Business

Leather and Footwear Industry Prepares for Growth at DILEX 2025

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2025

The 6th Edition of the Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) – Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) kicked off at the India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Yashobhoomi, located in Dwarka, New Delhi. This two-day event, taking place on February 20 and 21, is organized by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) and is supported by the Indian Government under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme.

The expo aims to strengthen India’s role as a prominent player in the global leather and footwear sectors.

Participation has expanded significantly, with around 225 Indian exhibitors displaying their latest collections across an impressive 8,000-square-meter exhibition space, a notable increase from the last edition. The event’s international presence has also grown, drawing over 200 foreign buyers from nearly 52 countries, including vital markets in Europe and the US, up from just over 130 in the previous year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Domestic engagement has been robust, with more than 500 representatives from Indian buying houses, retailers, and trade buyers participating, creating numerous networking opportunities.

At the event, Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, highlighted this gathering as a pivotal milestone in India’s journey in global trade. He pointed out that the Indian leather and footwear industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience during the post-COVID recovery, focusing on expanding exports and setting ambitious targets, including a goal of USD 7 billion by FY 2025-26.

Anand also mentioned that favorable policies, like import duty exemptions on wet blue leather and enhanced credit guarantees for MSMEs, position India to leverage emerging global shifts. This is particularly relevant given the current geopolitical landscape and new market access opportunities, including tariff adjustments and the “China Plus One” strategy.

The event facilitates one-on-one business meetings, enabling manufacturers and exporters to connect directly with international buyers while exploring viable sourcing alternatives.

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.