GDP

Moody's raised India's fiscal year GDP forecast to 7 percent, highlighting strong economic momentum and resilience amid global challenges.

The International Monetary Fund has evaluated the economic trajectory of Asia amid compounding challenges, including energy shocks, artificial intelligence disruptions, and trade uncertainties. While regional economies have shown resilience by diversifying energy imports and advancing trade pacts, escalating fuel prices continue to exert inflationary pressures, requiring central banks to prioritise price stability. Research across nineteen Asian economies indicates that artificial intelligence has reduced labor demand in exposed sectors by ten percent, though demand for specialized technical skills is simultaneously reshaping the workforce rather than causing wholesale job displacement. Significant divergence in technological preparedness exists across countries, underscoring the urgency for digital infrastructure investments and workforce reskilling. Amid widespread global volatility, India's growth projection for the financial year has been upgraded to seven percent, supported by strong economic momentum. However, downside risks persist, including prolonged energy price spikes, potential corrections in the artificial intelligence cycle, rising sovereign debt, tighter borrowing conditions, and climate disruptions stemming from severe weather phenomena like El Niño.

The International Monetary Fund has revised Asia's growth forecast to 4.8 per cent for the current year and 4.4 per cent for next year, reflecting the combined impact of energy shocks, shifting global trade patterns, and artificial intelligence disruption. While Asian economies have demonstrated resilience through diversification and monetary tightening, rising oil and gas prices continue to pose inflationary risks across import-dependent nations. Central banks have been advised to maintain a focus on price stability and preserve agility. On technological change, analysis reveals an initial ten per cent drop in employer demand within artificial intelligence-exposed sectors across nineteen Asian economies, followed by stabilization and increased demand for specialized skills. India's growth projection for fiscal year 2027 has been upgraded to seven per cent, supported by strong economic momentum. However, persistent regional risks remain, including ongoing energy market disruptions, sovereign debt pressures, tightening financial conditions, and climate challenges such as El Niño, alongside the necessity for domestic factor market reforms.

The Prime Minister held a key economic review meeting to evaluate India's economic progress and discuss the roadmap ahead towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the meeting alongside members of the Economic Advisory Council. Discussions centred on India's GDP growth rate, economic policies, upcoming budget preparations, and a crucial trade deal underway with the United States. Key priorities highlighted also included boosting youth employment, multiplying growth, and addressing domestic economic concerns through planned policy measures.

Indian equity markets witnessed strong bullish momentum with the Sensex advancing over 1,300 points and the Nifty closing near the 23,000 mark, driven by IT and private banking stocks despite global tech softness. Market analyst Sharad Awasthi shared a positive outlook, assigning high probability to an ongoing recovery and targeting Nifty levels of 29,000 to 30,000 over 12 to 15 months. In major corporate developments, Reliance Industries filed the red herring prospectus for the Rs 30,213 crore Jio Platforms initial public offering, scheduled for subscription between October 21 and 23. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court set aside Yes Bank's AT1 bond write-off, and the central government proposed a phased rollout of Bharat Stage VII vehicle emission norms starting from 2029 through 2032. Additionally, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed the finalisation of the first tranche of the India-US trade agreement, while the IMF endorsed India's revised GDP methodology.

A debate on India First, anchored by Gaurav Sawant, examined allegations of foreign-funded student protests aiming to destabilise India's economic growth. Congress spokesperson Mohan Kumar Mangalam firmly rejected claims of foreign interference, stating that 'dissent does not mean sedition' and cautioned against leveling unverified accusations without hard investigative evidence from agencies like the ED or NIA. He defended citizens' rights to peacefully demonstrate against electoral irregularities and state crackdowns. BJP national spokesperson Sanju Verma countered by presenting India's macroeconomic metrics, including projected 7% GDP growth, while accusing opposition narratives of weaponising foreign-backed agendas. She emphasised that under Article 19, the right to protest is subject to reasonable restrictions regarding public order, morality, and security personnel safety. The anchor concluded by reiterating that while democracy guarantees every citizen a voice, protests must remain peaceful and institutional disagreements belong within courts of law rather than street clashes.

The International Monetary Fund has raised India's GDP growth forecast to seven percent, citing sustained momentum, expanding domestic markets, and structural reforms. However, domestic headlines remain dominated by intense political confrontations and street agitations. A report points to an alleged transnational network led by US businessman Neville Roy Singham funding left-wing organizations to amplify unrest in India. Visuals of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra marching alongside student activists have triggered questions over ideological alliances. Concurrently, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain, and advocate Harish Salve flagged non-military threats and claimed external entities seek to disrupt India's economic ascent through social media manipulation, agitation funding, and cyber operations.

The Indian rupee strengthened by 60 paise against the US dollar to open at 95.17, recovering from recent 97 levels following reserve interventions by the Reserve Bank of India. In commodities, MCX silver dropped by 600 rupees to 2.22 lakh rupees per kilogram, while gold traded flat at 1.49 lakh rupees per 10 grams. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund raised India's FY27 economic growth forecast to 7% from 6.4%, while trimming China's outlook and warning about stretched global resilience and tight energy supplies. Dalal Street witnessed a weak start as the Nifty slipped below 22,300, even as IT stocks gained over 1.5% led by Tata Consultancy Services and HCLTech. Additionally, Tata Motors finalised an execution pact with Stellantis to manufacture passenger vehicles, including a prospective Jeep SUV based on the Tata Sierra platform, for more than 50 international export markets.

The International Monetary Fund has projected India's economic growth at 7% in 2026, keeping it as the world's fastest-growing major economy. The projection outpaces China, which is estimated to grow at 4.5%, as well as the United States and European economies. The IMF projected global economic growth at 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, with global inflation expected to reach 4.7% due to higher energy and food prices. India's stronger economic outlook is supported by robust domestic demand and services activity, representing an upward revision from earlier forecasts despite ongoing global energy shocks and elevated oil prices.

A discussion on Maharashtra's development trajectory highlights major infrastructure milestones, including the Mumbai Coastal Road, Atal Setu, and the Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg. The session addresses ongoing road concretisation in Mumbai, noting that seventy percent of roads are completed and the remaining will be made pothole-free within a year under a two-phase plan. The conversation also reviews government support initiatives such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana, skilling centres replicated from Gadchiroli across all districts, and job-oriented programmes like Mission Khaki. Addressing opposition charges on voter roll revisions, examination irregularities, and civic infrastructure delays, the discussion underlines Maharashtra's leading position in foreign direct investment, gross domestic product, and industrial growth while focusing on youth employment and self-reliance.

In an exclusive interview, former NITI Aayog CEO and ex-G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant reflected on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administrative philosophy and transformative governance model. Recalling their early interactions over Dholera City, Kant emphasized Modi's risk appetite and willingness to think big, noting how the Prime Minister dismantled the Planning Commission to build outcome-oriented institutions and foster competitive federalism. Kant pointed to flagship initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, the Production Linked Incentive scheme, and India's G20 Presidency, detailing how Modi empowered bureaucrats by setting clear strategic visions while leaving execution details entirely to administrators. Looking ahead to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 amidst global supply chain disruptions and technological disruption, Kant stressed that India's leapfrog into a $30-plus trillion developed economy hinges on digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and clean energy missions like green hydrogen.

In this India Today broadcast anchored by Gaurav Sawant, the programme reviews the completion of 25 years of Narendra Modi in public governance, encompassing 13 years as Chief Minister of Gujarat and 12 years as Prime Minister of India.

On The Business Today Show, anchor Sakshi Batra reviews key developments across financial markets and the Indian economy. Dalal Street recorded a strong rebound as the Nifty gained 220 points to close at 22,776, supported by broader market strength in small-caps, mid-caps, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and private banks. Market expert Ambarish Baliga shares insights on market valuations, a drop in crude oil prices, and reports of Jio Platforms planning India's largest-ever initial public offering at a revised 114 billion dollar valuation. Meanwhile, domestic airlines have approached the government seeking tax relief and fuel price stabilization amid West Asia airspace disruptions and jet fuel spikes. Additionally, the Union Cabinet sanctioned integrated transport logistics measures and a 10,000 crore rupee SME growth fund. Finally, Business Today Group Editor Sidharth Zarabi engages with the World Bank following its upgrade of India's economic growth forecast to 7.1 percent, highlighting the dichotomy between rising employment figures and the scarcity of quality jobs.

A comprehensive panel discussion examined the evolving framework of global commerce, focusing on the proposed India-European Union free trade agreement and strategic bilateral relations. The dialogue addressed market access terms covering over two billion people and a quarter of global gross domestic product, with India offering ninety-two point five per cent of tariff lines and the European Union opening ninety-seven per cent, encompassing more than ninety per cent of bilateral trade value. Participants reviewed challenges regarding weaponised tariffs, supply chain disruptions, trade imbalances with China, stalled negotiations with the United States, and the shift from multilateral institutions such as the World Trade Organization toward bilateral agreements. The session also evaluated India's bilateral investment treaty framework, clean energy transitions, small modular nuclear reactors, and the implications of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Crucial attention centred on maritime security risks across the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, shipping insurance costs, fertilizer import expenses, agricultural safeguards, economic autonomy, and regulated migration and student mobility.

Speaking on trade negotiations and agreements, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted India's strategic approach to bilateral trade pacts while navigating global trade pressures. Addressing discussions surrounding the proposed India-EU trade pact, termed the mother of all deals, Sitharaman noted that the agreement covers two billion people and a quarter of global GDP, with both sides opening more than 90% of tariff lines and value while safeguarding sensitive agricultural sectors. Remarking on broader global tensions, she stated that 'tariff has become weaponised' instead of serving merely as an instrument of negotiation within established frameworks. Regarding ongoing talks with the United States, Sitharaman pointed out that negotiations remain rigorous, with both sides navigating an existing trade balance that is in India's favour. She also highlighted the exponentially growing trade imbalance with China since 2014, emphasising that despite severe discrepancies, resolving trade imbalances ultimately requires structured negotiation and mutual give-and-take rather than unilateral weaponisation of tariffs.

On the Business Today Show, anchor Sakshi Batra tracks closing action across Dalal Street as the Nifty slips 95 points to end near 22,620 and Sensex trades weak under pressure from elevated crude oil prices and global bond yield spikes. Market expert Pankaj Pandey analyses persistent equity market volatility, rate hike expectations from the Reserve Bank of India, credit quality concerns in the microfinance space, and emerging opportunities in railway and premium consumption stocks. The broadcast reviews Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's scheduled meeting with traders over the proposed 0.4% UPI merchant discount rate fee. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government declares 265 talukas drought-hit, directing banks and financial institutions not to harass farmers for crop loan recoveries while announcing a 10% urban water cut. Additionally, the Union Cabinet approves a 1.86 lakh crore rupee outlay for rabi minimum support price increases, including hikes for wheat and safflower, alongside the PM Dhara renewable scheme approval.

On the Business Today Show, host Sakshi Batra tracks Dalal Street closing action alongside key corporate developments. Top global rating agencies, including S&P, Fitch, ADB, and Moody's, have raised India's FY27 economic growth projections to around 7%, triggering a rally across domestic equities. Sensex and Nifty closed firmly higher, led by gains in metals, real estate, FMCG, and PSU banking stocks. Market expert Abhishek Basumallick discusses how global rating revisions impact sentiment, the influence of elevated crude oil prices hovering near 100 dollars a barrel, and investment opportunities in the metals and consumption sectors. Additionally, the broadcast reveals that no retail petrol or diesel price hikes are planned by the Indian government despite rising crude volatility. The report also highlights corporate updates, including Airtel Money's planned London Stock Exchange listing, Microsoft job cuts across Xbox teams, and significant single-day moves in shares of Whirlpool India and Optiemus Infracom ahead of the upcoming National Stock Exchange listing.

S&P Global Ratings has raised India's GDP growth forecast for financial year 2026-27 by 40 basis points to 7.0 per cent, revising its previous projection of 6.6 per cent upward. The rating agency cited robust industrial activity, healthy domestic consumption, strong goods exports, and accelerating government investment during the first quarter as primary drivers for the revision. Economists at S&P Global also project the Reserve Bank of India's rate-setting panel to hike the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent. The revised projection exceeds the Reserve Bank of India's estimate of 6.7 per cent and matches forecasts from agencies like Moody's. Analysts noted that India continues to maintain economic resilience despite external headwinds, including geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, the Russia-Ukraine war, global trade tariffs, and elevated crude oil prices.

Indian equity markets opened on a steady note above 23,400 levels, supported by gains in financial and banking stocks alongside broad-based sector participation. S&P raised India's FY27 GDP growth forecast by 40 basis points to 7 per cent, citing robust industrial activity, strong exports, and government spending, while projecting a repo rate hike by the Reserve Bank of India. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court raised serious concerns over the significant gap between the price to retailer (PTR) and the maximum retail price (MRP) of essential and life-saving medicines, questioning why more drugs are not covered under the drug price control order. Pharma companies, represented in court, cited research and development alongside marketing expenses for the variance in pricing. Additionally, global geopolitical developments remained in focus as Donald Trump highlighted sweeping tariff authorities and expressed support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Speaking at the India Today Roundtable, CPI(M) State Secretariat member and former Kerala minister MB Rajesh addressed the Left Democratic Front's recent electoral setback and detailed the party's introspection process. Rajesh stated that the Left conducted thorough reviews from the grassroots to the top level, identifying both objective and subjective factors behind the election results. Defending the Left's legacy, he highlighted major achievements in infrastructure development through KIIFB, high per-capita GDP growth, and strong education indicators. He dismissed allegations against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by central agencies, claiming the Enforcement Directorate is being used as a political weapon. Rajesh further alleged that the Congress-led UDF government acts as the 'B team of BJP' on key policy decisions. Asserting that the Left's core mass base remains intact, he maintained that the party will continue grassroot struggles and make a strong political comeback across Kerala and West Bengal.