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GB News has made a bold bid for access to the public purse, arguing that government broadcasting grants should be opened up to competitive tender rather than flowing automatically to the BBC.

The loss-making news channel, backed by hedge fund financier Sir Paul Marshall, set out its case in a submission to the government’s consultation on the BBC’s royal charter. At its heart is a call for “contestable funding”, a mechanism that would allow broadcasters beyond the traditional public service operators to bid for taxpayer-backed support.

The BBC’s World Service is the most obvious target. Once funded entirely by Whitehall, the service now draws primarily on the licence fee but still receives grants from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office worth £137 million last year. GB News believes it should be eligible to compete for a share of that pot, assessed on criteria including quality, audience reach and value for money.

It is a striking proposition from an organisation that has accumulated losses exceeding £100 million since launching in 2021, and one that is unlikely to find a warm reception at Broadcasting House. GB News framed the argument in the language of market competition, contending that opening funding to tender would drive innovation and encourage what it called “diversity of thought and content”.

The channel pointed to precedent. Between 2019 and 2022, two pilot schemes, the Young Audiences Content Fund and the Audio Content Fund, distributed £48 million across a range of broadcasters and independent producers. GB News also drew attention to New Zealand’s NZ On Air model, which allocates public money to a variety of media outlets, suggesting a similar framework could bolster plurality in Britain’s broadcasting landscape.

The submission to the charter review is part of a broader lobbying campaign. In a separate filing with Ofcom, GB News made a parallel case for contestable funding. It is also pressing for prominence rights currently enjoyed only by the established public service broadcasters, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and S4C, which guarantee their channels favourable positioning on television sets, albeit in return for strict obligations around regional production and news output.

Whether the government has any appetite for redirecting public funds towards a commercially owned, politically divisive broadcaster remains to be seen. But GB News’s intervention ensures the question of who qualifies as a public service provider, and who should pay for it, will sit squarely at the centre of the charter debate.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

The winners of the HR in Wales Awards will be revealed in May

Businesses and organisations across Wales have been recognised for their outstanding HR and people development practices with the announcement of the shortlist for the second ever HR in Wales awards.

Launched by Lesley Richards, independent HR consultant and former head of the CIPD in Wales, in 2025 with support from industry experts Louise Price (Hugh James), Mera Mann (Human Resourcing), and Paul Harris (Skylite Associates), the HR in Wales awards will celebrate the achievements of HR and people development professionals across Wales with a special lunchtime ceremony.

This year’s awards will take place at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff on May 1st and will be hosted by former Wales international Alex Cuthbert.

Building on the success of last year’s ceremony, 98 businesses, teams and individuals entered across nine categories, with a shortlist of 53 going forward for judging. The shortlist reflects the achievements of a range of organisations, both large and small, during a year shaped by ongoing economic uncertainty, global challenges and a rapidly changing talent landscape.

Finalists for 2026 include: Atradius, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bangor University, S4C, St John Ambulance Cymru, Welsh Local Government Association, Valleys to Coast, Freshwater and last year’s Learning and Development winner, Mrs Buckét Cleaning Services.

Commenting on finalists, Ms Richards, said: “We are very proud to host the second HR in Wales Awards ceremony and those who show what great HR looks like in practice. The competition this year has been fierce, with an impressive number of entries in the Transformation and Change category in particular.

“After what’s been such a challenging year for so many businesses it’s so incredible to see employers respond to economic uncertainty and turn it into an opportunity to strengthen their workforce and streamline operations. People are at the heart of what we do in HR and people development and The HR in Wales a shortlist truly is a reflection of the life-changing work being done here in Wales.”.

The shortlisted finalists:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Bangor University.

Cardiff Community Housing Association.

LBS Builders Merchants.

Valleys to Coast.

WJEC CBAC.

Employee Engagement

Atradius.

Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Health Education and Improvement Wales.

HPMA Cymru.

Rocialle Healthcare.

Learning and Development

Cardiff Community Housing Association.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

HPMA Cymru.

S4C.

Sweetmans and Partners with Sero.

Siderise.

Transformation and Change

Codi Group.

Health Education and Improvement Wales.

Mrs Buckét Cleaning Services.

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.

S4C.

St John Ambulance Cymru.

WCVA.

Talent Management

Bipsync.

Freshwater.

St John Ambulance Cymru.

Welsh Local Government Association.

Wellbeing

Codi Group.

Creditsafe Business Solutions.

Cwm Taf Morganwwg University Health Board.

First Choice Housing Association.

Freshwater.

Individual Impact

Sian Fisher – Confident Style Academy.

Emma del Torto – Effective HRM.

Universal Coaching Alliance Wales.

Ann Rowley – Lighthouse HR.

Gemma Littlejohns – Siderise.

Rosie Sweetman – Sweetmans and Partners with Williams Medical Supplies

Dr Ioan Rees – SYCOL

Rising Star

Alex Davies – Siderise.

Emily Summerhayes – Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Harry Underhill – Creditsafe.

Jen Walters – Principality Building Society.

Sadie Govier – Cardiff Airport.

Sophie Cole – ACT Training.

Tammi Jones – Effective HRM.

Toni Louise Davies – HMPA Cymru / NHS Wales.

Excellence in HR leadership

Angela Overment – St John Ambulance Cymru.

Angie Lewis – Welsh Ambulances Services Trust.

Kate Ablett – Mrs Bucket.

Nadine Beacon – S4C.

Simon Argent – Vishay Newport.

The HR in Wales Awards are supported by Hugh James, Vester Group, Human Resourcing, Lesley Richards Limited, Skylite Associates, HSF Health Plan, ALS/ACT, Monmouthshire Building Society, Welsh Government, Hoop Professional Services and HR, and the CIPD.

As the fuel crisis continues along with the Iran war, Energy Minister Chris Bowen has assured that fuel shipments have been secured “well into May.”

However, an economist has raised the alarm regarding the fuel situation, calling for Australia to be more self-sufficient when it comes to fuel.

Fuel Shipments Secured ‘Well Into May’

According to a report by ABC News, Bowen has assured the public that the government has been hard at work to ensure that enough supplies for May will be secured.

“All the orders are locked in and contracted,” said Bowen. “Once it’s contracted, the fuel belongs to the Australian company that’s bought it … that is legally locked in, so that’s encouraging.”

He added, “Of course, there is a risk in international circumstance and [the] international situation, but every step that can be taken is being taken.”

Bowen previously disclosed that 53 ships carrying fuel are now on the way to Australia from different countries in Asia, as well as the United States and Mexico.

‘Wake Up Call for Australia’

Despite the promising developments, an economist is urging Australia to do more amid the ongoing crisis.

According to Sky News, MST Financial energy analyst Saul Kavonic went as far to say that Australia “ceded our fuel security to foreign powers.”

“This is a wake up call for Australia to become more self-sufficient in fuel again. The next disruption to maritime trade could occur closer to home in the Pacific, leaving Australia without any fuel, and our economy would grind to a halt within weeks,” said Kavonic.

“Australia must act to avert the economic and national security risks posed by our fuel import dependence,” he added.

Addressing the calls to turn to renewable sources of energy, Kavonic pointed out that “renewables are simply not practical to replace jet fuel and diesel at this time.”

Shares of the lender jumped to Rs 312.70 apiece in the morning trading hours of Monday, the highest level in more than a month. The sharp surge added more than Rs 720 crore to the total market capitalisation of the company, pulling it higher up to rise above Rs 19,310 crore.

In an exchange filing released on Thursday, RBL Bank said that the RBI has approved Emirates NBD Bank to acquire up to 74% stake in the lender. After the completion of the stake sale, the Dubai-based bank will become a promoter holder, crossing the 51% threshold as per the RBI’s conditions. The lender has no promoter, currently. The private lender, meanwhile, will be classified as a foreign bank operating in wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) mode, with Emirates NBD as its parent. RBI’s approval is now valid for one year.

The approval was communicated via a letter dated April 1, 2026, ET had earlier reported, citing sources. The report said that an approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is also expected soon.

RBL Bank Q4 business update

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RBL Bank on Thursday released its provisional business update for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2026. The lender’s total deposits rose 25% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 1.39 lakh crore in Q4 FY26, from 1.11 lakh crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Sequentially, total deposits grew 16% QoQ from Rs 1.2 lakh crore in Q3 FY26.
Gross advances meanwhile increased 22% YoY and 11% QoQ to Rs 1.15 lakh crore during the quarter under review. RBL Bank’s CASA (current account and savings account) deposits grew 23% YoY to Rs 46,723 crore, while CASA ratio stood at 33.6% in Q4 FY26, slightly lower than 34.1% in the same period of the previous year.
Also read: Earnings downgrade alert: How $110 crude and Iran war are threatening India Inc’s double-digit dream

RBL Bank’s deposits worth under Rs 3 crore grew 16% YoY to Rs 63,943 crore, while the average liquidity coverage ratio stood at 130%, lower than 133% recorded in Q4 FY25. The bank said that its total business crossed Rs 2.5 lakh crore at the end of the quarter, marking a 24% YoY increase from Q4 FY25.

Secured retail advances grew 36% YoY and 17% QoQ. Retail advances rose 18% YoY and 10% QoQ, while unsecured retail advances grew 2% QoQ. Wholesale advances grew 27% YoY. Within wholesale, commercial banking advances grew 29% YoY. The mix of retail: wholesale advances was reported at approximately 59:41.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services said that RBL Bank’s exceptional growth of 22% YoY in gross advances is fairly higher than its estimate of 16%. It noted that deposits also witnessed exceptional growth of 25% YoY, significantly higher than its estimate of 12.2%.

“RBL reported remarkable business growth, led by both advances as well as deposits growth,” it said, maintaining its ‘Buy’ call on the stock.

Also read: Trump tariffs hit patented drugs: Jefferies, Nomura explain impact on pharma stocks

RBL Bank shares have gained more than 8% in the past week, and over 3% in the past month. In the longer term, the stock has surged 78% in one year, and more than 118% in three years.

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

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of hot to extremely hot conditions across Thailand from April 4–9, 2026, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C, accompanied by hazy skies and isolated thunderstorms.

Key Points

• Temperatures in upper Thailand (North, Northeast, Central, Bangkok) are expected to reach 36–42°C during the day, driven by a heat-induced low-pressure system.
• Hazy conditions are forecast across most regions during the day, with residents in the North, Northeast, and upper Central regions advised to wear N95 masks outdoors.
• Thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in scattered areas despite the extreme heat, with some rainfall (10–20% coverage) forecast from April 7–9.
• Bangkok temperatures will range from 26–28°C at night to 35–41°C during the day, with southerly winds at 10–15 km/h.
• Southern Thailand will see isolated thunderstorms with wave heights around one metre, rising higher during storms.
• Mariners have been advised to avoid sailing in storm-affected areas of the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.
• Residents are urged to avoid prolonged outdoor activities due to health risks from the extreme heat.

Why It Matters

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a heat warning from today until April 9. Many areas in Thailand could see temperatures exceed 42°C, along with hazy skies during the day.

Upper Thailand will be affected by a heat-induced low-pressure system, resulting in widespread high temperatures and reduced visibility. Weak southerly and westerly winds are also contributing to unstable weather, leading to potential thunderstorms and gusty winds in certain areas.

The combination of record-level heat, poor air quality from haze, and unpredictable storms poses significant health and safety risks across Thailand as the country moves deeper into its hot season.

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, while deteriorating air quality contributes to respiratory issues, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Additionally, the unpredictability of storms raises concerns about sudden flooding, property damage, and disruptions to daily life, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and sustainable environmental policies to mitigate these growing risks.

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Brent crude prices hovering near $110 per ‌barrel ⁠could strain India’s ⁠import bill, given its position as the world’s third-largest crude importer, and put pressure on corporate margins.

Here are some details:

* In its base case, BofA assumes crude prices at $92.5 per barrel and has lowered India’s FY27 GDP growth estimate to 6.5% from 7.4% ⁠earlier * In ‌a worst-case scenario involving a prolonged Middle East conflict, GDP growth can slide to ⁠3%, while earnings growth may drop to zero in fiscal year 2027

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* The Nifty 50 index is currently trading close to long-term average valuations. A potential resolution to the Iran conflict could trigger a 15% upside
** BofA, however, expects the index to continue underperforming its emerging market ‌peers due to relatively expensive valuations
** The brokerage has set Nifty target for December-end at 26,200, compared with its current ⁠level of 22,663
** The brokerage projected opportunities within large-caps and select themes in broader market after correction

** Downgrades rate-sensitive sectors like mid-sized private banks, non-bank lenders, real estate, and automobile companies to “underweight” from “overweight” earlier

** BofA prefers energy- and rate-hike beneficiaries such as large private sector banks and state-owned lenders

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.