Trending Economy

Listen as Radio

Next decade vital for India's financial architecture: RBI Guv Malhotra

In a speech marking the 90th anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Governor Sanjay Malhotra outlined the institution's commitment to enhancing financial inclusion and adapting to a rapidly changing economic landscape. He emphasized the importance of balancing price stability, financial stability, and economic growth with technological advancements and public expectations. Malhotra stated that the next decade will be pivotal for the financial architecture of India, highlighting the RBI's dedication to improving customer service and consumer protection while optimizing regulatory frameworks. He affirmed the central bank's focus on innovation and collaboration with stakeholders, asserting that integrity and transparency will guide its operations. As the RBI prepares to enter its centenary decade, Malhotra expressed confidence in its ability to navigate future challenges and contribute to India's economic progress, reinforcing the trust placed in the institution by the public. sources

Published:
Apr 01 2025, 11 am

Ripple Premium White Tea Wins at Global Tea Championship

Ripple Premium White Tea from Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (KDHP) in Munnar has been awarded the "best Indian Origin tea award" at the Global Tea Championship (GTC) in Las Vegas. KDHP, the largest tea plantation company in South India, highlighted that the GTC recognizes the highest-quality teas globally, celebrating excellence in various categories such as leaf appearance and overall quality. K. Mathew Abraham, Managing Director and CEO of KDHP, emphasized that this accolade reflects the company's commitment to producing world-class teas. Additionally, KDHP's white tea received a 'Highly Commended' award at The Leafies 2024 competition in the UK, marking the third instance of global recognition for Ripple Premium White Tea. This achievement underscores KDHP's expertise and dedication to quality in the competitive tea market. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 8 am

"Trump's tariffs won't significantly impact India's agriculture, says economist."

Ashok Gulati, a prominent Indian agricultural economist and professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), has suggested that India may not suffer significant losses in agricultural exports despite new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. He highlighted the importance of strategic negotiation during bilateral trade talks, asserting that India could potentially gain if it negotiates effectively. Currently, Indian agricultural exports face a 27% tariff, but the impact will vary across different products, depending on how these tariffs compare with those imposed on competing countries like Vietnam and Thailand. For instance, if Indian rice is taxed at 26% while competitors face higher tariffs, India could benefit. Gulati concluded that the outcome hinges on India's ability to secure a favourable bilateral trade agreement, which could transform the tariff challenge into an opportunity. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 8 am

Air India to retrofit first legacy 787 in US by April

Air India, under the Tata Group, is set to commence a $400 million retrofit programme aimed at overhauling its legacy fleet, which includes 27 Boeing 787s and 13 Boeing 777s. The first of the widebody aircraft will be sent to the US for retrofitting later this month, with the entire process expected to take just over two years, contingent on a steady supply of components. The upgrades will enhance long-haul service standards, featuring new seats, inflight entertainment systems, and a refreshed livery. Additionally, the airline has begun retrofitting its narrowbody A320 aircraft, with plans to upgrade all 27 legacy A320neos by the third quarter of 2025. An interim "heavy refresh" programme for the B777s is also underway to improve passenger experience on ultra-long-haul flights, addressing delays in seat deliveries due to supply chain issues. The comprehensive upgrades aim to extend the aircraft's lifespan and elevate service quality. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 10 pm

Will Trump tariffs raise iPhone prices?

Apple's shares plummeted over 8% following the announcement of significant tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, marking the company's worst day since September 2020. The tariffs, particularly a 54% levy on Chinese imports, threaten to increase the price of iPhones, which are predominantly manufactured in China. Analysts predict that the cost of the iPhone 16 could rise by as much as 43%, potentially pushing its price from $799 to $1,142. Despite some production shifts to countries like Vietnam and India, these regions are also facing hefty tariffs. With iPhone sales already struggling in key markets, the added financial pressure from tariffs could further impact demand, giving competitors like Samsung an advantage. Experts suggest Apple may delay significant price hikes until the launch of the iPhone 17 in the fall, as the company navigates the challenging landscape of global trade and consumer expectations. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 10 pm

Trump's tariffs boost Amul's global market position, says GCMMF

Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which oversees the Amul brand, expressed optimism about the future of Indian dairy exports amid new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. With Amul exporting ₹1,000 crore worth of dairy products annually, Mehta believes these tariffs will position Indian brands as the "preferred supplier of choice" in 50% of markets traditionally served by the US. He noted that the US, the second-largest dairy exporter, shipped 54 lakh tonnes of dairy products in 2024, with significant exports to India's neighboring regions. Despite the anticipated increase in import duties on Amul products, Mehta is confident that the Indian diaspora in the US will absorb the costs. He highlighted the Indian government's support for the dairy sector, maintaining high import duties on foreign dairy products to protect local producers. Amul currently exports 19 products to the US, including cheese and butter. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 10 pm

India's Electronics Sector Gains Edge Over China, Vietnam Amid Tariffs

In FY24, India exported electronics worth $10 billion to the United States, with the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) projecting potential growth to $80 billion annually in the coming years. The industry sees a strategic advantage over competitors like China and Vietnam, which face higher US tariffs, with India set to incur a country-specific duty of 27% from April 9. However, some developing nations have secured lower tariffs, prompting calls for India to expedite Bilateral Trade Agreements (BTAs) with the US and UK to unlock a $100 billion trade potential. Industry leaders emphasize the need for India to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and focus on high-value production, such as AI-driven solutions, to strengthen its position in the global electronics market. Despite the tariff advantages, challenges remain from countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which could threaten India's export growth. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

AI Transforms Indian Agriculture, BCG Report Reveals

A new report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) highlights the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India's agriculture and healthcare sectors, marking a significant shift from an emerging trend to a vital economic driver. Titled ‘Unlocking AI’s Potential in India: Transforming Agriculture and Healthcare’, the report emphasizes AI's role in enhancing food security and healthcare access. With 85% of Indian farmers managing small landholdings, AI can facilitate precision farming, potentially increasing productivity by 8% and reducing resource usage by 28%. In healthcare, AI is streamlining diagnostics and treatment, making care more accessible. BCG's Managing Director, Sidharth Madaan, noted that AI is revolutionizing these sectors, while Aparna Bijapurkar stressed the need for public-private partnerships to ensure effective implementation. The report identifies five key enablers for AI's success, including robust data infrastructure, talent development, ethical governance, collaborative innovation, and scalable pilot programs. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 9 pm

India's 161 key reservoirs below 40% storage capacity

Water storage in India’s 161 major reservoirs has fallen below 40% of capacity this week, with 65% of these reservoirs reporting levels below 50%, according to the Central Water Commission (CWC). Current storage stands at 72.91 billion cubic metres (BCM) out of a total capacity of 182.375 BCM, still higher than last year and the average of the past decade. The eastern region's reservoirs are particularly affected, with levels at 37.6% of their capacity. The central region shows slightly better figures at 45%, while the northern region is critically low at just 23%. The southern region reports 36.5% storage, with Tamil Nadu faring better than others. The western region's reservoirs are at 48%. The India Meteorological Department warns of above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall this month, which could exacerbate the situation further. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

US Tariffs: Varied Approaches for Pharma and Medical Devices

India's medical device exports to the US reached $714.38 million in 2023-24, while imports from the US were significantly higher at $1,519.94 million, according to the Exports Promotion Council of Medical Devices. Amidst an uneasy calm in the pharmaceuticals and medical devices sectors, US President Donald Trump's "reciprocal tariff" plan has exempted pharmaceuticals but imposed a 27% tariff on medical device exports from India. Industry representatives are looking towards upcoming bilateral negotiations for clarity on these tariffs, with many companies, including Cipla and Lupin, considering expanding US manufacturing. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance emphasized the importance of affordable generic medicines for US public health and economic stability, while medical device-makers expressed concerns over regulatory hurdles and non-tariff barriers. As India and the US aim to double their trade to $500 billion, addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining supply chains and enhancing market access. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

Punjab permits paddy transplanting from June 1, groundwater worries arise

The Punjab government has announced a decision to allow paddy transplanting from June 1, a move that has sparked ecological concerns among experts. This change contradicts the 2009 Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act, which aimed to regulate groundwater use by prohibiting early nursery raising and transplanting before mid-June. Critics argue that this decision undermines groundwater conservation efforts, as it may require farmers to start nurseries earlier, violating the law's intent. However, some experts suggest staggered transplanting could mitigate stubble burning, a significant contributor to Delhi's winter air pollution. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian defended the decision, citing difficulties farmers faced last year due to high moisture levels in paddy. The government plans to divide the state into zones to stagger transplanting dates, as the area under rice cultivation continues to rise, despite efforts to encourage diversification into other crops. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!