Economy
Fertiliser imports set for record $18 billion this fiscal year: Officials
In the first nine months of the fiscal year that ends in March, India's fertiliser imports surged 71 per cent from a year earlier to $13.98 billion
 "Fertiliser imports set for record $18 billion this fiscal year: Officials")
India stopped buying Russian oil after Trump's 25% tariff, claims Bessent
The Trump administration is weighing a Russia sanctions bill by Senator Lindsey Graham that would allow the US to impose tariffs of at least 500 per cent on countries that continue buying Russian oil
 "India stopped buying Russian oil after Trump's 25% tariff, claims Bessent")
BPCL leads push to lock in long-term Middle East crude oil purchases
BPCL, as the company is known, has issued tenders for three grades - Abu Dhabi's Murban, Iraqi Basrah and Oman crude - for delivery from April to March 2027
 "BPCL leads push to lock in long-term Middle East crude oil purchases")
India's December core sector output hit highest level so far in FY26
India's core sector output hit a FY26 high in December, with year-on-year growth rising to a four-month peak of 3.7%, led by electricity, cement and steel
 "India's December core sector output hit highest level so far in FY26")
Americans pay the bulk of tariffs on Indian exports, finds study
Indian exporters did not cut prices after the US imposed 50% tariffs, instead reducing volumes, leaving American consumers to bear most of the tariff burden, a Kiel study finds
 "Americans pay the bulk of tariffs on Indian exports, finds study")
India's oil bill plunges 8.5% in December amid falling crude prices
The country benefited from lower crude oil prices, driven by an oversupplied global market and subdued demand conditions
 "India's oil bill plunges 8.5% in December amid falling crude prices")
US senator Steve Daines pushes for American pulses' access to Indian market
US Senator Steve Daines urged faster India-US trade talks, pressing for greater market access for American pulses, a long-standing and sensitive issue for New Delhi
 "US senator Steve Daines pushes for American pulses' access to Indian market")
MMRDA signs 10 MoUs worth Rs 8.73 trillion on day one of WEF 2026
MMRDA signs $96 billion worth of MoUs at WEF 2026 Davos, boosting Mumbai 3.0 vision and reinforcing Maharashtra's push towards a $1 trillion economy
 "MMRDA signs 10 MoUs worth Rs 8.73 trillion on day one of WEF 2026")
UAE deal offers timely financial backstop as foreign investors pull out
A short visit by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed has resulted in investment plans linked to GIFT City and infrastructure, offering a confidence boost amid sustained foreign fund outflows
 "UAE deal offers timely financial backstop as foreign investors pull out")
Compressed biogas emerges as fast-growing pillar of India's energy mix
India's compressed biogas sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, aided by policy support, blending mandates and investment, though challenges around feedstock and scale persist
 "Compressed biogas emerges as fast-growing pillar of India's energy mix")
Ficci's manufacturing index reaches an all-time high in Q3 of FY26
Ficci's manufacturing index hit a record high in Q3 FY26, with 91% firms reporting stable or higher output, signalling strong demand and optimism across key sectors
 "Ficci's manufacturing index reaches an all-time high in Q3 of FY26")
Core sector growth slows to 3.7% in December on lower oil, gas output
However, core sector growth improved on a month-on-month basis in December, led by higher cement, steel, fertiliser and electricity output
 "Core sector growth slows to 3.7% in December on lower oil, gas output")
Shift from cereals to horticulture gains pace across Indian farms
The past decade has seen farmers slowly but steadily expand acreage under more lucrative fruits and vegetables, signalling a gradual diversification away from cereal crops
 "Shift from cereals to horticulture gains pace across Indian farms")
Why Assam's rapid growth is more than a low-base effect
An RBI report places Assam as India's fastest-growing state over five years, driven by fiscal discipline, infrastructure spending and administrative reform rather than a low-base rebound
 "Why Assam's rapid growth is more than a low-base effect")
India's insurance reforms mark a fundamental structural advance
The 2025 insurance law amendments removing the FDI cap signal a decisive shift towards capital depth, competition and technology, strengthening India's push for Insurance for All
 "India's insurance reforms mark a fundamental structural advance")
25% US tariff may affect Iran's Chennai Petroleum Corp dividend claims
Fresh US tariffs on Iran may hit dividend flows to CPCL's Iranian shareholder, though operations stay insulated as the refiner deepens retail foray and expansion plans
 "25% US tariff may affect Iran's Chennai Petroleum Corp dividend claims")
Commerce dept pushing for major tweaks in SEZ norms to counter US tariffs
An overhaul of the existing two-decade-old law governing SEZs has been under discussion for almost four years
 "Commerce dept pushing for major tweaks in SEZ norms to counter US tariffs")
Early-bird results in Q3 show worst earnings growth in 17 quarters
IT firms, RIL slow profit growth; banks biggest laggards in revenue
 "Early-bird results in Q3 show worst earnings growth in 17 quarters")
India ranks sixth in Asia manufacturing index 2026, needs sharper push
Malaysia jumps to second place; China stays on top
IMF upgrades India's FY27 GDP growth to 6.4% despite trade risks
For FY26, the Fund, in its World Economic Outlook, revised its GDP growth forecast upwards to 7.3%
 "IMF upgrades India's FY27 GDP growth to 6.4% despite trade risks")