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"India's Marine Fisheries Require Unified Guidance and Local Insight"

India's extensive coastline is vital for local communities, providing livelihoods and contributing significantly to the economy. However, the management of marine resources varies widely across states, each with its own Marine Fisheries Regulation Act tailored to local conditions. This diversity, while reflecting regional realities, poses challenges as fishing pressures increase and climate change alters fish migration patterns. The recent "Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules – 2025" aims to establish a national framework, yet most fishing occurs in state-controlled waters where regulations differ. A balanced approach is needed, combining national guidance with local autonomy to create shared standards and improve enforcement tools without undermining state authority. By integrating ecological and economic investments, India can enhance its Blue Economy while ensuring the sustainability of its marine ecosystems. A cooperative strategy that respects local knowledge could help safeguard both coastal livelihoods and ocean health. sources

Published:
Nov 22 2025, 9 am

"Tier II and III Cities Fuel India's Retail Expansion"

India's retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as smaller cities emerge as vital growth hubs for the retail real estate sector, according to Cushman & Wakefield's Q3 2025 Retail Market Beat. Leasing activity in Tier II and Tier III cities has surged, reflecting heightened retailer confidence and evolving consumer preferences. A report by Colliers-CII forecasts that India's real estate market could reach $10 trillion by 2047, with a substantial portion of retail development expected in these regions. Factors such as rising incomes, improved infrastructure, and a shift towards branded retail experiences are driving this change. Industry leaders, including Nandini Taneja and Prakhar Agrawal, emphasize the growing aspirations of consumers in cities like Raipur and Bhubaneswar, who are increasingly spending on lifestyle and entertainment. This shift presents exciting opportunities for developers and investors as India's retail sector expands beyond metropolitan areas. sources

Published:
Nov 22 2025, 9 am

Labour Codes enhance clarity and mobility for tech workers: Nasscom

India's IT sector is poised for significant benefits from the full implementation of the country's four Labour Codes, which aim to enhance predictability, transparency, and mobility for its skilled workforce, according to industry body Nasscom. The government has announced that key provisions of these Codes, which consolidate 29 outdated labour laws, will take effect on November 21. Key changes include mandatory written appointment letters, fixed-term employment with equal benefits, expanded social security, and recognition of gig work. These reforms are designed to improve workforce mobility and strengthen India's position as a hub for high-value technology services. The transition to this new framework will be gradual, allowing businesses to adapt while ensuring compliance with both central and state regulations. Nasscom emphasized its commitment to facilitating a smooth transition and harmonizing the new rules with existing state laws to avoid compliance challenges. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2025, 9 pm

Afghanistan pushes Chabahar, seeks extended US sanctions relief

During a recent visit to New Delhi, Afghanistan's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, emphasized the importance of the India-developed Chabahar port, which connects Afghanistan and India via Iran, bypassing Pakistan. Azizi expressed concerns over U.S. sanctions affecting the port's investments and highlighted the need for negotiations with Washington to alleviate these restrictions. He also announced plans for tariff cuts on goods traded through Chabahar and urged private sector investment to enhance competitiveness. In response, India is set to activate air freight corridors between Kabul and New Delhi, and Kabul and Amritsar, while re-establishing a joint working group to address trade issues. Azizi invited Indian businesses to explore investment opportunities in various sectors, including mining and agriculture, as both nations aim to strengthen their trade ties, currently valued at around $1 billion, amidst ongoing challenges from Pakistan's transit route blockages. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2025, 9 pm

Unions plan resistance against Labour Codes on Nov 26

A coalition of ten central trade unions and various independent industrial federations has declared a nationwide protest on November 26, 2025, in response to the Indian government's implementation of four new labour codes, which they describe as "anti-worker" and "pro-employer." The Joint Platform is demanding a complete rollback of these codes, which include the Code on Wages and the Industrial Relations Code. This protest coincides with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh's mixed response to the codes, as they welcomed some aspects while opposing certain provisions. The unions are urging workers to participate in mobilisations, including wearing black badges and holding meetings, to challenge what they perceive as government overreach. Despite previous protests and a general strike in 2020, the government has proceeded with the codes, citing extensive consultations. Union leaders have vowed to continue their resistance until the codes are rescinded. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2025, 9 pm

States urged to implement new Labour Code rules

The Indian government's recent notification of new labour codes, which consolidate 29 existing laws, has shifted focus to State governments, as these codes will only take effect once individual States establish their specific rules. Labour is listed on the Concurrent List, allowing States to tailor implementations to local conditions. While some States, like Tamil Nadu, have begun drafting rules, others, including West Bengal, have yet to comply, with officials expressing concerns over the codes being anti-labour. Maharashtra's Chief Minister hailed the reforms as a historic step for worker rights, while Andhra Pradesh's IT Minister emphasized the need for robust labour frameworks to support a modern economy. Experts note that States retain the power to regulate local establishments and can set minimum wages and working hours above the central standards, allowing for some flexibility within the overarching framework of the new codes. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2025, 9 pm

New Labour Codes Enforce Gig Worker Rights and Safety Standards

The Indian government has announced the nationwide implementation of four new Labour Codes, which replace 29 central laws, marking what Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a "historic step" towards ensuring worker dignity. The codes, which include the Code of Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, aim to empower workers and simplify compliance for businesses. They also address the gig economy by defining gig work and mandating contributions from platform companies. However, experts warn of significant challenges in extending benefits to workers, citing low registration rates among gig workers and issues with existing welfare schemes. Additionally, some states, like West Bengal, have expressed opposition to the central laws, while trade unions have condemned the reforms as detrimental to worker protections. The government claims that 40 crore workers will benefit from the new social security framework. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2025, 9 pm

India's Cotton Productivity Mission may receive 10-year extension

The Indian government has extended the proposed Cotton Productivity Mission's tenure from five to ten years, following recommendations from the Prime Minister’s Office. The mission, announced in the 2025-26 Budget, aims to enhance cotton farming productivity and sustainability, with an initial budget of approximately Rs 5,000 crore. However, the Ministry of Textiles is facing challenges as its proposals for modernising ginning factories have been rejected by the Department of Expenditure and Niti Aayog. The Department has also advised that the mission be restructured as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, sharing costs with states, and has raised concerns about overlaps with other agricultural initiatives. As cotton production has declined, with estimates for 2025-26 at 30.5 million bales, experts suggest that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research should expedite the proposal to the PMO to resolve ongoing bottlenecks. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2025, 8 pm

IndiGo invests $820 million in aircraft acquisition

IndiGo has announced an $820 million investment aimed at expanding its fleet ownership and diversifying aircraft financing. The funds will be allocated to its subsidiary, InterGlobe Aviation Financial Services IFSC Private Ltd., through a mix of equity shares and convertible preference shares. This strategic move is designed to enhance capital efficiency, mitigate supply chain risks, and achieve long-term cost savings, with a goal of increasing the proportion of owned and finance-leased aircraft to 30-40% by 2030. Currently, IndiGo operates over 417 aircraft, including models from Airbus, Boeing, and ATR, and has more than 900 planes on order, with deliveries scheduled until 2035. The airline's robust balance sheet, featuring ₹38,500 crore in free cash, positions it well to navigate market challenges and make informed decisions regarding fleet ownership. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2025, 8 pm

CMRL to buy 28 six-car trainsets amid rising ridership

In October, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) reported a significant ridership of 93.27 lakh passengers, reflecting a steady increase in demand for its services. In response, CMRL has initiated a tender to procure 168 new cars for 28 six-car trainsets, expanding from the current four-car configuration. This procurement is expected to take over two years. Notably, ridership figures surpassed 1 crore in both July and September, prompting calls for larger train capacities during peak hours. Currently, CMRL operates 52 trainsets under its Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension projects. Additionally, a contract for 32 driverless three-car trains has been awarded to Alstom Transport India, with the first delivery anticipated by February 2027. Looking ahead, the Phase II expansion aims to extend the metro network by 118.9 km with 128 stations, at an estimated cost of ₹63,246 crore, and is projected for completion by the end of 2028. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2025, 8 pm

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