Air India is establishing a massive flying training organization (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra, by mid-2025. The airline has ordered 34 trainer aircraft from US and Austrian manufacturers to facilitate the training of 180 pilots annually. This ambitious project aims to address India's growing pilot demand and bolster the nation's aviation infrastructure, aligning with the 'atmanirbhar Bharat' vision.
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HSBC has downgraded India's outlook to 'Neutral' from 'overweight', setting a target of Rs 85,990 for 2025 for BSE Sensex. The firm cites lower corporate profits and high valuations as key concerns.
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is driving a significant increase in trucking activity, with up to a 40% surge anticipated. Truck rentals have risen sharply, particularly on the Delhi to Prayagraj route. The highest demand is seen for transporting FMCG, fruits, vegetables, textiles, and petro products. CNG transport is also increasing due to event-specific requirements.
Car sales growth in India slowed to approximately 5% in 2024, the slowest in four years, due to urban market pressures. The industry sold about 43 lakh units, with SUVs making up 54% of sales. High car prices and affordability issues impacted demand. Despite this, Maruti Suzuki achieved its highest-ever annual sales, aided by rural market penetration.
Airtel and Reliance Jio have announced deals to market Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet in India, pending regulatory approvals. These partnerships aim to enhance network coverage, especially in rural and remote areas where connectivity is limited. Satellite internet services will, however, be more expensive and initially cater to enterprise sectors.
Global trade in 2025 is expected to transform due to geopolitical tensions, potential US-China trade wars, AI advancements, and sustainability demands. Experts urge Indian exporters to prioritize AI strategy and environmental standards to stay competitive. New technologies and trade agreements pushing sustainability are crucial for future trade dynamics.
The postal department is rolling out a paperless Know Your Customer (KYC) system using Aadhaar biometric verification for opening Post Office Savings Bank accounts. The eKYC implementation starts on January 6, 2025, initially focusing on new accounts.
India's external debt reached USD 717.9 billion by December 2024, up 10.7% from the previous year, according to the Finance Ministry. The rise is partly due to US dollar appreciation. Non-government sectors, especially non-financial corporations, saw significant increases in debt. The debt servicing ratio slightly decreased to 6.6% from 6.7% in September 2024.
Australian inflation has eased to a three-year low of 3.2%, raising expectations for a potential interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). This could provide relief to mortgage holders and boost government support ahead of the upcoming election. Economists anticipate the RBA may lower rates to prevent job market downturn and economic recession.
BSE market capitalisation fell below Rs 400 lakh crore due to foreign fund outflows and disappointing corporate earnings. Major losers included IndusInd Bank and ITC, while NTPC and Tech Mahindra gained. The small-cap index dropped 1.71 per cent. Sector-wise, utilities and IT gained, whereas industrials and auto sectors suffered losses. Mixed performances were seen across the market.
India's industrial sector is expected to grow at a slower pace of 6.2 per cent in FY25 compared to 9.5 per cent in FY24, as per advance estimates, primarily due to the base effect and a subdued manufacturing performance in the first half, according to Bank of Baroda report.