Economy & Policy News

Centre mulls extending coal power expansion for another 12 years

The proposal, currently under discussion between the power ministry and the government's policy making agency NITI Aayog, marks a major shift

MPC meeting: RBI ups GDP forecast to 7.3%, inflation outlook drops sharply

RBI cuts the repo rate to 5.25%, revises FY26 GDP growth to 7.3%, and lowers its inflation forecast to 2%, signalling stronger momentum and easing food-price pressures

Importers rush to hedge while exporters wait on sidelines amid rupee dip

The domestic currency touched a fresh low of 90.41 against the dollar on Thursday but gained back its intraday losses to close at 89.98

New Labour Codes aim for big reform, but face bigger test of enforcement

The Centre has notified implementation of four labour codes, including new provisions for gig workers. But definitions, enforcement capacity and state rules may decide how far benefits reach

Fitch lifts FY26 growth forecast to 7.4% on stronger consumer demand

Fitch raises India's FY26 growth forecast to 7.4%, citing strong consumer demand and GST-driven sentiment, while expecting slower growth ahead, limited rupee fall and one more RBI rate cut

New cess revenue to be shared with states, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Parliament passes Central Excise (Amendment) Bill 2025

Rupee dip against US dollar adds baggage to overseas travel costs

As the rupee weakens past 90/$, outbound travellers may adjust itineraries or reduce spends, while inbound and domestic tourism gain as India becomes more cost-competitive.

Consumer durable firms set to hike product prices as rupee slides

Consumer electronics firms expect to raise prices by up to 10% as the rupee weakens and input costs rise, while food companies watch the currency closely before adjusting prices

Enhancing margins: Weak rupee a silver lining for IT services companies

The Indian IT services industry derives roughly 90 per cent of its revenues from global markets-about 57 per cent from the US and around 28 per cent from Europe

India, Russia discuss boosting trade in fisheries, meat, dairy products

According to an official statement, Russia expressed willingness to import fishery and meat products from India. It also showed interest in veterinary vaccine development and animal health management

RBI steers away from aggressive intervention as rupee touches new lows

RBI is intervening mainly to smooth volatility rather than defend specific levels as the rupee hits fresh lows amid outflows and trade-deal uncertainty, with its forward position limiting room to act

US officials to visit India next week for bilateral trade talks: Report

A team of officials from the US is expected to visit India next week for talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, sources said on Thursday.

Retail sector pushes for 'one nation, one retail' policy, simpler norms

Retailers at IndiaEdge 2025 urged a unified national retail policy, single-window digital clearances and fewer overlapping licences to ease compliance and support sectoral growth

Need to diversify India-Russia trade and make it more balanced: Goyal

According to government data, the total trade between India and Russia grew from $8.73 billion in FY22 to $68.7 billion in FY25, mainly due to New Delhi's oil purchases

Centre to review West Bengal's coal demand for 1,600 MW power project

The Centre is reviewing West Bengal's request for coal linkage for a new 1,600 MW unit under the revised SHAKTI Policy as the state looks to add capacity to meet rising demand

Russia plans shipbuilding foray in India: First Deputy PM Manturov

Russia is exploring joint production of Arctic-class vessels in India, deepening maritime and logistics cooperation as cargo flows rise across the Chennai-Vladivostok and North-South corridors

Gorakhpur emerges as industrial hub with projects worth ₹11,600 crore

PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Reliance among investors; Yogi says rule of law spurred growth as GIDA eyes mega corridor expansion

Rupee hits intraday low, recovers to 89.98 as foreign banks sell dollars

The rupee hit 90.41 per dollar intraday on Thursday before recovering to close at 89.98, as foreign banks sold dollars and RBI intervention stayed limited amid outflows and trade-deal uncertainty

Goyal urges stronger, more balanced India-Russia trade ahead of Putin visit

Ahead of President Vladimir Putin's India visit, Goyal said the country must boost exports to Russia, noting opportunities in consumer goods, food items, automobiles and more

States to get share of new health-security cess through schemes: Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the proposed Health and National Security Cess is expected to act as a deterrent to pan masala consumption and will not be levied on essential commodities