01 Aug 2025

India's industrial output growth slowed to a 10-month low of 1.5 percent in June 2025, a notable drop from 1.9 percent in May. This slowdown was primarily due to weak performance in the mining, electricity, and primary goods sectors. While manufacturing showed improvement, other key sectors contracted, impacting the overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP). This trend, with worse growth last recorded in August 2024, highlights a moderation in industrial activity, even as some segments like infrastructure goods continue to show positive growth, pointing to mixed signals in the nation's industrial landscape.Read more

31 Jul 2025

India is set to receive USD 100 billion in investments from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) over the next 15 years as part of a trade agreement signed in March 2024. The deal, which becomes effective from October, will see funding channeled into infrastructure, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and other key sectors. In return, India has agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on products such as Swiss watches, chocolates, and polished diamonds. Meanwhile, the US has increased duties on seafood and automobiles, affecting Indian exporters.Read more

31 Jul 2025

Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd has bagged an INR 1,349.11 crore order from Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) to supply 24,080 AL-59 high-performance conductors. The order is set to be fulfilled by June 2028, as disclosed in a regulatory exchange filing. This significant deal reinforces Diamond Power's stronghold in India's transmission infrastructure sector. Known as the country's largest single-location manufacturer of power cables and conductors, the company continues to attract large-scale contracts, reflecting its operational scale and sectoral importance.Read more

30 Jul 2025

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with electric vehicle (EV) maker Ather Energy. This partnership aims to create new opportunities for startups in the EV and manufacturing sectors. The collaboration will focus on providing strategic mentorship and infrastructure support for deep-tech startups within the EV value chain. Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh from DPIIT stated that this initiative seeks to foster an environment where startups can contribute significantly to EV manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy solutions, aligning with India's push for sustainable mobility and domestic production.Read more

29 Jul 2025

India saved over INR 4 lakh crore (approximately USD 46 billion) in fossil fuel and pollution-related costs in 2024, thanks to its growing renewable energy capacity. A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights that these savings came from avoiding USD 14.9 billion in fossil fuel expenses and preventing 410.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, alongside realizing USD 31.7 billion in air pollution benefits. India's renewable energy, especially solar PV, is noted as the second cheapest globally after China, with costs consistently falling due to efficiency and innovation, positioning the country as a leader in cost-effective green energy.Read more

26 Jul 2025

Empower Finance Inc., a U.S.-based fintech firm, has acquired Indian digital lending platform NIRA, aiming to scale its impact in emerging markets. The move strengthens Empower's foothold in India by leveraging NIRA's local expertise and customer base, especially in underserved Tier 3 cities and rural areas. NIRA, founded in 2018, has disbursed over INR 1,600 crore (approximately USD 200 million) in personal loans and turned profitable in 2023. Empower's global operations already span the U.S., Mexico, and the Philippines, serving over 5 million users. The acquisition will help both firms accelerate innovation and expand financial access to India's working-class population.Read more

26 Jul 2025

Senior IAS officer Sanjay Kaul has assumed charge as the Managing Director and Group CEO of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India's first operational smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). Kaul, a 2001-batch officer, succeeded Tapan Ray, who had been leading the institution since 2019. Kaul brings over 20 years of experience across public policy, infrastructure, and finance. His academic background includes degrees in electronics engineering and public policy from prestigious Indian and US institutions.Read more

25 Jul 2025

Ajay Seth, the former Finance and Economic Affairs Secretary, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for a term of three years. His appointment fills the vacancy left after Debasish Panda's term ended about four months ago. Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre, recently retired in June after serving four years in the Finance Ministry. The decision was made following due procedure by the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee and received final clearance from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.Read more

23 Jul 2025

JSW Paints is set to acquire a 74.76% stake in Akzo Nobel India for INR 12,915 crore via a share purchase agreement with Akzo Nobel N.V., which will retain its powder coatings and R&D operations in India. JSW has also initiated an open offer to buy the remaining 25.24% from public shareholders, aiming for full ownership pending CCI approval. Akzo Nobel India, known for Dulux and Sikkens, boasts strong market presence and brand equity. JSW Paints, launched in 2019, has been expanding rapidly with two manufacturing units and a consumer-first approach. Meanwhile, Asian Paints exited its 4.42% stake, valued at INR 734 crore.Read more

22 Jul 2025

At a recent United Nations forum, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery highlighted India's growing influence as a reliable pillar of global stability. Addressing world leaders, he emphasized India's sustained economic momentum, poverty alleviation achievements, and its scalable development model, especially relevant for fellow nations in the Global South. With digital inclusion, policy reforms, and youth empowerment at the core of its progress, India continues to demonstrate how inclusive growth can be both effective and exportable to the wider world.Read more