National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-does-have-huge-potential-real-question-is-speed-of-growth-says-former-pepsico-chairperson-indra-nooyi-206985">India's infrastructure output grew</a> at 2.1 percent in February from a year earlier, government data showed on Monday.

During April-February, the output growth rate came in at 4.3 percent from the year-ago period, according to the data.

Infrastructure output, which comprises eight sectors — such as coal, crude oil and electricity — accounts for nearly 40 percent of India's industrial output.

India's infrastructure output grew at 2.1 percent in February from a year earlier, government data showed on Monday. During April-February, the output growth rate came in at 4.

India's infrastructure output grew at 2.1 percent in February from a year earlier, government data showed on Monday. During April-February, the output growth rate came in at 4.3 percent from the year-ago period, according to the data. Infrastructure output, which comprises eight sectors — such as coal, crude oil and electricity — accounts for nearly 40 percent of India's industrial output.

India's February infrastructure output grows 2.1 per cent 

The government announced Sunday that the deadline for people to link their Aadhaar numbers to their PAN (Permanent Account Number) numbers had been extended to September 31.&nbsp;

The earlier deadline had been Sunday, March 31. The new extension is of six months.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/linking-aadhaar-pan-mandatory-to-be-completed-by-march-31-central-board-of-direct-taxes-197587">This is the sixth time the government has extended the deadline</a> for individuals to link their Permanent Account Number (PAN) to their Aadhaar numbers.

In June last year, the government had said that PAN had to be linked to Aadhaar by March 31.

"....Now the cut-off date for intimating the Aadhaar number and linking PAN with Aadhaar is September 30, 2019, unless specifically exempted," the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in a statement.

However, the CBDT added, the quoting of Aadhaar while filing income tax returns (ITRs) will be mandatory from April 1, 2019.

The CBDT said there were reports that those PANs which are not linked with Aadhaar number by March 31 may be invalidated, following which the matter was considered by the government and the date extended till September 30.

(With inputs from PTI)

The government announced Sunday that the deadline for people to link their Aadhaar numbers to their PAN (Permanent Account Number) numbers had been extended to September 31.

The government announced Sunday that the deadline for people to link their Aadhaar numbers to their PAN (Permanent Account Number) numbers had been extended to September 31. The earlier deadline had been Sunday, March 31. The new extension is of six months. This is the sixth time the government has extended the deadline for individuals to link their Permanent Account Number (PAN) to their Aadhaar numbers. In June last year, the government had said that PAN had to be linked to Aadhaar by March 31. "....Now the cut-off date for intimating the Aadhaar number and linking PAN with Aadhaar is September 30, 2019, unless specifically exempted," the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in a statement. However, the CBDT added, the quoting of Aadhaar while filing income tax returns (ITRs) will be mandatory from April 1, 2019. The CBDT said there were reports that those PANs which are not linked with Aadhaar number by March 31 may be invalidated, following which the matter was considered by the government and the date extended till September 30. (With inputs from PTI)

Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline extended to September 30, 2019: Central Board of Direct Taxes

A major crisis at the struggling carrier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/naresh-goyal-quits-jet-airways-205510">Jet Airways</a> was averted Sunday after its pilots' body, National Aviator's Guild (NAG), deferred till April 15 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-suspends-services-to-13-international-routes-till-end-april-205012">its call for halting operations</a>.

The decision was taken at an open house meeting of NAG members which took place in both Mumbai and Delhi on Sunday afternoon, NAG president Karan Chopra told reporters after the meeting which lasted about four hours.

The NAG, which claims to represent around 1,100 of the 1,600 Jet Airways pilots, had announced earlier that its members will not fly from April 1, unless their salary dues were cleared and clarity was provided on future payments by March 31.

"The management has shown us a positive intent by transferring our (December) salary and we thought we should give them at least a couple of weeks to settle down and form the interim board and solve our issues which they have already spoken about earlier.

"Therefore, the collective call taken by the pilots in both Mumbai and Delhi of no flying, which was supposed to start from April 1, has now been deferred to April 15 in a hope that something positive pans out in two weeks," Chopra said.

On March 21 the NAG had requested the government to intervene for the survival of Jet Airways, after which State Bank of India (SBI) stated that the lenders will infuse interim funding of Rs 1,500 crore to sustain its operations for the next two months.

Last Monday, Jet Airways' board approved a resolution plan formulated by SBI-led domestic lenders.

Under the plan, lenders decided to take control of the airline and make a fund infusion of Rs 1,500 crore.

It has been only six days since the lenders, who are now the new owners, announced additional funding to Jet Airways, and that is why they should be given more time to resolve the issues, Chopra said.

He, however, urged SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar to hold a meeting with pilots' representatives for a clear assessment of the affairs at the airline.

SBI had said the salaries will be paid out of the interim funding, Chopra noted, adding that last night pilots were intimated about disbursal of remaining 87.50 per cent of the December salary.

Jet Airways has been defaulting on salary payments to pilots, engineers and senior management since August 2018.

Its engineers have also reportedly threatened to stop work from April 1 if their dues were not cleared by March 31.

The loss-making airline, now under the ownership of SBI-led consortium of lenders following a debt-recast plan, said Saturday that it could remit only the remaining amount of December salary to pilots and others, as of now.

"Currently, along with engineers and senior staff, we are three salaries behind. In totality, it is up to 300 per cent which is slightly more than the 287.50 per cent dues last time. The total payout of salary for pilots, engineers and general managers and above-level executives would be in the range of Rs 320-350 crore for the period between January and March this year," Chopra said.

The clearing of remaining dues will be in conjunction with interim funding, as per Jet Airways chief executive Vinay Dube, Chopra informed.

The NAG chief added that now the pilots are hoping that interim funding comes in and remaining dues get cleared.

The NAG hopes that the interim funding continues, but it is not sure about the amount that will come in and how much will be the subsequent pay-out, Chopra stated.

"We urge for a meeting with SBI as early as possible. Ever since our last request, we haven't heard back from him (SBI chairman)," Chopra said.

NAG General Secretary Tej Sood, in a letter to Kumar on March 25, had sought a meeting so that the pilots could get "an idea of the recovery roadmap".

A major crisis at the struggling carrier Jet Airways was averted Sunday after its pilots' body, National Aviator's Guild (NAG), deferred till April 15 its call for halting operations.

A major crisis at the struggling carrier Jet Airways was averted Sunday after its pilots' body, National Aviator's Guild (NAG), deferred till April 15 its call for halting operations. The decision was taken at an open house meeting of NAG members which took place in both Mumbai and Delhi on Sunday afternoon, NAG president Karan Chopra told reporters after the meeting which lasted about four hours. The NAG, which claims to represent around 1,100 of the 1,600 Jet Airways pilots, had announced earlier that its members will not fly from April 1, unless their salary dues were cleared and clarity was provided on future payments by March 31. "The management has shown us a positive intent by transferring our (December) salary and we thought we should give them at least a couple of weeks to settle down and form the interim board and solve our issues which they have already spoken about earlier. "Therefore, the collective call taken by the pilots in both Mumbai and Delhi of no flying, which was supposed to start from April 1, has now been deferred to April 15 in a hope that something positive pans out in two weeks," Chopra said. On March 21 the NAG had requested the government to intervene for the survival of Jet Airways, after which State Bank of India (SBI) stated that the lenders will infuse interim funding of Rs 1,500 crore to sustain its operations for the next two months. Last Monday, Jet Airways' board approved a resolution plan formulated by SBI-led domestic lenders. Under the plan, lenders decided to take control of the airline and make a fund infusion of Rs 1,500 crore. It has been only six days since the lenders, who are now the new owners, announced additional funding to Jet Airways, and that is why they should be given more time to resolve the issues, Chopra said. He, however, urged SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar to hold a meeting with pilots' representatives for a clear assessment of the affairs at the airline. SBI had said the salaries will be paid out of the interim funding, Chopra noted, adding that last night pilots were intimated about disbursal of remaining 87.50 per cent of the December salary. Jet Airways has been defaulting on salary payments to pilots, engineers and senior management since August 2018. Its engineers have also reportedly threatened to stop work from April 1 if their dues were not cleared by March 31. The loss-making airline, now under the ownership of SBI-led consortium of lenders following a debt-recast plan, said Saturday that it could remit only the remaining amount of December salary to pilots and others, as of now. "Currently, along with engineers and senior staff, we are three salaries behind. In totality, it is up to 300 per cent which is slightly more than the 287.50 per cent dues last time. The total payout of salary for pilots, engineers and general managers and above-level executives would be in the range of Rs 320-350 crore for the period between January and March this year," Chopra said. The clearing of remaining dues will be in conjunction with interim funding, as per Jet Airways chief executive Vinay Dube, Chopra informed. The NAG chief added that now the pilots are hoping that interim funding comes in and remaining dues get cleared. The NAG hopes that the interim funding continues, but it is not sure about the amount that will come in and how much will be the subsequent pay-out, Chopra stated. "We urge for a meeting with SBI as early as possible. Ever since our last request, we haven't heard back from him (SBI chairman)," Chopra said. NAG General Secretary Tej Sood, in a letter to Kumar on March 25, had sought a meeting so that the pilots could get "an idea of the recovery roadmap".

Jet Airways pilots defer strike, say will now stop flying after April 15

India has a huge potential and the real question is the speed of growth and how many roadblocks it is willing to remove, former PepsiCo chairperson Indra Nooyi has said. 
Advertising

Nooyi, in October last year, stepped down as the CEO of the global beverage giant, after 24 years with the company, the last 12 as its CEO.

“The country does have huge potential, talent wise, population, everything, the country has huge potential. The real question is the speed of growth and how many roadblocks are we willing to remove,” Nooyi said responding to a question on India and its growth potential during an interaction hosted by the Consulate General of India in the city on Thursday.

“India has got to do what is right for India. I am not the person to opine on that. India has got to do what is right for India, just as Europe should do what is right for Europe,” she said.

Nooyi was the guest speaker at the ‘New India Lecture’ series, organised by the Consulate under the aegis of Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty and in partnership with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).

On the various geopolitical uncertainties around the world and their impact on the global economic and social sphere, she said there have been many times in the past where there has been geopolitical uncertainty.

“It’s been in different forms but it’s always been there. Big companies just learn to power through.”

Nooyi said she has always said that “when you go into any country, you have got to act as though you are the citizen of that country. You can’t go in there and say everything is going to be done my way. Except for the ethics and governance aspect, everything else is local.

“As long as you go into a country and develop a local model and execute it locally, you live within the rules of that country. Don’t compromise your corporate governance principles.

“You have got to be aware of politics, be sensitive to all the minefields, but don’t play in them, don’t take a voice in them because that is a losing proposition,” she said, adding that if companies have knowledge of what’s going on but they just focus on doing their business, they will be successful.

Nooyi, answering a question on where does she see a balance between online retail and brick and mortar, said “if there is a shakeout in retail, I won’t blame it on Amazon. That’s just retail getting efficient. Amazon is just improving the customer experience. The traditional retailer created a lot of friction in the system, and where there is friction, there is Amazon to take out the friction.”

During the fireside interaction, Nooyi said growing up in India, she was surrounded by a tight-knit and multi-generational family and every member of the family stepped into parenting and disciplining the young children.

“That confidence that we all got, growing up, and that incredible sense of responsibility that education was important, listening to the elders was very important and striving to do better and better all the time and being held accountable for that made a profound difference to my life.”

She added that in many ways “I would say that my success today is the result of my childhood, my upbringing and India. All of that has had a profound impact on me.”

India has a huge potential and the real question is the speed of growth and how many roadblocks it is willing to remove, former PepsiCo chairperson Indra Nooyi has said.

India has a huge potential and the real question is the speed of growth and how many roadblocks it is willing to remove, former PepsiCo chairperson Indra Nooyi has said. Advertising Nooyi, in October last year, stepped down as the CEO of the global beverage giant, after 24 years with the company, the last 12 as its CEO. “The country does have huge potential, talent wise, population, everything, the country has huge potential. The real question is the speed of growth and how many roadblocks are we willing to remove,” Nooyi said responding to a question on India and its growth potential during an interaction hosted by the Consulate General of India in the city on Thursday. “India has got to do what is right for India. I am not the person to opine on that. India has got to do what is right for India, just as Europe should do what is right for Europe,” she said. Nooyi was the guest speaker at the ‘New India Lecture’ series, organised by the Consulate under the aegis of Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty and in partnership with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). On the various geopolitical uncertainties around the world and their impact on the global economic and social sphere, she said there have been many times in the past where there has been geopolitical uncertainty. “It’s been in different forms but it’s always been there. Big companies just learn to power through.” Nooyi said she has always said that “when you go into any country, you have got to act as though you are the citizen of that country. You can’t go in there and say everything is going to be done my way. Except for the ethics and governance aspect, everything else is local. “As long as you go into a country and develop a local model and execute it locally, you live within the rules of that country. Don’t compromise your corporate governance principles. “You have got to be aware of politics, be sensitive to all the minefields, but don’t play in them, don’t take a voice in them because that is a losing proposition,” she said, adding that if companies have knowledge of what’s going on but they just focus on doing their business, they will be successful. Nooyi, answering a question on where does she see a balance between online retail and brick and mortar, said “if there is a shakeout in retail, I won’t blame it on Amazon. That’s just retail getting efficient. Amazon is just improving the customer experience. The traditional retailer created a lot of friction in the system, and where there is friction, there is Amazon to take out the friction.” During the fireside interaction, Nooyi said growing up in India, she was surrounded by a tight-knit and multi-generational family and every member of the family stepped into parenting and disciplining the young children. “That confidence that we all got, growing up, and that incredible sense of responsibility that education was important, listening to the elders was very important and striving to do better and better all the time and being held accountable for that made a profound difference to my life.” She added that in many ways “I would say that my success today is the result of my childhood, my upbringing and India. All of that has had a profound impact on me.”

'India does have huge potential, real question is speed of growth,’ says former PepsiCo chairperson Indra Nooyi

The 2016 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/support-remains-strong-for-both-demonetisation-and-pm-narendra-modi-183983">demonetisation</a> of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/demonetisation-indian-economy-watershed-or-waterboarded-23707">14 lakh suspicious transaction reports</a> (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found.

The country's elite financial snooping unit has compiled comprehensive data of such instances, including fake currency deposits, for the year 2017-18.

This is the highest-ever figure of STRs since the FIU was set up over a decade ago.

The FIU is the central agency under the Union finance ministry that analyses suspicious financial transactions pertaining to money laundering, terror financing and serious instances of tax fraud&nbsp;and crime.

“During the year (2017-18), reporting entities (banks and other financial institutions) continued to examine transactions during demonetisation and as a consequence, over 14 lakh STRs were received by FIU-IND.

“This increase is almost 3 times than the STRs received in the last year (2016-17) and 14 times than the STRs received prior to demonetisation,” the agency’s director Pankaj Kumar Mishra said in the report accessed by PTI.

The report, submitted to the government, said there was a “remarkable” increase in the number of STRs received in 2017-18 which is more than 3-times over the previous year at 4,73,006 such reports.

The demonetisation of two high-value currency notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 was declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the night of November 8, 2016. Huge cash was deposited in banks and multiple inter-bank transactions ensued post this announcement.

The FIU is the only empowered agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) that can seek these reports and banks and other financial bodies are required to furnish high-value cash transactions, counterfeit currency deposits and STRs to it every month as part of India’s combat mechanism against terrorist financing and money laundering through its shores.

STRs are generated when a transaction either indicates that it has been made in circumstances of unusual or unjustified complexity or appears to have no economic rationale or bona fide purpose and also those transactions that give rise to a reasonable ground of suspicion that it may involve financing of the activities relating to terrorism.

The report added that comparative figures for STRs in the three previous years, prior to notes ban, stood at 61,953 reports in 2013-14,58,646 in 2014-15 and 1,05,973 in 2015-16.

It said apart from the exercise of demonetisation, a major outreach initiative was adopted by the FIU asking reporting entities like banks to comply with the reporting provisions under the anti-money laundering law, and that can also be attributed for the rise in the generation of record high STRs during 2017-18 apart from the notes ban.

The agency, as per its mandate, processes and disseminates these STRs to various law enforcement agencies in the country like the Income-Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs department, the National Investigation Agency and others.

“The quantum jump in the number of STRs placed additional responsibility on FIU, which has managed the responsibility of processing STRs despite severe manpower constraints,” it said.

The report said out of the over 14 lakh STRs received, 82,595 were processed and 65,022 were shared with various LEAs during 2017-18 while the rest continued to be disseminated in the subsequent time period.

Acting on these STRs, the report said, the I-T Department detected black money to the tune of 19627.99 crores while the ED seized unaccounted assets worth Rs 984.98 crore during the same post demonetisation period.

The report also talked about counterfeit currency reports (CCRs) that went drastically down from 7,33,508 in 2016-17 (the year of the notes ban) to 3,53,795 in 2017-18.

No particular reason was attributed to this downfall even as demonetisation was cited as the reason when CCRs increased in 2016-17 from more than 4.10 lakh in 2015-16.

It said private Indian banks contributed “majority” of CCRs with the FIU expressing its concern that the compliance levels of public sector banks in this domain “continue to be low” despite the matter being taken up with the RBI.

“During the review of the public sector banks, the best practices of private Indian banks in detection and reporting of counterfeit currency notes were highlighted,” the report said.

CCR pertains to all cash transactions where forged or counterfeit currency notes or bank notes have been used as genuine or where any forgery of valuable security or a document has taken place in banking channels.

The report did not specify the value of such fake currencies detected.

The 2016 demonetisation of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over 14 lakh suspicious transaction reports (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found.

The 2016 demonetisation of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over 14 lakh suspicious transaction reports (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found. The country's elite financial snooping unit has compiled comprehensive data of such instances, including fake currency deposits, for the year 2017-18. This is the highest-ever figure of STRs since the FIU was set up over a decade ago. The FIU is the central agency under the Union finance ministry that analyses suspicious financial transactions pertaining to money laundering, terror financing and serious instances of tax fraud and crime. “During the year (2017-18), reporting entities (banks and other financial institutions) continued to examine transactions during demonetisation and as a consequence, over 14 lakh STRs were received by FIU-IND. “This increase is almost 3 times than the STRs received in the last year (2016-17) and 14 times than the STRs received prior to demonetisation,” the agency’s director Pankaj Kumar Mishra said in the report accessed by PTI. The report, submitted to the government, said there was a “remarkable” increase in the number of STRs received in 2017-18 which is more than 3-times over the previous year at 4,73,006 such reports. The demonetisation of two high-value currency notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 was declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the night of November 8, 2016. Huge cash was deposited in banks and multiple inter-bank transactions ensued post this announcement. The FIU is the only empowered agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) that can seek these reports and banks and other financial bodies are required to furnish high-value cash transactions, counterfeit currency deposits and STRs to it every month as part of India’s combat mechanism against terrorist financing and money laundering through its shores. STRs are generated when a transaction either indicates that it has been made in circumstances of unusual or unjustified complexity or appears to have no economic rationale or bona fide purpose and also those transactions that give rise to a reasonable ground of suspicion that it may involve financing of the activities relating to terrorism. The report added that comparative figures for STRs in the three previous years, prior to notes ban, stood at 61,953 reports in 2013-14,58,646 in 2014-15 and 1,05,973 in 2015-16. It said apart from the exercise of demonetisation, a major outreach initiative was adopted by the FIU asking reporting entities like banks to comply with the reporting provisions under the anti-money laundering law, and that can also be attributed for the rise in the generation of record high STRs during 2017-18 apart from the notes ban. The agency, as per its mandate, processes and disseminates these STRs to various law enforcement agencies in the country like the Income-Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs department, the National Investigation Agency and others. “The quantum jump in the number of STRs placed additional responsibility on FIU, which has managed the responsibility of processing STRs despite severe manpower constraints,” it said. The report said out of the over 14 lakh STRs received, 82,595 were processed and 65,022 were shared with various LEAs during 2017-18 while the rest continued to be disseminated in the subsequent time period. Acting on these STRs, the report said, the I-T Department detected black money to the tune of 19627.99 crores while the ED seized unaccounted assets worth Rs 984.98 crore during the same post demonetisation period. The report also talked about counterfeit currency reports (CCRs) that went drastically down from 7,33,508 in 2016-17 (the year of the notes ban) to 3,53,795 in 2017-18. No particular reason was attributed to this downfall even as demonetisation was cited as the reason when CCRs increased in 2016-17 from more than 4.10 lakh in 2015-16. It said private Indian banks contributed “majority” of CCRs with the FIU expressing its concern that the compliance levels of public sector banks in this domain “continue to be low” despite the matter being taken up with the RBI. “During the review of the public sector banks, the best practices of private Indian banks in detection and reporting of counterfeit currency notes were highlighted,” the report said. CCR pertains to all cash transactions where forged or counterfeit currency notes or bank notes have been used as genuine or where any forgery of valuable security or a document has taken place in banking channels. The report did not specify the value of such fake currencies detected.

Over 14 lakh suspicious transactions generated after demonetisation: Financial Intelligence Unit

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India.

This forms an important part of Indian govt's policy to have electric vehicles rolling in the country by 2030 as a measure to promote environment-friendly practises.

Under the FAME India policy (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles), India’s plans to have at least 30% of its vehicles run on electric batteries by 2030. &nbsp;

This comes in the back of the 3-day visit of President Ram Nath Kovind's to the country.&nbsp;

The India Bolivia Joint statement at the end of the visit said both countries "Agreed to forge a mutually beneficial partnership to facilitate Bolivian supplies of lithium Carbonate to India and foster joint ventures for Lithium battery/cell production plants in India."

The country holds more than 40% of known reserves of Lithium, most of it in Salar de Uyuni. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat rich in Lithium. A salt flat is geologically is a large ground covered with salt and minerals.

A delegation from Khanij Bidesh India Limited visited Lithium Mining areas especially Salar de Uyuni of the South American country. Khanij Bidesh India is a joint venture of 3 mining PSUs under India's Mines ministry.&nbsp;

Both India &amp; Bolivia agreed to facilitate commercialization of Lithium Carbonate and Potassium Chloride produced by Bolivia's state-owned company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos Corporación (YLB - Corporación).&nbsp;

New Delhi has also proposed a follow-up visit to Bolivia by a delegation from National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage of India for taking forward the cooperation in the area of battery storage solutions.

8 MoUs were signed during the visit of President Kovind to Bolivia from March 28 to 30. Bilateral trade grew by 205% between both the countries to reach $772 million during Financial Year 2017-18.

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India.

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India. This forms an important part of Indian govt's policy to have electric vehicles rolling in the country by 2030 as a measure to promote environment-friendly practises. Under the FAME India policy (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles), India’s plans to have at least 30% of its vehicles run on electric batteries by 2030. This comes in the back of the 3-day visit of President Ram Nath Kovind's to the country. The India Bolivia Joint statement at the end of the visit said both countries "Agreed to forge a mutually beneficial partnership to facilitate Bolivian supplies of lithium Carbonate to India and foster joint ventures for Lithium battery/cell production plants in India." The country holds more than 40% of known reserves of Lithium, most of it in Salar de Uyuni. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat rich in Lithium. A salt flat is geologically is a large ground covered with salt and minerals. A delegation from Khanij Bidesh India Limited visited Lithium Mining areas especially Salar de Uyuni of the South American country. Khanij Bidesh India is a joint venture of 3 mining PSUs under India's Mines ministry. Both India & Bolivia agreed to facilitate commercialization of Lithium Carbonate and Potassium Chloride produced by Bolivia's state-owned company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos Corporación (YLB - Corporación). New Delhi has also proposed a follow-up visit to Bolivia by a delegation from National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage of India for taking forward the cooperation in the area of battery storage solutions. 8 MoUs were signed during the visit of President Kovind to Bolivia from March 28 to 30. Bilateral trade grew by 205% between both the countries to reach $772 million during Financial Year 2017-18.

Electric cars on Indian roads by 2030: India to get lithium for batteries from Bolivia

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2.

A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year.

The government has extended this deadline over half a dozen times since June 2018, when it decided to impose these duties in retaliation to a move by the US to impose high customs duties on certain steel and aluminium products.

India is pushing the dates as both sides are negotiating a trade package to boost bilateral commerce. But earlier this month, the US decided to withdraw export incentives being provided by them to Indian exporters for certain goods under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme.

Extension of these benefits was part of the negotiations between India and the US among other issues. These incentives are expected to be withdrawn from May 2. Domestic exporters are jittery over US' decision to withdraw these incentives as they export goods worth $5.6 billion under GSP programme. About 1,900 items including from chemicals and engineering sectors avail these sops.

The government is considering to send a delegation to the US earlier next month to hold discussions on ways to resolve all trade-related issues.

Both sides were holding two-track discussions to increase trade in the short and medium term and identify long-term trade potentials.

India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their GSP programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors.

On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products.

As part of the imposition of higher import duties, New Delhi has notified higher tariffs on several products. While import duty on walnut has been hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent currently, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and Masur dal will be raised to 70 per cent, from 30 per cent currently. Levy on lentils will be increased to 40 per cent, from 30 per cent.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.&nbsp;

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2. A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year.

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2. A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year. The government has extended this deadline over half a dozen times since June 2018, when it decided to impose these duties in retaliation to a move by the US to impose high customs duties on certain steel and aluminium products. India is pushing the dates as both sides are negotiating a trade package to boost bilateral commerce. But earlier this month, the US decided to withdraw export incentives being provided by them to Indian exporters for certain goods under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme. Extension of these benefits was part of the negotiations between India and the US among other issues. These incentives are expected to be withdrawn from May 2. Domestic exporters are jittery over US' decision to withdraw these incentives as they export goods worth $5.6 billion under GSP programme. About 1,900 items including from chemicals and engineering sectors avail these sops. The government is considering to send a delegation to the US earlier next month to hold discussions on ways to resolve all trade-related issues. Both sides were holding two-track discussions to increase trade in the short and medium term and identify long-term trade potentials. India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their GSP programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors. On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products. As part of the imposition of higher import duties, New Delhi has notified higher tariffs on several products. While import duty on walnut has been hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent currently, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and Masur dal will be raised to 70 per cent, from 30 per cent currently. Levy on lentils will be increased to 40 per cent, from 30 per cent. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

India again extends deadline to impose high import duties on 29 US products till May 2

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube, in a statement, said that the "last few months" have been "exceedingly challenging times" for the organisation and that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-1000-jet-airways-pilots-to-go-ahead-with-no-flying-call-206648">pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers</a> will receive their salaries for the month of December 2018 for now.

The CEO went on to admit that the leadership understands the "anxiety and uncertainty endured by the employees"&nbsp;for which the organisation extends its gratitude.&nbsp;

Dube added that Jet's Board of directors and the management is committed to working "as fast as possible" to restore stability in the organisation. &nbsp;

"We are working as fast as possible to implement the resolution plan agreed with the consortium of Indian lenders to quickly restore the much-needed stability to our operations and build a sustainable future for the airline," the statement read, adding that such are complex processes and it has "taken longer than expected".

Dube also said that owing to such circumstances, the company is only able to "remit your remaining salary for December 2018," adding that the management is working on getting additional funding on an urgent basis and shall "advise you about the release of the remaining salary arrears as the funds come in".

On Tuesday, Dube said that the stakeholders of the airline were optimistic about its future.&nbsp;

After weeks of speculations over the future of Jet, which grounded over 80 planes due to financial woes, its board Monday approved a resolution plan formulated by a consortium of lenders led by SBI, who has now become the new owners of the airline with 51 per cent equity holding.

Meanwhile, disappointed over non-clearance of pending dues, Jet Airways pilots on Friday reiterated that they will stop flying from April 1.&nbsp;

Over 1,000 pilots of the struggling private carrier Jet Airways have decided to go ahead with their "no flying" call from April 1 following the airline failing to receive funds from the banks Friday, its pilots' guild has said.

Days after that, the airline's ownership went into the hands of SBI-led consortium of banks under a debt-recast plan.

"A part of the expected interim funding from SBI was supposed to be sanctioned on March 29. Unfortunately, the fund transfer has not taken place, and there is also no update on salary payment from the management. The collective decision of pilots taken at Mumbai and Delhi open house effective 1 April prevails," NAG president Karan Chopra said in a late evening communication to his members.

Jet Airways pilots along with engineers and senior management have not been paid for about four months now.

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube, in a statement, said that the "last few months" have been "exceedingly challenging times" for the organisation and that pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers will receive their salaries for the month of December 2018 for now.

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube, in a statement, said that the "last few months" have been "exceedingly challenging times" for the organisation and that pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers will receive their salaries for the month of December 2018 for now. The CEO went on to admit that the leadership understands the "anxiety and uncertainty endured by the employees" for which the organisation extends its gratitude. Dube added that Jet's Board of directors and the management is committed to working "as fast as possible" to restore stability in the organisation. "We are working as fast as possible to implement the resolution plan agreed with the consortium of Indian lenders to quickly restore the much-needed stability to our operations and build a sustainable future for the airline," the statement read, adding that such are complex processes and it has "taken longer than expected". Dube also said that owing to such circumstances, the company is only able to "remit your remaining salary for December 2018," adding that the management is working on getting additional funding on an urgent basis and shall "advise you about the release of the remaining salary arrears as the funds come in". On Tuesday, Dube said that the stakeholders of the airline were optimistic about its future. After weeks of speculations over the future of Jet, which grounded over 80 planes due to financial woes, its board Monday approved a resolution plan formulated by a consortium of lenders led by SBI, who has now become the new owners of the airline with 51 per cent equity holding. Meanwhile, disappointed over non-clearance of pending dues, Jet Airways pilots on Friday reiterated that they will stop flying from April 1. Over 1,000 pilots of the struggling private carrier Jet Airways have decided to go ahead with their "no flying" call from April 1 following the airline failing to receive funds from the banks Friday, its pilots' guild has said. Days after that, the airline's ownership went into the hands of SBI-led consortium of banks under a debt-recast plan. "A part of the expected interim funding from SBI was supposed to be sanctioned on March 29. Unfortunately, the fund transfer has not taken place, and there is also no update on salary payment from the management. The collective decision of pilots taken at Mumbai and Delhi open house effective 1 April prevails," NAG president Karan Chopra said in a late evening communication to his members. Jet Airways pilots along with engineers and senior management have not been paid for about four months now.

'Exceedingly challenging times,' says Jet CEO Vinay Dube; announces remittance of December salaries

Trade ministry has proposed that the government delays by a month the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on some US&nbsp;goods that were due to go into effect from April 1, a trade ministry spokeswoman told Reuters on Friday.

Trade friction between India and the United States has escalated after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump announced plans earlier this month to end preferential trade treatment for India that allows duty-free entry for up to $5.6 billion worth of its exports to the United States.

Indian officials believe India could lose its preferential treatment in early May. The government has asked the US&nbsp;administration to review its decision, two government officials with close knowledge of the matter said.

In June last year, India said it would increase import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US&nbsp;farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs.

But since then, New Delhi has repeatedly delayed the implementation of the higher duties.

The trade ministry spokeswoman said the government planned to send a delegation to Washington to address bilateral trade issues, and that the ministry was seeking to hold off imposing retaliatory tariffs until May.

"The Ministry of Commerce has requested the Department of Revenue to extend the deadline for the&nbsp;imposition of tariffs on US&nbsp;goods by another 30 days," the spokeswoman said.

The revenue department falls within the finance ministry, and the two ministries need to consult over any decision to delay the tariffs.

India is the world's largest beneficiary of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which dates from the 1970s.

Ending its participation would be the strongest punitive action the United States has taken against India since Trump took office.

The timing of the US&nbsp;decision to revoke the trade privileges is awkward for India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is heading into a general election from April 11 to May 19, with results due out on May 23.

India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential.

Trump has criticised India for its high tariffs, and the dispute has widened over investment policies such as new rules on the e-commerce sector that led to the US&nbsp;pulling the plug on India's vital trade concessions.

India, however, does not want to escalate the trade fight, two sources with knowledge of the matter said.

"India is obviously upset. But what can we do? Can we stop trade? You are importing oil, gas, defence equipment and aircraft&nbsp;and nuclear energy. The stakes are much larger," one of the officials said.

The USTR did not answer questions emailed to them about any ongoing trade discussions.

If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small and medium businesses, such as engineering goods. The number of items qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn.

A leading Indian trade body official said both the US&nbsp;customers and domestic suppliers could be hit in some categories of engineering products where clients typically enter into long-term contracts.

However, China could benefit on exports of products made from iron and steel and low-end engineering goods, said Suranjan Gupta, executive director, EEPC India, a government-affiliated engineering exports trade body.

"Some of the low-value exports of engineering goods are likely to face competitive pressure from other suppliers, with China being one of the major ones," Gupta said.

Trade ministry has proposed that the government delays by a month the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on some US goods that were due to go into effect from April 1, a trade ministry spokeswoman told Reuters on Friday.

Trade ministry has proposed that the government delays by a month the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on some US goods that were due to go into effect from April 1, a trade ministry spokeswoman told Reuters on Friday. Trade friction between India and the United States has escalated after US President Donald Trump announced plans earlier this month to end preferential trade treatment for India that allows duty-free entry for up to $5.6 billion worth of its exports to the United States. Indian officials believe India could lose its preferential treatment in early May. The government has asked the US administration to review its decision, two government officials with close knowledge of the matter said. In June last year, India said it would increase import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs. But since then, New Delhi has repeatedly delayed the implementation of the higher duties. The trade ministry spokeswoman said the government planned to send a delegation to Washington to address bilateral trade issues, and that the ministry was seeking to hold off imposing retaliatory tariffs until May. "The Ministry of Commerce has requested the Department of Revenue to extend the deadline for the imposition of tariffs on US goods by another 30 days," the spokeswoman said. The revenue department falls within the finance ministry, and the two ministries need to consult over any decision to delay the tariffs. India is the world's largest beneficiary of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which dates from the 1970s. Ending its participation would be the strongest punitive action the United States has taken against India since Trump took office. The timing of the US decision to revoke the trade privileges is awkward for India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is heading into a general election from April 11 to May 19, with results due out on May 23. India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential. Trump has criticised India for its high tariffs, and the dispute has widened over investment policies such as new rules on the e-commerce sector that led to the US pulling the plug on India's vital trade concessions. India, however, does not want to escalate the trade fight, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. "India is obviously upset. But what can we do? Can we stop trade? You are importing oil, gas, defence equipment and aircraft and nuclear energy. The stakes are much larger," one of the officials said. The USTR did not answer questions emailed to them about any ongoing trade discussions. If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small and medium businesses, such as engineering goods. The number of items qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn. A leading Indian trade body official said both the US customers and domestic suppliers could be hit in some categories of engineering products where clients typically enter into long-term contracts. However, China could benefit on exports of products made from iron and steel and low-end engineering goods, said Suranjan Gupta, executive director, EEPC India, a government-affiliated engineering exports trade body. "Some of the low-value exports of engineering goods are likely to face competitive pressure from other suppliers, with China being one of the major ones," Gupta said.

Trade ministry proposes delaying retaliatory tariffs on US goods

The rupee appreciated by 15 paise to 69.15 against the US dollar in opening trade Friday, driven by sustained foreign fund inflows and higher opening in the domestic equity market.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex), the domestic unit opened strong at 69.20 then gained further momentum and was trading at 69.15, higher by 15 paise over its previous close.

On Thursday, the rupee slumped 42 paise to end at 69.30 against the US dollar.

Forex traders said, the weakening of the US dollar against some currencies overseas supported the local unit, however rising crude oil prices capped the gains.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was marginally up by 0.01 per cent at 97.21.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, was trading 0.55 per cent up at $68.19 per barrel.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought equities worth a net Rs 3,594.51 crore Thursday, provisional data showed.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading with gains of 72.81 points, or 0.19 per cent, at 38,618.53 in early trade Friday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The rupee appreciated by 15 paise to 69.15 against the US dollar in opening trade Friday, driven by sustained foreign fund inflows and higher opening in the domestic equity market.

The rupee appreciated by 15 paise to 69.15 against the US dollar in opening trade Friday, driven by sustained foreign fund inflows and higher opening in the domestic equity market. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex), the domestic unit opened strong at 69.20 then gained further momentum and was trading at 69.15, higher by 15 paise over its previous close. On Thursday, the rupee slumped 42 paise to end at 69.30 against the US dollar. Forex traders said, the weakening of the US dollar against some currencies overseas supported the local unit, however rising crude oil prices capped the gains. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was marginally up by 0.01 per cent at 97.21. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, was trading 0.55 per cent up at $68.19 per barrel. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought equities worth a net Rs 3,594.51 crore Thursday, provisional data showed. Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading with gains of 72.81 points, or 0.19 per cent, at 38,618.53 in early trade Friday.

Rupee rises 15 paise to 69.15 against US dollar in early trade

The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped over 200 points and the NSE Nifty breached the 11,600 level in early trade Friday driven by heavy buying in reality, metal and pharma stocks amid unabated foreign fund inflows and positive global cues.

The 30-share index pared some ground and was trading 82.05 points, or 0.21 per cent, up at 38,627.77. It had rallied 412.84 points to 38,545.72 in the previous session.

The broader Nifty also gained 50.85 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 11,620.85 in morning trade.

Top gainers include Vedanta, Yes Bank, SBI, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Sun Pharma, HCL Tech, M&amp;M, NTPC, TCS and HUL, rising up to 2.22 per cent.

While, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finance, Coal India, HDFC, PowerGrid and Axis Bank were among the top laggards, shedding up to 0.82 per cent.

All sectoral indices were trading in the green with BSE telecom, healthcare, metal, tech and power indices surging up to 1.80 per cent.

"The rise in equity market currently looks like a catch-up rally just before the 2019 general elections, especially in the case of private banks which are making new highs," said Hemang Jani, Head - Advisory, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas.

According to experts, global economic growth concerns and US Federal Reserve's dovish view on rates will give a positive impetus to emerging markets like India.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 3,594.51 crore Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 2,080.22 crore, provisional data showed.

The rupee, meanwhile, appreciated 15 paise against its previous close to trading at 69.15 in the early session.

In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.75 per cent, Korea's Kospi was up 0.31 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index soared 2.36 per cent and Japan's Nikkei rallied 0.95 per cent in late morning trade.

On Wall Street, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.36 per cent higher on Thursday.&nbsp;

The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped over 200 points and the NSE Nifty breached the 11,600 level in early trade Friday driven by heavy buying in reality, metal and pharma stocks amid unabated foreign fund inflows and positive global cues.

The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped over 200 points and the NSE Nifty breached the 11,600 level in early trade Friday driven by heavy buying in reality, metal and pharma stocks amid unabated foreign fund inflows and positive global cues. The 30-share index pared some ground and was trading 82.05 points, or 0.21 per cent, up at 38,627.77. It had rallied 412.84 points to 38,545.72 in the previous session. The broader Nifty also gained 50.85 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 11,620.85 in morning trade. Top gainers include Vedanta, Yes Bank, SBI, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Sun Pharma, HCL Tech, M&M, NTPC, TCS and HUL, rising up to 2.22 per cent. While, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finance, Coal India, HDFC, PowerGrid and Axis Bank were among the top laggards, shedding up to 0.82 per cent. All sectoral indices were trading in the green with BSE telecom, healthcare, metal, tech and power indices surging up to 1.80 per cent. "The rise in equity market currently looks like a catch-up rally just before the 2019 general elections, especially in the case of private banks which are making new highs," said Hemang Jani, Head - Advisory, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas. According to experts, global economic growth concerns and US Federal Reserve's dovish view on rates will give a positive impetus to emerging markets like India. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 3,594.51 crore Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 2,080.22 crore, provisional data showed. The rupee, meanwhile, appreciated 15 paise against its previous close to trading at 69.15 in the early session. In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.75 per cent, Korea's Kospi was up 0.31 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index soared 2.36 per cent and Japan's Nikkei rallied 0.95 per cent in late morning trade. On Wall Street, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.36 per cent higher on Thursday.

Sensex rises over 200 points; Nifty tops 11,600 mark in early trade

The government has kept the interest rates on small savings schemes, including NSC and PPF, unchanged for the April-June quarter.

Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC) will continue to carry an annual interest rate of 8 per cent, while Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) will give a yield of 7.7 per cent and mature in 112 months.

Interest rates for small savings schemes are notified on a quarterly basis.

"The rates of interest on various small savings schemes for the first quarter of the financial year 2019-20 starting April 1, 2019, and ending on June 30, 2019, shall remain unchanged from those notified for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2018-19," the finance ministry said in a notification issued Friday.

The interest rate for the five-year Senior Citizens Savings Scheme has been retained at 8.7 per cent. The interest on the senior citizens' scheme is paid quarterly. Interest on savings deposits has been retained at 4 per cent annually.

The girl child savings scheme Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account will offer 8.5 per cent rate during the first quarter of the next fiscal.

Term deposits of 1-5 years will fetch interest rate in the range of 7-7.8 per cent, to be paid quarterly, while the five-year recurring deposit is pegged at 7.3 per cent.&nbsp;

The government has kept the interest rates on small savings schemes, including NSC and PPF, unchanged for the April-June quarter. Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC) will continue to carry an annual interest rate of 8 per cent, while Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) will give a yield of 7.

The government has kept the interest rates on small savings schemes, including NSC and PPF, unchanged for the April-June quarter. Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC) will continue to carry an annual interest rate of 8 per cent, while Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) will give a yield of 7.7 per cent and mature in 112 months. Interest rates for small savings schemes are notified on a quarterly basis. "The rates of interest on various small savings schemes for the first quarter of the financial year 2019-20 starting April 1, 2019, and ending on June 30, 2019, shall remain unchanged from those notified for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2018-19," the finance ministry said in a notification issued Friday. The interest rate for the five-year Senior Citizens Savings Scheme has been retained at 8.7 per cent. The interest on the senior citizens' scheme is paid quarterly. Interest on savings deposits has been retained at 4 per cent annually. The girl child savings scheme Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account will offer 8.5 per cent rate during the first quarter of the next fiscal. Term deposits of 1-5 years will fetch interest rate in the range of 7-7.8 per cent, to be paid quarterly, while the five-year recurring deposit is pegged at 7.3 per cent.

Small savings schemes: Government keeps interest rates unchanged for April-June quarter

The domestic stock market on Friday ended in green with BSE Sensex jumping 127.19 points to close at 38,672.91 and Nifty going up by 53.90 points to end at 11,623.90.

The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped over 200 points and the NSE Nifty breached the 11,600 level in early trade on Friday driven by heavy buying in reality, metal and pharma stocks amid unabated foreign fund inflows and positive global cues.

The 30-share index pared some ground and was trading 82.05 points, or 0.21 per cent, up at 38,627.77. It had rallied 412.84 points to 38,545.72 in the previous session.

The broader Nifty also gained 50.85 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 11,620.85 in morning trade.

Meanwhile, the rupee appreciated by 15 paise to 69.15 against the US dollar in opening trade Friday, driven by sustained foreign fund inflows and higher opening in the domestic equity market.&nbsp;

The domestic stock market on Friday ended in green with BSE Sensex jumping 127.19 points to close at 38,672.91 and Nifty going up by 53.90 points to end at 11,623.

The domestic stock market on Friday ended in green with BSE Sensex jumping 127.19 points to close at 38,672.91 and Nifty going up by 53.90 points to end at 11,623.90. The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped over 200 points and the NSE Nifty breached the 11,600 level in early trade on Friday driven by heavy buying in reality, metal and pharma stocks amid unabated foreign fund inflows and positive global cues. The 30-share index pared some ground and was trading 82.05 points, or 0.21 per cent, up at 38,627.77. It had rallied 412.84 points to 38,545.72 in the previous session. The broader Nifty also gained 50.85 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 11,620.85 in morning trade. Meanwhile, the rupee appreciated by 15 paise to 69.15 against the US dollar in opening trade Friday, driven by sustained foreign fund inflows and higher opening in the domestic equity market.

Markets end in green; Sensex up by 127 points, Nifty crosses 11,600

Encouraged by the success of its 1.5-litre K15 Petrol Engine in new Ciaz and all new Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki further beefed up its Engine portfolio with the introduction of a new 1.5-litre DDiS 225 Diesel engine.&nbsp;

The launch marks the company’s full-fledged entry into the market with bigger Engines of 1.5-litre capacity.

Developed in-house, the 1.5-litre Engine offers improved performance, best in class fuel efficiency, enhanced torque and power with refined NVH performance.

Sharing his thoughts on the new offering, Kenichi Ayukawa, MD &amp; CEO, Maruti Suzuki said “Maruti Suzuki has always re-defined the Indian auto industry with its revolutionary offerings. The all-new aluminium 1.5-litre DDiS 225 diesel engine is yet another testament of the same.''&nbsp;

''This new engine offers an optimum balance of enhanced performance with best in class fuel efficiency. It also showcases our commitment to provide products that capture performance aspirations of our young customers,'' he added.&nbsp;

With the addition of the new engine, the new Ciaz will now be available with 1.5 litre capacity in both petrol (K15 with Next-Gen Smart Hybrid) and diesel (DDiS 225) powertrain options.

The New Ciaz is engineered to offer class-leading comfort, impactful exteriors, elite interiors, un-matched performance along with an array of safety and convenience features. Retailed through the NEXA network, Ciaz has set a benchmark for customers in the mid-sized premium sedan market. The top end (Alpha) variant of Ciaz contributes a phenomenal 54 per cent of its total sales.

Encouraged by the success of its 1.5-litre K15 Petrol Engine in new Ciaz and all new Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki further beefed up its Engine portfolio with the introduction of a new 1.

Encouraged by the success of its 1.5-litre K15 Petrol Engine in new Ciaz and all new Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki further beefed up its Engine portfolio with the introduction of a new 1.5-litre DDiS 225 Diesel engine. The launch marks the company’s full-fledged entry into the market with bigger Engines of 1.5-litre capacity. Developed in-house, the 1.5-litre Engine offers improved performance, best in class fuel efficiency, enhanced torque and power with refined NVH performance. Sharing his thoughts on the new offering, Kenichi Ayukawa, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki said “Maruti Suzuki has always re-defined the Indian auto industry with its revolutionary offerings. The all-new aluminium 1.5-litre DDiS 225 diesel engine is yet another testament of the same.'' ''This new engine offers an optimum balance of enhanced performance with best in class fuel efficiency. It also showcases our commitment to provide products that capture performance aspirations of our young customers,'' he added. With the addition of the new engine, the new Ciaz will now be available with 1.5 litre capacity in both petrol (K15 with Next-Gen Smart Hybrid) and diesel (DDiS 225) powertrain options. The New Ciaz is engineered to offer class-leading comfort, impactful exteriors, elite interiors, un-matched performance along with an array of safety and convenience features. Retailed through the NEXA network, Ciaz has set a benchmark for customers in the mid-sized premium sedan market. The top end (Alpha) variant of Ciaz contributes a phenomenal 54 per cent of its total sales.

Maruti launches 1.5-litre DDiS 225 diesel engine with 6-speed transmission in new Ciaz

Asiana Airlines' chief executive Park Sam-koo has stepped down from the post to take responsibility for the fiasco over its 2018 financial statements, its parent Kumho Asiana Group said on Thursday.

Park also resigned as CEO of Kumho Industrial, Asiana Airlines' top shareholder, and as chairman of Kumho Asiana Group, it said in a statement.

"Kumho Asiana Group will launch an emergency management committee headed by vice chairman of the group to normalize our management in a short period of time and will hire a respectable person outside the company as the new chairman," it said.

Park's resignation comes at a time when Kumho Asiana is strapped for cash and is facing mounting debt.

The Korea Exchange suspended trading on Friday in shares of Asiana, South Korea's second-biggest carrier, after an auditor declined to sign off on its financial statements.

Asiana Airlines got its auditor on Tuesday to approve the statements after revising its accounts that widened its annual loss. Trading in Asiana resumed on Tuesday.

The airline had two CEOs, and with Park stepping down, Han Chang-su remains its sole CEO.

Asiana's shares surged as much as 15.1 per cent on Thursday following news of Park's resignation, while Kumho Industrial gained 8.2 per cent.

Asiana Airlines' chief executive Park Sam-koo has stepped down from the post to take responsibility for the fiasco over its 2018 financial statements, its parent Kumho Asiana Group said on Thursday.

Asiana Airlines' chief executive Park Sam-koo has stepped down from the post to take responsibility for the fiasco over its 2018 financial statements, its parent Kumho Asiana Group said on Thursday. Park also resigned as CEO of Kumho Industrial, Asiana Airlines' top shareholder, and as chairman of Kumho Asiana Group, it said in a statement. "Kumho Asiana Group will launch an emergency management committee headed by vice chairman of the group to normalize our management in a short period of time and will hire a respectable person outside the company as the new chairman," it said. Park's resignation comes at a time when Kumho Asiana is strapped for cash and is facing mounting debt. The Korea Exchange suspended trading on Friday in shares of Asiana, South Korea's second-biggest carrier, after an auditor declined to sign off on its financial statements. Asiana Airlines got its auditor on Tuesday to approve the statements after revising its accounts that widened its annual loss. Trading in Asiana resumed on Tuesday. The airline had two CEOs, and with Park stepping down, Han Chang-su remains its sole CEO. Asiana's shares surged as much as 15.1 per cent on Thursday following news of Park's resignation, while Kumho Industrial gained 8.2 per cent.

Asiana Airlines CEO Park quits after accounting fiasco, shares soar

Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves.

Sterling was also hit by another bout of Brexit blues after a round of votes in the UK parliament failed to produce any new plan to manage its divorce from the European Union.

A Reuters report that the United States and China had made progress in all areas in trade talks had a little obvious impact since sticking points still remained and there was no definite timetable for a deal.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.3 per cent, with South Korea down 0.7 per cent and Shanghai blue chips slipping 0.3 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei fell 1.7 per cent. US stocks could not escape the malaise with E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 off 0.5 per cent.

Worries that the inversion of the US Treasury curve signalled a future recession only deepened as 10-year yields fell to a fresh 15-month low at 2.34 per cent.

"We think that the ongoing flattening, or outright inversion, of the curve is a bad sign for equities, as it usually has been in the past," said Oliver Jones, markets economist at Capital Economics.

"Arguments that the yield curve is no longer a reliable indicator seem to resurface every time it inverts, only to be subsequently proved wrong."

The latest lunge lower was led by German bunds where 10-year yields dived deeper into negative territory after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said a hike in interest rates could be further delayed.

Plans to mitigate the side-effects of negative interest rates could also be considered, suggesting the central bank was preparing for an extended period below zero.

That shift came hot on the heels of a dovish surprise on Wednesday from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which abandoned its neutral bias to say the next rate move would likely be down.

Yields in both New Zealand and neighbour Australia quickly sank to record lows in response.

The RBNZ explicitly cited all the easing moves by other central banks as a reason for its turnaround since they had put unwanted upward pressure on the local dollar.

Easing goes global

That is one reason markets are wagering the Reserve Bank of Australia will also be forced to cut rates, simply to stop its currency from appreciating. Policy easing then becomes a self-fulfilling cycle across the world.

"The continued dovish shift by G7 central banks, ongoing support by the Chinese authorities, and the move by the RBNZ will keep pressure on the RBA to also move in the same direction, however reluctantly," said Su-Lin Ong, head of Australian and New Zealand strategy at RBC Capital Markets.

"It is, essentially, a global policy cycle."

The RBNZ's action had the desired effect on its currency, which was pinned at $0.6786 after diving 1.6 per cent overnight. The Aussie was on the defensive at $0.7078.

Draghi's comments likewise tugged the euro back to $1.1245, and left the US dollar firmer against a basket of its competitors at 96.909.

Only the yen held its own thanks to its safe-haven status and firmed to 110.20 per dollar.

Sterling had its own troubles as an offer by British Prime Minister Theresa May to quit to get her European Union deal through parliament failed, leaving uncertainty hanging over the Brexit process.

That left the pound down at $1.3170, having been as high as $1.3269 at one point on Wednesday.

In commodity markets, palladium was the focus of attention after sliding 7 per cent on Wednesday as its meteoric rally finally ran into profit-taking. It was down 0.4 per cent on Thursday.

Gold was relatively sedated at $1,308.37 per ounce.

Oil prices nursed modest losses after data showed US crude inventories grew more than expected last week as a Texas chemical spill hampered exports.

US crude was last down 21 cents at $59.14 a barrel, while Brent crude futures lost 21 cents to $67.62.

Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves.

Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves. Sterling was also hit by another bout of Brexit blues after a round of votes in the UK parliament failed to produce any new plan to manage its divorce from the European Union. A Reuters report that the United States and China had made progress in all areas in trade talks had a little obvious impact since sticking points still remained and there was no definite timetable for a deal. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.3 per cent, with South Korea down 0.7 per cent and Shanghai blue chips slipping 0.3 per cent. Japan's Nikkei fell 1.7 per cent. US stocks could not escape the malaise with E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 off 0.5 per cent. Worries that the inversion of the US Treasury curve signalled a future recession only deepened as 10-year yields fell to a fresh 15-month low at 2.34 per cent. "We think that the ongoing flattening, or outright inversion, of the curve is a bad sign for equities, as it usually has been in the past," said Oliver Jones, markets economist at Capital Economics. "Arguments that the yield curve is no longer a reliable indicator seem to resurface every time it inverts, only to be subsequently proved wrong." The latest lunge lower was led by German bunds where 10-year yields dived deeper into negative territory after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said a hike in interest rates could be further delayed. Plans to mitigate the side-effects of negative interest rates could also be considered, suggesting the central bank was preparing for an extended period below zero. That shift came hot on the heels of a dovish surprise on Wednesday from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which abandoned its neutral bias to say the next rate move would likely be down. Yields in both New Zealand and neighbour Australia quickly sank to record lows in response. The RBNZ explicitly cited all the easing moves by other central banks as a reason for its turnaround since they had put unwanted upward pressure on the local dollar. Easing goes global That is one reason markets are wagering the Reserve Bank of Australia will also be forced to cut rates, simply to stop its currency from appreciating. Policy easing then becomes a self-fulfilling cycle across the world. "The continued dovish shift by G7 central banks, ongoing support by the Chinese authorities, and the move by the RBNZ will keep pressure on the RBA to also move in the same direction, however reluctantly," said Su-Lin Ong, head of Australian and New Zealand strategy at RBC Capital Markets. "It is, essentially, a global policy cycle." The RBNZ's action had the desired effect on its currency, which was pinned at $0.6786 after diving 1.6 per cent overnight. The Aussie was on the defensive at $0.7078. Draghi's comments likewise tugged the euro back to $1.1245, and left the US dollar firmer against a basket of its competitors at 96.909. Only the yen held its own thanks to its safe-haven status and firmed to 110.20 per dollar. Sterling had its own troubles as an offer by British Prime Minister Theresa May to quit to get her European Union deal through parliament failed, leaving uncertainty hanging over the Brexit process. That left the pound down at $1.3170, having been as high as $1.3269 at one point on Wednesday. In commodity markets, palladium was the focus of attention after sliding 7 per cent on Wednesday as its meteoric rally finally ran into profit-taking. It was down 0.4 per cent on Thursday. Gold was relatively sedated at $1,308.37 per ounce. Oil prices nursed modest losses after data showed US crude inventories grew more than expected last week as a Texas chemical spill hampered exports. US crude was last down 21 cents at $59.14 a barrel, while Brent crude futures lost 21 cents to $67.62.

Bond yields spiral lower, take stocks along for the ride

The British pound gyrated Wednesday, initially rallying on Prime Minister Theresa May's dramatic appeal for her Brexit plan but later walking back the gains.

May pledged to step down if parliament backs her EU divorce deal, a vow that immediately boosted the British currency against the dollar and euro.

The dramatic gambit, just ahead of votes on last-minute Brexit alternatives to replace May's twice-rejected deal, pushed the British pound to close to $1.3270.&nbsp;

However, the pound was back down at $1.3189 at 2100 GMT as the prospects for May's plan still looked dicey, with the hard-line Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland continuing to balk at the proposal.

British MPs also voted late Wednesday against eight alternative Brexit options aimed at overcoming the deadlock over May's unpopular divorce deal.

The latest Brexit travails came on a mixed day for global stocks, with Wall Street again wobbling on worries about slowing global growth.

Investors have been weighing how seriously to view a big drop in 10-year US Treasury bond yields in recent session, traditionally a sign of medium- and long-term economic weakness.

The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note on Wednesday fell to its lowest level since December 2017.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.1 percent to finish at 25,625.59, about 200 points above its session lows earlier in the day.

"Buyers showed up during the second part of the session," said Adam Sarhan of 50 Park Investment, who considers the market's jitters over bond yields overblown.

But "if the bond market is right, then the stock market can go down further," Sarhan added.

Among individual companies, Boeing rose 1.0 percent &nbsp;as it unveiled proposed changes to flight software on its 737 MAX aircraft, which have been grounded following two deadly plane crashes in five months.&nbsp;

Boeing's plan came as the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, which must approve the fixes, faced tough questioning from Congress concerning its certification of the planes.

Earlier, European equities finished little changed, while Asian equities mostly rose.

The British pound gyrated Wednesday, initially rallying on Prime Minister Theresa May's dramatic appeal for her Brexit plan but later walking back the gains. May pledged to step down if parliament backs her EU divorce deal, a vow that immediately boosted the British currency against the dollar and euro.

The British pound gyrated Wednesday, initially rallying on Prime Minister Theresa May's dramatic appeal for her Brexit plan but later walking back the gains. May pledged to step down if parliament backs her EU divorce deal, a vow that immediately boosted the British currency against the dollar and euro. The dramatic gambit, just ahead of votes on last-minute Brexit alternatives to replace May's twice-rejected deal, pushed the British pound to close to $1.3270. However, the pound was back down at $1.3189 at 2100 GMT as the prospects for May's plan still looked dicey, with the hard-line Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland continuing to balk at the proposal. British MPs also voted late Wednesday against eight alternative Brexit options aimed at overcoming the deadlock over May's unpopular divorce deal. The latest Brexit travails came on a mixed day for global stocks, with Wall Street again wobbling on worries about slowing global growth. Investors have been weighing how seriously to view a big drop in 10-year US Treasury bond yields in recent session, traditionally a sign of medium- and long-term economic weakness. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note on Wednesday fell to its lowest level since December 2017. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.1 percent to finish at 25,625.59, about 200 points above its session lows earlier in the day. "Buyers showed up during the second part of the session," said Adam Sarhan of 50 Park Investment, who considers the market's jitters over bond yields overblown. But "if the bond market is right, then the stock market can go down further," Sarhan added. Among individual companies, Boeing rose 1.0 percent as it unveiled proposed changes to flight software on its 737 MAX aircraft, which have been grounded following two deadly plane crashes in five months. Boeing's plan came as the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, which must approve the fixes, faced tough questioning from Congress concerning its certification of the planes. Earlier, European equities finished little changed, while Asian equities mostly rose.

Sterling gyrates as British PM puts job on line

US economic growth was revised sharply lower for the final three months of 2018, with data showing GDP expanded 2.2 per cent rather than the 2.6 per cent originally reported, the government said Thursday.

The Commerce Department said the revision came after more complete data were used in the calculations.

However, that did not change the growth rate for the full year, which remains at 2.9 per cent compared to 2.2 per cent in 2017. 
&nbsp;

US economic growth was revised sharply lower for the final three months of 2018, with data showing GDP expanded 2.2 per cent rather than the 2.6 per cent originally reported, the government said Thursday.

US economic growth was revised sharply lower for the final three months of 2018, with data showing GDP expanded 2.2 per cent rather than the 2.6 per cent originally reported, the government said Thursday. The Commerce Department said the revision came after more complete data were used in the calculations. However, that did not change the growth rate for the full year, which remains at 2.9 per cent compared to 2.2 per cent in 2017.

US GDP growth revised down sharply to 2.2% in Q4

Benchmark indices ratcheted higher Thursday as banking, finance and IT stocks surged amid expiry of March series derivatives contracts.

The BSE Sensex vaulted 412.84 points, or 1.08 per cent, to close at 38,545.72, while the broader NSE Nifty settled at 11,570, higher by 124.95 points or 1.09 per cent.

Rate-sensitive banking, realty and auto counters spurted on expectations of a rate cut by RBI next week, brokers said.

Heavy short-covering on expiry of March series futures and options (F&amp;O) contracts also buoyed investor sentiment, they added.

Global equities were mixed amid a fall in bond yields, underscoring recession fears.

The 30-share Sensex, after a positive start at 38,208.30, stayed in the green throughout the session, with buying pace gathering momentum towards the end.

In the Sensex pack, gainers included HCL Tech, SBI, ITC, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, TCS, Asian Paints, ICICI Bank, TCS, Bajaj Finance and Infosys, jumping up to 3.84 per cent.

On the other hand, Tata Steel, ONGC, Bajaj Auto, PowerGrid, M&amp;M and Hero MotoCorp fell up to 1.73 per cent.

"Benchmark indices outperformed the broader indices on the expiry day supported by banks and IT. Bank Nifty propelled to a new high in expectation of rate cut from RBI next week and recapitalisation of banks. Besides, the slide in India's 10-yr bond yield further raised the possibility of rate cut.

"Global economic growth concerns and Fed's dovish view on rates will give a positive impetus to emerging markets like India," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services.

Except for metal and power, all BSE sectoral indices finished with gains, led by realty, teck, IT, bank and finance.

On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,481.11 crore Wednesday, and domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 134.92 crore, provisional data available with the BSE showed.

The rupee, meanwhile, depreciated 11 paise against the US dollar to 68.99 (intra-day).

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed 0.16 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei fell 1.61 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index declined 0.92 per cent and Korea's Kospi slipped 0.82 per cent.

In the Eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX gained 0.50 per cent and Paris CAC 40 was up 0.35 per cent in morning trade. London's FTSE too jumped 0.73 per cent. 
The benchmark Brent crude futures were trading lower by 0.37 per cent at USD 67.58 per barrel.

Benchmark indices ratcheted higher Thursday as banking, finance and IT stocks surged amid expiry of March series derivatives contracts. The BSE Sensex vaulted 412.

Benchmark indices ratcheted higher Thursday as banking, finance and IT stocks surged amid expiry of March series derivatives contracts. The BSE Sensex vaulted 412.84 points, or 1.08 per cent, to close at 38,545.72, while the broader NSE Nifty settled at 11,570, higher by 124.95 points or 1.09 per cent. Rate-sensitive banking, realty and auto counters spurted on expectations of a rate cut by RBI next week, brokers said. Heavy short-covering on expiry of March series futures and options (F&O) contracts also buoyed investor sentiment, they added. Global equities were mixed amid a fall in bond yields, underscoring recession fears. The 30-share Sensex, after a positive start at 38,208.30, stayed in the green throughout the session, with buying pace gathering momentum towards the end. In the Sensex pack, gainers included HCL Tech, SBI, ITC, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, TCS, Asian Paints, ICICI Bank, TCS, Bajaj Finance and Infosys, jumping up to 3.84 per cent. On the other hand, Tata Steel, ONGC, Bajaj Auto, PowerGrid, M&M and Hero MotoCorp fell up to 1.73 per cent. "Benchmark indices outperformed the broader indices on the expiry day supported by banks and IT. Bank Nifty propelled to a new high in expectation of rate cut from RBI next week and recapitalisation of banks. Besides, the slide in India's 10-yr bond yield further raised the possibility of rate cut. "Global economic growth concerns and Fed's dovish view on rates will give a positive impetus to emerging markets like India," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services. Except for metal and power, all BSE sectoral indices finished with gains, led by realty, teck, IT, bank and finance. On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,481.11 crore Wednesday, and domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 134.92 crore, provisional data available with the BSE showed. The rupee, meanwhile, depreciated 11 paise against the US dollar to 68.99 (intra-day). Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed 0.16 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei fell 1.61 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index declined 0.92 per cent and Korea's Kospi slipped 0.82 per cent. In the Eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX gained 0.50 per cent and Paris CAC 40 was up 0.35 per cent in morning trade. London's FTSE too jumped 0.73 per cent. The benchmark Brent crude futures were trading lower by 0.37 per cent at USD 67.58 per barrel.

Sensex soars over 400 points; Nifty reclaims 11,500-mark

Equity benchmark indices traded in the green during the&nbsp;morning session on Thursday with IT and banking stocks gaining ground.

Among the early gainers were Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, Yes Bank, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank.

At 11:15 am, the BSE S&amp;P Sensex was up 197 points at 38,329 while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 66 points at 11,511.

Shares of HCL Tech and Indiabulls Housing Finance gained nearly 3 per cent in the morning session while Yes Bank was up by 1.6 per cent.

Vedanta, Adani Ports, NBCC and Ultratech Cement also gained marginally. But Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, ONGC, Dr Reddy Labs and Power Grid traded in the red.

Meanwhile, Asian shares declined as the dip in developed market sovereign bond yields continued to disappoint investors about the global economic outlook.

Equity benchmark indices traded in the green during the morning session on Thursday with IT and banking stocks gaining ground. Among the early gainers were Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, Yes Bank, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank.

Equity benchmark indices traded in the green during the morning session on Thursday with IT and banking stocks gaining ground. Among the early gainers were Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, Yes Bank, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank. At 11:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was up 197 points at 38,329 while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 66 points at 11,511. Shares of HCL Tech and Indiabulls Housing Finance gained nearly 3 per cent in the morning session while Yes Bank was up by 1.6 per cent. Vedanta, Adani Ports, NBCC and Ultratech Cement also gained marginally. But Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, ONGC, Dr Reddy Labs and Power Grid traded in the red. Meanwhile, Asian shares declined as the dip in developed market sovereign bond yields continued to disappoint investors about the global economic outlook.

Tech, banking stocks lift Sensex by 197 points in early trading

The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped over 200 points and the NSE Nifty reclaimed the 11,500 mark in early trade Wednesday led by gains in banking stocks amid sustained foreign fund inflows and positive global cues.

The 30-share index was trading 205.47 points, or 0.54 per cent, higher at 38,438.88. It had ended 424.50 points, or 1.12 per cent, higher in the previous session.

The broader Nifty also rose 53.45 points, or 0.47 per cent, to 11,536.70 in morning trade.

Top gainers include IndusInd Bank, SBI, Sun Pharma, Bharti Airtel, L&amp;T, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank and Tata Motors, rising up to 3.62 per cent.

While, ONGC, NTPC, PowerGrid, Hero MotoCorp, Coal India, ICICI Bank and RIL were among the top laggards, shedding up to 1.10 per cent.

Sector-wise, BSE Capital Goods index was the biggest gainer, rising 0.70 per cent, followed by BSE Bankex, finance, FMCG, healthcare and auto indices gaining up to 0.54 per cent.

"Indian markets have been the recipient of robust foreign flows this entire March on the back of increased likelihood of strong political stability and policy continuity post elections and the softer stance adopted by global central banks," said Devang Mehta, Head Equity Advisory, Centrum Wealth Management.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 999.02 crore Tuesday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 196.70 crore, provisional data showed.

In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.49 per cent, Korea's Kospi was trading marginally higher, Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.55 per cent; while Japan's Nikkei fell 0.61 per cent.

On Wall Street, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.55 per cent higher on Tuesday.

The rupee, meanwhile, depreciated 5 paise against its previous close to 68.91 against the US dollar in the early session.&nbsp;

The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped over 200 points and the NSE Nifty reclaimed the 11,500 mark in early trade Wednesday led by gains in banking stocks amid sustained foreign fund inflows and positive global cues.

The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped over 200 points and the NSE Nifty reclaimed the 11,500 mark in early trade Wednesday led by gains in banking stocks amid sustained foreign fund inflows and positive global cues. The 30-share index was trading 205.47 points, or 0.54 per cent, higher at 38,438.88. It had ended 424.50 points, or 1.12 per cent, higher in the previous session. The broader Nifty also rose 53.45 points, or 0.47 per cent, to 11,536.70 in morning trade. Top gainers include IndusInd Bank, SBI, Sun Pharma, Bharti Airtel, L&T, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank and Tata Motors, rising up to 3.62 per cent. While, ONGC, NTPC, PowerGrid, Hero MotoCorp, Coal India, ICICI Bank and RIL were among the top laggards, shedding up to 1.10 per cent. Sector-wise, BSE Capital Goods index was the biggest gainer, rising 0.70 per cent, followed by BSE Bankex, finance, FMCG, healthcare and auto indices gaining up to 0.54 per cent. "Indian markets have been the recipient of robust foreign flows this entire March on the back of increased likelihood of strong political stability and policy continuity post elections and the softer stance adopted by global central banks," said Devang Mehta, Head Equity Advisory, Centrum Wealth Management. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 999.02 crore Tuesday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 196.70 crore, provisional data showed. In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.49 per cent, Korea's Kospi was trading marginally higher, Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.55 per cent; while Japan's Nikkei fell 0.61 per cent. On Wall Street, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.55 per cent higher on Tuesday. The rupee, meanwhile, depreciated 5 paise against its previous close to 68.91 against the US dollar in the early session.

Sensex jumps over 200 points; Nifty reclaims 11,500 level

The BSE benchmark Sensex erased early gains and ended over 100 points lower Wednesday as finance, banking and IT shares succumbed to selling pressure.

The 30-share index settled 100.53 points, or 0.26 per cent lower at 38,132.88, while the broader NSE Nifty slipped 38.20 points, or 0.33 per cent, to 11,445.05.

NTPC was the biggest loser in the Sensex pack, tumbling 2.25 per cent, followed by Tata Motors, Hero MotoCorp, Bharti Airtel, PowerGrid, HDFC, Reliance Industries, Coal India and M&amp;M that shed up to 1.85 per cent.Yes Bank was the top gainer, spurting 5.62 per cent.

Other winners were IndusInd Bank, SBI, Bajaj Auto, HCL Tech, ONGC, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Infosys and Vedanta, rising up to 5.27 per cent.

During the day, the benchmark indices witnessed heavy volatility amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation.

The markets, which opened higher in the morning over Tuesday's close, sharply dipped after the Prime Minister tweeted that he will be addressing the nation.

The Sensex jumped over 200 points during Modi's announcement that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite.

The BSE benchmark Sensex erased early gains and ended over 100 points lower Wednesday as finance, banking and IT shares succumbed to selling pressure. The 30-share index settled 100.

The BSE benchmark Sensex erased early gains and ended over 100 points lower Wednesday as finance, banking and IT shares succumbed to selling pressure. The 30-share index settled 100.53 points, or 0.26 per cent lower at 38,132.88, while the broader NSE Nifty slipped 38.20 points, or 0.33 per cent, to 11,445.05. NTPC was the biggest loser in the Sensex pack, tumbling 2.25 per cent, followed by Tata Motors, Hero MotoCorp, Bharti Airtel, PowerGrid, HDFC, Reliance Industries, Coal India and M&M that shed up to 1.85 per cent.Yes Bank was the top gainer, spurting 5.62 per cent. Other winners were IndusInd Bank, SBI, Bajaj Auto, HCL Tech, ONGC, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Infosys and Vedanta, rising up to 5.27 per cent. During the day, the benchmark indices witnessed heavy volatility amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation. The markets, which opened higher in the morning over Tuesday's close, sharply dipped after the Prime Minister tweeted that he will be addressing the nation. The Sensex jumped over 200 points during Modi's announcement that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite.

Stock markets end volatile session lower: Sensex slips 100 points; Nifty closes below 11,450

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal wrote a letter to his staff after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/naresh-goyal-quits-jet-airways-205510">stepping down from the board</a> on Monday. Goyal and his wife Anita made the move yesterday. He also resigned from the chairmanship of the 25-year-old airline.

"I'd like to humbly and with immense love and gratitude, inform you that both Anita and myself are stepping down from the board of Jet Airways with immediate effect," the letter read.&nbsp;

The letter, which was addressed to over 20,000 employees, had Goyal hoping that the cash-strapped airlines "stands poised to turn the page, ready to fly out of the turbulence and soar into a bright new future".

Goyal also said the approval of the debt-recast plan will put the carrier on a "sounder and sustainable" financial footing, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Goyal, in the letter, went on to note that the decision has been taken after much contemplation, adding that this is "the start of a brand new chapter".

He said he has seen the airline growing from a fleet of just four aircraft flying to 12 routes in the first year, to a peak fleet of 124 flying to over 550 destinations.

He thanked all Jet employees for their tireless, unrelenting efforts.

"It has truly been a labour of love that Anita and I, together with all of you have built collectively with our blood, toil and tears. Looking back I wouldn't want to change a thing. Not the triumphs, nor the trials and tribulations, challenges nor sweat equity," Goyal said.

"For the past 25 years, Jet has been a way of life for Anita and me. Very few people are fortunate enough to live their dreams and we have been truly blessed to be one among those few," he said.

"I'd also like to take this moment, to acknowledge the contribution of my wife, confidant and partner Anita without whom this journey would just not have been possible," Goyal concluded.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-shares-soar-after-founder-goyal-exits-205658">Jet Airways Ltd's shares climbed about 8.5 per cent on Tuesday</a> to a near two-month high after founder and chairman Naresh Goyal stepped down and lenders took control of the airline, in an attempt to rescue it from bankruptcy, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

After weeks of speculations over the future of Jet, which has grounded over 80 planes due to financial woes, its board Monday approved a resolution plan formulated by a consortium of lenders led by SBI, who has now become the new owners of the airline with 51 per cent equity holding. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal wrote a letter to his staff after stepping down from the board on Monday. Goyal and his wife Anita made the move yesterday. He also resigned from the chairmanship of the 25-year-old airline.

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal wrote a letter to his staff after stepping down from the board on Monday. Goyal and his wife Anita made the move yesterday. He also resigned from the chairmanship of the 25-year-old airline. "I'd like to humbly and with immense love and gratitude, inform you that both Anita and myself are stepping down from the board of Jet Airways with immediate effect," the letter read. The letter, which was addressed to over 20,000 employees, had Goyal hoping that the cash-strapped airlines "stands poised to turn the page, ready to fly out of the turbulence and soar into a bright new future". Goyal also said the approval of the debt-recast plan will put the carrier on a "sounder and sustainable" financial footing, news agency PTI reported. Goyal, in the letter, went on to note that the decision has been taken after much contemplation, adding that this is "the start of a brand new chapter". He said he has seen the airline growing from a fleet of just four aircraft flying to 12 routes in the first year, to a peak fleet of 124 flying to over 550 destinations. He thanked all Jet employees for their tireless, unrelenting efforts. "It has truly been a labour of love that Anita and I, together with all of you have built collectively with our blood, toil and tears. Looking back I wouldn't want to change a thing. Not the triumphs, nor the trials and tribulations, challenges nor sweat equity," Goyal said. "For the past 25 years, Jet has been a way of life for Anita and me. Very few people are fortunate enough to live their dreams and we have been truly blessed to be one among those few," he said. "I'd also like to take this moment, to acknowledge the contribution of my wife, confidant and partner Anita without whom this journey would just not have been possible," Goyal concluded. Meanwhile, Jet Airways Ltd's shares climbed about 8.5 per cent on Tuesday to a near two-month high after founder and chairman Naresh Goyal stepped down and lenders took control of the airline, in an attempt to rescue it from bankruptcy, news agency Reuters reported. After weeks of speculations over the future of Jet, which has grounded over 80 planes due to financial woes, its board Monday approved a resolution plan formulated by a consortium of lenders led by SBI, who has now become the new owners of the airline with 51 per cent equity holding.

Jet has been a way of life for me, this is start of brand new chapter: Goyal in heartfelt letter to staff

Domestic equities staged a comeback Tuesday with the BSE Sensex recovering over 77 points, while the NSE Nifty inched closer to 11,400 points driven by smart gains in oil &amp; gas, banking and metal stocks amid positive Asian cues.

The 30-share Sensex was trading higher by 77.38 points, or 0.20 per cent, at 37,886.29 in early trade.

The gauge had lost 575 points in the previous two sessions.

Sectoral indices, led by realty, oil &amp; gas, metal, PSU and power, were trading in the green with gains of up to 1.39 per cent.

The broad-based NSE Nifty went up by 35.50 points, or 0.31 per cent, to 11,389.75.

Major gainers that supported the recovery were ONGC, Coal India, Reliance Industries, IndusInd Bank, Tata Steel, Vedanta Ltd, Yes Bank, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, SBI, Kotak Bank, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, L&amp;T and Maruti Suzuki, gaining up to 1.99 per cent.

Following yesterday's rally, the shares of Jet Airways gained another 6 per cent with its founder and Chairman Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal stepping down from the crisis-hit airline's board.

A firm trend in other Asian markets and a slightly better trend overnight on Wall street buoyed the trading sentiments in the domestic equity market.

Brokers said buying by retail investors and unabated foreign fund inflows amid a firm trend in other Asian markets led the markets higher.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net buyers, pumping in Rs 150.40 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 12.52 crore Monday, provisional data showed.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan's Nikkei was up 1.84 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng up 0.08 per cent, Singapore's Straits Times rose 0.73 per cent, Taiwan index up 0.50 per cent and Korea's KOSPI rose 0.17 per cent.

However, Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.99 per cent in their late morning deals.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended slightly higher by 0.06 per cent in Monday's trade amid worries about a slowdown in global economic growth lingered.&nbsp;

Domestic equities staged a comeback Tuesday with the BSE Sensex recovering over 77 points, while the NSE Nifty inched closer to 11,400 points driven by smart gains in oil & gas, banking and metal stocks amid positive Asian cues.

Domestic equities staged a comeback Tuesday with the BSE Sensex recovering over 77 points, while the NSE Nifty inched closer to 11,400 points driven by smart gains in oil & gas, banking and metal stocks amid positive Asian cues. The 30-share Sensex was trading higher by 77.38 points, or 0.20 per cent, at 37,886.29 in early trade. The gauge had lost 575 points in the previous two sessions. Sectoral indices, led by realty, oil & gas, metal, PSU and power, were trading in the green with gains of up to 1.39 per cent. The broad-based NSE Nifty went up by 35.50 points, or 0.31 per cent, to 11,389.75. Major gainers that supported the recovery were ONGC, Coal India, Reliance Industries, IndusInd Bank, Tata Steel, Vedanta Ltd, Yes Bank, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, SBI, Kotak Bank, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, L&T and Maruti Suzuki, gaining up to 1.99 per cent. Following yesterday's rally, the shares of Jet Airways gained another 6 per cent with its founder and Chairman Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal stepping down from the crisis-hit airline's board. A firm trend in other Asian markets and a slightly better trend overnight on Wall street buoyed the trading sentiments in the domestic equity market. Brokers said buying by retail investors and unabated foreign fund inflows amid a firm trend in other Asian markets led the markets higher. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net buyers, pumping in Rs 150.40 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 12.52 crore Monday, provisional data showed. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan's Nikkei was up 1.84 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng up 0.08 per cent, Singapore's Straits Times rose 0.73 per cent, Taiwan index up 0.50 per cent and Korea's KOSPI rose 0.17 per cent. However, Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.99 per cent in their late morning deals. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended slightly higher by 0.06 per cent in Monday's trade amid worries about a slowdown in global economic growth lingered.

Sensex recovers 77 points, Nifty inches closer to 11,400 on positive Asian cues

The rupee strengthened by 15 paise to 68.81 against the US dollar in opening trade Tuesday on fresh selling of the greenback by exporters.

The weakening of the US dollar against some currencies overseas and a higher opening in the domestic equity market supported the local unit, a currency dealer said.

At the Interbank forex market, the rupee opened higher at 68.88 and strengthened further to 68.81 against the US dollar, higher by 15 paise over its previous close.

On Tuesday, the rupee ended almost flat at 68.96 per US dollar as participants preferred to wait on the sidelines to see the outcome of RBI's first-ever rupee-dollar swap auction.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, was trading 0.09 per cent up at $67.27 per barrel.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex recovered by 77.38 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 37,886.29 in early trade Tuesday.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought equities worth a net Rs 150.40 crore Monday, provisional data showed.

The rupee strengthened by 15 paise to 68.81 against the US dollar in opening trade Tuesday on fresh selling of the greenback by exporters. The weakening of the US dollar against some currencies overseas and a higher opening in the domestic equity market supported the local unit, a currency dealer said.

The rupee strengthened by 15 paise to 68.81 against the US dollar in opening trade Tuesday on fresh selling of the greenback by exporters. The weakening of the US dollar against some currencies overseas and a higher opening in the domestic equity market supported the local unit, a currency dealer said. At the Interbank forex market, the rupee opened higher at 68.88 and strengthened further to 68.81 against the US dollar, higher by 15 paise over its previous close. On Tuesday, the rupee ended almost flat at 68.96 per US dollar as participants preferred to wait on the sidelines to see the outcome of RBI's first-ever rupee-dollar swap auction. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, was trading 0.09 per cent up at $67.27 per barrel. Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex recovered by 77.38 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 37,886.29 in early trade Tuesday. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought equities worth a net Rs 150.40 crore Monday, provisional data showed.

Rupee rises 15 paise to 68.81 against US dollar

Jet Airways Ltd's shares climbed about 8.5 per cent on Tuesday to a near two-month high after founder and chairman Naresh Goyal stepped down and lenders took control of the airline, in an attempt to rescue it from bankruptcy.

Banks have moved in to take a majority stake in the airline after Jet failed to convince potential investors, including its largest shareholder Etihad Airways, to save the airline.

Under the rescue plan, Jet's lenders, led by State Bank of India (SBI), will issue a loan of 15 billion rupees ($218 million) to meet the airline's obligations and will form an interim management committee to oversee operations.

On Monday, Jet shares soared 17.5 per cent in intraday trade after reports said Goyal and his wife would leave the board.

Burdened with more than $1 billion of debt, Jet is struggling to stay afloat. It has delayed payments to banks, suppliers, pilots and lessors - some of which have forced the airline to ground as many as 40 planes.

Shares of Jet Airways rose as much as 8.6 per cent to 275.90 rupees, highest since February 1, on Tuesday. 
&nbsp;

Jet Airways Ltd's shares climbed about 8.5 per cent on Tuesday to a near two-month high after founder and chairman Naresh Goyal stepped down and lenders took control of the airline, in an attempt to rescue it from bankruptcy.

Jet Airways Ltd's shares climbed about 8.5 per cent on Tuesday to a near two-month high after founder and chairman Naresh Goyal stepped down and lenders took control of the airline, in an attempt to rescue it from bankruptcy. Banks have moved in to take a majority stake in the airline after Jet failed to convince potential investors, including its largest shareholder Etihad Airways, to save the airline. Under the rescue plan, Jet's lenders, led by State Bank of India (SBI), will issue a loan of 15 billion rupees ($218 million) to meet the airline's obligations and will form an interim management committee to oversee operations. On Monday, Jet shares soared 17.5 per cent in intraday trade after reports said Goyal and his wife would leave the board. Burdened with more than $1 billion of debt, Jet is struggling to stay afloat. It has delayed payments to banks, suppliers, pilots and lessors - some of which have forced the airline to ground as many as 40 planes. Shares of Jet Airways rose as much as 8.6 per cent to 275.90 rupees, highest since February 1, on Tuesday.

Jet Airways shares soar after founder Goyal exits