Over 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to be rolled out in the coming years as Indian Railways looks to revamp long-distance train travel. What trains can passengers look forward to in the coming years? What will be the features of these trains and rollout timelines? We explore:
US consumer confidence fell in November to its second-lowest reading since April, driven by concerns over elevated prices, sluggish job gains, and the prolonged government shutdown. The Conference Board reported a drop in its index, with independents showing a particularly sharp decline.
India’s merchandise exports have rebounded into positive territory by November 21, following a sharp decline in October. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted steady improvement in the export trajectory, with sectors like seafood showing healthy growth. Discussions are also underway to enhance the competitiveness of Special Economic Zones.
American shoppers spent less in September. Retail sales saw a small increase. Consumers faced higher prices. Businesses also dealt with rising costs. Producer prices went up, especially for energy and food. This comes as tariffs impact the economy. Government data was delayed by a shutdown. Full October reports were cancelled.
Air India is undertaking a significant fleet and cabin refresh, aiming to restore passenger confidence following a tragic June crash. Visible improvements across aircraft, including upgraded seats and interiors, will begin rolling out from 2026, with a focus on international flights. New lounges are also planned in key global cities.
India faces tighter finances as tax cuts reduce revenue. Moody’s Ratings notes this limits government economic support. Lower tax collections are impacting fiscal goals. Easing inflation and monetary policy are expected to boost household spending. Domestic demand and infrastructure spending remain key growth drivers for India’s economy.
Gold prices surged on Tuesday, driven by increasing expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut in December following dovish comments from officials. This optimism pushed bullion higher for the third consecutive session, with traders increasing bets on easier monetary policy. City-wise prices also saw an uptick across major Indian cities.
India’s gold loan market is poised for significant expansion as non-bank lenders plan to open approximately 3,000 new branches. This surge is driven by increasing demand from borrowers seeking secured loans due to tighter microfinance lending and rising gold prices, boosting loan sizes for farmers and small traders.
India is aggressively clearing a significant backlog of delayed national highway projects, aiming to resolve 60% of stalled projects by March. This initiative seeks to curb cost overruns and boost construction momentum, with authorities accelerating clearances and fund releases. The move is expected to improve developer cash flows and increase daily construction rates, vital for…
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