Articles by Bl New Delhi

Technology

DBS Bank forecasts India to grow by an average 6.7% between 2025 and 2040

India’s economy is expected to grow at an average rate of 6.7 per cent over the 15 year period from 2025 to 2040, outpacing China and Asean countries, a report by DBS Bank has said. “We forecast India’s economy to grow by an average 6.7 per cent from 2025 to 2040. This will outpace China’s 3 per cent average real GDP expansion in the same period, as well the ASEAN-6 region,“ said Radhika Rao, Senior Economist at DBS Bank, in a report titled, ‘India 2025-40 outlook Pivotal juncture.’ Bull case scenario Nominal GDP (Gross Domestic Products in Indian Rupee) is expected to average 9.7 per cent. “We also draw out a ‘bull case’ where growth could average a sharper 7.3-7.5 per cent in the same period,” she said. According to the International Monetary Fund, the size of the Indian economy touched $4.13 trillion in 2025 placing it fourth among the world’s largest economies. If base case growth projections materialise, India’s nominal GDP economy may pass the $5.6 trillion mark by 2030 and near $11.5 trillion by 2040. Per capita income is on course to beat $3,700 within this decade and rise to $7,000 by 2040, firmly into the upper middle income country threshold. “These are likely to be key milestones ahead of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ goalposts set by the government,” she said. 4 D growth pillars According to Rao, India stands at a pivotal juncture where policy decisions will determine the trajectory of its economy over the next decade. Geopolitical shifts and evolving strategic alliances will play a crucial role. “We provide a four ‘D’ framework which will supplement the growth agenda towards 2040 – Development, Diversification, Digitalisation, and Decarbonisation,” she said. Explaining 4 ‘D’, she said that through the lens of diversification, growth will be better balanced with a push to expand manufacturing and services capabilities, besides wider suite of trading partners. Development of the GIFT City will be a key priority. Digitization drive will require a balance between productivity enhancements and managing AI growth. “Managing climate change risks and green transition underscore the Decarbonisation agenda,” she said. According to her, India is on course to be firmly in the upper middle income country threshold in a decade, in a key milestone towards Viksit Bharat goals. “Robust human capital approach is crucial to maximum dividends from favourable demographic trends,” she said. In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India’s sovereign rating to BBB from BBB-, marking its first upgrade in nearly 18 years. India now stands on par with Indonesia and Mexico. “This upgrade was long time in the making, given the structural improvements in the past decade. As tariff risks abate, we expect Moody’s and Fitch to also reassess the current stance and adjust the ratings higher,” Rao said. Published on October 30, 2025

3 days ago

Technology

Adani Airports to deploy AI for passenger help services

The airport operator AAHL (Adani Airport Holdings Limited) will deploy artificial intelligence based online solution for providing next level passenger help as well as support services. Accordingly, AAHL has joined hands with InterGlobe Enterprises company, AIONOS, to use AI-based solution across all its airports. Under the partnership, AIONOS will deploy its “IntelliMate” AI platform to provide round-the-clock multilingual assistance through chat, voice, web, and mobile channels. The system, as per the airport operator will help passengers get flight updates, gate and baggage information, and details about airport services in real time, in languages including English, Hindi, and regional dialects. According to Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of AAHL, the move is part of the company’s broader plan to use technology to make airports more efficient and passenger-friendly. “Together with in-house offerings such as aviio, Adani OneApp and Airport-in-a-Box, we are building a connected ecosystem that enhances efficiency, fosters inclusivity, and sets new benchmarks for smart, sustainable and future-ready airports in India,” Bansal said. Meanwhile, C.P. Gurnani, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of AIONOS, said the partnership reflects both companies’ goal of using advanced technology to deliver better customer experiences. “Our collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of leveraging advanced technologies to offer exceptional customer experience,” Gurnani said. Published on October 30, 2025

3 days ago

Technology

CBIC merges 31 customs duty notifications into one consolidated notification

Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has said that 31 notifications related with Custom Duty have been merged into one to promote ease of doing business. “31 Customs Duty Notifications merged into ONE consolidated Notification viz Notification No 45/2025 dated 24th October 2025. It will be effective from 1st November 2025. A step towards simplification, transparency and ease of doing business,” the indirect tax body said in a social media post. This will be effective from November 1, 2025.” Later in a set of ‘Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)’, the board said that instead of referring to 31 separate notifications, the exemptions/concessional rates contained in these 31 notifications are now available in this single notification. However, there have been two minor changes. First, exemption to supplies by Air India Engineering Services Limited (M/s AIESL) and the current entry will now cover three specific B-737 and two specific B-777 aircrafts maintained and operated by Indian Air Force. Second, provision related with 5 per cent Basic Custom Duty (BCD) for bulk drugs used in the manufacture of Poliomyelitis Vaccine (inactivated and live) and Monocomponent Insulins has been removed. CBIC also clarified that there is no change in the validity of the exemptions notified across various years. Unless otherwise specified, “the conditional exemptions/concessions on basic customs duty will lapse as per provisions of Section 25(4A) of the Customs Act,” it said. Published on October 25, 2025

Oct 25, 2025

Technology

Tender for e-buses under PM E-DRIVE deferred again to November 6

The bidding for country’s largest electric bus (e-bus) tender by the Centre, under Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, has been extended for the second time due to concerns of the companies and States on lack of charging infrastructure. Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and the Centre’s nominated agency for the aggregation and procurement of e-buses, is set to open bids for its most ambitious tender of 10,900 electric buses on November 6. The last date for submission of bids was originally August 12, which was deferred till October 14 and now it will be November 6. “CESL has successfully addressed a large number of pre-bid queries raised by potential bidders, ensuring complete transparency and readiness for the final bid opening. This tender marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward achieving sustainable and zero-emission public transport systems under the National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP),” the agency said in a statement. This mega tender encompasses multiple cities and Union Territories, including Hyderabad, Surat, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru, covering both AC and non-AC buses across various categories such as Standard Floor, Low Floor, and BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) models. According to the tender’s scope, Hyderabad will receive around 2,000 buses across two lots, Surat and Ahmedabad will together add another 1,600 buses, Delhi is set to induct 2,800 buses, and Bengaluru will see the largest allocation of 4,500 buses under this programme. Each city’s deployment plan has been carefully structured to meet its specific urban mobility requirements and commuter density patterns, CESL said. “The deployment of 10,900 e-buses will revolutionise the way our cities move, making mass transport cleaner, quieter, and more efficient. CESL remains committed to accelerating India’s transition to electric mobility through transparent processes, innovative financing models, and partnerships with public and private stakeholders,” a CESL spokesperson said. Published on October 25, 2025

Oct 25, 2025