Though Punjab National Bank (PNB) posted a rise in profit before tax (PBT) of Rs 633 crore in the September quarter (Q2), its finances showed signs of stress, when it is going to acquire two public sector banks from the next financial year.

In terms of profitability, PNB was in a better position than the same quarter in the last fiscal. Its net profit stood at Rs 507 crore in Q2, compared to a net loss of Rs 4,532 crore in the same quarter last fiscal year. In Q1, the bank’s net profit stood at Rs 1,019 crore. PNB’s stock price closed lower by 5 per cent at Rs 64.75 on Tuesday.

As the government formation in Maharashtra continues to delay amid power tussle between BJP and Shiv Sena, the Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Athawale on Saturday said that chief minister should be of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"Devendra Fadnavis should get the chance... Aaditya Thackeray does not have experience..." Athawale said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is on a three-day visit to India, on Saturday said that looking at the severity air pollution situation in Delhi, it would be a good idea to replace diesel buses with electric ones.

Merkel said, "it would be a good idea to replace diesel buses with electric ones."

The Indian Space Research Organisation will put in all efforts to demonstrate soft landing in space in the near future and Chandrayaan-2 is not the end of story, Isro chief K Sivan said on Saturday.

He said a large number of advance satellite launches are planned in the coming months.

As the power tussle continues between BJP and Shiv Sena over government formation in Maharashtra, the latter's leader Sanjay Raut has said that soon they will end their wait and watch mode.

Speaking to media, Sanjay Raut on Saturday said, "If there is a delay in the formation of government in a state, and a minister from the ruling party says President's rule will be implemented in Maharashtra if the government isn't formed, is this a threat to the MLAs who have been elected?"

India wants a “win-win outcome” from negotiations for a China-backed regional trade pact, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday as he called for "balance across goods, services and investments".

“We have put forward reasonable proposals in a clear manner and are engaged in negotiations with sincerity,” he said in an interview with the Bangkok Post, about the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

West Bengal government is mulling options to bring back 131 workers who are working in Kashmir after six labourers were killed by terrorists in Kulgam attack on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said a total of 131 workers who are in Kashmir are being brought back to West Bengal with the help of state government. They are from Murshidabad, Dinajpur and Malda.

WhatsApp has said it in May told the government about the messaging service being illegally used to spy on Indian citizens, clarifying its stand after it was asked to explain the security breach.

WhatsApp sued Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group on Tuesday, accusing it of helping government spies break into the phones of roughly 1,400 users across four continents including diplomats, political dissidents, journalists and government officials.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday demanded that Punjab, Haryana and the central government fix timelines for stopping stubble burning, saying air quality in the national capital was worsened by pollutants from the neighbouring states. Sharing details of the odd-even road rationing scheme, which was notified on Friday, Kejriwal slammed the opposition BJP for seeking credit for achievements of his government but keeping “mum” on crop residue burning in the neighbouring states.

Opposition parties should stop blaming and mocking the people of Delhi who have supported harshest of steps to reduce pollution, he said.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman finally gave the go-ahead for the initial public offering of Aramco, deciding there’s enough support from local investors for what’s likely to be a record share sale.

The crown prince made the decision at a meeting he chaired on Friday and an official announcement is likely as soon as Sunday, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named before an official statement.

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