Business

Eurozone Inflation Reaches 2.5% in January, According to Eurostat

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2025

According to a preliminary estimate from Eurostat released on Monday, the Eurozone’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.5% in January, increasing from 2.4% in December 2024. Services are projected to experience the highest annual inflation at 3.9%, a slight decrease from 4% the previous month. Meanwhile, inflation for food, alcohol, and tobacco decreased to 2.3%, down from 2.6% in December.

Energy prices saw a significant climb in annual inflation, jumping from 0.1% in December to 1.8% in January, whereas inflation for non-energy industrial goods remained unchanged at 0.5%.

Among Eurozone countries, Croatia reported the highest inflation rate at 5%, followed by Belgium at 4.4% and Slovakia at 4.1%. The main EU economies showed the following inflation rates in January: Germany at 2.8%, France at 1.8%, Italy at 1.7%, and Spain at 2.9%.

“Inflation has increased from 2.4% to 2.5% in January, marking the fourth consecutive rise for the Eurozone,” stated Bert Colijn, ING’s chief economist in the Netherlands. While a moderation in inflation is anticipated throughout the year, Colijn warned that risks, such as rising energy costs and the possibility of a tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union, could persist, according to Xinhua news agency.

Last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced a 25-basis-point interest rate cut in response to weak economic indicators in the Eurozone, based on “an updated assessment of the inflation outlook, the dynamics of underlying inflation, and the strength of monetary policy transmission,” as noted in the ECB’s press release.

Business

Honda Begins Delivery of 2026 City Hybrid

Published

4 days ago

June 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: Honda Cars India has started delivering the new 2026 Honda City Hybrid to customers. The first car was handed over at a dealership in Bengaluru.

Honda President and CEO Takashi Nakajima attended the special delivery event. Other senior company officials were also present.

The first customer received a Crystal Black Pearl Honda City Hybrid. The car was delivered with a symbolic key and a gift hamper.

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The updated City comes with new features such as ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sunroof.

The sedan is available with petrol and strong-hybrid powertrain options. Honda claims the hybrid version delivers a mileage of 27.26 kmpl.

The Honda City competes with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in India.

Business

Overseas Loans by Indian Firms See Sharp Decline

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : Indian companies borrowed $5.43 billion from abroad in March, according to RBI data. This was 51% lower than March last year.

Experts said the weak rupee and high global interest rates made foreign loans less attractive for companies.

In the financial year 2025-26, India Inc raised nearly $43 billion through foreign borrowings. This was down from $61 billion in the previous year.

In March 2025, borrowings had crossed $11 billion due to large deals by companies like JSW Steel and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Companies are also avoiding overseas loans because hedging costs have become expensive during currency volatility.

The RBI reportedly discussed easing foreign borrowing rules and offering hedging support, but no final decision was taken.

Market experts said the ongoing West Asia conflict has increased uncertainty, making companies cautious about raising funds from abroad.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.