10 Apr 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, marking its second consecutive rate cut aimed at reviving economic momentum. The move signals a shift in the central bank's monetary policy stance from neutral to accommodative in response to mounting global trade tensions and subdued domestic growth. Alongside the repo rate revision, the RBI also reduced the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) to 5.75% and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) to 6.25% while maintaining the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 4%. The central bank revised India's GDP growth projection down to 6.5% for the current fiscal year.Read more

10 Apr 2025

India's building materials sector has recorded a 30% rise in recruitment between January 2023 and January 2025, fuelled by rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and industrial expansion, according to Ciel HR. The industry, employing over 5.5 lakh professionals, is seeing high demand for roles in sustainability, R&D, and advanced manufacturing. Metro cities account for 81% of job postings, with Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi/NCR leading. While technology is reshaping operations, the sector continues to face a notable gender gap, with women comprising just 12% of the workforce.Read more

10 Apr 2025

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has clarified that Indian companies operating in sectors where FDI is prohibited may issue bonus shares to pre-existing foreign shareholders, provided the shareholding pattern remains unchanged. This regulatory update, now part of the FDI policy, removes the earlier ambiguity that required RBI approval, streamlining corporate actions in sectors like tobacco and real estate. Legal experts noted the move would simplify procedures, enhance parity in shareholder rights, and reassure foreign investors with grandfathered stakes in restricted sectors, while ensuring full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.Read more

10 Apr 2025

Piramal Finance Limited has entered into a co-lending agreement with ICICI Bank to expand access to credit for borrowers in semi-urban and rural parts of India. This strategic partnership focuses on home loans and loans against property, aiming to provide affordable and tailored financial solutions to underserved segments. With Piramal's widespread branch network and customer base, combined with ICICI Bank's banking expertise, the alliance is set to deepen financial inclusion. The initiative also targets MSMEs and Tier 2 and 3 city borrowers, contributing to the broader goal of strengthening India's credit ecosystem.Read more

10 Apr 2025

Indian exporters have welcomed the United States' decision to defer reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, calling it a significant reprieve that opens the door for meaningful progress in bilateral trade negotiations. Industry representatives view the move as a strategic pause that could help avoid immediate economic strain and potentially lead to a favourable resolution. The commerce ministry has reassured exporters that the agreement is being prioritised. Exporters believe that the temporary relief could even be extended, enabling India to tap into opportunities arising from elevated tariffs on Chinese goods.Read more

10 Apr 2025

The 13th Ministerial India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), held earlier this week in London, concluded with strong signals of progress toward finalising the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed mutual eagerness to complete negotiations swiftly. The dialogue resulted in trade and investment announcements worth GBP 400 million, including major contributions from Indian firms like Paytm and Mphasis. Discussions also spanned financial services, defence, sustainable finance, education, and bilateral collaboration, with both governments reiterating their commitment to economic growth through policy coordination and open trade.Read more

10 Apr 2025

India and Nepal have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the agriculture sector, with a focus on crop productivity, post-harvest management, and sustainable practices. The agreement, signed by Indian Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Nepal's Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ram Nath Adhikari, covers diverse areas including agri-tech, trade, horticulture, micro-irrigation, and integrated farming systems. During his visit, Chouhan also met Nepal's Prime Minister and discussed the importance of collaborative efforts in modernising agriculture, ensuring food security, and advancing shared development goals.Read more