Economy

India’s blue-collar labor market is undergoing a quiet but significant geographic transformation, with job creation increasingly shifting away from major metros to Tier II and Tier III cities. Driven by lower operating costs, infrastructure expansion, digital platforms, and government-led industrial decentralization, employers are finding value in smaller urban centers. Sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, construction, retail, and services are leading this shift, offering steady employment to semi-skilled and skilled workers closer to their hometowns.

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee has indicated that an interest rate hike is unlikely in the near term, signaling a cautious approach as it balances inflation management with economic growth. Policymakers appear comfortable with the current monetary stance, citing moderating price pressures and resilient domestic demand. While vigilance remains high amid global uncertainty, the central bank has emphasized continuity and predictability in policy.

Reserve Bank of India has indicated that an upcoming revision to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) series is expected to reduce volatility in inflation readings, improving the quality of monetary policy signals. The redesigned index aims to better reflect evolving consumption patterns, enhance data accuracy, and minimize sharp swings caused by outdated weightings. Policymakers view the move as a technical but significant upgrade that will support clearer inflation assessment and more calibrated interest-rate decisions.

India’s economic expansion is projected at 8.1% for the September–December 2026 quarter, signaling continued momentum in Asia’s third-largest economy. The forecast is underpinned by robust domestic consumption, rising industrial output, and a resilient services sector, particularly IT, finance, and professional services. Investment activity, driven by infrastructure projects and manufacturing, is further bolstering growth.

Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp sell-off, with benchmark indices tumbling nearly 1,000 points in a single session as investor sentiment turned decisively risk-averse. The decline was driven by broad-based selling across banking, information technology, and metal stocks, reflecting concerns over global cues, stretched valuations, and persistent foreign fund outflows. Volatility spiked as traders rushed to cut exposure amid uncertain macroeconomic signals.

Gold prices climbed sharply to around Rs. 5,230 in early Asian trading Thursday, propelled by escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed uncertainty over U.S. trade policy. The rally follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that deemed sweeping tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump unlawful, only for the administration to respond with a fresh 15 percent levy effective immediately. The abrupt policy reversal has unsettled global markets and revived demand for safe-haven assets. Investors are now turning their attention to the upcoming U.S.

The Punjab government is set to present its Budget Estimates for the 2026–27 fiscal year on March 8, aligning the announcement with International Women’s Day in a symbolic and politically significant move. The state administration is widely expected to introduce its long-promised Rs 1,100 monthly allowance for women, a flagship welfare commitment with substantial fiscal implications. The Cabinet has approved the Vidhan Sabha’s budget session schedule from March 6 to March 16.

Ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the rollout of the ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna,’ a large-scale welfare initiative aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security across the state. Beginning in April, approximately 40 lakh families covered under the National Food Security Act will receive free quarterly food kits in addition to their regular wheat entitlement.

The Punjab government is set to present its Budget Estimates for the 2026–27 fiscal year on March 8, aligning the announcement with International Women’s Day in a symbolic and politically significant move. The state administration is widely expected to introduce its long-promised Rs 1,100 monthly allowance for women, a flagship welfare commitment with substantial fiscal implications. The Cabinet has approved the Vidhan Sabha’s budget session schedule from March 6 to March 16.

The pharmaceutical industry is sharpening its emphasis on quality assurance and innovation across the supply chain as global demand, regulatory scrutiny, and competitive pressures intensify. Companies are investing in advanced manufacturing, digital traceability, and resilient sourcing to ensure product integrity from raw materials to finished drugs. The shift reflects lessons learned from recent disruptions and a growing recognition that supply-chain excellence is a strategic differentiator, not merely a compliance requirement.