India

The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) Gas Price Index witnessed an 11% year-on-year decline in October, reflecting a moderation in global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices and subdued domestic demand. Despite short-term volatility, India’s natural gas market continues to show signs of structural maturity, driven by expanding infrastructure and policy reforms aimed at deepening gas-based energy usage.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has initiated the creation of centralised audit cadres across its offices to strengthen accountability, streamline operations, and improve the consistency of financial audits nationwide. This structural reform aims to standardise audit processes, optimise resource allocation, and ensure greater transparency in the examination of government expenditure.

The initial public offering (IPO) of Studds Accessories Ltd., India’s leading two-wheeler helmet manufacturer, witnessed overwhelming investor enthusiasm, closing with a subscription rate of 73 times on the final day of bidding. The strong response reflected broad-based participation from institutional, retail, and non-institutional investors, underscoring robust confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, brand dominance, and export potential.

India’s electricity consumption fell 6% year-on-year in October 2025 to 132 billion units (BU), reflecting a slowdown in industrial activity and subdued power demand due to moderate weather conditions across much of the country. The decline follows months of robust consumption driven by strong manufacturing output and peak summer loads. Experts attribute the fall to lower cooling requirements, maintenance shutdowns in select industries, and improved efficiency in power usage.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive review after a power bank caught fire on a domestic flight, raising safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries in air travel. Authorities are assessing causes, regulatory compliance, and potential gaps in airline safety protocols. The incident underscores the risks associated with carrying electronic devices in passenger cabins and cargo. Aviation experts stress the importance of adhering to carriage guidelines and implementing preventive measures to mitigate fire hazards.

India and the United States are stepping up efforts to expand their energy trade partnership, underscoring a shared interest in energy diversification, trade balance, and geopolitical alignment. India aims to increase imports of U.S. crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other energy products to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on traditional suppliers. The move also seeks to address U.S. concerns over India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

An Indian delegation recently attended the P20 Summit in South Africa, aiming to reinforce strategic economic partnerships and explore opportunities for trade, investment, and technological collaboration. The delegation, comprising senior government officials, business leaders, and industry experts, engaged in high-level discussions with counterparts from partner countries to address shared economic priorities and sustainable development goals. Focus areas included infrastructure financing, renewable energy, digital innovation, and capacity building.

India is exploring opportunities to play a larger role in Australia’s housing sector, with discussions underway to leverage financing from the United Arab Emirates. The plan, still in its early stages, envisions Indian construction and infrastructure firms contributing to the development of residential projects in Australia, where demand for affordable housing has surged. The inclusion of UAE investors would not only provide critical funding but also strengthen trilateral economic cooperation between India, Australia, and the UAE.

Indian equities rebounded strongly on Thursday after a recent slump, with both the Sensex and Nifty posting notable gains driven by buying across banking, IT, and energy counters. Investor sentiment improved on the back of easing global cues, moderation in crude oil prices, and renewed interest from institutional investors. Analysts suggest the recovery reflects a combination of bargain-hunting and cautious optimism ahead of key macroeconomic data releases.

Shares of leading automobile companies surged following market speculation on potential Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms aimed at reducing the overall tax burden on vehicles. Analysts suggest that a streamlined GST structure could enhance affordability, stimulate consumer demand, and boost sales volumes in the sector. Investors reacted positively, with both passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle manufacturers witnessing notable intraday gains.