BSE Sensex

India's Industrial Production Slows to 4.1% in March

India's production growth, measured by the Index of Industrial Production, slowed to 4.1% in March from 5.2% in February, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Tuesday.In March 2025, India's IIP growth rate was at 3.9%.The quick estimates of IIP came in at 173.2 in March, up from 166.3 in the same month in 2025.The manufacturing sector, which carries the largest weight in the index, grew at 4.3% in March from 4.0% a year earlier. It was, however, lower than the 5.9% growth in February.Mining output grew 5.5% in March against 1.2% in the corresponding period of the previous year. Electricity production, however, fell to 0.8%, compared with 7.5% in the year-ago period.The indices of industrial production for the mining, manufacturing, and electricity sectors for March stood at 166.8, 169.4, and 221.3, respectively.

India's Industrial Production Shows Moderate Growth of 4.1% in March

Market Chatter: Acko Insurance Eyes Listing in Early 2027, Targets Up to $2.5 Billion in Valuation

Acko Insurance is targeting a listing in early 2027, Reuters reported Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.The Indian insurer is preparing for an IPO and eyeing a valuation of between $2 billion and $2.5 billion, the report said.The company may raise $300 million to $500 million through the offering, which is expected to include a mix of fresh issue and secondary share sales, the report said, citing one of the sources.Acko is likely to confidentially file draft IPO papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India in the next two to three months, the sources reportedly told Reuters.Morgan Stanley, ICICI Securities and Kotak Mahindra Capital have been appointed to manage the issue, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Indian Equities Slip on Tuesday as Profit Booking in Banking Sector Weighs

Indian benchmark indices ended lower on Tuesday as profit booking in banking heavyweights and mixed global cues weighed on the market.The BSE Sensex fell 416.72 points, or 0.5%, to close at 76,886.91, while the NSE Nifty 50 declined 97.00 points, or 0.4%, to settle at 23,995.70.Sentiment remained fragile amid stalled U.S.-Iran talks, rising crude oil prices, and weakness in the rupee.Investors also stayed cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy decision, with expectations of unchanged interest rates.Among stocks, Dhanlaxmi Bank (NSE:DHANBANK, BOM:532180) surged 14% after reporting a rise in fiscal Q4 net profit to 434.9 million rupees from 289.8 million rupees a year earlier.HDB Financial Services (NSE:HDBFS, BOM:544429) raised 3.25 billion rupees through the allotment of non-convertible debentures on a private placement basis.

Indian Equities Rebound on Monday as Value Buying, US-Iran Talk Hopes Lift Market

Indian benchmark indices closed higher on Monday, snapping a three-day losing streak, as value buying and expectations of renewed U.S.-Iran talks supported the market.The BSE Sensex rose 639.42 points, or 0.8%, to close at 77,303.63, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 194.75 points, or also 0.8%, to settle at 24,092.70.Sentiment improved on expectations that the US and Iran may resume talks soon. Stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings also helped boost investor confidence.Among stocks, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (NSE:TMB, BOM:543596) gained 7% after reporting a rise in fiscal Q4 net profit to 3.74 billion rupees from 2.92 billion rupees a year earlier. Earnings per share increased to 23.60, while interest income rose to 15.5 billion rupees.Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (NSE:SUNPHARMA, BOM:524715) also jumped 7% after agreeing to acquire US-based Organon & Co in an all-cash deal valued at $11.8 billion. The company will purchase shares at $14 each and plans to fund the transaction through cash and bank financing.

Asia Week Ahead: Central Bank Decisions; Inflation Prints; and Trade Data

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with major data releases, central bank decisions and inflation updates across the region.Monday brings China's first-quarter industrial profits data, as well as Malaysia's producer prices.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, alongside trade figures from Hong Kong and Macao, and India's March production report.Wednesday features Thailand's central bank rate decision and Australia's closely watched quarterly inflation print, while Thursday brings China's official and private PMI readings.On Friday, Japan's Tokyo core inflation reading will be in focus, along with South Korea's April trade data.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 27The week kicked off with the release of China's industrial profits data for the first quarter.The total profits of China's industrial enterprises rose 15.5% year on year to 1.696 trillion yuan during the first three months of 2026, with increases seen in the mining, manufacturing, technology, and chemical industries.A drop in profits was witnessed in the utilities industry, as well as the electricity and heat and agricultural industries, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.Singapore disclosed its manufacturing output stats for March, highlighting a 10.1% jump in production thanks to strong growth across almost all clusters.Malaysia's producer prices rose in March for the first time in a year, driven largely by a rebound in the mining sector, according to Trading Economics.Producer prices climbed 1.1% year on year, reversing a 3.4% decline in the previous month.Meanwhile, Taiwan's consumer confidence index edged up to 62.47 in April, rising 0.17 points from March.The uptick was driven by improvements in four sub-indicators, with sentiment on employment opportunities posting the largest monthly gain.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence was also due in the Philippines.TUESDAY, April 28Markets will turn their attention to an interest rate decision scheduled in Japan.The upcoming decision could be a complicated one for the Bank of Japan as it grapples with intensifying inflation domestically and the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, ING said in a preview.While markets broadly expect the central bank to maintain rates at 0.75%, ING said it continues to believe there's a chance the Bank of Japan may hike rates.Japanese unemployment data is also due the same day, with observers expecting the jobless rate to hover around the 2.6% mark, unchanged from the prior month, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Hong Kong will disclose trade stats for March. According to Trading Economics, the city state's trade deficit could narrow to HK$43 billion from the HK$64.2 billion recorded in February.Macao will similarly release balance of trade figures. The city state's trade deficit could narrow to 9.4 billion pataca in March from 9.9 billion pataca a month prior, Trading Economics forecasted.India's industrial production data for March will also be in the news. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated analysts expect India's industrial production growth to slow to a rate of 4.2% from 5.2% in February.India's manufacturing weakened in March as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, unstable market conditions, and inflationary pressures impacted output, S&P Global said previously. However, conditions appeared to have improved in April, according to the firm's most recent flash purchasing managers' index release.South Korea's business confidence report for April will be due the same day.WEDNESDAY, April 29Thailand's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.The Bank of Thailand is seen to hold rates steady at 1% amid softening growth and inflationary pressure due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported.Thailand's March Industrial production data is also expected on the same day.Australia's latest inflation print will be in the news, providing markets with an overview of pricing pressure ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's May board meeting.Westpac said it expects to see a 4.2% yearly gain in headline inflation for the March quarter.The quarterly data is likely to affirm for the Reserve Bank of Australia that the underlying inflation pressures are evident in the economy before the escalation of the Middle East conflict in late February, ANZ said in a preview.In Singapore, March import and export prices will be expected, as well as producer price inflation data.THURSDAY, April 30China's manufacturing and services sectors will be in focus as the National Bureau of Statistics releases its monthly purchasing managers' index covering manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and general PMI for April.The release will be accompanied by a private reading on China's manufacturing sector from S&P Global.Economists at ING said they expect official data to show activity dipped back into contractionary territory following the expansion witnessed in March.ING forecasts manufacturing PMI falling to 49.9 and the non-manufacturing PMI dipping to 49.8, and said it expects to see pricing pressure continuing to build in the PMI sub-indices.Taiwan will release its first-quarter advance gross domestic product growth rate, with markets looking for signs of whether the island state's economy can continue posting stellar growth due to its global positioning in high-precision semiconductor production.Researchers at ANZ expect Taiwan's first-quarter GDP growth rate to come in at 11.8%, slowing from the 12.7% rise witnessed in the prior quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.In Australia, the first-quarter import and export prices data is expected. CommBank said it expects export prices to rise 1.2% while import prices to decline 0.6%, both on a quarter-on-quarter basis.Meanwhile, a confidence report due in New Zealand is likely to show a further deterioration in business sentiment due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview.Further trade data is expected in the Philippines, which could see its trade deficit widen to $4.1 billion in March from $3.68 billion in April, according to Trading Economics.Both South Korea and Japan will release industrial production and retail sales data for March.ING said it expects Japan's industrial production to "rebound quite firmly" during the month. The firm expects industrial output to rise 2.2% year on year from the 0.4% rise witnessed in February.Japan will additionally release a consumer confidence report for April, while a similar release covering business confidence will be due in Singapore.Singapore's first-quarter preliminary unemployment rate will also be released on Thursday.Thailand's February retail sales stats will be due.FRIDAY, May 1Japan's closely watched Tokyo core consumer price index for April will capture headlines, offering markets an early indicator of the overall inflation rate in the country."The Tokyo CPI is expected to rise faster in April, reflecting recent energy price hikes, a weak JPY, solid wage growth, and bi-annual price adjustments," ING said in a preview.South Korea announces April trade data.The country's trade surplus could drop marginally to $26 billion from $26.2 billion a month prior, even as exports show a 50% year on year growth due to robust chip shipments, ING said.A consumer confidence report due in New Zealand could show sentiment weakening further in April and over the coming months amid the Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview."As the conflict progresses, overall consumer confidence is expected to continue falling," CommBank said.Neighboring Australia will release first-quarter produce price data.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its PMI reports covering manufacturing activity in Australia and Japan.

Indian Equities Extend Losing Streak on Friday as Uncertainty Over US-Iran Talks Weighs

Indian benchmark indices declined for a third straight session on Friday as continued uncertainty around U.S.-Iran talks and rising crude oil prices kept pressure on the market.The BSE Sensex fell 982.71 points, or 1.3%, to close at 76,681.29, while the NSE Nifty 50 dropped 275.10 points, or 1.1%, to settle at 23,897.95.Sentiment remained weak as there were no clear signs of progress on a potential peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. Despite the ceasefire, tensions persisted, while the second round of talks did not take place.Crude oil prices have risen sharply this week, adding to investor concerns.Among stocks, Vinyl Chemicals (India) (NSE:VINYLINDIA, BOM:524129) plummeted 10% after reporting a drop in fiscal Q4 profit to 46.5 million rupees from 72.7 million rupees a year earlier.Seamec (NSE:SEAMECLTD, BOM:526807) fell nearly 2% after its vessel "Seamec Swordfish" went into downtime from April 23 due to technical issues. The company said repairs are underway and operations will resume in due course.

India's Private-Sector Growth Accelerates in April: PMI Report

The expansion of India's private sector accelerated in April, led by manufacturers, reported S&P Global on Thursday.India's flash seasonally adjusted composite purchasing manager index (PMI) for output, a combination of the nation's factory and service sectors, logged at 58.3 in April, up from 57.0 in March, and striking further above the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction, reported S&P Global, citing its monthly survey.India's flash manufacturing PMI for output rose to 59.1 in April, up from 55.7 in March, while the nation's services PMI registered at 57.9 in April, up from 57.5 in the previous month, added S&P Global."Aggregate activity and new orders in India's private sector expanded at quicker rates at the start of this fiscal year, after growth receded in March due to the Middle East war," advised S&P Global.India private-sector managers reported indicated that business activitywas supported by capacity expansion, better demand conditions, rising and historically strong new orders, as well as tech investment, said S&P Global.Facing rising demand, India's enterprises again added to payrolls."Employment across India's private sector increased further, with the rate of job creation reaching a ten-month high in April," said S&P Global.However, India's private-sector did face rising costs in April.Business managers "particularly signaled greater outlays on chemicals, food, jute, leather, metals, rubber and transportation. There were also mentions of gas shortages pushing up its price," said S&P Global.Despite Persian Gulf turmoil and inflation in costs of operation, India's business managers were optimistic in April, and expect an increase in output in the coming 12 months.Indian companies expect "marketing efforts should support demand for their goods and services, with projects pending approval and risingclient inquiries also boosting optimism," advised S&P Global.The flash India PMI for April was compiled by S&P Global from surveys sent responses to 400 manufacturers and 400 service providers from April 8 through April 20.

Indian Equities Extend Losses on Thursday as Banking Sell-Off, Crude Oil Surge Weigh

Indian benchmark indices declined sharply on Thursday as selling in banking stocks and higher crude oil prices dragged the market lower.The BSE Sensex fell 852.49 points, or 1.1%, to close at 77,664.00, while the NSE Nifty 50 dropped 205.05 points, or 0.8%, to settle at 24,173.05.Sentiment remained weak amid rising tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty around U.S.-Iran talks. Reports of fresh maritime incidents and lack of clarity on the next round of negotiations kept investors cautious despite an extension of the ceasefire.Union Bank of India (NSE:UNIONBANK, BOM:532477) declined over 7% after reporting a rise in fiscal Q4 profit to 55.0 billion rupees from 50.1 billion rupees a year earlier.Cipla (NSE:CIPLA, BOM:500087) gained nearly 6% after its subsidiary received U.S. FDA approval for Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol. The product is expected to be launched in the first half of fiscal 2027.

India's Private Sector Growth Gathers Pace in April after Slowdown in March

India's private sector growth accelerated its pace in April after slowing down in March amid the Middle East war.The HSBC Flash India Composite Output Index, which comprises indices for the manufacturing and service sectors, rose to 58.3 in April from 57.0 in the preceding month, according to HSBC Flash PMI data released on Thursday.The seasonally adjusted index, which tracks month-on-month output across manufacturing and services, remained comfortably above the 50.0 threshold, indicating expansion."Survey participants indicated that business activity was supported by capacity expansion, better demand conditions, rising intakes of new work and tech investment," S&P said.New orders in April also grew at a quicker pace than in March.Overall business conditions in April improved to a greater extent than in March indicated by the HSBC Flash India Manufacturing PMI rising to 55.9 from 53.9 in March. The HSBC Flash India Services PMI Business Activity Index, also rose marginally to 57.9 in April compared with 57.5 seen in March."Manufacturing led the upturn, with faster growth in output and new orders. The survey indicated that firms are building buffer stocks to manage the uncertainties around the longevity of the supply-side shock,," Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC, said.Input cost pressures, however remained higher, and companies passed through part of the increase through higher sellingprices.The report indicated that Indian private-sector companies expected an increase in output over the next 12 months, driven by marketing efforts which will support demand for their goods and services.While projects pending approval and rising client enquiries also heightened optimism, the overall level of confidence fell since March, but was the second-highest in nearly a year-and-a-half.

Indian Equities Fall Sharply on Wednesday as IT Sell-Off, Crude Oil Rebound Weigh

Indian benchmark indices ended lower on Wednesday as a sharp decline in technology stocks and higher crude oil prices pressured the market.The BSE Sensex fell 756.84 points, or 1%, to close at 78,516.49, while the NSE Nifty 50 dropped 198.50 points, or 0.8%, to settle at 24,378.10.There was broad-based selling in IT stocks, as weaker-than-expected earnings startled investors, triggering a sharp pullback across the sector.Sentiment also remained cautious as markets awaited clarity on the next steps in U.S.-Iran negotiations. The U.S. announced an extension of the ceasefire to allow further talks, but the move appeared unilateral, with no immediate confirmation from Iran or Israel.Among stocks, HCL Technologies (NSE:HCLTECH, BOM:532281) plummeted nearly 11% after its March quarter results, released post-market hours on Tuesday, missed estimates despite a rise in profit and revenue.Tech Mahindra (NSE:TECHM, BOM:532755) fell nearly 3% after reporting an increase in fiscal Q4 profit to 13.5 billion rupees from 11.7 billion rupees a year earlier, with revenue also rising.

Indian Equities Rally on Tuesday as US-Iran Talk Hopes Boost Investor Sentiment

Indian benchmark indices ended higher on Tuesday as lower crude prices and expectations of renewed U.S.-Iran talks supported risk appetite.The BSE Sensex rose 753.03 points, or 1%, to close at 79,273.33, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 211.75 points, or 0.9%, to settle at 24,576.60.Sentiment improved on expectations of a second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran later this week. Reports indicate that a U.S. delegation led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance may return to Pakistan for discussions, with Iran also preparing to participate after earlier reluctance.Lower crude prices and buying in banking and FMCG stocks further supported the market.Among stocks, Nestlé India (NSE:NESTLEIND, BOM:500790) surged over 7% after reporting a rise in consolidated profit to 11.1 billion rupees in fiscal Q4 from 8.73 billion rupees a year earlier. Revenue from operations increased to 67.5 billion rupees from 55.0 billion rupees.Prestige Estates Projects (NSE:PRESTIGE, BOM:533274) gained over 2% after reporting initial sales of more than 1,700 units worth over 25 billion rupees for its Hyderabad residential project.

Significant Foreign Ownership Could Benefit Indian Financial Institutions, Fitch Says

Indian financial institutions' credit profiles could gain support from sizable foreign shareholder ownership, Fitch Ratings said in a recent release.Foreign shareholding provides long-term capital and funding flexibility, business franchise improvement, and better governance standards, Fitch said.Still, Fitch does not consider foreign ownership as an innately reliable indicator of better credit fundamentals, with transactions that boost internal controls, risk management, and leadership accountability having more credit relevance.Increased interest from foreign shareholders points to growing confidence in India's long-term growth outlook and the financial industry's regulation and oversight, as well as better risk governance, Fitch said.Fitch believes there is a greater likelihood of foreign investors owning control of nonbank financial institutions rather than those of banks, as full foreign ownership of NBFIs is allowed.Minority shareholders can also have a sizable influence over NBFIs in the presence of business and operational synergies, Fitch said.

PNB Housing Finance Q4 Profit Rises 19% on Year

Boosted by a growing loan portfolio of better-performing assets, India's PNB Housing Finance reported a solid rise in fourth-quarter profits on year, the lender reported Wednesday.In the fourth period, PNB Housing Finance's loan portfolio grew by 15.3% on year to 87,373 crore, while net profits after tax grew by 19.2% to 656 crore, as a larger pool of assets, but a smaller amount of sour loans, boosted the home-loan giant's bottom line."We delivered a healthy expansion in our retail loan portfolio along withsustaining robust asset quality and profitability," said Ajai Shukla, CEO and managing director, in a prepared statement. "The continued focus on disciplined collections and portfolio management resulted in GNPA (gross non-performing assets) improving to sub-1% levels."The New Delhi-based PNB Housing Finance is a subsidiary of Punjab National Bank. The specialized lender primarily provides housing loans, often to first-time buyers, but also lends on other property-types, and holds a license to accept public deposits.In the fourth quarter, PNB Housing's deposits grew to 18,055 crore, up a relatively modest 2.3% on year. The housing lender also boosted its borrowing from institutional lenders to 43,543 crore in the fourth period, up 22.5% on year.PNB Housing's total expenses in the fourth quarter fell to 1,317 crore, off marginally from 1,325 crore in the year ago period, largely due to fewer write-offs or expenses associated with non-performing loans.For the full fiscal year 2026, PNB Housing reported net profit of 2291 crore, up 18% on year.PNB Housing shares traded up 8.1% following the lender's earnings release.

Indian Equities Edge Higher on Monday Amid Uncertainty Over US-Iran Tensions

Indian benchmark indices closed with marginal gains on Monday as ongoing uncertainty around the US-Iran situation and higher crude oil prices kept investors cautious.The BSE Sensex rose 26.76 points, or 0.03%, to end at 78,520.30, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 11.30 points, or 0.1%, to close at 24,364.85.Market sentiment remained fragile amid mixed global cues and tensions in the Middle East. The two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire on Tuesday. Reports of renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz point to a possible escalation, casting doubt on the continuation of the ceasefire.Among stocks, Hindustan Organic Chemicals (BOM:500449) surged over 11% after initiating steps to restart operations at its phenol and cumene plant in Kochi, according to a Monday filing. The restart follows the resumption of liquified petroleum gas supply by Bharat Petroleum Corporation.Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy (NSE:SWSOLAR, BOM:542760) gained over 9% after emerging as the lowest bidder for a 34.9 billion rupees EPC contract from Coal India for a large solar project in Rajasthan, according to a Monday filing. The company also secured an additional 50 MW project in Maharashtra.

ICICI Bank Reports Higher Profits in Fiscal Q4

ICICI Bank's (NSE:ICICIBANK, BOM:532174) fiscal fourth quarter profits after tax grew by 8.5% on-year to $1.4 billion, while total advances, or loans, grew 15.8% on-year in the same period, the financial house reported on Saturday.Bank ICICI reported that it extended loans heavily to the business side of its loan portfolio in the fiscal fourth period and year, ended March 31.While the bank's retail loan portfolio grew by 9.5% on-year in the fourth period, the ICICI business-loan portfolio grew by 24.4%on-year, reported ICICI.Meanwhile, total ICICI Bank deposits increased by 11.4% on-year to $189.2 billion, at the end of the fiscal fourth quarter.The bank operation is well-capitalized, said ICICI.The bank's total capital adequacy ratio at the end of the fourth period was 17.18% and the common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratiowas 16.35%, which was above the regulatory requirements of 11.70% and 8.20% respectively, advised ICICI.Based on the financial results, the ICICI board recommended a dividend equivalent to $ 0.25 per ADS (American Depositary Share)..Established in 1955, ICICI Bank is part of the ICICI Group. It was established by the World Bank, the Government of India, and industry representatives to foster industrial development.ICICI is one of India's largest financial houses, and is regarded as one of three domestic "systemically important banks" by the central bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The other two such banks are HDFC Bank (NSE:HDFCBANK, BOM:500180, HDB) and the State Bank of India (NSE:SBIN, BOM:500112).ICICI shares on Monday closed up 0.9%.

Indian Equities Extend Gains on Friday as Broad-Based Buying Lifts Market

Indian benchmark indices ended higher on Friday as broad-based buying lifted markets, supported by gains in consumer goods and oil & gas stocks.The BSE Sensex rose 504.86 points, or 0.7%, to close at 78,493.54, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 156.80 points, or also 0.7%, to settle at 24,353.55.Sentiment improved on expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East. Reports of a possible progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations and a potential extension of the ceasefire supported risk appetite.A sharp decline in crude oil prices further supported the market.In corporate developments, Bajaj Consumer Care (NSE:BAJAJCON, BOM:533229) reported a rise in consolidated profit to 636.0 million rupees in the fiscal fourth quarter from 309.8 million rupees a year earlier.Aurobindo Pharma (NSE:AUROPHARMA, BOM:524804) received U.S. FDA approval to manufacture and market Glycerol Phenylbutyrate Oral Liquid. The product is equivalent to the reference drug Ravicti and will be launched immediately, the company said in a Friday filing.

Indian Equities Slip on Thursday Amid Profit Booking in Heavyweights

Indian benchmark indices closed marginally lower on Thursday as profit booking in select large stocks offset early optimism.The BSE Sensex slipped 122.56 points, or 0.2%, to finish at 77,988.68, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell 34.55 points, or 0.1%, to close at 24,196.75.Sentiment remained mildly supported by expectations of a second round of US-Iran talks aimed at easing the ongoing conflict. Uncertainty over timing, however, kept investors cautious.On the macro side, India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 3.88% in March, up from 2.13% in February, according to government data released late on Wednesday. Goods and services exports also declined 4.58% year-on-year to $74.11 billion in March.Among stocks, HDFC Asset Management Company (NSE:HDFCAMC, BOM:541729) reported a slight dip in consolidated profit to 6.23 billion rupees in Q4 FY26 from 6.38 billion rupees a year earlier. Revenue from operations rose to 10.5 billion rupees from 9.01 billion rupees, according to its filing.Alembic Pharmaceuticals (NSE:APLLTD, BOM:533573) gained after receiving US FDA approval for Methotrexate Injection in both multi-dose and single-dose vials. The drug is used in cancer treatment as well as autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

India's Gems and Jewelry Declines 35% in March

India's overall gross exports of gems and jewelry declined sharply by 35.2% in March to $1.78 billion from $27.5 billion a year ago, amid the heightened geopolitical tensions, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) ​said in a recent statement.The overall gross imports of gems and jewelry in the reported month, however, rose 16.7% year-on-year to $2.31 billion from $1.98 billion.For the full fiscal year ended March 31, the country's gems and jewelry exports declined 3.3% to $27.7 billion from $28.7 billion a year ago. Meanwhile, the gross imports of gems and jewelry grew 17% to $22.8 billion from $19.5 billion a year earlier.Exports to the US slipped 45% from a year earlier to $5.09 billion from $9.24 billion a year ago, dragged by the disruption of exports for a number of months after the US imposed reciprocal tariffs and later added a further ​25% duty on Indian goods.

India's Total Exports Decline 4.58% in March; Trade Deficit Narrows

India's total exports of goods and services declined 4.58% to $74.11 billion in March from $77.67 billion a year ago, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Wednesday.Total imports also fell 5.76% year-over-year to $76.55 billion in March from $81.22 billion, leading to a trade deficit of $2.44 billion, compared with $3.55 billion a year ago.The country's exports of goods slipped to $38.92 billion in March, from $42.05 billion a year earlier, while services exports were marginally down to $35.20 billion, from $35.63 billion.On the import side, goods imports declined to $59.59 billion in the reported month from $63.74 billion a year earlier, while services imports were down to $16.96 billion from $17.48 billion.