India

India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 7.052 billion to USD 709.759 billion for the week ended March 13, extending a recent downward trend after hitting a record high in February. The fall was primarily driven by a sharp drop in foreign currency assets, the largest component of reserves. 

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd has announced a price increase of 0.5 percent across its internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle portfolio, effective April 1, 2026. The decision comes in response to mounting input cost pressures, including raw materials and operational expenses. 

India’s core infrastructure sector recorded a slowdown in growth to 2.3 percent in February, down from 3.4 percent in the same period last year, reflecting emerging pressures within key industrial segments. The deceleration was primarily driven by declines in crude oil, natural gas, and refinery output, which continue to weigh on overall performance. 

Thomas Cook India has initiated a strategic restructuring by demerging its resort and resort management business into its wholly owned subsidiary, Sterling Holiday Resorts. The move is designed to streamline operations, unlock shareholder value, and pave the way for a potential standalone listing of the hospitality arm. 

BMW Group India has announced a price increase of up to 2 percent across its vehicle portfolio, effective April 1, as it seeks to mitigate rising input and logistics costs alongside currency depreciation. The adjustment will apply to both BMW and MINI models, reflecting broader pressures faced by the luxury automotive segment. Despite strong demand and a robust product lineup, the company is aligning pricing with macroeconomic realities.

HDFC Bank faced an unexpected governance development as former chairman Atanu Chakraborty stepped down citing ethical concerns, triggering uncertainty among investors and stakeholders. The bank’s leadership, led by CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, has sought to reassure markets, emphasizing institutional stability and denying any systemic issues. Board members expressed surprise at the resignation, noting the absence of detailed allegations.

Nirmala Sitharaman has announced measures to strengthen India’s energy and agricultural supply chains amid geopolitical disruptions in West Asia. With LPG imports impacted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government is accelerating domestic production to ensure uninterrupted household supply. Simultaneously, authorities have confirmed adequate fertiliser availability for the upcoming Kharif season and plans for timely imports for the Rabi cycle. In a significant fiscal move, the government will also clear Rs.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed on Friday that India will maintain its fiscal discipline for FY26 despite introducing the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants, amounting to Rs 2.81 lakh crore across 61 grants. Addressing the Lok Sabha, she assured members that these additional allocations remain within the government’s fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of GDP for 2025–26, while setting a lower target of 4.3 per cent for FY27.

Mankind Pharma has acquired the rights to the Rivotril brand from Roche for the Indian market, marking a strategic expansion into chronic and specialty therapies. Rivotril, a widely prescribed formulation of clonazepam, is used in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions. The deal grants Mankind Pharma exclusive authority to manufacture, market, and distribute the product across India.

India’s ceramic tile industry is facing renewed financial pressure as geopolitical tensions in West Asia disrupt exports, supply chains, and production economics. The sector, valued at approximately Rs. 53,000 crore, is projected to record a 1–2 percent decline in revenue this fiscal year, marking a second consecutive downturn. Export disruptions—particularly in the Middle East, a key market—have intensified due to logistical bottlenecks and rising freight costs following regional instability.