eznews.inIndia's Economic Survey, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, forecasts a real GDP growth of 6.8% to 7.2% for FY27, emphasizing steady growth amid global uncertainties. The survey, led by Chief Economic Advisor V Ananatha Subramanian, acknowledges FY26 as a challenging year due to global trade tensions and high tariffs impacting manufacturers and exporters. However, it highlights the government's proactive measures, including GST rationalization and deregulation, to bolster the economy. While the global economic outlook remains dim, with risks from potential AI productivity shortfalls and ongoing trade conflicts, India's domestic economy shows resilience, with moderated inflation and improving investment intentions. The report underscores the importance of maintaining policy credibility and adequate buffers against external shocks, suggesting that India's medium-term growth potential has been enhanced to nearly 7%, driven by robust domestic demand and macroeconomic stability. 
Published: Jan 29 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has highlighted ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, which are anticipated to conclude within the year, potentially alleviating external uncertainties. According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, while global conditions pose challenges such as slower growth among key trading partners and tariff-induced trade disruptions, they do not currently indicate immediate macroeconomic stress for India. The negotiations, which began in March 2025, have seen six rounds of discussions, but progress has been hampered by the Trump administration's imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods. A recent visit by a delegation from the US Trade Representative's office, led by Deputy US Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer, marks the second such trip since the introduction of a 25% tariff and an additional penalty on Indian imports linked to Russian crude oil purchases.
Published: Jan 29 2026, 12 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the media on January 29, 2026, emphasized the importance of quality in Indian manufacturing to capture the hearts of consumers across the 27 EU nations. Speaking at the start of the budget session in New Delhi, he expressed optimism about the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, viewing it as a pivotal opportunity for Indian manufacturers to enhance their capabilities and access new markets. Modi highlighted the significance of this moment in the context of India's aspirations for a developed nation by 2047, noting that the upcoming budget will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, marking her ninth consecutive time in this role. He reiterated the government's commitment to reform and transformation, urging MPs to contribute positively to the ongoing "Reform Express." The session will include 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2, 2026.
Published: Jan 29 2026, 11 ameznews.inOn Thursday, silver March futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) surged to ₹4.20 lakh per kg before settling at ₹4,13,200, marking a significant increase as silver prices have doubled in just over a month and a half. This surge is part of a broader rally in precious metals, with gold also experiencing a remarkable rise, having doubled in value over approximately 100 days. Gold April futures peaked at ₹1,93,096 per 10 grams before closing at ₹1,89,526. In the global market, gold was priced at $5,555.07 an ounce, while silver reached $118.21 an ounce. Analysts attribute the rising prices to a loss of confidence in currencies, particularly the US dollar, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Since the start of the year, gold has risen nearly 30%, silver by 66%, platinum by 33%, and palladium by 29%.
Published: Jan 29 2026, 11 ameznews.inIndia's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to present the Economic Survey for 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, offering a comprehensive analysis of the economy and projections for the upcoming fiscal year. The Economic Survey, crafted by the Economic Division of the Ministry of Finance under the chief economic adviser's guidance, will be a focal point of the session. Additionally, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol will introduce documents related to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India, including a review of its operations for 2024-25. The day's agenda also includes the laying of eight Bills recently passed by Parliament, the presentation of the 13th Report of the Business Advisory Committee, and discussions under Rule 377, allowing MPs to address urgent public issues. The Budget Session, which began a day earlier, will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2.
Published: Jan 29 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), finalized on January 27, 2026, is hailed as a transformative deal between two economic powerhouses, according to a report by EY (Ernst & Young). The FTA is poised to significantly impact key sectors such as automobiles, defence, aerospace, textiles, and information technology. Notably, it proposes a phased reduction of import duties on completely built units in the automobile sector from 110% to 10%, fostering competition and innovation. The agreement also enhances strategic defence collaboration, facilitating technology exchange between Indian and European firms. In textiles, zero-duty access to the EU market restores India's competitiveness, while the IT sector benefits from easier movement of professionals. Additionally, the FTA lays the groundwork for future Social Security Agreements, addressing long-standing industry concerns. Both Indian and EU leaders have described the FTA as the "mother of all deals," marking a significant milestone in India's global trade strategy.
Published: Jan 29 2026, 9 ameznews.inHyderabad Metro's daily ridership fell to 4.1 lakh passengers in the third quarter, a 9% decline from its long-term average of 4.5 lakh, largely attributed to a 20% fare increase. Despite the drop in passenger numbers, the fare hike has positively impacted revenues for the current year, according to R Shankar Raman, Chief Financial Officer of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which operates the metro through L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd. Raman expressed optimism that ridership would stabilize back to the average level. L&T is also in discussions with the Telangana government regarding a strategic exit from Phase-I of the project, which involves the government assuming approximately ₹13,000 crore in project debt and paying ₹2,000 crore for L&T's equity stake. The company aims to finalize this divestment by the end of FY26, citing operational challenges and accumulated losses as key factors for the exit.
Published: Jan 29 2026, 8 ameznews.inIn a notable market update, India's benchmark indices saw significant gains, with the SENSEX rising by 487.20 points to close at 82,344.68, while the NIFTY increased by 167.35 points, reaching 25,342.75. Commodity prices also experienced upward trends, with crude oil climbing by 97.00 to settle at 5,802.00, gold surging by 8,081.00 to 165,780.00, and silver soaring by 30,221.00 to 386,500.00. Meanwhile, the Economic Survey for 2025-26 is set to be presented in Parliament today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, between 11 AM and 12 PM. This comprehensive report, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs and led by Chief Economic Advisor Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran, will provide insights into India's economic performance over the past year, ahead of the Union Budget scheduled for February 1, 2026.
Published: Jan 29 2026, 8 ameznews.inIndia's upcoming budget, set to be unveiled on February 1, is expected to prioritize capital spending on infrastructure, particularly in roads, ports, and energy, potentially exceeding ₹12 lakh crore ($131 billion) for the next fiscal year. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman aims to narrow the fiscal deficit to 4.2% of GDP while navigating challenges such as US tariffs, a weakening rupee, and geopolitical tensions. Analysts anticipate a focus on enhancing the ease of doing business and stimulating private investment through reforms and incentives, despite muted private sector activity. The government plans to fund increased spending partly through higher dividends from the Reserve Bank of India and asset sales, while also seeking to diversify trade partnerships beyond traditional allies. With elections looming in key states, there are expectations that the budget will also cater to voter interests, reflecting the ruling party's strategy to bolster its presence in regions where it has historically struggled.
Published: Jan 29 2026, 7 ameznews.inIndia has excluded a range of sensitive agricultural items from tariff reduction commitments in its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), according to government officials. Key exclusions include dairy products, cereals, tea, coffee, spices, pulses, poultry, soymeal, and various fruits and vegetables, with the dairy sector receiving full protection, including high-end cheese. The EU has similarly safeguarded its sensitive sectors, such as meat, dairy, honey, rice, sugar, and tobacco. Both parties have agreed to respect each other's sensitivities in the negotiations, which concluded recently. The EU will provide preferential market access for approximately 87% of agricultural tariff lines, including processed food products. The FTA is expected to be signed and implemented later this year, pending legal review and political approval, while all Indian imports will need to comply with the EU's stringent health and food safety regulations.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 10 pm
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