Business
Indian Companies Expected to Achieve 7-8% Growth in March Quarter: ICRA
ICRA also indicated that the recovery in operating profit margins (OPM) for Indian corporations, which reached 18.2-18.4% in the previous quarter, is expected to continue, fueled by enhanced demand and improved consumer sentiment.
Specific emerging sectors, such as electronics, semiconductors, and niche areas within the automotive industry, including electric vehicles (EVs), are poised to attract increased investments, aligning with various production-linked incentive programs instituted by the Government of India.
Kinjal Shah, Senior Vice President & Co-Group Head at Corporate Ratings for ICRA, stated, “Rural demand is projected to remain strong in the first half of CY2025 (January-March), bolstered by impressive outputs from the kharif crops and a positive outlook for the ongoing rabi season. A normal and well-distributed monsoon in 2025 will be essential for supporting agricultural productivity.”
In its report, ICRA analyzed the performance of 602 listed companies (excluding the financial sector) for Q3 FY2025 and found a year-on-year revenue growth of 6.8%. This growth was driven by increased demand in consumption-oriented sectors such as consumer durables, FMCG, retail, hotels, and airlines, while certain commodity-oriented sectors like iron and steel experienced a decline due to lower prices from weak global demand and an influx of cheaper imports from China.
New Delhi: The price of domestic LPG cooking gas cylinders has been increased by Rs 29 across India. This is the second price hike in the last three months.
The increase comes as global energy prices continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
After the revision, a domestic LPG cylinder now costs Rs 942 in Delhi, Rs 941.40 in Mumbai, Rs 968 in Kolkata, and Rs 957.50 in Chennai. In Bengaluru, the new price is Rs 944.50 per cylinder.
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The government said the cost of supplying LPG has increased significantly. However, subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana continue to help over 10 crore beneficiaries.
Petrol, diesel, and CNG prices have also increased in recent weeks as global fuel markets remain volatile.
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.
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The Honda City competes with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in India.
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.
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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.
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