Kia India MD Gwanggu Lee stated that car sales are expected to grow moderately by 3-4% next year due to increased prices. He suggested the government reduce taxes to stimulate demand. Kia launched the Syros mini offroader, available in petrol, diesel, and eventually electric versions, to compete in the entry SUV market.
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IndusInd Bank has identified valuation losses in its forex derivative contracts that could impact its net worth by up to 2.4%, or around Rs 1,530 crore. The bank has assured that the losses pertain to FY24 and earlier, and they are working with an external adviser to review and address these discrepancies.
Air cargo demand rose by 3.2% year-on-year in January 2025, maintaining 18 months of growth, according to IATA. Capacity also increased by 6.8%. However, yield and cargo load factors slightly declined. Positive factors include trade growth and e-commerce, but tariffs remain a concern. Regional performance varied, with Latin America showing the strongest growth.
The Sensex surged 843 points to a two-month high of 82,133, driven by strong foreign fund inflows and buying in FMCG, IT, and banking stocks. This followed a volatile session with a 2,100-point intraday swing, influenced by global market weakness and uncertainty about China's economic recovery. Market sentiment remains cautious due to rising US Treasury yields and a weaker rupee.
India has raised concerns regarding issues faced by its milk exporters in Nepal. In response, Nepal has agreed to consider facilitating the import of specific milk products like whey and cheese that are not adequately produced in Nepal. The two nations also discussed amendments to trade agreements, development of trade infrastructure, and various other trade-related issues.
The Indian rupee fell to an all-time low of 85.24 against the US dollar due to rising US Treasury yields and a decrease in Asian currencies. Despite potential support from India's strong economic growth, the rupee is projected to continue a modest decline.
The Reserve Bank of India has lifted the restrictions on Asirvad Micro Finance and DMI Finance, effective immediately, following their corrective measures and compliance with regulatory guidelines. The restrictions had been placed on 21 October last year, preventing them from sanctioning and disbursing loans.
Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) allows salaried employees to claim tax exemptions on travel expenses within India. LTA can be claimed for a maximum of two journeys within a four-year block. Only transportation costs, such as airfare or train tickets, are covered. To claim LTA, employees must submit original travel documents and proof of expenses.
Bank loans continue to show no stress at the macro level, remaining well below the long-term trend as a percentage of GDP. By Dec 2024, the growth in overall bank credit slowed to 7.7% due to higher lending rates and increased capital requirements. Asset quality has improved with the GNPA ratio dropping to a 12-year low of 2.6%.
Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, BSE Sensex and Nifty50, opened in green on Wednesday. While BSE Sensex was above 73,000, Nifty50 was above 22,100.
India's economy is expected to see a boost in Q4FY25, supported by a sustained increase in government spending and capital expenditure (Capex), alongside a pickup in consumption driven by the Maha-Kumbh and wedding season, according to a report by Union Bank of India.