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GMR Airports reports ₹253 crore loss for March quarter

GMR Airports Ltd (GAL), which operates Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mopa airports, reported a consolidated loss of ₹253 crore for the quarter ending March 2025, an increase from a loss of ₹168 crore in the same period last year, despite a rise in total income to ₹2,977 crore. For the fiscal year 2024-25, the company's loss narrowed slightly to ₹817 crore from ₹829 crore the previous year. Passenger traffic at GAL-owned airports grew by 9% year-on-year, reaching 31.5 million in Q4 and 120.5 million for the fiscal year. GAL also manages Medan Airport in Indonesia and is developing Crete Airport in Greece and Bhogapuram Airport in Andhra Pradesh. A new tariff order from the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) is expected to enhance revenue and profitability for Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates Indira Gandhi International Airport. Following the announcement, GAL's shares fell over 2% to ₹87.08. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 3 pm

NITI Aayog meeting to discuss state progress and sustainability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 10th meeting of the Niti Aayog Governing Council on Saturday, emphasizing the vital role of State governments in India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047. The meeting, themed “Viksit Rajya, Viksit Bharat @2047,” will gather Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and administrators at Bharat Mandapam. Key discussions will focus on promoting entrepreneurship, employment, and skill development, particularly leveraging India's youthful demographic. Leaders will explore strategies to enhance the manufacturing and services ecosystem, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, while addressing infrastructure, skill training, and investment policies. The meeting will also tackle issues related to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and informal employment, with States sharing best practices. Additionally, some States may voice demands for a larger share of the Union Budget, as highlighted by Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin. Green economy opportunities will also be on the agenda, aligning with India's sustainable development goals. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 7 pm

China resumes import of rare earth magnets

The Indian government has resumed imports of rare earth magnets from China, essential for the automobile and electronics sectors, issuing 30 certificates to importers who have committed that these magnets will not be used for defence purposes or re-exported to the US. This decision follows concerns from leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers about potential supply disruptions due to Chinese restrictions on critical minerals. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has been designated as the nodal authority to ensure compliance with Chinese regulations, which require importers to provide assurances regarding the domestic use of these materials. The Chinese government has stipulated that permanent magnets must not be utilized in defence applications or exported to the US, necessitating additional certification from the Indian government. Rare earth magnets, particularly neodymium-iron-boron, are vital for the efficient operation of electric motors in both EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 8 pm

RBI study connects climate change to rising vegetable prices

A recent study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) highlights the vulnerability of vegetable prices to rising temperatures, which significantly impact the Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) basket, where vegetables account for 6.04% and food items collectively represent 45.86%. The study, featured in the RBI Bulletin, indicates that deviations in rainfall and temperature can increase vegetable price momentum, necessitating the urgent adoption of temperature-resistant crop varieties. Dr. Vikramaditya Pandey from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) pointed to the 'Kashi Tapis' tomato variety as an example of a climate-resilient crop expected to be available to farmers soon. While acknowledging that local factors also influence price fluctuations, the study emphasizes the need for accurate inflation forecasting to inform monetary policy, given that vegetable prices, driven by small farmers, are highly volatile and susceptible to adverse weather events. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 8 pm

Net FDI drops to $353 million in FY25: RBI

In a notable trading session, India's benchmark indices saw significant gains, with the SENSEX rising by 769.09 points to close at 81,721.08, while the NIFTY increased by 243.45 points, reaching 24,853.15. In commodities, gold prices surged by 768.00 to settle at 96,304.00, contrasting with a slight decline in crude oil, which fell by 6.00 to 5,259.00. However, silver experienced a drop of 124.00, closing at 97,672.00. Meanwhile, provisional data from the Reserve Bank of India revealed a sharp decline in net foreign direct investments, plummeting to $353 million in FY25 from over $10 billion in FY24. Despite this, gross inflows and investments remained robust at over $81 billion, with repatriations and disinvestments totaling $51.5 billion, indicating a complex landscape for foreign investments in the country. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 8 pm

Naidu requests Centre's support for Polavaram-Banakacherla project

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has formally requested the Indian government's support for the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link project, aimed at addressing water scarcity in south-central Andhra Pradesh by diverting surplus water from the Godavari River. During a meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, Naidu presented a detailed proposal that outlines a financing plan and emphasizes the project's potential to benefit millions in drought-affected regions. The initiative, which will employ lift irrigation and tunneling methods across three phases, is also positioned as a model for future river-linking projects in India. Naidu has shared the proposal with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, urging inter-departmental coordination to expedite the project's progress, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) anticipated by June 2025. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 6 pm

Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian flights to June 24

Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian flights using its airspace until June 24, 2025, according to a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). This decision follows a previous month-long closure initiated last month in response to India's actions following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities. The PAA confirmed that the ban applies to all Indian-registered, operated, owned, or leased aircraft, including military flights, prohibiting any Indian airline from entering or transiting through Pakistani airspace. The extension aligns with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, which limit airspace restrictions to one month at a time. Notably, the ban was reinforced just days after an IndiGo pilot sought permission to use Pakistani airspace to avoid turbulence during a flight but was denied. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 7 pm

Pakistan's rice exports face challenges from conflicts

In April, Pakistan's rice exports plummeted to just under 44,000 tonnes, marking the lowest figure for the current fiscal year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. The decline is attributed to multiple factors, including unrest in Sindh, which has disrupted shipping operations at key ports like Karachi and Qasim. Tensions with India, exacerbated by recent military actions and the closure of the Iran border—crucial for Basmati rice shipments—have further complicated logistics. Protests in Sindh over water distribution have also blocked transport routes, leading to significant backlogs. As a result, shipping costs have surged, with traders noting that containers are avoiding Karachi due to the ongoing dispute with India. Meanwhile, India is poised to benefit from the situation, with expectations of increased rice exports as it holds substantial stocks, while Pakistan's agricultural output faces potential threats from water shortages linked to the Indus Water Treaty. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 7 pm

Gokaldas expands into UK, Europe amid tariff concerns

In a recent investor call, Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Gokaldas Exports, highlighted the company's strategic shift towards the UK and European markets amid global tariff uncertainties. Historically focused on the US for its profitability, Gokaldas aims to mitigate competition from duty-free players like Bangladesh in Europe. The company reported a 19% year-on-year increase in consolidated profit after tax for Q4 FY25, reaching ₹53 crore, with total revenue rising 27% to ₹1,035 crore. Ganapathi acknowledged potential challenges related to tariffs, noting that buyers are cautious, operating under the assumption that the current 10% tariff will persist beyond its initial 90-day window. He anticipates that clarity on trade agreements with the US and UK will emerge in the latter half of the financial year, which may alleviate some of the uncertainties currently affecting order placements. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 5 pm

BEML Q4 profit up 12% to ₹287.55 crore

In a positive turn for the Indian stock market, the SENSEX rose by 769.09 points to close at 81,721.08, while the NIFTY gained 243.45 points, reaching 24,853.15. In commodities, gold prices increased by ₹548 to ₹96,084, whereas silver fell by ₹417 to ₹97,379, and crude oil prices dropped by ₹77 to ₹5,188. Meanwhile, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) reported a net profit of ₹288 crore for the fourth quarter of FY25, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. Revenue from operations rose by 6% to ₹1,653 crore, with a notable 14% growth in EBITDA to ₹427 crore. Despite a slight decline in annual revenue to ₹4,022 crore, BEML's operational efficiency improved, leading to an EBITDA margin of 13.20%. The company is set to expand its manufacturing capabilities with new facilities in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 5 pm

US cuts outbound remittance tax to 3.5%

The US House of Representatives has approved the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which introduces a 3.5% tax on overseas remittances, down from an initial proposal of 5%. Set to take effect on January 1, 2026, this tax is expected to impact Indian professionals in the US who send money back home, with experts warning of potential economic repercussions. Shefali Mundra, a chartered accountant, noted that while the reduced rate offers some relief, it could still lead to significant annual outflows, affecting household incomes and economic activities reliant on these funds. In 2023, overseas Indians sent approximately $120 billion in remittances, with the US contributing 27.7% of this total, according to the Reserve Bank of India. The bill retains an exemption for verified US citizens or nationals, highlighting the importance of remittances for the 2.7 million-strong Indian diaspora in the US, who support families through various expenses and investments. sources

Published:
May 23 2025, 5 pm

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