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Festival Boost Raises India's October GST Collections to ₹1.96 Lakh Crore

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection reached ₹1.96 lakh crore in October 2025, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous year, driven by festive spending despite a recent reduction in GST rates on 375 items. The rate cuts, effective from September 22, coincided with the auspicious Navratri festival, encouraging consumers to make purchases they had previously postponed. While the October figures reflect a rebound in consumer activity, they represent a slowdown compared to the average growth of around 9% seen in prior months. Domestic sales rose by 2% to ₹1.45 lakh crore, while tax revenue from imports surged by 13% to ₹50,884 crore. However, GST refunds also increased significantly, up 39.6% year-on-year to ₹26,934 crore, resulting in a net GST revenue of ₹1.69 lakh crore, a modest 0.2% growth compared to the same month last year. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 3 pm

Indian automakers see strong October sales from festive demand

India's automotive industry experienced significant growth in October 2025, driven by festive season demand and positive consumer sentiment. Major players such as Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS Motor, Toyota Kirloskar, and Kia India reported impressive year-on-year gains. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) sold 69,894 units, including 53,792 domestically, marking an 11% increase in exports, with its SUVs, Creta and Venue, achieving strong sales. Maruti Suzuki recorded its highest-ever monthly sales of 220,894 units, while TVS Motor surpassed expectations with 5.43 lakh units sold, reflecting an 11% y-o-y increase. Mahindra's sales rose 26% to 1.2 lakh units, driven by a 31% increase in domestic passenger vehicle sales. Toyota Kirloskar and Kia India also reported steady growth, with Kia achieving record sales of 29,556 units. Overall, October highlighted a robust recovery in the automotive sector, particularly in SUVs and electric vehicles. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 3 pm

India's October power use falls 6% due to weather

India's power consumption saw a notable decline of 6% year-on-year in October 2025, dropping to 132 billion units from 140.47 billion units in the same month last year. This decrease is largely attributed to reduced reliance on cooling appliances, influenced by unseasonal rainfall across various regions and the onset of winter, which kept temperatures lower. The peak power demand during October was recorded at 210.71 gigawatts (GW), down from 219.22 GW in October 2024, and significantly lower than the all-time high of approximately 250 GW reached in May 2024. Experts predict that power demand and consumption may remain subdued in November due to continued moderate temperatures, further diminishing the need for cooling appliances. The data reflects a shift in energy usage patterns as seasonal weather conditions impact consumption trends. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 3 pm

India urged to stop sanctioned oil imports, seek trade relief

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has urged India to adopt a three-step strategy to safeguard its trade interests amid ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US. The GTRI recommends that India first halt oil imports from sanctioned Russian firms like Rosneft and Lukoil to mitigate the risk of secondary sanctions that could disrupt its financial and digital systems. Following this, India should advocate for the removal of the punitive 25% "Russian oil" tariff imposed on its exports. Finally, trade discussions with the US should only resume once tariffs are normalized and under fair conditions. This call for action comes in light of recent US sanctions that have significantly impacted Indian exports, which fell by 37% between May and September due to increased duties. GTRI emphasizes the need for India to seek tariff parity with major partners, aiming for average industrial tariffs around 15% and duty-free access for key sectors. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 2 pm

Kubota sales increase 3.8% to 18,798 units in October

Escorts Kubota Ltd reported a 3.8% increase in total tractor sales for October 2025, reaching 18,798 units compared to 18,110 units in the same month last year. Domestic sales rose by 3.3% to 18,423 units, while exports surged by 38.4% to 375 units. The company attributed the positive momentum in the tractor industry to heightened demand linked to the early festive season, ongoing government support, a reduced GST rate, and favorable agricultural conditions, including sufficient water levels in reservoirs. Following a strong September, October saw a notable uptick in retail activity. Despite challenges posed by extended rains in some states affecting harvested crops and sowing, the company remains optimistic about stable demand during the rabi season, suggesting a positive outlook for the industry. The report was published on November 1, 2025. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 12 pm

India-ASEAN Defence Meeting: Strengthening Regional Security Together

At the second India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on November 1, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the importance of enhancing security cooperation between India and ASEAN nations. He highlighted the strategic opportunity to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly through the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026–2030, aimed at strengthening regional defence ties. Singh announced two initiatives: the ASEAN-India Initiative on Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and the ASEAN-India Defence Think-Tank Interaction, designed to foster collaboration on security challenges. The Malaysian Defence Minister praised India's status as a superpower and its self-reliant defence industry, while the Defence Minister of the Philippines commended India's commitment to international law and support for upcoming maritime exercises. The meeting marked a significant step in solidifying India’s role as a key partner in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 11 am

"Boosting India's Textile Supply Chains Through Soil Health"

The textile industry is at a pivotal moment, grappling with climate challenges, rising costs, and unpredictable trade policies. For India, a major cotton producer, this presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly through the adoption of regenerative agriculture, which focuses on restoring natural ecosystems rather than merely sustaining them. This approach promises healthier soil, more resilient crops, and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers, ultimately benefiting farmers and manufacturers alike. As global brands increasingly demand traceability and sustainability, Indian exporters who embrace these practices could gain a competitive edge in the ethical marketplace. With rising tariffs making Indian textiles less competitive, regenerative agriculture offers a pathway to enhance value through transparency and climate responsibility. By fostering a self-sustaining raw material base, India can position itself as a leader in sustainable textiles, transforming its agricultural practices into a foundation for economic and ecological resilience. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 10 am

Bengaluru–Kochi Vande Bharat Express Schedule Released

The Ministry of Railways has unveiled the schedule for the upcoming Bengaluru–Kochi Vande Bharat Express, set to begin operations shortly. As per a notification from the Railway Board, train number 26651 will depart KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 am, arriving at Ernakulam Junction by 1:50 pm. The return service, train number 26652, will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 pm and reach Bengaluru at 11:00 pm, with stops at key locations including Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur. The Southern Railway and South Western Railway zones have been directed to launch the service as soon as possible, with the possibility of an inaugural special service if necessary. This marks the third Vande Bharat Express route in Kerala, following the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru services. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 10 am

Rajnath Singh: ASEAN Meeting Key to India's Act East Policy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the significance of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) during his address at the 12th forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 1, 2025. He described the ADMM-Plus as a vital component of India's Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision, which aims to enhance regional peace and stability through dynamic defence cooperation. Singh highlighted the elevation of the ASEAN-India partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022 as a reflection of political maturity and shared regional priorities. He noted India's active role in various working groups and field exercises, asserting that the ADMM-Plus has evolved into a practical framework for collaboration. Singh also underscored the importance of inclusivity and sustainability in security, advocating for equal partnerships among nations. India, a dialogue partner since 1992, co-chairs the Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024-2027 cycle. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 10 am

ATF price up 1%, LPG rates reduced

In a recent update, the Sensex fell by 465.75 points to close at 83,938.71, while the Nifty dropped 155.75 points to 25,722.10. In commodity markets, crude oil prices rose by ₹29 to ₹5,420.00, whereas gold and silver saw declines, with gold down by ₹208 to ₹121,300.00 and silver falling by ₹416 to ₹148,424.00. Additionally, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices were increased by ₹777 per kilolitre, or 0.8%, reaching ₹94,543.02 in New Delhi, marking the second consecutive monthly rise. This increase adds to the financial strain on airlines, which rely on fuel for nearly 40% of their operating costs. Meanwhile, commercial LPG prices were slightly reduced by ₹5 per cylinder, now costing ₹1,590.50 in the capital. Domestic LPG rates remain unchanged at ₹853 per 14.2-kg cylinder, with petrol and diesel prices also stable. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 10 am

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