Donald Trump's aggressive tariff threats under his 'America First' policy have triggered global trade anxieties. Indian exporters and logistics firms brace for disruptions as reciprocal tariffs loom. Experts predict significant challenges to India's trade resilience and supply chain stability. Stakeholders remain divided on the long-term impact on India's economic and logistical landscape.

What Trump's 'America first' policy means for India’s supply chain

Sensex and Nifty recorded a jump of nearly 1.7% intraday on Thursday. Mumbai-based Sensex rose over 1,300 points to hit the day's high of 79,827 while Nifty jumped over 400 points to hit its intraday high of 24,151.90. Top Sensex gainers included Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Maruti Suzuki India and Mahindra and Mahindra while Eicher Motors was top Nifty gainer.

Sensex jumps over 1,300 points intraday, Nifty up 1.7%

JNPA has awarded a ₹284 crore contract to Man Infraconstruction-Trident Agrocom Exports consortium for development of an export-import cum domestic agriculture commodity-based processing and storage facility at JNPA. Once operational, the facility is expected to handle about 1.2MT of cargo annually. It will cater to agricultural commodities of Maharashtra as well as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

JNPA awards ₹284 crore contract to Man Infraconstruction

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar on Thursday despite aggressive intervention by the RBI. Persistent foreign fund outflows, a sharp rise in the US dollar index, and higher 10-year Treasury bond yields dampened rupee sentiments. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded ₹1,782.71 crore in the capital markets on a net basis on Wednesday, according to exchange data.

Rupee weakens as US dollar strengthens, FII outflows persist

MBA graduate Yogesh Raghuwanshi from Madhya Pradesh left his corporate career to pursue farming, starting with a modest 50-acre farm. He embraced innovation, diversified crops, and implemented sustainable practices despite initial setbacks. He has built a thriving agricultural enterprise. He advises farmers to look at various markets, modernise their techniques, and not focus on monoculture. 

Madhya Pradesh MBA graduate quits corporate job to pursue farming

India saw vehicle retail sales increase by at least 9 percent in 2024 (year-on-year) to cross 26 million units. This surpasses the pre-Covid peak of 25.4 million units in a single year in 2018. Industry experts said that the key aspects to watch out in 2025 will be government’s focus on infrastructure spend and growth in end use segments.

Vehicle sales in India up 9%, crossed 26 million units in 2024

The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, attracting 40 core pilgrims. Extensive preparations are underway, including infrastructure development for roads, sanitation, and housing. The event holds deep spiritual significance, offering cleansing and moksha through ritual baths at the confluence of sacred rivers.

Kumbh Mela 2025: Prayagraj set for 40 cr pilgrims, Jan 13-Feb 26

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the agriculture and allied sector is expected to grow by 3.5-4% in 2024-25, a significant improvement from the 1.4% growth recorded in FY24. Chouhan expressed confidence in India’s growth under PM Narendra Modi, highlighting rural welfare initiatives as key contributors to this progress.

Agriculture sector projected to grow 3.5-4% in 2024-25: Chouhan

Bajaj Auto has overtaken Ola Electric to claim top position in India’s electric two-wheeler market, holding a 25% market share as of December 2024. The success of the cost-efficient Chetak 35 series, featuring a 45% reduction in production costs, played a pivotal role. Meanwhile, Ola Electric’s market share dropped to 19%, reflecting intensified competition from Bajaj, TVS, and Ather Energy.

Bajaj Auto overtakes Ola Electric as top electric 2-wheeler firm

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a beneficiary name lookup feature for NEFT and RTGS transactions to prevent incorrect fund transfers. This facility will enable users to verify beneficiary details before completing a transaction, enhancing the security and accuracy of digital payments. Banks are required to implement the system by April 1, 2025.