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The EY Economy Watch has projected that the Indian economy is set to grow by 6.5% in the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2025, with a focus on the need for a strategic fiscal policy that bolsters human capital development. The report highlights that government spending on education must rise to 6.5% of GDP by FY2048 from the current 4.6%, while health expenditure should increase to 3.8% from 1.1% in 2021, to meet the demands of a growing and youthful population. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing investment in education and healthcare to sustain long-term growth and improve human capital outcomes. Additionally, the report suggests that increasing the revenue-to-GDP ratio from 21% to 29% over time could provide necessary resources while maintaining fiscal discipline. Equalisation transfers are also recommended to address regional disparities in access to essential services, ensuring equitable growth across states. 
Published: Mar 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's sugar production for the current season is projected to reach 259 lakh tonnes (lt), a significant 19% decrease from the 319 lt produced in the 2023-24 season, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF). As of March 31, 2025, sugar output has fallen to 248.5 lt, down 18% from 302.5 lt in the same period last year, with 234 mills ceasing operations in March alone. This brings the total number of mills that have closed early this season to 420, compared to 331 last year. The average sugar recovery rate has also declined to 9.37%, down from 10.15% a year ago. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, which account for 84% of India's sugar production, have reported significant reductions in both sugarcane crushed and output. Industry experts are closely monitoring these trends as they prepare for the 2025-26 season.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has recently implemented a series of operational upgrades aimed at enhancing efficiency and service quality. Key improvements include fixed-window berthing, integrated yard management, automated weighbridges, and dynamic storage solutions. These advancements have contributed to NMPA being recognized as the second-best port in container handling, reflecting its commitment to modernizing operations and boosting logistical capabilities. The upgrades are expected to streamline processes, reduce turnaround times, and improve overall productivity at the port, positioning it as a competitive player in the region's maritime industry. This recognition underscores NMPA's ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving demands of global trade and logistics.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 2 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump is set to unveil a new tariff plan on April 2, dubbed "Liberation Day," during his first Rose Garden press conference of his second term. Trump announced that India is significantly reducing its tariffs on American goods, expressing surprise that this had not happened sooner. He dismissed concerns that his tariffs might push countries towards China, asserting that they would ultimately benefit these nations by encouraging them to lower their own tariffs, which he claims have been unfair to the US. Trump highlighted the European Union's recent reduction of car tariffs to 2.5% as a positive example. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the full cabinet would attend the announcement, emphasizing that the plan aims to address what Trump describes as decades of unfair trade practices, particularly noting India's 100% tariff on US agricultural goods.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's economic resilience is underscored by a low external vulnerability indicator (EVI) of 61% and a manageable external debt-to-GDP ratio of 19%, with only 2% of GDP reliant on exports to the US, according to a recent Moody's report. Despite global financial instability linked to the Trump administration, Moody's predicts India will be the fastest-growing economy among advanced and emerging markets, with a growth forecast of 6.5% for FY 2026. The report highlights India's robust domestic mechanisms and substantial foreign exchange reserves as key factors attracting investor confidence. While the Indian Rupee has depreciated by 3.6% against the dollar since April, this is less severe than declines seen in other currencies. Moody's asserts that large emerging markets like India are better positioned to weather external shocks due to their domestically oriented economies and deep capital markets, providing a buffer against financial pressures.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inHuman-wildlife conflicts in Kerala's Kottayam district are increasingly threatening the farming community, particularly rubber farmers like George Joseph, who has curtailed tapping due to fears of wild elephant attacks. Over the past few years, such conflicts have led to significant crop damage, revenue loss, and even fatalities. Santosh Kumar, CEO of Harrisons Malayalam Ltd, highlighted the escalating nature of these conflicts, noting that traditional protective measures like fences are proving ineffective. In Idukki district, dairy farming has also suffered, with tiger attacks reducing cattle numbers from 7,000 to 3,000, resulting in a drop in milk production. The state government has allocated substantial compensation for losses, amounting to ₹2,179.80 lakh in 2023-24, while implementing measures such as solar fencing and elephant trenches to mitigate wildlife intrusions. The situation underscores the urgent need for more effective solutions to protect both lives and livelihoods.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inMahindra & Mahindra (M&M) reported robust sales figures for March 2025, with domestic wholesales reaching 48,048 units, an 18% increase year-on-year. For the entire financial year 2024-25, M&M achieved total sales of 551,487 units, marking a 20% rise from the previous year. The company highlighted strong demand for its SUVs, including the newly launched Electric Origin, which contributed to selling over 500,000 SUVs domestically for the first time. Kia India also saw significant growth, with March sales of 25,525 units, a 19.3% increase, and annual sales of 255,207 units, up 4% from the previous year. Meanwhile, JSW MG Motor India and Škoda Auto India reported sales of 5,500 and 7,422 units respectively in March, with Škoda achieving its highest monthly sales ever, driven by the launch of the new Kylaq model.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inBSE Limited, one of India's prominent stock exchanges, announced a 2:1 bonus share issue during its board meeting on March 30, 2025, subject to postal ballot approval. This move will see the issuance of two new equity shares for every existing share held, increasing the company's paid-up capital from ₹27.07 crores to ₹81.22 crores. The bonus shares, valued at approximately ₹54.93 crores, will be drawn from the company's Capital Redemption Reserves and General Reserve, with a credit date set for eligible shareholders by May 29, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, BSE reported ₹414.06 crores in general reserves and ₹2,141.63 crores in retained earnings. On the stock market, BSE shares were trading at ₹5,454.25, down 0.47%. Additionally, the board reappointed KFin Technologies Limited as the Registrar and Share Transfer Agent for another three years, effective December 18, 2024.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a speech marking the 90th anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Governor Sanjay Malhotra outlined the institution's commitment to enhancing financial inclusion and adapting to a rapidly changing economic landscape. He emphasized the importance of balancing price stability, financial stability, and economic growth with technological advancements and public expectations. Malhotra stated that the next decade will be pivotal for the financial architecture of India, highlighting the RBI's dedication to improving customer service and consumer protection while optimizing regulatory frameworks. He affirmed the central bank's focus on innovation and collaboration with stakeholders, asserting that integrity and transparency will guide its operations. As the RBI prepares to enter its centenary decade, Malhotra expressed confidence in its ability to navigate future challenges and contribute to India's economic progress, reinforcing the trust placed in the institution by the public.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inIndia's high applied tariffs on various goods, including agricultural products and pharmaceuticals, have been highlighted in the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report by the US Trade Representative (USTR). The report criticizes India's non-tariff barriers, such as import bans and stringent licensing requirements, which complicate trade relations as the US pushes for lower tariffs in ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations. Experts emphasize that India must evaluate US demands against its own national priorities and development goals, particularly in agriculture and digital governance, to protect small farmers and uphold social norms. The report also raises concerns about restrictions on foreign investment in services, data localization requirements, and the impact of price controls on medical devices. As the US continues to monitor these issues, the need for stronger intellectual property protections and a cohesive government procurement policy in India is underscored.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inUnion Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has emphasized that advancements in battery technology are crucial for India's transition to sustainable transport, aiming for the country to become the world leader in electric vehicle (EV) production by 2030. Speaking at the launch of an eco-friendly electric cycle in Thane, Gadkari highlighted the significant reduction in lithium-ion battery costs, which have dropped from $150 to $100 per kilowatt, making EVs more affordable. He noted that the transport sector is a major contributor to pollution, necessitating a shift from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources. Gadkari also discussed the potential of biofuels, particularly from agricultural waste, to enhance rural incomes and reduce pollution. He called for promoting cycling infrastructure to support sustainable urban transport, asserting that India's commitment to green technologies positions it as a key player in the global transition to eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 9 am
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