Sri Lanka has committed to completing its foreign debt restructuring by the end of December 2023, aiming to address its $46 billion external debt. After defaulting on debt in April 2022, the country has been working on rebuilding its finances with help from an IMF bailout. Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando confirmed that debt restructuring, which has been delayed for over two years, is critical for the country's economic recovery. The restructuring includes international sovereign bo

Bharti Airtel Ltd. has emerged as the leader in India’s telecom sector, gaining market share over the past 12 months following tariff hikes implemented earlier. According to the latest data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the country’s mobile sector saw a 14% year-on-year revenue growth, totaling Rs 2.69 lakh crore. During this period, Bharti Airtel reported the highest revenue growth of 19%, while Vodafone Idea Ltd. and Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd.

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to maintain the status quo on the benchmark repo rate at 6.5% in its upcoming meeting from December 4 to 6. Despite India's GDP growth slowing to 5.4% in the July-September quarter, economists suggest that inflation concerns will likely take precedence, making a rate cut unlikely in December. Retail inflation rose to 6.2% in October, exceeding the RBI’s target range of 2-6%. Though a repo rate cu

Hero MotoCorp, one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in India, has announced plans to enter the electric motorcycle market, making it the second legacy brand to do so. The company, known for its popular Splendor model, has already established a presence in the electric two-wheeler space with its Vida electric scooter and is now focusing on expanding its EV portfolio. This announcement comes shortly after Royal Enfield's parent company, Eicher Motors, revealed its new EV brand '

A groundbreaking study using data from NASA and German satellites has revealed a concerning and persistent decline in Earth's freshwater reserves since May 2014. The findings, published in Surveys in Geophysics, highlight a significant reduction in the amount of freshwater stored on land, including in lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers. This shift, tracked by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, suggests a transition towards drier conditions across co

The cost of real estate construction in India has risen by 11% over the past year, according to a recent report by Colliers India. This increase is largely attributed to a significant rise in labour costs, which have surged by 25% annually. Labour expenses now account for over 25% of total construction costs, placing additional strain on budgets and operational expenditures. A growing demand for skilled workers, along with costs associated with training, safety, and compliance, has further dr

Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 US presidential election has sent shockwaves through global markets, with countries around the world feeling the effects of his win. The dynamics between nations are shifting, and conflicts are being impacted in new ways, highlighting the significant role Trump plays on the world stage. One country that stands to benefit from Trump's policies is India. With China currently dominating the market as the largest exporter of iPhones, India is

Gold prices have been on a downward trend since the US presidential election, with December future contracts opening lower on MCX. The price of gold fell by 0.37% to Rs 76,369 per 10 grams, while silver prices also dropped by 0.24% to Rs 90,601 per kg. In the last two days, gold prices have plummeted by Rs 2,100 per 10 grams and silver prices by Rs 4,050 per kg. According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA), the current prices for different carats of gold are a

In a bold move towards establishing India as a global sports powerhouse, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally expressed its intent to host the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics. A Letter of Intent was sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Future Host Commission on October 1, reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of bringing the Games to Indian soil. PM Modi has publicly shared his enthusiasm for the 2036 Games, emphasizing their potential to foster economi

Nara Lokesh, the scion of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is currently on an extended trip to the USA, where he is actively engaging with global tech giants to attract investments to Andhra Pradesh. One of the highlights of his visit occurred in Atlanta, where he unveiled a statue of the legendary Sr NTR, commissioned by the NRI TDP workers. The unveiling ceremony was a grand affair, marked by a unique spectacle of flower petals showered from a helicopter, adding a festive atmosphere

Both political parties have ramped up their outreach to Indian Americans, who wield growing influence and political clout. While Harris remains a key figure for the Democrats, the Republican party also features prominent Indian American leaders, including Nikki Haley, a former presidential contender and ex-ambassador to the United Nations, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Usha Vance, wife of Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance. With four days until the election, the race

On Tuesday, gold prices saw a significant rise, increasing by ₹300 to reach ₹81,400 per 10 grams in the national capital. This surge is attributed to the heavy demand from jewellers and retailers ahead of Dhanteras, a festival known for its traditional gold purchases, as reported by the All India Sarafa Association. Silver also experienced a boost, climbing by ₹200 to ₹99,700 per kg, driven by rising demand from industrial units and coin makers. The previous day, silver was

During the Seventh Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the significance of the strategic partnership between India and Germany, describing it as a vital anchor in a world beset by tensions and uncertainty. PM Modi emphasized that the relationship between the two nations is transformational, rooted in shared democratic values, rather than merely transactional. As the world navigates complex challenges, pa

India's ambassador to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma—who was recently recalled by New Delhi—has accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of severely damaging the diplomatic ties between the two countries. In a statement, Verma emphasized that the allegations brought forward by Ottawa were politically motivated and baseless. These tensions escalated following accusations that Verma was linked to the murder of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep S

Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman of the CII-Sorabji Green Business Centre, has expressed confidence that India can emulate the remarkable economic growth that China experienced in recent decades. Speaking exclusively on Wednesday, Godrej emphasized that achieving such growth rates, similar to China's average GDP growth of 9.91% from 1979 to 2010, is within India's reach. However, he stressed the need for enhanced coordination between Indian industries and the government in policymaking.

As we approach International Coffee Day on October 1, 2024, coffee enthusiasts are eager to indulge in the rich flavors and aromas that distinct global destinations have to offer. A recent survey by Booking.com reveals that 85% of Indian travelers are keen to explore indigenous foods and flavors this year, and what better way to experience local culture than through its coffee? Here are six must-visit destinations for coffee lovers, each known for its unique brews and vibrant coffee culture.

On Thursday, the government revealed a significant increase in minimum wage rates through the revision of the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), aiming to assist workers in managing the rising cost of living. This adjustment will particularly benefit those in the unorganised sector, including workers involved in construction, loading and unloading, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture within central sphere establishments. The revised wage rates will be implemented startin

Elon Musk publicly criticized the UK government after reports surfaced that he had not been invited to an upcoming investment summit. Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent, stating that the UK is releasing convicted pedophiles while imprisoning individuals for their social media comments. This response comes amid ongoing tensions in Britain following violent anti-immigration riots, where far-right groups targeted asylum seeker accommodations and mosques. The La

US President Joe Biden recently commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his historic visit to Ukraine and his commitment to peace amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. During their meeting in Wilmington, North Carolina, Biden expressed strong support for India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, emphasizing the importance of India's voice in global governance. Both leaders highlighted the progress made in the India-US pa

Event Overview: On Tuesday, BJP MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut attended a book launch event in New Delhi organized by the Narendra Modi Study Centre. The event celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 74th birthday with the release of a book titled Prime Minister Narendra Modi: From the Red Fort, which was edited by Ranaut. Kangana Ranaut’s Praise for PM Modi: In her speech, Kangana Ranaut p