US consumer confidence fell for the fourth straight month as Americans’ anxiety about their financial futures declined to a 12-year low amid rising concern over tariffs and inflation. The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 7.2 points in March to 92.9. Analysts were expecting a decline to a reading of 94.5, … Read more
As the Centre moves forward with securing parliamentary approval for the Union Budget 2025, the government has introduced a fresh amendment to the Finance Bill 2025. On Monday (March 24), it proposed removing the 6% equalisation levy on online services under direct taxes.” The 6% levy, popularly known as the “Google Tax,” was primarily imposed … Read more
With just over a week left before US President Donald Trump’s proposed reciprocal tariffs come into force, a senior US trade official is set to visit India to discuss bilateral relations. Assistant US Trade Representative (USTR) for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch will lead a delegation to India from March 25-29, according to a … Read more
The top 19 states in India have cut back on capital expenditure while continuing to borrow money for the same. As a result, there’s ₹2.9 lakh crore sitting idle at the end of February 2025, according to data parsed by Emkay Global, a Mumbai-based broking firm. Government capex like the money spent on building affordable … Read more
India has officially crossed 1 billion tonnes of coal production in the current financial year 2024-25, a milestone the Centre confirmed today. CNBC-TV18 had first reported this development yesterday through government sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement as a “proud moment” for India, underscoring the country’s commitment to energy security and self-reliance. “Crossing … Read more
Eight out of twelve companies under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar PV modules are unlikely to meet their targets due to the unavailability of requisite technology for polysilicon-based ingots and wafer, sources indicate. According to sources speaking to CNBC-TV18, over ₹16,000 crore of the scheme’s outlay is expected to remain underutilised. … Read more
India has reaffirmed its engagement with BRICS while making it clear that it is not part of any initiative to undermine the US dollar. This comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s latest warning of a 100% tariff on imports from BRICS nations if they pursue a common currency. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, … Read more
A Parliamentary Committee on Commerce has recommended the implementation of matching tariff reductions that adjust tariffs on raw materials in response to lower import duties on finished goods, ensuring a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. The recommendation comes amid continued pressure from US President Donald Trump to lower tariffs and provide greater market access … Read more
India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $305 million to $654.27 billion in the week ended March 14, marking a more than three-month high, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday. In the previous week, reserves had surged by $15.27 billion—the largest weekly jump since August 2021—partly due to the … Read more
The Indian rupee, after months of weakness, has made a recovery. Having declined nearly 4% between November 2024 and February 2025, the currency has rebounded by 2% from its February lows. While volatility persists, experts believe the worst phase of depreciation is over, with the rupee expected to remain range-bound in the near term. Samiran … Read more