Business

India’s Forex Reserves Experience Biggest Surge in Two Years

Published

1 year ago

March 17, 2025

Following the central bank’s $10 billion forex swap on February 28, which involved purchasing dollars with rupees to enhance liquidity, the country’s foreign exchange reserves experienced a remarkable increase of $15.267 billion during the week ending March 7. This surge marks the largest weekly rise in over two years.

The forex reserves reached a record high of $704.885 billion in September 2024.

In terms of components, foreign currency assets—a key element of the reserves—rose by $13.993 billion, reaching $557.282 billion. Dollar valuations of these assets also reflect changes due to fluctuations in non-US currencies such as the euro, pound, and yen.

Additionally, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) climbed by $212 million to $18.21 billion, while India’s reserve position with the IMF dipped by $69 million to $4.148 billion, according to the RBI’s latest reports.

Current high-frequency indicators suggest a rebound in India’s economic activity momentum during the latter half of 2024-25, which is anticipated to continue. As per the latest RBI monthly bulletin, despite a challenging global environment, India is expected to maintain its status as the fastest-growing major economy, with GDP growth estimates of 6.5% and 6.7% from the IMF and World Bank, respectively.

The report further highlights that the Union Budget for 2025-26 judiciously balances fiscal consolidation and growth objectives, emphasizing ongoing capital expenditure and aiming to increase household incomes and consumption.

The capital expenditure to GDP ratio is projected to improve from 4.1% in 2024-25 (revised estimate) to 4.3% in 2025-26, reinforcing the signs of economic recovery as indicated by high-frequency data throughout the second half of 2024-25.

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.