Economy & Policy News

India invites South Korean ship-owners to flag vessels, invest in ports

India pitches ship flagging, seafarer pool and port investments to South Korea, as both sides sign VOYAGES pact and expand cooperation in maritime, energy and climate sectors

LPG reliance highlights gaps in India's piped gas expansion drive

India's dependence on LPG imports and slow expansion of piped gas networks highlight policy gaps, affordability challenges, and consumer behaviour issues hindering a transition to cleaner cooking fuel

Infra investments to grow 50% through FY28 despite West Asia crisis: Crisil

Crisil sees strong infrastructure investment growth through FY28 backed by policy support and balance sheets, though risks persist across renewables, roads and real estate

Odisha flags ₹48,448 crore audit backlog, warns of governance lapses

Finance Department raises concern over 85,000 pending audit reports and objections, highlighting systemic lapses in accountability and fiscal management

India's crude import bill falls 5% in March as West Asia hits volumes

Crude import bill declines despite higher prices as supply disruptions from West Asia reduce volumes, while petroleum exports and net oil imports also fall

Brookfield platform Evren secures $600 mn to supply 300 MW RE to NTPC

Brookfield-backed Evren raises $600 million for hybrid renewable project integrating solar, wind and storage to supply 300 MW power to NTPC under PPA

Why India must ramp up coal gasification as part of its energy strategy

India's abundant coal reserves and rising energy demand make coal gasification a key strategy to reduce import dependence, boost industrial fuel supply, and strengthen long-term energy security

Broader 'export incentives' definition in ITA 2025 prompts CBDT clarity

Experts warn wider wording in new income-tax law could expand tax scope to indirect benefits, urging CBDT to clarify and prevent disputes for exporters

UN cuts India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.4%, flags external risks

ESCAP report cites geopolitical tensions, inflation pressures and weak global demand as key risks, while projecting India's GDP growth at 6.4 per cent in 2026

US starts tariff refunds; Indian exporters need to engage with buyers: GTRI

The Global Trade Research Initiative said that the engagement will be important as the refunded payments go only to US importers, and exporters have no legal right to claim them

India's crude imports fall 13% as Hormuz disruption cuts West Asia supply

Imports from Russia nearly doubled from February to 2.25 million bpd in March while shipments from the West Asia slumped 61 per cent to 1.18 million bpd

Foreign ownership can boost Indian financial firms' credit profile: Fitch

Fitch said recent greater interest from foreign investors indicates their rising confidence in India's long-term growth prospects, the financial sector's regulations, and improved risk governance

India's economy projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026, 6.6% in 2027: UN report

In India, economic activities moderated in the second half of 2025 as exports to the United States declined by 25 per cent following the introduction of 50 per cent tariffs in August 2025

Domestic production of oil, gas ramped up amid West Asia crisis: RBI Guv

He highlighted that the Indian economy has demonstrated resilient growth over the past decade, supported by robust policy frameworks, financial stability, and sound fiscal policies

States' capex growth to slow to 8-10% in FY27 amid fiscal squeeze: Report

The moderation will primarily result from tighter fiscal headroom due to rising revenue expenditure commitments and a moderation in revenue growth, Careedge Ratings said

Datanomics: Women's work remains largely unpaid in India's labour market

Women remain concentrated in unpaid helper roles and self-employment, with limited access to regular salaried jobs, mainly in rural areas

West Asia conflict: Govt reviews rural schemes, ₹17K cr for MGNREGA wages

On the rural housing, the ministry said it is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin to construct 4.95 crore houses by March 2029

Focus on boosting shipbuilding ties: India, S Korea set $50 bn trade target

New Delhi and Seoul agree to deepen strategic cooperation, upgrade CEPA, and boost trade to $50 billion by 2030 amid global uncertainties

Second-round effects of supply shocks a real concern, says RBI governor

Forex intervention as needed; not committing to indefensible peg: Malhotra

India to build Korea industrial township, push for balanced trade: Goyal

Goyal said the two sides have agreed to upgrade the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on a "fast-track, mission mode" basis