REGIONAL BALANCE
Padma Doree to celebrate India's textile heritage and the evolution of fabric
Developed across two regions, it features natural dyes, an isothermal process, and non-violent silk, promoting sustainability and artisan livelihoods. The event highlights the fabric's journey, ethical practices, and cultural significance.
Japan to roll out prepaid transport card for foreign visitors from May
Japan will launch a new prepaid IC card, “Tourist Pasmo”, for foreign travellers in May, according to Kyodo News. Issued by Pasmo Co., the card will be valid for 28 days and usable for transport and payments. It will be sold at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport with no deposit, replacing the earlier Pasmo Passport.
Global palm oil supply to tighten in FY27 amid biodiesel push and weather risks: SEA
In fiscal year 2027, the outlook for palm oil production across the globe appears precarious. Major exporting nations are intensifying their biodiesel initiatives, stripping away palm oil for local energy applications. This trend, paired with the potential El Nino effects on Indian rainfall patterns and fluctuating global political tensions, is likely to limit the availability of exportable palm oil.
Moody’s Ratings cuts India’s FY27 growth forecast to 6% on higher energy costs
Moody's has lowered India's FY27 growth forecast to 6% due to weaker private consumption and industrial activity, driven by higher energy prices from the Iran war. Elevated energy costs are expected to widen the trade deficit and increase fiscal pressures, though government infrastructure spending and strong forex reserves offer some support.
Rupee falls, tracking Asian peers; partial rollback of RBI FX curbs weighs
The Indian rupee logged its steepest fall in a week on Tuesday, tracking weakness in most regional peers and also weighed down by the partial rollback of measures the central bank had undertaken recently to support the strained South Asian currency.
EQT raises $15.6 billion for Asia buyout fund BPEA IX
Swedish private equity giant EQT has successfully raised $15.6 billion for its Asia-focused buyout fund, EQT BPEA IX, exceeding its target. This oversubscribed fund, backed by a diverse global investor base, will target leading companies in technology, healthcare, and industrial sectors. EQT's strong track record in Asia, including significant Indian assets, underpins this substantial capital raise.
Frodoh partners Chaupal to launch 'first-screen' monetisation framework for OTT platforms
AdTech firm Frodoh and regional OTT platform Chaupal have launched an innovative 'first-screen monetisation' framework for connected TVs. This industry-first solution generates new revenue for subscription services by placing ads on the home screen, not within content, ensuring an ad-free viewing experience. The partnership aims to unlock high-attention advertising spaces while maintaining user engagement and discovery.
President Murmu on day-long Rourkela visit to inaugurate planetarium, museum
Get ready, Rourkela! President Droupadi Murmu is set to touch down in Odisha this Tuesday for an action-packed day. She’ll be cutting ribbons at a new planetarium and a vibrant tribal museum, celebrating culture and education. The launch of the Nirmal Munda Parivesh Path is also on her agenda, promoting environmental consciousness in the area.
India is making a big move to outflank China in Sri Lanka
India and China appear to be locked in an escalating energy rivalry in Sri Lanka. India plans a new energy hub at Trincomalee with the UAE, including an oil pipeline. This initiative aims to secure fuel supply chains and counter China's expanding presence in Sri Lanka's energy market. The project seeks to reshape regional energy dependence.
Office market stabilising; vacancies to decline marginally, rents to rise: Nuvama
Office space vacancy in India is set to decrease slightly. Rental growth will improve as demand and supply trends balance. New office space additions are planned until 2028. Leasing activity has shown a strong recovery. Global Capability Centres are a key driver of demand.
Pakistan: Economic challenges arise for farmers, labourers as modern harvesting techniques enter farms
According to The Express Tribune, Khanewal, a key wheat-producing region, has historically depended on manual harvesting, where large groups of labourers spent days cutting crops with sickles.
CA reveals why Shettys of South India are very successful in the restaurant business, shares three principles that made them stand out from the rest
Financial expert Sarthak Ahuja highlights how the Shetty community, originating from Tulu Nadu, built a dominant restaurant presence across India. Their success stemmed from a standardized menu, affordability, and a strong work ethic, fostering a cycle of mentorship and entrepreneurship that propelled their influence in hospitality.
Can exercise help in Parkinson’s disease? Top doctor shares what really matters in treatment. 'Start early, stay consistent'
When it comes to Parkinson's disease, exercise is essential, but Dr. Sudhir Kumar points out that it's not all about leisurely walks. It's about ramping up the intensity and diversifying activities. Consider high-cadence cycling, focused strength training, and balance drills to enhance mobility. What’s more, integrating enjoyable pursuits like dancing can significantly improve consistency and motivation.
Noida MSMEs flag wage hike amid rising costs, seek financial relief, subsidies
MSME entrepreneurs in Noida and Greater Noida have flagged rising costs and policy imbalance following the recent hike in wages and overtime.
Amit Shah says Opposition against women’s reservation, not its implementation; claims delimitation critics oppose SC/ST seat hike
Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted opposition parties resist women's reservation and delimitation. He argued delimitation is crucial for fair representation and increasing Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe seats. The government aims for women's reservation implementation by 2029, linked to delimitation after the next Census. Shah dismissed concerns about a North-South divide, emphasizing national unity.
West Bengal assembly elections 2026: BJP stresses security, TMC eyes revival in Siliguri corridor
The BJP and Trinamool Congress are in a direct electoral battle for four assembly seats in Siliguri. This region, known as the Siliguri corridor, is strategically important. The BJP aims to retain its hold after winning all four seats in 2021. The Trinamool Congress seeks to regain influence. Voters are concerned about border security and local economic issues.
BRS, YSRCP punch a hole in Centre's delimitation move
Southern parties BRS and YSR Congress have raised concerns over the bill, questioning its linkage to the 2011 Census for delimitation. K. T. Rama Rao warned it could penalise southern states, while YSRCP backed women’s reservation but called for fair regional seat distribution within states.
World Bank launches ‘Water Forward’ plan to expand global water access for 1 billion people
The World Bank has unveiled a new initiative called 'Water Forward'. This program aims to provide secure water access to one billion people within the next four years. It will expand reliable water services and strengthen systems against droughts and floods. Partnerships with other development banks will help achieve this ambitious goal.
Shelter from Spike 'n' Supply Storm: West Asia tensions test India Inc’s resilience to energy shocks
Escalating tensions in West Asia highlight India’s vulnerability to energy and logistics disruptions. Even without supply cuts, higher freight and insurance costs can strain margins and widen deficits. Strong balance sheets offer a cushion, but prolonged volatility could test corporate earnings, capital expenditure plans, and the broader credit cycle.
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