banks in India

India's central bank has intervened heavily in foreign exchange markets, draining nearly $20 billion from the banking system's surplus liquidity, according to bankers. The dollar-selling operation, aimed at supporting the rupee, absorbs rupee funds and tightens cash conditions, which could raise short-term funding costs for banks and firms.

Iran has declared it would fight an 'apocalyptic' or doomsday war, according to Hindi-language coverage circulating widely online. The remark comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions across the Middle East involving Iran, Yemen's Houthis, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Gaza and the West Bank. Audiences following the region's conflicts are sharing and debating the statement, which signals Tehran's combative posture as regional confrontations intensify.

Bank employees in India are preparing for a three-day strike, prompting widespread concern about whether salaries, UPI payments and ATM services will be disrupted during the walkout. Commentators, including educator Ankit Avasthi, are breaking down which services could be affected and how customers can prepare. The strike stems from ongoing labour disputes over pay and service conditions, and customers are being advised to withdraw cash and complete important transactions in advance.

Apple Pay is reportedly set to go live in India with Axis Bank as its launch banking partner, according to sources. The move would bring Apple's contactless payments service to one of the world's fastest-growing digital payments markets, where UPI dominates and card-based mobile wallets have struggled to gain traction.