India

India’s seafood industry, a major pillar of the country’s agri-export basket, is facing renewed headwinds as the United States considers higher import tariffs on certain marine products. The US, which accounts for nearly one-third of India’s seafood exports, remains a vital market for shrimp and frozen fish. However, with protectionist trade measures tightening, exporters are exploring opportunities in Japan, China, the European Union, and West Asia to diversify their customer base.

India is intensifying its commitment to sustainable urban development by promoting climate-resilient infrastructure across cities. With rapid urbanization posing severe environmental challenges, policymakers are increasingly focusing on green buildings, low-carbon transport, and water-efficient systems. Supported by domestic policy reforms and international financing, the government aims to integrate sustainability into city planning, energy use, and waste management.

In a mixed development for consumers and industries alike, the government announced a hike in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices while simultaneously reducing domestic LPG cylinder rates, marking the latest round of monthly fuel price revisions. The contrasting adjustments reflect global crude market trends and domestic demand considerations. The ATF price increase is expected to raise operational costs for airlines, while the LPG rate cut will bring partial relief to households ahead of the festive season.

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue climbed to Rs 1.96 lakh crore in October 2025, marking a robust 13% year-on-year increase, underscoring the resilience of domestic consumption and improved tax compliance. This performance, one of the highest monthly collections since the GST regime’s inception in 2017, reflects sustained manufacturing activity, festive season spending, and digitized compliance measures introduced by the government.

In a move aimed at ensuring seamless implementation of India’s accelerated market settlement framework, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has extended the deadline for Qualified Stock Brokers (QSBs) to comply with the T+0 settlement cycle. The decision reflects the regulator’s commitment to balancing market modernization with operational preparedness, as it pushes toward real-time settlements in the near future.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has urged the government to introduce a comprehensive set of tax reforms in the upcoming Union Budget 2025, focusing on easing compliance, broadening the tax base, and stimulating private investment. The chamber emphasized the need to rationalize personal income tax slabs, reduce corporate tax complexities, and streamline GST structures to enhance competitiveness and investor confidence.

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) posted a robust 15.3% year-on-year sales growth in October, fueled by festive-season demand and improved consumer sentiment across the passenger vehicle segment. The company sold 9,400 units domestically, compared to 8,150 units in the same month last year, marking a steady recovery in its performance. Backed by new launches and enhanced production efficiency, Honda continues to strengthen its foothold in the Indian automobile market amid evolving consumer preferences and intensifying competition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged global business leaders to invest in India’s rapidly growing shipping and maritime sector, highlighting the country’s transformation into a global trade and logistics hub. Addressing international CEOs, Modi emphasized India’s strategic location, expanding port infrastructure, and strong policy framework under initiatives such as Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030. The Prime Minister outlined investment opportunities in shipbuilding, port modernization, coastal shipping, and green maritime technology.

India Maritime Week 2025 marked a transformative milestone for the nation’s shipping and port ecosystem, with memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 12 lakh crore signed across multiple sectors, including port modernization, logistics, shipbuilding, and renewable energy integration. The event underscored India’s commitment to advancing its blue economy, improving maritime infrastructure, and enhancing global trade competitiveness.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has spotlighted the remarkable transformation of India Post, emphasizing its evolution from a traditional mail service into a modern, technology-driven institution at the heart of India’s financial and digital inclusion. Speaking at a recent event, Scindia noted that India Post’s extensive network, digital infrastructure, and financial services have become vital components of the government’s vision for a connected, inclusive economy.