India’s GDP doubles in 10 years, set to surpass Japan and Germany
India’s economy has doubled in the last decade, growing 105 per cent to US$4.3 trillion ($5.7 trillion), according to the International Monetary Fund.
In 2015, the GDP was US$2.1 trillion, and now India is set to surpass Japan (US$4.4 trillion) by late 2025.
If current growth continues, India could surpass Germany (US$4.9 trillion) by mid-2027, cementing its position as the third-largest economy globally.
To protect exports, government considers tariff cuts on US imports
The Indian government is willing to reduce tariffs on 55 per cent of United States imports – worth US$23 billion – as part of trade negotiations.
The move aims to counter potential reciprocal tariffs under new US policies, which could impact 87 per cent of India’s US$66 billion exports to the US.
The proposal includes slashing duties on goods currently taxed between 5 per cent and 30 per cent. The government is hoping to finalise the deal before new US tariffs take effect in April.
Asia’s largest tulip garden opens in Srinagar
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, spread across 55 hectares, has opened for the public, marking the start of Kashmir’s tourism season.
The garden, featuring 1.7 million tulips, was established in 2007 to extend the region’s tourist influx beyond summer and winter. The phased planting ensures blooms last for over a month.
Kerala chief secretary calls out colour and gender bias
Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan criticised remarks comparing her leadership to her husband’s, calling out bias against her skin colour and gender.
She highlighted the discrimination she has faced over the years, questioning societal standards of fairness.
The remarks sparked discussions on gender and racial prejudice in Indian bureaucracy.
Samsung slapped with US$601 million tax demand
Samsung has been ordered to pay US $601 million in back taxes and penalties for allegedly dodging import duties on telecom equipment. The amount is a significant portion of its US$955 million net profit in India last year.
The demand is one of the biggest in recent years and can be challenged in court. Samsung is a major player in India’s smartphone and electronics market.
Parts of gold deposit scheme discontinued
Amid rising gold prices, the government has discontinued the 5-to-7-year and 12-to-15-year deposit schemes under its Gold Monetisation Scheme.
Introduced in 2015, the programme encouraged households to deposit idle gold for interest.
The finance ministry cited evolving market conditions for the change but confirmed that banks can continue offering short-term deposits based on commercial viability.
CBI raids former Chhattisgarh chief minister’s residence
The Central Bureau of Investigation conducted searches at former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel’s residence in Raipur and Bhilai, along with properties linked to a senior police officer and an associate.
While officials have not disclosed details, sources indicate the raids are connected to the Mahadev online betting app case.
The search occurred just before Mr Baghel was scheduled to attend a Congress party meeting in Delhi.
Teacher faces case for ordering student to slap classmates
A government school teacher in Shimla has been booked for allegedly making a student slap classmates who gave wrong answers during a Sanskrit lesson.
A 10-year-old student filed the complaint, leading to charges under India’s juvenile protection laws. The case has sparked concerns over corporal punishment in schools.
Court criticises lawyer during Honey Singh song hearing
The Delhi High Court reprimanded a lawyer for using the phrase “Bhojpuri vulgarity” while arguing against rapper Honey Singh’s song Maniac, which the petitioner claimed objectifies women.
Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya rejected the argument, stating vulgarity is not tied to any region.
The court advised the petitioner to file a police report instead, emphasising that the matter falls under private law, not public law, and dismissed the plea.
Actor known for extreme stunts dies at 60
Tamil actor and martial artiste Shihan Hussaini has died at 60 due to blood cancer.
Known for his extreme devotion to former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, he once crucified himself and painted portraits using his own blood. His feats included setting himself on fire, surviving a cobra bite and enduring 101 cars running over his hand.
Though his stunts were controversial, he remained a well-known figure in Tamil Nadu.
Messi’s Argentina to play in India after 14 years
Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team will play an exhibition football match in Kochi, Kerala, this October – their first visit to India since 2011.
HSBC India has partnered with the Argentina Football Association to promote football in the country.
Messi last played in India during a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina secured a 1-0 victory in front of a packed crowd.
Air India moves all staff to economy class to prioritise customers
From April 1, all Air India employees, including top executives, will fly economy class to free up premium seats for paying customers.
Upgrades to business or premium economy will only be allowed if seats remain unsold 50 minutes before departure.
