Business

South Korea Considers Expanding Vehicle Rotation System Amid Rising Oil Prices Government May Extend Vehicle Rotation to Private Sector South Korea’s Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced that the government may expand its mandatory five-day vehicle rotation system to the private sector if global oil prices rise to $120–$130 per barrel.The proposal is part of nationwide energy-saving measures being considered amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies.National Resource Crisis Alert May Be Raised to Level 3 The government is currently operating under a Level 2 alert in its four-tier national resource security system. However, authorities may raise it to Level 3 if oil...

IndiGo Expands Network with 30+ New Routes from Navi Mumbai International Airport IndiGo Announces Major Route Expansion from Navi Mumbai Low-cost carrier IndiGo has announced the launch of over 30 new domestic routes from Navi Mumbai International Airport between March 29 and April 23. This expansion is set to significantly enhance regional connectivity and provide more travel options for passengers across India.New Domestic Destinations Added to IndiGo Network The airline will connect Navi Mumbai to several key cities, including:Agra Ayodhya Bagdogra Belgaum Chandigarh Diu Kannur Kolkata Patna Rajkot Srinagar Varanasi VisakhapatnamThis expansion strengthens connectivity between major metros and emerging regional destinations...

FPI Outflows Hit Record High in March as Global Tensions and Macro Pressures Weigh on Indian Equities Foreign Investors Pull Out USD 12.3 Billion Amid Rising Uncertainty New Delhi, March 29: Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have withdrawn approximately USD 12.3 billion, equivalent to ₹1.14 lakh crore, from Indian equities in March, marking the highest monthly outflow on record.The sharp sell-off comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, a weakening rupee, and rising concerns over the impact of elevated crude oil prices on India’s economic growth.Outflows May Extend Further With One Session Left With one trading session still remaining in the month, market participants indicate that the total outflow...

NSE to Launch Dated Brent Crude Oil Futures from April 13 New Contract to Track Global Oil Benchmark New Delhi, March 29 The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is set to introduce Dated Brent Crude Oil (Platts) futures from April 13, further strengthening its commodity derivatives segment with products linked to global oil benchmarks.The contract will be based on the S&P Global Energy (Platts) Dated Brent assessment and will trade under the symbol BRCRUDEOIL.Sebi Approval Secured for Launch In a circular, the exchange confirmed that it has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to roll out the new futures contract.“The exchange is pleased to inform its members that, having received approval from Sebi...

CMS Info Systems to Acquire FSS Managed Services Business for ₹115 Crore, Expands ATM Portfolio Deal Strengthens Presence in End-to-End ATM Management Mumbai, March 29 CMS Info Systems on Sunday announced the acquisition of Financial Software and Systems' managed services business for ₹115 crore, marking a strategic move to strengthen its position in the end-to-end ATM management space.The transaction includes the transfer of operating assets along with the novation of customer contracts. The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of FY27, the company said in a statement.8,000 ATMs Added to Management Portfolio Following the acquisition, CMS will add approximately 8,000 automated teller machines to its management...

Indian Stock Market Outlook: DIIs Counter FII Sell-Off Amid Global Uncertainty Domestic Investors Provide Strong Support to Indian Markets Amid continued foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) played a crucial role in stabilizing the Indian stock market last week. DIIs emerged as net buyers, investing Rs 26,897 crore and effectively absorbing the selling pressure caused by FIIs.This sustained domestic participation helped cushion market declines and maintain stability near key support levels, according to market analysts.FIIs Continue Aggressive Selling in Indian Equities Foreign institutional investors remained consistent net sellers throughout the week, with cumulative outflows of...

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Progress Reviewed at WTO MC14 Meeting Piyush Goyal Meets EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic At the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) held in Cameroon, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, to review progress on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).The leaders discussed key priorities under the WTO MC14 agenda and assessed ongoing negotiations toward finalizing the India-EU FTA. The agreement was earlier announced by Narendra Modi and Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi in January 2026.Focus on Strengthening India-EU Trade Relations During the meeting, both sides...

BTS Concert Boosts Foreign Tourism in Seoul: Seongsu-dong Emerges as New Shopping Hotspot Surge in Foreign Visitors During BTS Concert in Seoul Seoul witnessed a significant rise in foreign tourist activity during the recent BTS comeback concert held on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Plaza. Major commercial districts across the city experienced a sharp increase in international footfall, highlighting the global influence of BTS on tourism and retail.According to data from the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), more than 78,000 foreign visitors flocked to Jung Ward, home to the iconic Myeongdong shopping district. This marks a 15.1% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the growing appeal of Seoul as a global travel...

KOSPI Market Trends: Defense Stocks Rise While Auto and Shipbuilding Shares Decline South Korean Stock Market Reacts to Middle East Tensions South Korea’s benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) witnessed notable sectoral shifts approximately one month after the U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran. Market capitalization trends revealed gains in defense stocks, while auto and shipbuilding sectors faced declines amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Retain Top Market Positions Leading the KOSPI rankings, Samsung Electronics Co. maintained its position as the most valuable company with a market capitalization of 1,063.8 trillion won (approximately $705 billion). SK Hynix Inc. followed in second...

New Delhi, March 28 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday emphasized the need to ensure preparedness for the medium to long term and a swift decision-making process to address the evolving crisis in West Asia.Singh made the remarks while chairing the first meeting of the Informal Empowered Group of Ministers (IGoM) set up to monitor the situation in West Asia.The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister JP Nadda.Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and Minister of State for...

Middle East Tensions Disrupt India’s Exports, Hit Handicrafts and Mango Shipments New Delhi, March 28: Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are beginning to weigh on India’s export sector, with handicrafts and mango shipments among the worst affected, according to industry stakeholders.Heavy Dependence on Middle Eastern Markets Exporters highlighted that nearly 50 to 60 percent of trade in certain sectors is linked to Middle Eastern markets. Demand from the region typically peaks during the Ramzan period, making the current disruption particularly significant.Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Javid Tenga said that the usual surge in sales during Ramzan has not materialized this year."Sales usually surge during...

New Delhi, March 28 – The government stated on Saturday that more than 54 lakh LPG refills were delivered yesterday, and the delivery of domestic LPG cylinders is normal despite the prevailing geopolitical situation that has affected supply chains.There have been no reported shortages at LPG distribution centers, and online LPG cylinder bookings increased to 91 percent on an industry basis yesterday, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.To prevent diversion at the distributor level, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries have been increased from 53 percent (February 2026) to 84 percent now.The ministry further stated that all refineries are operating at full capacity, with adequate crude oil...

New Delhi, March 28 KP Group, a provider of solar, wind, and hybrid power solutions, has partnered with PP Savani University to launch a program aimed at developing a skilled workforce for the renewable energy sector.In collaboration with the university, the foundation has launched the "Urja Noor" scholarship program, which is designed to support underprivileged students pursuing education in renewable energy and related fields, according to a statement."The 'Urja Noor' scholarship program is designed to build a skilled workforce for the clean energy sector while ensuring access to quality education for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds," said KP Group, based in Gujarat.In the first batch, 92 students will...

Indian Railways Introduces Crowd Management Measures at Major Stations to Handle Passenger Rush New Delhi, March 28: Indian Railways has rolled out a comprehensive set of measures aimed at managing heavy passenger traffic across stations, with a focus on improving safety, streamlining movement, and reducing congestion. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Rajya Sabha.Dedicated Waiting Areas Planned at 76 Stations In a written reply, the minister stated that permanent passenger waiting areas will be developed at 76 identified railway stations. These spaces are intended to ease overcrowding on platforms, particularly during peak hours.The waiting areas will include essential amenities such...

C-DOT Partners with Delhi Police to Deploy Advanced Tech Solutions for Modern Policing New Delhi, March 28: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Delhi Police to deploy nine advanced technology solutions aimed at strengthening modern policing capabilities in the national capital, according to an official statement released on Saturday.Focus on Technology-Driven Policing and Public Safety The collaboration seeks to leverage C-DOT’s portfolio of indigenous, cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency, secure communication, surveillance, cybersecurity, and emergency response systems within the Delhi Police.The initiative aligns with the broader objective of...

Government Pushes Mission-Mode Expansion of PNG Network, Targets 50 Lakh New Connections New Delhi, March 28: Union Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday outlined a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure across urban India, with a strong focus on institutional reforms and coordinated implementation.Addressing a high-level review meeting, the minister emphasized the need to institutionalize single-window approval systems, integrate PNG infrastructure into urban planning frameworks, and ensure last-mile connectivity. He described cities as key drivers of economic growth and called for mission-mode execution to fast-track PNG rollout.Target of 50 Lakh PNG Connections Highlighted According...

Haveus Aerotech to Invest Rs 450 Crore in State-of-the-Art ATR MRO FacilityNew MRO Facility Planned in India Mumbai, March 28 – Haveus Aerotech, a leading aviation MRO services provider, announced on Saturday that it has signed an initial agreement to set up a state-of-the-art MRO facility for ATR aircraft in the state, with an investment of Rs 450 crore.Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the state government, Haveus Aerotech will receive support in obtaining necessary permissions, registrations, and incentives from relevant departments, in line with prevailing policies.Comprehensive ATR Services The proposed component MRO facility, with a five-year investment plan of Rs 450 crore, will offer ATR repair...

Rising Feed Costs in China Amid Iran Conflict Push Hog Producers into LossesEscalating Feed Prices Hit Hog Farmers New Delhi, March 28 – Escalating grain and input prices triggered by the Iran war are driving up animal feed costs in China, intensifying pressure on hog producers already grappling with weak pork demand and 16-year-low prices, according to a recent report.In March, spot soymeal prices surged by 7% (over 200 yuan per tonne), while corn climbed 4% (around 100 yuan per tonne), reflecting the impact on key livestock feed ingredients.China’s Dependence on Soymeal and Corn China, the world’s largest pig market, depends heavily on soymeal and corn for hog feed. Futures for both commodities on the Dalian Exchange hit...

Adani Defence Delivers First 2,000 Prahar LMGs to Indian Armed Forces Milestone for ‘Make in India’ Initiative Gwalior, March 28 – Adani Defence and Aerospace on Saturday delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns to the Indian Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone for the government’s Make in India campaign.The 7.62 mm-calibre LMGs were manufactured at Adani Defence and Aerospace’s Small Arms Complex on the outskirts of Gwalior.Accelerated Production Timeline CEO Ashish Rajvanshi stated that while the original contract allows seven years to deliver 41,000 LMGs, the company aims to complete deliveries in less than three years.“With the first 2,000 LMGs delivered, we are confident of producing 1,000 units...

CBIC Launches Duty Deferment Scheme to Boost Manufacturing and Expedite Clearances Hybrid Outreach Program Introduced for Manufacturer Importers New Delhi, March 28 – The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) conducted a hybrid outreach program to promote the Duty Deferment Scheme for eligible manufacturer importers, the Ministry of Finance said on Saturday. The program aimed to expedite cargo clearances and improve liquidity for domestic manufacturers.How the Duty Deferment Scheme Works The scheme allows eligible manufacturer importers to clear imported goods without making upfront duty payments, instead enabling monthly duty settlement. This facility aligns with the government’s Make in India campaign, designed to...