Pranab Mukherjee

After presenting National Awards to MSMEs and banks in New Delhi, President Pranab Mukherjee said that institutional credit should be made available to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

India's financial sector, including public-sector banks, were shut and transport affected in large parts of the country during the last day of a two-day nationwide strike called by trade unions Thursday to protest government's economic policies they say has led to inflation and job cuts.

Pointing out the directional shift in India's trade, President Pranab Mukherjee Sunday said new Asian powers have emerged as India's major partners now.

As the 11th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) came to a close here in Kochi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had reasons to pat themselves on the back with hopes of increasing diaspora investments.

Himachal Pradesh has won the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry's award for promoting industrial investments, a statement said in Shimla on Sunday, adding that the award would be presented to Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Dec 15.