eznews.inLaunched in May 2015, the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) aims to establish a universal social security system for all Indians, particularly targeting the poor, underprivileged, and workers in the unorganised sector. Recent data reveals a significant rise in female participation, with women constituting 48% of the total 8.34 crore subscribers as of October 31, 2025. This trend mirrors the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, where women made up 56% of beneficiaries. Notably, in FY24 and FY25, women accounted for 52% and 55% of new subscribers, respectively. The APY offers a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the age of 60, with provisions for spouses and nominees. As of October 31, 2025, the total corpus under APY reached ₹43,275 crore, supported by public sector banks, which play a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion in rural areas. 
Published: Dec 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inRetail inflation in India, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 0.7% in November 2025, up from 0.3% in October. Despite this slight increase, inflation has remained below the 2% threshold for three consecutive months, leading economists to suggest that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may have room for a further repo rate cut. Experts, including Kanika Pasricha from Union Bank of India, indicate that a potential 25 basis points cut could occur in February 2026, bringing the rate to 5%. Meanwhile, Kotak Mahindra Bank's Upasna Bhardwaj anticipates a benign inflation trajectory until the first half of FY27, while State Bank of India's Soumya Kanti Ghosh projects FY26 inflation at 1.8%. Analysts believe the RBI will maintain a cautious approach, keeping rates steady unless economic conditions worsen, despite the recent uptick in inflation.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian Power Ministry has identified 16 critical items essential for the power sector, including subsea cables, permanent magnets, and HVDC valve assemblies, as part of a strategy to enhance domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports. This list, compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in collaboration with industry stakeholders like ABB and Schneider, aims to address the high import dependency of these components, which are vital for energy security. The CEA has called for feedback from the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association by December 29, 2025, as it seeks to develop a comprehensive localization strategy. While 73 items have been recognized as critical, the focus on these 16 reflects their immediate importance. The initiative aligns with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting local manufacturing and mitigating risks associated with global supply chains.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's inflation outlook is set to be influenced by a combination of factors, including a nearly 5% depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, rising inflation in the US, and a restructuring of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in India. Economists warn that imported inflation, driven by higher prices for commodities such as gold and crude oil, will increasingly impact domestic inflation figures. A recent SBI report noted that the imported inflation component of the CPI has reached 1.6%, primarily due to rising costs in gold and oils. Experts predict that the effects of rupee depreciation will soon be reflected in retail prices, particularly for automobiles and essential goods. Additionally, the upcoming CPI rebase may alter weightings, potentially amplifying the impact of imported inflation. However, a potential GST rate cut could mitigate some of these inflationary pressures, as indicated by recent trends in core inflation.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has proposed a comprehensive investment strategy ahead of the Union Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, set to be presented on February 1. CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee emphasized the budget's dual role as a stabiliser and growth enabler, highlighting the need to promote investments. The proposal outlines six key pillars, starting with a 12% increase in central capital expenditure and a 10% rise in state support, focusing on high-multiplier sectors like transport and energy. It also calls for a ₹150 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline 2.0 to ensure multi-year investment certainty. Other recommendations include tax incentives for private investment, the establishment of an NRI Investment Promotion Fund, strengthening the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, simplifying external commercial borrowing processes, and creating an India Global Economic Forum for structured dialogues with investors. Banerjee concluded that a robust investment strategy is crucial for India's future development.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 240 million loan as the second tranche of the Chennai Metro Rail Investment Project, aimed at enhancing urban transport in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. This funding is part of a larger USD 780 million financing facility initiated in 2022, which includes an earlier USD 350 million loan. The new tranche will support the construction of key sections of metro lines 3, 4, and 5, covering 20 kilometers and adding 18 new stations with universal access and disaster-resilient features. ADB Country Director for India, Mio Oka, emphasized that the project will improve daily travel safety and efficiency while promoting low-carbon development. Additionally, the initiative aims to enhance station inclusivity, improve safety for vulnerable users, and generate non-fare revenues for the metro's long-term sustainability, with construction expected to be completed by mid-2028.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA high-level US trade delegation visited India last week, intensifying calls for access to American soya and corn amid ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade pact. This push comes as US farmers face a significant crisis, characterized by a production surplus and financial strain, exacerbated by trade tensions with China. Despite the US's aggressive lobbying, India remains firm in its stance against genetically modified (GM) crops, which are banned in the country. New Delhi has expressed challenges in sourcing even non-GM varieties due to segregation issues. The discussions, led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, included key topics such as access to agricultural products, but no trade truce emerged from a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump. India's strict GM crop policy, which only permits Bt cotton, reflects concerns over health, environmental risks, and potential impacts on exports to markets like the EU.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inSakthi Aircraft Industry Pvt Ltd (SAIPL), based in Coimbatore, is establishing India's first private-sector trainer aircraft manufacturing facility in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, with production set to commence in January 2026 and deliveries anticipated by February or March. The Sakthi Group is investing ₹750 crore in this project, which aims to reduce India's reliance on imported training aircraft, currently a necessity for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs). The facility will produce the DA40 NG trainer aircraft, supported by technology transfer from Austria's Diamond Aircraft, the world's third-largest general aviation manufacturer. With India's aviation market projected to grow significantly, SAIPL plans to deliver 40 aircraft in 2026 and achieve an annual capacity of 100 by 2027. The company is also collaborating with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi to establish maintenance and testing facilities, positioning itself as a key player in enhancing India's aviation training ecosystem.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) has raised alarms over the detrimental impact of cheap copper imports under various free trade agreements (FTAs) on the domestic manufacturing sector, urging the government to impose a safeguard duty and quantitative restrictions. The IPCPA highlighted that a surge in zero-duty imports is undermining India's smelting and downstream manufacturing capabilities, despite significant investments aimed at achieving self-sufficiency. Concerns were particularly directed at the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is set to reduce customs duties on copper wire rods to zero by FY27. The IPCPA also criticized an inflated Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) that has led to a 340% increase in imports from the UAE. With the global copper smelting industry facing severe economic challenges, the IPCPA is calling for urgent government intervention to protect domestic producers from the adverse effects of FTAs.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe global silver market, already under strain, faces additional pressure as China implements new export restrictions set to take effect in January 2026. The policy mandates that only large, state-approved firms producing a minimum of 80 tonnes annually can obtain export licenses, effectively sidelining smaller exporters. This move aims to safeguard national resources and could bolster global silver prices, as China, the world's second-largest silver miner, supplies 60-70% of the market. Concurrently, India has seen a surge in silver imports, bringing in over 2,600 tonnes from September to October, with the UK and Hong Kong emerging as major suppliers. JP Morgan has also significantly increased its physical silver holdings, closing short positions and accumulating 750 million ounces. With a projected annual supply shortfall of over 5,000 tonnes, the tightening market could further elevate prices, which have already risen sharply this year amid high demand and geopolitical tensions.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 9 am
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