Tuesday, March 10
The World Bank has approved $700 million in fresh financing for Pakistan to bolster macroeconomic stability and enhance public service delivery. This funding, part of a larger $1.35 billion program, will support federal initiatives and a provincial project in Sindh, signaling continued multilateral support despite governance concerns.
India's telecom sector concluded 2025 with significant advancements in digital connectivity and infrastructure. The National Broadband Mission 2.0 accelerated high-speed internet access nationwide, while 5G services now reach nearly the entire population. A major achievement includes developing indigenous 4G technology, bolstering India's self-reliance and manufacturing capabilities.
Global oil demand reversed its predicted decline in 2025, with India emerging as a major consumption driver. This resurgence was fueled by delayed clean energy policies and geopolitical tensions, while India diversified its oil imports, notably from Russia, and expanded refining capacity. Stable oil prices provided fiscal relief for importers like India.
Parle Agro has achieved a significant multi-fold growth in its consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 115.38 crore in FY25. The beverage giant's revenue also saw a 5% increase, climbing to Rs 3,284.13 crore. This performance was accompanied by a reduction in advertising promotional expenses.
Indian equity indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened higher on Friday, mirroring positive global cues driven by cooling US inflation. While FIIs have paused selling, market direction hinges on the Bank of Japan's commentary regarding future rate hikes. Asian stocks also rose, buoyed by expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Dense fog grounded operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday, leading to at least 177 flight cancellations and over 500 delays. Airlines are offering full refunds and free rescheduling, with airport authorities ensuring passenger support amidst ongoing CAT III operations.
India and the Netherlands have launched a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) to boost economic ties and resolve trade barriers. An MoU establishes this formal mechanism for annual meetings, co-chaired by senior officials, to review relations, promote investment, and explore mutual cooperation.
A top US Federal Reserve official indicated no immediate need for further interest rate cuts. New York Fed President John Williams believes recent inflation data might be skewed. He suggested December's inflation figures could offer a clearer picture.
The Indian rupee experienced an upward trend against the US dollar on Friday, following a period of significant depreciation. This recovery is largely attributed to the Reserve Bank of India's strategic dollar sales, aimed at curbing one-way currency weakness.
TikTok has agreed to a joint venture with major investors, including Oracle, to establish a new US-based entity. This move aims to comply with a US law mandating the sale of its American operations or a shutdown, with American and global investors holding over 80% of the new venture.
