Economy

India, US chief negotiators to begin 3-day trade pact talks from April 20

As the tariff landscape has changed in the US, both sides may like to relook at the framework of the agreement, the text of which was released on February 7

20% DME-LPG blend can cut imports by 6.3 MT, save nearly ₹34,200 cr: Report

Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which is then transformed into DME's clean-burning fuel that serves as a homegrown substitute for imported LPG

Govt may hike FDI limit in pension sector, Bill likely in Monsoon session

Last year, Parliament approved a Bill to increase the FDI limit in the insurance sector from 74 per cent to 100 per cent

Weekly economy wrap: Inflation uptick, monsoon fears weigh on outlook

Economy wrap April 13-19: Rising fuel-led inflation, job market stress and West Asia risks cloud near-term outlook even as government attempts to sustain growth momentum

Domestic LPG consumption drops 13% in March amid West Asia conflict

LPG consumption was at 2.379 million tonne in March, 12.8 per cent lower than 2.729 million tonne consumed in the same period last year

Odisha bets on Niti modeled SITI-Odisha for future planning, reforms

A separate State Monitoring and Evaluation Office (SMEO) will function under SITI-Odisha, similar to the performance-tracking systems associated with Niti Aayog

Govt responds to West Asia shipping insurance spike with ₹13k cr pool

The pool would cover all maritime risks like Hull and Machinery, Cargo, P&I and War risk, a statement by the cabinet said

Cabinet clears ₹12,980 cr maritime insurance pool with 'war risk' cover

Announcing the decision, Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Cabinet has approved the setting up of a domestic insurance pool to support India's maritime sector

Govt extends PMGSY-III with ₹83,977 crore outlay, approves rail projects

The Cabinet has extended PMGSY-III till March 2028 with ₹83,977 crore outlay and approved key railway expansion projects to enhance connectivity, capacity and support economic activity

Cabinet approves 2% dearness allowance hike for central govt employees

The hike raises DA and DR to 60 per cent of basic pay and pension, from the existing 58 per cent, and will be effective from January 1, 2026

Greek, Indian tankers make U-turn near Hormuz over reopening uncertainty

Greek and Indian tankers had all made their journeys northeast toward Hormuz from waters off Dubai, filled with crude, before they began turning around on Saturday morning

India spreads LNG supply basket to Africa, barred Russian projects

Importers explore cargoes from Russia and Norway as Qatar supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions force diversification and raise questions over sanctioned LNG sourcing

US extends waiver allowing India, others to buy Russian oil till May 16

The waiver comes despite earlier US reluctance, as war-linked supply disruptions and Strait of Hormuz curbs push oil prices higher and test Western efforts to restrict Russia's revenues

Higher wages fail to move the needle for workers amid rising living costs

Rising living expenses, fear of contract hiring cast shadow on real gains

Indian refiners pay for Iran oil in yuan via ICICI Bank, says report

Indian refiners use yuan via ICICI to settle rare Iranian oil purchases under US waiver, as sanctions and payment hurdles complicate trade

West Asia crisis: More destinations added to RELIEF scheme for exporters

Govt expands RELIEF scheme to Egypt, Jordan, tweaks export norms to aid firms hit by West Asia disruptions and improve DGFT approvals

Govt belatedly lists major banks authorised to import gold and silver

List of 17 banks valid until March 2029; delay briefly disrupted bullion mkt

PNGRB says LPG pipeline expansion plan to attract ₹12,500 crore investment

Regulator invites bids for LPG pipeline projects to reduce bulk road transport, improve efficiency and support cleaner energy distribution

India's projects economy is going digital, and that changes everything

As India enters a massive infrastructure build-out phase, digital tools, startups and data-driven systems are transforming project execution, improving efficiency and reshaping the construction ecosys

Gold imports rise 24% to hit all-time high of $71.98 billion in 2025-26

Gold imports stood at $58 billion in 2024-25. It was $45.54 billion in 2023-24 and $35 billion in 2022-23