India’s coal production surged by 5.33% in December 2024, reaching 97.94 million tonnes (MT), as reported by the Ministry of Coal. This growth highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to meet the country’s rising energy demands and strengthen coal supply chains. Key contributors to this increase include Coal India Limited (CIL), which produced a significant share of the total coal output. The production spike also comes as part of India’s strategy to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on coal imports. Power plants across the country have also improved their coal st
India's GST revenue for December 2024 rose by 7.3% year-on-year, totaling ₹1.77 lakh crore. The breakdown is as follows: Central GST (CGST): ₹32,836 crore State GST (SGST): ₹40,499 crore Integrated GST (IGST): ₹47,783 crore Cess: ₹11,471 crore Domestic transactions contributed ₹1.32 lakh crore, an 8.4% increase. Imports accounted for ₹44,268 crore, up by 4%. In November 2024, GST revenues were higher at ₹1.82 lakh crore, showing an 8.5% annual growth. The peak monthly collection was in April 2024, reaching ₹2.10 lakh crore. For the fiscal year
Foreign inflows into Indian government bonds may decline in 2025 after a record high in 2024. The spike in 2024 was due to the debt being added to JPMorgan's emerging market debt index. Wei Li, head of multi-asset investments at BNP Paribas SA, said, “Foreign inflows in 2025 will remain strong but may not match 2024 levels.” In 2024, overseas investors bought 1.24 trillion rupees ($14.5 billion) worth of Indian bonds under the fully accessible route. This route allows unrestricted foreign investment, and most bonds under it are now part of JPMorgan's index. Li highlighted that in
The Finance Ministry expects the economy to grow by 6.5% in real terms in FY25. In its November economic report, the ministry highlighted a bright growth outlook for October to December. Rural demand remains strong, and urban demand is steadily improving in the first two months of the quarter. India’s GDP growth slowed to 5.4% during July-September, marking a seven-quarter low. The ministry attributed this slowdown to softer public capital expenditure and weaker private investments. Global uncertainties, excess capacity, and fears of dumping further impacted private capex. The ministr
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. This interstate project aims to divert surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River, opening new opportunities for prosperity in the Bundelkhand region. The project was first proposed by the National Water Development Authority (NWDA) in 1995 at an initial cost of ₹1,998.74 crore. Now estimated at ₹44,605 crore, the project will provide drinking water to 4.4 million people in 12 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 2.1 million people across 10 districts in Utt
The UAE has become Africa’s largest investor in new business projects, committing $110 billion between 2019 and 2023, according to The Guardian, citing FT Locations. Of this, $72 billion has been allocated to renewable energy, surpassing investments from the UK, France, and China as traditional investors reduce their spending. African leaders have welcomed the UAE’s growing focus on green energy and infrastructure. Ahmed Aboudouh, associate fellow at Chatham House, commented, “African countries urgently need this money for their energy transitions. However, Emirati investors often pa
Japan’s government announced on Friday that the economy experienced moderate recovery in December but flagged several potential challenges ahead. Key concerns include rising interest rates overseas and shifting U.S. trade policies. Corporate Profits Show Signs of Slowing The government downgraded its assessment of corporate profits for the first time since March 2023, citing a slower pace of recovery. “The economy is recovering moderately, although it appears to be pausing in parts,” the Cabinet Office stated in its monthly report. Outlook Remains Cautiously Optimistic Offic
India’s Product-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, launched in 2020, are transforming the manufacturing and export landscape. With a budget of Rs 1.97 lakh crore (USD 26 billion), the initiative boosts domestic production, exports, and job creation across 14 sectors. Investment and Employment Growth The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reports that PLI schemes have attracted investments worth Rs 1.46 lakh crore (USD 17.5 billion). Production under the initiative has reached Rs 12.5 lakh crore (USD 150 billion), while exports total Rs 4 lakh crore (USD 48 billion). Additionally, the pr
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the ‘Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh’ event, marking one year of Rajasthan’s state government. Addressing the gathering, he congratulated the Rajasthan government and its people on completing a successful year. He praised Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and his team for driving development in the state. PM Modi highlighted the positive impact of these development efforts. He stated that the initiatives will attract investors, create jobs, boost tourism, and benefit farmers, women, and youth in Rajasthan. He emphasized the government’s su
Japan aims for renewable energy to supply 50% of its electricity mix by fiscal 2040. Nuclear power will cover an additional 20%, according to a draft of the revised basic energy policy. This shift is part of Japan’s push for clean energy while meeting rising power demand. As the world’s second-largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a major buyer of Middle Eastern oil, Japan’s energy plans are closely watched by global oil, gas, and coal producers. Thermal power use, especially from inefficient coal-fired plants, will drop from 68.6% in 2023 to 30-40% by 2040. The draf