Connect with us
Thursday,06-August-2026
Breaking News

Business

Goa’s economy can’t revive with mining ban in force

Published

on

With an alarming decline in Goas economic growth, the state government can no longer afford to sit on the issue of mining ban, a survey revealed.

According to the Economic Survey released by the Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation, Goa’s economy grew by a mere 1.6 per cent in 2020-21.

The coastal state’s economy is heavily dependent on manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and mining. While the first two sectors showed a clear decline during the assessment period, the inflow of both national and foreign tourists was curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The survey observes that during the pandemic period, the tourism-related businesses came down to almost zero. On the other hand, mining operations have stayed suspended in Goa for more than four years.

“The major chunk of mining related businesses has not been able to switch over or diversify their line in view of bleak changes of buyers for their assets riddled with debts. Alternate business for existing mining assets in other states is not easy to get as there are a lot of challenges posed from local people of respective states,” said Ralph De Sousa, President, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI).

“And for assets like river barges it is more challenging as operations are typical to Goa Logistic system. Also, overall, there is no alternative to the mining business to replace the employment that is lost due to abrupt stoppage of mining operation 4 years ago. There is a hope given that mining is going to start soon so disposing the debt ridden asset gets tricky.

“The financial situation worsens with every passing day with the Goa mining ban continuing with no firm solution but hope of a major decision by the Government to restart mining. The state’s businesspersons are witnessing worsening CIBIL rating and at the same time financial institutions are facing rising NPAs.

“The immediate resumption of Goa mining industry can provide relief to the stressed situation in the state,” he added.

Goa’s consistently rising debt is an alarming concern over the last 10 years. Depending solely on loans and advances would over a period come to haunt the borrower as interest element too augments.

Goa’s main economic pillar, mining, continues to lie in suspension for several years which causes not just economic concerns but also causes hardships to those dependent on it. Ease of doing business has been affected and further casts apathy on the industrial sector on how operations, infrastructure, markets, foreign exchange, value addition built up from scratch, entirely by the industry be allowed to deteriorate with time.

The local industry as well as other Apex chambers have repeatedly raised concerns and the desired solutions expected to be taken from the Government.

“Keeping in mind sustainability, mining needs to resume earliest,” said Glenn Kalavampara, Secretary, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA).

According to the Economic Survey, Goa’s primary sector accounted for 5.24 per cent of the gross state domestic product GSDP in 2020-21.

Even the secondary sector, which contributed 55 per cent to the state economy, saw a decline, and only the tertiary or services sector was seen bucking the trend with 39.72 per cent contribution.

The state’s economic activity at constant prices for 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 53,959.86 crore, as against Rs 53,099.57 crore in 2019-20.

Business

Adani Electricity distributes clothes to empower underprivileged communities

Published

on

Mumbai, Aug 6: In a bid to help underprivileged communities, over 2,500 employees of Adani Electricity donated a large volume of garments as part of the social welfare initiative.

Adani Electricity had requested employees to donate cloths for the underprivileged communities in its distribution areas.

The employees participated enthusiastically in the social welfare drive. The donated clothes were distributed across communities and ‘padas’ (settlements) within Adani Electricity’s distribution areas. Residents of Moracha Pada in Goregaon’s Aarey Colony were among those who received clothes from the Adani Electricity team.

Meanwhile, the leading electricity distribution company in Mumbai proactively escalated its disaster management readiness for the monsoon season, aiming to safeguard its 3.15 million customers from potential disruptions.

To address any emergencies that may arise during the monsoon, Adani Electricity activated its Central Disaster Control Centre (CDCC). This pivotal hub will orchestrate response efforts and operate round-the-clock, ensuring swift action and communication throughout the monsoon period, said the leading electricity distribution company in Mumbai.

Seven Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been strategically deployed across the distribution network. These teams are equipped with comprehensive response, recovery, and restoration plans specifically tailored for the challenges posed by the monsoon season, said the company.

To monitor rising water levels, 98 advanced water level sensors are now integrated with the Advanced Distribution Management System at critical locations. This setup enhances the ability to preempt and respond to flood-related electrical issues.

The CDCC will leverage state-of-the-art satellite and wireless technologies, including walkie-talkies and remote devices, to maintain uninterrupted communication across departments and with external authorities. This infrastructure ensures minimal downtime and efficient incident management.

Adani Electricity also conducted extensive pre-monsoon inspections and maintenance. Equipment in low-lying areas was elevated to prevent water damage. Essential materials, emergency vehicles, and diesel generators were strategically positioned to tackle any emergency swiftly.

Continue Reading

Business

Gold hits seven-week high as safe-haven demand offsets hopes of US-Iran deal

Published

on

New Delhi, Aug 6: Gold prices on Thursday climbed to a seven-week high as lower US Treasury yields boosted safe-haven demand even as optimism over a possible US-Iran agreement raised hopes of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (October 5) opened 0.36 per cent or Rs 536 higher at Rs 1,49,029 per 10 grams and later touched an intraday high of Rs 1,49,700 — an increase of 0.81 per cent or Rs 1,207 by 12:10 pm.

On the other hand, silver futures (September 4) prices have witnessed buying momentum in early deals.

The white metal touched an intraday high of Rs 2,28,397 per kg, an increase of 0.35 per cent or Rs 813 compared to the previous close of Rs 2,27,584. At the last count, it was trading at Rs 2,26,580, a decrease of 0.44 per cent or Rs 1,004.

In the international market too, COMEX gold was trading 0.36 per cent higher at $4,320 per ounce. COMEX silver was at $62.36 per ounce, up 0.12 per cent.

However, the rally came despite reports claiming that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen and comments by US President Donald Trump indicating that Washington was seeking to reach an agreement with Iran.

According to market experts, expectations that easing tensions in the region could lead to lower crude oil prices have reduced concerns over inflation and near-term US monetary tightening, putting pressure on US Treasury yields.

For MCX gold, immediate resistance is at Rs 1,50,000-1,50,700 and a break above targets next resistance at Rs 1,52,200-1,52,800, the experts said, adding that immediate support is at Rs 1,48,600-1,48,000 with next support at Rs 1,46,600-1,46,000.

“Price has decisively broken above all key EMAs (20/50/100/200), confirming a strong shift in near-term momentum after weeks of consolidation. Bias stays positive above Rs 1,49,000, with a hold needed to extend gains toward Rs 1,50,000; a slip below Rs 1,49,000 would signal exhaustion after the sharp run-up, they added.

For silver, the analysts said that a sustained move above Rs 2,29,000 and a break above targets next resistance at Rs 2,31,500-2,32,500.

Immediate support is at Rs 2,25,000-2,24,000, previously resistance now acting as support, with next support at Rs 2,22,000-2,21,000, according to them.

Price is holding above its 20-EMA and 200-EMA, with RSI at 54, edging upward, reflecting improving momentum, though a decisive close above the 50-EMA is needed to confirm renewed strength, the experts said, adding that bias stays cautiously constructive above Rs 2,28,000, with a break above Rs 2,30,000 opening the path toward higher levels; a slip below Rs 2,27,000 risks a pullback toward Rs 2,25,000.

Additionally, Brent crude — the international oil benchmark — slipped 0.51 per cent to trade below $80 per barrel. Similarly, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slumped nearly 1 per cent to below $75.

Continue Reading

Business

CPI likely at 4.5 pc in July with upside risks from food inflation: Report

Published

on

New Delhi, Aug 6: India’s consumer price index is expected to settle at 4.5 per cent in July 2026, with risks tilted to the upside as food inflation broadens across key items, a report said on Thursday.

The report from Bank of Baroda said inflation remains broad‑based across essential commodities, led by onions, edible oils, rice and pulses, although improved arrivals of key vegetables and a normal monsoon offer some comfort.

Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) is expected to remain contained at around 4–4.1 per cent, supported by softer international gold prices, though higher input costs could create upside pressure going forward.

The bank mentioned that its Essential Commodities Index (BoB ECI) has risen at its sharpest pace in the entire series in July 2026 by 4.1 per cent, on YoY basis. In August 2026, the build-up was even higher (first 5-days) at 5.4 per cent.

The bank noted that among vegetables the arrival statistics for TOP (tomato, onion and potato) have been comforting despite stickiness in onion price trajectory.

International gold prices have softened further by -3.7 per cent on MoM basis, hence personal care and effects of core inflation are likely to derive some relief. Core excluding precious metals is also likely to be muted for now, the report noted.

Monsoon progress was mentioned as favourable, with 63 per cent of States receiving normal rainfall.

The area sown as percentage of normal area of major Kharif crops (except oilseeds and sugarcane) as on July 31, 2026 have remained above the same period of previous year.

International food prices, especially edible oils, have softened, the report said.

The bank warned that upside risks could emerge in the near term as corporate Q1 transcripts indicate pass‑through of higher input costs to consumers amid robust demand conditions.

Continue Reading

Trending