The BSE benchmark Sensex today closed 29 points higher in the first trading session of fiscal year 2013-14 supported by buying in blue-chip stocks such as Dr Reddy’s, Infosys and RIL.

Shortage of fuel — both gas and coal —was the only reason for the growing electricity scarcity in the country, particularly in the south, Central Electricity Authority chairman A.S. Bakshi said here today.

The Cabinet Committee on Investments, which was set up in January for clearing major infrastructure projects, is expected to give its nod for a number of projects within the next three weeks, Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia has said.

Saudi Arabia’s new labour policy, which is expected to affect expatriate workers of the state, has not created a panic situation and India is trying to find a solution to the issue based on its cordial relations with that country, Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy said today.

Sebi has imposed Rs 1 crore penalty on Rose Valley Real Estates and Constructions for not providing details sought by the market regulator in a case charging the company of issuing debentures illegally.

Sanjay Dutt, who has been ordered by the Supreme Court to return to jail to complete a five-year sentence in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, today said he has not sought any pardon and will surrender in time.

The BSE benchmark Sensex today snapped a seven-day losing streak by rising 23 points on buying by funds mainly in consumer durables and FMGC stocks ahead of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment amid a firming European trend.

The Reserve Bank has asked banks to keep open their designated tax collecting branches on Good Friday (March 29) and the following weekend to facilitate tax collection.

As protests in support of the Sri Lankan Tamils continued, Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa today said IPL matches would be permitted in the state only if there were no Sri Lankan players, umpires, officials or support staff in these matches.

A representative of MGNREGA workers has written a letter to Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, drawing his attention towards the plight of persons employed in Vidarbha under the Centre’s flagship rural job programme.