APAC cities continue to be some of the world’s most connected and prominent as emerging hubs in South Asia gain ground

Asia Pacific (APAC) cities, spearheaded by Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore, Melbourne, and Hong Kong, continue to assert their influence as some of the world’s most connected and prominent urban centers, according to Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report. The report reveals that APAC maintains a strong foothold in the top 10 of its Global Cities Index (GCI), claiming five coveted spots.
Oman’s Minister Spearheads Global Economic Dialogue at G20 Summit

Qais al Yousef, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, is leading a prominent delegation to the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Jaipur, India, followed by the B20 Forum in New Delhi. Amidst the backdrop of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ the discussions will rejuvenate multilateral trade for global growth, leverage technology for seamless transactions, and fortify resilient trade mechanisms. Yousef’s participation underscores Oman’s commitment to fair, rules-based global trade, aligning with the visionary Oman Vision 2040 while emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in fostering inclusive economic progress and sustainable development.
UK and India Strengthen Counter-Extremism Efforts with Funding Boost

During his visit to Delhi, UK security minister Tom Tugendhat has declared a new funding allocation of £95,000 (nearly Rs 1 crore) to enhance efforts against pro-Khalistan extremism. This initiative aims to bolster the partnership between the UK and India in addressing security concerns and extremist activities related to the Khalistan movement. The funding will contribute to the UK government’s strategies to identify and counter extremist narratives and activities, working in conjunction with India’s efforts through the joint extremism task force. This announcement underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen cooperation and combat mutual security challenges.
India’s Adani tries to calm investors as market rout continues

India’s Adani Group sought to reassure investors on Monday as a rout in its shares continued, saying its business plans were fully-funded, its cashflows strong and it remained confident of delivering attractive returns to shareholders.
Adani’s market losses top $100 bln as shelved share sale spooks investors

India’s Adani group shares sank on Thursday after it abandoned its flagship company’s $2.5 billion stock offering, swelling the conglomerate’s market losses to more than $100 billion and sparking worries about the potential systemic impact.
Exclusive: Air India nears historic order for up to 500 jets

Air India is close to placing landmark orders for as many as 500 jetliners worth tens of billions of dollars from both Airbus and Boeing as it carves out an ambitious renaissance under the Tata Group conglomerate, industry sources said on Sunday.
Exclusive: India demands nearly $250 million from Pernod for undervaluing imports

Indian authorities have demanded $244 million from the local unit of French spirits giant Pernod Ricard for undervaluing concentrate imports for over a decade to avoid full payment of duties, a government notice seen by Reuters shows.
Exclusive: Indian car makers propose tax cut on imports in trade deal with Britain

Indian car makers have proposed cutting to 30% the tax rate on imported cars as part of a trade deal with Britain, sources told Reuters, an unprecedented move that could ease access to one of the world’s most protected automobile markets.
Indian companies swapping dollar for Asian currencies to buy Russian coal

Indian companies are using Asian currencies more often to pay for Russian coal imports, according to customs documents and industry sources, avoiding the U.S. dollar and cutting the risk of breaching Western sanctions against Moscow.