Loading...

Top
Help
×

By creating an account you can:

Logo TaxTMI
Call Us / Help / Feedback

Contact Us At :

E-mail: [email protected]

Call / WhatsApp at: +91 99117 96707

For more information, Check Contact Us

FAQs :

To know Frequently Asked Questions, Check FAQs

Most Asked Video Tutorials :

For more tutorials, Check Video Tutorials

Submit Feedback/Suggestion :

Email :
Please provide your email address so we can follow up on your feedback.
Category :
Description :
Min 15 characters 0/2000
Make Most of Text Search
  1. Checkout this video tutorial: How to search effectively on TaxTMI.
  2. Put words in double quotes for exact word search, eg: "income tax"
  3. Avoid noise words such as : 'and, of, the, a'
  4. Sort by Relevance to get the most relevant document.
  5. Press Enter to add multiple terms/multiple phrases, and then click on Search to Search.
  6. Text Search
  7. The system will try to fetch results that contains ALL your words.
  8. Once you add keywords, you'll see a new 'Search In' filter that makes your results even more precise.
  9. Text Search
Add to...
You have not created any category. Kindly create one to bookmark this item!
Create New Category
Hide
Title :
Description :
❮❮ Hide
Default View
Expand ❯❯
Close ✕
🔎 News - Adv. Search
TEXT SEARCH:

Press 'Enter' to add multiple search terms. Rules for Better Search

Search In:
Main Text + AI Text
  • Main Text
  • Main Text + AI Text
  • AI Text
Category: ?
Categorized by AI
---- All Categories ----
  • ---- All Categories ----
  • Income Tax
  • GST
  • Customs, DGFT & SEZ
  • FEMA & RBI
  • Corp. Laws, SEBI & IBC
  • PMLA, Black Money & ED
  • Budget
  • News and Press Release
  • PTI News
Month:
---- All Months ----
  • ---- All Months ----
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
Year:
---- All Years ----
  • ---- All Years ----
  • 2026
  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
Sort By: ?
In Sort By 'Default', exact matches for text search are shown at the top, followed by the remaining results in their regular order.
Relevance Default Date
    Cyber fraudsters invent 'boss' scam to target companies; Ahmedabad cops bust international network
    Personal Loan Prepayment Charges: What RBI Rules Say in 2026
    Zeeba Revamps Packaging and Announces Chef Vikas Khanna as Its Global Brand Ambassador
    Paul Merchants Finance Launches Loan Against Silver, Becomes India’s First NBFC to Set Up Exclusive Silver Loan Branches
    CarePass Launches This Independence Day, Bringing Healthcare Savings Across India's Top and Premium Hospitals
    Keralam CM flags off containers from Vizhinjam, marking start of EXIM operations
    Kerala: Fresh ED raids in CMRL-Exalogic Solutions case
    ED raids KPSC office, ex-chairman in veterinary officers hiring 'scam' case
    Keralam CM reviews operational preparedness at Vizhinjam port
    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 3rd Meeting of Apex Monitoring Authority of NICDIT and reviews the pro...
    NBCC moves SC for RERA exemptions to complete 16 stalled Supertech projects
    DFS Hosts PSB Confluence 2026: Day 1 Deliberations focus on Four themes- Deposit Mobilisation, Banking for Youth, Supporting the Investment Cycle and ...
    Govt to soon announce high-level panel on 'Banking for Viksit Bharat': FM
    Rupee falls 19 paise to close at 95.61 against US dollar
    Govt to soon announce high-level panel on 'Banking for Viksit Bharat'
    Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs interacts with interns from PM Internship Scheme in New Delhi
    DRI uncovers large-scale illegal use of SAFTA agreement in areca imports
    Rupee falls 17 paise to 95.59 against US dollar in early trade
    Colombian president asks Trump to suspend tariffs to help earthquake recovery
    Mission Samudra to be launched alongside Vizhinjam’s EXIM operations
❯❯
Maximize Maximize Maximize
0 / 200
Expand Note
Add to Folder

No Folders have been created

+

Are you sure you want to delete "My most important" ?

NOTE:

News
Showing Results for :
Reset Filters
Results Found:
Show All Summaries Hide All Summaries
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Boss scam prevention requires independent verification of payment requests and avoidance of malicious WhatsApp attachments that enable executive impersonation.
Boss scam, or CEO impersonation fraud, uses malicious WhatsApp attachments and impersonation of regulatory officials or company executives to obtain control of WhatsApp sessions and issue fraudulent payment instructions. The alleged network supplied SIM cards, dummy SIMs, WhatsApp accounts and one-time passwords to cyber-fraud operators, illustrating a Cybercrime as a Service model. Preventive measures include avoiding suspicious ZIP, executable, library and APK files and independently verifying all financial-transfer requests.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Floating-rate personal loan prepayment protections prohibit charges and compulsory lock-ins for qualifying individual non-business borrowers from 2026.
Prepayment charges are prohibited for part or full repayment of qualifying floating-rate loans availed by individual borrowers for non-business purposes and sanctioned or renewed on or after 1 January 2026. Compulsory lock-in periods cannot restrict prepayment of such loans. Fixed-rate personal loans may still attract prepayment or foreclosure charges under lender policy and contractual terms. Borrowers should check the loan's rate type, sanction letter, loan agreement and key fact statement, where applicable, and compare applicable charges with potential interest savings before early repayment.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Premium Basmati rice positioning drives Zeeba's packaging refresh and ambassador-led campaign focused on quality, authenticity and domestic expansion.
Zeeba has refreshed its packaging and appointed Chef Vikas Khanna as global brand ambassador to support expansion in India. Its "Aisa Basmati Nahi Dekha" campaign positions the brand around export-quality Basmati rice, consistency, authenticity and a superior culinary experience. Promotional activity will extend across digital, retail and consumer touchpoints. The premium Basmati range is described as carefully sourced, naturally aged and processed according to global quality standards, with emphasis on grain quality, authentic taste, purity and consistency.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Silver-collateral lending creates a formal secured-credit channel for eligible borrowers, subject to regulatory requirements and lender policies.
Loans against silver collateral have been introduced following the Reserve Bank of India's Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral Directions, 2025, enabling eligible regulated lenders to accept silver as security. The offering provides a formal and transparent credit channel against eligible silver jewellery, ornaments and approved silver coins. It is intended for individuals, proprietors and MSMEs requiring liquidity for personal, business and other legitimate financial needs, subject to lending policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Healthcare discount membership provides instant savings on out-of-pocket care at participating premium providers without insurance claims or paperwork.
CarePass is a healthcare savings membership card providing instant point-of-billing discounts at participating premium healthcare providers across India. It covers out-of-pocket spending on hospital treatment, diagnostics, dental, vision, dermatology, hair and skin care, and IVF and maternity services, without claim processing, waiting periods or paperwork. Members present a digital CarePass at a participating provider to receive the applicable discount. Four membership tiers offer differing benefits, with higher tiers including tele-consultations and annual health checks. CarePass is a discount membership and not an insurance product.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
EXIM operations at Vizhinjam commence with container movement, supported by investor facilitation, infrastructure backing and port-led logistics development.
EXIM operations at Vizhinjam international seaport commenced with the flagging off of two containers after a successful trial export shipment. The state government proposes investor engagement, regulatory facilitation and infrastructure support to expand global export activities through the port. Mission Samudra is to operate as a port-led industrial and logistics development scheme. The deep-water port was developed under a public-private partnership model and had received commercial commissioning certification.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Money-laundering investigation under PMLA expands through searches into alleged consultancy payments linked to CMRL and Exalogic Solutions.
Money-laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act involves fresh searches connected with Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd and Exalogic Solutions. The inquiry concerns alleged fraudulent payments made under the guise of IT consultancy services and a purported money trail involving persons allegedly connected with those transactions. The action follows earlier searches and questioning in relation to the same matter.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Recruitment examination irregularities trigger money-laundering investigation into alleged bribery, paper leaks, answer-sheet tampering, and preferential veterinary officer selections.
Money-laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act concerns alleged irregularities in veterinary officers' final selection through a public recruitment examination. Searches covered premises linked to commission officials, alleged intermediaries, the digital evaluation entity, and selected candidates. Allegations include bribery demands, examination-paper leakage, OMR answer-sheet tampering, and facilitation of selection for relatives of commission officials.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Export-import operations advance through operational preparedness review and planned port-led industrial and logistics development initiatives.
Operational preparedness for full land-based export-import operations at Vizhinjam Seaport was reviewed, including the Vehicle Traffic Management System. EXIM cargo operations follow a trial shipment of the port's first export container to Valencia. Mission Samudra is proposed to support port-led industrial and logistics development alongside these operations. The deep-water port was developed through a public-private partnership model and had obtained commercial commissioning certification before its dedication to the nation.
August 18, 2026
Show AI Summary
Industrial corridor development prioritises empowered SPVs, integrated infrastructure and investor-ready parks to accelerate manufacturing investment and operations.
National Industrial Corridor Development Programme implementation prioritises timely infrastructure completion, land allotment, investment mobilisation and commencement of manufacturing. PM GatiShakti-aligned planning requires integrated connectivity, utilities and social infrastructure, while States should resolve land, clearance and SPV-power bottlenecks. BHAVYA proposes investment-ready, plug-and-play industrial parks appraised for ready land, credible demand, connectivity, utilities, realistic phasing and early investor attraction. NICDIT routes Government participation and equity support for BHAVYA project SPVs, and NICDC coordinates implementation and monitoring.
August 17, 2026
Show AI Summary
RERA compliance exemption for stalled housing projects raises whether statutory obligations may be waived to enable phased project completion.
RERA compliance exemption is sought for completion of 16 stalled residential projects by a public sector construction entity appointed under a project-completion arrangement. The appellate insolvency tribunal declined to direct a waiver, considering itself incompetent to exempt compliance with statutory provisions. The arrangement requires phased completion, award and commencement of construction work, and oversight through an apex committee and project-wise committees. The projects remain incomplete owing to the developer's financial crisis.
August 17, 2026
Show AI Summary
Deposit mobilisation and youth banking guide strategies for stronger public financial institutions, investment financing and Global Capability Centre opportunities.
PSB Confluence 2026 considers strategic priorities for Public Sector Banks and Public Financial Institutions across deposit mobilisation, banking for youth, investment-cycle financing and Global Capability Centres. Discussions seek practical, scalable strategies to strengthen customer engagement, youth-responsive banking propositions, institutional financing capabilities and participation in the expanding Global Capability Centre ecosystem. Youth engagement may use the MY Bharat platform to strengthen links with the formal financial system and awareness of education finance, entrepreneurship, internships and financial-sector careers. Further themes include value-chain infrastructure, priority sector lending and credit card business reform.
August 17, 2026
Show AI Summary
Banking-sector reform will guide lender capacity, financial stability, inclusion, consumer protection, deposit growth and responsible credit-card expansion.
Banking-sector reform is proposed through a high-level committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat to review the sector and align it with growth needs while safeguarding financial stability, financial inclusion and consumer protection. Key themes include deposit mobilisation, youth banking, investment support, global capability centres, value-chain infrastructure, credit cards and priority-sector lending. Public-sector banks are expected to improve competitiveness through technology, sectoral expertise, product adaptation and customer-focused deposit growth. Credit-card development must maintain responsible underwriting, customer protection and appropriate risk controls.
August 17, 2026
Show AI Summary
FCNR(B) concessional swap facility availability narrows to timely mobilised deposits amid rupee depreciation and foreign currency inflow concerns.
Foreign-exchange conditions reflected rupee depreciation amid weak domestic equity markets and higher crude oil prices. FCNR(B) concessional swap facility availability is confined to foreign currency deposits mobilised by banks within the revised cut-off period, replacing the previously longer mobilisation window. The facility is intended to encourage foreign currency inflows, while banks use the FCNR(B) scheme to mobilise foreign currency deposits through attractive interest rates.
August 17, 2026
Show AI Summary
Banking sector review panel will align future growth with financial stability, inclusion and consumer protection through government recommendations.
High Level Committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat is proposed to comprehensively review the banking sector and align it with India's next phase of growth. It is intended to safeguard financial stability, financial inclusion and consumer protection, while providing views and recommendations to the Government on banking-sector development and reform.
August 17, 2026
Show AI Summary
Prime Minister Internship Scheme enhances youth employability through paid industry exposure, cross-field learning, workplace readiness and potential full-time employment.
The Prime Minister Internship Scheme provides paid internships with leading companies across India to improve youth employability through practical workplace exposure, industry experience and skills development. It addresses the gap between classroom learning and employers' expectations of workplace readiness. Participation is not confined to academic qualifications, allowing youth to pursue fields of interest and gain hands-on professional learning. Strong internship performance may lead to full-time roles, while the scheme stresses responsible work where errors may affect quality, consumer safety and organisational reputation.
August 17, 2026
Show AI Summary
SAFTA origin fraud in areca imports allegedly enabled improper duty exemption through false Bangladeshi-origin declarations.
SAFTA preferential duty treatment for areca-nut imports was allegedly misused by falsely declaring goods originating in South-East Asian countries as Bangladeshi origin. Since areca nuts normally attract 100% basic customs duty, the scheme sought to obtain the full SAFTA exemption reserved for qualifying Bangladeshi goods meeting Rules of Origin requirements. The alleged mechanism included routing goods through Bangladesh, changing containers and bags, using improperly obtained Certificates of Origin, and facilitating clearance through importers, Customs Brokers and IEC holders. Investigative findings also indicated cash proceeds, hawala channels and dummy entities.
August 17, 2026
Show AI Summary
FCNR(B) concessional swap facility closure may reduce temporary foreign-currency inflow support and heighten rupee weakness concerns.
The Reserve Bank of India restricted its concessional swap facility for FCNR(B) deposits to deposits mobilised by August 31, advancing the earlier cut-off date. The facility was intended to encourage foreign-currency inflows, while banks mobilise such deposits through attractive interest rates. Market commentary indicated that existing inflows may support the rupee in the near term, but the curtailed availability of the facility could reduce this temporary cushion and increase depreciation risk.
August 16, 2026
Show AI Summary
Temporary tariff suspension for earthquake recovery is sought to ease pressure on affected Colombian businesses.
Temporary suspension of high tariffs on Colombian products has been sought to support business recovery following a severe earthquake declared a natural disaster. The request links tariff relief to economic disruption affecting businesses amid extensive destruction, injuries and missing persons. United States emergency assistance has been provided through food, shelter and health supplies, while no response to the tariff-suspension request had been reported.
August 16, 2026
Show AI Summary
Port-led industrial development and direct export operations aim to expand logistics infrastructure, market access and trade connectivity.
Mission Samudra is proposed as a port-led industrial and logistics development programme linked to the commencement of export-import operations at Vizhinjam seaport. It covers industrial clusters, new cities, port connectivity, logistics, development initiatives, programme management and capacity building. Direct export shipments are intended to improve overseas-market access and reduce transit time and logistics costs, particularly for small and medium enterprises. The framework also anticipates growth in warehousing, cold storage, container freight stations and logistics parks, supported by private participation and road and rail connectivity.

News

Back

All News

Showing Results for :
Reset Filters
No Records Found

News

Back

All News

Showing Results for : Reset Filters

Axis Max Life Reports 20% YoY Growth in Individual Adjusted First Year Premium in 9M FY'26; VNB Increases by 30% YoY

February 17, 2026

Contents
Summary
Note

Note

-

Bookmark

Print

Print

Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (NewsVoir) 9-Months Financial Year 2026 (“9M FY’26”) Highlights: • Max Financial Services Limited reports 18% growth in consolidated revenue excluding investment income • Axis Max Life continues outperforming private industry; Private market share increases by 53 bps to 9.8% • Individual Adjusted First Year Premium at ₹6,396 crores, grew 20% YoY • Gross Written Premium: ₹25,195 crores, up 18% Year-on-Year (YoY) • Measure of profitability – Value of New Business (VNB) at ₹1,633 crores with a YoY growth of 30% • New business margin improved to 23.6%; Total APE growth of 21% achieved • Embedded Value at ₹28,110 crores, grew 16% with an Operating RoEV of 16.9% • Individual New Business Sum Assured grew by 41% • Assets Under Management (AUM) at ₹1.93 lakh crores, up by 12% YoY Max Financial Services Limited has recorded consolidated revenue excluding investment income at ₹24,625 crores, growing 18% year-on-year in 9M FY’26. The consolidated revenue including investment income stands at ₹36,891 crores and consolidated Profit after Tax (PAT) at ₹137 crores in 9M FY’26. Continuing to outpace the private life insurance industry in 9M FY’26, Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited (“Axis Max Life” / “Company”), has reported new business growth (Individual Adjusted First Year Premium) of 20% in 9M FY’26, reaching ₹6,396 crores. This has resulted in a private market share gain of 53 basis points (bps) to 9.8%. As one of the fastest growing life insurers, Axis Max Life has delivered a 21% YoY Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) growth in the first nine months of the fiscal. This strong performance was driven by secular growth in its proprietary channels and the scaling up of new partnerships established over the past few years. In the fiscal, Axis Max Life has secured 51 new business partnerships including 24 Group and 27 Retail partnerships. Further, in 9M FY’26, Axis Max Life’s individual renewal premium grew by 17% to ₹15,551 crores, taking the Gross Written Premium to ₹25,195 crores, an 18% YoY increase. Additionally, the Company has reported New Business Margins of 23.6% in 9M FY’26 up from 21.9% during the same period last year. The Value of New Business, a measure of profitability, experienced a YoY growth of 30%, aided by improvements in product mix. Axis Max Life led the industry in Retail protection sales and has maintained leadership in the online market, in both protection and savings categories. Sumit Madan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Axis Max Life, said, "Axis Max Life’s 9M FY’26 performance reflects the strength of a well-defined strategy executed with discipline and consistency. We delivered sustained double-digit growth outpacing the private life insurance industry, emerging as the fastest-growing player among the top ten insurers and achieving the highest market share gains in the sector. This growth is driven by the strength of our Individual Adjusted First Year Premium and Value of New Business, supported by broad-based expansion across proprietary channels. Our Agency vertical remains the industry’s fastest-growing, with continued momentum across our strategic partnership businesses. As we scale, our commitment to delivering value to investors and customers remains steadfast. We are sharpening our competitive edge by focusing on elevating the customer experience through continuous digital innovation. This remains the primary engine driving our long-term growth and market leadership.” Key Financial Summary of Axis Max Life: ₹ Crores 9M FY’26 9M FY’25 YoY Financial performance Summary Individual Adjusted FYP 6,396 5,352 20% Total APE 6,908 5,731 21% Renewal Premium 15,551 13,269 17% Gross Written Premium 25,195 21,360 18% Number of Policies (000's) 638 540 18% Individual New business Sum Assured 3,67,679 2,59,925 41% Assets Under Management 1,92,688 1,71,705 12% Embedded Value 28,110 24,129 16% RoEV 16.9% 17.3% -40 bps New Business Margins 23.6% 21.9% 175 bps Value of new business 1,633 1,255 30% Solvency 201% 196% 500 bps About Max Financial Services Limited (https://maxfinancialservices.com) Max Financial Services Limited (MFSL) is part of India’s leading business conglomerate - the Max Group. Focused on Life Insurance, MFSL owns and actively manages an ~81% majority stake in Axis Max Life. MFSL is listed on the NSE and BSE. Besides a ~1.25% holding by Analjit Singh and sponsor family, some of the other group shareholders include MSI, Capital Group, Vanguard, Polar, Pictet, Jupiter, Blackrock, Kuwait Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Franklin Templeton, Pioneer, JP Morgan, Norges Bank, Principal Funds, BNP Paribas, Canada Pension Fund, MIT, Asset Management Companies - HDFC, Nippon, ICICI Prudential, DSP, SBI, Kotak, Aditya Birla Sun Life, Mirae, UTI, Canara Robeco, Invesco, HSBC, Whiteoak, Edelweiss, TATA, Bandhan, Abakkus and PGIM, and Private Life Insurance Companies – HDFC, SBI, TATA AIA, Kotak, ICICI Pru, Bajaj Allianz, Canara HSBC and Aditya Birla Sun Life. Company Information Number - L24223PB1988PLC008031 About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com) Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr. IRDAI Registration. No – 104 Company Information Number - U74899PB2000PLC045626 Disclaimer This document has been prepared by Max Financial Services Limited (the “Company”) solely for the announcement of the Company’s financial results. This document contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management. These forward-looking statements are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. When used in this document, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “going forward”, “intend”, “may”, “ought” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the Company’s management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s views as of the date of the Presentation with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance or developments. You are strongly cautioned that reliance on any forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and events may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update or otherwise revise these forward-looking statements for new information, events or circumstances that occur subsequent to the date of the Presentation. No representation or warranty expressed or implied is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information or opinions contained herein. The information and opinions contained herein are subject to change without notice. None of Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents or advisers, or any of their respective affiliates, advisers or representatives, undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise and none of them shall have any liability (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this presentation or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with this presentation. This document does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy or acquire securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in any jurisdiction or an inducement to enter into investment activity. No part of this document, nor the fact of its distribution, shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. The information herein is given to you solely for your own use and information, and no part of this document may be copied or reproduced, or redistributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other person in any manner or published, in whole or in part, for any purpose. Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited) is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited ("MFSL") and Axis Bank Limited. Corporate Office: 11th Floor, DLF Square Building, Jacaranda Marg, DLF City Phase II, Gurugram (Haryana) - 122 002. For more details on risk factors, Terms and Conditions please read the prospectus carefully before concluding a sale. You may be entitled to certain applicable tax benefits on your premiums and policy benefits. Please note all the tax benefits are subject to tax laws prevailing at the time of payment of premium or receipt of benefits by you. Tax benefits are subject to changes in tax laws. You can call us on our Customer Helpline No. 1860 120 5577. Website: https://www.axismaxlife.com IRDAI Registration. No – 104 CIN number (U74899PB2000PLC045626) (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI

Topics

Acts Income Tax