Job Market Outlook
The youth employment sector in India is predicted to see an 11% increase by 2026, generating approximately 1.28 crore jobs. This growth will primarily
be driven by the IT, fintech, and green energy sectors. A significant emphasis will be placed on upskilling initiatives to meet the evolving demands of the job market. This upswing represents a strong positive trajectory for India's young workforce, signaling increased opportunities and a dynamic job environment.
Trade & Tariffs
Recent developments in trade include discussions surrounding import duty modifications. Calls for eliminating cotton import duties seek to alleviate cost pressures on textile companies. Furthermore, the Indian government is focused on expanding the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) globally, especially within East Asia. Conversely, there are concerns over potential impacts from tariffs imposed on countries trading with Iran. These developments highlight efforts to boost specific industries while navigating the intricacies of international trade relationships.
Corporate Finances
Several companies have recently released financial reports or announced funding strategies. HCLTech's Q3 profits decreased because of newly implemented labor codes, despite an increase in revenue, while Anand Rathi Wealth experienced a 30% surge in Q3 profit. PFC is planning a Rs 5,000 crore NCD issue, and Betterinvest aims to raise Rs 300 crore for media ventures. The Bharat Coking Coal IPO was oversubscribed 76 times on its final day, indicating strong investor interest. These announcements offer insights into the financial performance and strategic moves of businesses across different sectors.
Sectoral Growth
The Indian electronics sector saw exports exceeding Rs 4 lakh crore in 2025, driven mainly by mobile phones and Apple products. Investments are also going into renewable energy; Essar is planning to invest Rs 5,100 crore in Gujarat to establish a bio-fuel complex, and KP Group is set to invest Rs 4,000 crore in Gujarat's renewable energy sector, focusing on solar and hybrid projects. The vegetable oil imports rose by 8% in December 2025, influenced by increased imports of soyabean and sunflower oil. These developments emphasize the diverse growth areas within the Indian economy.
Government Initiatives
The government is emphasizing the growth of the manufacturing and exports by promoting import duty rationalization in the upcoming Budget 2026-27. The government has also denied claims of suspending trade with Afghanistan and is focused on strengthening critical mineral supply chains, which are crucial for manufacturing resilience. Furthermore, the Ministry is actively integrating skilling with education, reflecting a proactive approach towards future workforce development. These initiatives underscore the government's role in driving economic growth and supporting key sectors.
Market Trends
Several market trends have been observed recently. Crude oil futures saw a rise, while guar gum and cottonseed oil futures experienced declines. The rupee weakened against the US dollar. Silver hit a record high due to tensions with Iran and uncertainties in the Federal Reserve's policy. Moreover, the demand in the futures market influenced price fluctuations in various commodities. These fluctuations reflect the sensitivity of the markets to global events and supply-demand dynamics.
Partnerships & Deals
India and Germany are expanding their cooperation in defense, trade, and critical minerals to address geopolitical difficulties. India is also forming partnerships in postal and logistics services with Germany to enhance e-commerce and international delivery capabilities. There have been several real estate transactions, including JP Morgan leasing Mumbai office space and Jeetendra and Tusshar Kapoor selling their Mumbai property to NTT Global Data Centres. These partnerships and deals demonstrate strategic moves aimed at expanding infrastructure and market presence.
