere. The fixes are known: liberalise FAR wherever infrastructure permits, densify around metro stations, legalise mixed-use development, and digitise building approvals. Such reforms would unlock enormous private investment, expand housing supply and cut costs.3. Fix urban finance & governanceNo city can deliver world-class infrastructure on village-level finances and borrowed authority. Municipalities need stronger property tax systems, deeper municipal bond markets and predictable state transfers. But money without power will not suffice. Empower mayors and commissioners to plan, execute and be judged — and citizens will know exactly whom to hold responsible.By 2050, nearly 900 million Indians will live in urban areas — a number larger than the current population of the US and Western Europe combined. Cities already generate about 60% of India’s GDP, rising to 70% within a decade.The debate must therefore move beyond treating cities as administrative units needing periodic maintenance. Cities are productive assets — generators of jobs, innovation, exports and tax revenue. Investing in cities is not welfare; it is among the highestreturn investments.India’s rise to Viksit Bharat will be anchored in the quality of its cities. Get urbanisation right, and growth, tourism, talent and global standing follow. Get it wrong, and every one of those ambitions becomes harder — perhaps impossible — to achieve.The author is former CEO, NITI AayogGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal Matters123PhotostoriesWhy airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? 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A software engineer’s story every student should read Sivakarthikeyan meets ‘Jana Nayagan’ star Vijay; fans flood comments with ‘GOAT’ reference; ‘Bouquet eh pudinga CM’ Explained: What is Argentina’s ‘Las Malvinas’ Falkland Islands controversy? Why FIFA could act over World Cup banner ‘They better behave’: Trump says Iran wants settlement amid fresh strikes Shubman Gill’s chase at Edgbaston showed why India already have Virat Kohli’s ODI heir DU CSAS Round 1 Seat Allocation List 2026 to release today at 5 PM; seat acceptance begins after result ‘People who show me attitude need it’; Shehnaaz Gill’s sharp reply on therapy sparks debate | Hindi Movie News Why airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasoned Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for July 16, 2026 – check list FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina’s Foreign Ministry issues statement after ‘Las Malvinas’ banner sparks FIFA controversy | Football News Rohtak launches Daily 15-Minute Reading Challenge to improve literacy in government schools Erling Haaland FINALLY accepts Tom Holland’s dinner invitation after ‘ghosting’ ‘The Odyssey’ star: ‘Just name the place!’ | English Movie News ‘Certain elements’ in Israeli government want endless war, says US VP JD Vance ‘To keep troops at their absolute best’: US to begin annual testosterone screening for service members, says Pete Hegseth The FDA clarified that the action was based on alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raided a Pune shop owned by the family of Siya Goyal, one of the accused in the murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal, and seized food products worth more than Rs 8 lakh over alleged violations of food safety norms.The inspection was carried out at M/s BG Goyal & Company, owned by Pravin Goyal, Siya Goyal’s father, in Pune’s Market Yard on July 14. Officials said 4,172 kg of food products valued at Rs 8,14,630 were seized after the establishment was allegedly found operating a storeroom without a licence, violating labelling norms and stocking products suspected to be substandard or unsafe.The FDA clarified that the action was based on alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act and has not stated that the raid was linked to the ongoing murder investigation involving Siya Goyal.During the inspection, officials collected four samples for laboratory analysis. The samples included ‘Sant’ and ‘Sadhu’ brand turmeric powder, sesame seeds and soya mini chunks. The seized stock comprised 598 kg of one brand of turmeric powder, 1,258 kg of another brand, 538 kg of sesame seeds and 1,778 kg of soya mini chunks.According to the FDA, the firm had also failed to make the necessary corrections to its licence details. “Considering the violations, a notice has been issued directing the firm to stop its business activities until further orders,” an official said.The raid was conducted by Food Safety Officers KL Sonkamble and Pratik Jadhav under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Nilesh Khose. Pune Zone functions under Joint Commissioner (Food) DW Bhogawade.Meanwhile, the investigation into Ketan Agarwal’s death continues. Siya Goyal (20) and her boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary (22) are in judicial custody after being accused of pushing Agarwal, her fiancé, off a cliff at Lohagad Fort in Pune district during a trek on June 18.Police have also sent a Crime Branch team to Rajasthan after learning that Goyal and Chaudhary had travelled there in December last year. Investigators are probing whether the pair secretly married at a temple, although officials said no CCTV footage was found to confirm the claim.Separately, investigators are verifying a Snapchat message allegedly sent by Goyal in May in which she reportedly told a friend that her planned wedding to Agarwal “was not going to take place”, weeks before his death.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123PhotostoriesYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals123Hot PicksDak PrescottNFL Trade RumorsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Jon JrudenFortniteTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war MIT World Peace University to host NSRTC 2026 from July 17 to 19 in Pune Meghan Markle’s Emmy nomination for ‘With Love, Meghan’ draws mixed reactions despite low viewership ‘Very cute’: US President Donald Trump welcomes new $1 coin with his face on it Medical staff check on environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said he is “not in good shape, but not so bad” as his indefinite hunger strike against alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak entered Day 19.In a video message shared on X, Wangchuk urged people to join the scheduled march to Parliament on July 20 rather than asking him to break his fast.”Thousands of you have sent me messages asking me to end my hunger strike and eat something. Many senior leaders have come to meet me—some speaking with affection, others urging me sternly. Some have even appealed to the court, asking the government to force-feed me,” Wangchuk said.”There are two things I want to say. First, even if I break my fast, what will change? What message will that send? The only message the government will receive is that there is no need for accountability. People sit on a protest, and then they simply leave,” he added.Despite his deteriorating health, Wangchuk asserted that he can continue his hunger strike for “several more days” and said that his heart and core health are still functioning well.”Second, my condition is not such that I will die in 24 days. I have undergone many medical tests, and for someone who has been fasting for 18 days, the results have been quite normal. I even had an ECG today, and it was not bad. So I can continue for several more days. Yes, I am weak. My muscles are wasting away, but my heart and core health are still functioning well,” he said.”So instead of only asking me to end my fast, I request all of you to take one small step yourselves. On July 20, come out in such large numbers that a clear message reaches the government,” he added.This comes as Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed that Wangchuk has been losing muscle mass and is in “immense pain”, adding that the activist has lost 8.5 kg since the beginning of his fast.Earlier in the day, a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking to force-feed Wangchuk and shift him to a government hospital.According to the petition, Wangchuk’s condition has worsened significantly, and he could lose his life within two days if the hunger strike continues. It urged the court to intervene immediately, arguing that saving his life is of paramount importance.Earlier, several Opposition leaders appealed to Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, which began on June 20, is demanding Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations. The organisation has announced a march to Parliament on July 20.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123PhotostoriesYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals123Hot PicksDak PrescottHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Jon JrudenBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war Punjab PSSSB Veterinary Inspector Admit Card 2026 out at sssb.punjab.gov.in; download hall ticket here for July 19 written exam Alia Bhatt’s emotional speech steals the show at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding: ‘Thank god she found a man who loves her endlessly’ Health Benefits Of Bay Leaves: 5 Health benefits of bay leaves: Why this everyday kitchen spice deserves a spot in your diet ‘There were mistakes’: Acting US attorney general Blanche grilled over Trump ties and Epstein files Rising cost fuels rush for refurbished devices ‘Gatta Kusthi 2’ box office collections day 13: Vishnu Vishal-Aishwarya Lekshmi wrestle their way to Rs 38.50 crore India gross Quote of the day by BK Sister Shivani: “People may lie, cheat or betray us. If we have chosen to forgive them—trust them as if nothing happened…It means ‘I will empower you, so that your wrong sanskar disappears.’”; What she advises on how forgiveness gives freedom Tensions flare! Jude Bellingham slaps Argentina player on the head after England’s World Cup semifinal defeat – WATCH Union Cabinet clears Rs 1.9 lakh crore push for chips, mobile phones NALCO Non-Executive admit card 2026 released at nalcoindia.com; hall tickets available for CBT on July 27 ‘Idhayam Murali’ box office collections day 6: Atharvaa’s film sees 1.6% growth; earns Rs 1.25 crore What is a light novel and how does it become an anime? Financial Shift on July 17th : Activate the 4-Ganesha Wealth Code Watch: Messi’s reaction after Argentina players find England goalkeeper’s secret penalty notes China’s economy stumbles with growth below target: Report ‘The Odyssey’ advance box office report: Christopher Nolan’s epic headed for record-breaking debut; to cross Rs 20 crore mark in India ‘Like my lover’: Chinese users bid farewell to AI companions MOTIHARI: At the age of 68, when most people begin slowing down, Habiban Khatoon stepped into a courtroom to fight for what she believed was rightfully hers – possession of 1 katha and 4 dhur of land. She finally received justice 35 years later, at the age of 103.The order led to celebrations in the family of Habiban, a resident of Bihar’s East Champaran district, who fought the decades-long legal battle against all odds. Their only regret is that her husband, Naimullah Ansari, is no longer alive to witness the moment. The dispute dates back to 1993, when Habiban’s eldest son Rahamtullah bought a plot of land from a villager, Afaque Ahmad, in his mother’s name. His cousin, Liaquat Hussain, too bought the same piece of land from Afaque two days after the registration of Habiban’s deed and took possession of it.Habiban filed a title suit against Liaquat in the court of Motihari sadar munsif in March 1994. After years of proceedings, she finally got a favourable order, but Liaquat challenged it before the district judge’s court in 2004. As the district judge also ruled in her favour, Liaquat moved HC in 2014. The HC, too ruled against him, but Habiban’s wait continued. She approached the sadar munsif court in 2014, seeking possession of the land. But the proceedings were delayed because of transfer of sadar munsifs and then Covid. After nearly 12 years, the proceedings finally became active again and she got possession of the land on Tuesday. However, justice came at a heavy cost as she had to sell all her valuables to bear the legal expenses. – Chandra Bhushan PandeyGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorChandra Bhushan PandeyAssociated with TOI for the last 25 years. A postgraduate in Political Science from BRA BU Muzaffarpur, I cover India-Nepal border news and activities of cross-border smuggling of arms, fake currency and narcotics, Integrated custom check post, Terrorist activities, college and university news, Civic, cultural affairs, flood and drought, agriculture news, Irrigation system, sports and other spot news.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war Jul 16, 2026, 06:54 IST Tata Motors pips M&M to regain No 2 ranking ‘I shouldn’t have done it’: Paresh Rawal regrets calling Anupama Chopra ‘Miss Irrelevant’ over her ‘Dhurandhar’ review Numerology Predictions Today, July 16, 2026: Read your personalised forecast for numbers 1 to 9 “His current condition….”: Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo breaks silence with heartfelt message amid family health update Oil prices extend gain for fourth day, stay beyond $85 amid Middle East chaos Representative image MUMBAI: Home Credit India Finance, a subsidiary of TVS Holdings, signed a share purchase agreement on Wednesday, to acquire Varthana Finance which specialises in lending for education, in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 967 crore.The transaction will result in Varthana becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Home Credit India, and a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of TVS Holdings after completion. Besides Home Credit, TVS group has a presence in financial services through TVS Credit Services, with offerings across consumer, retail, and commercial finance.The acquisition is expected to help diversify the portfolio, improve business mix, and create synergies in distribution, technology, and risk management.The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to conclude within nine months from the execution of the SPA. The transaction is in the non-banking financial services sector and aims to expand the acquirer’s presence in secured and longer-tenure lending.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war Updated: Jul 16, 2026, 07:05 IST India-UK trade deal: British cars get cheaper but Scotch has to wait