A worker fastens iron rods together at the construction site of a bridge in the outskirts of JammuIn a poor performance, the eight core industries grew by 0.5% in January mainly due to slackening output of crude oil, steel, natural gas and petroleum refinery products.The eight core industries, which include coal, cement, fertilisers and electricity, had recorded a growth rate of 6.4% in January 2011.(Pictures by Reuters)

Feb 28: Core sector slows

A goldsmith works on a gold bangle at a workshop in KolkataBoth gold and silver extended gains for the second straight day in the bullion market here today on sustained buying by stockists to meet the marriage season demand amid a firming global trend.While gold rose by Rs 45 to Rs 28,940 per 10 grams, silver gained by Rs 200 to Rs 58,450 per kg on increased offtake by jewellers and industrial units.

Gold rises

A woman labourer works at a road construction site at Kamalghat village, about 30 km (19 miles) from AgartalaGMR Infrastructure Ltd is in talks with three private equity investors to raise about $200 million through the sale of stakes in a number of road projects, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.Talks are being held with a fund jointly managed by State Bank of India and Australia&#39;s Macquarie Group UK-based 3i Group Plc and IDFC Project Equity, a fund managed by India&#39;s Infrastructure Development Finance Co , said the sources, who declined to be named.

GMR may sell road assets

The HSBC building is seen in the Canary Wharf district, in East LondonHSBC Holdings Plc <HSBA.L> said on Monday it will likely face criminal or civil charges from an expanding investigation into its ties to allegedly illegal money transactions, including some tied to Iran.The disclosure in a regulatory filing shows the increasingly serious nature of inquiries into the London-based bank&#39;s business.

HSBC may face charges

A woman looks at Europe&#39;s largest gold coin in a shop in ViennaGerman parliament has overwhelmingly approved the second financial bailout package for Greece, but delivered a blow to Chancellor Angela Merkel by denying her for the first time a majority of her centre-right coalition parties in a crucial vote.The Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, cleared the way for releasing Germany&#39;s share of the the 130-billion-euro ($170 bn) rescue package by endorsing yesterday evening a government legislation with 496 votes while 90 deputies voted against and five abstained in the 620-member house.