India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
Mumbai, Apr 8 (PTI) The Reserve Bank of India kept its key policy rate unchanged on Wednesday, adopting a cautious wait-and-watch stance as policymakers assessed the fallout from the six-week Iran conflict on energy supplies, inflation and growth. The central bank's six-member Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep the benchmark repurchase rate at 5.25 per cent, flagging heightened uncertainty after the West Asia conflict drove crude prices sharply higher, weakened the rupee and disrupted trade flows. RBI's policy stance was retained at neutral. Stating that geopolitical uncertainties had risen since the last policy meeting, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the rate-setting panel chose to "wait and watch". While inflation remains within the target band for now, risks have risen due to volatile oil markets and the possibility of "second-round effects", which could weigh on demand and delay investment recovery. The central bank trimmed its growth outlook and warned that the full economic impact of the conflict - particularly through energy costs - will only become clearer in the coming months, reinforcing the case for holding rates steady rather than pre-emptively tightening or easing policy. RBI projected GDP growth of 6.9 per cent in the current financial year, a drop from an expected 7.6 per cent in the year ended March 31, 2026. Inflation is projected at 4.6 per cent for 2026-27 (April 2026 to March 2027 fiscal), which is within the RBI's 2 per cent to 6 per cent target range. For the first 11 months of 2025-26, for which data is available, average inflation was at 1.95 per cent. The central bank also, for the first time, offered a forecast for core inflation, which it sees at 4.4 per cent in the current financial year. The RBI estimates compare with more than 7 per cent GDP growth projected in government estimates released in February, while inflation was expected to remain close to the target of 4 per cent. The central bank had reduced interest rates by a cumulative 125 basis points since February last year, including a quarter-point cut in December. "Growth impulses continue to be supported by robust private consumption and investment demand. However, the West Asia conflict is likely to impede growth," Malhotra said, announcing the MPC decisions. "Higher input costs associated with an increase in energy prices and international freight and insurance costs, along with supply-chain disruptions that would constrain availability of key inputs for downstream sectors, would impair growth," he said. The MPC opined that the intensity and the duration of the conflict and the resultant damage to the energy and other infrastructure add risk to the inflation and growth outlooks. However, the fundamentals of the Indian economy are on a stronger footing, providing it with greater resilience to withstand shocks now than in the past. "The economy is confronted with a supply shock. It is prudent to wait and watch the changing circumstances and the evolving growth-inflation outlook," he said. Crude oil prices rose above USD 100 per barrel after the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, which was followed by Tehran's sweeping retaliation. The prices fell sharply after a two-week ceasefire was announced early on Wednesday. Malhotra said elevated crude oil prices could increase imported inflation and widen the current account deficit. Also, disruptions in energy markets, fertilisers and other commodities may adversely impact industry, agriculture and services, reducing domestic output. India, which depends on the Middle East for roughly half of its crude oil and the bulk of its cooking gas, has been among the hardest hit by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption choked a vital energy artery, driving up import costs and straining domestic fuel supplies. The rupee has fallen about 7 per cent over the past year, making it one of Asia's worst-performing currencies, as rising oil prices inflated the import bill and increased demand for dollars. The currency's slide has compounded imported inflation, amplifying the economic shock from the conflict. "Elevated energy and other commodity prices, as also shocks to the availability of inputs due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, are likely to impact growth in 2026-27," he said. On the rupee, he said, despite stronger macroeconomic fundamentals, the Indian currency in 2025-26 depreciated more than the average in the previous years. After the circulars on restricting offshore speculative activity and the recent de-escalation on the geopolitical front has provided some relief to rupee. The rupee appreciated 50 paise to 92.56 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday. "Let me reiterate that our exchange rate policy remains unchanged. Specifically, intervention in the foreign exchange market is aimed at smoothening excessive and disruptive volatility without targeting any specific level or band for the exchange rate," he said. "The RBI stands committed to this policy and would judiciously contain excessive or disruptive volatility to ensure that self-fulfilling expectations do not exacerbate currency movements beyond what is warranted by fundamentals," Malhotra said. He said global economic conditions and sentiments have soured after the outbreak of the West Asia conflict. "These have adversely impacted the growth-inflation outlook," he said. "As reiterated before, we shall remain vigilant of the evolving situation and put in place policies that prioritise the best interest of the economy." PTI DP NKD ANZ DRR
India's manufacturing sector growth fell to a joint 11-month low, restricted by competitive conditions and inflationary pressures India's manufacturing sector growth fell to a joint 11-month low of 56.5 in November, restricted by competitive conditions and inflationary pressures amid a softer increase in factory orders, a monthly survey said on Monday. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell from 57.5 in October to 56.5 in November, signalling a softer improvement in the health of the sector. However, the pace of growth remained above its long-r ...Read More >
YORK, UK - In a move to strengthen its position in the equine health market, Animalcare Group Plc (AIM: ANCR) has announced the conditional acquisition of Randlab, a prominent Australian equine veterinary business. The deal, valued at A$120 million (approximately £62.2 million), is expected to significantly boost Animalcare's earnings in 2025. The purchase agreement, involving Animalcare's newly formed subsidiary Animalcare Australia Pty Ltd, encompasses Randlab's entire issued share capital, including its New Zealand and Middle Eastern operations. The acquisition is financed through a combin ...Read More >
Bengaluru, 4th December 2024- PURE EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to strengthen its presence nationwide and expand globally while introducing innovative solutions for sustainable mobility. Over the next 30 months, the company aims to add 250 new dealerships, taking its total network to over 320 across India. The expansion will be driven by the growing demand for long-range scooters, electric motorcycles, large B2B contracts, and the company's entry into the house-hold brand space. Dr. Nishanth Dongari, Founder & MD of PURE EV, ...Read More >
MUMBAI/NEW DELHI -- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday slashed its economic growth forecast for the current financial year ending in March to 6.6% from the 7.2% projected in October after seeing "much lower than anticipated" gross domestic product expansion of 5.4% in July-September. "This decline in [the July-September quarter] growth was led mainly by a substantial deceleration in industrial growth from 7.4% in Q1 to 2.1% in Q2 due to subdued performance of manufacturing companies, contraction in mining activity and lower electricity demand," RBI Gov. Shaktikanta Das said in a televi ...Read More >
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 >
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 11 (ANI): A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by senior leaders, met Himachal Pradesh Governor Pratap Shukla recently to submit a comprehensive 106-page memorandum titled "Kachcha Chittha". The document, which alleges rampant corruption and administrative failures in the two years of Congress rule under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to hold the state government accountable for what the BJP describes as a period of "unprecedented mismanagement and destruction." Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Himachal Prade ...Read More >
xternal Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, on Monday, met with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine and discussed the conflict with Russia at the sidelines of the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome, Italy. Apart from Ukraine, EAM Jaishankar met with his counterparts from France, Lebanon, and Croatia as well. On his meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the EAM reiterated India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy" to end the long-running conflict. "Good to meet FM of Ukraine @andrii_sybihain Rome today. Useful exchange on advancing our bilateral cooperation. ...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 >
Mumbai, December 4: The domestic benchmark equity indices closed in green on Wednesday as buying was seen in PSU bank and realty sectors. The investors are keenly watching the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting which will announce its decision around the repo rate on Friday. Banking stocks rose amid volatile sessions in the market due to the possibility of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut by the central bank. Sensex settled at 80,956.3, higher by 110.58 points, or 0.14 per cent, while the Nifty ended at 24,467.45, up by 10.30 points, or 0.04 per cent. Stock Mark ...Read More >
India's growth in gross domestic product (GDP) of 5.4% in the three months ended 30 September, or the second quarter of 2024-25, was a shocker. It undershot even the most pessimistic forecasts. It's the lowest level seen since the third quarter of 2022-23 and a sharp drop from 8.1% growth in the same period last year and also from 6.7% in the first quarter of 2024-25. The consensus expectation stood at about 6.5% and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was expecting around 7% growth till its October policy, only to pare it to 6.8%. Growth in gross value added (GVA), which is the preferred measure ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank has approved the open offer of Burman family -- the promoters of FMCG major Dabur -- to acquire an additional 26 per cent stake in NBFC firm Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL). The central bank also directed maintaining of the current board/management structure of REL. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said it has granted its "approval for the proposed increase in shareholding of existing shareholders" -- four Burman family entities Puran Associates, VIC Enterprises, M B Finmart, and Milky Investment & Trading Company -- in Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL). "The acquirers ...Read More >
Bigg Boss 18: Shilpa Shirodkar is termed 'biggest backstabber' after Vivian Dsena... Deepak Kalal fights with passenger in flight? Know the truth behind viral video Delhi court fixes Nov 28 for hearing former CM Arvind Kejriwal's plea over sanction copy in... Where will the Champions Trophy 2025 be played? ICC to take final call on THIS date Amid divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan recalls telling Amitabh Bachchan he made 'big mistake' by... Deepinder Goyal's Zomato opens Rs 8500 crore QIP share sale, sets floor price at Rs... Delhi Capitals co-owner pens emotional fare ...Read More >
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.49 against the greenback, registering a fall of 2 paise over its previous close The rupee fell 2 paise to trade at 84.49 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Friday (November 29, 2024) dragged down by significant foreign fund outflows and month-end dollar demand from importers. Forex traders said the rupee remains in a weakening mode due to dollar demand from importers and foreign banks. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.49 against the greenback, registering a fall of 2 paise over its previous close. On ...Read More >
As per Moneycontrol's calculations, a 7 per cent growth in the remaining two quarters will put India's GDP at 6.5 per cent. The Indian economy would find it challenging to achieve over 7 per cent growth for the fourth consecutive year, economists said. They pointed out that the second-quarter (Q2) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, which was announced on November 29, has made the task even more daunting for the government. "A sharper than expected growth slowdown in Q2 has tilted risks to our outlook of 6.8 per cent for the current fiscal downwards," said DK Joshi, chief economist, Crisil. ...Read More >
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Import tariffs expected to be implemented by the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could lower economic growth and inflation in the 20 nations sharing the euro, European Central Bank board member Piero Cipollone said on Tuesday. Most economists agree that the possible tariffs would impact growth, though views diverge on the effect on consumer prices. Some argue the U.S. trade barriers will push up the value of the dollar, making imports of key commodities more expensive, while likely retaliation from Europe will also raise costs. Cipollone, speaking i ...Read More >
The escalating conflict could upset a hard-fought consensus that G20 negotiators reached around 5 a.m. on Sunday, after an overnight push to ready the joint statement for final review by leaders arriving in Rio. That preliminary consensus after six days of negotiations included streamlined language about global conflicts including the war in Ukraine, focusing on the need to negotiate peace rather than criticism of any participants. However, sources said even that "simpler" consensus may now be up for reconsideration following the Russian air strike and the prospect of further escalation. Un ...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 >
Trump warns BRICS nations against replacing US dollar Dec 2 (Reuters) - A gauge of emerging market stocks rose on Monday, driven by positive manufacturing data from China and expectations of continued policy support from Beijing, while India's rupee hit a record low because of weaker-than-expected economic data. As of 0932 GMT, the MSCI's index for emerging market stocks had risen by 0.7%, on track for its biggest percentage gain in over three weeks. China's blue-chip CSI 300 climbed 0.8%, and the Shanghai Composite index jumped 1.1% after a private survey indicated that Chinese factory act ...Read More >
The U.S. dollar continued its strong run on Monday, bolstered by soaring Treasury yields and expectations of limited Federal Reserve rate cuts. Meanwhile, the yen steadied ahead of a key speech by Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, where he may hint at a possible rate hike in December, with markets pricing a 55% chance of such a move. Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato's warning on yen intervention caused a temporary pullback, while the dollar index touched a one-year high of 107.07. Analysts forecast further dollar gains as U.S. economic policies and performance outshine global peers. K ...Read More >
Euro zone government bond yields increased slightly as investors await upcoming inflation data that may influence the European Central Bank's policy direction. Concerns over potential tariff hikes from the U.S. could further impact ECB strategies. Germany's bond yields and political tensions in France also add to the economic uncertainties. On Tuesday, euro zone government bond yields saw a minor increase after hitting multi-week lows in the previous session. Investors are keenly awaiting inflation data later this week that could provide insight into the European Central Bank's potential poli ...Read More >
Canara Bank has got exemption from the Centre to hold stake beyond the 30% upper limit under the Banking Regulation Act in joint ventures Canara Robeco Asset Management Company and Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company. The bank, which owns 51% each in the two JVs, had approached the government seeking permission to divest 13% in the asset management entity and 14.5% in the insurer, by way of initial public offers, Canara Bank said in a filing on Wednesday. The Centre, on the recommendation of the Reserve Bank of India, has decided that the provisions of sub-section (2) of Section 19 of the Bank ...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 >
Key U.S. data this week includes the job openings due later in the day, the ADP employment report on Wednesday and the payrolls report on Friday. "The next big thing is going to be the payrolls on Friday night because it'll tell us whether the Fed is essentially going to green-light the interest rate cut in a couple of weeks," said Kyle Rodda, financial market analyst at Capital.com. Fed Governor Christopher Waller on Monday said with inflation still forecast to fall to 2%, he is inclined "at present" to support another rate cut later this month. The comments boosted expectations of a rate ...Read More >
Markets opened on a cautiously optimistic note on Wednesday, with the Sensex and Nifty showing marginal gains, while investors closely monitored global economic indicators and upcoming domestic policy decisions. The Sensex opened higher at 81,036.22 from its previous close of 80,845.75 and is currently trading at 81,168.92 as of 9.45 am, up by 323.17 points or 0.40 per cent. Similarly, the Nifty opened at 24,488.75 compared to its previous close of 24,457.15 and is now at 24,558.20, rising by 101 ...Read More >
(Bloomberg) -- Indian bonds are poised to gain while the rupee is set to weaken as analysts bet on a softer monetary policy after the government named career bureaucrat Sanjay Malhotra as the new Reserve Bank of India governor. Most Read from Bloomberg Malhotra, a surprise pick, will take charge from Shaktikanta Das under whom the RBI kept borrowing costs unchanged for almost two years. While Malhotra's views on monetary policy are largely unknown, he recently urged revenue officials to prioritize economic growth, and the markets may read his appointment as dovish. The central bank is expec ...Read More >
Still, the ongoing U.N. climate talks have thrown a spotlight on their efforts to tackle global warming. While the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is tasked with agreeing a goal to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars for climate, leaders of the Group of 20 major economies half a world away in Rio are holding the purse strings. G20 countries account for 85% of the world's economy and are the largest contributors to multilateral development banks helping to steer climate finance. "The spotlight is naturally on the G20. They account for 80 percent of global emissions," U.N. Secretary Ge ...Read More >
Despite its vast potential, the full capabilities of GST data remain largely unrealised. While aggregate data provides a broad overview of tax performance and health of the Indian economy, disaggregated sector-wise information is crucial for evidence-based policymaking. A closer look at the performance of GST revenue collection raises several questions. First, though the growth of GST revenue collection improved in the last seven years (13 per cent) compared to the pre-GST period 2012-17 (11.8 per cent), there has been hardly an increase in the tax base of GST in the last seven years compared ...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 >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 10 (ANI): The stock market ended Tuesday's trading session on a subdued note, with the benchmark indices showing little movement. The Sensex edged up by 1.59 points, closing at 81,510.05, while the Nifty declined by 8.95 points to end at 24,610.05. Also Read | Parliament Winter Session 2024: Congress, INDIA Bloc Allies Move No-Trust Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar; Alleges 'Proceedings in Upper House Conducted in Partisan Manner'. In the Nifty pack, 23 stocks advanced, while 27 ended in the red. Among the top gainers were Shriram F ...Read More >
Major blast outside Badshah's nightclub in Chandigarh, glass window shatters; no casualty Amid linkup rumours with Abhishek Bachchan, Nimrat Kaur says 'that spotlight belonged to you': 'Main ta bahut lucky..' 'One Nation One Subscription': Centre's scheme to ensure access to research articles, journals EXPLAINED Shillong Teer Results TODAY November 26, 2024: Check winning numbers here Meet woman who has become the youngest to travel all 195 countries, she is from... Kerala lottery TODAY November 26 Live Sthree Sakthi SS 443 Tuesday, check winning ticket, prize money here The Matrix villa ...Read More >