New Delhi: India has come a long way from the early days of its journey towards FTAs, which really began with an “early harvest scheme” with Thailand that had limited coverage of under 100 products. The duty concessions to the South East Asian country meant that companies such as Honda and Sony began importing gear…
India’s corporate sector continues to show confidence in the economy even amid global challenges, as reflected in the Pre-Budget Survey 2026-27 released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).The survey indicates that close to 80 per cent of participants remain positive about the country’s growth outlook, with nearly half projecting economic…
The rupee on Wednesday depreciated 31 paise to close at an all-time low of 91.99 against the US dollar, marking the second instance in less than a week that the currency has settled at its weakest-ever level, pressured by heightened month-end demand for the greenback and lingering geopolitical concerns, traders said.At the interbank foreign exchange,…
Amid the backdrop of Budget 2026, India may need to revisit long-standing restrictions on voting rights in private sector banks if it wants to build stronger lenders capable of supporting the country’s long-term economic ambitions, according to experts.Vijay Mani, Partner and Banking and Capital Markets Leader at Deloitte India, and Russell Gaitonde, Partner, said the…
The Maharashtra state government has declared a three day state mourning after the passing away of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The veteran leader of Nationalist Congress Party, died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning in Baramati.Along with Pawar, his personal security officer, an aide, and two crew members comprising the pilot in command…
Canada has conveyed its intent to expedite the launch of formal negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with India, signalling a reset in bilateral trade engagement after talks were paused in 2023, PTI reported citing an official statement on Wednesday.Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Maninder Sidhu has invited Commerce…
The Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) on Wednesday described the India–European Union free trade agreement as a significant step in India’s global trade engagement, while cautioning that adequate safeguards will be needed to protect domestic stainless steel producers, PTI reported.India and the EU announced the conclusion of negotiations for the FTA earlier this week….
US stocks edged higher on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 breaching the 7,000-point mark for the first time, underscoring sustained investor optimism around artificial intelligence, resilient Big Tech earnings prospects and expectations of eventual monetary easing.The benchmark index rose 0.3 per cent, extending gains after its latest record close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced…
India-US trade deal: The much-awaited trade deal between India and the US may be finalised ‘any day now’. A report quoting sources in the Ministry of External Affairs has said that discussions between the two sides are underway and significant progress has been made towards the goal of finalising a trade deal. US President Donald…
MUMBAI: Star Health and Allied Insurance reported a sharp jump in profitability in the December quarter, with net profit rising more than four-fold, aided by higher premium growth, improved underwriting performance and a surge in investment income.The Chennai-based standalone health insurer posted a profit after tax of Rs 449 crore in the third quarter of…