Economy & Policy News
Data localisation norms a key sticking point in India-US BTA talks
Among digital services, one of the contentious issues on the table is India's data localisation norms - cross-border flow of data - that have been a concern for American companies
 "Data localisation norms a key sticking point in India-US BTA talks")
Customs duty cuts not linked to Trump's tariff war: FM Sitharaman
Replying in the Rajya Sabha to the debate on the Finance Bill, 2025, and the Appropriation Bill of the FY26 Budget, Sitharaman said the government will continue to simplify customs duties
 "Customs duty cuts not linked to Trump's tariff war: FM Sitharaman")
India's growth story intact despite US tariff threat, says Piyush Goyal
Since taking over as the US President over two months ago, Trump has been implementing protectionist policies in an attempt to Make America Great Again
 "India's growth story intact despite US tariff threat, says Piyush Goyal")
Govt announces borrowings of Rs 8 trillion in the first half of FY26
The gross market borrowing of ₹8 trillion will be completed through 26 weekly auctions
 "Govt announces borrowings of Rs 8 trillion in the first half of FY26")
RBI expected to cut repo rate by 25 bps in April, 75 bps in FY26: Ind-Ra
The RBI's monetary policy committee is scheduled to meet 6 times in the next fiscal 2025-26 beginning April 1. The first meeting is slated for April 7-9
 "RBI expected to cut repo rate by 25 bps in April, 75 bps in FY26: Ind-Ra")
Five years after lockdown: Is India prepared for another health crisis?
In the years that followed, government spending on healthcare has remained abysmally low
 "Five years after lockdown: Is India prepared for another health crisis?")
RBI Guv Sanjay Malhotra raises rate cut hopes with growth-focused policy
Since taking office in December, Sanjay Malhotra has reduced interest rates for the first time in five years, injected nearly $60 billion into the banking system
 "RBI Guv Sanjay Malhotra raises rate cut hopes with growth-focused policy")
India, Uganda hold 3rd Joint Trade Committee meeting to boost ties
Both sides acknowledged that the current trade volume does not reflect the full potential of their partnership and committed to taking focused measures
 "India, Uganda hold 3rd Joint Trade Committee meeting to boost ties")
Indian industry seeks shield from US tariff, pushes for trade pact
The US administration has said it will impose reciprocal tariffs from April 2 to match the tariff and non-tariff barriers on imports from America
 "Indian industry seeks shield from US tariff, pushes for trade pact")
A decade on, 'Give It Up' campaign loses steam after a promising start
On March 27, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Give It Up' campaign at the 'Urja Sangam' global energy summit
 "A decade on, 'Give It Up' campaign loses steam after a promising start")
India, Japan likely to sign pact on sharing emission-reduction credits
Once finalised, carbon credits will be tracked through a registry, with joint committees managing projects and certifying credits issued based on reports
 "India, Japan likely to sign pact on sharing emission-reduction credits")
India strengthens social protection, coverage hits 49%: ILO report
It may rise to 65% once data pooling exercise with states is done
 "India strengthens social protection, coverage hits 49%: ILO report")
Uncertainty in trade policy, geopolitics risk to growth next year: FinMin
Estimates of agricultural production suggest positive outlook for food inflation
 "Uncertainty in trade policy, geopolitics risk to growth next year: FinMin")
Around 20% of UHNWIs look to settle abroad: Kotak Private Banking survey
They prefer equities investing followed by commercial real estate
 "Around 20% of UHNWIs look to settle abroad: Kotak Private Banking survey")
MSMEs aren't one-size-fits-all: Secretary calls for tailored policies
NITI Aayog, industry to nudge MSMEs to embrace tech
 "MSMEs aren't one-size-fits-all: Secretary calls for tailored policies")
Chhattisgarh govt woos companies from Bengaluru to invest in state
Representatives from companies such as BEML, Gokaldas Exports and Britannia praised the state's business-friendly policies and infrastructure support
 "Chhattisgarh govt woos companies from Bengaluru to invest in state")
NHAI's NHIT hits Rs 18,380 crore mark in record InvIT monetisation
The trust's existing investors - Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board - also participated in the book building to their maximum limit
 "NHAI's NHIT hits Rs 18,380 crore mark in record InvIT monetisation")
SC junks CBIC plea, says GST errors can be corrected even after deadline
The Supreme Court further emphasised that denying ITC due to human errors results in unfair double taxation, where businesses end up paying tax twice
 "SC junks CBIC plea, says GST errors can be corrected even after deadline")
RBI announces MPC schedule for FY26, first rates decision on April 9
Typically, the six-member panel votes on a resolution on the third day of the meeting and the governor announces the decision in the first half of the day after the vote is completed
 "RBI announces MPC schedule for FY26, first rates decision on April 9")
GIFT City climbs global financial centre index, bolsters its hub status
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is India's first operational smart city and maiden International Financial Services Centre
 "GIFT City climbs global financial centre index, bolsters its hub status")
