The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is poised to improve the frequency and timeliness of key economic data, introducing a private sector capital expenditure (capex) survey, monthly labour force reports, and a revised schedule for factory output data starting in FY26. Change in Timeline of Key Economic Data From April 2025, the Index …
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has been a game-changer in India’s housing sector, offering a bold and much-needed solution to the country’s rising housing demands, particularly for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and low-income groups. Launched in 2015 by the Government of India, this visionary initiative has reshaped both urban and rural housing landscapes across …
February 18, 2025, saw the 3rd anniversary of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Signed on February 18, 2022, during a virtual summit between India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the agreement came into force on 1st May 2022. The bilateral merchandise …
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has announced that India’s defence budget will increase by 9.5% in 2025-26, reaching ₹6.81 trillion, up from ₹6.21 trillion in the current year. Focus on Modernisation and Domestic Procurement Singh highlighted that India plans to spend $30 billion annually over the next decade to modernise its defence forces. Of this …
In January 2025, diamond exports fell due to economic instability and tariff threats, while gold jewellery exports grew by 20.48%. With economic uncertainty pushing consumers to invest in gold as a safe-haven asset, diamonds faced subdued demand, particularly in major markets. Diamond Exports and Imports Decline In January 2025, gems and jewellery exports dropped by …
India’s trade deficit expanded to $22.9 billion in January, up from $21.94 billion in December, driven by high imports amid a weak rupee. Exports grew by 1.39% during April-January, while imports surged by 7.43%, according to provisional data released by Commerce Ministry on February 17. Rising Imports and Revised December Figures India’s trade deficit expanded …
The EPFO Board is set to meet on February 28 likely to discuss and finalise the interest rate for provident fund deposits for the 2024-25 financial year. The rate is likely to remain close to 8.25%, despite increased claims and returns, as per news reports. EPFO Set to Decide 2024-25 Interest Rate The Employees’ Provident …
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PMKSNY) is a flagship initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. With the 19th installment expected to be released in the last week of February 2025, …
As discussions around the 8th Pay Commission gain momentum, the recent Reference Meet chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) brought significant developments. The meeting focused on various issues concerning central government employees and pensioners, with particular emphasis on Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR). Major Concerns Raised in …
The USD/INR exchange rate exhibited fluctuations this week, reflecting a mix of market factors. Starting at 87.469 on February 10, 2025, the pair saw a 0.17% decline, trading at 86.84 on February 14, 2025, as of 3:12 PM. The highest level recorded during the week was 87.997, while the lowest touched 86.327. The fluctuations are …
