Category: South Asia

NEW DELHI, Jan 3 (AsiaPulse) – Private equity firm Jacob Ballas may acquire a five per cent stake in India-based Religare Finvest, a non-banking financial services arm of Religare Enterprises, for about Rs 200 crore (US$37 million). The deal would value the company, an NBFC focussed on the MSME segment, at close to Rs 4,000 […]

NEW DELHI, Jan 3 Asia Pulse – The Indian government should allow FDI in the pension sector as this will increase the volume of assets which can be used to develop the country’s infrastructure, an industry study has said. “FDI in pension funds will further increase the volume of assets that can be invested into […]

NEW DELHI, (Asia Pulse) – The sales growth of about 6,500 Indian companies declined by 7 percentage points to 20 per cent in the July-September quarter compared to the previous quarter, a study by Assocham has said. “With rising interest rates, the cost of borrowing has increased, investments have dried up and profit margins have […]

NEW DELHI, (Asia Pulse) – The Indian auto industry may continue to face tough times till the first quarter of 2012-13 as firms are expected to hike car prices by up to 10 per cent, resulting in reduced demand, a study has said. “The hike in car prices would mainly be driven by high interest […]

MUMBAI, Dec 30 (Asia Pulse) – India’s market regulator Sebi has barred several companies, their directors, merchant bankers and other related entities from participating in the securities market till further order for violating IPO norms. The merchant bankers who have been prohibited from participating securities market, include “PNB Investment Services, the book running lead manager […]

MUMBAI, Dec 29 (Asia Pulse) – Indian market regulator Sebi has proposed new rules for investment advisors that will require them to be registered with a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) before undertaking such a role. The services will include financial advice, financial planning service and actions which would influence an investment decision. Besides, representatives of investment […]

NEW DELHI, Dec 28 (AsiaPulse) – Reflecting the economic slowdown in the world’s major economies, foreign direct investment into India dipped by over 50 per cent to US$1.16 billion in October for the second month in a row. The country had received US$2.33 billion overseas investment in the same month last year. In September, the […]

NEW DELHI, Dec 27 (Asia Pulse) – The Indian job market is expected to see slower hiring activity, but double-digit salary hikes next year as employers are embracing a “cautiously optimistic” approach amid the economic uncertainty. However, apprehensions are high that the economic slowdown and declining industrial output could seriously affect the hiring plans of […]

VIJAYAWADA, (AsiaPulse) – Reserve Bank of India Governor D Subbarao said the economic growth rate for the current fiscal year is projected at 7.6 per cent as against earlier projections of 8 per cent. While hoping to tame down the inflation below 7 per cent by the year end, Subbarao said he was not sure […]

NEW DELHI, Dec 23 (AsiaPulse) – Indian computer maker HCL INFOSYSTEMS has increased prices of desktops, laptops and servers by 10-15 per cent September onwards, as the depreciating rupee has pushed up its imports bill. “The hike has been gradual, we have had to increase prices from September onwards,” HCL Infosystems CEO Harsh Chitale told […]

MUMBAI, Dec 23 (Asia Pulse) – India’s banking system has weak spots such as decelerating growth and a growing fiscal deficit which need to be addressed, a Reserve Bank report says. Rupee has weakened nearly 18 per cent since January and is currently trading at Rs 52.65 against dollar. The other major challenge before the […]

NEW DELHI, Dec 23 (AsiaPulse) – Noting that sugar industry would be a priority under the food bill, Indian Food Minister K.V Thomas on Wednesday said the government will consider the demand for partial decontrol of the sector after Parliament session. Making a demand for removal of levy sugar, ISMA President Narendra Murkumbi pointed out […]