Business

India, US Review Next Steps on Bilateral Trade Agreement at WTO Meet Piyush Goyal Meets US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Cameroon New Delhi, March 27: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Friday to review the next steps in the ongoing India US bilateral trade agreement negotiations.The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Yaounde, Cameroon. The four day WTO conference began on March 26.Focus on BTA Negotiations and WTO Agenda During the interaction, both sides exchanged views on key issues related to the WTO Ministerial Conference and deliberated on advancing the bilateral trade...

Powerica IPO Subscribed 1.45 Times on Final Day, QIB Demand Drives Momentum Institutional Buying Lifts Powerica IPO Subscription New Delhi, March 27: The initial public offering of power solutions provider Powerica Ltd closed on a firm note on Friday, with the issue subscribed 1.45 times on the final day of bidding, supported primarily by strong institutional participation.The Rs 1,100 crore IPO received bids for 2,98,57,816 shares against 2,05,55,171 shares on offer, as per NSE data.QIB Segment Sees Strong Response, Retail Participation Muted The Qualified Institutional Buyers portion led the demand, recording a robust 4.50 times subscription.In contrast, the non-institutional investor category was subscribed 44 per cent, while...

India Fuel Supply Update: No Shortage of Petrol, Diesel, LPG; Government Dismisses Lockdown Rumors India Maintains Adequate Fuel Stocks Amid West Asia Crisis New Delhi, March 27: India currently holds sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG to last at least two months under normal consumption patterns, the government confirmed on Friday, assuring citizens of uninterrupted fuel availability despite supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing war in West Asia.Officials stated that the country has around 60 days of crude oil stock cover, along with one month of LPG supply already secured. Authorities emphasized that there is no shortage of key fuels across the country.Government Rules Out Lockdown, Calls Rumors Misleading The...

Government Unveils TV Ratings Policy 2026 to Boost Transparency and CompetitionThe government on Friday introduced the TV Ratings Policy 2026, marking a significant overhaul of television audience measurement norms in India. The new framework replaces the 2014 guidelines and is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and competition in the broadcasting ecosystem.A key reform under the policy is the reduction in entry barriers for rating agencies. The minimum net worth requirement has been lowered sharply from Rs 20 crore to Rs 5 crore, opening the sector to more participants and encouraging competitive practices.To ensure independence and neutrality, the policy mandates that at least 50 percent of the board members of...

Amir Chand Jagdish Kumar IPO Subscribed 3.23 Times on Final Day, Strong NII Demand Leads Bidding IPO Sees Healthy Overall Response Led by Non-Institutional Investors New Delhi, March 27: The initial public offering of basmati rice exporter Amir Chand Jagdish Kumar (Exports) Ltd closed with an overall subscription of 3.23 times on Friday, driven largely by strong participation from non-institutional investors.According to NSE data, the Rs 440 crore IPO received bids for 6,10,40,560 shares against 1,89,05,270 shares on offer.Segment-Wise Subscription Details The demand across investor categories showed varied participation:The non-institutional investors segment was subscribed 12.71 times Retail individual investors portion saw a...

Kolkata Residential Property Registrations Jump 63% in February Kolkata, March 27 – The Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) saw 4,974 residential property registrations in February, marking a 63% month-on-month increase as the market rebounded from a seasonal low in January, according to Knight Frank India.On a year-on-year basis, registrations were slightly lower by 1%, compared with 5,016 units in February 2025. Data includes both primary (new sales) and secondary (resale) markets for apartments, sourced from the Directorate of Registrations and Stamps Revenue, Government of West Bengal.Key Market Trends:Mid-sized apartments (501–1,000 sq ft) dominated, accounting for 58% of total registrations, up from 44% a year ago. Units below...

ED Files Chargesheet Against Former Reliance Communications President in ₹40,000 Crore Loan Case New Delhi, March 27 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against former Reliance Communications president Punit Garg and Vaishali Jairam Mane, a former director at US-based Bonn Investment Inc, in connection with a money laundering investigation related to an alleged ₹40,000 crore loan fraud, official sources said.The chargesheet was submitted to a special court at Rouse Avenue under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It spans over 170 pages, detailing the ED’s findings and allegations against the accused. The case is part of an ongoing probe into financial irregularities involving large-scale loans...

Indian Equity Markets Lose ₹8.86 Lakh Crore Amid West Asia Tensions New Delhi, March 27 – Indian equity investors faced a massive loss of ₹8.86 lakh crore on Friday as markets plunged over 2%, driven by escalating tensions in West Asia and a fresh spike in crude oil prices.Market OverviewBSE Sensex: Fell 1,690.23 points (2.25%) to 73,583.22Intraday low: 73,534.41 (-1,739.04 points, 2.31%)Market Capitalization: Dropped by ₹8,86,383.92 crore, now at ₹4,22,15,450.82 crore (USD 4.46 trillion) Nifty 50: Declined by 486.85 points (2.09%)Key DriversGeopolitical Risk: Ongoing West Asia conflict kept crude prices above USD 100 per barrel, creating uncertainty. Currency Pressure: The rupee fell sharply amid global volatility. Foreign...

Government Invests ₹257.77 Crore in Electronics Development Fund to Support 128 Startups New Delhi, March 27 – The government has invested ₹257.77 crore under the Electronics Development Fund (EDF) in eight specialized “Daughter funds”, which have collectively provided financial support to 128 startups and companies, Parliament was informed on Friday. About the Electronics Development Fund (EDF)Established as a Fund of Funds, the EDF channels investment into Daughter funds that support emerging technology companies. Focus areas include electronics, nano-electronics, and information technology (IT). The fund provides risk capital to promote innovation and growth in the tech ecosystem.Key Investment DetailsTotal Investments by...

India-China Trade Talks Highlight Rising Trade Deficit New Delhi, March 27 – Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentaoon Friday to discuss trade-related issues, amid a widening trade deficit between the two countries. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaounde, Cameroon.Key HighlightsBilateral Trade Discussion: Goyal exchanged views with Wang Wentao on the MC-14 agenda and discussed measures to improve India-China trade relations. Rising Trade Deficit:India’s trade deficit with China has crossed USD 100 billion for the first 11 months of the fiscal year. Exports to China grew 37.66% to USD 17.54 billion. Imports from China rose 15.21%...

Maharashtra Aims to Become Global Healthcare Hub Under ‘Viksit Maharashtra 2047’ Vision Mumbai, March 27 – Maharashtra has the potential to emerge as a global hub for integrated healthcare and recovery, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday, highlighting the sector’s role in driving innovation, investment, and social welfare.Speaking at the Pulse 2026 Summit, organized by the state’s Medical Education and Drugs Department, the CM emphasized that healthcare will be a key pillar of the Viksit Maharashtra 2047 vision.Key Initiatives in HealthcareIndian Institute of Public Health in NagpurTo focus on public health leadership, research, epidemiology, and health systems strengthening. Will support evidence-based...

Reliance Industries Shares Plunge 4.6% Amid Market Volatility, Rs 87,014 Crore Wiped Off New Delhi, March 27 – Shares of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) witnessed heavy selling on Friday, falling 4.6 per cent, which led to a reduction of Rs 87,014 crore in the company’s market capitalization, following broader market declines.Share Price MovementBSE: Closed at Rs 1,348.25, down 4.55% Intraday low: Rs 1,345, a drop of 4.78% NSE: Closed at Rs 1,348.10, down 4.59% Market Cap: Declined from Rs 18,24,515.62 crore by Rs 87,013.8 croreImpact on Benchmark Indices The slump in Reliance shares contributed to broader market losses:BSE Sensex: Fell 1,690.23 points (2.25%) to 73,583.22 NSE Nifty: Dropped 486.85 points (2.09%) to 22,819.60...

New Delhi, March 27 – Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday announced the establishment of six new Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Manipur following a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen in the national capital.ICAR to Set Up New KVKs Acting on the state’s request, the minister directed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to establish the new KVKs to strengthen agricultural extension services and support farmers in the region, according to an official statement.Proposal for Tissue Culture Lab Encouraged Chouhan also urged the Manipur government to submit a proposal for setting up a Tissue Culture Laboratory, aimed at enhancing advanced agricultural practices and improving crop...

Parliamentary Panel Urges SAIL to Boost Sales, Expand Product Portfolio and Cut Costs New Delhi, March 27 – A Parliamentary Standing Committee has asked Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to strengthen its sales strategy, improve revenue realisation, and enhance market competitiveness, citing gaps in its product portfolio and operational challenges.Focus on Sales, Marketing and Digital Expansion In its report titled “Organisational Structure and Performance of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) – A Review”, the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel (2025–26) recommended that SAIL:Strengthen its sales and marketing network Ensure efficient movement of raw materials and finished products Expand digital sales platforms...

Parliamentary Panel Urges MSP for Organic Crops to Protect Farmers New Delhi, March 27 – A Parliamentary Standing Committee has urged the Union Ministry of Agriculture to fix a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for organic crops, highlighting the need to safeguard farmers transitioning to sustainable agriculture.Panel Criticizes Limited MSP Coverage In its 17th report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing criticized the ministry for restricting MSP to 22 notified crops and not extending it to organic produce.The ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that MSP and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane are determined based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs...

Noida International Airport to Boost Connectivity, Ease Delhi Airport Congestion: PM Modi New Delhi, March 27 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the upcoming Noida International Airportwill significantly boost commerce, connectivity, and reduce congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).Major Aviation Boost for Delhi-NCR Ahead of its inauguration on March 28, the Prime Minister highlighted that the airport will serve as a key international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR) and complement existing aviation infrastructure.“Tomorrow, March 28, is a day of immense importance for Uttar Pradesh and NCR. The first phase of the Noida International Airport will be inaugurated. This will boost...

China-Linked Hackers Deploy Stealth Malware in Global Telecom Networks: Report New Delhi, March 27 – A China-linked state-sponsored hacking group has been found embedding highly stealthy malware deep within global telecom infrastructure, raising serious concerns about long-term cyber espionage, according to a report by Rapid7.Advanced Malware Designed for Long-Term Espionage The cybersecurity firm revealed that attackers are using kernel-level implants and passive backdoors that function like “digital sleeper cells,” enabling them to remain undetected while continuously monitoring compromised systems.These tools allow hackers to maintain persistent access to networks without triggering traditional security alerts. Although no...

DCIL @50: Targets ₹3,000 Crore Turnover, Plans Expansion and Fleet Modernisation Visakhapatnam, March 27 – Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) marked its 50th anniversary on Friday, unveiling an ambitious roadmap focused on expansion, fleet modernisation, and scaling up operations, with a target to achieve ₹3,000 crore turnover in the coming years.Strong Growth Backed by Order Book Managing Director and CEO Captain S. Divakar said the company aims to reach the revenue milestone within 5–10 years, supported by a robust order book of around ₹1,400 crore and rising opportunities in the maritime sector.Established on March 29, 1976, DCIL has played a crucial role in developing India’s port infrastructure and maritime ecosystem...

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: China Hesitant on Iran’s Safe Corridor, Risks Rise for Asian Energy Supply New Delhi, March 27 – Iran’s proposal to establish a safe shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz has received a lukewarm response from China, highlighting growing concerns among major Asian economies over disruptions in global energy routes, according to a report by Anadolu Agency.China Avoids Iran’s Proposed Shipping Corridor The report stated that Chinese vessels largely avoided the corridor for 10 days after Tehran announced on March 13 that it would monitor ship movements between Larak and Kish islands in its territorial waters.Chinese shipowners reportedly raised concerns over inspections by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary...

Gold and Silver Prices Fall Up to 5% in Delhi; Silver Drops ₹11,250 New Delhi, March 27 – Prices of gold and silver declined sharply in the national capital on Friday, with silver plunging up to 5% amid volatile global cues and fluctuations in crude oil prices.Silver Prices Crash Nearly 5% According to the All India Sarafa Association, silver prices dropped by ₹11,250 to ₹2,30,000 per kg (inclusive of taxes), down from ₹2,41,250 per kg in the previous session.Gold Prices Decline by ₹1,900 Gold of 99.9% purity fell by ₹1,900, or 1.3%, to ₹1,47,800 per 10 grams (inclusive of taxes), compared to its last closing price of ₹1,49,700 per 10 grams.Bullion markets remained closed on Thursday on account of Ram Navami.Global Trends Keep...