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India's domestic current account deficit (CAD) is projected to remain stable at approximately 1.2-1.5% of GDP in FY26, according to a Bank of Baroda report. The report emphasizes the significance of ongoing US-India trade talks, particularly as the US is a key market for India's electronic exports, which currently enjoy tariff exemptions. While India's trade deficit has widened this fiscal year due to imports outpacing export growth, the non-oil-non-gold import segment reflects improved domestic demand. Seasonal factors are expected to drive higher gold imports in the latter half of the year, although lower oil prices may provide some relief. Encouragingly, exports to Asian partners and key European nations have shown growth, indicating diversification in markets. Overall, India's external position appears stable, but the outcome of US-India trade negotiations will be crucial in the coming months. 
Published: Oct 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inOn Dhanteras, a significant surge in consumer spending was reported across India, with total sales surpassing ₹1 lakh crore, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Traditional purchases included gold, silver, utensils, kitchenware, vehicles, and electronic goods, all deemed symbols of prosperity. Notably, gold and silver sales alone reached ₹60,000 crore, with Delhi's bullion markets seeing a 25% increase from last year, amounting to over ₹10,000 crore. Despite rising prices, consumers continued to invest in these precious metals, favoring lightweight jewellery, particularly among younger buyers. CAIT Secretary-General Praveen Khandelwal attributed the festive trade boom to reduced GST rates and a growing preference for locally made products, reflecting the impact of Prime Minister Modi's "Swadeshi Aapnao" campaign. The festive season saw remarkable enthusiasm across various markets, including traditional bazaars and local retail shops, marking a 15-18% increase in sales compared to the previous year.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost to India's defence capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the flagging off of the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured at the BrahMos Aerospace unit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. During the ceremony, Singh asserted that "every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos," highlighting the missile's strategic importance. The Lucknow facility, built at a cost of ₹380 crore, aims to produce around 100 missile systems annually, generating an estimated turnover of ₹3,000 crore. Singh emphasized the need for indigenous technology development to secure India's defence supply chains, urging the empowerment of small industries to reduce foreign dependencies. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the initiative as a symbol of self-reliance, noting that over 15,000 jobs have been created in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor. The event also included the inauguration of a Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant, further enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThis festive season, online shopping platforms like Amazon and BigBasket are experiencing a surge in demand for gold, silver, and fine jewellery as consumers prepare for Diwali and Dhanteras. Amazon has reported a staggering 96% year-on-year increase in gold jewellery sales, with popular brands such as CaratLane and Malabar Gold & Diamonds leading the charge. The platform now boasts over 500,000 jewellery styles, making it the largest online destination for fine jewellery. Siddharth Bhagat, Director of Amazon Fashion and Beauty, noted a significant rise in affordable fine jewellery, with 14K daily-wear pieces seeing a 50% increase in demand. Meanwhile, BigBasket has also seen impressive growth, with gold coin sales up 146% and silver coins up 234% compared to last year. Both companies are leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, reflecting a broader trend towards online festive shopping in India.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 8 pmeznews.inMangaluru International Airport reported a significant increase in passenger traffic, handling 1.24 million passengers in the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year, up from 1.12 million in the same period last year, marking a growth of 10.95%. The airport experienced a remarkable 22.10% rise in international passenger traffic, with 0.41 million international travelers compared to 0.33 million previously, while domestic traffic grew by 6.16%, reaching 0.83 million. Notably, the airport recorded its highest single-day traffic on October 1, 2025, with 8,168 passengers. Operationally, the airport facilitated 9,245 air traffic movements, a 16.20% increase, with international movements rising by 14.32% and domestic by 17.70%. Popular destinations during the Dasara holiday included Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Dubai. Despite global disruptions, Mangaluru International Airport maintained its status as Karnataka's second busiest airport, according to a media statement released on October 18, 2025.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Saturday that the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms are benefiting consumers through lower prices. Speaking at the GST Bachat Utsav press conference, she highlighted that the government has been tracking price reductions on 54 items since the new GST rates took effect on September 22. Sitharaman noted that the reduction in GST rates has spurred increased consumer purchases, with many businesses passing on benefits exceeding the average rate cuts. However, the Department of Consumer Affairs has received 3,169 complaints regarding insufficient price reductions, with 3,075 of these referred to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs for resolution. To enhance consumer support, the department plans to improve its grievance reporting portal. The new GST structure has consolidated tax rates, leading to price cuts on 375 items, including everyday goods and electronics.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported the formation of a well-marked low-pressure area over the south-east Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep, which is expected to intensify into a depression by Sunday, enhancing the northeast monsoon across southern India. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep, with additional heavy rainfall expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also forecasted across several regions, including Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, an upper air cyclonic circulation over the south-west Bay of Bengal is likely to evolve into a low-pressure area by Tuesday, potentially impacting Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The IMD warns of rough seas along the Kerala and Karnataka coasts, with wind speeds reaching up to 55 km/h. Central and West India may also experience light to moderate rainfall due to these evolving weather systems.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn September 2025, the All-India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Agricultural Labourers fell by 0.11 points to 136.23, while the index for Rural Labourers decreased by 0.18 points to 136.42, according to data released by the Labour Ministry. This decline contributed to a reduction in retail inflation for farm and rural workers, which eased to -0.07% and 0.31%, respectively, down from 1.07% and 1.26% in August. The Food Index also saw a decrease, dropping by 0.47 points for Agricultural Labourers and 0.58 points for Rural Labourers. Consequently, food inflation for September stood at -2.35% for Agricultural Labourers and -1.81% for Rural Labourers. These indices are derived from data collected from 787 sample villages across 34 states and union territories, reflecting ongoing trends in rural economic conditions.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Aurangabad railway station in Maharashtra has officially been renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar station, following a gazette notification issued by the state government on October 15. This change comes nearly three years after the city itself was renamed to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji, replacing the name associated with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The original name change was initiated by the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led government. Opened in 1900 and constructed under the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the station is part of the Kacheguda–Manmad section and serves as a vital link for the city, which is a popular tourist destination known for its historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, often referred to as the City of Gates, boasts numerous monuments from the Mughal era, enhancing its cultural significance.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inHeavy rainfall has impacted various regions of Tamil Nadu, particularly the southern districts, as the Northeast Monsoon commenced on October 16. Following this, intense showers were reported on Saturday, leading to significant inflows in local reservoirs and causing sudden flooding in parts of Chennai. The weather office forecasts continued moderate to heavy rains across the Western Ghats and southern districts, with coastal areas, including Chennai, also expected to experience ongoing moderate showers. An upper air cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Arabian Sea and nearby Lakshadweep is anticipated to develop into a low-pressure area, contributing to the rainfall, which is expected to persist until October 22. Affected districts include Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Tuticorin in the south, as well as Kancheepuram and Villupuram in the north, all of which have reported sharp showers.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced on Saturday that users can now gift a FASTag annual pass via the Rajmargyatra app. By selecting the 'Add Pass' option, users can input the vehicle number and recipient's contact details, with activation following OTP verification. The FASTag annual pass, which offers a cost-effective travel solution for national highway users, is valid at approximately 1,150 toll plazas across India. For a one-time fee of ₹3,000, it provides one year of unlimited crossings or up to 200 toll plaza entries, applicable to all non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag. The pass activates within two hours of payment through the app. Since its launch on August 15, 2025, the FASTag annual pass has gained over 2.5 million users and facilitated around 56.7 million transactions.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 12 pm
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