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"Shifting Focus to CY26 Budgets Amidst Q3 IT Growth Slowdown"

Indian IT services firms are poised for muted growth in Q3 FY26, as seasonal furloughs and reduced working days counterbalance a cautious demand environment. Analysts predict that revenue growth will be constrained, similar to Q3 FY25, with aggregate revenue for top firms expected to rise in high single digits year-on-year. Margin performance may remain flat, aided by the depreciation of the Indian Rupee, though wage hikes and furloughs could limit gains. Deal activity is steady but primarily focused on renewals, with new signings lagging due to client hesitance amid macroeconomic uncertainties. While AI integration is advancing, its direct revenue contribution remains minimal, as spending is largely reallocating from existing budgets. Mid-tier firms are expected to outperform large caps, with Persistent and Coforge leading growth. Sector performance varies, with BFSI showing resilience, while manufacturing and communication face challenges. Overall, demand is anticipated to remain stable until early CY26, when tech budgets are finalized. sources

Published:
Jan 04 2026, 8 pm

"Indian Economy Faces Goldilocks and Gridlock Challenges: Report"

India's "Goldilocks" economic narrative, characterized by moderate growth and low inflation, is facing increasing challenges, according to a report by Systematic Research. While official growth figures suggest a robust economy, the report warns of fragile underlying momentum, leading to a policy gridlock for decision-makers. Recent fiscal measures, such as a hike in excise duty on cigarettes expected to generate ₹400 billion, and unexpected monetary actions by the Reserve Bank of India, including ₹2 trillion in open market operations, have raised eyebrows. Despite an 8% real GDP growth and near-zero inflation, these emergency-style interventions have not alleviated financial conditions, with rising interest rates and a weakening rupee. The report highlights concerns that aggressive fiscal expansion may crowd out private sector investment, as narrowing fiscal space and increasing borrowing pressures limit policy flexibility moving forward. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 2 pm

Apple ships $50 billion iPhones from India, Vaishnaw celebrates

In a landmark achievement for India's manufacturing sector, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Apple Inc. exported iPhones worth $50 billion from India in 2025, a significant boost attributed to the government's 'Make in India' initiative. Vaishnaw highlighted that electronics production has surged sixfold over the past 11 years, with exports increasing eightfold under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He noted that during the same period, Samsung shipped devices valued at approximately $17 billion. The minister also revealed that 46 component manufacturing projects have been established, contributing to the creation of 2.5 million jobs in the sector, with some factories employing up to 40,000 workers. Looking ahead, Vaishnaw expressed confidence that India aims to become a key player in the entire electronics ecosystem, encompassing design, manufacturing, and applications, marking the beginning of a robust industrial strategy. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 1 pm

December palm oil imports hit 8-month low due to demand

India's palm oil imports have plummeted to an eight-month low, dropping 20% month-on-month in December to 507,000 metric tonnes, primarily due to weaker winter demand and a shift towards rival oils like soyoil and sunflower oil. This decline is expected to increase inventories in major producers Indonesia and Malaysia, putting downward pressure on benchmark Malaysian palm oil futures while simultaneously supporting U.S. soyoil futures. In contrast, India's imports of soyoil surged by 37% to 508,000 tonnes, and sunflower oil imports more than doubled to a 17-month high of 350,000 tonnes, contributing to a 19% rise in total edible oil imports to 1.37 million tonnes. Analysts suggest that while palm oil imports may rebound in January due to its current price advantage, demand typically wanes during winter months as the oil solidifies in colder regions. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 1 pm

Rajnath Singh launches ICG pollution control vessel in Goa

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard's first indigenously designed pollution control vessel, 'Samudra Pratap', in Goa on Monday. The 114.5-metre vessel, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, features over 60% indigenous content and can reach speeds exceeding 22 knots with an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles. It will play a vital role in enforcing marine pollution regulations, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue operations within India's Exclusive Economic Zone. Singh emphasized India's commitment to responsible maritime stewardship, stating that marine resources are a shared heritage. He also highlighted the government's focus on women's empowerment within the Coast Guard, noting the increasing roles of women in various operational capacities. The commissioning of 'Samudra Pratap' signifies a significant advancement in India's self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime capabilities, reinforcing the Coast Guard's mission to ensure safe and clean seas. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 11 am

Agriculture to stabilize unevenly in 2026; supply shifts ahead

The agriculture sector is anticipated to stabilise by 2026, though conditions will remain inconsistent, according to ING's Commodities Outlook. The global soybean market is expected to face tighter supplies in the 2025-26 season, with demand reaching record levels despite a decline in production, particularly in the US, where output is forecast to drop by 2.8% to just under 116 million tonnes due to reduced plantings amid US-China trade tensions. Conversely, Brazil is set for another record harvest of at least 175 million tonnes, solidifying its role as the leading global supplier. Meanwhile, corn prices are under pressure from record production, but a tightening is expected in the 2026-27 marketing year. Global wheat production is projected to rise to nearly 829 million tonnes, while sugar prices have fallen significantly due to a large surplus. Cocoa prices have plummeted, and Arabica coffee has surged, although a decline is expected in 2026. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 12 pm

ADM, Bayer to expand Maharashtra's sustainable soybean program for farmers

ADM and Bayer have announced a three-year extension of their partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable soybean farming practices in Maharashtra, India. Originally launched in June 2022, the initiative has successfully reached 25,000 farmers and will now expand its reach to 100,000 farmers across 200,000 hectares, covering seven districts, including Nanded and Parbhani. The programme emphasizes five key areas of supply chain sustainability, including customized production management and post-harvest pest management. Bayer has conducted extensive training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and biodiversity, while ADM's agronomist team receives ongoing training to support farmers effectively. Both companies aim to foster economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods through this collaboration. Amrendra Mishra of ADM highlighted the partnership's long-term vision for food system sustainability, while Simon Wiebusch of Bayer emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving agricultural sustainability. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 12 pm

India's urea imports surge 120.3% to 7.17 mt

India's reliance on imported urea has surged dramatically, with imports more than doubling to 7.17 million tonnes in the first eight months of the fiscal year, as domestic production fell by 3.7% to 19.75 million tonnes. The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) reported a 120.3% increase in urea imports compared to the previous year, highlighting the country's growing dependence on foreign supplies to meet agricultural demands. In November alone, imports rose by 68.4%, while overall urea sales increased by 2.3% to 25.40 million tonnes. The trend extends to di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), where imports now constitute 67% of total supply. However, domestic production of single super phosphate (SSP) has shown promise, with sales up 15% and production rising 9.5%. FAI officials emphasized the need for strategic supply chain management to balance import reliance with domestic production capabilities. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 12 pm

Cathay Cargo boosts investments in India's growing manufacturing hub

Cathay Cargo is set to increase its investments in India, recognizing the country as a vital strategic market amid its rise as a global manufacturing hub. Rajesh Menon, the Regional Head of Cargo for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the company's commitment to India, where it currently operates 13 freighter services weekly to major cities including Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai. With initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Gati Shakti' driving investment and infrastructure development, Menon noted the growing demand in the logistics sector, particularly in mobile, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries. Despite a gap between inbound and outbound shipments, he anticipates this will narrow as India's manufacturing ecosystem strengthens. The Indian air cargo industry aims to increase freight handling from 3.5 million tonnes in 2018 to 10 million tonnes by 2030, necessitating collaboration among government bodies to achieve this ambitious target. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 10 am

Air India seeks new CEO to replace Campbell Wilson

Air India is in search of a new chief executive to succeed Campbell Wilson amid increasing regulatory scrutiny following a tragic plane crash in June that claimed 260 lives. The incident has raised serious concerns about the airline's operational practices, with regulators highlighting issues such as the failure to conduct emergency equipment checks, delays in engine part replacements, and crew fatigue management lapses. Wilson, who has been at the helm since July 2022 after a lengthy career at Singapore Airlines, is set to remain in his position until 2027. The Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, which jointly own Air India, have not yet commented on the leadership transition. As the airline navigates these challenges, industry insiders speculate on the potential direction it may take in the wake of the ongoing scrutiny. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 10 am

India's Aviation Boom Faces Turbulence Amid Duopoly Strain

India's aviation sector faces significant challenges following crises at its leading airlines, IndiGo and Air India, prompting government intervention. IndiGo, which dominates two-thirds of the market, experienced a severe operational failure in December due to pilot shortages and software issues, resulting in thousands of flight cancellations and stranding half a million passengers. Meanwhile, Air India, transitioning from state to Tata Group ownership, has struggled with safety audits and operational mishaps, including a tragic crash that killed 241 people. As both airlines control nearly 90% of domestic seats, experts warn of systemic fragility in a rapidly growing market. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is under scrutiny for its limited resources and oversight capabilities, raising concerns about the sector's future. With ambitious expansion plans underway, the industry must address these vulnerabilities to ensure sustainable growth and safety in India's burgeoning aviation landscape. sources

Published:
Jan 05 2026, 9 am

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