India has introduced an anti-dumping duty of USD 121.55 per tonne on hot rolled flat steel imports from Vietnam for five years. Recommended by the DGTR and notified by the finance ministry, the measure is intended to protect domestic steel manufacturers from low-cost imports that could undercut local production. The duty will remain effective unless amended or revoked earlier. This step is part of India's broader effort to ensure fair trade, stabilize the steel market, and strengthen the competitiveness of local steel producers.Read more

Retail inflation in India fell to a record low of 0.25 per cent in October, mainly due to GST rate cuts implemented in late September. Experts from SBI, Crisil, ICRA, and CareEdge highlighted that inflation excluding gold is already negative and likely to remain so in the coming months. The sharp moderation in CPI inflation could influence the Reserve Bank of India's policy decisions in December. While economic growth remains strong, softer inflation readings give the RBI room to consider a repo rate cut to support the economy amid ongoing external uncertainties.Read more

The domestic construction equipment industry is expected to achieve 2-4 per cent volume growth over the next two fiscal years due to slower real estate and road activity. Revenue is projected to rise 6-8 per cent, supported by selective price increases and stable steel prices, which help offset compliance costs. Operating margins are expected to contract slightly to around 11 per cent. Domestic sales dominate the market, while exports continue to provide additional revenue. Careful capital expenditure is likely to maintain stable leverage and credit profiles across companies.Read more

Sunsure Energy has entered a long-term agreement with Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. (DFPCL) to supply hybrid renewable power combining solar and wind energy. The project, located across Maharashtra, will deliver 5.5 crore units of green power annually, helping DFPCL cut over 40,000 tons of CO? emissions each year. This collaboration aligns with DFPCL's sustainability goals and Sunsure's focus on providing round-the-clock renewable power solutions. The agreement also supports India's wider push toward industrial decarbonisation and cleaner manufacturing.Read more

The Indian cement industry is gearing up for a substantial expansion, planning to add 160-170 MT of grinding capacity between fiscal 2026 and 2028 with an investment of around INR 1.2 lakh crore. This growth is largely supported by strong demand, high capacity utilisation, and industry consolidation. Most of the expansion will be through brownfield projects, reducing risk and capital requirements. Companies are also investing in green energy and efficiency improvements. Financial leverage is expected to remain stable, keeping credit profiles steady while supporting long-term profitability.Read more

India's retail inflation fell to a record low of 0.25% in October, driven by broad-based food price declines, GST cuts, and base effects. Core inflation rose slightly to 4.4%, though it moderated to 2.64% after excluding volatile items. Economists said the low inflation provides temporary relief for households and businesses but could affect rural incomes and demand. Despite the historic dip, inflation is expected to rise gradually in the coming months, with forecasts projecting it to near 4% by March 2026. The RBI may consider a modest rate cut.Read more

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, has opened a new advanced manufacturing facility in Bengaluru with an investment of USD 100 million. The centre, spread over 26 acres at KIADB Aerospace Park, will produce seats, lighting and cargo systems, temperature sensors, communication and navigation equipment, and evacuation slides for global markets. The project forms part of RTX's USD 250 million investment plan for India. The facility is expected to employ over 2,200 people by 2026 and support future expansion opportunities.Read more

BirlaNu, part of the CKA Birla Group, announced earlier this week that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Clean Coats Pvt Ltd, a coatings and specialised construction chemicals manufacturer, for up to INR 120 crore. The acquisition is intended to strengthen BirlaNu's presence in the specialty construction chemicals and high-performance coatings segment, combining Clean Coats' technical expertise with BirlaNu's extensive brand reach and market experience.Read more

Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman said India has become one of the world's fastest-growing economies and is on track to become the third-largest soon. Speaking at the Delhi School of Economics, she highlighted that India rose from the tenth-largest economy in 2014 to the fifth today, driven by internal resilience and strong reforms. She credited welfare schemes, digital initiatives, and sectoral reforms for lifting 25 million people out of poverty. Public sector banks have recovered from past financial stress, and the government aims to meet its fiscal deficit target of 4.4%. Global institutions like the IMF and World Bank recognise India as a key growth driver.Read more

Major manufacturing economies struggled to gain traction in October as weak US demand and ongoing tariffs under President Donald Trump continued to hurt global factory orders. The euro zone's factory output stagnated, with Germany, France, and Italy seeing declines, while Spain recorded mild growth. China's economy lost momentum, with manufacturing growth slowing and export orders falling. South Korea also faced contraction, while India stood out with robust domestic demand. Although the US and China agreed to delay tariffs, the trade tensions still cast a shadow on global manufacturing.Read more