India’s GDP growth for the second quarter of FY25 stood at 5.4 percent, driven by the slowdown caused by the Lok Sabha elections. However, the outlook for the third quarter is more optimistic, with a boost expected from festive spending. The government is also banking on the larger impact of new tax reforms to drive growth, with unprecedented income tax cuts designed to increase disposable income.

The newly introduced tax cuts benefit over 75 percent of salaried individuals, with people earning Rs. 10 lakh annually gaining an additional Rs. 50,000 in disposable income. Higher earners, such as those making Rs. 25 lakh, will see an additional Rs. 1.1 lakh. This leaves households with more spending power, which will likely be used for consumption, including food, FMCG products, and even big-ticket items like cars, improving both domestic demand and the government’s indirect tax revenue.

The government is also placing a strong emphasis on agriculture, focusing on crop diversification and improving infrastructure to support farmers. The Dhan Dhaanya Yojana targets rural districts with the lowest productivity, aiming to increase the disposable income of farmers and improve market access. This initiative, alongside the promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), will be pivotal in integrating small farmers into India’s growth story.

In addition to short-term measures, the government is committing to long-term asset creation, with a capex of over Rs. 50 lakh crore over the last four budgets. This will fund critical infrastructure projects in sectors like roads, railways, and defense, driving both employment and economic growth. These projects have also had a positive impact on women’s employment and entrepreneurship in various regions.

The focus on manufacturing is also reshaping India’s job market. With a push towards formalisation and growth in MSMEs, more people are expected to seek opportunities in manufacturing, which will foster a new wave of employment.

Furthermore, the government is looking to capitalise on smaller, innovative ideas. An example is transforming India Post into a major logistics player integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce, which would support MSMEs and young entrepreneurs across the country.

The Modi government’s fourteen budgets tell a story of significant reforms, from reducing tax rates to narrowing the fiscal deficit. The welfare transfer programs, which amount to Rs. 40 lakh crore, have directly benefited millions, further reinforcing the government’s focus on inclusive growth.

The message from the budget is clear: Now is the time to invest in India and grow with the nation. With a focus on both macroeconomic stability and microeconomic development, the government’s policies are set to drive India’s economic future.

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Additionally, the monthly number of complaints registered has risen sharply, increasing from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,12,468 in 2024. Digital complaints have also experienced significant growth, with the monthly average climbing from 54,893 in FY 2023-24 to 68,831 in FY 2024-25 by December 2024. These developments highlight the effectiveness of the AI system, which provides sector-wise analysis to address grievances in a more organized and efficient manner.

A key milestone for the NCH has been the onboarding of 1,038 companies as ‘convergence partners,’ up from just 263 in 2017. These companies, particularly those with the highest number of unresolved grievances, now prioritize consumer satisfaction through improved grievance resolution. As a result, grievance disposal time has decreased to 48 days in 2024, a notable improvement from 66.26 days in 2023.

Sectors like education, e-commerce, and consumer durables have especially benefitted from faster resolution times, further boosting consumer trust in the system. The NCH continues to support consumers through its toll-free number (1915) and online portal, ensuring their rights are safeguarded with timely interventions—without the need for legal action.

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“In the last year, our relationship has seen a huge upswing. It’s not often that we can say we had such a rapid exchange of Prime Ministerial visits. We have strong political comfort and people-to-people understanding. We would like more trade, more investment, more technological collaboration, and perhaps explore ways to work together on connectivity,” Jaishankar remarked.

Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis expressed Greece’s readiness to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including tourism, culture, and trade. He emphasized that the two countries have made significant strides in recent years and that Greece is keen on strengthening cooperation, particularly within the framework of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where both nations are members.

“In the last couple of years, the bilateral relations between Greece and India have been upscaled tremendously. We would like to upscale our bilateral relations in all respects, including tourism, culture, and trade. As members of the UNSC, we would like to echo the voice of India within the United Nations,” Gerapetritis said. “We would also like to be reliable interlocutors in the EU-India relationship. It is a unique opportunity for us as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations,” he added.

The Greek Foreign Minister’s visit to India is part of efforts to deepen diplomatic and strategic ties between the two countries. On Wednesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also welcomed Gerapetritis, noting that his visit would further strengthen the growing strategic partnership between India and Greece.

India and Greece have maintained a long-standing relationship, supporting each other on key international issues such as Kashmir and Cyprus. Greece has consistently aligned with India on the Kashmir issue and supported India’s bid for a permanent seat in an expanded UNSC.

The Indian community in Greece, which has steadily grown over the years, also plays a vital role in fostering people-to-people connections. According to the 2011 Greek census, there were around 11,333 Indian nationals in Greece, with current estimates ranging between 13,000 and 14,000. The majority of these expatriates are of Punjabi origin, particularly Sikhs, and are engaged in farming, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

Gerapetritis’ visit is expected to further cement India-Greece ties, with an emphasis on expanding collaboration in strategic, economic, and diplomatic areas.

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Anshul Jain, Chief Executive for India, SEA & APAC Tenant Representation at Cushman & Wakefield, called the rate cut “well-timed and much-needed.” He explained that the decision comes at a crucial time, as CPI inflation has eased and Q2-FY25 GDP growth has slowed. Jain added that the rate cut would help boost consumption and lower borrowing costs for the housing sector, especially in the affordable and mid-income home segments. He also highlighted the positive impact of the Union Budget measures in tandem with the RBI policy, offering much-needed support for the residential market.

Praveen Khandelwal, Delhi Chandni Chowk MP and Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), also welcomed the RBI’s move, calling it a “pro-growth” decision. According to Khandelwal, the rate cut will lower borrowing costs for both businesses and consumers, driving up disposable incomes and enhancing consumer spending. He emphasized that increased liquidity will encourage investment, further propelling economic growth. Khandelwal also pointed out that if the income tax exemption limit is increased to Rs12 lakh in the upcoming budget, it would lead to higher savings, thereby boosting consumer demand and market liquidity.

Ashwani Rana, Founder of Voice of Banking, echoed these positive sentiments, noting that the rate cut provides financial relief to the middle class. He highlighted the reduction of the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate from 6.75% to 6.50%, making it easier for banks to borrow from the RBI. Despite these measures, inflation remains within the RBI’s target range, and GDP growth is stable. Rana believes that the rate cut will strengthen the economy while providing significant relief to both banks and their customers.

The RBI’s decision to lower interest rates aligns with efforts to ensure price stability while fostering economic growth, providing much-needed financial relief to borrowers, businesses, and the housing sector. The move is expected to have a positive ripple effect across various sectors, strengthening India’s economic recovery.

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Amazon’s latest initiative includes investments in wind energy projects across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, adding over 379 MW of clean energy to India’s grid. This aligns with India’s ambitious goal to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

Minister Vaishnaw stated, “Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji, India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the clean energy transition.” He also noted that renewable energy is key to powering the next wave of digital and transportation infrastructure, as well as advancing the nation’s sustainability efforts.

The projects include CleanMax Koppal (100 MW) in Karnataka, BluPine Solapur (99 MW) in Maharashtra, and JSW Energy Dharapuram (180 MW) in Tamil Nadu. These investments will significantly contribute to the nation’s renewable energy targets while supporting local economic growth.

Shripad Yesso Naik, the Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, welcomed Amazon’s continued efforts in renewable energy, stressing that such investments are crucial for ensuring energy security and reducing environmental impact. Naik also urged other global corporations to follow Amazon’s lead in supporting India’s green energy future.

Amazon’s global renewable energy commitment continues to make an impact, with the company having invested in more than 600 solar and wind projects worldwide, including over 50 in India. The firm has now enabled a total of 53 solar and wind initiatives in India, contributing over 4 million MWh of carbon-free energy—enough to power 1.3 million Indian homes.

Amazon reached its goal of 100% renewable energy operations seven years ahead of schedule in 2023. The company’s renewable energy projects not only help offset its operational energy consumption but also provide sustainable energy to local communities, creating jobs and supporting economic growth in the regions where they are implemented.

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The Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army shared the details of the talks on X, stating that the talks reaffirmed the commitment to mutual growth in defence capabilities, aiming to foster deeper bilateral ties built on shared interests and trust.

India and Israel have long enjoyed close cooperation across multiple domains. In 2024, the two countries held the 17th India-Israel Foreign Office Consultations, highlighting the strength of their strategic partnership. These talks included an exchange of views on key regional matters, including the situations in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

In a related development, Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, recently concluded his six-day visit to India. The Indian Army highlighted that the visit further reinforced military cooperation between India and Bhutan, while exploring new avenues for defence collaboration. The strong, historic ties between the two countries were emphasized during this diplomatic exchange.

These ongoing dialogues and visits highlight the strengthening of defence relations in the region, promoting peace and security through mutual collaboration and trust.

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Hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in partnership with the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the LAS, the conference took place at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan. The event marked an essential step in strengthening educational ties between India and the Arab world.

The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, who also delivered the keynote address. Libya’s Minister of Education, Imran Muhamed Al-Qeeb, led the Arab delegation, providing a special address to attendees.

In his welcoming remarks, UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the importance of the conference in fostering higher education and skill development cooperation between the two regions. Following this, prominent figures such as Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, and Farraj Aljmi, Director of Education and Scientific Research at LAS, shared their insights.

The conference featured four key sessions that addressed vital topics such as innovative academic cooperation, digital platforms in education, mutual recognition of degrees, and promoting joint research and innovation, including advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.

The final session, held on February 6, focused on strategies for promoting faculty and student exchange, as well as curriculum development cooperation between universities. The closing ceremony was chaired by the UGC Secretary, who delivered the valedictory address, concluding the productive two-day event.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on social media that the conference provided a platform for fruitful exchange between Arab and Indian academic institutions, strengthening the educational relationship between India and the Arab world.

The event served as a stepping stone for continued collaboration in the higher education sector, with a shared vision to transcend national borders and foster global cooperation in education. The success of the conference signifies the growing potential of educational partnerships between India and Arab countries.

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The PPC, organized by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, will take place at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital in a town hall format. The event has gained immense popularity since its inception in 2018, evolving into a nationwide movement. In its eighth edition in 2025, PPC saw a record-breaking 3.56 crore registrations, reflecting the program’s vast reach and growing significance among students, teachers, and parents across the country.

The core focus of Pariksha Pe Charcha is to transform exam-related anxiety into a festival of learning, dubbed “Utsav,” where students are encouraged to view exams as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of stress. This year’s edition will also include special activities conducted at the school level, from January 12 to January 25, to keep students engaged and help them manage exam-related pressures effectively.

A total of 1.42 crore students, 12.81 lakh teachers, and 2.94 lakh schools took part in these activities, which included indigenous games, creative competitions, and wellness activities like yoga and meditation. These initiatives are designed to improve focus, reduce stress, and promote well-being, ensuring students approach their exams with a calm and clear mindset.

Since its inception, Pariksha Pe Charcha has not only become a popular program but a movement that resonates deeply with the nation’s educational community. From its early days in New Delhi to its online adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and back to a live format, PPC has continually adapted to serve the needs of students nationwide.

PM Modi’s direct dialogue with students, teachers, and parents is central to the program’s success, helping to demystify the exam process and provide practical strategies for stress management. Through this engaging format, PPC encourages the spirit of positivity and well-being during one of the most challenging times in a student’s life — the board exams.

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The inclusion of cobalt, lithium, lead, zinc, and ion battery scrap in the import duty exemption is expected to reduce production costs for EVs, making them more affordable for consumers. Another significant factor in promoting EV growth is the expansion of domestic lithium-ion battery production. By increasing local production, India could reduce reliance on imports and lower EV costs.

While these steps should boost EV adoption, the industry’s practice of import parity pricing may negatively impact Indian miners of zinc and lead, as they will have to lower prices to remain competitive. Moody’s suggests that a state mining index will enhance transparency in pricing, benefiting miners.

Additionally, the government’s focus on recovering critical minerals from mining tailings is an innovative step toward reducing waste and addressing environmental concerns. However, mining companies may face higher capital expenditures for tailings management.

India’s passenger vehicle industry is forecast to grow at 4% in fiscal 2025-26, supported by economic recovery and increased consumer spending. While EV adoption remains a challenge, the momentum in the automotive sector is expected to continue, driven by the government’s supportive budgetary measures and increasing demand for cleaner vehicles.

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The rally kicks off with a flag-off at India Gate before heading to Ambience Greens, Golf Course, in Gurugram. With a growing global presence, the 21 Gun Salute has become a prominent fixture in the vintage motoring calendar. This year, the show will feature an exceptional lineup of 125 rare vintage cars and 50 heritage motorcycles, including revered marques like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Aston Martin. Notably, the exquisite 1939 Delahaye (Figoni et Falaschi) will be one of the main attractions, symbolizing timeless luxury and craftsmanship.

For the first time, three vintage cars—the 1932 Lancin Austura Pininfarina, 1936 AC 16/70 Sports Coupe, and 1948 Bentley Mark 6 Drophead Coupe—will make their debut at the event, adding to the excitement and allure.

Beyond the cars, the event will offer a cultural spectacle, with performances of Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, and folk dances from regions like Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. This cultural immersion enhances the overall experience, making it a celebration of both automotive excellence and India’s rich heritage.

Madan Mohan, Founder and Managing Trustee of the 21 Gun Salute Heritage and Cultural Trust, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s growth, emphasizing its role in positioning India as a key destination for global heritage motoring tourism. “This year’s rally is organized on an unprecedented scale, bringing together rare and exquisite vintage cars and collectors from around the world,” Mohan said.

The event highlights Gurugram’s rising prominence as a hub for vintage car enthusiasts. With world-class infrastructure, a thriving automotive industry, and the presence of luxury car brands, the city is rapidly becoming the center of India’s vintage car culture. Mohan further added, “The 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance enhances India’s global reputation for vintage car tourism, while showcasing the growing passion for classic automobiles in the country.”

As the event unfolds, Gurugram will become the epicenter of nostalgia, elegance, and automotive excellence, drawing enthusiasts from all corners of the world to celebrate vintage motoring history.

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