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Stock in IDFC gained as much as 8.6 per cent in morning session trade on Thursday after the Mumbai-based company became one of the two entities to get a banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The central bank granted a banking licence to IDFC for an initial period of 18 months, during which the company will have to meet all requirements laid down by the apex bank.

Kolkata-based microfinance company Bandhan Financial is another of the two entities to win a licence to create a network of bank branches across the country.

Mumbai, April 3 - A benchmark index of Indian equities markets touched a record high of 22,620.65 points for the ninth consecutive day Thursday, surpassing the high of 22,592.10 points it touched Wednesday.

Selling pressure was seen in banking, capital goods and oil and gas sectors, while marginal good buying was observed in metal sector.

Verizon Wireless, the biggest wireless carrier of the United States, on Wednesday slashed the price of its widely popular More Everything Edge smartphone 10GB plans.

Announcing a key strategic change to pricing of its service plan, Verizon said that the price for four smartphones using a 10GB data plan would be $160 for subscribers of the More Everything Edge plans.

Islamabad, April 3 - Explosive allrounder Shahid Afridi has blamed the negative approach of Pakistan's top order batsmen for the team's heavy defeat by the West Indies and early exit from the World Twenty20.

Talking to the media on the team's return home from Dhaka Wednesday after an 84-run defeat against the defending champions, Afridi was quoted by The Times as saying that the target was not a difficult one.

New York, April 3 - Do you know that a simple vaccination at your nearby clinic can trigger a distinct change in your body odour? Research has documented the first demonstration of a bodily odour change due to immune activation.

The results have potential implications regarding disease surveillance in wildlife populations and food safety, bioterrorism and human disease diagnosis.

Mirpur (Bangladesh), April 3 - Captain Darren Sammy says defending champions West Indies have been motivated by the lure of history as they prepare to battle with Sri Lanka in the first semi-finals of the ICC World T20 here Thursday.

Sammy has revealed that his men left the Caribbean passionately charged to defend their title, a feat no team has yet accomplished, reports CMC, reports CMC.

Thursday's first semi-final pits the teams that played the World T20 final two years ago.