Category: Beyond

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Tata Electronics to begin chip packaging in Assam

Tata Electronics is preparing to start semiconductor chip packaging operations at its upcoming plant in Assam, taking another step in India’s push to build a stronger domestic electronics and technology ecosystem.

The upcoming facility is expected to handle the packaging and testing of semiconductor chips, an important stage in the manufacturing process where chips are assembled and prepared for use in devices such as smartphones, laptops, automobiles and other electronic products.

The project is seen as an important move not just for the company, but also for India’s larger goal of reducing dependence on imported semiconductor components. Over the past few years, countries around the world have focused on strengthening local chip production after global supply disruptions exposed vulnerabilities in technology supply chains.

Semiconductors have become a critical part of modern life and power everything from mobile phones and consumer electronics to vehicles and industrial systems. As demand for electronic products continues to rise globally, the need for stronger semiconductor manufacturing capabilities has also increased.

The Assam unit is also expected to bring economic benefits to the region. Industry observers believe the project could generate employment opportunities, create demand for skilled workers and encourage the growth of supporting industries around the facility. Large technology projects often attract related businesses and investments, which can contribute to regional development.

This upcoming project aligns with India’s broader efforts to establish itself as a major manufacturing hub. Government initiatives and policy support for the semiconductor sector have encouraged companies to invest in local production and advanced technology infrastructure.

Also Read: Petrol at ₹96.72, diesel ₹89.62 after fresh hike

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Petrol at ₹96.72, diesel ₹89.62 after fresh hike

Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Monday, with fuel rates being raised by ₹2 per litre across the country. The latest revision marks the fourth increase within the last 10 days, continuing an upward trend in fuel costs and raising concerns over its impact on transportation expenses and household budgets.

Following the latest hike, petrol prices in Delhi rose to ₹96.72 per litre, while diesel climbed to ₹89.62 per litre. Similar increases were recorded across major cities including Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, although final retail prices vary from state to state because of local taxes and value-added tax (VAT) rates.

The repeated increase in fuel prices over the last two weeks has drawn attention as it is likely to affect both consumers and businesses. Fuel prices play a direct role in determining transportation and logistics costs, and a sustained rise can have a wider impact on the economy. Increased transportation expenses often lead to higher prices of essential goods and services, eventually affecting household spending.

For daily commuters, the latest hike means additional expenditure on travel. Commercial vehicle operators, taxi services and logistics firms may also face rising operating costs due to higher fuel bills. Industry experts believe sectors that depend heavily on transportation could feel the impact if prices continue to move upward.

The continued rise in fuel prices has also sparked concerns about inflation. Higher fuel costs can contribute to increased prices across multiple sectors because transportation remains a major component in the supply chain.

With four fuel price hikes already recorded in just 10 days, market observers and consumers will now closely watch future revisions to see whether prices stabilise or continue their upward movement in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Gold dips to ₹1.59 lakh, Silver falls to ₹2.84 lakh

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Gold dips to ₹1.59 lakh, Silver falls to ₹2.84 lakh

Gold prices saw a slight decline on Monday, while silver also edged lower amid mixed trends in domestic and international markets. Despite the correction remaining limited, investors continued to closely monitor global developments and commodity market movements for fresh direction.

Gold prices slipped by ₹10 in the national capital market, with 24-carat gold trading at around ₹1,59,050 per 10 grams. Silver prices also moved lower and declined by ₹100 to trade near ₹2,84,900 per kilogram.

Across major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, retail gold prices showed only marginal differences due to local taxes and other charges. Prices of both 24-carat and 22-carat gold largely remained stable during the day, indicating limited fluctuations in the physical market.

Despite the slight fall, gold continues to trade at elevated levels after witnessing strong gains in recent weeks. Market analysts said the yellow metal remains sensitive to global economic developments, especially changes in the US dollar, interest rate expectations and geopolitical uncertainties.

Gold is widely viewed as a safe-haven asset, and investors often turn to it during periods of uncertainty. As a result, even small changes in global sentiment can influence prices.

Silver, meanwhile, remained under pressure as market participants assessed both investment demand and industrial consumption trends. Unlike gold, silver prices are influenced not only by investor activity but also by industrial demand, which often results in sharper movements.

Jewellers said demand in the domestic market remained steady despite higher price levels. Buying interest linked to the ongoing wedding season and long-term investment demand has continued to support the market.

Also Read: Sensex rallies over 900 points, Nifty trades above 23,950

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RBI transfers record ₹2.87 lakh cr to government

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a record transfer of ₹2.87 lakh crore as surplus to the central government, marking the highest dividend payout in its history.

The decision was taken at the RBI’s Central Board meeting after finalising its accounts for the financial year and reviewing provisions under its risk framework. The payout reflects strong earnings from the central bank’s foreign exchange operations, interest income, and gains from global financial markets.

This large transfer is expected to give the government additional fiscal space at a time when it is balancing spending needs on infrastructure, welfare schemes, and efforts to manage the fiscal deficit. The extra funds could also help reduce borrowing pressure in the upcoming budget cycle.

The RBI’s surplus is calculated after it sets aside money under its Economic Capital Framework, which ensures the bank maintains adequate buffers to handle financial stability risks. Even after these provisions, the central bank reported higher-than-expected earnings, leading to the record payout.

Over the years, RBI dividends have become an important non-tax source of revenue for the government, often helping it manage fiscal gaps and support public spending priorities.

While the record payout strengthens the government’s financial position in the short term, experts also note that such transfers can vary significantly depending on market conditions and the RBI’s risk assessment each year.

Economists said the transfer was larger than many market expectations, which had factored in more conservative assumptions due to global volatility. However, strong balance sheet gains helped push the final figure higher.

Also Read: Dalmia Bharat buys JAL cement assets for ₹2,850 cr

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Finance commission chief says rupee can cross ₹100

The Indian rupee remained under focus on Friday, trading at around 96.28 against the US dollar, as global developments and currency market movements continued to influence investor sentiment.

During these developments, comments by finance commission chief-Arvind Panagariya have sparked discussion over India’s approach to managing the currency. Panagariya said the Reserve Bank of India should not become overly concerned if the rupee moves beyond the ₹100-per-dollar mark, stressing that exchange rates should adjust according to market realities.

While the rupee witnessed some recovery during recent sessions, concerns over oil prices, global uncertainty and foreign investment flows continue to keep markets cautious.

According to him, levels such as ₹100 against the dollar often carry psychological importance, but they should not be viewed as strict barriers. He noted that several factors including inflation, trade activity, global capital flows and international market conditions play a role in determining currency values.

Economists pointed out that fluctuations in the rupee are common and often reflect broader global developments. While movements in the exchange rate can influence import costs and investor sentiment, they do not by themselves determine the overall health of the economy.

Experts expect the rupee’s direction in the coming weeks to depend on oil prices, global economic trends and foreign investment activity.

Also Read: Tata Communications gets new MD, CEO

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Gold crosses ₹1lakh, Silver near ₹2.85 lakh

Gold prices continued to remain high across Indian markets on Friday, keeping both investors and jewellery buyers focused on the bullion market. The price of 24-carat gold was around ₹1.64 lakh per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold was trading near ₹1.51 lakh per 10 grams. Silver prices also witnessed movement during the day, reflecting continued volatility in the precious metals segment.

While price changes during the session were limited, gold has remained at elevated levels over the past few weeks. For many consumers planning jewellery purchases, especially for weddings and special occasions, higher prices have resulted in more cautious buying decisions. Several buyers are choosing to wait and watch in the hope of more stable rates.

Silver, meanwhile, followed a mixed trend. Unlike gold, silver prices are influenced not only by investment demand but also by industrial usage. The metal is widely used in sectors such as electronics, renewable energy and manufacturing, making it more sensitive to changes in economic activity.

Gold traditionally attracts attention during periods of uncertainty, as many investors consider it a safer investment option. Changes in the value of the US dollar and fluctuations in international commodity markets also continue to influence domestic prices.

Jewellers said customer enquiries remain active, but purchasing patterns have become more cautious because of high rates. While demand has not disappeared, many consumers are taking a wait-and-see approach before making large purchases.

Also Read: Sensex gains over 300 points, Nifty crosses 23,750

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RBI unveils $5 bn swap auction to support rupee

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a $5 billion dollar-rupee swap auction to inject liquidity into the banking system and help stabilise the rupee, which has been under pressure in recent weeks.

The auction is scheduled for May 26 and will be conducted for a three-year period. Under the arrangement, banks will sell US dollars to the RBI in exchange for rupees and later buy them back after the swap period ends. This helps increase rupee liquidity in the financial system.

The move comes at a time when the Indian currency has been facing pressure due to rising global uncertainty, higher crude oil prices, and foreign investor outflows. Market volatility and geopolitical tensions have also added to concerns around the rupee’s stability.

Analysts say the RBI’s latest step is aimed at ensuring enough liquidity remains available in the banking system while also calming currency markets. The central bank has been actively managing rupee volatility in recent months through interventions in the foreign exchange market.

Such interventions often absorb rupee liquidity from the system, making additional support necessary. Economists believe the swap auction will help balance liquidity conditions without directly changing interest rates.

The announcement was viewed positively by financial markets, with bond yields easing slightly after the news. Experts also say the measure could help reduce pressure in the currency forward market and improve overall investor confidence.

The RBI has used similar swap auctions in the past during periods of market stress or liquidity tightening. These tools allow the central bank to manage short-term financial pressures while maintaining stability in currency and debt markets.

Also Read: Bolt CEO defends sacking entire HR team

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Gold near Rs 98,000, Silver below Rs 1 lakh

Gold and silver prices declined on Thursday as weak global cues and cautious investor sentiment weighed on the bullion market. The drop brought temporary relief for consumers and jewellers after precious metal rates remained elevated over the past few weeks.

In the domestic market, 24-carat gold prices hovered around Rs 98,000 per 10 grams in major cities, while 22-carat gold traded near Rs 89,800. Silver prices also slipped below the Rs 1 lakh mark per kilogram in several markets.

Traders said the correction was mainly driven by softer international gold prices and reduced demand for safe-haven assets. Hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East and signs of stability in global markets prompted investors to book profits after gold recently touched record levels.

Market participants are also closely tracking signals from the US Federal Reserve regarding interest rate decisions. A stronger US dollar and rising bond yields generally make gold less attractive to investors, adding pressure on bullion prices globally.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), both gold and silver futures traded lower during the session. Analysts believe investors are currently taking a cautious approach as they wait for fresh economic data and clarity on global inflation trends.

Despite the short-term decline, experts say gold continues to remain a preferred long-term investment option. Economic uncertainty, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical risks are still supporting overall demand for the yellow metal.

Jewellers expect the fall in prices to encourage fresh retail buying, especially during the ongoing wedding season. Many buyers who had postponed purchases due to record-high rates may now return to the market if prices remain stable.

Silver prices also moved lower alongside gold, affected by weak industrial demand and volatility in international commodity markets. However, analysts believe silver could remain active due to its strong industrial use in sectors like electronics and renewable energy.

Also Read: Sensex jumps 550 points, Nifty reclaims 23,800

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HDFC Bank introduces limited work-from-home policy

HDFC Bank has introduced a limited work-from-home (WFH) policy allowing select employees to work remotely for up to two days a week. The arrangement applies to staff in Business Enabling Functions and Corporate Enabling Functions, which include key support and administrative roles.

The policy has come into effect immediately and will remain in place for an initial period of 30 days. After this period, the bank will review the arrangement and decide whether to continue or modify it based on operational needs.

According to reports, the decision has been taken in the backdrop of rising crude oil prices and a broader call to conserve fuel. The move aligns with recent appeals encouraging organisations to reduce unnecessary travel and adopt hybrid or remote working options where possible.

Importantly, the policy will not impact customer-facing operations. Branch services, frontline banking staff, and public interactions will continue to function as usual without any changes. The WFH option is strictly limited to internal departments such as IT, HR, finance, compliance, risk management, and other corporate support functions.

Also Read: India considers $1 bn EV incentive plan

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India considers $1 bn EV incentive plan

India is exploring a proposal worth more than $1 billion to encourage private companies to switch to electric buses and trucks, in a major push to speed up clean transport adoption in the country.

The idea under discussion is to offer financial support to fleet operators so they can replace diesel-powered commercial vehicles with electric ones. This would include buses used for passenger transport as well as heavy trucks used for freight movement.

Officials are reportedly working on how best to structure the incentives so that companies find it easier to bear the high upfront cost of electric vehicles. The aim is to make the shift more practical for private operators, not just government-run transport systems.

The move comes at a time when global oil prices remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, adding pressure on India’s import bill since the country depends heavily on imported crude. Reducing fuel consumption in the transport sector is seen as one of the most effective ways to lower long-term energy costs.

Commercial transport is a major source of fuel usage and emissions, especially in cities and logistics corridors. By targeting this segment, the government hopes to reduce pollution levels while also improving energy security.

India has already been supporting electric mobility through various schemes that cover electric buses, two-wheelers, and charging infrastructure. However, the new proposal is expected to focus more directly on private operators, which could significantly expand the scale of adoption.

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