The government invited suggestions from diplomats to shape the roadmap for the event. Officials highlighted India’s shift toward low-carbon production and advanced technologies. Poundrik encouraged global collaboration to strengthen sustainable supply chains. He stressed innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility as core priorities.

India’s strategy focuses on raw material security and faster technology transfer. The sector also promotes green steel production and global partnerships. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said recycled steel can cut emissions by 28 percent. One tonne of scrap saves iron ore and coking coal, supporting cleaner production.

Analysts estimate steel demand will grow around 8 percent in FY26. This growth may add 11–12 million tonnes annually. India’s carbon intensity stands at 2.55 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of steel.

The post India Targets 400 MT Steel Capacity by 2035 appeared first on India Podcast.

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, four labour codes were notified on November 21, 2025. The government expects the supporting rules to come into force in the coming months. These reforms aim to simplify labour regulations, expand formal job creation, and improve workplace protections.

The survey stresses that labour code implementation will also enhance security for women and gig workers. It underlines the need for social security coverage, better working conditions, and clear legal protections for workers in emerging employment models. As the nature of work evolves, policies must adapt to new realities.

Economic Survey 2025-26 further calls for dynamic labour policies and flexible regulatory frameworks. Such measures, it says, will help balance employment expansion with worker welfare. The survey argues that responsive regulation can promote productivity while safeguarding worker rights.

By linking labour reforms with economic growth, the survey positions labour codes as a foundation for inclusive development. Policymakers, employers, and States now face the task of ensuring timely and effective execution to realise these benefits across sectors.

The post Economic Survey 2025-26: Labour Codes Key to Formal Jobs Growth appeared first on India Podcast.

Prepared under Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran, the Economic Survey FY26 notes a sharp rise in capital spending. The share of capex in total central expenditure increased from about 12.5% in FY20 to 22.6% in FY25. Effective capital expenditure as a share of GDP also rose from nearly 2.6% to 4%.

The survey points out that while States face pressure from rising revenue expenditure, the Centre has encouraged capital spending through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure scheme. As a result, States have maintained capex at around 2.4% of GDP.

Markets have responded positively to fiscal discipline. Sovereign bond yields have declined, and spreads over U.S. bonds have more than halved. Credit rating agencies have also rewarded this approach. S&P upgraded India’s rating to BBB, while CareEdge Global assigned a BBB+ rating.

The fiscal deficit fell from 9.2% of GDP in FY21 to 4.8% in FY25 and now targets 4.4% in FY26, reflecting improved expenditure quality.

The post Economic Survey FY26: Govt On Track for 4.4% Deficit appeared first on India Podcast.

Mother of all deals has already drawn global attention, the Prime Minister noted, as the India-EU FTA represents nearly 25 per cent of global GDP and about one-third of global trade. According to him, the scale of the agreement reflects the rising economic strength and global relevance of both India and the European Union.

PM Modi said the deal reinforces shared democratic values such as democracy and the rule of law. He added that the agreement will complement India’s trade arrangements with Britain and EFTA, strengthening India’s global trade network.

Congratulating industry stakeholders, the Prime Minister said the FTA would significantly benefit manufacturing as well as the services sector. He also stressed that the agreement would boost global confidence in India as an investment destination.

Focusing on energy, PM Modi highlighted major investment opportunities across the energy value chain, including oil, gas, and deep-sea exploration under the Samudra Manthan Mission. Negotiations for the India-EU FTA began in 2007 and resumed in 2022, finally culminating in a landmark deal aimed at boosting trade, investment, and shared prosperity.

The post Mother of all deals: PM Modi hails India-EU FTA appeared first on India Podcast.

Services emerged as the main growth driver, expanding by 9.9 per cent at constant prices. Financial services, real estate, professional services, and public administration led the surge. Trade, hotels, transport, communication, and broadcasting services recorded an estimated growth of 7.5 per cent during the year.

Manufacturing and construction posted a combined growth of 7 per cent, while agriculture grew by 3.1 per cent. Real private consumption expenditure rose by 7 per cent, supported by income tax exemptions and GST rate reductions announced in the Union Budget. Gross fixed capital formation increased by 7.8 per cent, reflecting stronger investment activity.

Economic momentum strengthened in FY26, with GDP growth reaching 8.2 per cent in the second quarter. The economy grew at 8 per cent during the first half of the year. Despite global headwinds and US tariff hikes, India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with the IMF projecting growth above 6 per cent in FY26.

The post India’s GDP Growth Seen Rebounding Sharply in FY26 appeared first on India Podcast.

Parliament passed the bill amid opposition protests earlier this week. With presidential approval, the new framework will now guide rural employment and livelihood support across India.

The government says the law aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and long-term rural development. It guarantees up to 125 days of wage employment every year for eligible rural households. Workers will receive wages weekly or within 15 days of task completion.

The scheme focuses on water conservation, rural infrastructure, livelihood assets, and disaster-resilient projects. Planning will begin at the gram panchayat level and scale up to states.

Digital monitoring, biometric authentication, geo-tagging of work, and mandatory social audits have been introduced. A multi-level grievance redressal system, including district-level ombudsmen, will address complaints.

The programme will operate as a centrally sponsored scheme with shared funding between the Centre and states. The estimated annual cost stands at ₹1.51 lakh crore.

The post VB-G Ram G 2025 Becomes Law, President Murmu Clears Landmark Rural Employment Reform appeared first on India Podcast.

The investment momentum continued today with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launching three new projects. He performed the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for Raymond Group projects set up with an investment of ₹1,201 crore. Raymond Group Managing Director Gautam Maini joined the ceremony and appreciated the proactive support from the state leadership.

Chandrababu Naidu stated that Andhra Pradesh would soon establish a major aerospace industry hub in Anantapur district. He highlighted strong industrial potential, well-developed infrastructure, and global investor trust. The decision aims to push the state into the advanced manufacturing and technology sector.

The Chief Minister also said that the ongoing MoUs would provide 20 lakh employment opportunities to young people in the coming years. He expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh would emerge as a national leader in industry, job creation, exports, and futuristic technology sectors.

The post AP Bags Massive Investment Wave at CII appeared first on India Podcast.

Lokesh appreciated the CII and VIT teams for conducting such a meaningful event. He stated that India’s education system must be reshaped to align with its fast-growing economy. According to him, preparing the next generation for advanced skills and innovation is vital for sustained progress.

The Minister remarked that while India is currently working toward a $5 trillion economy, the focus should shift to achieving a $30 trillion goal. He said this ambition reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for transforming India into a global powerhouse.

Lokesh highlighted that true economic growth depends on utilizing human and intellectual capital efficiently. He stressed that reforms, collaboration, and modernization in education will determine India’s future strength and competitiveness in the global economy.

The post Nara Lokesh Sets Bold Vision for India’s $30 Trillion Economy appeared first on India Podcast.

During the meeting, the Finance Minister emphasized the government’s focus on innovation, job creation, and ease of doing business within the MSME ecosystem. Industry members highlighted concerns about credit access, delayed payments, and the need for simplified compliance norms.

Sitharaman assured that the government will continue to prioritize MSMEs in its policy framework. She noted that the sector plays a pivotal role in boosting exports, manufacturing, and self-employment opportunities across India.

The consultation also covered topics such as digital transformation, export promotion, skill development, and green initiatives to ensure MSMEs remain globally competitive.

FM meets MSME stakeholders ahead of Union Budget 2025 as part of a broader effort to align fiscal policy with industry needs and promote sustainable economic growth.

The post FM Meets MSME Stakeholders Ahead of Union Budget 2025 appeared first on India Podcast.

Highlighting tourism growth, he urged that every “Vibrant Village” should evolve into a small tourism hub. Modi encouraged promoting homestays, traditional cuisine, and local culture. He said festivals like Harela, Phooldei, and Nanda Devi Mela showcase the true soul of Uttarakhand and should be promoted worldwide through initiatives like “One District, One Festival.”

Modi also spoke about developing horticulture and MSMEs in the state. He said mountain districts have vast potential for growing kiwis, herbs, and medicinal plants, which can boost food processing and organic industries.

He noted Uttarakhand’s growing role as a film and wedding destination. The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹8,140 crore, spanning water, irrigation, energy, and education sectors.

The post PM Modi’s Vision to Make Uttarakhand the World’s Spiritual Capital appeared first on India Podcast.