ADB launches $70 billion connectivity plan; Asia power and digital networks to expand by 2035

The Asian Development Bank on Sunday rolled out an ambitious $70 billion regional investment roadmap to strengthen electricity links and digital infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific by 2035, in a push to improve resilience, reduce costs and widen access, PTI reported.The package combines two large programmes –a $50 billion Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative and…

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Air India board to review losses on May 7, cost-saving plans and CEO hunt in focus

Air India’s board will meet on May 7 to review cost-saving measures, discuss CEO succession plans and consider the airline’s FY26 financials as mounting losses and the Middle East conflict intensify pressure on the Tata Group-owned carrier, PTI reported.Sources told news agency PTI that the board, chaired by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, is scheduled…

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OPEC+ raises crude oil’s June output quotas, group signals continuity after UAE exit

Saudi Arabia, Russia and five other OPEC+ countries on Sunday increased their oil production quota in a move seen as reinforcing continuity within the producers’ alliance after the United Arab Emirates’ shock withdrawal, AFP reported.The seven major producers will add “188,000 barrels per day” to their combined production quota for June, according to a statement…

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New hospital building norms ease capacity limits, NATHEALTH says healthcare access to improve

Healthcare industry body NATHEALTH on Sunday welcomed the government’s National Building Construction Standards (NBCS) 2026, saying the new norms easing height restrictions for hospitals are expected to reduce infrastructure bottlenecks and improve access to healthcare, PTI reported.The industry body said the revised standards allow hospitals to build beyond earlier limits and permit Intensive Care Units…

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Nestle India flags cost volatility, bets on volume-led growth despite global risks

FMCG major Nestle India has flagged volatility in input costs amid geopolitical uncertainties but said it will continue to pursue volume-led growth in the new fiscal, with focus on expanding consumption, improving penetration and driving efficiencies, PTI reported.Chairman and Managing Director Manish Tiwary said the maker of Maggi noodles, Nescafé and KitKat remains cautious as…

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Market watch this week: State poll verdicts, oil prices and Q4 earnings to steer stock market mood, analysts say

Stock markets are heading into a crucial week, with investors likely to keep a close watch on state election results, crude oil prices and the ongoing Middle East conflict. Vote counting for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will begin on Monday, May 4, and analysts believe the results could…

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Pakistan faces economic strain; oil surge drives inflation toward 11%

Pakistan’s struggling economy is likely to remain under sustained pressure, with double-digit inflation expected to persist if global oil prices continue to surge amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, according to a report by Dawn.Topline Securities Ltd, in its latest “Pakistan Strategy” report released Saturday, provided a grim assessment of the impact of rising energy…

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