Economy / The Times of India
Piyush Goyal affirmed India's position as the world's fastest-growing large economy for the next three decades, projected to become the third-largest by 2027. He highlighted India's stable GDP growth, substantial foreign exchange reserves, controlled inflation, and attractive investment returns. Ongoing trade negotiations and advancements in renewable energy pricing further position India as a key global player.
The US economy experienced a 0.2% contraction in the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to a surge in imports ahead of President Trump's tariff hikes. This decline, the first in three years, was partially offset by strong business investment and inventory buildup. A federal court blocked Trump's tariffs, adding uncertainty to the economic outlook.
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery stated that India's economy is $15 trillion in PPP terms, over half the size of the US economy. He emphasized improving labor productivity, diversifying supply sources, and leveraging FTAs for economic growth.
The Indian economy is projected to maintain a promising outlook in 2025-26, fueled by revived consumption, government capex, and healthy financial conditions. RBI's report highlights the National Manufacturing Mission and expanding global trade engagements as further growth catalysts. India's resilience, digital payment leadership, and focus on AI contribute to a positive economic trajectory, though geopolitical uncertainties remain a risk.
India has surged past Japan to become the worlds fourth-largest economy, a milestone driven by robust domestic consumption, strategic reforms, and expanding global trade. While the $4 trillion GDP reflects economic strength, it also highlights the urgency for inclusive growth. For students, this shift offers vital insights into policy, inequality, innovation, and India's evolving global role.
Purushottam Chavan, husband of an IPS officer, has been arrested by Mumbai's Economic Offences Wing for a real estate fraud. He and his accomplices allegedly duped 19 victims of 24.78 crores by promising flats at throwaway prices under a false government quota. Chavan is accused of fabricating documents and involving fake officials to deceive victims into transferring funds.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the nation's growing alignment with Europe, highlighting economic progress and strong bilateral relations with Ireland. He emphasized the significance of finalizing the free trade agreement with the EU and the increasing convergence as India becomes a major global economy.
India will present its effective waste management practices from the Mahakumbh at the upcoming 'Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific' in Jaipur. Housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar noted the religious congregation's efficient waste management plan involving 25,000 personnel. The conference will discuss 'waste to wealth' and boosting circular economy.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath defended the Rs 4,000 crore expenditure on the Maha Kumbh, highlighting its economic benefits. He clarified that only Rs 1,500 crore was spent on the event, with the rest on Prayagraj's infrastructure. At a Lucknow event, he emphasized ongoing projects that bolster UP's development and thanked ministers for their support in achieving world-class infrastructure.