Forex reserves rise

Mumbai, Dec. 8: The country’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $1.24 billion to $273.52 billion for the week ended November 30. The reserves had increased by $1.13 billion. Foreign currency assets were up by $694 million to $264.72 billion against $264.03 billion a week ago. Foreign currency assets expressed in dollar terms included the effect of appreciation or depreciation of other currencies such as euro, pound and yen held in reserves.

Cement strike

New Delhi, Dec. 8: Cement factory workers today threatened to go on a nationwide strike on January 24 if manufacturers did not announce an ad hoc payment of Rs 60,000 to employees in view of the huge profits they are making.