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Showing posts from May, 2025

India Inc Eyes Global Markets as Foreign Currency Borrowing Hits Six-Year Peak in March

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 India witnessed a sharp rise in external commercial borrowings (ECBs) in March, with private sector companies raising a record $11 billion—the highest in over six years—according to Reserve Bank of India data. Of this total, $8.3 billion flowed through the automatic route, while $2.7 billion came via the approval route. This surge underscores a growing preference among Indian corporates to access international credit markets for affordable, long-term funding, aimed at refinancing existing debt, expanding capital, and supporting overseas investments. Leading sectors benefiting from this inflow included steel, oil and gas, semiconductors, and financial services. Key approvals were focused on refinancing prior loans, meeting working capital needs, and financing strategic projects. The increase in approvals also signals a strategic push by companies to diversify their funding sources and secure favorable borrowing terms in foreign currencies. For the full fiscal year, ECB approvals...

Smart Strategies to Find the Cheapest Flights with Product-Bank

  Booking a flight can be expensive, but with the right approach and tools, you can find the cheapest flights easily.   Product-Bank   offers smart solutions that help travelers save money and time when booking air tickets. The key to  find the cheapest flights  is flexibility. Product-Bank’s user-friendly platform lets you compare fares across different dates, airports, and airlines to discover the best deals. By adjusting your travel plans even slightly—like flying a day earlier or later—you might save a significant amount. Product-Bank also suggests signing up for their price alerts. These alerts notify you instantly when ticket prices drop, so you don’t miss out on flash sales or last-minute discounts. Choosing the right airline is important too. While major carriers offer comfort, budget airlines provide the cheapest tickets. Product-Bank includes budget airlines in its search results, allowing you to weigh cost versus convenience. Another helpful feature i...

India Surpasses Japan and China as Asia-Pacific's Premier Investment Hub

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  India has emerged as the top investment destination in the Asia-Pacific region, outpacing traditional leaders Japan and China.   This shift is attributed to a combination of robust economic growth, favorable demographics, and strategic policy reforms that have bolstered investor confidence. The Times of India Key Highlights: Record-Breaking FDI Inflows:   India's cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) since April 2000 has surpassed $1 trillion, with significant contributions from Mauritius and Singapore. The services sector, along with computer software and hardware, has been the primary recipient of these investments.   Business Standard +2 Business Standard +2 ETCFO.com +2 Dominance in IPO Market:   In 2024, India overtook China to become Asia's leading market for initial public offerings (IPOs), driven by high stock prices and prominent listings. The National Stock Exchange of India is set to surpass major global exchanges in primary listings by value. ...

Enhancing Climate Finance: Strategies for Effective Allocation and Impact

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  Climate finance is pivotal in addressing the escalating climate crisis, yet its effectiveness is often hindered by ambiguities in definition and allocation.   To ensure that financial resources translate into meaningful climate action, it's essential to establish clear definitions, prioritize equity, and implement robust monitoring mechanisms. Hindustan Times Clarifying 'Climate Finance' A significant challenge in climate finance is the lack of a universally accepted definition.   Developed nations often include loans and private investments under the umbrella of climate finance, while developing countries emphasize the need for grants and concessional funding.   For instance, India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, highlighted the discrepancies in climate finance reporting, noting that OECD estimates included loans, whereas developing nations like India seek clarity on what constitutes genuine climate finance  . Moneycontrol The Times of India Equity a...