Gold and silver prices hit new record highs in India due to global market trends and economic concerns. Gold of 99.9% purity reached Rs 90,750 per 10 grams, while silver surged to Rs 1,02,500 per kg. The increase is driven by safe-haven demand, trade tensions, and expectations of US Federal Reserve monetary easing.
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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.
Aurobindo Pharma's subsidiary, CuraTeQ Biologics, received a positive CHMP opinion for its filgrastim biosimilar, Zefylti, intended to treat neutropenia and mobilize peripheral progenitor cells. Zefylti is CuraTeQ's first biosimilar to receive this positive opinion. Three additional biosimilars are currently under review with EMA and UK-MHRA, expected to be available next year.
Private equity-venture capital investments increased by 10% in the January-March 2025 period, reaching $7.9 billion. Notable deals included Bain Capital's Rs 4,390 crore investment in Manappuram Finance, Actis' $163 million investment in Stride Climate Investments, and Darwinbox's $140 million raise led by Partners Group and KKR.
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) reported a 1.4% increase in revenue for Q3, reaching Rs 15,408 crore, despite weak demand in urban areas due to high food inflation. The company's net profit surged 19% to Rs 3,001 crore, thanks to gains from the sale of its Pureit business. Consumers have been opting for smaller product packs across various segments.
The government plans to consult with the tech industry and external experts before restricting the transfer of certain personal data outside India, as part of the draft Digital Personal Data Protection rules. The rules also propose parental consent for children under 18 to join social media platforms.
Global supply chains are shifting towards India due to a focus on resilience over efficiency, says Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran. He emphasizes that the Tata Group plans to create five lakh manufacturing jobs in critical sectors including batteries, semiconductors, and electric vehicles over the next five years.
Mobile phone manufacturers like Foxconn and the Tata group have urged the Indian government to reduce import duties from the US to 0%, fearing business loss to China and Vietnam if reciprocal tariffs are imposed. The companies emphasize an urgent bilateral agreement with the US, highlighting the potential shift in production locations if tariffs increase.
The rupee experienced its strongest single-day gain since June 2024, closing at Rs 86.36 against the US dollar, bolstered by a dip in the dollar index and positive domestic market cues. Equities saw positive movement, and crude oil prices pulled back amid potential resolution in the Middle East conflict.
Adani Ports has withdrawn its request for a $553 million loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) for a Sri Lankan port project. Facing US fraud allegations, the company will now self-fund the Colombo West International Terminal development, originally slated to begin operations this month but now expected by early 2025.
Spending on Artificial Intelligence technologies will grow at 2.2x the rate of overall digital technology spending in the next three years, generating an India economic impact of over USD 115 billion by the end of 2027, according to a latest report by International Data Corporation (IDC).