Economy
Manufacturing PMI slips to two-year low in December on slower growth
India's factory activity grew at its slowest pace in 24 months in December as output and new orders softened, though the PMI stayed above the expansion threshold
 "Manufacturing PMI slips to two-year low in December on slower growth")
GST Council may meet in 15 days to weigh tax cut on air, water purifiers
Council may consider lowering GST on air and water purifiers to 5 per cent amid public health concerns, court intervention and demands from industry and political leaders
 "GST Council may meet in 15 days to weigh tax cut on air, water purifiers")
Centre proposes 90 days work rule for gig workers to get social security
Centre pre-publishes draft labour rules, says gig workers must work 90 days a year to qualify for social security benefits; stakeholders can give feedback
 "Centre proposes 90 days work rule for gig workers to get social security")
India's manufacturing PMI eases to 55 in December, at 38-month low
December manufacturing PMI: New business continued to grow at a strong rate, but the pace was the slowest since December 2023
 "India's manufacturing PMI eases to 55 in December, at 38-month low")
Beyond labels: What India needs to do to limit ultra-processed foods
India still has a critical advantage: ultra-processed foods account for a very small share of current diets
 "Beyond labels: What India needs to do to limit ultra-processed foods")
Fuel demand remained strong in Dec; petrol sales grew 6.7%, diesel up 5%
Cooking gas demand increased by 12.7 per cent YoY in December supported by strong household demand
 "Fuel demand remained strong in Dec; petrol sales grew 6.7%, diesel up 5%")
In second full month of GST 2.0, net collections increase 2.2%
Net GST revenues rose just 2.2% in December 2025, the slowest pace in a year, as weak domestic demand and high refunds offset stronger import-led collections
 "In second full month of GST 2.0, net collections increase 2.2%")
India can save $1 bn in crude imports by replacing 10% diesel with LNG
Reducing liquid-fuel demand will lower exposure to global oil price shocks as India remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil, said the country's petroleum regulator
 "India can save $1 bn in crude imports by replacing 10% diesel with LNG")
Gross GST collections rise 6% to over ₹1.74 trillion in December 2025
Net GST revenues (after adjusting refunds) stood at over ₹1.45 lakh crore, up 2.2 per cent year-on-year
 "Gross GST collections rise 6% to over ₹1.74 trillion in December 2025")
Commercial LPG cylinder prices up by ₹111 in metro cities; check rates here
With the latest price hike, the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder in Delhi has now jumped to ₹1,691.50, whereas in Mumbai, it has increased from ₹1,531.50 to ₹1,642.50
 "Commercial LPG cylinder prices up by ₹111 in metro cities; check rates here")
Govt to conduct nationwide Adult Skills Survey to assess skills level
The survey is expected to be conducted after the first quarter of 2026. It is aimed at assessing skill levels across basic, intermediate, and advanced categories
 "Govt to conduct nationwide Adult Skills Survey to assess skills level")
Cigarettes, biris, pan masala, tobacco products to get costlier from Feb 1
The Finance Ministry on Wednesday also notified the Chewing Tobacco, Jarda Scented Tobacco and Gutkha Packing Machines (Capacity Determination and Collection of Duty) Rules, 2026
Centre imposes steel safeguard duty for 3 years; up to 12% on imports
The Centre has converted the provisional safeguard duty on steel into a three-year levy of up to 12 per cent to curb cheap imports, mainly from China and other exporting nations
 "Centre imposes steel safeguard duty for 3 years; up to 12% on imports")
India's household debt rises to 41.3% of GDP, above five-year average: RBI
RBI says household debt rose to 41.3% of GDP at end-March 2025, led by consumption-oriented retail loans, even as net financial savings improved in Q4 FY25
 "India's household debt rises to 41.3% of GDP, above five-year average: RBI")
Sugar production surges 23.4% to 11.83 million tonnes in Oct-Dec: NFCSF
Sugar output in Uttar Pradesh, the country's largest sugar producing state, increased to 3.56 million tonnes during October-December period of 2025-26 season from 3.26 million tonnes in the year-ago
 "Sugar production surges 23.4% to 11.83 million tonnes in Oct-Dec: NFCSF")
Centre's fiscal deficit at 62.3% of FY26 BE in April-November; capex up 28%
CGA data showed the Centre's fiscal deficit rose to Rs 9.77 trillion, or 62.3 per cent of FY26 Budget estimates, in April-November as capex surged and net tax revenue slipped
 "Centre's fiscal deficit at 62.3% of FY26 BE in April-November; capex up 28%")
Datanomics: India's trade diversification remains a mixed bag so far
India's exports to the US increased by nearly $6 billion in FY26 (Apr-Nov) year-on-year
 "Datanomics: India's trade diversification remains a mixed bag so far")
2026 to bring data, policy, tax changes; labour codes, CBAM to take effect
With new GDP, CPI and IIP base years, sweeping tax reforms, GST overhaul, labour code rollout and EU's carbon tax, 2026 is set to reshape India's economic, regulatory and labour landscape
 "2026 to bring data, policy, tax changes; labour codes, CBAM to take effect")
Centre notifies revised draft rules for labour codes, seeks responses
Revised draft rules for the four Labour Codes clarify key provisions such as gratuity on 'wages' and gig worker registration, with stakeholder inputs invited for up to 45 days
 "Centre notifies revised draft rules for labour codes, seeks responses")
India enters 2026: From the snake's caution to the horse's momentum
With liquidity easing, valuations normalising and earnings turning upward, India enters 2026 primed for selective outperformance - led by banks, consumption and smallcaps
 "India enters 2026: From the snake's caution to the horse's momentum")
