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India's textile exports thrive in 111 countries, showcasing resilience

India's textile and apparel sector, including handicrafts, has shown notable resilience in the first half of FY 2025-26, with exports growing by 0.1% year-on-year despite global challenges. Key markets contributing to this growth include the UAE (14.5%), Japan (19.0%), and France (9.2%), among others. Overall, 111 markets generated $8.49 billion in exports from April to September 2025, marking a 10% increase from $7.72 billion in the same period last year. The growth was primarily driven by Ready-Made Garments, which saw a 3.42% rise, and jute products, which grew by 5.56%. This performance underscores the sector's adaptability amid global uncertainties and aligns with the Indian government's focus on export diversification and market integration through initiatives like "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat." sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 10 am

Bay of Bengal could revive next week

Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicate that rain activity is expected to intensify along the South Tamil Nadu coast, extending to Kaveripattinam, as a stronger weather system approaches. Widespread rainfall is anticipated across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep, while isolated showers are likely in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. A circulation south-east of Sri Lanka is expected to gain momentum, potentially leading to storm activity in the Bay of Bengal, which has been relatively quiet since Cyclone Montha. The US Climate Prediction Centre has estimated a 20-40% chance of a significant storm developing off the Tamil Nadu coast next week, influenced by upstream conditions in the South China Sea. Additionally, the IMD's models suggest a low-pressure area may form over the Andaman Sea, potentially evolving into a cyclone by November 24. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 10 am

India's Online Grocery Grows, Fresh Produce Stays Offline: PwC

The online grocery market in India is experiencing rapid growth, driven by quick delivery services, a wide variety of products, and convenient digital experiences, according to a PwC report. Despite this expansion, many consumers still prefer purchasing fresh produce and non-vegetarian items offline, citing concerns over quality and a desire to support local businesses. The report highlights that 66% of shoppers from rural areas have turned to online platforms after engaging with social media content, underscoring the influence of digital marketing. Two distinct purchasing patterns have emerged: monthly bulk buys and small emergency purchases. Flipkart leads as the preferred grocery marketplace, followed by Amazon, with BigBasket, JioMart, and Swiggy Instamart also noted for their quick delivery. While snacks and daily essentials thrive online, the preference for fresh items remains firmly rooted in traditional shopping methods. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 9 am

NCRTC unveils 'Solar on Track' at Duhai depot, a first

In a pioneering move for India's rapid rail and metro networks, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has launched its "Solar on Track" initiative, installing solar panels directly on tracks at the Namo Bharat Depot in Duhai. This pilot project features 28 solar panels, each with a capacity of 550 Watts, covering a 70-metre stretch and generating an estimated 17,500 kWh of energy annually, which will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 16 tonnes. NCRTC aims to source 70% of its energy from renewable sources, with plans to generate 15 Mega Watts peak of solar power across its facilities, of which 5.5 MW has already been commissioned. The initiative aligns with the National Solar Mission and underscores NCRTC's commitment to sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting and regenerative braking systems, as it strives to set new sustainability benchmarks in urban transit for the National Capital Region. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 9 am

"Growth Driven by Diversification, Lending; CV and Rural Recovery"

The auto non-banking financial company (NBFC) sector showed signs of recovery in disbursement during the second quarter of FY26, following a sluggish first quarter, as reported by Centrum. Growth rates varied among lenders, with those boasting diversified portfolios outperforming pure vehicle financiers. The report emphasized that diversification and non-vehicle lending are crucial for growth, while the revival of commercial vehicle (CV) demand and rural recovery will significantly influence performance in the latter half of FY26. Notably, Sundaram Finance emerged as a top performer, achieving 18.3% year-on-year growth, bolstered by strong retail and SME lending. In contrast, Shriram Finance and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services reported more modest growth, while Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company experienced minimal gains due to portfolio adjustments. The report concluded that lenders with a broader product mix are better positioned to navigate ongoing challenges in traditional vehicle financing. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 9 am

October sees negative retail inflation excluding gold

India's retail inflation fell to a historic low of 0.25% in October, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO), primarily due to declining food prices and significant effects from Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts. This figure marks the lowest inflation rate since the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) series began in 2015. While gold prices surged, reaching Rs 1.31 lakh for 10 grams of 24-carat gold, they contributed to keeping the headline inflation positive, with gold inflation soaring to 57.8%. Excluding gold, CPI would have registered a negative rate of -0.57%. Core CPI remained relatively stable at 4.33%, with a slight increase in personal care costs attributed to gold prices. The impact of GST was more pronounced than expected, with a reduction in CPI inflation by approximately 85 basis points, highlighting the ongoing effects of tax reforms across various sectors. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 9 am

Chennai Airport Surpasses Bengaluru in International Cargo Handling

In a significant development, Chennai Airport has overtaken Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport in international cargo handling for the first half of the fiscal year 2025, marking a turnaround in fortunes. From April to September 2025, Chennai handled 166,440 tonnes of cargo, just 541 tonnes more than Bengaluru's 165,899 tonnes. This shift is attributed to increased imports of engineering goods and exports of Apple iPhones, with Chennai's cargo volume growing by 15% compared to Bengaluru's 2.4%. Delhi Airport remains the leader in international freight, handling 368,359 tonnes, followed by Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Chennai Airport Director M Raja Kishore acknowledged the rise in cargo tonnage, emphasizing the contributions from the automobile and electronics sectors. Industry experts are calling for further investment and strategic planning to enhance the airport's capabilities and support regional trade growth. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 7 am

Jaishankar presents India's Indo-Pacific vision at G7 summit

At the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, on November 12, 2025, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the importance of maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. During the Outreach Session on Maritime Security and Prosperity, he presented India's MAHASAGAR outlook, advocating for trusted maritime links and enhanced shipping infrastructure to bolster trade corridors. Jaishankar raised concerns about maritime threats, including piracy and illegal fishing, calling for increased international collaboration to address these issues. He underscored India's commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief partnerships in the region and reaffirmed the necessity of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to maintain a rules-based maritime order. Jaishankar also engaged in discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on bilateral relations and regional connectivity. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 7 am

Cabinet approves new royalty rates for minerals

In a bid to enhance the production of critical minerals, the Union Cabinet has approved a rationalisation of royalty rates for graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium. Notably, graphite is the only mineral in this category with a royalty rate specified on a per tonne basis. For graphite with 80% or more fixed carbon, the royalty will be set at 2% of the average sale price (ASP), while for lower-grade graphite, it will be 4%. Both caesium and rubidium will incur a 2% royalty based on the metal content in the ore, and zirconium will be taxed at 1%. This decision aims to promote the auction of mineral blocks, unlocking not only these minerals but also associated critical minerals like lithium and tungsten. The move is expected to reduce imports, mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, and create job opportunities, as India currently imports 60% of its graphite needs. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 9 pm

Cabinet greenlights ₹25,000 crore export mission to boost competitiveness

In response to the challenges posed by US President Donald Trump's import tariffs, the Indian Union Cabinet has launched a five-year Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with a budget of ₹25,060 crore. This initiative aims to bolster the competitiveness of Indian exporters, particularly in sectors like textiles, leather, and engineering goods, which have been adversely affected by recent global tariff increases. The Cabinet also approved an expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, allowing the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company to provide full credit guarantees for up to ₹20,000 crore in additional loans to eligible exporters, including MSMEs. The EPM will incorporate key support schemes and operate through two sub-schemes, Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha, with a focus on enhancing market readiness and providing affordable trade finance. This comes as India's exports to the US, its largest market, fell by 12% in September, following a 50% tariff hike on most products. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 9 pm

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