eznews.inIn a significant move to manage its finances, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to reduce its debt to below ₹2 lakh crore by the end of the current financial year, as confirmed by a senior government official. NHAI's debt peaked at ₹3.5 lakh crore in 2021-22 but has since decreased to ₹2,35,947 crore as of December 31, 2025, following a 32% reduction since it ceased borrowing in 2023. The authority has proactively prepaid ₹86,000 crore in liabilities, including ₹50,000 crore from the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF). Although no specific target was set for this fiscal year, the official indicated that the goal remains to lower the debt further. Additionally, NHAI has successfully negotiated with banks to reduce interest rates, resulting in savings exceeding ₹3,500 crore over the past two years. 
Published: Jan 25 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe World Economic Forum's latest Chief Economists' Outlook warns of a challenging year ahead for the global economy in 2026, with over half of leading economists predicting a slowdown. The survey reveals that 53% foresee deteriorating conditions, while only 19% anticipate stronger growth, reflecting a cautious sentiment despite slight improvements from last year. Key concerns include high debt levels, inflated asset prices, and geopolitical tensions, which are reshaping global trade and investment. While U.S. financial markets remain robust, particularly in AI-linked stocks, economists are divided on the sustainability of these valuations amid fears of asset bubbles. Additionally, rising public and private debt is prompting difficult policy choices, with increased spending on defense and infrastructure potentially squeezing budgets for education and social programs. As countries pivot towards regional trade agreements, the uneven adoption of AI technology poses both opportunities and challenges, particularly for smaller businesses and developing regions.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 3 pmeznews.inDelhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday that the city aims to convert its entire public transport bus fleet to emission-free electric vehicles within three years. Speaking at a gathering, Gupta highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing the capital's infrastructure, with a capital expenditure of ₹30,000 crore allocated for this initiative, which includes the introduction of 11,000 electric buses and the establishment of necessary charging stations and depots. Reflecting on the past eleven months of BJP governance, she noted significant strides made towards public welfare and overcoming systemic challenges, particularly regarding pollution. Gupta emphasized the government's dedication to the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and paid tribute to freedom fighters who contributed to India's independence. Her remarks came during the Republic Day celebrations at Chhatrasal Stadium, where she underscored the importance of the Constitution as a guiding force for justice and equality in India.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 3 pmeznews.inExternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with a three-member US Congressional delegation, including Representatives Mike Rogers, Jimmy Patronis, and Adam Smith, on January 25, 2026, to discuss the evolving India-US relationship amid ongoing tensions. The meeting, which also included US Ambassador Sergio Gor, focused on enhancing cooperation in security, trade, and critical technologies, with Gor describing the discussions as "productive." Jaishankar highlighted the importance of Congressional interactions in strengthening bilateral ties, addressing issues such as the Indo-Pacific strategy and the Ukraine conflict. The backdrop of the talks includes strained relations following significant tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on Indian goods and ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade deal, which have stalled over US demands for concessions in India's agricultural sectors. Both nations are keen to advance their partnership despite these challenges.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe upcoming India-EU free trade agreement, set to be announced on January 27, is expected to enhance trade and reduce costs rather than pose a threat to domestic industries, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The think tank highlighted the complementary nature of the two economies, with India focusing on labour-intensive goods and the EU providing advanced technology and capital goods. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava noted that tariff reductions would primarily benefit producers and consumers by lowering input costs and fostering deeper value-chain integration. In FY2025, India-EU goods trade surpassed $136 billion, with India importing high-end machinery, electronics, and medical devices essential for its industrial sectors. Conversely, Indian exports, including smartphones and pharmaceuticals, largely substitute EU imports from other countries. The report also indicated that the alcohol trade remains minimal, with India importing significantly more premium spirits from the EU than it exports.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia and the European Union are poised to announce the conclusion of negotiations for a significant free trade agreement (FTA) on January 27, following 18 years of discussions that began in 2007. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has hailed the FTA as the "mother of all deals" for India. The announcement will occur during the India-EU Summit, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. While the agreement will be finalized after legal vetting, its implementation will require approval from the EU Parliament and India's Union Cabinet. The FTA aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs on over 90% of goods traded, enhancing market access for sectors like textiles and automobiles while protecting sensitive agricultural products. With the EU accounting for 17% of India's exports, the deal is expected to help Indian exporters diversify and reduce reliance on China amid global trade disruptions caused by US tariffs.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe upcoming Union Budget is set to prioritize capital expenditure (capex) as part of the government's ongoing commitment to public investment, despite a constrained fiscal environment, according to a report by HSBC Mutual Fund. With an allocation of ₹11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP) for 2025-26, the focus will remain on sustaining economic growth through infrastructure spending. The report suggests that significant changes to tax policy are unlikely, given the limited policy levers available. Key areas for targeted allocations may include defence, agriculture, and technology, with continued support for manufacturing and exports anticipated. The government is expected to maintain transfers to states and utilize long-dated, interest-free loans to bolster regional development. Overall, the budget is expected to reflect policy continuity and fiscal discipline, with the Union Budget for 2026-27 scheduled for presentation in Parliament on February 1, 2026.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 1 pmeznews.inPiyush Arora, MD and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, has highlighted the need for policy continuity, infrastructure development, and a robust electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in the upcoming Union Budget to sustain growth in the automotive sector. In a recent interview, he emphasized the positive impact of last year's GST reforms on the domestic passenger vehicle industry and called for customs reforms and bilateral trade agreements to enhance global integration. Arora noted that the India-EU free trade agreement could benefit brands under the Volkswagen umbrella, while the group's strategy focuses on localizing production for both domestic and export markets. He revealed that Skoda sold a record one million cars globally last year, with India emerging as a key market. Looking ahead, Arora anticipates a 5-6% growth in the passenger vehicle market by 2026 and stressed the importance of addressing challenges in EV adoption, including price parity and charging infrastructure.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 11 ameznews.inVedanta's iron ore mining subsidiary, Sesa Goa, has called on the Indian government to implement incentives for the beneficiation of low-grade iron ore, highlighting the need for targeted policy support and infrastructure investment to enhance economic viability. The beneficiation process improves the iron content of low-quality ores, making them suitable for steel production, which is crucial as India's steel demand is expected to reach 300 million tonnes by 2030. Currently, while higher-grade ore meets domestic needs, significant low-grade reserves remain untapped due to high upfront costs and regulatory hurdles. Sesa Goa CEO Navin Jaju emphasized the urgency for a beneficial duty structure and argued against export duties on low-grade ore, advocating for free pricing to stimulate growth. With India's iron ore production reaching 289 million tonnes in FY25, the company seeks a time-bound framework in the upcoming Union Budget to unlock the potential of low-grade reserves, transforming them into a strategic asset for the nation.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 11 ameznews.inUnion Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Saturday that India's maritime sector is set to attract investments exceeding ₹80 lakh crore in the coming years, aiming to restore the country's historical nautical dominance. Speaking at the inauguration of the second phase of Vizhinjam port's development, Sonowal highlighted that investments in the sector, which reached over ₹12 lakh crore in 2025, are expected to create 1.5 crore jobs. He emphasized that the completed Vizhinjam port will become a significant regional transshipment hub. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the maritime sector has seen substantial growth, including increased shipyards and cargo movement. Sonowal noted that Kerala is pivotal in this transformation, with 56 Sagarmala projects underway, totaling over ₹24,000 crore, enhancing trade and empowering coastal communities. He expressed confidence that the maritime ecosystem in Kerala will bolster India's position in the global supply chain.
Published: Jan 25 2026, 10 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact