Olympic medalist and noted athlete, Karnam Malleswari met the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Yamunanagar yesterday. He commended her effort to mentor young athletes.
Shri Modi wrote in a post on X:
“Met Olympic medalist and noted athlete, Karnam Malleswari in Yamunanagar yesterday. India is proud of her success as a sportswoman. Equally commendable is her effort to mentor young athletes.”
Met Olympic medalist and noted athlete, Karnam Malleswari in Yamunanagar yesterday. India is proud of her success as a sportswoman. Equally commendable is her effort to mentor young athletes. pic.twitter.com/9BcM8iKENr
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by PSCST at press conference of French May Arts Festival and French GourMay 2025 (English only) Mrs Cheng (Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival, Mrs Mignonne Cheng), Mrs Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great honour to join you all at the press conference of this year’s French May Arts Festival and French GourMay.
Since its inception in 1993, French May has spanned over 30 years and established itself as one of Hong Kong’s, and even Asia’s, most prestigious arts and cultural celebrations. Stepping into the 32nd edition, French May Arts Festival will as always bring together world-class artists and programmes with rich French characteristics to the community, further adding vibrancy to the cultural landscape of Hong Kong.
I’m glad to know that this year’s French May will feature more than 60 events spotlighting over 200 French and Hong Kong artists. Highlights include the ongoing exhibition, “Picasso for Asia - A Conversation”, which is co‑presented by French May, Musée National Picasso-Paris and M+, and presents more than 60 masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, together with 130 works of contemporary Asian artists. This project, which is supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, is a good example of initiatives which promote East-West cultural exchanges.
Just last month, we had our Super March welcoming globally renowned arts and cultural programmes and visitors from around the world. And I must thank French May for your commitment to creating a platform for arts and cultural exchanges and bringing about opportunities for the industry and community. Your invaluable contributions complement the Government’s wide-ranging efforts in developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong, and all the collaborating organisations and artists that work together to bring this year’s Festival to life. I’m also glad to note that French GourMay will return this year, with French spirits as well as Hong Kong’s nightlife and bars, being the spotlights of the Festival.
I have no doubt that this year’s French May Arts Festival and French GourMay will be another resounding success for all. Thank you. Issued at HKT 12:25
The Government of India accords high priority for Indian Muslims to undertake the annual Haj pilgrimage.
As a result of its efforts, the country allocation for India which was 136,020 in 2014 has gradually increased to 175,025 in 2025. These quotas are finalized by the Saudi authorities closer to the time of the pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) through the Haj Committee of India manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, which is 122,518 in the current year. All the necessary arrangements including flight schedules, transportation, Mina camps, accommodation, and additional services have been taken up and completed as per the Saudi requirements, within the given timelines.
The balance of the quota was allotted, as is customary, to Private Tour Operators. Due to changes in Saudi guidelines, more than 800 Private Tour Operators were consolidated into 26 legal entities termed Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs), by MoMA this year. Addressing legal challenges, the Haj quota was allocated by MoMA to these 26 CHGOs well in advance. However, despite reminders, they failed to comply with the necessary timelines set by the Saudi authorities and failed to finalise the mandatory contracts, including for Mina camps, accommodation and transport of pilgrims, as required under the Saudi regulations.
Government of India has been continuously engaging on this matter with the concerned Saudi authorities, including at the Ministerial level.
The Saudi Haj Ministry highlighted its concerns for the safety of the pilgrims, particularly in Mina, where Haj rituals have to be completed under extreme summer heat conditions in a limited space. It also underlined that due to delays, the available space in Mina became occupied. The Saudi authorities have further conveyed that they were not extending the timelines for any country this year.
Due to the Government’s intervention, the Saudi Haj Ministry has agreed to re-open the Haj Portal (Nusuk Portal) to all CHGOs to complete their work in respect of 10,000 pilgrims based on the current space availability in Mina.
Directions have been issued by MoMA to CHGOs to do so urgently. India would naturally appreciate any gesture by Saudi authorities to accommodate more pilgrims.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Digital Policy Office releases Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline Established in 2023 with funding from the AIR@InnoHK, which focuses on AI and robotics technology, the HKGAI focuses on the research and development (R&D) of generative AI technology, including constructing large language models and developing diverse applications. The large language models are tailored to Hong Kong’s local culture, language environment, and security. Based on practical application experience, the HKGAI systematically summarises practical insights from the R&D process and makes recommendations on the accuracy, accountability, and information security of generative AI technologies and practices. Mr Wong expressed his gratitude to the HKGAI team for their professional research and contributions to the formulation of the Guideline.Issued at HKT 14:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (April 15) that it registered 17 lease modifications and four land exchanges in the Land Registry during the quarter ending March 2025, of which four were modifications of a technical nature involving nil premium.
Among these 21 land transactions, nine are located on Hong Kong Island, five are in Kowloon and seven are in the New Territories. The transactions exclude Small House cases.
A further two lots were granted by private treaty during the period. One was granted for the development of innovation and technology park and the talent accommodation in the Loop; and the other one was granted for an electricity substation in Yuen Long.
There were no lot extensions registered during the quarter.
The above land transactions realised a total land premium of about $2,069.406 million.
Transaction records of the lease modifications, land exchanges, private treaty grants and lot extensions, including those registered recently, are uploaded to the LandsD website (www.landsd.gov.hk/en/land-disposal-transaction/land-transaction.html) on a monthly basis. Details of the transactions may be obtained by searching the registered documents in the Land Registry.
The annual rate of inflation based on all India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) number is 2.05% (provisional) for the month of March, 2025 (over March, 2024). Positive rate of inflation in March, 2025 is primarily due to increase in prices of manufacture of food products, other manufacturing, food articles, electricity and manufacture of textiles etc. The index numbers and inflation rate for the last three months of all commodities and WPI components are given below:
Index Numbers and Annual Rate of Inflation (Y-o-Y in %) *
All Commodities/Major Groups
Weight (%)
January-25 (F)
February-25 (P)
March-25 (P)
Index
Inflation
Index
Inflation
Index
Inflation
All Commodities
100.00
155.0
2.51
154.8
2.38
154.5
2.05
I. Primary Articles
22.62
189.7
4.58
186.6
2.81
184.6
0.76
II. Fuel & Power
13.15
152.0
-1.87
153.8
-0.71
152.4
0.20
III. Manufactured Products
64.23
143.4
2.65
143.8
2.86
144.4
3.07
Food Index
24.38
191.5
7.52
189.0
5.94
188.8
4.66
Note:F: Final,P: Provisional, *Annual rate of WPI inflation calculated over the corresponding month of previous year
The month over month change in WPI for the month of March, 2025 stood at (-) 0.19% as compared to February, 2025. The monthly change in WPI for last six-month is summarized below:
Month Over Month (M-o-M in %) change in WPI Index#
All Commodities/Major Groups
Weight
Oct-24
Nov-24
Dec-24
Jan-25 (F)
Feb-25 (P)
Mar-25 (P)
All Commodities
100.00
1.29
-0.19
-0.45
-0.45
-0.13
-0.19
I. Primary Articles
22.62
2.61
-1.35
-2.07
-2.12
-1.63
-1.07
II. Fuel & Power
13.15
1.09
0.74
1.27
0.13
1.18
-0.91
III. Manufactured Products
64.23
0.70
0.14
-0.07
0.28
0.28
0.42
Food Index
24.38
3.22
-0.99
-2.10
-2.30
-1.31
-0.11
Note:F: Final, P: Provisional, #Monthly rate of change, based on month over month (M-o-M) WPI calculated over the preceding month
Month-over-Month Change in Major Groups of WPI:
Primary Articles (Weight 22.62%): – The index for this major group decreased by 1.07% to 184.6 (provisional) in March, 2025 from 186.6 (provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Price of crude petroleum & natural gas (-2.42%), non-food articles (-2.40%) and food articles (-0.72%) decreased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025. The price of minerals (0.31%) increased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025.
Fuel & Power (Weight 13.15%): – The index for this major group decreased by 0.91% to 152.4 (provisional) in March, 2025 from 153.8 (provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Price of electricity (-2.31%) and mineral oils (-0.70%) decreased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025. The price of coal remained same as in the previous month.
Manufactured Products (Weight 64.23%): – The index for this major group increased by 0.42% to 144.4 (Provisional) in March, 2025 from 143.8 (Provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Out of the 22 NIC two-digit groups for manufactured products, 16 groups witnessed an increase in prices, 5 groups witnessed a decrease in prices and 1 group witnessed no change in prices. Some of the important groups that showed month-over-month increase in prices were manufacture of basic metals; food products; other transport equipment; other manufacturing and machinery and equipment etc. Some of the groups that witnessed a decrease in prices were manufacture of textiles; chemicals and chemical products; computer, electronic and optical products; printing and reproduction of recorded media and furniture etc in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025.
WPI Food Index (Weight 24.38%):The Food Index consisting of ‘food articles’ from primary articles group and ‘food product’ from manufactured products group decreased from 189.0 in February, 2025 to 188.8 in March, 2025. The annual rate of inflation based on WPI Food Index decreased from 5.94% in February, 2025 to 4.66% in March, 2025.
Final Index for the month of January, 2025 (Base Year: 2011-12=100):For the month of January, 2025, the final Wholesale Price Index and inflation rate for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) stood at 155.0 and 2.51% respectively. The details of all India Wholesale Price Indices and Rates of Inflation for different commodity groups based on updated figures are at Annex I. The Annual rate of Inflation (Y-o-Y) based on WPI for different commodity groups in the last six months is at Annex II. WPI for different commodity groups in the last six months is at Annex III.
Response Rate:The WPI for March, 2025 has been compiled at a weighted response rate of 82.7 per cent, while the final figure for January, 2025 is based on the weighted response rate of 95.4 per cent. The provisional figures of WPI will undergo revision as per the revision policy of WPI. This press release, item indices, and inflation numbers are available at our home page http://eaindustry.nic.in.
Next date of Press Release:WPI for the month of April, 2025 would be released on 14/05/2025.
Note:DPIIT releases index number of wholesale price in India on monthly basis on 14th of every month (or next working day, if 14th falls on holiday) with a time lag of two weeks of the reference month, and the index number is compiled with data received from institutional sources and selected manufacturing units across the country. This press release contains WPI (Base Year 2011-12=100) for the month of March, 2025 (Provisional), January, 2025 (Final) and other months/years. Provisional figures of WPI are finalised after 10 weeks (from the month of reference), and frozen thereafter.
Annex-I
All India Wholesale Price Indices and Rates of Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for March, 2025
Commodities/Major Groups/Groups/Sub-Groups/Items
Weight
Index
March-25*
Latest month over Month (MoM)
Inflation (YoY)
Rate of Inflation (YoY)
Feb-Mar 2024
Feb-Mar
2025*
2023-24 (Apr-Mar)
2024-25* (Apr-Mar)
Mar-24
Mar-25*
ALL COMMODITIES
100.00
154.5
0.13
-0.19
-0.73
2.25
0.26
2.05
I. PRIMARY ARTICLES
22.62
184.6
0.94
-1.07
3.54
5.13
4.57
0.76
A. Food Articles
15.26
194.4
1.06
-0.72
6.61
7.30
7.05
1.57
Cereals
2.82
211.2
0.35
-0.85
7.17
7.88
9.04
5.49
Paddy
1.43
203.6
1.24
0.00
9.31
8.42
11.74
3.88
Wheat
1.03
217.1
-0.20
-1.68
4.53
7.64
7.48
7.96
Pulses
0.64
205.1
0.33
-1.63
14.38
10.70
17.18
-2.98
Vegetables
1.87
177.5
5.55
-5.74
9.00
16.64
20.09
-15.88
Potato
0.28
199.7
26.30
-7.67
-17.06
65.71
58.43
-6.77
Onion
0.16
273.7
5.31
-9.91
40.36
42.59
56.48
26.65
Fruits
1.60
218.5
4.33
4.25
-1.07
12.03
-3.05
20.78
Milk
4.44
186.8
0.38
0.21
7.46
3.02
5.08
1.41
Eggs, Meat & Fish
2.40
170.1
-0.06
-0.82
0.88
0.71
-1.75
0.71
B. Non-Food Articles
4.12
162.8
0.57
-2.40
-5.64
-0.42
-4.25
1.75
Oil Seeds
1.12
179.3
0.00
0.22
-9.81
-1.94
-7.17
0.34
C. Minerals
0.83
227.9
-1.51
0.31
6.95
4.49
-0.36
2.84
D. Crude Petroleum & Natural gas
2.41
145.1
1.35
-2.42
-3.04
-1.54
4.87
-7.64
Crude Petroleum
1.95
120.8
0.96
-2.89
-7.79
-2.55
10.26
-11.50
II. FUEL & POWER
13.15
152.4
-1.81
-0.91
-4.70
-1.30
-2.75
0.20
LPG
0.64
123.7
1.23
0.57
-10.79
2.77
-10.19
0.24
Petrol
1.60
151.8
-0.82
-0.46
-3.27
-3.73
-0.94
-3.86
HSD
3.10
165.4
-1.05
-0.72
-10.21
-3.40
-3.51
-2.88
III. MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
64.23
144.4
0.21
0.42
-1.69
1.71
-0.85
3.07
Mf/o Food Products
9.12
179.4
1.25
0.90
-2.92
7.12
0.81
10.67
Vegetable & Animal Oils and Fats
2.64
190.8
3.26
1.22
-20.30
16.14
-7.73
30.95
Mf/o Beverages
0.91
134.6
0.15
0.07
2.02
1.91
1.69
1.58
Mf/o Tobacco Products
0.51
180.2
0.63
0.11
4.98
2.39
4.20
2.21
Mf/o Textiles
4.88
136.6
-0.07
-0.29
-5.65
1.25
-1.83
1.71
Mf/o Wearing Apparel
0.81
154.5
-0.13
0.13
1.45
1.72
1.00
1.98
Mf/o Leather and Related Products
0.54
126.2
0.00
0.32
1.58
0.93
1.14
2.02
Mf/o Wood and of Products of Wood and Cork
0.77
150.0
-0.27
0.81
2.38
1.75
4.27
0.60
Mf/o Paper and Paper Products
1.11
141.3
0.07
0.36
-7.71
-0.77
-6.12
2.39
Mf/o Chemicals and Chemical Products
6.47
136.9
0.15
-0.15
-5.88
-0.29
-4.64
0.96
Mf/o Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products
1.99
145.2
-0.35
0.14
1.43
1.03
1.20
1.26
Mf/o Rubber and Plastics Products
2.30
129.7
0.39
0.00
-1.68
1.19
-0.08
1.17
Mf/o other Non-Metallic Mineral Products
3.20
132.7
-0.52
0.08
0.71
-2.42
-1.11
-0.30
Cement, Lime and Plaster
1.64
131.6
-1.40
0.30
0.07
-5.10
-2.61
-2.01
Mf/o Basic Metals
9.65
139.1
0.14
1.09
-5.20
-0.98
-5.13
0.29
Mild Steel – Semi Finished Steel
1.27
118.2
0.26
0.77
-5.59
-1.68
-7.14
1.03
Mf/o Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment
3.15
136.4
-1.02
0.15
-0.29
-1.86
-2.16
0.15
Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of
Annex-II
WPI Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for last 6 months
Commodities/Major Groups/Groups/Sub-Groups/Items
Weight
WPI based inflation (YoY) figures for last 6 months
Oct-24
Nov-24
Dec-24
Jan-25
Feb-25*
Mar-25*
ALL COMMODITIES
100.00
2.75
2.16
2.57
2.51
2.38
2.05
I. PRIMARY ARTICLES
22.62
8.26
5.49
6.02
4.58
2.81
0.76
A. Food Articles
15.26
13.49
8.48
8.53
5.83
3.38
1.57
Cereals
2.82
7.80
7.71
6.77
7.33
6.77
5.49
Paddy
1.43
7.47
7.58
6.93
6.22
5.17
3.88
Wheat
1.03
8.04
8.20
7.48
9.75
9.58
7.96
Pulses
0.64
9.27
5.97
5.02
5.13
-1.04
-2.98
Vegetables
1.87
62.86
29.34
28.57
8.11
-5.80
-15.88
Potato
0.28
79.11
82.64
92.36
72.57
27.54
-6.77
Onion
0.16
39.25
1.08
16.98
28.33
48.05
26.65
Fruits
1.60
13.60
5.59
11.16
15.30
20.88
20.78
Milk
4.44
3.00
2.04
2.15
2.58
1.58
1.41
Eggs, Meat & Fish
2.40
-0.52
3.16
5.43
3.56
1.48
0.71
B. Non-Food Articles
4.12
-1.34
-0.61
2.40
3.01
4.84
1.75
Oil Seeds
1.12
1.98
0.32
-1.35
0.16
0.11
0.34
C. Minerals
0.83
4.51
6.30
5.70
1.56
0.98
2.84
D. Crude Petroleum & Natural gas
2.41
-11.80
-7.74
-6.77
-0.53
-4.06
-7.64
Crude Petroleum
1.95
-12.49
-7.20
-6.86
-0.76
-7.99
-11.50
II. FUEL & POWER
13.15
-4.31
-4.03
-2.57
-1.87
-0.71
0.20
LPG
0.64
2.57
1.81
2.47
2.23
0.90
0.24
Petrol
1.60
-7.35
-6.83
-5.09
-3.64
-4.21
-3.86
HSD
3.10
-6.23
-5.68
-4.30
-3.61
-3.20
-2.88
III. MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
64.23
1.78
2.07
2.14
2.65
2.86
3.07
Mf/o Food Products
9.12
9.39
9.57
9.75
10.73
11.06
10.67
Vegetable & Animal Oils and Fats
2.64
26.03
28.83
31.82
33.74
33.59
30.95
Mf/o Beverages
0.91
2.13
2.28
1.89
1.51
1.66
1.58
Mf/o Tobacco Products
0.51
1.09
1.14
4.40
4.02
2.74
2.21
Mf/o Textiles
4.88
0.89
1.42
2.32
2.24
1.93
1.71
Mf/o Wearing Apparel
0.81
1.25
1.52
1.65
2.19
1.71
1.98
Mf/o Leather and Related Products
0.54
1.37
1.45
1.53
3.24
1.70
2.02
Mf/o Wood and of Products of Wood and Cork
0.77
1.09
0.54
0.47
1.01
-0.47
0.60
Mf/o Paper and Paper Products
1.11
0.94
0.07
-0.07
0.58
2.10
2.39
Mf/o Chemicals and Chemical Products
6.47
-0.22
0.29
0.59
1.03
1.26
0.96
Mf/o Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products
1.99
0.42
1.19
0.49
1.40
0.76
1.26
Mf/o Rubber and Plastics Products
2.30
1.89
1.42
1.18
1.65
1.57
1.17
Mf/o other Non-Metallic Mineral Products
3.20
-3.83
-2.38
-2.73
-1.64
-0.90
-0.30
Cement, Lime and Plaster
1.64
-7.20
-5.38
-6.26
-5.10
-3.67
-2.01
Mf/o Basic Metals
9.65
-2.04
-1.14
-1.50
-1.15
-0.65
0.29
Mild Steel – Semi Finished Steel
1.27
-1.67
-0.68
-0.85
0.09
0.51
1.03
Mf/o Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment
3.15
-2.81
-2.87
-1.45
-1.81
-1.02
0.15
Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of
Annex-III
Wholesale Price Indices (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for last 6 months
Commodities/Major Groups/Groups/Sub-Groups/Items
Weight
WPI Numbers for last 6 months
Oct-24
Nov-24
Dec-24
Jan-25
Feb-25*
Mar-25*
ALL COMMODITIES
100.00
156.7
156.4
155.7
155.0
154.8
154.5
I. PRIMARY ARTICLES
22.62
200.6
197.9
193.8
189.7
186.6
184.6
A. Food Articles
15.26
217.9
213.7
207.5
199.8
195.8
194.4
Cereals
2.82
208.6
211.0
211.4
212.3
213.0
211.2
Paddy
1.43
204.4
205.9
205.3
203.1
203.6
203.6
Wheat
1.03
209.6
213.8
215.5
219.6
220.8
217.1
Pulses
0.64
234.5
230.8
224.0
217.1
208.5
205.1
Vegetables
1.87
360.9
334.6
288.5
222.6
188.3
177.5
Potato
0.28
375.6
384.1
365.1
292.5
216.3
199.7
Onion
0.16
478.2
495.8
414.7
316.6
303.8
273.7
Fruits
1.60
210.5
198.4
193.3
196.7
209.6
218.5
Milk
4.44
185.6
185.2
185.6
187.0
186.4
186.8
Eggs, Meat & Fish
2.40
171.0
173.1
174.7
174.7
171.5
170.1
B. Non-Food Articles
4.12
161.9
162.8
166.2
167.5
166.8
162.8
Oil Seeds
1.12
185.4
185.6
182.8
183.4
178.9
179.3
C. Minerals
0.83
229.6
229.4
230.1
227.2
227.2
227.9
D. Crude Petroleum & Natural gas
2.41
147.3
146.7
141.9
150.9
148.7
145.1
Crude Petroleum
1.95
126.1
125.0
119.5
130.0
124.4
120.8
II. FUEL & POWER
13.15
148.8
149.9
151.8
152.0
153.8
152.4
LPG
0.64
119.8
123.6
124.6
123.7
123.0
123.7
Petrol
1.60
149.9
148.7
149.2
150.8
152.5
151.8
HSD
3.10
164.2
164.4
164.6
165.6
166.6
165.4
III. MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
64.23
142.9
143.1
143.0
143.4
143.8
144.4
Mf/o Food Products
9.12
175.9
177.5
176.8
177.5
177.8
179.4
Vegetable & Animal Oils and Fats
2.64
178.2
183.2
185.6
187.5
188.5
190.8
Mf/o Beverages
0.91
134.5
134.7
134.5
134.4
134.5
134.6
Mf/o Tobacco Products
0.51
176.0
177.0
180.3
181.2
180.0
180.2
Mf/o Textiles
4.88
135.9
136.1
136.8
137.0
137.0
136.6
Mf/o Wearing Apparel
0.81
153.9
153.7
154.4
154.2
154.3
154.5
Mf/o Leather and Related Products
0.54
125.7
125.8
126.0
127.5
125.8
126.2
Mf/o Wood and of Products of Wood and Cork
0.77
148.7
148.5
148.3
149.6
148.8
150.0
Mf/o Paper and Paper Products
1.11
139.8
138.5
138.3
139.5
140.8
141.3
Mf/o Chemicals and Chemical Products
6.47
136.3
136.4
136.5
136.8
137.1
136.9
Mf/o Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products
1.99
143.5
144.1
144.0
145.0
145.0
145.2
Mf/o Rubber and Plastics Products
2.30
129.6
128.6
129.0
129.3
129.7
129.7
Mf/o other Non-Metallic Mineral Products
3.20
130.4
131.4
131.7
132.2
132.6
132.7
Cement, Lime and Plaster
1.64
128.8
130.1
130.2
130.2
131.2
131.6
Mf/o Basic Metals
9.65
139.3
138.6
137.5
137.2
137.6
139.1
Mild Steel – Semi Finished Steel
1.27
118.0
117.5
116.8
117.3
117.3
118.2
Mf/o Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment
India contributes 7.1% to global GDP through its automotive sector and ranks 4th in global vehicle production.
Despite a strong manufacturing base, India holds only 3% share in global traded auto components,highlighting a vast scope for expansion.
The Vision 2030 roadmap aims to scale production to $145bn, exports to $60bn, and generate 2–2.5 million jobs.
Government schemes like FAME, PM E-Drive, and PLI have mobilized ₹66,000+ crore to support EVs and localization.
With targeted reforms and GVC integration, India can raise its global component trade share from 3% to 8% by 2030.
On 11th April 2024, NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains’, launched by Vice Chairman Shri Suman Bery, senior members, and the CEO of NITI Aayog. The report outlines India’s Global Value Chain (GVC) potential in the automotive sector and highlights strategic pathways for global leadership.
India’s automotive industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s manufacturing and economic growth, contributing 7.1% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 49% to manufacturing GDP. As the fourth-largestautomobileproducer globally, India possesses the scale and strategic depth to emerge as a global leader in the automotive value chain. The sector spans a vast ecosystem, from vehicle assembly and auto component manufacturing to deep interlinkages with critical industries such as steel, electronics, rubber, IT, and logistics. In recent years, India has seen exponential growth in vehicle production, with over 28 million units manufactured in 2023–24 alone. The industry’s contribution goes beyond industrial output, and it supports millions of direct and indirect jobs, spurs innovation, and is central to India’s green mobility transition, industrial ambitions, and trade strategy.
The global automotive component market was valued at $2 trillion in 2022, with $700 billion traded across borders. Despite India’s strong manufacturing base, its share in the globally traded auto component market remains at just 3% (~$20 billion), highlighting a vast scope for expansion. India’s trade ratio in auto components is near-neutral (~0.99), with exports and imports nearly balancing each other. This also underlines the domestic sector’s limited penetration in high-value, high-precision segments such as engine and engine components, along with drive transmission and steering systems, where India holds just 2–4% of the global trade share. Bridging this gap requires structural reforms, strategic investments, and a coordinated industrial policy approach. With the right enabling conditions, India can triple exports to $60 billion, generate a $25 billion trade surplus, and create over 2-2.5 million direct jobs by 2030, propelling it toward becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven manufacturing hub.
Strategic Importance of the Automotive Sector
Contributes 7.1% to India’s GDP and 49% to manufacturing GDP.
Employs millions and supports critical linkages across steel, electronics, and IT sectors.
India’s current share in globally traded auto components is approximately 3% or 20 billion.
India’s Vision for Automotive Industry
This vision aligns with India’s aspirations to become a global manufacturing hub under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Global Trends Shaping the Sector
1. Rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs):
EVs are reshaping manufacturing priorities, with China producing over 8 million EVs in 2023.
The EU and the US are accelerating EV adoption through regulatory mandates and subsidies.
EVs are increasing the demand for batteries, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
2. Digital and Advanced Manufacturing:
Integration of AI, robotics, digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing is driving efficiency.
Many global automakers are investing heavily in creating smart factories, where AI, IoT, and robotics are integrated into every aspect of the production process. Countries like Germany and South Korea are leading in smart factory adoption.
3. Sustainability and Circular Economy:
Automakers are moving toward carbon neutrality, material recycling, and energy efficiency.
Examples: BMW’s EV battery recycling and Volkswagen’s renewable energy sourcing.
4. Sectoral Interdependence:
Auto industry is a major consumer of steel, electronics, rubber, glass, textiles, and IT services.
Increasing reliance on semiconductors and AI-driven software for innovative mobility solutions.
Major Government Interventions
1.Make in India:Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative has provided a significant boost to the country’s manufacturing sector, particularly in automobiles. This policy promotes domestic manufacturing, reduces reliance on imports, and encourages foreign direct investment.
2.Atmanirbhar Bharat:The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to foster self-sufficiency in manufacturing and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign components. In the automotive sector, this has resulted in increased domestic production of critical components such as engines, transmissions, and EV batteries. The government has also extended support to start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive space, helping them integrate into global supply chains.
3.FAME India Scheme (Phases I & II):The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme has been pivotal in promoting clean mobility in India. Phase II, with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore, focuses on demand incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and the development of public charging infrastructure. It also aims to promote technology platforms for EVs and create a robust domestic EV ecosystem.
4. PM E-Drive Scheme (2024–26):Launched to accelerate EV adoption and reduce urban pollution, this scheme has a budget of ₹10,900 crore and targets large-scale procurement of electric vehicles:
24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers
3.2 lakh electric three-wheelers
Procurement of 14,028 electric buses by State Transport Undertakings (STUs)/public transport agencies
₹2,000 crore earmarked for national-level charging infrastructure expansion.
5. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Auto and ACC Batteries:With a total allocation of ₹44,038 crore (PLI scheme- INR 25,938 crore, PLI scheme for ACC Battery Storage- INR 18,100 crores), this flagship initiative aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technologies, including EVs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and advanced battery storage solutions. It provides financial incentives to OEMs and component manufacturers for investing in cutting-edge technologies, achieving economies of scale, and integrating into global supply chains. The scheme also prioritises domestic value addition, export readiness, and job creation through technology-driven innovation.
Key Challenges Hindering the Global Value Chain’s Integration
10%cost disadvantage for India versus China due to:
Higher raw material and machinery costs
100% depreciation rate vs 50% in China (~3.4% cost burden)
High logistics, financing, and energy costs
Underperformance in high-precision segments:
India’s global share: Only 2–4% in engine and engine components, along with drive transmission and steering systems
Inadequate R&D ecosystem and limited IP ownership
Proposed Interventions for GVC Integration
Fiscal Measures:
Operational Expenditure (Opex) Support: To scale up manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on capital expenditure (Capex) for tooling, dies, and infrastructure.
Skill Development: Initiatives to build a talent pipeline critical for sustaining growth.
R&D, Government facilitated IP transfer and Branding: Providing incentives for research, development, international branding to improve product differentiation and empowering MSMEs through IP transfers.
Cluster Development: Fostering collaboration between firms through common facilities such as R&D and testing centers to strengthen the supply chain.
Non-Fiscal Reforms:
Industry 4.0 Adoption: Encouraging the integration of digital technologies and enhanced manufacturing standards to improve efficiency.
International Collaboration: Promoting joint ventures (JVs), foreign collaborations, and free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand global market access.
Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulatory processes, worker hour flexibility, supplier discovery & development and improving business conditions for automotive firms.
Conclusion
India’s automotive sector stands at a decisive inflection point, where focused reforms, policy clarity, and industry alignment can elevate it into the league of global leaders in automotive manufacturing. With the world shifting rapidly towards clean, smart, and connected mobility, India must accelerate its integration into global value chains by building competitiveness in high-precision components, fostering innovation, and deepening its export footprint. Over the next five years, the effective execution of planned interventions—ranging from skilling and infrastructure to R&D and global partnerships- will determine whether India becomes a hub for high-value auto components or remains a low-cost player in traditional segments. With the right mix of ambition and action, India can become a globally recognised supplier of next-generation mobility solutions.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong’s Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Armenia in force “Under the CDTA, companies and residents of Hong Kong and Armenia will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income. The CDTA will allow them to have certainty on tax liabilities and save tax when they engage in cross-border business activities, thus helping to promote bilateral trade and investment. To date, Hong Kong has signed CDTAs with 51 tax jurisdictions,” a Government spokesman said.
IAS OFFICERS OF THE 2023 BATCH CALL ON THE PRESIDENT THE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WELFARE WORK DONE BY YOU AT THE LOCAL AND STATE LEVEL WOULD HELP IN ACHIEVING THE NATIONAL GOALS: PRESIDENT MURMU TO IAS OFFICERS
Posted On: 15 APR 2025 1:49PM by PIB Delhi
A group of IAS officers from the 2023 batch, currently serving as Assistant Secretaries in various Union Ministries and Departments, called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre today (April 15, 2025).
Addressing the IAS officers, the President said that they had become IAS officers through extraordinary determination and hard work. This has brought about a transformative change in their personal lives. Now with even more determination and dedication, they have the opportunity to bring about transformative changes in the lives of countless people. Their area of service and authority are so vast that they can make the lives of many fellow citizens better in their first posting itself. She advised them to make special efforts for the upliftment of the underprivileged. She also advised them to visit the places of posting during their career journey after some time and see the far-reaching results of their work.
The President said that officers should keep in mind the rights and duties of civil servants. The duties of a public servant are their responsibilities and their rights are the means to fulfill those duties.
The President told officers that their real career story would be created by their work, not by increasing the number of followers on social media. Their real social net worth would be determined by their good work.
The President said that every public servant should work with honesty of purpose. We all face the challenges of environmental pollution and climate change. Pollution of immorality and erosion in values are also very serious challenges. There should be no need to say anything else about being devoted and honest. The people who move ahead following life values of honesty, truth, and simplicity are happier. Honesty is the most desirable policy in public service. It is expected from the public servant that they would present examples of integrity and sensitivity in every sphere of life.
The President said that in the digital era, people’s aspirations are rising. They are becoming aware of the accountability of administrators. She advised officers to develop closeness with their fellow citizens and increase their participation in local efforts. She also advised them to resolve public interest issues raised by people’s representatives. She said that the development and public welfare work done by them at the local and state level would help in achieving national goals.