India and the European Union are poised to sign their landmark free trade agreement by December, with implementation expected by early 2027. This pact promises Indian exporters near-zero duty access to the vast European market, opening up significant opportunities. Discussions are also progressing on trade deals with the US and Canada, highlighting India’s growing global
Indian equity markets witnessed a significant surge last week, adding Rs 2.15 lakh crore to the valuation of nine out of the top 10 most valuable companies. Bharti Airtel emerged as the top gainer, followed by LIC and Bajaj Finance. This rally was fueled by improved global risk appetite and easing geopolitical concerns, boosting investor
India’s merchandise exports have demonstrated remarkable resilience, surging approximately 15% from April 1 to June 14, despite global economic headwinds and increased US tariffs. Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted this robust growth, even as international trade faces significant challenges. This positive trend follows a strong May performance, underscoring India’s continued strength in outbound shipments. Goyal also
Petrol and diesel prices may soon see a dip as India receives cheaper crude oil, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri indicated. He defended domestic fuel pricing, stating increases have been minimal globally despite market volatility. The government has absorbed significant costs through excise duty cuts, shielding consumers from the full impact of rising international rates.
Three Indian oil tankers, carrying over 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo and 94 crew members, have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and are heading home. This safe passage follows a US decision to lift its blockade on Iran, allowing resumed movement through the vital waterway. The government assures continued efforts to protect India’s
India’s 2026 economic outlook hinges on monsoon performance, with El Niño posing a significant risk of deficient rainfall impacting agriculture. Meanwhile, the nation’s equity investor base is rapidly expanding, becoming younger and more diverse, with a notable surge in participation from smaller cities. Despite this growth, trading activity remains heavily concentrated among a small group
Dairy consumers might face another price hike by July or August, with industry experts warning of a potential 3-4% increase. This follows a recent 2-3% rise in May. Concerns are mounting over El Niño potentially worsening fodder shortages and impacting milk production, prompting the Maharashtra government to urge farmers to boost fodder cultivation. Major dairies
India is set to revolutionize its rail network with the approval of seven new bullet train corridors, promising significantly reduced travel times between major cities. Key routes like Mumbai-Ahmedabad will see journeys slashed to under two hours, while Bengaluru-Chennai will take just over an hour. This ambitious expansion, including the Delhi-Varanasi-Patna corridor, aims to boost
Despite strong export growth, China’s domestic economy faces significant challenges. Consumer spending saw a decline in May, with retail sales falling for the first time since late 2022. Consumer confidence remains low, and credit demand is weak, indicating reluctance from businesses and households to borrow. The property sector continues to struggle, though some major cities
India significantly diversified its LPG imports, tapping the US, Iran, and other nations to reduce Middle East dependence amid regional crisis. While state-run retailers absorbed price hikes, domestic consumption dipped due to tighter supplies and rising costs. The move, though ensuring continuity, highlighted ongoing import reliance and the need for a broader sourcing strategy to
