Business

Pakistan Economy Remains Vulnerable Despite Petroleum Levy Hike New Delhi, March 25 – Experts have cautioned that Pakistan’s economy remains highly vulnerable to global shocks due to its heavy reliance on imported fuel, weak external finances, and limited fiscal space. The situation could worsen without urgent structural reforms, they warn.Petroleum Levy Targeted at High-End Consumers However, the government’s decision to sharply raise the petroleum levy on high-octane fuel is being viewed as a move with some fiscal logic. According to a Dawn report, the measure targets a product largely used by luxury and high-performance vehicle owners.Fiscal Strategy to Protect Wider Public By collecting approximately Rs 9 billion every month...

India’s Data Center Capacity Set to Surge, Attracting Rs. 1.5 Lakh Crore Investment Data Center Capacity Forecasts Reach 4 Gigawatts by FY30 New Delhi, March 25 – India’s data center capacity is projected to reach approximately 4 gigawatts (GW) by fiscal year 30, potentially attracting investments totaling Rs. 1.5 lakh crore during that period, according to a report released on Wednesday. Current Capacity and Global Comparison India’s data center capacity currently stands at 1.2 megawatts per million users, significantly lower than the global average of 5 megawatts per million users. The country’s share of the global data center market was approximately 4% in 2025, with a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts. Growth Trajectory and Revenue...

Lok Sabha Passes Finance Bill 2026 with 32 Amendments New Delhi, March 25 – The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2026, accompanied by 32 government amendments, on Wednesday. The passage of the Finance Bill 2026 marks the completion of the Lok Sabha’s part of the budgetary approval process. The Upper House, the Rajya Sabha, will now consider the Bill. Once the Rajya Sabha approves the Bill, the budgetary process for 2026-27 will be complete. The Union Budget 2026-27 outlines a total expenditure of ₹53.47 lakh crore, representing an increase of 7.7 per cent compared to the current fiscal year ending March 31. The budget also proposes a total capital expenditure of ₹12.2 lakh crore for the next fiscal year. Revenue projections indicate a...

India Urged to Unlock Vast Gold Reserves Through Financialization New Delhi, March 25 – India should unlock the vast household gold reserves by encouraging consumers to invest in financial instruments, said former Union Minister P P Choudhary and senior market officials on Wednesday. The move is intended to reduce India’s dependence on bullion imports and ease pressure on the current account deficit.Significant Gold Holdings Outside Formal System India’s households and temples together hold an estimated 50,000 tonnes of gold, valued at roughly USD 10 trillion, largely outside the formal financial system. This figure was cited by Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer at the National Stock Exchange.Push for Electronic...

Tax Exemption for Cooperative Federations Announced Three-Year Dividend Tax Relief for National Cooperatives New Delhi – The government announced a three-year tax exemption on dividend income for national cooperative federations on Wednesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed the measure in the Lok Sabha, stating it is designed to benefit small members and bolster the cooperative sector.The tax relief is intended to increase the incomes of small cooperative members and encourage greater participation within the sector. Minister Sitharaman emphasized the crucial role cooperatives, alongside micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers, play in creating jobs and supporting economic growth across India. She...

Lupin Receives Tentative USFDA Approval for Generic Pitolisant Tablets New Delhi, March 25 – Lupin Ltd announced on Wednesday that it has received tentative approval from the US health regulator for its generic version of Pitolisant tablets, indicated for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness.The tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) is for an abbreviated new drug application for Pitolisant Tablets in strengths of 4.45mg and 17.8mg, Lupin said in a regulatory filing.The product will be manufactured at Lupin’s facility in Nagpur, India.

CRED Launches Biometric Authentication for UPI Payments Up to Rs 5,000 New Delhi, March 25 – Fintech platform CRED has announced the availability of biometric authentication for UPI payments, allowing users to authorize transactions using their face or fingerprint. The feature, developed in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is now accessible on both iOS and Android devices. According to a company statement, the biometric authentication method applies to all UPI-based transactions on the platform. This includes credit card bills, utility payments, merchant transactions, and peer-to-peer transfers.FeatureDetailsAuthentication MethodFace or FingerprintTransaction LimitUp to Rs 5,000Device...

Brigade Enterprises Expects Over Rs 1,100 Crore from Bengaluru Housing Project New Housing Development Launches in East Bengaluru Bengaluru, March 25 – Brigade Enterprises Ltd. anticipates revenue surpassing Rs 1,100 crore from its new ‘Brigade Belvedere’ housing project located in East Bengaluru.The company announced the launch of the 10.75-acre residential development in a regulatory filing on Wednesday.The initial phase of the project will feature 773 premium residential units, with an estimated revenue potential exceeding Rs 1,100 crore.Established in 1986, Brigade Group is a leading property developer in India. The company has a diverse portfolio encompassing housing, commercial, and hospitality projects. Its operational...

India Pursues Reform Path with Conviction, Sitharaman Says New Delhi, March 25 – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated on Wednesday that India is firmly on a path of economic reform, driven by conviction and a clear strategy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the debate on the Finance Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha, she emphasized that these reforms are not driven by compulsion but by a deliberate and confident approach.The Finance Minister highlighted the government’s focus on improving the tax administration, stating that it is being built on a foundation of trust and designed to reduce unnecessary hardships for honest taxpayers.A key element of the government’s strategy is empowering Micro, Small...

Zinc Prices Rise Slightly on Futures Market Zinc Futures Increase New Delhi – Zinc prices saw a marginal increase on Wednesday, rising by Rs 1.80 per kilogram in futures trading. The price settled at Rs 310.40 per kg.The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) witnessed a rise in zinc contracts for April delivery. The contract increased by Rs 1.80, representing a 0.58 percent gain, to close at Rs 310.40 per kg. Trading volume for the day reached 436 lots.Traders cited increased speculation by market participants as the primary driver behind the rise in zinc futures prices.

Cottonseed Oil Cake Prices Decline in Futures Trading New Delhi, March 25 – The prices of cottonseed oil cake experienced a decrease in futures trading on Wednesday, falling by Rs 24 to Rs 3,455 per quintal. This decline followed weak trends observed in the spot market.Futures Trading Details Cottonseed oil cake for April delivery on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange saw a decrease of Rs 24, representing a 0.69 percent reduction, settling at Rs 3,455 per quintal. The open interest for the April contract stood at 55,760 lots.Analyst Insights Analysts attributed the price decrease to selling pressure from traders at existing price levels, influenced by a generally subdued market trend.

New Delhi, March 25 – Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) jointly asserted on Wednesday that there are no shortages of petrol, diesel, or LPG within the country. The companies urged citizens to disregard rumors circulating on social media and refrain from panic buying.The three state-owned oil firms issued statements emphasizing the adequacy of their fuel stocks and the operational status of their outlets. IOC stated that its outlets are “well-stocked and fully operational,” while BPCL termed reports of shortages “completely unfounded.” HPCL echoed this sentiment, confirming “no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG across the country” and advising...

LPG Supply to Halt for Households Not Opting for PNG New Delhi, March 25 – The government has mandated that the supply of cooking gas, LPG, to households will be discontinued if consumers fail to switch to piped natural gas where such connectivity is available, under a new order aimed at accelerating gas network expansion and reducing reliance on a single fuel.The move comes as India grapples with an LPG shortage due to global supply disruptions, including damage to liquefaction facilities in the Gulf and the continued blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. The government is actively encouraging households and commercial users to transition to piped natural gas (PNG), a domestically produced and diversified alternative.PNG offers...

Aluminium Prices Rise in Futures Trading New Delhi, March 25 – Aluminium prices increased by nearly 0.24 per cent to Rs 334.75 per kg in futures trading on Wednesday.Aluminium Futures Price Increase The price of aluminium for delivery in April on the Multi Commodity Exchange increased by 80 paise, or 0.24 per cent, to Rs 334.75 per kilogram in 370 lots.Analysts attributed the price rise to fresh positions created by traders, supported by demand from consuming industries.

Coriander Futures Prices Surge to Rs 11,530 per Quintal New Delhi, March 25 – Coriander prices increased by Rs 120 per quintal in futures trading on Wednesday, reaching Rs 11,530 per quintal. The rise was attributed to increased speculative activity and a firm trend observed in the spot market.On the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, coriander contracts for April delivery rose by Rs 120, representing a 1.04% increase, to Rs 11,530 per quintal. Trading volume reached 17,335 lots.Market analysts cited a firm trend in the spot market and limited supply from producing regions as the primary drivers behind the price increase.

Guar Gum Prices Surge on Futures Market New Delhi, March 25 – Guar gum prices rose by ₹79 per quintal on Wednesday in futures trading, reaching ₹10,123 per quintal. The increase was driven by increased speculative activity and robust spot demand.The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) saw guar gum contracts for April delivery trade higher by ₹79, representing a 0.78% increase, closing at ₹10,123 per quintal. Open interest for the April contract stood at 49,015 lots.Analysts attributed the price rise to a firm trend observed in the physical market, prompting traders to bolster their holdings.

Guar Seed Futures Prices Rise on Investor Confidence Guar Seed Futures Gain New Delhi, March 25 – Guar seed futures prices rose by Rs 29 to Rs 5,463 per quintal in futures trading on Wednesday.The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange saw guar seed contracts for April delivery increase by Rs 29, representing a 0.53 percent rise. The open interest for these contracts stood at 43,420 lots.Market participants cited increased investor confidence as a driver behind the price increase in futures trading, despite a reported fall in spot prices.

REC Ltd Approves ₹1.6 Lakh Crore Market Borrowings for 2026-27 New Delhi, March 25 – State-owned REC Ltd announced today that its board has approved market borrowings of ₹1.6 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. The regulatory filing indicates that the total borrowing program encompasses ₹1,60,000 crore. This will be raised through a combination of instruments including the issuance of capital gains tax exemption bonds, domestic debentures, rupee term loans, and external commercial borrowings. Up to ₹1,40,000 crore will be raised through these bonds, debentures, term loans, and external commercial borrowings. Additionally, the company plans to raise up to ₹10,000 crore through short-term loans and commercial papers...

India’s Smart TV Shipments Remain Flat in 2025, Festive Demand Drives Q4 Growth New Delhi, March 25 – India’s shipments of smart TVs remained broadly flat year-on-year in 2025, according to a report released on Wednesday by Counterpoint Research. The first half of the year experienced a slowdown due to softened consumer sentiment and delayed upgrades. However, stronger festive demand in the latter half of the year, supported by a reduction in the GST rate on televisions with screen sizes 32 inches and above, resulted in a 10% year-on-year growth in shipments during the fourth quarter.Key Metrics – 2025 Smart TV Shipments (India)Total Shipments: Flat Year-on-YearQ4 Growth: 10% Year-on-YearH1 Weakness: Softened consumer...

Copper Prices Decline on Weak Domestic Demand Copper Futures Drop ₹17.95 New Delhi, March 25 – Copper prices fell by ₹17.95 to ₹1,152.50 per kilogram in futures trading on Wednesday.The decline was attributed to weak demand in the domestic spot market.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), copper for April delivery decreased by ₹17.95, representing a 1.58% drop, to ₹1,152.50 per kg. Trading volume reached 2,375 lots.Traders cited subdued domestic demand from consuming industries as a factor influencing copper prices in the futures market.