Indian markets experienced a surge in foreign portfolio investments during May 2025, reaching Rs 19,860 crore, marking the strongest month for inflows this year. Despite a negative cumulative FPI investment of Rs 92,491 crore from January to May, the May inflows signal a potential shift in investor confidence, driven by a declining US dollar and positive market developments.
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Economist S Mahendra Dev assumes the role of Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), filling the vacancy since November. The council has been reconstituted for two years, retaining full-time members and inducting new part-time members. Dev, a development economist, brings extensive experience from academia and the financial sector.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that embracing rapid technological advancements can significantly boost economic productivity, a primary goal for policymakers. Speaking at the Institute of Economic Growth, she highlighted the increased focus on capital expenditure post-Covid, with states recognizing its growth-enhancing multiplier effect.
India anticipates a significant surge in the demand for AI professionals, projecting a need for one million skilled workers by 2026. Engineering education is adapting through cross-disciplinary approaches and industry integration to meet this demand. The number of B.Tech seats has increased, particularly in Computer Science and AI-related fields, reflecting the industry's strong need for AI talent.
Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer is planning to significantly increase its sourcing from India and may even establish a final assembly line if it secures a firm order for 200 aircraft from Indian clients. Currently, Star Air is the sole Indian airline using Embraer planes. The company is in talks with Air India, IndiGo, and several startups for potential orders.
The Indian femtech sector, after a funding peak in 2021, is now seeing strategic consolidation through acquisitions. IVF Access, a fertility chain, recently acquired Proactive For Her, a digital women's health clinic. This acquisition signals a shift towards integrated platforms offering full-stack clinical care, moving beyond standalone apps to address the entire care journey.
WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged disruptions to the multilateral trading system and urged India to support China-backed investment facilitation, despite India's opposition. She emphasized India's leadership role for the upcoming MC14, particularly in agriculture, while highlighting the need to address India's concerns in that sector. Reform discussions are anticipated at the mini-ministerial meeting.
Mercedes Benz, Skoda-Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Kia have expressed interest in manufacturing electric vehicles in India, according to Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy. This follows discussions regarding the 'Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India'. The scheme aims to attract global manufacturers with incentives like reduced customs duty on imported electric cars.
Indian equities experienced a significant surge in May, propelled by strong performances in defence stocks and microcaps. The Nifty 50 rose by 1.71%, while the Nifty Microcap 250 soared by 12.10%. Investor optimism was further fueled in June by a surprise rate cut from the RBI, boosting rate-sensitive sectors.
A recent US Commerce Department report indicates a slowdown in inflation, with consumer prices rising just 2.1% in April. This decline occurs amidst concerns that former President Trump's tariffs could drive prices higher.
OpenAI has broadened its AI for Impact Accelerator in India, granting $150,000 in technical assistance to 11 nonprofits. These organizations are developing AI tools for healthcare, education, and agriculture. The program, aligned with IndiaAI Mission, aims to democratize AI access and address socio-economic challenges, with plans for further expansion and initiatives in the region.