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India's textiles sector draws ₹60,000 crore investment in 2025

The Indian textile sector is poised for significant growth, with government officials reporting over ₹60,000 crore in commitments and investments anticipated for 2025. Key initiatives like the PM MITRA Park projects have already attracted ₹14,000 crore in investments, potentially generating over 38,000 jobs, with an additional ₹10,000 crore in interest from major players such as Vardhman and Trident. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has seen 85 companies apply, promising investments exceeding ₹20,000 crore. Notable foreign investments include Finland's Infinited Fiber Company and Singapore's RGE, contributing ₹4,000 crore and ₹4,953 crore, respectively. Domestic giants like Reliance and Grasim are also expanding. A focus on sustainability is evident, with Filatex India investing ₹300 crore in a pioneering chemical recycling plant set to launch in 2026, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly practices in the industry. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 10 am

Trump's tariff warning threatens Indian rice exports, IREF says

Iran remains a key market for Indian Basmati rice, accounting for a substantial portion of the country's export volumes. However, a recent announcement by US President Donald Trump imposing a 25% tariff on nations maintaining trade ties with Iran threatens to complicate payment processes and heighten transaction risks, potentially undermining buyer confidence in an already strained market. Data shows that India's Basmati rice exports to Iran reached $468.10 million between April and November 2025-26, but the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) warns that geopolitical instability and financial disruptions in Iran could further slow orders and delay shipments. IREF President Prem Garg emphasized the need for caution, urging exporters to adopt secured payment methods and explore alternative markets in West Asia, Africa, and Europe to mitigate risks. The domestic market is already feeling the effects, with Basmati prices declining sharply amid buyer hesitance and contract delays. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 11 am

December 2025 sees 27% year-on-year rise in vehicle dispatches

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reported a significant surge in vehicle sales for December 2025, with passenger vehicle dispatches rising 27% year-on-year to 399,216 units, driven by strong demand for utility vehicles. Two-wheeler sales also saw a remarkable increase of 39%, totaling 1,541,036 units, while three-wheeler sales grew by 17% to 61,924 units. Looking ahead, SIAM expressed optimism for the fourth quarter of 2025-26, citing robust momentum following double-digit growth across all vehicle segments. The industry anticipates steady wholesale and retail volume traction, bolstered by a year-end sales push, a healthy booking pipeline, and the impact of recent interest rate cuts on loans. SIAM emphasized that stable macroeconomic conditions and supportive government policies are expected to sustain growth, despite geopolitical uncertainties, as the industry aims to close FY2025-26 on a positive trajectory. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 11 am

Morgan Stanley: Central govt capex to slow in FY26's second half

The central government's capital expenditure (capex) is projected to decelerate in the latter half of FY26, following a significant front-loading of spending in the first half, according to a Morgan Stanley report. By November 2025, central government capex reached Rs 6.6 lakh crore, accounting for 58.7% of the annual budget target and representing 3.4% of GDP, up from 2.7% in the previous fiscal year. The report highlights that 55% of this spending has been allocated to roads and railways, underscoring a commitment to infrastructure development. Meanwhile, state government capex remains stable at 1.7% of GDP, with a year-on-year growth rate of 13%. Capital spending by central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) is also robust, achieving 64% of its FYTD26 target, driven by Indian Railways and the National Highways Authority of India. Despite the anticipated slowdown in central capex, the outlook for private investment appears positive, bolstered by fiscal and monetary support. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 11 am

Timely Completion Urged for Chennai Airport T2 Expansion Project

Crude oil prices have dipped by $22, settling at $5,330. Gold has also seen a decline, down $41 to $141,991, while silver prices fell significantly by $817, now at $268,153. In related news, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in India is pushing forward with the Phase II expansion of the New Integrated Terminal Building T2 at Chennai International Airport. Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha led a review meeting, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the project timeline. The expansion, which spans 86,135 square meters, aims to boost passenger handling capacity to 35 million annually, enhancing the travel experience by improving accessibility and accommodating increasing air traffic demands. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), along with L&T and the Project Management Consultant (PMC), has been urged to collaborate closely to resolve any issues promptly and prioritize the project's completion. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 9 am

Illegal Indian peanut shipments to Indonesia on the rise

Groundnut exports from India, which had previously not exceeded 6,500 tonnes until September 2025, began to rise in October, despite Indonesia's restrictions on imports. Data indicates that illegal shipments via Port Klang in Malaysia have surged, with 90% of groundnuts entering Indonesia through unofficial channels after Jakarta lifted its suspension on Indian imports in late November. In December alone, illegal shipments totaled 225 containers compared to just 20 officially. The rise in illegal trade has driven down domestic prices in Indonesia, while Indian exporters face challenges due to high aflatoxin levels in their produce, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. Additionally, China has pressured ASEAN countries to tighten quality controls and source more locally, further complicating India's export situation. As scrutiny of shipments increases, the Indian groundnut market faces significant hurdles amid shifting global trade dynamics. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 7 am

Government lifts quality control order on solder wire

In a significant regulatory move, the Indian government has revoked the quality control order (QCO) on flux cored solder wire, a crucial component for industries such as electronics and automobiles. Originally issued in September 2023, the decision was made in the public interest following consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced the rescindment, citing the necessity of the action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This revocation aligns with previous actions taken by the government, which has also withdrawn multiple quality control orders on various chemicals and polymers over the past year. The move is expected to ease regulatory burdens on manufacturers and enhance the availability of essential materials in key sectors. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 7 am

Navi Mumbai Airport to Honor D B Patil, Says Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport will be named after the late D B Patil, a prominent local leader, during a public meeting in Airoli. He emphasized that the airport will be pivotal for the region's economic growth, supporting sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and import-export. Fadnavis described Navi Mumbai as the next growth engine following Mumbai, bolstered by extensive infrastructure projects, including new road links, metro connectivity, and water supply schemes. He highlighted plans for an EduCity to attract global universities, housing redevelopment in Ghansoli, and a multi-speciality hospital in Belapur. Fadnavis urged voters to support BJP candidates in the upcoming municipal elections, promising a commitment to the city's development over the next five years. The SENSEX rose by 301.93 points to 83,878.17, while NIFTY increased by 106.95 points to 25,790.25, reflecting positive market sentiment. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 7 am

Doubling cinema screens could create 125,000 jobs, boost revenue

A joint report by the Multiplex Association of India and Ernst & Young (E&Y) highlights the potential of India's film exhibition industry to create 125,000 jobs and generate an additional ₹950 crore in tax revenue by doubling the number of cinema screens from 9,927 in 2024 to 20,000 within five years. Despite a slight increase in screen count, the industry has faced a 2% revenue decline since 2019, dropping from ₹19,100 crore to ₹18,746 crore. The report advocates for tax incentives for new screens, deregulation of ticket pricing, and granting industry status to exhibitors to reduce operational costs. It also suggests allowing alternative uses for theatres and 24/7 operations to enhance monetisation, as the average number of screens per million people has decreased from 7.6 in 2018 to 6.8 in 2024, lagging behind major markets like the US and China. The report notes a significant reduction in the theatrical window, now averaging just four to eight weeks. sources

Published:
Jan 13 2026, 7 am

Iran crisis disrupts Indian tea exports and shipments

Indian tea exporters are facing significant challenges as shipments to Iran, a key market for premium orthodox tea, have come to a halt amid a breakdown in communication with local importers. Anish Bhansali, a partner at Bhansali & Co, expressed concern over the situation, noting that all phone lines have been lost, complicating efforts to assess the impact on exports. Iran is currently experiencing widespread anti-government protests, leading to intensified crackdowns and disruptions in internet and telecommunications services. Despite some shipments already en route based on prior contracts, new shipments have been suspended. Experts suggest that while the geopolitical turmoil may intermittently affect exports, Indian tea, particularly Assam orthodox varieties, remains well-integrated into Iranian brands. Overall, India's tea exports are projected to grow in 2025, buoyed by demand from Iran, Iraq, and China, following a total of 256.17 million kilograms exported in 2024. sources

Published:
Jan 12 2026, 9 pm

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