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India's exports to the United States have shown signs of recovery since September 2025, despite ongoing tariffs, according to a report by DSP Mutual Fund. Exports fell from $8.8 billion in May to a low of $5.4 billion in September but rebounded to $6.3 billion in October and $7.0 billion in November. The report cautions that the data window is limited, making it premature to declare a definitive trend. Notably, sectors anticipated to be most affected by tariffs, such as textiles and gems and jewellery, did not underperform as expected, while pharmaceuticals, exempt from tariffs, saw a 16.5% decline in exports. The findings suggest that the impact of tariffs is more complex than previously thought, with broader weaknesses across various sectors. DSP Mutual Fund emphasizes the need for further data to determine the sustainability of the recent export recovery. 
Published: Dec 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's economic growth is projected to remain strong through 2026, bolstered by significant monetary and fiscal measures, according to a Standard Chartered report titled 'Outlook 2026: Ride the Recovery Wave.' The report highlights that policy interventions, including frontloaded interest rate cuts and liquidity injections by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), alongside income tax reductions and GST rate rationalisation, are expected to stimulate domestic demand. Despite challenges from US trade tariffs and a global economic slowdown, India's medium-term outlook remains positive, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation anticipated to fall below the RBI's 4% target due to lower food prices and GST adjustments. The RBI has also revised its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 upward to 7.3%, while inflation expectations have been lowered to 2.0%. However, risks such as high trade tariffs and potential delays in recovery persist.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn 2026, India's road transport ministry will prioritize the implementation of seamless, barrier-free tolling on national highways and the introduction of a new Road Safety Bill, aiming to significantly reduce the annual road fatalities, which currently exceed 1.8 lakh. Key projects set for inauguration include the long-awaited 1,362 km Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and several other major highways, with completion dates ranging from January to December 2026. The new tolling system, utilizing technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition and RFID-based Electronic Toll Collection, is expected to lower toll costs from 15% to 3% of total collections, potentially saving ₹8,000 crore annually. Additionally, the ministry plans to award road projects worth 12,000 km in 2025-26 and 13,000-13,500 km in 2026-27. Despite ongoing challenges, including delays in project approvals, the government is committed to enhancing road safety and infrastructure.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's government is set to prioritize increased steel production and raw material security as it aims for an installed steelmaking capacity of 300 million tonnes (MT) by 2030. The focus will also be on adopting low-carbon technologies and enhancing the production of high-end steel to cater to domestic and export demands, driven by strong infrastructure investments. Despite being the world's second-largest crude steel producer, the industry faces challenges such as rising imports and volatile raw material prices. The National Steel Policy, launched in 2017, targets a production of 250 MT and per capita consumption of 160 kg by 2030-31. Industry leaders emphasize the need for accelerated momentum to meet these goals, while concerns over trade barriers and the transition to green steel remain. Projections indicate an 8% growth in steel demand for FY26, although pricing pressures persist due to a temporary surplus and global market dynamics.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn 2025, India and the UK finalized a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a 'Vision 2035' pact aimed at enhancing bilateral relations beyond trade. The FTA, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK in July, is projected to increase bilateral trade by over £25 billion, pending ratification by the UK Parliament in 2026. Celebrating his first year in office, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly welcomed Modi, announcing plans for a significant trade delegation to India. The year also saw the establishment of British university campuses in India, addressing educational demand amid a backdrop of stricter UK immigration policies. Additionally, the UK faced challenges with high-profile Indian billionaires relocating due to tax increases. The year was marked by the loss of prominent Indian-origin figures in the UK and a shared commitment to combat terrorism, highlighted by a joint exhibition and responses to recent attacks in India.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inKNR Constructions has announced a significant divestment, executing share purchase agreements with Indus Infra Trust for the sale of its entire stake, including sub-debt, in four highway special purpose vehicles (SPVs). The transaction, signed on December 24, 2025, involves an investment of ₹566.83 crore by KNR in equity and sub-debt, with the company expected to receive a total consideration of ₹1,543.19 crore. The SPVs involved in the deal are KNR Palani Infra Private Limited, KNR Ramagiri Infra Private Limited, KNR Guruvayur Infra Private Limited, and KNR Ramanattukara Infra Private Limited. Completion of the divestment is contingent upon approvals from various authorities and lenders, in line with the Concession Agreement, and is anticipated to be finalized by September 30, 2026.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe Railway Ministry has announced a fare hike effective December 26, 2025, increasing train ticket prices by 1 paise per km for ordinary class journeys exceeding 215 km and 2 paise per km for non-AC classes of mail/express trains and all AC classes. This marks the second fare revision this year, following a previous increase in July. The ministry emphasized that the graded fare rationalisation aims to protect short-distance commuters, ensuring no fare increase for journeys up to 215 km. For longer distances, fare increases will be applied in increments based on distance. The revised structure maintains affordability for passengers while ensuring the financial sustainability of railway operations. Existing fares for major train services will be updated accordingly, and tickets booked before the effective date will not incur additional charges. The ministry reiterated its commitment to providing safe and reliable travel for millions of passengers daily.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a pivotal move, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the CoalSETU policy on December 12, allowing entities to procure coal for industrial use, exports, and washing, but prohibiting domestic resale. This initiative addresses the long-standing demand for long-term coal linkages without end-use restrictions, particularly benefiting non-regulated sectors (NRS) like cement, steel, and sponge iron, which are vital to infrastructure. The Ministry has established regulations for the CoalSETU window, enabling domestic buyers to participate in auctions for up to 15 years without specific end-use requirements, although traders are excluded. Auctions will be conducted by Coal India (CIL) or Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL), ensuring transparency and competition. Coal linkage holders can export up to 50% of their allocated quantity and utilize the coal flexibly among group companies, while adhering to existing agreements for specified end users.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIndia's engineering exports surpassed $11 billion in November 2025, marking a 23.76% year-on-year increase, despite challenges posed by US tariffs. This rebound follows a significant decline in October, driven by increased shipments to key markets, particularly the EU and the US, alongside a low-base effect, according to the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) of India. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of EEPC India, highlighted the resilience of exporters, noting that November's figures reflect a recovery from a 17% drop in October. Notably, exports to the US rose by 11.4%, while those to the EU surged by 39%. The recent trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand are expected to further boost engineering exports. However, Chadha urged caution due to rising global trade volatility. Overall, engineering exports accounted for 28.9% of total merchandise exports in November, up from 27.3% in the April-November period.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNeem trees in Telangana are facing a significant threat, with over 60% infected by the fungus _Phomopsis azadirachtae_, known as "Dieback disease." This condition, which drains chlorophyll from the leaves and begins at the twigs, is spreading rapidly, aided by birds that carry the spores. While the disease does not affect humans or other plants, young neem trees are particularly vulnerable. Experts attribute the outbreak to heavy monsoon rains, which create ideal conditions for the fungus. B. Sadasivaiah, a botany lecturer, noted that while most mature trees can recover within months, young trees may not survive severe infections. He advises against chemical treatments, recommending instead the pruning of infected branches and the use of henna as a natural remedy. The outbreak is expected to last nearly a decade, following a historical pattern observed in other regions.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 pm
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