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Unincorporated sector enterprises hit 7.97 crore; job growth stagnant

The number of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises in India rose to 7.97 crore by the end of the September quarter, up from 7.94 crore in the previous quarter, according to a report from the Statistics Ministry released on Monday. Despite this growth, the workforce remained unchanged at 12.86 crore, although it reflects an increase from the annual ASUSE 2023-24 figure of over 12 crore workers, indicating overall employment expansion in the non-agricultural sector. The report noted a slight rise in the proportion of establishments employing hired workers, from 24.38% to 25.91% in urban areas, with urban employment increasing from 6.61 crore to 6.91 crore. The unincorporated manufacturing sector saw a 5.29% rise in establishments and a 7.20% increase in workforce, driven by casual and migrant labor. Additionally, internet usage among enterprises grew to 39%, highlighting a trend towards digital integration and formalisation within the sector. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 9 pm

"New Labour Codes to Support Gig Workers, Boost Business"

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced that the recently introduced four labour codes aim to benefit unorganised and gig workers by streamlining processes and enhancing access to social security and improved working conditions. Speaking at the National Trade Leaders Conference in New Delhi, Goyal highlighted the consolidation of 29 labour laws into these codes, which are designed to promote better labour practices, ensure occupational safety, and guarantee minimum wages nationwide. Additionally, he noted the government's efforts to decriminalise minor business offences through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2025, which is currently under review by a Select Committee. Goyal encouraged the trading community to suggest further provisions for decriminalisation and called for a framework for a 'one nation, one licence' system to be submitted for consideration by state governments. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 9 pm

November exports show positive growth, says Goyal

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced positive export figures for November 2025, indicating growth compared to the same period last year, following a decline of 11.8% in October due to US tariffs on labor-intensive goods. Speaking at a press briefing after the fourth Board of Trade meeting, Goyal revealed that guidelines for two key exporter schemes—the interest equalisation scheme (IES) and the market access initiative (MAI)—will be released next week. The IES, which lapsed at the end of 2024, is crucial for providing exporters with cheaper credit, while the MAI offers marketing support. Goyal also confirmed the commencement of formal negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Russia-led EAEU and upcoming talks with Israel and the Mercosur bloc. As India seeks to diversify its trade partnerships amid ongoing tariff uncertainties from the US, interest from various countries in trade agreements with India continues to grow. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 9 pm

Zen Technologies wins ₹108 cr tank simulator contract as sole vendor

Zen Technologies has been awarded a ₹108-crore contract by the Ministry of Defence for the supply of advanced tank crew gunnery training simulators, marking a significant step in India's push for indigenous defence manufacturing. The high-fidelity Tank Crew Gunnery Simulator is designed for tank commanders and gunners, replicating a tank's turret compartment and supporting various gunnery drills. Deliveries are expected within a year, despite a 24-month timeline set by the MoD. Zen Technologies' Chairman Ashok Atluri hailed the contract as a validation of the company's extensive research and development efforts, emphasizing the potential cost savings of ₹1,123 crore annually through the use of such simulators. This contract aligns with the Ministry's Simulation Framework, which prioritizes simulation-based training to modernize the armed forces, with expectations for broader adoption across the Army, Navy, and Air Force in the future. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 8 pm

India's 2024-25 horticulture output rises 4% to 369 million tonnes

India's horticulture production for the 2024-25 season has increased by 4% to reach 369.05 million tonnes, according to the Agriculture Ministry's third advance estimates released on Tuesday. This rise, amounting to 14.31 million tonnes, is attributed to a 0.4 million hectare expansion in the area dedicated to horticulture crops, now totaling 29.488 million hectares. Notably, fruit production has surged by 5.12% to 118.76 million tonnes, driven by strong yields of bananas, mangoes, and watermelons. Vegetable output has also risen by 4.09% to 215.68 million tonnes, with onions and potatoes leading the gains. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh credited this growth to farmers' dedication, agricultural innovations, and supportive government policies. He emphasized the introduction of new technologies aimed at boosting productivity and income, positioning India on a path to becoming a global agricultural leader. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 8 pm

Empowering India's Workforce: Union Views on Labour Reforms

India's aspiration for a "Developed India" hinges on the respect and security afforded to its workforce, as emphasized by Girish Arya, All India Secretary of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. Despite the potential of the manufacturing sector, employment ratios have lagged, necessitating comprehensive reforms to outdated labour laws. The introduction of four new labour codes—covering wages, social security, occupational safety, and industrial relations—aims to enhance worker rights and productivity while fostering a collaborative environment among industry, government, and labour. These reforms promise to extend legal protections and social security to a diverse range of workers, including gig and migrant labourers, thereby fulfilling the constitutional promise of dignity for all. However, the successful implementation of these codes relies on effective rule-making and timely disbursal of benefits, urging all stakeholders to unite in realizing the transformative potential of these reforms for India's economic growth and worker welfare. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 8 pm

Maersk plans to resume Red Sea transits

Maersk, the world's second-largest container shipping line, is set to resume navigation along the East-West corridor via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, aiming to normalize transits on this route as conditions permit. Safety for crew members remains the top priority, according to a joint statement from Maersk and the Suez Canal Authority. This announcement follows nearly two years of halted operations due to Houthi attacks on vessels in the region. Earlier this month, the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin became the first ultra-large container ship to navigate the Red Sea since the disruptions began. The statement also highlighted discussions on the geopolitical landscape, including the peace process in Gaza and the importance of freedom of navigation in the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which the two parties emphasized as vital for global trade. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 8 pm

PM to inaugurate Skyroot's multi-launch vehicle facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad on November 27, a significant development for India's private space sector. The 200,000 square-foot facility will enhance the country's capabilities in designing, developing, integrating, and testing launch vehicles, with the potential to produce one orbital rocket monthly. Additionally, Modi will inaugurate Safran Aircraft Engine Services India and lay the foundation for a maintenance, repair, and overhaul site for the Safran M88 Rafale engine. The Prime Minister will also unveil Vikram-I, Skyroot's inaugural orbital rocket designed for satellite launches. Founded by IIT alumni and former ISRO scientist Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, Skyroot made history as the first Indian private firm to launch a rocket into space with its sub-orbital Vikram-S. This growth in private space enterprises reflects the government's recent reforms aimed at solidifying India's position as a global space leader. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 8 pm

NBFCs to prioritize capital markets over bank loans: Avendus

Non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) are set to significantly increase their reliance on capital market instruments for funding, with market borrowings projected to rise from 43% of overall liabilities in FY24 to 64% by FY27, according to a report by Avendus Capital. Traditionally dependent on bank loans, NBFCs have faced challenges due to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) increased risk weight on bank loans and banks' struggles to secure low-cost deposits. In response, the RBI has mandated that NBFCs source at least 25% of their borrowings from capital markets. Avendus Capital highlights that instruments such as external commercial borrowings (ECBs), non-convertible debentures (NCDs), and commercial papers (CPs) are becoming increasingly vital for diversification, particularly for upper and middle-layer NBFCs. This shift marks a structural rebalancing in the borrowing landscape, with firms like IIFL Finance aiming to reduce bank borrowing to below 50%. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 7 pm

AgriVijay reports 400% investor returns after 105% growth

AgriVijay, India's pioneering curated marketplace and AgTech social enterprise, has announced successful exits for two early investors, yielding returns of up to 400%. The investors, AIC JKLU and angel investor Sanvali Kaushik, had initially backed the startup in 2022 prior to its first major venture capital round. This development coincides with the onboarding of new investors, ABIF IIT Kharagpur and banker Joginder Singh Shekhawat, bringing AgriVijay's total capital raised since 2020 to ₹2.47 crore. The company recently secured a ₹1 crore grant from the ANIC 2.0 Challenge by AIM & NITI Aayog to enhance renewable energy solutions for smallholder farmers. AgriVijay reported a remarkable 105% year-on-year growth, achieving profitability in FY 2024-25 and surpassing ₹5 crore in annual revenue. Co-founder Shobha Chanchlani emphasized the mission of making clean energy accessible to rural families, while founder Vimal Panjwani highlighted their frugal approach amidst a challenging startup landscape. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 6 pm

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