Page 2 - Economy

Cabinet clears ₹2,585 crore scheme for small hydro power projects

Scheme aims to add 1,500 MW capacity and attract ₹15,000 crore investment while supporting states and improving grid reliability and clean energy output

Why India built crude reserves but not LPG buffers despite demand surge

India built crude reserves for energy security but LPG was never treated the same way even as demand surged. Experts explain what held back storage planning

The minerals that will power tomorrow must be mined differently today

As demand for critical minerals surges with the clean energy transition, mining must adopt sustainable, technology-led practices to balance growth, environmental responsibility, community expectations

India's privatisation drive derails because of weak investor interest

The privatisation plan, delayed for years, is now facing fresh setbacks that include dwindling interest in state-run firms

Iran war flags rupee's vulnerability, banks pitch cross-currency trades

Brent crude is up nearly 40 per cent since the conflict in the West Asia began, threatening India's external balances and weighing on its inflation-growth balance

Panel calls for Centre-state board to oversee rollout of four labour codes

Parliament panel urges a Centre-State board to fast-track labour codes and calls for stronger social security for gig workers and streamlined skilling schemes

HCs tighten scrutiny of GST enforcement actions amid due process concerns

High courts are tightening scrutiny of GST enforcement actions, emphasising due process and procedural fairness in cases involving registration suspensions and bank account attachments

Two-thirds of unemployed youth are graduates: State of Working India report

Graduate unemployment is rising in India despite higher education levels, with job creation lagging behind the addition of degree holders, says State of Working India 2026 report

Concerns grow over Darjeeling first flush amid shortage of commercial LPG

Industry bodies warn fuel curbs may disrupt processing of premium first flush tea, which drives a large share of Darjeeling's annual revenue

India plans ₹600 crore war chest to boost LNG supply for fertiliser units

With the West Asia war showing no sign of an early end, the government has started working on alternative plans to keep fertiliser units running once they resume operations

China overtakes Netherlands as India's third-largest export market

China became India's third-largest export destination in February, overtaking the Netherlands, even as overall exports declined and shipments to key markets weakened

LPG supplies remain a concern for India amid West Asia crisis: Govt

An LPG vessel Nanda Devi arrived at Kandla port early Tuesday, safely crossing the Strait of Hormuz, offering some relief amid ongoing supply concerns

FY27 funds won't be enough to meet targets under key programmes: Mospi

Mospi flags FY27 fund shortfall despite years of underspending and large surrenders, as a parliamentary panel highlights gaps in utilisation and fiscal planning

West Asia crisis: Ramping up domestic LPG output, says FM Sitharaman

Shipping constraints through the Strait are expected to persist in the near term, with global supply adjustments taking time

Crude above $100: What it means for India's economy and energy

Crude oil above $100 a barrel threatens to widen India's CAD, stoke inflation, and strain key sectors, even as upstream firms gain and downstream players face margin pressures

Lack of alternatives, pilferage, pricing gaps strain OMCs' LPG network

A lack of effort to push alternative fuels, weak monitoring, rising demand under PMUY, and a widening gap between retail and market prices are straining India's LPG ecosystem

Policy response to heatwaves remains cool even as nationwide instances grow

An early March heat spike has raised concerns of a prolonged summer as El Niño risks grow. While preparedness has improved, gaps in planning, funding, and implementation persist

India expands higher education access, but jobs gap remains: Report

The pace of job creation in the coming decades is critical to ensure that the demographic dividend translates into an economic one, the report said

West Asia crisis: India's 2nd LPG carrier 'Nanda Devi' arrives in Gujarat

'Nanda Devi' has docked at Vadinar port in Devbhumi Dwarka district, and preparations were being made to shift the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) to the daughter ship

India growth forecasts cut, inflation risks rise as Iran war drags on

Economists expect slower growth due to reliance on imported oil, with Goldman cutting its 2026 forecast to 6.5%, while IndusInd warns of a 30-basis-point hit and risks from weak consumption