1) Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said that automobile exports from India rose by 19% to 53.63 lakh units in FY25.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has reported a significant upswing in India's automobile exports during the fiscal year 2024-25. The total number of units shipped overseas reached 53.63 lakh, marking an impressive 19% growth compared to the 45 lakh units exported in the previous fiscal year. This robust performance was primarily driven by strong demand across key segments, including passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles, highlighting the increasing global appetite for 'Made in India' automobiles.
Breaking down the export figures by segment reveals interesting trends. Passenger vehicle exports experienced a substantial 15% increase, reaching 7,70,364 units, achieving its highest ever yearly performance, fueled by the demand for global models manufactured in India. Utility vehicles emerged as a star performer within this category, witnessing a remarkable 54% growth in exports. The two-wheeler segment also demonstrated strong momentum with a 21% rise, reaching 41,98,403 units, attributed to the introduction of new models and expansion into new international markets. Commercial vehicle exports also saw a healthy 23% growth, while three-wheeler exports recorded a modest 2% increase.
SIAM's analysis suggests that the positive export trend is likely to continue, particularly in key markets such as Africa and neighboring countries, where Indian-made vehicles are gaining considerable traction. The improved manufacturing quality in India has also enabled some companies to commence exports to more developed markets, further solidifying India's position as a growing automotive manufacturing hub. This export growth reflects both improved global demand and the increasing competitiveness of the Indian automotive industry on the international stage.
2) The National Electricity Plan projected that India needs energy storage capacity of 16 GW by 2026 & 73.93 GW by 2031.
The National Electricity Plan of India has laid out ambitious targets for energy storage capacity to support the country's growing renewable energy integration. It projects a need for 16 GW of energy storage by 2026 and a significantly larger capacity of 73.93 GW by 2031. This substantial increase underscores the critical role that energy storage is expected to play in ensuring grid stability and the reliable supply of power as India aims to achieve a higher share of intermittent renewable energy sources in its energy mix.
The projected energy storage capacity includes a mix of different technologies, primarily battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped storage plants (PSP). By 2026-27, the plan anticipates a requirement of 8.68 GW/34.72 GWh from BESS and 7.45 GW/47.65 GWh from PSP, totaling 16.13 GW/82.37 GWh. Looking ahead to 2031-32, these figures are expected to rise dramatically to 47.24 GW/236.22 GWh from BESS and 26.69 GW/175.18 GWh from PSP, reaching the total projected capacity of 73.93 GW/411.4 GWh.
These projections signify a strong commitment towards building a robust energy storage infrastructure. The government has also introduced measures such as Energy Storage Obligations (ESO) for obligated entities, mandating a gradual increase in the proportion of energy sourced from storage, with a target of 4% by FY 2029-30. Achieving these ambitious targets will require significant investment and technological advancements, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future for India.
3) DHL to suspend shipments of over $800 to US due to too much paper work amid new tariffs.
DHL has announced a temporary suspension of business-to-consumer shipments valued over $800 to the United States, effective April 21, 2025. This decision comes in response to recent changes in U.S. customs regulations that now require formal entry processing for all shipments exceeding this threshold, a significant decrease from the previous limit of $2,500. DHL cited a substantial increase in the workload associated with these more stringent documentation requirements as the primary reason for this temporary halt, leading to multi-day transit delays for affected shipments.
The new U.S. customs rules, implemented on April 5, 2025, necessitate more detailed paperwork and potentially additional duties for goods valued above $800. This shift from a simplified, informal entry process to a formal one has overwhelmed logistics providers like DHL, which are now grappling with a surge in clearance procedures. While business-to-business shipments exceeding $800 will continue to be processed, they may also experience delays due to the increased volume of formal entries. Shipments with a declared value below $800 for both businesses and consumers remain unaffected by this suspension.
This development has significant implications for e-commerce businesses and individual consumers who frequently import goods into the U.S. valued over $800. The temporary suspension by a major global logistics player like DHL could disrupt supply chains and potentially increase costs or delivery times for certain goods. While DHL has stated that this is a temporary measure as they work to scale up their customs brokerage operations, the duration of the suspension and its broader impact on international trade with the U.S. remain to be seen.
4) Ananya Panday named French luxury brand Chanel's first lndian brand ambassador.
French luxury fashion house Chanel has announced Bollywood actress Ananya Panday as its first-ever Indian brand ambassador. This strategic move signifies Chanel's growing focus on the burgeoning Indian luxury market and its desire to connect with a younger demographic in the country. Panday, known for her prominent presence in Bollywood and her significant social media following, is expected to bring a fresh and youthful appeal to the iconic brand, further enhancing its visibility and desirability among Indian consumers.
Chanel's decision to appoint an Indian ambassador reflects the increasing importance of India as a key market for luxury goods. With a rapidly expanding economy and a growing affluent population, India presents a significant opportunity for luxury brands to tap into a new consumer base. By partnering with a popular Indian celebrity like Ananya Panday, Chanel aims to strengthen its brand presence, build stronger connections with local consumers, and potentially tailor its marketing strategies and product offerings to better resonate with the Indian market.
This appointment is also a significant milestone for Ananya Panday, elevating her status as a fashion icon and aligning her with one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands. It underscores the increasing recognition of Indian talent on the global fashion stage and highlights the growing influence of Indian celebrities in shaping consumer preferences. This collaboration is anticipated to generate considerable buzz and further solidify Chanel's position within the competitive Indian luxury landscape.
5) Kerala becomes 1st state to achieve 100% Digital Literacy with help of 2.57 lakh volunteers to train citizens in use of smartphone, internet banking and social media.
Kerala has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first state in India to attain 100% digital literacy. This remarkable feat was accomplished through a concerted effort involving 2.57 lakh volunteers who dedicated themselves to training citizens in essential digital skills. The comprehensive training program focused on equipping individuals with the knowledge and abilities to effectively use smartphones, navigate internet banking platforms, and engage with social media responsibly. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering its citizens in the increasingly digital world.
The digital literacy campaign in Kerala strategically leveraged a large network of motivated volunteers, highlighting the power of community participation in achieving large-scale social goals. These volunteers played a crucial role in reaching individuals across the state, including those in remote areas, and providing them with hands-on training and support. The curriculum was designed to be practical and relevant to everyday life, enabling citizens to access online services, conduct digital transactions securely, and participate more fully in the digital economy and society.
This achievement positions Kerala as a leader in digital empowerment and sets a benchmark for other states in India. By ensuring that all its citizens possess basic digital literacy, Kerala is fostering greater inclusivity, enhancing access to information and opportunities, and laying the foundation for a digitally empowered society. This initiative is expected to have long-term positive impacts on various sectors, including education, healthcare, governance, and economic development within the state.
6) China installs gold ATM that melts the gold then verifies purity, credits amount in bank account in 30 minutes.
China has introduced an innovative "gold ATM" that streamlines the process of selling gold for cash. Unlike traditional methods that often involve intermediaries and lengthy assessments, this machine offers a direct and relatively quick transaction. Users can insert their gold items into the ATM, where it is then melted down to determine its purity and weight accurately. Based on these measurements and prevailing market prices, the corresponding amount is credited directly to the user's bank account, typically within a 30-minute timeframe.
This technological advancement offers several potential benefits. Firstly, it provides a transparent and efficient way for individuals to liquidate their gold assets, eliminating concerns about potential undervaluation by local jewelers or pawn shops. The automated melting and verification process ensures a more objective assessment of the gold's worth. Secondly, the relatively fast transaction time, with funds credited within half an hour, offers immediate liquidity to sellers. This could be particularly appealing in situations where individuals require quick access to cash.
However, the widespread adoption and long-term viability of these gold ATMs will depend on several factors. Security concerns regarding the machines themselves and the transportation of the melted gold will need to be addressed. Furthermore, the accuracy of the purity assessment technology and its calibration with international gold standards will be crucial for maintaining user trust. The transaction fees associated with using these ATMs will also play a significant role in their attractiveness compared to traditional gold selling methods. Nevertheless, this development represents an interesting intersection of technology and the precious metals market, potentially reshaping how individuals trade gold in the future.
7) Luxury car sales in India are hitting record highs, driven by Gen-Z, salaried professionals, and more women buyers.
Luxury car sales in India are experiencing an unprecedented surge, reaching record highs in recent times. This remarkable growth is being primarily fueled by a confluence of factors, including the increasing purchasing power and aspirational spending of Gen-Z individuals and salaried professionals. Notably, there's also a significant rise in the number of women buyers entering the luxury car market, indicating a shift in traditional ownership patterns and reflecting greater financial independence among women.
Several key trends underpin this boom in luxury car sales. The growing preference for premium and top-end models suggests that Indian consumers are increasingly valuing exclusivity, advanced features, and superior driving experiences. Moreover, the average age of luxury car buyers is declining, with more young professionals and even startup owners opting for high-end vehicles earlier in their careers. This shift is attributed to rising disposable incomes, greater exposure to global luxury trends, and a desire for status symbols that reflect their achievements.
Luxury car manufacturers are keenly observing these evolving demographics and preferences. Many are tailoring their marketing strategies and product offerings to appeal to these new customer segments. This includes incorporating advanced safety features, user-friendly technology, and designs that resonate with younger buyers and women. The increasing demand is not limited to metropolitan cities, as luxury car sales are also picking up in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, highlighting the broader economic growth and increasing affluence across different regions of India.
8) HUL completes buying 90.5% stake in skin care startup Minimalist for ?2,706 cr.
Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has finalized its acquisition of a 90.5% stake in the skincare startup Minimalist for a substantial sum of ?2,706 crore. This all-cash deal, executed through a combination of primary infusion and secondary share purchases, marks a significant move by the FMCG giant to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) beauty and personal care market. Minimalist, founded in 2020, has quickly gained popularity for its ingredient-focused, transparent approach to skincare and haircare products, primarily sold through its own website and major e-commerce platforms.
The acquisition provides HUL with access to Minimalist's innovative product formulations and its digitally savvy customer base, particularly the younger demographic that the startup has successfully engaged. Minimalist has demonstrated impressive financial growth since its inception, with its revenue increasing significantly year-on-year and maintaining profitability. This acquisition aligns with HUL's strategy of expanding its portfolio with agile, digitally native brands that resonate with evolving consumer preferences and complement its existing range of personal care products.
Furthermore, the deal structure includes a provision for HUL to acquire the remaining 9.5% stake in Minimalist in approximately two years. The co-founders of Minimalist will continue to manage the business for the next two years, ensuring continuity and leveraging their understanding of the brand and its consumers. This acquisition is one of the largest in the Indian D2C space in recent years, highlighting the increasing attractiveness of homegrown digital-first brands to established FMCG players looking to tap into new growth avenues.
9) RBI permits minors above 10 years to operate bank accounts independently.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a significant step towards promoting financial inclusion among younger citizens by allowing minors above the age of 10 years to independently operate their bank accounts. This new directive, issued on April 21, 2025, empowers minors to manage their savings and term deposit accounts without the need for a guardian. This revised guideline supersedes previous regulations where minors typically required a parent or legal guardian to operate their accounts.
Under these fresh guidelines, banks are now permitted to allow minors who have completed 10 years of age to open and manage their own accounts, subject to certain conditions. These conditions, which may include stipulations on the amount held in the account and specific operational terms, will be determined by individual banks based on their risk management policies. It is mandatory for banks to clearly communicate these terms and conditions to the young account holders. Furthermore, banks can also extend additional facilities like internet banking, debit cards, and cheque books to these independently operated minor accounts, again based on their internal risk assessment and product suitability.
This move by the RBI is expected to foster financial literacy and responsibility among young individuals from an early age. It also simplifies the process for minors to engage with the formal banking system. Upon attaining the age of majority (18 years), these account holders will be required to provide fresh operating instructions and updated Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation to the bank. Importantly, the RBI has mandated that all minor accounts, whether operated independently or by a guardian, must always maintain a credit balance, prohibiting any overdraft facilities. Banks have been directed to align their policies with these new guidelines by July 1, 2025.
10) Indus Waters Treaty, which granted Pakistan unrestricted use of Indus, Chenab and Jhelum suspended by India.
India has unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement with Pakistan that had been in effect since 1960 and was administered by the World Bank. This treaty granted Pakistan unrestricted use of the waters of the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers, which are crucial for its agriculture and hydropower sectors. India, on the other hand, was given unrestricted use of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. The treaty also allowed India limited use of the western rivers for purposes like power generation and agriculture, without significantly impeding their flow into Pakistan.
The suspension of the treaty comes in the aftermath of a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, with India citing Pakistan's alleged continued support for cross-border terrorism as the primary reason for this drastic step. According to India's External Affairs Ministry, the treaty will be held in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly ceases its support for terrorist activities. This move marks a significant departure from the long-standing commitment to the treaty, which had survived several wars and periods of intense bilateral tension between the two nations.
The implications of this suspension are potentially far-reaching. Pakistan has strongly condemned the move, calling it an "act of war" and raising concerns about its water security, particularly for its agricultural heartland in Punjab and Sindh provinces that heavily rely on the Indus river system. While the immediate physical impact on water flows might be limited by India's current infrastructure, the suspension allows India greater flexibility in utilizing the western rivers and potentially constructing storage facilities, which were previously subject to treaty restrictions and Pakistani objections. This development significantly escalates the geopolitical tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and casts uncertainty over future water-sharing arrangements in the Indus basin.
11) Luxury tax should be imposed on e-commerce shopping: Confederation of All India Traders
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a prominent body representing small and medium-sized businesses in India, has called for the imposition of a luxury tax on e-commerce shopping. CAIT argues that online platforms facilitate the sale of luxury goods and services, and taxing these transactions could generate substantial revenue for the government. They contend that this move would also create a more level playing field for brick-and-mortar retailers, who often face higher operational costs and are subject to various taxes that may not always apply to online sellers.
CAIT's proposal suggests that a specific tax bracket should be defined for goods and services sold through e-commerce platforms that fall under the category of "luxury." The revenue generated from this tax could then be utilized for various developmental purposes or to provide relief to sectors facing economic distress. The traders' body believes that with the increasing penetration of e-commerce in India and the growing consumer appetite for online shopping, particularly for premium products, a luxury tax on these transactions could be a significant source of income for the exchequer.
Furthermore, CAIT posits that the absence of such a tax gives e-commerce players an undue advantage in the luxury segment. By levying a luxury tax on online sales, the government could potentially address this perceived disparity and ensure that all channels of retail contribute equitably to the national economy. This demand reflects the ongoing debate about the tax treatment of online versus offline commerce and the need to adapt tax policies to the evolving retail landscape in India.
12) Indian footwear exports jumped 25% to $5.7 billion in FY25: Report
The Indian footwear industry has demonstrated robust growth in exports, with a significant 25% jump to $5.7 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25. This substantial increase highlights the growing global demand for Indian-made footwear, encompassing both leather and non-leather categories. The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has indicated strong order books and healthy demand from both developed and developing nations, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, suggesting a positive trajectory for the current fiscal year, with exports projected to exceed $6.5 billion.
Several factors have contributed to this impressive export performance. India's established reputation for quality craftsmanship, particularly in leather goods, coupled with increasingly modern manufacturing technologies, positions it as a competitive player in the international market. Government support through initiatives like the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) and the Rebate of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) provides crucial financial incentives to exporters. Moreover, the availability of a skilled workforce and cost-effective production capabilities further enhance India's appeal as a global footwear sourcing hub.
Looking ahead, the Indian footwear industry holds considerable promise. The sector aims for a total turnover of $39 billion by 2030, with a targeted export turnover of $13.7 billion. There is also increasing interest from Chinese investors to collaborate with Indian manufacturers, potentially boosting production and exports further. To capitalize on this growth, the CLE has proposed a 'zero-for-zero' duty in the ongoing bilateral trade agreement discussions with the United States, which could provide a significant boost to exports in this key market.
13) Several Australian Universities have restricted student admissions from six Indian states due to rising student visa fraud.
Several Australian universities have reportedly imposed restrictions on student admissions from six Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir. This decision stems from a significant increase in fraudulent student visa applications originating from these regions. Concerns have been raised by Australian authorities and universities regarding the misuse of student visas, where the primary intention of applicants appears to be immigration rather than genuine academic pursuit. Instances of fake financial documents, fabricated academic records, and inconsistencies in statements of purpose have been cited as key issues.
While there has been no official blanket ban imposed by the Australian government on students from these six states, individual universities are taking their own measures to safeguard the integrity of their international education system. Some institutions have reportedly paused the processing of applications entirely from these states, while others have implemented more stringent scrutiny, including enhanced verification processes and mandatory interviews. This proactive approach by universities is driven by a need to act as gatekeepers, ensuring that admitted students are genuine and that the institutions are not perceived as loopholes for immigration.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has indicated that a notable percentage of Indian student visa applications have been flagged as fraudulent or non-genuine, prompting this heightened level of vigilance. These measures, while aimed at curbing fraudulent activities and protecting the reputation of Australian educational institutions, have created uncertainty and challenges for genuine students from these states. Education consultants and policy experts have cautioned against broad-brush restrictions that could unfairly disadvantage sincere applicants and potentially harm the long-standing educational ties between India and Australia.
14) Govt offers loans up to ?2 cr for vertical farming plus 3% interest subvention.
The Indian government has introduced a significant initiative to promote vertical farming across the country by offering loans of up to ?2 crore to eligible individuals and entities. This financial support aims to encourage the adoption of modern agricultural techniques that maximize space utilization and resource efficiency. Furthermore, the government is providing a 3% interest subvention on these loans, effectively reducing the borrowing cost for those investing in vertical farming setups. This dual benefit of substantial loan amounts and interest relief is designed to make vertical farming more financially viable and attractive to a wider range of potential adopters, including farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural startups.
Vertical farming, an innovative method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers or inclined surfaces, offers numerous advantages, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas where land availability is limited. It allows for higher yields compared to traditional farming methods, reduces water consumption, minimizes the need for pesticides and herbicides in controlled environments, and enables year-round crop production regardless of external weather conditions. By facilitating access to capital through these loans and reducing the financial burden with interest subvention, the government is aiming to overcome the initial investment barriers associated with setting up vertical farming infrastructure, such as multi-tiered structures, controlled environment systems, and specialized lighting.
This initiative aligns with the government's broader goals of promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and increasing farmers' income. By supporting the adoption of advanced technologies like vertical farming, the government envisions creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector, particularly among the youth. The success of this scheme will likely depend on effective outreach to potential beneficiaries, streamlined loan application processes, and the availability of technical guidance and support for those venturing into vertical farming.
15) This year 35 metric tons of sugar to be diverted to ethanol production up from 21.5 metric tons in 2024.
The Indian government is significantly increasing its focus on ethanol production from sugar, with a planned diversion of 35 metric tons of sugar for this purpose in the current year (2025). This marks a substantial 63% increase from the 21.5 metric tons diverted in 2024, underscoring the government's strong push towards its ethanol blending program. This initiative aims to reduce the country's reliance on crude oil imports, save foreign exchange, and provide a boost to the agricultural sector, particularly the sugar industry.
This increased diversion of sugar towards ethanol production comes at a time when overall sugar production in India is projected to decline. Estimates from the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) indicate a 19% drop in sugar production for the 2024-25 season, falling to 25.8 million tonnes from 31.8 million tonnes in the previous year. Similarly, the Indian Sugar and BioEnergy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has revised its net sugar production estimates downwards to 26.4 million tonnes after accounting for the diversion of 3.5 million tonnes of sugar for ethanol. This decrease in sugar production is primarily attributed to lower sugarcane yields in key producing states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh due to erratic weather conditions.
Despite the anticipated decrease in overall sugar output, the government is actively promoting ethanol production by allowing sugar mills to utilize cane juice, sugar syrup, and molasses for ethanol. They have also introduced schemes like interest subventions on loans for setting up ethanol plants and have fixed remunerative prices for ethanol produced from various feedstocks. The goal is to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26, for which an estimated 1016 crore liters of ethanol will be required. While a larger proportion of ethanol production in the current ESY 2024-25 is expected to come from grains like maize, the increased diversion of sugar highlights the crucial role the sugar industry continues to play in India's biofuel program.