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Issue #08 | February 2025
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India Gears Up for an Investment Boom: Bold Reforms, Job Creation & Business-Friendly Policies!
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From the Editor’s Desk: Straight Talk, No Chaser
India is gearing up for a major economic transformation with strategic reforms aimed at attracting investments and boosting job creation. To foster healthy competition among states, NITI Aayog is launching an index ranking them by investment potential, making it easier for investors to identify promising destinations. The Union Budget 2025-26 reinforces inclusivity by ensuring better social security for gig workers—1 crore of whom will receive I-cards and e-Shram portal registrations. Foreign direct investment is set to rise with reforms in bilateral investment treaties, while targeted job creation in fisheries, tourism, and manufacturing is expected to generate over 21 lakh new opportunities. To further streamline business operations, a high-level committee will review non-financial sector regulations, paving the way for a more seamless investment climate. These bold initiatives collectively aim to build a stronger, more investor-friendly India.
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NITI Aayog to Launch Index to Rank States on Investment Potential
The upcoming index will assess states based on infrastructure, policy framework, and ease of doing business, aiming to boost regional competitiveness and attract investments.
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India Achieves Milestone of 100 GW Solar Energy Capacity
India's progress in renewable energy efforts is marked by achieving 100 gigawatts of installed solar energy capacity, a significant milestone.
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India Sets Up EFTA Desk to Promote Trade & Investment
India establishes an EFTA desk to enhance trade relations, investment opportunities, and business facilitation with European Free Trade Association countries.
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Budget Banter: What’s Cooking in the Union Pot?
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Govt Plans 21 Lakh Jobs in 25-26, Focus on Key Sectors
The government plans to focus on sectors like fisheries, tourism, and manufacturing to stimulate economic growth and employment, which will generate over 2.1 million jobs in the upcoming fiscal year.
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State of Affairs: Rajasthan’s Purse Strings Unravelled
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Rajasthan Gets its First ‘Green Budget’ 
CM Diya Kumari presented Rajasthan's first "Green Budget," prioritising Bijli, Sadak, Paani, health, and agriculture. The government emphasised sustainable development while focusing on infrastructure and public welfare initiatives.
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Relief, Reforms & Rupees Well Spent
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Budget 2025: I-Cards for 1Cr Gig Workers on E-Shram 
Identity cards have been introduced to enhance social security and formalise the gig economy sector. Ten million gig workers must register on the e-Shram portal.
Budget 2025: FDI Strategy Strengthened with Treaty Revamp 
Revised bilateral investment treaties aim to enhance foreign direct investment by providing clearer dispute resolution mechanisms and stronger investor protections, aligning with global standards to attract international investors.
Budget 2025: MSME Investment and Turnover Limits Raised 
The 2025 budget introduces increased investment and turnover thresholds for micro, small, and medium enterprises to facilitate growth, encourage formalisation, and enhance access to financial resources.
Budget Lays the Foundation for Sustained Growth 
The recent budget emphasises long-term economic stability by prioritising infrastructure development, digital innovation, and skill enhancement, setting the stage for sustained economic growth and competitiveness.
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Policy & Progress: Rajasthan in Focus
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वेयरहाउस को उद्योग का दर्जा मिलने से लॉजिस्टिक क्षेत्र में 10 हजार करोड़ का निवेश 
वेयरहाउस और लॉजिस्टिकसेक्टर तेजी से बढ़ रहा है। राजस्थान वेयरहाउस एसोसिएशन का कहना है कि औद्योगिक क्षेत्रों में लॉजिस्टिक के लिए 10 फीसदी हिस्सा आरक्षित रहेगा।
Rajasthan Trade Bodies Urge Investment in Agro-Processing & Agri-Biz 
Rajasthan leads in mustard, pearl millet, and spices production. ARTIA’s Kailash Sharma emphasised value addition in agro-processing for investment, employment, and tax revenue, calling for a shift from traditional crop sales.
साल में 58.73 लाख यात्रियों ने किया सफर, दिसंबर में 5.90 लाख यात्रियों का मूवमेंट
2024 में देश का 13वां सबसे व्यस्त रहा जयपुर एयरपोर्ट और दिसंबर 2024 में यात्रीभार के लिहाज से देशभर में 11वें स्थान पर रहा।
Budget Lays the Foundation for Sustained Growth 
The recent budget emphasises long-term economic stability by prioritising infrastructure development, digital innovation, and skill enhancement, setting the stage for sustained economic growth and competitiveness.
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Neighbour’s Envy, Owner’s Pride
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MP Unveils Drone Policy, Incentives for Manufacturing Hub 
Madhya Pradesh unveils a drone policy with incentives, aiming to establish itself as a manufacturing hub for drone technology.
UP's ASER Scores Show Big Turnaround in Learning Outcomes 
With notable gains in reading and arithmetic skills, Uttar Pradesh's ASER report indicates significant improvements in student learning outcomes.
4 States Manage to Lower Debt Levels in 10 Years 
Only Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, and Maharashtra maintained low debt-to-GSDP ratios. Rajasthan’s debt could exceed 50 percent by 2027-28, signalling urgent fiscal management requirements, as per an NCAER study.
CEA Urges Southern States to Focus on Higher-Order Skills
The southern states contribute 27 percent to India’s manufacturing GVA while employing 55.78 lakh people, indicating potential productivity improvements due to a higher workforce share relative to output.
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Global Trends Shaping Trade & Policy
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Swiss Firms Eye Rajasthan Investments Post-Summit 
In Rajasthan's prominent sectors, including renewable energy and manufacturing, Swiss companies are exploring investment opportunities, signalling strengthened international economic ties following the recent summit.
Japan Finds New Bright Spots for Investment in India 
Focusing on sectors like technology and infrastructure, reflecting strengthened bilateral economic relations and mutual growth prospects, Japan identifies emerging investment opportunities in India.
EFTA's US$100bn Promise to Catalyse US$400-500bn Investment in India 
These countries will access Indian markets at preferential tariffs. The investments will generate one million direct jobs, with total direct and indirect job creation estimated to be between four and five.
Australia to Invest US$200mn to Strengthen Trade Ties with India 
Australian High Commissioner Philip Green announced a US$200mn investment to support businesses across sectors. Emphasising Australia’s interest in the second phase of the India-Australia free trade agreement.
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Brain Food: Think Before You Forward
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Budget Focuses on Creating Jobs Through Growth and Investment 
The budget emphasises job creation and allocates resources to growth and investment initiatives, which aim to stimulate employment across various sectors and strengthen the overall economy.
Deregulation Key to India's Economic Growth and Stability 
Experts advocate for deregulation as a crucial factor in promoting India's economic growth and ensuring long-term stability.
High-Level Committee to Review Non-Financial Sector Regulations 
A newly established high-level committee will evaluate existing regulations in non-financial sectors, aiming to streamline policies, reduce compliance burdens, and promote ease of doing business across various industries.
Travel & Tourism to Gain from ₹12 Lakh IT Exemption 
Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat states that income tax exemptions of up to ₹12 lakh will significantly benefit the travel and tourism sector.
NITI Aayog Aiding States in Vision 2047 Planning 
NITI Aayog assists states in developing vision documents outlining long-term developmental goals leading up to 2047.
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