*Banking News* *HDFC Bank Approval:* HDFC Bank received RBI approval to acquire up to a 9.5% stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank through its group entities. The approval, valid until January 2026, aligns with HDFC's post-merger investment strategies. *Driver Training Institutes Scheme:* Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a scheme for setting up Driver Training Institutes (DTIs) across India. The scheme offers incentives, including additional ones for integrating Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) with DTIs. *Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express:* The Ministry of Railways announced that the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will soon start operations, covering the Katra-Srinagar journey in just over three hours. *India’s Fiscal Deficit Target:* Despite a slight reduction in GDP growth projections for FY25, India is on track to achieve its fiscal deficit target of 4.9% of GDP. The government plans to adjust by reducing capital expenditure to maintain fiscal discipline. *Green Energy and Infrastructure Projects:* PM Modi inaugurated projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore in Andhra Pradesh, including significant green energy initiatives and infrastructure developments.