India News

India’s gig economy, while expanding rapidly, continues to grapple with low pay, income volatility and limited social security, according to insights from the Economic Survey. The report highlights the growing contribution of gig workers to sectors such as mobility, delivery and digital services, while underscoring persistent structural vulnerabilities. Despite offering flexible employment and expanding labor force participation, gig work often falls short of providing stable earnings and long-term security.

India is steadily repositioning itself within the global aerospace supply chain, moving beyond aircraft maintenance and back-office services to become a competitive exporter of aviation components. Driven by cost efficiencies, a skilled engineering workforce and supportive government policies, Indian manufacturers are supplying critical parts to global aerospace giants. From engine components and aerostructures to avionics and precision machining, the sector is witnessing sustained growth.

As preparations intensify for the Union Budget 2026-27, businesses and investors are closely watching potential changes to customs duties, tax deduction at source (TDS), and the broader direct and indirect tax framework. With economic growth moderating amid global uncertainty, stakeholders expect policy measures that balance fiscal discipline with growth stimulus. Industry bodies are seeking rationalized customs structures to support manufacturing, simplification of TDS provisions to ease compliance, and targeted tax relief to boost consumption and investment.

The Goods and Services Tax Network has issued a fresh advisory clarifying the valuation mechanism for pan masala sold under the retail sale price (RSP) regime. The move aims to remove ambiguity in tax calculation and strengthen compliance in a segment long viewed as high-risk from a revenue perspective. By reiterating RSP-based valuation norms, the advisory seeks to ensure uniform tax treatment, curb under-reporting, and improve transparency across the supply chain.

India’s foreign exchange reserves climbed to USD 701.36 billion, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India, underscoring the country’s improving external position amid global volatility. The increase reflects a combination of valuation gains, stable capital inflows, and effective central bank management of currency markets. Robust reserves enhance India’s ability to cushion external shocks, stabilize the rupee, and meet import obligations comfortably.

India is navigating a pivotal phase marked by steady economic expansion, active policy reform and heightened global engagement. Recent developments point to resilient domestic demand, sustained public investment and a strategic push to strengthen manufacturing and digital infrastructure. At the same time, policymakers are balancing growth priorities with fiscal discipline and social inclusion. From capital markets and infrastructure to technology adoption and geopolitics, India’s trajectory reflects both ambition and pragmatism.

India continues to navigate a defining phase marked by economic resilience, policy recalibration and an expanding global footprint. Recent developments point to steady macroeconomic momentum, renewed focus on infrastructure and manufacturing, and a more assertive diplomatic posture. At home, governance reforms and digital public infrastructure remain central to growth ambitions, while external challenges—from geopolitical volatility to climate pressures—test policy agility.

Women across sectors are increasingly shaping economic growth, public policy and social progress, as new data and initiatives highlight their expanding influence. From rising workforce participation and entrepreneurship to greater visibility in leadership and innovation, recent developments point to a gradual but measurable shift. At the same time, challenges related to health access, wage parity and safety remain central to the public discourse. Policymakers, businesses and civil society groups are responding with targeted programs aimed at inclusion and empowerment.

India’s delivery sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the convergence of e-commerce growth, food delivery expansion, and rising consumer expectations for speed and reliability. From last-mile logistics to hyperlocal services, delivery platforms are scaling operations while investing heavily in technology, warehousing, and workforce optimization. Intensifying competition, coupled with pressure on margins, is forcing companies to rethink pricing models and operational efficiency.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced new measures to simplify client onboarding and enhance risk management protocols across capital markets. The regulatory reforms aim to reduce procedural friction for investors while strengthening compliance, transparency, and operational resilience for intermediaries such as brokers, mutual funds, and fintech platforms. By leveraging technology-driven solutions and standardized processes, SEBI intends to accelerate account openings, minimize operational risk, and safeguard investor interests.