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Power firms to refund Rs32bn for December usage

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Tuesday concluded that K-Electric and ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos) should refund to their consumers about Rs10.80 per unit and Rs2.32 per unit, respectively, under monthly fuel cost adjustment (FCA) mechanism to compensate higher than actual fuel costs overcharged in December 2022. The decisions were made on Tuesday after t

Automakers suspend production

Faced with a demand slump and raw material shortages amid unfavourable economic conditions, Indus Motor Company (IMC) on Tuesday annou­nced a fourth production suspension from Feb 1-14. Also, Agriauto Indus­tries Ltd (AIL), an auto vendor, announced a partial closure this month due to a sharp decline in demand for parts and accessories from major automakers. The assembler of Toyota vehicles

Govt sees spike in inflationary pressures

Highlighting ‘imme­nse pressures’ on fiscal account owing to revenue collection challenges, heavy interest payments and rehabilitation spending, the government on Tuesday increased its inflation forecast to 26 per cent — more than double the budgeted 11.5pc target. “The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation on a year-on-year basis for January is forecast in the range of 24-26pc,” said the Minist

US, India partnership targets arms and AI to compete with China

The White House is launching a partnership with India that President Joe Biden hopes will help the countries compete against China on military equipment, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Washington wants to deploy more Western mobile phone networks in the subcontinent to counter China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, to welcome more Indian computer chip specialists to the United St

Adani Group stocks rout deepens to $72bn despite share sale completion

Most Adani Group stocks dropped on Wednesday, extending losses to $72 billion after a short-seller report criticised the conglomerate and despite the group completing a closely watched share sale a day earlier. Hindenburg Research’s report last week alleged improper use of offshore tax havens and flagged concerns about high debt. It added that shares in seven Adani-listed companies have an 85 p