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NDR InvIT buys Lucknow's MLG Warehousing for ₹144 crore

NDR InvIT Trust has announced the acquisition of the MLG Warehousing and Industrial Park in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, for Rs 143.9 crore, marking a strategic expansion into the region's logistics market. The Grade-A facility, covering approximately 4.63 lakh sq ft on 21 acres, is currently 98% occupied, serving prominent clients in sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods, retail, and logistics. Positioned along the NH 30 corridor, the warehouse offers excellent connectivity to key consumption and industrial hubs. This acquisition aligns with NDR InvIT's strategy to enhance its pan-India logistics portfolio with high-quality, income-generating assets in vital markets. NDR InvIT, managed by NDR InvIT Managers and sponsored by NDR Warehousing Private Limited, aims to support India's logistics transformation by developing sustainable, strategically located infrastructure. The Trust's assets under management now total 19.22 million sq ft, encompassing over 67 warehouses and 37 industrial parks across 15 cities. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 8 am

RBI relaxes rules for cross-border trade and export payments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced significant changes to its Foreign Exchange Management regulations, allowing Authorised Dealer (AD) banks in India and their overseas branches to lend in Indian Rupees to individuals and institutions in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This move aims to facilitate cross-border trade transactions and enhance external trade and payments. Additionally, the RBI has extended the repatriation period for unutilised balances in foreign currency accounts held by Indian exporters with banks in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in India from one month to three months. These amendments, part of the RBI's ongoing efforts to streamline trade processes, were detailed in a release following the bank's statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies issued on October 1, 2025. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 11 am

MTC Chennai's transactions surge post digital ticket introduction

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Chennai has reported a significant increase in daily transactions following the adoption of a digital ticketing platform, with over 3.5 lakh downloads of the Chennai One App. As of September 2025, digital transactions accounted for over 11% of total ticket sales, contributing to a ridership of 10.40 crore passengers. The app, launched by Chief Minister M K Stalin, offers features such as GPS-enabled stop suggestions, live routes, and ticket purchasing via UPI and QR code validation. Among users, 53% utilized the app for bus travel, while 23% and 19% used it for train and metro journeys, respectively. MTC Chennai's average daily revenue reached Rs 211.19 lakh, with a ridership of 34.1 lakh passengers and a fleet utilization rate of 85.15%. The corporation aims to enhance public transport efficiency and convenience through these digital initiatives. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 11 am

Heavy rain warning for 4 districts in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has forecasted widespread light to moderate rain, along with thunderstorms, across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, attributed to an upper air cyclonic circulation. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, heavy showers are anticipated in Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Theni, and Tenkasi districts. Recent rainfall data indicates that Palar Anicut in Ranipet, Ayinkudi in Pudukottai, Tenkasi, and Ammundi in Vellore each recorded 8 cm of rain in the past 24 hours. Other areas, including Rameswaram and various locations in Chennai, received 1 cm of rainfall. The bulletin also noted that Chennai and its surroundings are expected to experience partly cloudy skies, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms likely in some regions. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 11 am

EPF members can now withdraw up to 75% easily

The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has approved significant reforms aimed at simplifying and expediting EPF withdrawals. Subscribers can now withdraw up to 75% of their total EPF balance, with the option to access 100% of the eligible amount, which includes both employee and employer contributions. To retain interest benefits, members must maintain a minimum balance of 25% of their contributions. The CBT has also streamlined partial withdrawal provisions into three categories—Essential Needs, Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances—while liberalising withdrawal limits for education and marriage. The minimum service requirement for partial withdrawals has been reduced to 12 months, and members can now apply without providing reasons under Special Circumstances. Additionally, the claim process has been made faster and paperless, extending the withdrawal window for final settlements from 2 to 12 months, enhancing financial accessibility for members. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 11 am

CPI inflation projected at 2.2% in FY26, says SBI Research

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for the fiscal year 2026 is projected to be 2.2%, significantly lower than the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) estimate of 2.6%, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). The report attributes this decline primarily to falling food and beverage prices, with CPI inflation hitting a 99-month low of 1.54% in September 2025. Notably, the contribution of food prices shifted from a positive to a negative impact on inflation between October 2024 and September 2025. While food prices have seen a slight seasonal increase since May, favorable base effects have kept inflation on a downward trend. The SBI cautioned that the RBI risks missing its inflation targets if it remains overly cautious, suggesting that a rate cut may be warranted. Projections for FY27 indicate inflation will stabilize further at 3.7%. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 10 am

DPIIT Introduces PM GatiShakti Offshore for Integrated Planning

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched PM GatiShakti - Offshore, a digital platform designed to enhance the integrated planning and management of offshore projects, including wind farms and coastal infrastructure. This platform offers a unified geospatial interface that consolidates vital data from various government ministries, facilitating data-driven decision-making to bolster India's Blue economy and support its transition to green energy. For instance, while planning offshore power transmission routes, the platform can analyze datasets from multiple sectors to identify optimal seabed conditions and avoid ecologically sensitive areas. Additionally, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2025, aimed at benchmarking logistics excellence and enhancing India's competitiveness. Registrations for LEAPS are open until November 15, inviting applications across 13 categories, including freight services and logistics education. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 8 am

Indian textile exporters target Europe, provide discounts for US tariffs

Indian textile exporters are pivoting towards European markets and offering discounts to U.S. clients in response to steep tariffs of up to 50% imposed by the U.S. government, which have significantly impacted various goods, including garments and jewelry. Following President Donald Trump's tariff hike in August, exporters are prioritizing diversification, with a Mumbai-based garment exporter highlighting the importance of a potential trade deal with the EU to enhance shipments. Trade negotiations between India and the EU are intensifying, aiming for a free trade agreement by year-end, as the EU remains India's largest trading partner with a two-way trade of $137.5 billion. To comply with the EU's stringent standards on chemicals and ethical sourcing, Indian exporters are upgrading their production facilities. However, the ongoing U.S. tariffs pose a risk to jobs, with some companies considering relocating production to countries like Oman or Bangladesh if conditions do not improve. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 9 am

US trade talks could weaken India's stance on GM crops

Last month, a group of prominent scientists urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to permit the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) rapeseed, highlighting the need to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on edible oil imports. Despite being a major agricultural nation, India has largely resisted GM crops, facing opposition from influential rural groups and environmentalists. This resistance has complicated trade negotiations with the United States, particularly regarding agricultural imports. Recent discussions hinted at potential easing of restrictions on GM corn, while a Supreme Court ruling on a locally developed rapeseed could set a significant precedent. Advocates argue that embracing GM technology could benefit farmers and boost rural incomes, yet the government remains cautious, balancing political pressures and the interests of a large farming constituency. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that farmers' interests would not be compromised in trade talks, reflecting the complex dynamics surrounding GM crop adoption in India. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 9 am

HSBC MF: India's growth may be bottoming, fundamentals strong

India's economic growth cycle may be nearing its lowest point, with HSBC Mutual Fund's report highlighting strong domestic fundamentals poised to support a recovery. Key factors such as a favorable interest rate and liquidity environment, declining crude oil prices, and a normal monsoon season are expected to drive growth. However, the report cautions that global trade uncertainties could hinder private capital expenditure in the short term. Despite this, a medium-term investment uptrend is anticipated, bolstered by government infrastructure spending, increased private investments, and a rebound in the real estate sector. The report also emphasizes the potential for growth in renewable energy and localization of technology components, enhancing India's role in global supply chains. On the market front, Nifty valuations are slightly above their 10-year average, with a positive outlook for Indian equities. The Reserve Bank of India recently raised its FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.8%, maintaining a neutral policy stance. sources

Published:
Oct 14 2025, 9 am

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