India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by USD 2.294 billion to USD 698.95 billion in the week ending June 13, 2025, reflecting continued strength in the country’s external balance sheet. This marks the second consecutive week of robust gains, bringing the reserves close to their all-time high of USD 704.885 billion recorded in September 2024. The increase was driven by a rise in foreign currency assets, gold holdings, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and India’s reserve position with the IMF.

India’s decision to halt trade with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack has abruptly suspended the export of Himalayan Pink Salt across the border, affecting a key trade channel. Despite the setback, Pakistan’s salt exporters are seizing the opportunity to diversify into new global markets. With rising global demand and premium retail pricing, producers are ramping up exports to China, the United States, and Europe, while pursuing Geographical Indication (GI) recognition to protect and promote the product's Pakistani origin.

In a move aimed at bolstering Karnataka’s status as a global manufacturing and innovation hub, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M. B. Patil engaged in high-level discussions with Swedish industrial heavyweight Epiroc during a strategic roadshow in Sweden. The meeting focused on unlocking new investment pathways, with Epiroc expressing intent to infuse Rs. 500 crore into India this year and a projected Rs. 1,000 crore by 2030.

ACME Solar Holdings has signed a landmark 25-year power purchase agreement with NHPC Limited, signaling a strategic leap in India’s renewable energy landscape. Under this agreement, ACME will deliver 250 MW of firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) from its Rajasthan project at a tariff of Rs. 4.56 per kWh. The project, which integrates solar, wind, and battery storage technologies, is designed to supply at least 40% Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) annually while fulfilling 90% of peak power demand for four hours daily.

In a significant development, industrialist Ratul Puri has been discharged by courts in two high-profile banking fraud cases totalling Rs 1,101 crore involving Moser Baer Solar Limited and Moser Baer India Ltd. The Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) chargesheets failed to convince the judiciary of any criminal intent, leading to dismissal of the charges at the stage of framing. Both cases, rooted in loan default allegations, were deemed civil disputes by the courts.

In a strategic move to enhance boardroom leadership, the Directors' Institute – World Council of Directors has forged a partnership with the University of Oxford’s Said Business School. The collaboration seeks to design and deliver advanced programmes focused on corporate governance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration, and leadership development. This initiative comes as boards worldwide confront mounting expectations on sustainability, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance.

Sharanam Infraproject and Trading, a prominent supplier of building materials and steel products, has announced its strategic entry into the United Arab Emirates real estate sector through the incorporation of a wholly owned subsidiary. The company plans to allocate approximately Rs. 42 crore (AED 18 million) over the next nine months to fund this initiative, covering working capital and deal facilitation costs. The new entity will focus on land arbitrage transactions, acquiring well-positioned land parcels for resale to larger developers and institutional investors.

Belgium-based Silox Group has acquired a 35-acre industrial land parcel at Dahej, Gujarat, from Arete Group to establish a large-scale chemical manufacturing facility. The planned Rs. 600 crore investment marks one of Silox’s most significant commitments in India, with the plant’s commissioning targeted for late 2027. The facility, to be developed at Arete’s Payal Industrial Park (PIP), will produce performance chemicals and metal salts essential for various industries, including coatings, catalysis, and sustainable energy.

Bangladesh is poised to receive a significant financial boost exceeding USD 1.5 billion, following loan approvals from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB). This substantial package is designed to address critical economic and environmental challenges. The ADB will contribute USD 900 million, targeting banking sector reforms and climate-resilient growth, while the World Bank has sanctioned USD 640 million to improve gas infrastructure and air quality.

Sun TV Network, one of India’s most prominent media conglomerates, has firmly denied allegations of misgovernance and fraudulent practices raised by Dayanidhi Maran against his brother and company promoter, Kalanithi Maran. The dispute, rooted in a 22-year-old family division following the death of their father, Murasoli Maran, resurfaced with Dayanidhi’s recent legal notice seeking restoration of the company’s earlier shareholding structure. In a regulatory filing, Sun TV reassured investors that the matter is personal, with no impact on its operations or compliance standards.