External affairs minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is now in an era where politics increasingly influences economics, urging India to diversify supply sources to protect national interests. He highlighted global fragmentation and supply insecurity, emphasising India’s pursuit of self-reliance and manufacturing growth to secure its future.
Starting January 1, 2026, India’s market regulator Sebi will classify Mutual Fund and Specialised Investment Fund investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts as equity. This aims to boost REIT market participation. REITs can join equity indices from July 1, 2026, with existing debt scheme holdings grandfathered. Sebi encourages gradual divestment from debt schemes.
Donald Trump asserted his tariff regime has made the U.S. “Rich, Strong, Powerful, and Safe,” claiming it has stopped wars, strengthened alliances, and boosted the stock market. He attributed these outcomes to “Strong Leadership and TARIFFS,” as tariff revenues have significantly increased, with a Supreme Court ruling on presidential authority pending.
The Indian rupee is unlikely to see a sharp fall soon, having already depreciated 4% this year and trading in a narrow band. Union Bank of India anticipates the rupee to remain range-bound between 88.80 and 89.50 through December, with potential strengthening contingent on equity inflows or progress on the India-US BTA.
Indian exports to the US plummeted by 28.5% between May and October 2025 due to aggressive US tariff hikes, hitting labour-intensive sectors hardest. Shipments dropped significantly as duties surged, making Indian goods heavily taxed compared to competitors. Delays in operationalizing export promotion schemes are further hindering recovery efforts.
India’s robust 8.2% GDP growth in the July-September quarter, a testament to the government’s reform agenda and business-friendly policies, solidifies its standing as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This impressive expansion, driven by strong public investment, services, industrial output, and consumption, refutes earlier doubts and signals continued economic momentum.
Indian companies anticipate a 5-10% rise in wage bills due to new labour codes, impacting benefits like gratuity and overtime. Labour-intensive sectors and MSMEs face the steepest increases. While employers may see higher costs, employees are set to gain as wages cannot be reduced. The government expects compliance burdens to offset employer expenses.
Air India confirms its flight operations remain intact with no cancellations despite a mandatory software and hardware realignment for Airbus A320 family aircraft worldwide. While some minor delays or reschedules may occur, the airline’s engineering teams are working diligently to complete the task, having already updated over 40% of the affected fleet. Normal operations are…
India’s Black Friday-to-Cyber Monday sales are experiencing a significant surge, with retailers reporting a 20-25% increase compared to last year. Brands extended promotions early, indicating sustained consumer demand beyond Diwali. This week-long event is fostering planned, premium purchases across various categories, boosting sales momentum.
