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India's economic growth is projected to remain strong through 2026, bolstered by significant monetary and fiscal measures, according to a Standard Chartered report titled 'Outlook 2026: Ride the Recovery Wave.' The report highlights that policy interventions, including frontloaded interest rate cuts and liquidity injections by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), alongside income tax reductions and GST rate rationalisation, are expected to stimulate domestic demand. Despite challenges from US trade tariffs and a global economic slowdown, India's medium-term outlook remains positive, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation anticipated to fall below the RBI's 4% target due to lower food prices and GST adjustments. The RBI has also revised its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 upward to 7.3%, while inflation expectations have been lowered to 2.0%. However, risks such as high trade tariffs and potential delays in recovery persist. 
Published: Dec 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's operational natural gas pipeline network has expanded to 25,429 km as part of a government initiative to establish a national gas grid aimed at enhancing energy security and providing cleaner fuel nationwide. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has introduced the "One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff" system, standardizing transportation charges across 90% of pipelines to ensure equitable pricing. As of December 1, 2025, approximately 10.35 crore beneficiaries have been reached under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, with the government approving an additional 25 lakh LPG connections for FY 2025-26 to facilitate access. The eligibility process has been streamlined, and targeted subsidies have increased LPG consumption from three refills per person in 2019-20 to an expected 4.85 refills in FY 2025-26. The Ministry has also enhanced petroleum marketing infrastructure, with over 90,000 retail outlets now offering digital payment options.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's recent decision to eliminate the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health insurance has resulted in a significant increase in health coverage, with the average sum insured rising by 31% from ₹14.5 lakh to ₹19 lakh, according to a Policybazaar report. Following the GST exemption, demand for higher sum insured policies surged, with those in the ₹10-25 lakh range increasing by 47% and policies above ₹25 lakh soaring by 85%. Conversely, policies under ₹10 lakh saw a 24% decline. The trend continued into 2025, with younger buyers aged 18-35 making up 30% of purchases, while smaller towns experienced a notable rise in demand. Notably, Delhi and Bengaluru led in health insurance bookings. The report also highlighted common claim reasons, including heart conditions and cancer, alongside a growing preference for multi-year health insurance plans, reflecting a shift towards more comprehensive coverage.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has re-tendered its search for a concessionaire to operate the Kovilpatti airstrip for aircraft training, inviting interest from Flight Training Organisations (FTOs). This decision follows technical issues related to the minimum price and eligibility criteria, which arose from pre-bid feedback that could not be addressed on the e-tender platform. TIDCO will close the previous tender and issue a revised one. The Kovilpatti airstrip, located in Thoothukudi district, spans 63 hectares and was originally constructed by Lakshmi Mills for private use. The asphalt runway measures 1.2 km in length and 15 m in width, situated approximately 6 km from Kovilpatti town. Notably, in July 2023, the EKVI Aircraft Training Organisation became the first FTO approved in Tamil Nadu by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, marking a significant development in the region's aviation training landscape.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThailand's rice prices have surged over 15% in the past four months, reaching $430 a tonne for 5% broken white rice, while Indian prices have dipped to $354, reflecting a 6% decline. This disparity is attributed to Thailand's premium of over $75 a tonne, driven by expectations of increased Chinese purchases amid ongoing negotiations for a government-to-government deal. Despite a 24% drop in Thai rice exports this year, trade analysts note that Thailand's easier access to Chinese quotas, coupled with quality preferences, keeps it competitive despite higher prices. Meanwhile, India's rice stocks remain robust, with the Food Corporation of India holding significant reserves, contributing to lower prices. China's urgency to replenish its rice stocks may lead to increased imports from Thailand, as it seeks to diversify its sources and manage domestic supply risks. The evolving dynamics highlight the complexities of global rice trade amid shifting market conditions.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn 2026, India's road transport ministry will prioritize the implementation of seamless, barrier-free tolling on national highways and the introduction of a new Road Safety Bill, aiming to significantly reduce the annual road fatalities, which currently exceed 1.8 lakh. Key projects set for inauguration include the long-awaited 1,362 km Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and several other major highways, with completion dates ranging from January to December 2026. The new tolling system, utilizing technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition and RFID-based Electronic Toll Collection, is expected to lower toll costs from 15% to 3% of total collections, potentially saving ₹8,000 crore annually. Additionally, the ministry plans to award road projects worth 12,000 km in 2025-26 and 13,000-13,500 km in 2026-27. Despite ongoing challenges, including delays in project approvals, the government is committed to enhancing road safety and infrastructure.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's government is set to prioritize increased steel production and raw material security as it aims for an installed steelmaking capacity of 300 million tonnes (MT) by 2030. The focus will also be on adopting low-carbon technologies and enhancing the production of high-end steel to cater to domestic and export demands, driven by strong infrastructure investments. Despite being the world's second-largest crude steel producer, the industry faces challenges such as rising imports and volatile raw material prices. The National Steel Policy, launched in 2017, targets a production of 250 MT and per capita consumption of 160 kg by 2030-31. Industry leaders emphasize the need for accelerated momentum to meet these goals, while concerns over trade barriers and the transition to green steel remain. Projections indicate an 8% growth in steel demand for FY26, although pricing pressures persist due to a temporary surplus and global market dynamics.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's exports to the United States have shown signs of recovery since September 2025, despite ongoing tariffs, according to a report by DSP Mutual Fund. Exports fell from $8.8 billion in May to a low of $5.4 billion in September but rebounded to $6.3 billion in October and $7.0 billion in November. The report cautions that the data window is limited, making it premature to declare a definitive trend. Notably, sectors anticipated to be most affected by tariffs, such as textiles and gems and jewellery, did not underperform as expected, while pharmaceuticals, exempt from tariffs, saw a 16.5% decline in exports. The findings suggest that the impact of tariffs is more complex than previously thought, with broader weaknesses across various sectors. DSP Mutual Fund emphasizes the need for further data to determine the sustainability of the recent export recovery.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn 2025, India and the UK finalized a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a 'Vision 2035' pact aimed at enhancing bilateral relations beyond trade. The FTA, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK in July, is projected to increase bilateral trade by over £25 billion, pending ratification by the UK Parliament in 2026. Celebrating his first year in office, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly welcomed Modi, announcing plans for a significant trade delegation to India. The year also saw the establishment of British university campuses in India, addressing educational demand amid a backdrop of stricter UK immigration policies. Additionally, the UK faced challenges with high-profile Indian billionaires relocating due to tax increases. The year was marked by the loss of prominent Indian-origin figures in the UK and a shared commitment to combat terrorism, highlighted by a joint exhibition and responses to recent attacks in India.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 10 ameznews.inKNR Constructions has announced a significant divestment, executing share purchase agreements with Indus Infra Trust for the sale of its entire stake, including sub-debt, in four highway special purpose vehicles (SPVs). The transaction, signed on December 24, 2025, involves an investment of ₹566.83 crore by KNR in equity and sub-debt, with the company expected to receive a total consideration of ₹1,543.19 crore. The SPVs involved in the deal are KNR Palani Infra Private Limited, KNR Ramagiri Infra Private Limited, KNR Guruvayur Infra Private Limited, and KNR Ramanattukara Infra Private Limited. Completion of the divestment is contingent upon approvals from various authorities and lenders, in line with the Concession Agreement, and is anticipated to be finalized by September 30, 2026.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 9 pm
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