India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: Debt-ridden Pakistan is facing a grim financial situation as it has to repay $3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates this month. The repayment, confirmed by a senior cabinet minister during a press briefing, as reported by Pakistan's Express Tribune, comes at a time when Islamabad's foreign exchange reserves have fallen to abysmally low levels, raising concerns about the country's capacity to fulfil its external debt obligations. This financial burden has been intensified by the United Arab Emirates' reported decision not to extend further rollovers on the debt. For years, Pakistan has relied on such rollovers from friendly nations to ease immediate repayment pressures and stabilise its reserves. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly tensions linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, appear to have influenced Abu Dhabi's stance, accelerating Islamabad's need to settle its obligations, according to an article in Sri Lanka's Guardian newspaper. The implications for Pakistan's economy are significant. Foreign exchange reserves, already stretched thin, will take a direct hit as funds are redirected toward debt servicing. Economists warn that this could weaken the country's capacity to manage its external accounts, potentially affecting its ability to pay for imports and maintain currency stability. Such pressures come at a delicate time, as Pakistan continues to navigate a challenging economic recovery under the framework of an International Monetary Fund program, the article pointed out. In recent years, the financial relationship between Pakistan and the UAE has been marked by both cooperation and tension. In 2018, Abu Dhabi provided $2 billion to support Pakistan's economy, followed by an additional request from Islamabad for $1 billion in 2023 to meet external financing needs. These arrangements were part of a broader pattern in which Pakistan has leaned heavily on bilateral partners to bridge funding gaps while implementing economic reforms tied to international lending programs. Now, with rollover options narrowing, Pakistan is exploring alternative approaches. Some officials have indicated that discussions are underway to convert portions of the debt into investment, a move that could ease immediate repayment pressures while fostering longer-term economic engagement. However, such arrangements remain uncertain and may not provide timely relief given the urgency of current obligations, the article observed. Geopolitical factors are also shaping the situation. Pakistan's perceived proximity to Iran during the ongoing regional conflict has added complexity to its relations with Gulf partners, including the UAE. While Islamabad has traditionally balanced its ties across the Middle East, shifting alliances and heightened tensions are testing that equilibrium, with potential economic consequences, the article pointed out. The broader context of Pakistan's financial position further amplifies the challenge. The country's reliance on external financing, including support from the International Monetary Fund and allied nations, reflects structural weaknesses in its economy, such as low export competitiveness, high fiscal deficits, and limited revenue generation. These issues have made Pakistan particularly vulnerable to external shocks, whether economic or geopolitical, the article added.
The Reserve Bank of India raised the interest rate caps on Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank (FCNR-B) deposits to attract more capital inflows, amid pressures on the rupee. Starting December 6, banks can offer higher rates -- up to 400 basis points for 1-3 year deposits and 500 basis points for 3-5 year deposits -- until March 31, 2025. This move comes as the rupee faces volatility.The Reserve Bank of India on Friday announced a raise in the interest rate caps on the Indian diaspora's foreign cu ...Read More >
Friday, 6 June 2025 () India's foreign exchange reserves decreased by $1.24 billion to $691.49 billion in the week ending May 30, according to RBI data. Despite this dip, the central bank assures that the reserve buffer remains strong, covering 11 months of imports and a significant portion of external debt. Foreign currency assets fell, while gold holdings increased, nearly doubling their share since 2021. ...Read More >
New Delhi: Gold prices opened sharply lower on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Friday, tracking a decline in international bullion rates. This slide was largely attributed to a modest rise in the US dollar and a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Both reasons dented demand for safe-haven assets. On the MCX, August gold futures opened at Rs 96,261 per 10 grams, down from the previous close of Rs 97,087. By 2:30 PM, prices had slipped further to around Rs 95,756(down by Rs 1,331). Similarly, July silver futures also opened weaker at Rs 1,06,629 per kg, compared to Thursday's close of Rs 1 ...Read More >
India's Latest Forex Reserves: India's foreign exchange reserves rose sharply by $4.84 billion to $702.78 billion in the week ended June 27, bringing them within striking distance of the all-time-high level of $704.89 billion recorded in end-September 2024, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This marks a strong rebound from late January levels, when reserves had fallen to a multi-month low of around $624 billion. The gain was led by an increase in foreign currency assets, while gold reserves declined. The value of gold reserves fell $1.23 billion to $84 ...Read More >
The chip makers around the world felt the relief of a rumor suggesting that the sales curb to China could be less severe than previously expected. But the news didn't necessarily translate in a strong rally. ASML (NASDAQ:ASML) - Europe's biggest chip equipment maker that predicted a 30% fall to its Chinese revenue next year - closed 0.22% lower yesterday, while Tokyo Electron - which was up by more than 6% yesterday - couldn't extend gains at today's session. With US markets paused for the Thanksgiving break, France was at the heart of the attention yesterday. The political drama, there, only ...Read More >
Hyderabad: In a significant boost for 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbharta' in the aerospace and defence sector, and Hyderabad's growing stature as a global aerospace hub, the complete fuselage of the Rafale fighter jet will now be made in India at Hyderabad. This move marks the first time that these Rafale components will be manufactured outside France for the Indian as well as global markets.French aerospace major Dassault Aviation has signed four production transfer agreements with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) for manufacturing key sections of the Rafale fighter jet, including the lateral ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing from all angles, including sabotage, in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed 274 people on board and on the ground last month, Minister of State (MoS) For Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said. Mohol said the black box of the Air India flight AI 171 that has been recovered is in AAIB's custody and will not be outside the country for a thorough assessment. The MoS was speaking at the Pune chapter of the Emerging Business Conclave. "It (plane crash) was an unfortunate incident. The AAIB has begun a full investig ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The country's gold reserves grew by $342 million during the week, reaching $84.846 billion, according to the latest weekly data released by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday. Along with gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased by $39 million to $18.868 billion. Additionally, India's reserve position with the IMF also rose by $107 million to $4.735 billion, the data showed. This uptick in reserves comes at a time when both domestic and global bullion markets are witnessing a sharp rally. India's forex re ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) India's forex reserves dropped by USD 1.01 billion to USD 697.93 billion for the week ended June 20, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the reserves had jumped by USD 2.29 billion to USD 698.95 billion. Forex reserves had touched an all-time high of USD 704.885 billion in September 2024. Also Read | Ahmedabad Plane Crash Probe: Parliamentary Committee To Grill Boeing and Air India Executives, DGCA Officials; Sources Say 'Multiple Shortcomings' Matter of Concern. For the week ended June 20, foreign currency assets, a major component ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) India's external debt increased by 10 per cent to USD 736.3 billion at the end of March 2025 compared to USD 668.8 billion in the year-ago period, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. As a percentage of the GDP, the external debt increased to 19.1 per cent at the end of the recently concluded financial year from 18.5 per cent a year ago, it added. In a year which saw some volatilities in the currency markets, the RBI said the "valuation effect" due to the appreciation of the US dollar against the rupee and other currencies amounted to USD 5.3 billion, while if one were to ex ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) The Indian economy is expected to grow at 6.5 per cent in the current financial year, despite geo-political tensions and trade policy uncertainties, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) Chairman S Mahendra Dev said on Tuesday. In an interview with PTI, Dev further said that domestic growth will be driven by low inflation, resulting from good monsoon and benign interest rate regime, triggered by three back-to-back rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India. "There are significant global headwinds like the twin shocks of geo-political tensions and trade ...Read More >
The global smoke grenade market is expected to grow from $297.24 million in 2023 to $456.46 million by 2031, driven by a 5.5% CAGR. Military, law enforcement, and emergency services are the primary sectors fueling demand, especially for tactical operations, training, and crowd control. Advances in technology have led to safer, more effective smoke grenades, while commercial uses in activities like paintball and film production are rising. Environmental concerns are promoting the development of eco-friendly products. North America leads the market, with rising military expenditures further boos ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- India's foreign exchange reserves declined by 1.24 billion U.S. dollars to 691.49 billion dollars during the week ended May 30, showed the weekly data released by the country's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on Friday. In the preceding week, the country's forex reserves had increased by nearly 7 billion U.S. dollars. According to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the forex reserves were robust and sufficient to cover more than 11 months of goods imports and about 96 percent of the country's outstanding external debt. The central bank's weekly bullet ...Read More >
Mumbai: The rupee rose 22 paise to close at 85.50 against the greenback on Friday on the back of sustained inflow of foreign funds and firm domestic equity markets. Lower level of American currency index also favoured the Indian unit though an uptrend in crude oil prices capped its gain, forex traders said. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) purchased equities worth Rs 1,397.02 crore on a net basis on Friday, according to exchange data. This inflow came on the heels of a net buying of equities worth Rs 12,594.38 crore on Thursday. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 8 ...Read More >
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the state police on Tuesday said it has arrested two accused wanted in several bomb blasts and communal murder cases after being on the run for over 25 years. The key accused among the two is Abubacker Siddique of Nagore. He is allegedly involved in the attempt to plant a pipe-bomb during the rath yatra of former home minister LK Advani in Madurai in 2011, among others. Other cases he is allegedly involved include the bomb blast at Hindu Munnani office in 1995 in Chennai, an explosion in Nagore the same year, and coordinated planting of bo ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 14 (PTI) The rupee depreciated 12 paise to close at 85.92 against the US dollar on Monday due to a rise in global crude oil prices and a strengthening greenback against major currencies overseas. Foreign fund outflows and a delay in any breakthrough in the India-US trade deal further pressured the local unit, according to forex traders. At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 85.96 and traded in a narrow range of 85.92-86.05 before settling at 85.92, down 12 paise from its previous close. During the session, the local unit depreciated to fall below the 86-lev ...Read More >
Rupee has maintained its position as one of the best performing Asian currencies, despite the ongoing challenges and geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State for Finance on Monday said that this stance indicates India's strong economic fundamentals. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, he mentioned that Rupee's is market-determined, not limited to any target or specific level. He noted that, as of November 19, 2024, the domestic currency had dropped 1.4 percent against the US dollar in the current calendar year (CY) 2024 and decline was primarily driven by ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) Gold prices climbed Rs 500 to Rs 80,900 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday due to persistent buying by retailers and jewellers, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity finished at Rs 80,400 per 10 grams in the previous trading session. The yellow metal has jumped nearly Rs 2,000 in the past three sessions. Silver also rallied Rs 700 to Rs 97,000 per kg on Thursday. The white metal settled at Rs 96,300 per kg in the previous session. The price of gold of 99.5 per cent purity also surged Rs 500 to Rs 80,5 ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) India's forex reserves dropped by USD 1.01 billion to USD 697.93 billion for the week ended June 20, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the reserves had jumped by USD 2.29 billion to USD 698.95 billion. Forex reserves had touched an all-time high of USD 704.885 billion in September 2024. For the week ended June 20, foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, dropped by USD 357 million to USD 589.06 billion, the data released on Friday showed. Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect ...Read More >
The long-term debt (with original maturity of above one year) at end-March 2025 was placed at $601.9 billion, an increase of $60.6 billion over its level at end-March 2024. India's external debt rose to $736.3 billion, or 19.1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), at the end of March 2025 from $668.8 billion, or 18.5 per cent of GDP, a year ago. In a statement, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the valuation effect due to the appreciation of the US dollar vis-à-vis the Indian rupee and other currencies amounted to $5.3 billion. Excluding the valuation effect, external debt would have ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): The Indian rupee is expected to trade in the range of 85.25-86.25 against the US dollar in the near term, according to a recent report by Bank of Baroda. The report stated that a trade deal between India and the United States will be positive for the rupee and may help support its value further. 'We expect INR to trade in the range of 85.25-86.25/USD in the near term. A trade deal between India and the US will be positive for the rupee,' the report noted. However, some amount of volatility is expected as the US tariff pause deadline on July 9 approaches. De ...Read More >
Kargil , Jul 2: Pursuant to putting in place a comprehensive legal framework to ensure fair, inclusive, and transparent recruitment to public services, the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has initiated a large-scale recruitment drive for 359 Gazetted posts through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This marks the first-ever recruitment of Gazetted posts through UPSC since the formation of the Union Territory, officials said. This follows the establishment of a unique and dedicated legal framework specifically designed for Ladakh. The framework ensures maximum local re ...Read More >
New Delhi: In the last few years, China has emerged as the biggest profiteer of war. When neighbouring countries fight, China becomes their dealer. From the Russia-Ukraine war to the India-Pakistan conflict, and civil wars from Yemen to Africa, Chinese weapons are visible on every front. A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has revealed that China has sent military equipment to more than 44 countries in the last few years. China has supplied various weapons ranging from fighter jets to 44 countries, of which the maximum weapons have been sold to Paki ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI) The rupee logged a steep fall of 54 paise to settle at 85.94 against the US dollar on Monday amid rising global crude oil prices and a strong American currency. Subdued sentiment in domestic equities due to uncertainties over US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs put further pressure on the local unit, according to forex traders. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic currency opened at 85.53 against the greenback and traded in a wide range of 85.51-86.03 before settling at 85.94, lower by 54 paise from its previous close. The rupee rose 15 paise to settle a ...Read More >
In the Indo-Pacific region, if one development would prove to be a landmark event in the region's modern history, it would be the signing of the Treaty of Comprehensive Partnership between North Korea and Russia in June 2024. The partnership has paved the way for strengthening bilateral ties between Moscow and Pyongyang and marked the onset of the global order transition, which was already underway. The institutionalization of the U.S., South Korea, and Japan's trilateral security cooperation has also given Russia and North Korea another strategic reason to collaborate. Therefore, with the geo ...Read More >
"India's gateway into Europe" - that's how Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Athens' relationship with New Delhi during his visit to India in 2024, a phrase frequently used by Greek officials whenever they discuss the ties between the two countries. The same phrase was echoed by Greece's foreign minister during an interview with Indian newspaper The Hindu ahead of his two-day visit to New Delhi on Thursday and Friday. But how does India view its relationship with Greece? To understand India's perspective, Kathimerini English Edition spoke with The Hindu's diplomatic editor Su ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday warned educational institutions that cases would be booked against them if drugs were found in their premises. The CM announced that the state's Anti-Narcotics Bureau would henceforth be known as Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and was tasked with curbing the menace of narcotics in the state. Speaking at an event marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 at Shilpakala Vedika here, Reddy placed an onus on educational institutions to ensure their campuses were free of drugs. "It is the ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, June 27 (Xinhua) -- India's foreign exchange reserves declined 1.015 billion U.S. dollars to 697.935 billion dollars during the week ending on June 20, the central bank said on Friday. In the preceding two weeks, the country's forex reserves had increased 2.294 billion dollars and 5.171 billion dollars, respectively. The data also revealed that foreign currency assets decreased 357 million dollars to 589.069 billion dollars, and gold reserves fell 573 million dollars to 85.743 billion dollars. ■ ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) Gold prices plunged Rs 930 to Rs 97,670 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday as traders rushed to selling amid easing off Middle East tensions and favourable reports about a trade deal between the US and China. According to the All India Sarafa Association, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 98,600 per 10 grams on Thursday. On Friday, gold of 99.5 per cent purity declined by Rs 850 to Rs 97,200 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes). It had settled at Rs 98,050 per 10 grams in the previous market session. "Gold prices continue to cor ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) Gold prices fell Rs 200 to Rs 97,470 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday due to continuous selling by stockists, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 97,670 per 10 grams on Friday. Extending the losses for the seventh straight day, gold of 99.5 per cent purity slipped Rs 150 to Rs 97,050 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes). It had settled at Rs 97,200 per 10 grams in the previous market session. "Gold continues to face downward pressure as both geopolitical and economic uncertainties e ...Read More >