Core sector output slows to 2.3% in February; crude, gas and refinery drag weighs on momentum

Growth in India’s eight core infrastructure industries eased to 2.3 per cent in February, down from 3.4 per cent in the same month last year, reflecting weakness in energy-linked segments even as output expanded in several manufacturing-oriented sectors.According to official data, production of crude oil, natural gas and petroleum refinery products declined during the month,…

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Govt clears Rs 20,000 crore credit guarantee scheme for MFIs; funding access in focus

The government has approved a limited-period Rs 20,000-crore credit guarantee scheme aimed at easing fund flow constraints faced by microfinance institutions (MFIs), according to a PTI report.The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) will cover loans disbursed by member lending institutions (MLIs), including banks and other lenders, to non-banking finance company-MFIs and MFIs till…

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After six years halt, India-China trade via Lipulekh Pass set to restart

Border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district will resume this year after remaining suspended for six years, officials said, according to PTI.District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai said preparations have been initiated following directions from the Union government for the trade session, which typically runs between June and September. The…

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