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New Delhi, July 21: India’s banking sector may see improved liquidity conditions as inflows through Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR-B) deposits are projected to increase significantly, with estimates suggesting they could reach up to $70 billion.

The expected rise in FCNR-B deposits is likely to provide banks with additional foreign currency resources and help ease funding pressures. The inflows are seen as a positive development for banks managing liquidity requirements amid changing financial conditions.

FCNR-B deposits allow non-resident Indians (NRIs) to place fixed deposits with Indian banks in foreign currencies, offering them an investment avenue while supporting the country’s financial system with overseas funds.

Banking experts believe stronger inflows could improve foreign currency availability, enhance funding stability, and support smoother operations for financial institutions. The development also reflects continued confidence among NRIs in India’s economic growth prospects.

As banks monitor deposit trends and market conditions, the expected increase in FCNR-B inflows is likely to play a role in maintaining a balanced liquidity environment and supporting the broader financial ecosystem.

The move comes as financial institutions continue efforts to strengthen their funding base and ensure adequate liquidity to support economic activity.

Bengaluru, 21 July: Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other airline, has signed a contract with CAE, a global leader in aviation training technologies, at the Farnborough Airshow for the delivery of five full-flight simulators (FFS), two flight training devices (FTD) with an option for two additional FFSs.

The agreement further supports Turkish Airlines’ strategy to expand pilot training capacity and strengthen its training infrastructure with the latest technologies, in line with the airline’s fleet growth under its 10-year flight training investment plan. It will also contribute to the airline’s new, state-of-the-art Flight Training Center, which broke ground this past January. The new facility’s simulator hangars are scheduled to become operational in 2027, with the full center set to be completed and fully operational in 2028.

Commenting on the agreement, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Murat Şeker said: “As we continue to expand our fleet and global network, further strengthening our pilot training infrastructure is essential to supporting our long-term growth strategy. Building on our long-standing collaboration with CAE, the addition of these advanced training devices will enhance our ability to prepare pilots across multiple fleet types with the highest levels of safety, consistency, and operational excellence. This agreement will help ensure we continue meeting the growing training demands of our expanding operations while maintaining the world-class standards our passengers expect from Turkish Airlines.”

Matthew Bromberg, President and Chief Executive Officer at CAE added: “This agreement is a testament to our longstanding relationship with Turkish Airlines and to the trust it continues to place in CAE as a strategic partner in advancing its pilot training capabilities. For more than 20 years, we have worked together to support the airline’s growth and evolving training needs. Through this comprehensive fleet of Airbus and Boeing training devices, we will continue to deliver advanced, high-fidelity simulation solutions that help Turkish Airlines build pilot capacity, maintain the highest safety standards, and support its long-term ambitions.”

 Under the contract, CAE will deliver the following devices to Turkish Airlines across Airbus and Boeing aircraft types:

• Two A321neo Full Flight Simulators (FFS)
• Two B787 Full Flight Simulators (FFS)
• One A350 Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
• Two A350 Level-1 Flight Training Devices (FTD)
• One A350 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) – optional
• One B787 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) – optional

These next-generation simulators and training devices will expand Turkish Airlines’ pilot training capacity across both narrowbody and widebody aircraft types, offering a long-term solution to the airline’s growing operational needs on a global scale. With this new agreement, Turkish Airlines reinforces its long-standing collaboration with CAE, continuing to embrace a technology-driven, sustainable, and scalable approach to pilot training.

July 21: A substantial liquidity shift is underway in the global private markets as private equity fund managers are increasingly turning to PIK (payment-in-kind) structures to manage cash flows, which in turn is raising challenging questions around transparency and risk management, according to new research* from Ocorian, a leading U.S. and global asset services provider.

The study of private equity fund managers in in the U.S. and across Europe, managing $3.511 trillion, found that almost nine out of 10 (86%) expect PIK prevalence within their private credit exposure to grow over the next two years. Of these, 4% say their use will increase dramatically, and 82% say it will increase slightly. The remaining 14% believe PIK prevalence will remain unchanged.

Search for flexibility in a challenging market

PIK structures allow borrowers to issue additional debt or equity to lenders rather than servicing interest obligations with immediate cash payments. While this provides breathing room for portfolio companies, it simultaneously signals underlying vulnerabilities in corporate balance sheets.

Worryingly, nine in 10 (90%) of those surveyed agree that there is a growing risk of PIK usage masking true borrower distress, with 16% of these strongly agreeing that deferring hard cash obligations makes it difficult to distinguish between proactive capital management and severe liquidity struggles.

Anatoly Sorin, UK Head of Loan Agency and Bond Trustee Services at Ocorian, said: “Our research reveals an overwhelming consensus that PIK structures are on the rise, and private equity fund managers are doing everything they can to support portfolio companies through a prolonged period of higher financing costs. However, this flexibility does come with a warning label.”

As PIK adoption grows, capability gaps emerge 

In addition to this challenge, Ocorian’s study also exposes operational and technological vulnerabilities connected to the growing adoption of PIK structures. As PIK interest compounds, it directly alters preferred return hurdles, the distribution waterfall, and the complex calculation of realised versus unrealised gains – the metric that ultimately dictates performance fees, or ‘carried interest’.

Only 17% of firms surveyed report having robust, automated systems capable of fully accounting for PIK compounding within the waterfall modelling. Just under a third (32%) admit they rely entirely on external providers, such as fund administrators, to handle the structural complexity. Just over a third (39%) acknowledge they can model PIK but require significant manual adjustment, while 10% say this remains a gap in their current capabilities. A further 2% state that PIK is not yet material enough in their current portfolio to warrant a dedicated system.

Anatoly Sorin, UK Head of Loan Agency and Bond Trustee Services at Ocorian, added: “With PIK structures becoming more prevalent, firms’ operational and technological capabilities must keep pace, either in-house or by outsourcing to expert third-party fund administrators with the skills and experience required to ensure that waterfall and carry calculations remain accurate, consistent and transparent.”

Abi Reilly, Partner, Regulatory & Compliance at Ocorian said: “As firms navigate the operational demands of PIK structures, governance and oversight need to remain front of mind. It is important that firms are able to evidence how these structures are monitored, modelled and reported on, particularly where complexity increases and third-party support is involved.”

New Delhi, July 21: The government is considering easing export-related regulations to support small exporters and help them expand their presence in global markets.

The proposed changes aim to simplify compliance procedures, reduce operational challenges, and make it easier for small businesses to participate in international trade. The move is expected to benefit exporters who often face difficulties navigating complex processes and documentation requirements.

Small and medium-sized exporters play an important role in India’s economy by creating employment opportunities and contributing to the country’s export growth. The proposed reforms are aimed at providing them with a more business-friendly environment and improving their competitiveness.

Officials said the government is focusing on reducing procedural hurdles while ensuring that export systems remain transparent and efficient. Easier rules could encourage more small businesses to explore overseas markets and strengthen India’s position in global trade.

Industry representatives have welcomed steps aimed at improving ease of doing business, saying simplified processes can help smaller exporters save time, reduce costs, and focus on expanding their operations.

The proposed measures are part of the government’s broader efforts to promote exports, support entrepreneurship, and create more opportunities for businesses across sectors.

The final framework is expected to be shaped after consultations with stakeholders and relevant authorities.

July 21: Helsinki is more than Finland’s vibrant capital, it’s the ideal gateway to experiencing the country’s diverse landscapes, heritage and culture. For Indian travellers flying directly to Helsinki with Finnair, Finland’s efficient rail and public transport network provides seamless access to destinations beyond the capital, from medieval towns and pristine national parks to emerging cultural hubs, all within a few hours. These easy day trips offer an opportunity to experience a different side of Finland while making the most of a Helsinki itinerary. 

Porvoo: Finland’s Most Charming Medieval Town

[Credit: Finnair]

 Located just over an hour from Helsinki, Porvoo is one of Finland’s oldest towns and among its best-preserved medieval destinations. The picturesque Old Porvoo is characterised by cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses and the iconic red riverside warehouses that have become symbols of the city. Highlights include the historic Porvoo Cathedral, independent boutiques, art galleries and local cafés, where visitors can sample the traditional Runeberg Torte, one of Finland’s most celebrated pastries.

Nuuksio National Park: Escape into Finnish Nature

[Credit: Visit Finland]

 Less than 90 minutes from Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park offers visitors an introduction to Finland’s celebrated natural landscapes. Home to peaceful lakes, dense forests and well-marked hiking trails, the park provides opportunities to experience the country’s rich biodiversity and outdoor lifestyle. The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia further enriches the visit with interactive exhibitions, guided experiences and a restaurant showcasing locally inspired cuisine.

Lahti: Finland’s Emerging Cultural Hub

 [Credit: Finnair]

 Just over an hour by train from Helsinki, Lahti has established itself as one of Finland’s leading cultural destinations. The city is home to Malva – Museum of Visual Arts, housed within the historic Malski brewery complex, alongside the architecturally acclaimed Sibelius Hall, which overlooks the shores of Lake Vesijärvi. During summer, Lahti Harbour becomes a lively waterfront destination, with cafés, restaurants and outdoor terraces creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the city’s contemporary character.

 Discover More with Finnair

 From the medieval charm of Porvoo and the pristine landscapes of Nuuksio National Park to Lahti’s thriving cultural scene, these destinations showcase the diversity of experiences available just beyond Helsinki. With Finnair’s direct flights from Delhi to Helsinki and seamless onward rail and public transport connections, travellers can easily extend their journey and discover more of Finland beyond the capital.

July 21: Turmeric prices have witnessed a significant increase in Erode, Tamil Nadu, with rates approaching ₹20,000 per quintal as concerns over drought conditions and limited supply continue to impact the market.

Traders and farmers said reduced availability of turmeric stocks, along with uncertainty over future production, has contributed to the recent rise in prices. The supply pressure has strengthened demand for available stocks, leading to higher market rates.

Erode, one of India’s major turmeric trading centres, has been experiencing increased activity as buyers look to secure supplies amid concerns over crop availability. The price movement has drawn attention from farmers and traders across the region.

Farmers are hopeful that the rise in prices will help improve their earnings after facing challenges related to weather conditions and cultivation costs. However, market participants are closely watching the upcoming crop outlook and weather patterns to assess future price trends.

Traders said that while higher prices may benefit growers, sustained increases could also affect buyers and industries that depend on turmeric as a key raw material.

The turmeric market is expected to remain closely linked to supply conditions, rainfall patterns, and demand trends in the coming weeks as stakeholders monitor developments.