Shyam Plastic Industries Right

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Parth Engineers & Consultant Bottom

Shyam Plastic Industries Bottom

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<h2 data-start="197" data-end="268">Union Budget 2026-27: What It Truly Means for the Common Citizen</h2>
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman&rsquo;s Union Budget 2026-27 walks a careful line between offering immediate relief to households and managing a stretched fiscal balance in an increasingly uncertain global environment. While the headline-grabber is clear tax relief for individuals earning up to ₹12.75 lakh, the deeper story lies in rising borrowing, heavy dependence on small savings, and a stubbornly high debt-to-GDP ratio.
For the common citizen, the Budget offers comfort in the short term but also raises uncomfortable questions about sustainability.
<h2 data-start="859" data-end="896">Big Spending, Bigger Questions</h2>
For 2026-27, the Centre has pegged total expenditure at ₹53.5 lakh crore, against non-debt receipts of ₹36.5 lakh crore. The gap will be bridged through borrowing and interest income from small savings, underlining a structural mismatch between income and expenditure.
The government has allocated ₹17 lakh crore as capital expenditure, roughly ₹4 lakh crore higher than 2023-24. At first glance, this seems ambitious. However, when adjusted for cumulative inflation over the last three years, the real increase is far more modest.
Capital spending remains growth-supportive, especially in infrastructure, logistics, energy security and city economic regions. Yet, in inflation-adjusted terms, the push is closer to incremental rather than transformational. The Budget signals continuity, not acceleration.
<h2 data-start="1745" data-end="1798">Higher Borrowing: Necessary, But Not Cost-Free</h2>
To finance the fiscal deficit, the government plans gross market borrowings of ₹17.2 lakh crore, with net borrowings at ₹11.7 lakh crore. The rest will come from small savings and other sources.
This strategy has three implications:
<ul data-start="2047" data-end="2217">
<li data-start="2047" data-end="2095">
Rising interest burden in future budgets
</li>
<li data-start="2096" data-end="2161">
Crowding out of private investment, if bond yields harden
</li>
<li data-start="2162" data-end="2217">
Reduced fiscal flexibility during future shocks
</li>
</ul>
While the fiscal deficit has been pegged at 4.3% of GDP, slightly lower than last year&rsquo;s 4.4%, it is still well above the pre-pandemic comfort zone. Borrowing is being used to sustain growth momentum, but it also postpones hard fiscal choices.
<h2 data-start="2477" data-end="2522">Debt-to-GDP at 55%: How Serious Is It?</h2>
The Budget estimates debt-to-GDP at 55.6% in 2026-27, marginally lower than 56.1% in the revised estimate of 2025-26.
In isolation, this number is not alarming. Many large economies operate with far higher ratios. However, India&rsquo;s concern lies in interest payments, which consume a large share of revenue.
A debt ratio above 55% means:
<ul data-start="2879" data-end="3030">
<li data-start="2879" data-end="2922">
Less room for counter-cyclical spending
</li>
<li data-start="2923" data-end="2982">
Higher vulnerability to global interest rate volatility
</li>
<li data-start="2983" data-end="3030">
Persistent pressure to maintain high growth
</li>
</ul>
The government&rsquo;s bet is clear: grow fast enough to outpace debt. This strategy works only if growth remains durable, inclusive and investment-led.
<h2 data-start="3189" data-end="3233">Tax Relief: Reality Versus Perception</h2>
The centrepiece of Budget 2026 remains the new tax regime.
With wider slabs, a Section 87A rebate of up to ₹60,000, and a standard deduction of ₹75,000, salaried taxpayers earning up to ₹12.75 lakh effectively pay zero income tax.
But does this apply to everyone?
In reality:
<ul data-start="3538" data-end="3728">
<li data-start="3538" data-end="3594">
Only those opting for the new tax regime qualify
</li>
<li data-start="3595" data-end="3677">
Individuals with significant deductions under the old regime may still pay tax
</li>
<li data-start="3678" data-end="3728">
Non-salaried taxpayers may see limited benefit
</li>
</ul>
This is real relief, but not universal relief. The government has chosen simplicity over generosity, signalling its preference for a low-rate, low-deduction system.
<h2 data-start="3913" data-end="3951">Old Tax Regime: A Clear Message</h2>
The old tax regime once again saw no meaningful expansion in deductions under Sections 80C, 80D or housing loans. This effectively nudges taxpayers away from the deduction-heavy framework.
The message is unmistakable: The old regime is being phased out through neglect, not announcement.
For many middle-class families with insurance, education and housing commitments, this is a disappointment.
<h2 data-start="4371" data-end="4418">Three Kartavyas and the Reform Narrative</h2>
The Finance Minister framed the Budget around three Kartavyas:
<ol data-start="4488" data-end="4632">
<li data-start="4488" data-end="4535">
Accelerate and sustain economic growth
</li>
<li data-start="4536" data-end="4582">
Fulfil aspirations and build capacity
</li>
<li data-start="4583" data-end="4632">
Ensure inclusive access to opportunities
</li>
</ol>
This vision is supported by an emphasis on:
<ul data-start="4678" data-end="4796">
<li data-start="4678" data-end="4704">
Structural reforms
</li>
<li data-start="4705" data-end="4740">
Financial sector resilience
</li>
<li data-start="4741" data-end="4796">
Use of AI and emerging technologies in governance
</li>
</ul>
Over 350 reforms since 2025 including&nbsp;GST simplification, labour codes and deregulation form the backbone of this narrative.
<h2 data-start="4937" data-end="4988">Manufacturing, MSMEs and Infrastructure Push</h2>
Under the first Kartavya, interventions target:
<ul data-start="5039" data-end="5226">
<li data-start="5039" data-end="5084">
Seven strategic manufacturing sectors
</li>
<li data-start="5085" data-end="5118">
Legacy industries revival
</li>
<li data-start="5119" data-end="5155">
Creation of &lsquo;Champion MSMEs&rsquo;
</li>
<li data-start="5156" data-end="5198">
Infrastructure and energy security
</li>
<li data-start="5199" data-end="5226">
City Economic Regions
</li>
</ul>
While announcements are broad, execution will determine whether these translate into jobs, exports and productivity gains.
<h2 data-start="5361" data-end="5400">Services Sector: The Quiet Pivot</h2>
A notable shift is the renewed focus on the services sector, with plans to create a High-Powered Education-to-Employment Committee.
The aim is ambitious: 10% global share in services by 2047
The Committee will assess AI&rsquo;s impact on jobs, skill gaps and export potentialan acknowledgment that future employment growth will be skill-driven, not subsidy-driven.
<h2 data-start="5792" data-end="5827">Inclusion and Regional Focus</h2>
The third Kartavya sharpens attention on:
<ul data-start="5871" data-end="6009">
<li data-start="5871" data-end="5899">
Farmer income growth
</li>
<li data-start="5900" data-end="5930">
Divyangjan empowerment
</li>
<li data-start="5931" data-end="5959">
Mental health access
</li>
<li data-start="5960" data-end="6009">
Purvodaya states and North-East development
</li>
</ul>
These are targeted rather than populist measures, indicating a shift from universal schemes to focused interventions.
<h2 data-start="6143" data-end="6186">Trade, Fisheries and Small Exporters</h2>
The Budget removes customs duty on fish catch in India&rsquo;s EEZ and High Seas, treating landings at foreign ports as exports.
It also removes the ₹10 lakh cap on courier exports, a significant boost for:
<ul data-start="6402" data-end="6459">
<li data-start="6402" data-end="6416">
Artisans
</li>
<li data-start="6417" data-end="6432">
Start-ups
</li>
<li data-start="6433" data-end="6459">
E-commerce exporters
</li>
</ul>
This is a quiet but meaningful step towards export democratisation.
<h2 data-start="6539" data-end="6561">The Bottom Line</h2>
Union Budget 2026-27 offers measured optimism.
<ul data-start="6615" data-end="6824">
<li data-start="6615" data-end="6653">
Tax relief is real but selective
</li>
<li data-start="6654" data-end="6724">
Capital spending supports growth but struggles against inflation
</li>
<li data-start="6725" data-end="6782">
Borrowing sustains momentum but raises future risks
</li>
<li data-start="6783" data-end="6824">
Debt is manageable, not comfortable
</li>
</ul>
For the common citizen, the Budget eases today&rsquo;s burden, but the long-term test will be whether growth, jobs and incomes rise fast enough to justify today&rsquo;s fiscal gamble.

Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman with her team

Tax relief cheers earners, but higher borrowing and debt raise long-term concerns

Budget 2026: Relief Today, Debt Tomorrow?

The India&ndash;European Union Free Trade Agreement is expected to significantly deepen economic engagement between the two partners, with Indian exports to the EU projected to rise by nearly ₹6.4 lakh crore. Officials said the agreement will expand market access across sectors, delivering benefits to small industries, farmers, students, and skilled professionals by reducing tariffs and easing regulatory barriers.
The agreement eliminates tariffs across 9,425 product categories and improves regulatory access, opening major opportunities for labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, and agricultural exports including tea, spices, and marine products. At the same time, high-technology manufacturing sectors such as engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices are expected to significantly expand their footprint in European markets.
<h3 dir="ltr">State-wise impact of the India-EU FTA</h3>
Maharashtra Maharashtra is set for major export gains as textile tariffs drop from 12% to zero and electronics tariffs fall from 14% to zero on nearly all exports. Garment clusters in Ichalkaranji, engineering and electronics hubs in Pune, pharmaceutical units in Thane-Raigad, and gems and jewellery exporters in Mumbai are expected to scale up EU shipments.
Gujarat Gujarat&rsquo;s export-oriented industrial ecosystem stands to benefit across integrated supply chains. Surat is poised to expand textile, diamond, and jewellery exports, while Bharuch and Vadodara gain as tariffs on most chemical exports fall to zero. Engineering goods from Rajkot and marine exports from Veraval are also expected to rise.
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s globally competitive labour-intensive clusters are among the biggest beneficiaries. Apparel exports from Tiruppur gain competitiveness as textile tariffs are eliminated, while leather and footwear exporters in Vellore and Ambur benefit from tariff cuts of up to 17%. Engineering and electronics corridors in Chennai and Coimbatore are set to deepen trade linkages with the EU.
West Bengal West Bengal&rsquo;s gains are closely linked to livelihoods. Darjeeling tea from North Bengal receives improved access, while seafood exports from Digha and Haldia benefit from reduced tariffs that currently go up to 26%. Traditional handicrafts are also expected to see higher demand.
Assam Assam benefits through tea, spices, and artisan exports. Tea from Dibrugarh and Jorhat, spices from Upper Assam, bamboo-based furniture, handicrafts, and niche pharmaceutical products gain easier entry into premium EU markets.
Kerala Kerala&rsquo;s economy sees gains through marine and spice exports that support farmer and fisher incomes. Shrimp and tuna exports from Kochi and Alappuzha are expected to rise, while pepper and cardamom from Idukki and Wayanad gain wider market access.
Karnataka Karnataka is well-positioned to translate preferential access into advanced manufacturing growth. Engineering goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals from Bengaluru and Tumakuru gain momentum, supported by MSME suppliers. Apparel exports from Bengaluru are also expected to expand, supporting job creation.
Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s coastal economy receives a boost as shrimp and seafood exports increase from Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. The state is also set to expand pharmaceutical and electronics exports, strengthening its manufacturing base.
Telangana Telangana benefits across textiles and high-value manufacturing. Apparel exports from Hyderabad and Warangal are expected to grow, while Hyderabad strengthens its role as a hub for pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical devices, and engineering goods.
Punjab Punjab&rsquo;s MSME-driven clusters gain from increased EU demand. Garments and knitwear from Ludhiana, sports goods from Jalandhar, and light engineering products from Mandi Gobindgarh are expected to see export growth.
Rajasthan Rajasthan&rsquo;s craft-based export clusters are set to benefit from improved access. Jewellery from Jaipur, wooden furniture and handicrafts from Jodhpur, along with textiles, leather products, and sports goods, are expected to find stronger demand in EU markets.
Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh emerges as a major job creator under the FTA. Leather footwear from Kanpur and Agra, furniture and handicrafts from Saharanpur, electronics from Noida, and agricultural products from western UP are all expected to see export gains.
Overall, the India&ndash;EU Free Trade Agreement provides a state-wise pathway to scale India&rsquo;s most competitive export clusters, combining job-intensive manufacturing, agriculture-linked exports, and high-value industrial growth.

₹6.4 lakh crore export jump expected as states gain sector-wise benefits

India-EU TA to Lift Exports, Boost State Economies

The Indian rupee slipped past the 91 mark against the US dollar on Tuesday, hitting a fresh all-time low for the fourth straight session, as uncertainty over an India&ndash;US trade deal and sustained foreign fund outflows weighed heavily on the currency.
The rupee fell to a record low of 91.03, surpassing its previous trough of 90.78 recorded a day earlier. The decline was driven by strong dollar demand, likely linked to the maturity of positions in the non-deliverable forwards (NDF) market, along with continued selling by foreign institutional investors. Over the past five trading sessions, the rupee has weakened by more than 1% against the greenback.
In 2025 so far, the rupee has emerged as Asia&rsquo;s worst-performing currency, depreciating nearly 6% against the US dollar. Analysts attribute the sharp fall to steep US tariffs on Indian exports and the absence of a bilateral trade agreement. India remains the only major economy yet to finalise a trade deal with Washington, adding pressure to the currency.
The sustained slide in the rupee has begun to impact India&rsquo;s equity markets, threatening the early stages of recovery in the $5.2 trillion stock market. The benchmark NSE Nifty 50 index has slipped around 1.7% from near-record highs seen in November, though it has recovered part of the losses. In December alone, global investors pulled out about $1.6 billion from Indian equities, reversing inflows seen over the previous two months, while also reducing exposure to domestic debt.
Market participants note that the sharpest US tariffs in Asia have dampened investor confidence as traders await clarity on trade negotiations. Persistent capital outflows, coupled with global uncertainty, have added to the pressure on the rupee.
While a weaker rupee poses challenges for the broader market, it has supported export-oriented sectors. Technology stocks, in particular, have benefited, with the Nifty IT index rising nearly 14% since the end of September, coinciding with the currency&rsquo;s decline.
Experts suggest that sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and metals tend to gain from a depreciating rupee, while banks, energy producers, and infrastructure companies face headwinds. Overall equity returns are expected to remain selective amid currency weakness, stable bond yields, and modest earnings growth.

Currency hits record low as trade deal delay, FII outflows hurt sentiment

Rupee Slumps Past 91 Against US Dollar

The Indian rupee fell to a record low against the US dollar on Wednesday, crossing the ₹90 mark for the first time. On Wednesday morning, it weakened to ₹90.13 per dollar, surpassing its previous all-time low of ₹89.95 recorded the previous day. By 8:04 AM UTC, the currency stood at ₹90.26 per US dollar.
Analysts attribute the decline to uncertainty surrounding the delayed trade deal between India and the United States. Market experts note that the rupee is experiencing an imbalance of demand and supply, compounded by foreign fund outflows and limited intervention by the Reserve Bank of India.
The central bank has occasionally supported the rupee through dollar sales to defend key levels but has also allowed greater flexibility to maintain a healthy growth trajectory rather than defending an artificial exchange rate.
Experts also highlight that ongoing delays in the trade agreement continue to strain the currency. Daily foreign exchange demand from trade deficits and capital outflows is pushing the dollar higher, while supply remains thin.
Despite the currency's weakness, foreign investors are showing signs of impatience, with net inflows flattening since October after a brief period of positive inflows.
India's Chief Economic Adviser has reassured that the weakening rupee is not a major cause for concern. He emphasized that the current fall is unlikely to affect inflation or exports significantly and expressed optimism that the additional tariffs imposed by the US may soon be addressed, potentially reducing reciprocal tariffs to anticipated levels.

Indian Rupee Hits Record Low, Crosses ₹90 per USD

Rupee weakens amid trade deal delays and foreign fund outflows, hitting an all-time low

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the quarterly GDP estimates for July&ndash;September (Q2) of FY 2025&ndash;26. The report includes GDP and expenditure components at both Constant (2011&ndash;12) and Current Prices, along with half-yearly estimates for various economic sectors.
Q2 GDP Growth Surges to 8.2%
India&rsquo;s real GDP rose to ₹48.63 lakh crore in Q2 FY 2025-26 from ₹44.94 lakh crore in the same period last year, marking an impressive growth of 8.2% compared to 5.6% in Q2 FY 2024-25. Nominal GDP increased by 8.7% to ₹85.25 lakh crore.
Real Gross Value Added (GVA) expanded 8.1% to ₹44.77 lakh crore, while nominal GVA rose 8.7% to ₹77.69 lakh crore.
Sector-Wise Performance
The secondary and tertiary sectors were the major contributors to the strong economic performance:
<ul data-start="1498" data-end="1712">
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1498" data-end="1594">
Secondary sector grew 8.1%, driven by
<ul data-start="1546" data-end="1594">
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1546" data-end="1569">
Manufacturing: 9.1%
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1572" data-end="1594">
Construction: 7.2%
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1596" data-end="1712">
Tertiary sector recorded 9.2% growth, supported by
<ul data-start="1657" data-end="1712">
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1657" data-end="1712">
Financial, real estate &amp; professional services: 10.2%
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Agriculture and allied activities grew by 3.5%, while utilities such as electricity, gas and water supply expanded 4.4%.
Consumption and Half-Yearly Growth
Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) rose 7.9% in Q2, higher than 6.4% in the same quarter last year, reflecting strong consumer demand.
In the first half of FY 2025-26 (April&ndash;September), real GDP grew 8.0% to ₹96.52 lakh crore, compared to 6.1% in H1 FY 2024-25. Nominal GDP rose 8.8% to ₹171.30 lakh crore.
Real GVA for H1 stood at ₹89.41 lakh crore, up 7.9%, while nominal GVA increased 8.8% to ₹155.94 lakh crore.
How the Estimates Were Compiled
GDP estimates rely on the benchmark-indicator method, using performance indicators from across sectors. Key data sources include crop production estimates, livestock output, IIP data, financial results of listed companies, coal and petroleum production, GST collections, port and railway traffic, banking data and government accounts.
Trade data from the Ministry of Commerce and the RBI were used to compute imports, exports, capital goods movements and valuables. Government expenditure figures informed the estimates of public consumption.
The NSO noted that upcoming revisions will incorporate updated data sources and reflect the shift to a new base year, FY 2022-23. The next quarterly GDP release under the revised base year is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

NSO reports strong Q2 GDP growth driven by manufacturing, services and robust consumption

India’s Q2 GDP Grows 8.2%: NSO Report

India&rsquo;s lower-income states are beginning to show signs of &ldquo;growth convergence&rdquo; in the post-pandemic period, supported by a rise in public capital expenditure that has enabled several lagging regions to expand faster than wealthier states, according to a new research report.
Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar have emerged as notable performers with increased public capex and strong economic momentum, the report by HSBC Global Investment Research indicated.
&ldquo;Those states that have lower GDP per capita can display strong catch-up growth for several years if the conditions are right. This is what we call "growth convergence" in economics and can be a driver of strong national growth,&rdquo; the report said.
The analysis noted that states with stable fiscal revenue positions tend to raise capital expenditure, particularly emerging states. 
It also highlighted that central transfers to states have increased since the pandemic, aiding this growth trend.
However, the report cautioned that slowing tax revenue growth at the central level could impact automatic resource transfers. 
It observed that several states, especially those headed for elections, have announced new cash transfer schemes. 
While these are not yet affecting capex, they remain an important factor to monitor.
The research suggested that the Centre could expand its capex-linked loan programme to states. 
&ldquo;Centre can increase the size, broaden the use, make it more flexible, and increase its predictability. It may help to get clarity for the next few years, so that states can invest in some bigger capex projects that need multi-year funding,&rdquo; it said.
The report also noted that states could support growth by advancing deregulation efforts and implementing eased labour laws. 
Citing recent assessments, it added that macroeconomic indicators remain stable, giving policymakers room to maintain both monetary and fiscal support.
With rural and urban consumption expected to strengthen, India&rsquo;s GDP is projected to grow at 6.5% in FY 2027&ndash;28, the report said.
&mdash;IANS

Indian states’ growth driven by rising capex

Lower-income states post faster growth as higher capex drives economic convergence

Lower-Income States Lead Growth On Higher Capex

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said India and Singapore are strengthening collaboration in advanced technologies, particularly in the semiconductor sector, following a series of high-level meetings in Singapore.
Vaishnaw announced that the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) will partner with India to support ongoing and approved semiconductor projects. 
&ldquo;The Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) is partnering with Bharat to support our approved semiconductor projects,&rdquo; he said.
The minister added that extensive discussions were held with Singapore-based companies to better understand their operational challenges and explore measures to streamline the movement of semiconductor equipment and materials. 
&ldquo;Detailed discussions were held with Singapore companies on their experiences, key challenges and measures to accelerate the movement of equipment and materials,&rdquo; he stated.
Vaishnaw also met officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Enterprise Singapore, the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore Polytechnic and A*STAR. 
These meetings focused on training technicians and engineers required for India&rsquo;s upcoming semiconductor manufacturing facilities. 
He wrote, &ldquo;Discussed skilling of technicians and engineers for semiconductor projects with officials of MTI, Enterprise SG, Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Education Services (ITEES), Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and A*STAR.&rdquo;
During a meeting with Singapore&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Trade &amp; Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong, the two sides explored ways to expand cooperation in emerging technology domains. 
&ldquo;Discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in emerging technology domains,&rdquo; Vaishnaw noted.
He further said that global semiconductor distributor Avnet has committed to expanding its warehousing and electronics operations in India, a move that is expected to strengthen the country&rsquo;s supply chain as it accelerates semiconductor manufacturing. 
&ldquo;Avnet is an important semiconductor and electronics warehousing company. They&rsquo;re committed to expanding operations in India,&rdquo; he said.
&mdash;IANS

Vaishnaw meets Singapore officials on semiconductors

Singapore to aid India’s semiconductor mission with tech and talent support

India, Singapore Boost Chip Sector Partnership

Gujarat&rsquo;s handloom and handicraft sector has shown strong growth, with Garvi Gurjari recording sales of more than ₹17.5 crore between April and October 2025 through its emporiums and 34 craft fairs held within and outside the state.
The rise in demand for traditional products has generated employment for over 7,000 artisans, supporting the state&rsquo;s push from Aatmanirbhar Gujarat towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The sales figures also include government gift hampers and d&eacute;cor orders completed by the Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Cottage Industries Minister Naresh Patel, and Minister of State Swaroop Thakor, the state has intensified efforts to promote artisans and preserve traditional crafts, aligning with the Prime Minister&rsquo;s "Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar Ghar Swadeshi" campaign.
To enhance earnings for artisans, the corporation has issued purchase orders worth ₹130.32 crore through its Training-Cum-Production Centres (TCPCs).
The corporation is preparing for a new round of exhibitions in Delhi, Amritsar, Dehradun, Lucknow, Kolkata, Surat and Surajkund, aimed at expanding market access for Gujarat&rsquo;s indigenous crafts.
Alongside exhibitions, the state is running promotional campaigns across radio, outdoor platforms and railway stations to strengthen the Vocal for Local initiative and encourage the purchase of Indian-made goods.
Garvi Gurjari is also focusing on modernising traditional crafts by conducting design workshops, training programmes, market-trend sessions and specialised design camps to help artisans adapt to contemporary consumer preferences.
According to the corporation, these efforts are enabling Gujarat&rsquo;s handloom and handicraft heritage to reach wider national and global markets, ensuring sustained livelihoods for thousands of artisans.
Swadeshi products are available at Garvi Gurjari outlets in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bhuj, Salangpur, Libandi, Bharuch, Anand, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Surendranagar, Ekta Nagar and Rajkot, and online at the corporation&rsquo;s official website.
Gujarat&rsquo;s handicraft sector remains one of India&rsquo;s most diverse, featuring centuries-old traditions such as Bandhani, Patola weaving, Ajrakh block-printing, Kutchi embroidery, Rogan art, lacquer work, wood carving and brassware, which continue to sustain artisan communities across Kutch, Saurashtra and North Gujarat.
&mdash;IANS

Artisans display traditional Gujarati handloom crafts

Garvi Gurjari clocks ₹17.5 crore craft sales, boosting livelihoods of 7,000 artisans

Garvi Gurjari Logs ₹17 Crore Craft Sales

India&rsquo;s media and entertainment sector is on track to surpass $100 billion by 2030, driven by rapid digital innovation, rising youth consumption and a surge in creative entrepreneurship, the government said on Saturday.
Recognised as a high-potential segment within the services economy, the sector is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of about 7%, reaching ₹3,067 billion by 2027.&nbsp;
The national outlook anticipates the ecosystem transitioning from a content-consuming market to a global creator and exporter of intellectual property.
With its gross value-added contribution steadily rising over the past decade, the sector continues to play a key role in employment generation and value creation.
India also offers a 40&ndash;60% cost advantage in animation and VFX services, supported by a large skilled workforce. 
&ldquo;This comparative edge has attracted a steady inflow of international projects and positioned India as a preferred destination for global post-production work,&rdquo; the government said in its statement.
Indian content is gaining global traction, with nearly 25% of OTT viewership for Indian programming now coming from overseas audiences.
The government highlighted that the formal recognition of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector has been instrumental in driving creative expansion. 
This segment represents the convergence of technology, storytelling and innovation, marking the next phase of the country's entertainment industry growth.
&ldquo;India&rsquo;s AVGC-XR sector is entering a phase of strategic growth marked by innovation, skill development, and policy convergence. The focus ahead lies in transforming the creative economy into a global powerhouse, driven by indigenous talent, technological advancement, and creative entrepreneurship,&rdquo; the statement said.

Digital media growth powering India’s entertainment sector

Government sees India’s M&E sector accelerating to a $100B scale driven by tech and talent

India’s M&E Sector To Cross $100B By 2030

India&rsquo;s export strategy must evolve beyond expanding volumes to generate high-quality jobs, ensure environmental responsibility and foster inclusive growth, Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), said on Friday.
Speaking at an event in the capital, Priyadarshi said the true test of India&rsquo;s trade progress will be in &ldquo;how sustainably we grow, and who benefits from that growth.&rdquo; 
He added that India needs a strategy that embeds long-term resilience while broadening the distribution of economic gains.
India&rsquo;s total exports touched a record $824.9 billion in FY 2024&ndash;25, including $387.5 billion in services exports, highlighting the country&rsquo;s expanding global trade presence. 
However, experts stressed that sustaining this momentum requires greater product diversification, value addition and improvements in the ease of doing business.
In a statement, CRF said, &ldquo;Also, India needs to realign its trade strategy to make exports the driving force of sustainable and inclusive growth.&rdquo;
Industry leaders emphasized strengthening labour-intensive sectors, improving logistics efficiency and leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to secure a larger share of global value chains.
Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), noted that innovation will play a critical role. 
&ldquo;The productivity should be focused on technology, which, when harnessed with the skills, can produce modern age jewellery, making India the global leader in jewellery manufacturing,&rdquo; he said.
Ray highlighted the need to support sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles and apparel, industries with strong employment potential and essential to inclusive economic expansion.
While India has signed FTAs with partners including the UAE, Australia and the EU, experts said the benefits of these agreements hinge on improved trade facilitation, modernised logistics and targeted assistance for exporters.
Faster policy execution, streamlined customs processes and reduced transaction costs were identified as priorities to improve production efficiency. 
Logistics modernisation under initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti programme and the National Logistics Policy (NLP) was deemed crucial to lowering export costs.
According to panellists, every percentage-point reduction in logistics costs adds billions to India&rsquo;s export competitiveness. 
They stressed that strengthening export readiness requires coordinated reforms across finance, infrastructure, education and sustainability standards.
Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog), underscored the rising convergence between innovation and trade. 
&ldquo;Export-led growth today is about exporting intelligence, not just goods. From services to semiconductors, India&rsquo;s future lies in combining innovation with execution efficiency,&rdquo; he said.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that India&rsquo;s economic trajectory will depend on converting its domestic capabilities into global competitive adadvantage.
&mdash;IANS

Experts discuss India’s sustainable export strategy goals

Experts say India must link exports with quality jobs, sustainability and innovation

Economy