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India remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world with an estimated growth of 7.6% in FY26 and is expected to expand by 6.9% in FY27, as per the RBI, and by 6.5%, according to the IMF.
Updated : Apr 17, 2026

BT Explainer: Why India’s economy slipped to the 6th rank according to IMF

A combination of two factors, a change in the base year of the GDP and a falling rupee, has delayed India’s aspirations to turn into a $5 trillion economy.

Beyond economics, Vembu also offered a counterpoint to fears that AI could render human effort obsolete.
Updated : Apr 17, 2026

AI impact: Sridhar Vembu challenges Musk’s no-inflation claim, calls ‘Universal High Income’ dystopian

According to Vembu, Musk’s view rests on two key assumptions: first, that AI will trigger an extraordinary surge in goods and services with minimal human labour; and second, that this abundance would not lead to falling prices.

Proposed by Elon Musk, the concept is an evolution of the universal basic income (UBI).
Updated : Apr 17, 2026

BT Explainer | What is universal high income, why is Musk advocating for it, how will it impact you

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economy at an unprecedented speed, threatening jobs that millions depend on. 

A separate category has been created for banks allowed to import only gold. Currently, Union Bank of India and SBER Bank fall under this segment.
Updated : Apr 17, 2026

Govt updates list of banks allowed to import gold, silver; new norms valid till 2029 

Selected banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI can import both gold and silver, while a few can import only gold. This list will be valid from April 2026 to March 2029.  

India’s sugar production has increased in the ongoing 2025-26 season
Updated : Apr 17, 2026

Sugar output rises 8% to 274.8 lakh tonnes; industry flags MSP, ethanol policy gaps

The sugar sector is pushing for faster progress on ethanol blending, urging the government to move beyond E20 targets amid rising crude prices.

Akasa and SpiceJet planes suffer damage after they came in contact at the Delhi airport
Updated : Apr 17, 2026

BT Explainer: Why are Indian airports seeing frequent wing clip incidents

In the most recent case, wings of a SpiceJet and an Akasa aircraft collided at Delhi airport, damaging both planes. There has been persistent high runway incursion and aircraft proximity rates.

Elon Musk has an idea on how to deal with AI replacing employees
Updated : Apr 17, 2026

Elon Musk's universal high income will bankrupt any nation

“Both of these are classic mistakes made by those who think that there is a finite number of jobs to be done in the world and a finite set of consumer demands," said economist Sanjeev Sanyal.

India drops to 6th in IMF GDP list despite strong growth
Updated : Apr 16, 2026

Growing fast, yet slipping: Why India dropped to 6th in IMF GDP rankings

The shift comes after India briefly overtook the United Kingdom to become the fourth-largest economy.

A key trigger worsening the outlook is the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has disrupted energy markets and tightened financial conditions globally.
Updated : Apr 15, 2026

Global debt to hit 100% of GDP by 2029, warns IMF as war adds fiscal strain

In its latest Fiscal Monitor, the IMF flags a steady deterioration in public finances despite a resilient global economy. Debt levels climbed to nearly 94% of GDP in 2025 and are expected to continue rising, driven by persistent deficits, higher interest costs, and new geopolitical shocks.

India’s exports to the region dipped by $3.5 billion in the month of March 2026.
Updated : Apr 15, 2026

West Asia war: India’s trade with region down, pulls down exports in March 2026

Logistical challenges continue in April but FTAs to come in force later this year and lift trade prospects, says Commerce Secretary.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said the negotiating teams will be meeting in person after a gap of about three to four months.
Updated : Apr 15, 2026

India-US BTA: Indian team to visit Washington from April 20-22

Talks for further discussions on the deal, Section 301 investigations, India’s imports from the US increase in FY26, led by energy and LP imports

Following the violence, Uttar Pradesh announced an interim hike in minimum wages from April 1.
Updated : Apr 15, 2026

BT Explainer: What brought Noida factory workers to fight on streets

Along with stagnant wages, longer working hours, contractual engagement, rising cooking gas and cooked food prices, the absence of a union and collective bargaining has produced a volatile mix

India trade hit: exports to West Asia drop sharply in March
Updated : Apr 15, 2026

Iran war drags down India's trade: Exports to West Asia down by 58% in March

India's imports from the West Asia region declined 51.64 per cent in March

Rs 4,000 crore loan to aviation sector? Here's what the govt is planning
Updated : Apr 15, 2026

India to extend Rs 4,000 crore emergency credit programme to airlines: Report

West Asia war: Indian carriers have cancelled over 10,000 flights since the onset of the West Asia conflict, a senior government official said on April 7.

India’s growth in calendar 2025 was also revised sharply higher by 1.0 percentage point to 7.6%, driven by better-than-expected activity in Q2 and Q3.
Updated : Apr 15, 2026

India growth upwardly revised by 10 bps to 6.5% in FY27 due to US tariff reduction: IMF

The IMF raised India’s growth forecast for calendar 2026 by 3 basis points to 6.5 percent, citing stronger-than-expected momentum carried over from 2025 and easing external trade pressures.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global hydrocarbon supply, faces potential disruption alongside damage to key production facilities.
Updated : Apr 14, 2026

Strait of Hormuz closure threatens global economy, IMF warns

Prior to the war, the IMF said it was poised to upgrade its forecasts, supported by strong technology investment, easing trade tensions, fiscal support, and accommodative financial conditions.

CITU has been supporting the industrial strikes in Haryana and has called for a demonstration on April 16.
Updated : Apr 14, 2026

From Noida to Manesar: Anger over low pay sparks labour unrest, call for uniform minimum wages in four states

Trade union leaders highlight the surging cost of living, prices of LPG cylinders, say need to protect workers’ rights, greater accountability of employers

Shailesh Chandra said Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles saw a 20–25% surge in EV demand in March amid the West Asia conflict.
Updated : Apr 14, 2026

EV demand surges 20-25% amid West Asia war: Shailesh Chandra

If fuel prices increase, there will be uptick in demand for electric vehicles, says SIAM president Shailesh Chandra

SEZ export relief: CBIC clears faster handling of disrupted shipments
Updated : Apr 14, 2026

Strait of Hormuz blockade: Govt clears faster rerouting of SEZ export cargo

Customs officer may allow movement of cargo out of the port for return to the exporter or for re-routing

Following violent protests in Noida, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has approved a revision in minimum wages across all worker categories.
Updated : Apr 14, 2026

Why Noida got the biggest wage hike in UP after protests

As per the official wage chart, unskilled workers in Noida and Ghaziabad will see their monthly wages rise from ₹11,313 to ₹13,690, while semi-skilled workers’ wages increase from ₹12,445 to ₹15,059. Skilled workers will now earn ₹16,868, up from ₹13,940.

Govt estimates show the programme saves ~4.5 crore barrels of crude annually and ₹1.65 lakh crore in forex.
Updated : Apr 14, 2026

Petrol may soon have more ethanol: What it means for your car

Heavy Industries Additional Secretary Hanif Qureshi said the govt is committed to expanding biofuels, with BIS allowing a ±1% blending variation — effectively up to 21%.