Tag: Economy

National

INDIA MARITIME WEEK 2025: INDIA SETTING BENCHMARKS IN MARITIME GROWTH

Tanisha Cardozo

Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, marking the start of the world’s largest maritime gathering. Held under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision,” the five-day event brings together over 100,000 participants from 85 countries, including 500 exhibitors, 350 speakers, and 12 concurrent conferences and exhibitions.

IMW 2025 highlights India’s maritime resurgence and its vision of transforming the nation into a global maritime leader by 2047. In his inaugural address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the maritime sector represents India’s strength, stability, and sustainability. “This is India’s maritime moment — one that is transforming the Gateway of India into the Gateway of the World,” he declared. Shah noted that India’s strategic location, 11,000 kilometres of coastline, 13 coastal states, and 23.7 lakh square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone provide unparalleled maritime advantages. “Around 60 percent of our GDP is contributed by coastal states, and nearly 800 million people depend on the sea for their livelihood,” he added.

Highlighting India’s growing leadership in the Indo-Pacific, Shah said, “Leveraging its maritime position, democratic stability, and naval capability, India is acting as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and the Global South, fostering development, security, and environmental progress.” He emphasised that the government’s maritime policy, rooted in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aims to strengthen India’s role as a global maritime hub. “India’s maritime strength lies not in competition but in cooperation. Our goal is to build a green maritime future that accelerates growth while maintaining harmony with nature.”

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described IMW 2025 as “a turning point in India’s maritime journey,” highlighting policy reform, digital transformation, and record investments. He noted India currently handles 10 percent of global seaborne trade and aims to triple this by 2047, supported by a fourfold increase in port capacity and development of deep-draft mega ports. India’s port capacity has nearly doubled to 2,700 MTPA, cargo handled has risen to 1,640 MMT, and inland waterways cargo has grown from 6.9 MMT to over 145 MMT in the last decade. The number of Indian seafarers has surged by 200 percent, reaching 3.2 lakh.

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, emphasised India’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and human resource development, noting that India is building a smart, globally competitive maritime ecosystem that empowers industry, protects the environment, and connects Bharat to the world.

The inaugural day featured ministerial plenaries, bilateral meetings, and state-led sessions focused on innovation, sustainability, and investment. Bilateral sessions with Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia explored collaboration in shipbuilding, green ports, and maritime logistics. At the Plenary Session, global maritime leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Liberia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea emphasised cooperation, sustainable innovation, and shared responsibility in advancing a resilient blue economy.

Maritime-rich states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Goa, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands showcased port-led industrial projects, blue economy initiatives, and maritime cluster development plans aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue” provided a platform for diplomats, strategists, and experts to discuss connectivity, sustainability, and ocean governance.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Bhupendrabhai Patel (Gujarat), Dr. Pramod Sawant (Goa), Mohan Saran Majhi (Odisha), Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, alongside global delegates, industry captains, senior officials, and maritime students.

India Maritime Week 2025 continues through October 31, featuring over 100 thematic sessions, CEO roundtables, and ministerial dialogues. The event reflects India’s civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — as it connects global partners through shared maritime aspirations, cementing India’s position as a rising global maritime power.

Human Interest

Dhanteras 2025 Sees ₹1 Lakh Crore Sales as Gold & Silver Demand Surges Despite Record Prices

Tanisha Cardozo

Indian consumers went on a festive shopping spree this Dhanteras, with total spending crossing ₹1 lakh crore, led by an overwhelming demand for gold and silver despite all-time high prices. According to data released by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), ₹60,000 crore worth of gold and silver was sold — a 25% rise from last year’s Dhanteras.

Gold prices peaked at ₹1,32,000 per 10 grams, a record-high that slightly corrected in major markets like Delhi and Mumbai ahead of the big day. Despite the surge, the gold buying frenzy continued, although volumes dipped 10–15% compared to last year. However, the overall transaction value rose sharply, driven by strategic buyers focused on investment over weight.

Silver proved to be the star of Dhanteras 2025. With prices skyrocketing by nearly 55% year-on-year to ₹1,80,000 per kilogram, demand didn’t wane — in fact, it shifted. Industry data shows a 35–40% increase in silver coin sales, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as buyers chose budget-conscious and ceremonial purchases over heavy gold investments. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) described silver’s rise as a “smart, value-focused investment,” especially for gifting and puja purposes.

Pankaj Arora, National President of the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation, noted an “unprecedented rush” across jewellery markets, particularly in Delhi, where gold and silver sales alone crossed ₹10,000 crore.

Beyond bullion, festive shopping remained upbeat across other segments. Utensils accounted for ₹15,000 crore in sales, while electronics and electrical items saw ₹10,000 crore in purchases. Decorative items and religious materials also contributed an additional ₹3,000 crore.

According to GJC Vice Chairman Avinash Gupta, “Average transaction value rose 20–25% despite volume dips. Most encouraging is the surge in silver coin sales in smaller towns — a reflection of value-seeking, resilient consumers.”

Dhanteras 2025 confirmed that Indian consumers remain deeply committed to tradition, and willing to adapt their buying strategy in response to market trends. Even with volatility in bullion prices, sentiment stayed strong — reaffirming gold and silver’s timeless status as both cultural and economic assets.

Business

Maharashtra Government Permits Shops and Establishments to Operate 24×7

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In a significant policy shift, the Maharashtra government has officially allowed shops and commercial establishments to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This landmark decision is aimed at strengthening the retail sector, boosting the state’s economy, and creating more opportunities for both entrepreneurs and workers. It also aligns Maharashtra with global cities that already embrace a 24×7 business culture.

According to the government, the move will:

  • Boost retail and service sector growth by enabling businesses to serve more customers.
  • Generate employment opportunities, especially in the hospitality, retail, and services industries.
  • Provide greater consumer convenience, particularly for professionals and night-shift workers.
  • Enhance tourism and nightlife, making Maharashtra more attractive to visitors.

While the decision has been widely welcomed by the business community, experts highlight the importance of ensuring safety measures, proper staffing, and labor rights as the state transitions into a 24×7 economy.

This progressive step is expected to transform Maharashtra’s economic and social landscape, offering a new era of flexibility and growth.

National

SEMICON India 2025 Concludes with Global Recognition, Reinforces India’s Ascent inthe Semiconductor Industry

Tanisha Cardozo

SEMICON India 2025 concluded on September 4th, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, marking a pivotal chapter in India’s rise as a semiconductor leader. Spanning three days from September 2nd to 4th, the event brought together over 350 exhibiting companies and delegates from 48 countries. With more than 35,000 registrations, 30,000 footfalls, and 25,000 online viewers, the conference showcased the unprecedented scale of global interest in India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

This year’s edition, jointly organized by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and SEMI, the global semiconductor association, became a defining platform for high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships, and technology showcases. The event featured four international pavilions, six country roundtables, and a workforce development pavilion, along with sessions covering chip design, fabrication, display technologies, packaging, research, state-level policy initiatives, and supply chain development.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the conference reflected India’s deep commitment to becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive hub for semiconductors. The Prime Minister not only visited the exhibition floors but also held a closed-door roundtable with top global semiconductor CEOs and CXOs to engage on India’s emerging role in the chip supply chain. In his address, he affirmed, “The day is not far when India’s smallest chip will drive the world’s biggest change,” signaling India’s readiness to transform from a market to a maker of advanced technology.

Throughout the three days, participants engaged in panel discussions, startup showcases, and knowledge exchanges. On the opening day, the Union Minister announced 13 MoUs aimed at building indigenous capabilities across chip design, camera modules, packaging, and talent development. The closing ceremony, led by ISM CEO Shri Amitesh Kumar Sinha and SEMI President Shri Ajit Manocha, featured seven more announcements solidifying India’s semiconductor roadmap.

More than just a technology event, SEMICON India 2025 embodied the spirit of “Design and Make in India,” a forward-looking vision backed by strong policy, global partnerships, and local innovation. As global supply chains diversify and the need for resilient semiconductor ecosystems becomes paramount, India is emerging not only as a strategic partner but as a driver of the digital future.

From Bengaluru to Gandhinagar to Greater Noida and now New Delhi, each edition of SEMICON India has progressively elevated India’s global position. With this year’s success, India sends a strong message: it is no longer catching up—it is shaping the next generation of chip innovation. Backed by reform-driven governance and the long-term vision of the India Semiconductor Mission, the country is poised to lead in the foundational technologies that power tomorrow’s world.

Business

Gold Prices in India Projected to Surge to ₹1,25,000 by 2026: Report

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New Delhi | September 2025

Gold, the world’s most trusted safe-haven asset, may be heading toward a historic high. A recent market analysis predicts that gold prices in India could rise to ₹1,25,000 per 10 grams by 2026, driven by a mix of global and domestic factors.

📌 Key Drivers of the Surge

  1. Global Economic Uncertainty – Rising geopolitical tensions, slowing growth in major economies, and unstable financial markets are pushing investors toward safer assets like gold.
  2. Inflationary Pressures – Persistently high inflation rates across the world are making gold a preferred hedge against currency depreciation.
  3. Strong Domestic Demand – In India, festivals, weddings, and traditional investments continue to drive robust demand for gold, further pushing prices upward.
  4. US Dollar Weakness – Any decline in the strength of the dollar is historically correlated with higher gold prices.

The forecast suggests that gold will remain a reliable wealth-preserving instrument, especially amid market volatility. Analysts advise investors to consider gold as part of a diversified portfolio, though caution that sharp short-term fluctuations cannot be ruled out.

According to bullion experts, the long-term fundamentals remain strong. “Gold has always proven to be a safe-haven asset in uncertain times. The projected surge is in line with historical trends,” said one analyst.

If the projections hold true, Indian households—already among the world’s largest consumers of gold—could see their favorite metal reaching record highs by 2026. For investors and families alike, gold’s glitter may shine brighter than ever in the years to come.

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