Bajaj Housing Finance on Monday reported a steady performance for the March quarter, with profit after tax rising 14% year-on-year to Rs 669 crore, while net total income grew 20% to Rs 1,141 crore, supported by strong loan growth and stable asset quality.

Net interest income for Q4FY26 increased 15% to Rs 945 crore from Rs 823 crore a year ago, reflecting continued expansion in the loan book. Profit before tax rose 20% to Rs 866 crore, indicating improving operating leverage despite a rise in provisions.

Assets under management (AUM) grew 23% to Rs 1,40,706 crore as of March 31, 2026, driven by healthy disbursements and demand across housing finance segments. Loan assets also rose 24% to Rs 1,23,745 crore, while quarterly disbursements increased 23% to Rs 17,506 crore.

Operational efficiency improved during the quarter, with operating expenses as a percentage of net total income declining to 19.2% from 21.8% in the year-ago period. However, loan losses and provisions more than doubled to Rs 55 crore from Rs 26 crore, reflecting a cautious stance amid a growing loan book.

Asset quality remained strong, with gross non-performing assets (GNPA) at 0.27% and net NPA at 0.11%, broadly stable compared to last year. The provision coverage ratio on stage 3 assets stood at 60%, indicating adequate buffers.

For the full year FY26, the lender reported profit after tax of Rs 2,560 crore, up 18% from Rs 2,163 crore in FY25. Net interest income rose 25% to Rs 3,752 crore, while net total income increased 23% to Rs 4,391 crore.
Profit before tax for the year climbed 20% to Rs 3,320 crore, reflecting sustained growth in lending operations. However, provisions rose sharply to Rs 191 crore from Rs 58 crore in the previous year, partly due to prudent provisioning and changes in overlays.Operating efficiency improved at the annual level as well, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 19.7% from 20.9% in FY25. Return on assets remained stable at around 2.3%, while return on equity stood at about 12%.

Also read: UltraTech Cement Q4 Results: Profit rises 20% YoY to Rs 2,983 crore; co declares Rs 240/share dividend

The lender maintained a strong capital position, with a capital adequacy ratio of 22.46% as of March-end, supported by high credit ratings of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowings and A1+ for short-term debt.

Overall, Bajaj Housing Finance delivered consistent growth across key metrics, with strong loan expansion, stable margins and controlled asset quality, positioning it well for continued scale-up in the housing finance segment.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

LOS ANGELES — Charlize Theron is taking movie promotion to new heights — literally — as she scales a massive Times Square billboard and delivers a string of high-energy interviews to promote her new Netflix survival thriller “Apex,” which premiered on the streaming service April 24, 2026, and is already generating buzz for its intense action and raw performances.

The Oscar-winning actress, 50, was spotted April 24 scaling the side of a building in New York City to hype the film, showcasing the same physical commitment she brought to the role of Sasha, a grieving rock climber who becomes the target of a ruthless predator in the Australian wilderness. Co-starring Taron Egerton as the unhinged hunter Ben, the R-rated thriller directed by Baltasar Kormákur has drawn strong early audience reactions for its taut pacing and breathtaking outdoor sequences.

In a series of promotional appearances, Theron opened up about the physical toll of filming, revealing she suffered multiple injuries, including one that required surgery on her arm. “I think I tapped out once or twice,” she told “Extra” with a laugh, while praising Egerton’s intensity and the crew’s support during demanding shoots in remote Australian locations.

Apex Delivers Thrills and Emotional Depth

“Apex” follows Sasha as she embarks on a solo kayaking and hiking trip to scatter her late partner’s ashes, only to cross paths with a charming but psychotic local who turns the wilderness into a deadly hunting ground. The film blends high-stakes survival action with psychological tension, earning praise for Theron’s fearless stunt work and Egerton’s unhinged villain performance.

Critics have called it a slick, empty-calorie thriller that excels in spectacle but leans on familiar genre tropes. Variety described it as a “rip-roaring outdoor duel,” while The Guardian noted its “soulless” but entertaining cat-and-mouse game. Audiences, however, appear to be responding positively on Netflix, with strong early viewership numbers reported.

Theron, who performed most of her own stunts, trained extensively with professional climbers. In interviews, she emphasized the film’s themes of grief, resilience and female strength. “Sasha is pushing her limits both physically and emotionally,” she told The New York Times. “Life is so beautiful, but it can also be brutal.”

Busy 2026 for Theron

“Apex” marks a busy year for the South African-born star. She is also set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic “The Odyssey,” scheduled for a July 2026 release. Theron has described working with Nolan as “amazing” and a dream collaboration.

Her fashion choices during the “Apex” press tour have also drawn attention, with standout looks on “The View” and “Today” showcasing Bottega Veneta and other designers. Theron continues her long-standing partnership with Dior as the face of J’adore, marking over two decades with the brand.

Personal Reflections and Career Evolution

In recent interviews, Theron has spoken candidly about aging in Hollywood, motherhood and finding balance. A single mother to adopted children, she has emphasized the importance of representation and strong female roles. “I want my daughters to see women who are complex, strong and real,” she told one outlet.

Her willingness to embrace physically demanding roles — from “Mad Max: Fury Road” to “Atomic Blonde” and now “Apex” — has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most committed action stars. At 50, she continues redefining what leading roles look like for women in their prime.

Fan and Industry Reaction

The “Apex” promotional campaign, including Theron’s daring Times Square climb, has gone viral, with fans praising her dedication and sense of humor. Social media is filled with clips of her interviews alongside Egerton, where the pair share playful banter and behind-the-scenes stories.

Industry insiders see “Apex” as part of Theron’s strategy to balance big studio projects with more personal, high-concept thrillers. With Nolan’s “The Odyssey” on the horizon, 2026 could be one of her most impactful years yet.

As “Apex” streams globally on Netflix, Theron continues her press tour with appearances and stunts that keep her firmly in the spotlight. Whether scaling billboards or confronting personal and professional challenges on screen, the actress remains a force in Hollywood — proving that at 50, she is only getting started on new heights.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Residents across the Kansas City metro area hunkered down Monday as powerful severe thunderstorms brought tornado warnings, flash flooding and damaging winds, forcing road closures, water rescues and widespread power outages in one of the most active severe weather periods of 2026.

The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings and flash flood warnings throughout the day, with the greatest threats concentrated south and east of the metro. A tornado watch remained in effect into the evening for several counties in Missouri and Kansas, including areas near Harrisonville, Clinton and Warrensburg.

Heavy rainfall has already caused flash flooding in low-lying areas, with several water rescues reported in Parkville, Riverside and parts of Kansas City proper. Officials urged drivers to avoid flooded roads, warning that just six inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.

Dangerous Conditions Unfold

Storms intensified Monday morning, bringing frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds. A severe thunderstorm warning was active for portions of Cass, Henry, Jackson, Johnson and Lafayette counties in Missouri, with winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail possible.

The combination of saturated soils from recent rains and new downpours has heightened flash flood risk. Some locations have already received more than an inch of rain in a short period, with additional heavy bands expected through the afternoon and evening.

Emergency managers activated local emergency operations centers and urged residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather radios and smartphone alerts. Schools in some districts dismissed early or switched to remote learning as a precaution.

Why So Active This Year?

2026 has already seen an above-average number of severe weather events in the Plains and Midwest. Meteorologists attribute the pattern to a strong jet stream, abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and frequent clashes between warm, humid air and cooler systems. This setup has produced repeated rounds of thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes across the region.

Kansas City itself has experienced several significant events this spring, including confirmed tornadoes in nearby communities. The current system is part of a broader severe weather outbreak affecting much of the central United States.

Safety Messages from Officials

The National Weather Service and local emergency management urged residents to take the threats seriously. Key advice includes:

• Moving to an interior room on the lowest floor during tornado warnings.
• Avoiding travel on flooded roads — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
• Having an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights and charged devices.
• Monitoring local media and weather apps for updates.

Power outages have affected thousands, with utility crews working to restore service as safely as possible. Some neighborhoods may remain without power into Tuesday.

Community Impact

The storms disrupted Monday commutes, school schedules and daily routines. Many businesses closed early or operated with limited staff. Hospitals reported treating minor storm-related injuries, primarily from fallen branches and minor accidents.

In rural areas south of the metro, farmers expressed concern about crop damage from hail and excessive rain at a critical planting time. Local officials are assessing damage in hardest-hit communities as the system moves through.

Looking Ahead

Forecasters say additional rounds of storms are possible through Tuesday morning before conditions gradually improve mid-week. A brief break is expected later in the week, with cooler and drier air settling in. However, the active pattern may continue into early May, keeping severe weather risks elevated.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. The National Weather Service Kansas City office continues to provide frequent updates via its website, social media and NOAA Weather Radio.

This latest severe weather event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring in the Midwest. While Kansas City has experienced its share of storms this season, officials stress that preparation and awareness remain the best defenses against nature’s power. As the system continues to move through the region, safety remains the top priority for families, first responders and emergency managers working to protect the community.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration launched a major refund program Monday for businesses that paid more than $166 billion in tariffs ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, opening an online portal that allows importers and customs brokers to begin claiming reimbursements plus interest.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activated the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system on April 20, enabling companies to file claims for duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Supreme Court struck down key portions of the tariffs in a February ruling, determining the president exceeded his authority.

CBP estimates refunds, including accrued interest, could total up to $166 billion or more. The agency said valid claims will generally be processed within 60 to 90 days, though complex cases may take longer. More than 330,000 importers paid duties on over 53 million shipments during the period in question.

Who Qualifies and How It Works

Only “importers of record” — the businesses or authorized customs brokers that directly paid the tariffs — can file through the CAPE portal. Consumers who paid higher prices for goods due to the tariffs are not eligible for direct refunds. Large retailers like Walmart, Target, Nike and Home Depot stand to recover substantial sums, potentially billions in some cases.

Some parcel carriers, including FedEx and UPS, have indicated they plan to file claims on behalf of customers and pass refunds along where feasible. However, most everyday shoppers are unlikely to see direct money returned to their pockets.

The process requires detailed documentation of entries, payments and supporting evidence. CBP is processing claims in phases, starting with more recent payments. Companies have been urged to register early and ensure their banking information is accurate to speed up payments.

Political and Economic Backdrop

The tariffs were a signature element of Trump’s trade policy aimed at protecting American industries and addressing trade imbalances, particularly with China. The Supreme Court’s February decision was a significant legal setback, forcing the administration to begin unwinding collections while defending other aspects of its trade agenda.

The refund program comes as the administration continues aggressive enforcement on remaining tariffs and immigration-related policies. White House officials framed the refunds as compliance with the court ruling rather than a reversal of policy. “We are following the law while still protecting American workers,” a senior official said.

Economists note that while businesses may recover funds, the original tariffs had already raised costs for consumers through higher prices on imported goods. Whether companies will pass refunds along as price reductions remains uncertain. Some large retailers have signaled they may issue credits or temporary discounts, but there is no legal requirement to do so.

Impact on Businesses and Consumers

For importers, the refunds represent a significant cash infusion that could ease financial pressures and support investment. Smaller businesses, however, may face challenges navigating the claims process and could experience delays. Trade groups have called for streamlined procedures to ensure equitable access.

Consumers are largely sidelined from direct benefits. Advocacy groups and some lawmakers are pushing for broader relief measures, including potential tax credits or stimulus tied to the tariff revenue, but no such proposals have gained traction in Congress yet.

State officials in places like Nevada have demanded portions of the refunds be directed back to residents, highlighting the broad economic ripple effects of the original tariffs.

Longer-Term Implications

The tariff refund saga underscores ongoing tensions in U.S. trade policy. While the administration moves forward with refunds, it continues pursuing alternative tools to address trade imbalances. Legal experts expect further court battles over the scope of presidential authority in trade matters.

For the broader economy, the refunds could provide a short-term boost to corporate balance sheets at a time when businesses face other cost pressures. However, uncertainty around future trade policy may continue to weigh on investment decisions.

As the CAPE system processes claims in phases, businesses are racing to submit documentation while monitoring for any technical issues with the new platform. CBP has pledged ongoing updates and support as the massive repayment operation unfolds.

The launch of tariff refunds marks a significant chapter in the Trump administration’s trade agenda — shifting from collection to repayment on a historic scale. While importers stand to benefit directly, the ultimate impact on American consumers and the broader economy will unfold over the coming months as funds flow back into the system.