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Economic Survey forecasts 6.8-7.2% growth for FY27

India'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. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 12 pm

India-made cars gain global acceptance, boosting exports: Eco Survey

India's automobile exports are surging, reflecting a growing global acceptance of locally manufactured vehicles, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26. The industry exported over 5.3 million vehicles across various segments in FY25, achieving double-digit growth in the first half of 2025-26. This growth is attributed to a robust post-pandemic demand recovery, with production increasing nearly 33% over the past decade. The sector, which employs over 30 million people and contributes around 15% to the country's GST collections, is pivotal to India's economy, positioning the nation as the largest market for two- and three-wheelers and the third-largest for passenger and commercial vehicles. Government initiatives, including the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars, have further bolstered the electric vehicle market. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the survey in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the sector's significant economic impact. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 1 pm

Eco Survey advocates for duty corrections and reduced logistics costs

The Economic Survey 2026 emphasizes the need for strategic policies to bolster India's manufacturing sector, focusing on competitiveness, innovation, and productivity. It advocates for correcting inverted duties, enhancing logistics infrastructure, and reducing regulatory costs to improve export competitiveness, crucial for maintaining currency stability amid global fragmentation. The survey highlights that countries with successful manufacturing exports typically enjoy hard currency status, underscoring the importance of a unified effort to lower manufacturing costs. Additionally, it calls for a balanced approach to import substitution, grounded in productivity and measurable outcomes. With India's external sector showing resilience, the report stresses the significance of foreign direct investment (FDI) as a stable financing source, essential for sustaining economic growth. Despite challenges such as US tariffs, merchandise exports rose by 2.4% in the first nine months of FY26, while the current account deficit remains manageable at 0.8% of GDP. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 1 pm

CEA Warns of Fragile 2026 Global Outlook and Disorder Risks

In a stark warning, Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran's latest Economic Survey highlights a precarious global economic landscape as we approach 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions and financial vulnerabilities. The report outlines three potential scenarios: the most probable, termed "Managed Disorder," suggests a fragile continuation of current conditions, where minor shocks could escalate, necessitating active government intervention. A second scenario, "Disorderly Multipolar Breakdown," foresees intensified strategic rivalries and weakened global coordination, leading to coercive trade policies and heightened financial stress. The third, more extreme scenario, "Systemic Shock Cascade," posits a convergence of financial, technological, and geopolitical crises, potentially resulting in a liquidity contraction reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis. Nageswaran emphasizes that while catastrophic outcomes are less likely, the global economy is increasingly characterized by instability, with financial markets already reflecting this growing fragility. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 1 pm

Digit Insurance offers parametric insurance to Rajasthan farmers

Farmers in Tonk district, Rajasthan, have received moisture index-based parametric insurance claims from Go Digit General Insurance Ltd, following excess moisture that breached pre-defined thresholds. The claims, affecting over 30 villages, aim to support nearly 500 farmers by mitigating the risks of crop rot and income loss during the rabi season. Digit Insurance, in collaboration with Howden Insurance India, has implemented a Water Balance Index (WBI) solution to address climate-related risks for over 6,000 farmers across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The WBI measures the difference between rainfall and potential evapotranspiration, triggering payouts based on objective climate data. Adarsh Agarwal from Digit Insurance emphasized the importance of data-led solutions to protect vulnerable farming households, while Mohammad Faizan Huq from Howden India highlighted the potential of parametric insurance to transform agricultural risk management in India amidst increasing climate volatility. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 1 pm

"2026 Economic Survey: Agriculture Vital for Viksit Bharat"

The Economic Survey has highlighted the pivotal role of agricultural growth in India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047, urging the government to intensify reforms and promote climate-resilient technologies. While acknowledging government efforts to boost agricultural production in sectors like dairy, poultry, and horticulture, the report criticized the lack of innovative solutions to persistent challenges, particularly those related to climate change and water scarcity. It emphasized the need for region-specific interventions and the adoption of sustainable practices, such as drip irrigation and crop diversification, to enhance resilience and productivity. The Survey also called for increased private sector involvement in food processing and logistics to bolster competitiveness in domestic and export markets. Key priorities include improving irrigation systems, enhancing agricultural research, and reforming the fertilizer sector to ensure sustainability and productivity, ultimately supporting inclusive economic development and job creation in rural areas. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 1 pm

US trade talks expected to conclude this year: Survey

India'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. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 12 pm

PM Modi: Prioritize quality over market expansion post India-EU FTA

Prime 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. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 11 am

Silver futures exceed ₹4 lakh/kg as precious metals rise

On 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%. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 11 am

Nirmala Sitharaman to present Economic Survey in Lok Sabha today

India'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. sources

Published:
Jan 29 2026, 9 am

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