Core sector slows

New Delhi, Jan. 24: The growth in the infrastructure sector slowed down to 3.6 per cent in December from 7.8 per cent a year ago, due to a drop in the output of petroleum and steel. The core sector, comprising crude oil, refinery, coal, cement, electricity and steel, grew by 5.4 per cent during the first nine months of this fiscal compared with 5.8 per cent in the same period last financial year, according to the data released by the government today.

Rupee hardens

Mumbai, Jan. 24: The rupee today bounced back against the dollar to close at 43.7550/7650, up from last Thursday?s close of 43.81/82. It had opened firm at 43.70/72.

OVL plan

New Delhi, Jan. 24: ONGC Videsh will offer a package comprising equity and debt to finance Russian state-owned Rosneft?s controversial purchase of Yugansneftegaz, Union petroleum minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said today.

Grain output

New Delhi, Jan. 24: Foodgrain production in the country is estimated to decline to 206.39 million tonnes during 2004-05 against 212 million tonnes produced in the last financial year.

Dumping call

New Delhi, Jan. 24: The directorate general of anti-dumping and allied duties (DGAD) has recommended imposition of provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of woven fabrics from China and Chinese Taipei.