According to the data from the United States Census Bureau, India’s goods exports to the United States reached a record $11.2 billion in March 2025, the highest monthly figure recorded between the two countries. This is a significant increase from the usual monthly average of $7.5 billion, and the first time the $10 billion mark has been crossed.

Total Goods Trade Nears $15 Billion

Overall goods trade between India and the U.S. stood at $14.96 billion for the month. India’s exports accounted for $11.19 billion, while the U.S. exported goods worth $3.77 billion to India. This resulted in a trade deficit of $7.42 billion for the U.S. in March alone.

Quarterly Trade Figures

For the first quarter of 2025 (January to March), India’s total exports to the U.S. reached $27.69 billion, while imports from the U.S. totalled $10.47 billion. The cumulative trade deficit for the U.S. during this period stood at $17.22 billion.

Monthly Breakdown – Q12025

• January: US exports to India – $3.2 billion, US imports from India – $8.1 billion
• February: US exports to India – $3.5 billion, US imports from India – $8.3 billion
• March: US exports to India – $3.77 billion, US imports from India – $11.2 billion

Temporary Tariff Pause

According to the reports, the increase in trade activity aligns with a 90-day reciprocal tariff pause announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The suspension period led to an uptick in shipments between the two countries. India remains subject to a 26% tariff, though suspended, and has offered to reduce tariffs on select goods like steel, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals, subject to quotas.

Read more: India’s Exports Reach Historic High of $825 Billion in FY2024-25!

Wider U.S. Trade Activity in March

The U.S. trade deficit for March rose to $140.5 billion, the highest ever. Imports climbed to $419 billion, driven by higher purchases of consumer goods, while exports rose slightly to $278.5 billion. Imports from countries including India, Mexico, and Vietnam were at record levels, while imports from China fell to a five-year low.

Conclusion

March saw a sharp rise in India-U.S. trade volumes, largely concentrated on the export side, during a temporary pause in tariff enforcement. In March, the U.S. trade deficit reached an unprecedented $140.5 billion, the largest monthly shortfall ever recorded. This surge was primarily fueled by a record increase in imports as businesses accelerated purchases of foreign goods in anticipation of new tariffs announced by President Trump.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

In a significant development for the Indian judiciary, the Supreme Court of India has made public the financial disclosures of 21 of its 33 sitting judges, including Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. This move marks a visible shift towards transparency amid growing public demand for accountability from the nation’s top legal authorities.

Timing and Context: Coincidence or Statement?

The timing of the disclosures, published late on May 6, 2025, is noteworthy. The data appeared online mere hours after the Supreme Court announced the submission of a report by a 3-member inquiry committee on the half-burnt currency notes found at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma. While not directly connected, the sequence highlights the Court’s intent to address criticisms of opacity with affirmative action.

A Diverse Range of Assets

The asset declarations reveal a wide spectrum of financial positions—from modest holdings and ongoing home loans to substantial investments and ancestral properties. The filings include details of real estate, investments, loans, insurance policies, jewellery, vehicles, and income tax returns, reflecting both inherited wealth and individual accumulation.

Read More: Pakistan’s KSE-100 Crashes 5% at Open Following Operation Sindoor. 

Notable Highlights from Disclosures

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna

CJI Khanna has declared ownership of 2 residential flats in Delhi, a share in his ancestral property, investments exceeding ₹55 lakh, a hatchback car, and a Life Insurance Corporation policy. He reported no outstanding loans.

CJI-Designate B.R. Gavai

Justice Gavai disclosed assets that include inherited property in Amravati, apartments in Mumbai and Delhi, and agricultural land holdings.

Justice Surya Kant

Among his disclosures were “3 valuable watches” and real estate in multiple cities, but he listed no vehicles or outstanding loans.

Justice Abhay S. Oka

Justice Oka holds a car loan of slightly over ₹5 lakh, indicating moderate financial liabilities.

Justice Vikram Nath

Justice Nath reported over ₹1 crore in investments but no jewellery, vehicles, or loans, reflecting a conservative asset profile.

Justice Bela M. Trivedi

She is constructing a house in Ahmedabad and owns jewellery valued at ₹50 lakh, along with a hatchback car, but has no loans.

Justices Narasimha and Viswanathan

Both elevated directly from the Bar, these judges declared substantial assets reflecting their successful legal careers. Justice Narasimha’s disclosures include nine-figure investments and six-figure jewellery, along with income tax records from FY 2008–09 to FY 2023–24. Justice Viswanathan reported 10-figure investments, nine-figure tax payments, and no liabilities.

Judges Awaiting Disclosure

As per the Supreme Court’s official statement, declarations from 12 judges, including Justice B.V. Nagarathna, are pending. The Court clarified that these statements would be uploaded as and when they are received.

The Evolution of Asset Disclosure

The present move traces its roots to a 1997 Full Court Resolution led by then-CJI J.S. Verma, which urged judges to declare their assets to the CJI. In 2009, the Court resolved to publish such declarations voluntarily on its website. That same year, the Delhi High Court ruled that judicial asset disclosures fall under the ambit of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

A pivotal moment came in 2019 when a Constitution Bench, whose lead opinion was authored by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, held that asset disclosures did not violate a judge’s right to privacy if they served public interest.

Conclusion

While not legally mandated, this move signals a cultural shift within the judiciary towards openness. By voluntarily disclosing personal financial information, the judges of the apex court are setting a benchmark for public accountability, reinforcing the foundational democratic principle that even the highest offices must not stand above scrutiny.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has approved a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), increasing both from the existing 53% to 55% of basic pay and pension. This adjustment aligns with the recommendations under the 7th Pay Commission and is intended to counterbalance the rising cost of living due to inflation.

Effective Date and Implementation Timeline

The revised rates will come into effect from January 1, 2025. Beginning May 2025, the updated DA and DR rates will be reflected in the monthly salary and pension disbursements of all eligible beneficiaries.

Who Will Benefit from the Revision?

This hike will benefit a wide range of personnel associated with the State, including:

• Officers of the All India Services (AIS) posted in Arunachal Pradesh

• Central Government employees on deputation to the State

• State Government employees

• Pensioners and family pensioners drawing benefits from the Arunachal Pradesh Government

Read More: DA Hike of 2%: How Much Will Salary and Pension Increase?

Financial Impact on the State Exchequer

The total financial implication of this revision has been estimated at ₹73.22 crore over a 14-month period, averaging ₹5.23 crore per month. Specifically:

• From January to April 2025, the DA component will cost ₹20.80 crore (₹5.20 crore/month)

• During the same period, the DR component will involve an outlay of ₹0.12 crore (₹0.03 crore/month)

• Combined, the four-month arrears will amount to ₹20.92 crore, which will be disbursed in cash

Conclusion

Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated government employees on the announcement and stated that the decision reaffirms the State Government’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce and retirees. He emphasised that this financial relief is aimed at mitigating the effects of inflation, while also encouraging government employees to uphold their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

In response to a rising number of passenger complaints related to ride cancellations, sudden price surges, and safety concerns, the Maharashtra government has rolled out the Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025. This new regulatory framework applies to leading app-based ride services like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, and aims to ensure accountability, safety, and smoother commuting experiences for users.

Compensation for Cancelled Rides

A key feature of the new policy is compensation for passengers when drivers cancel confirmed rides. This move is designed to curb the increasing trend of arbitrary cancellations and to instil greater reliability in aggregator services. The initiative directly addresses long-standing grievances by holding service providers and drivers more accountable.

Read More: Ola, Uber, Rapido to Charge Govt-Approved Fares in Pune from May 1. 

Policy Guided by Supreme Court Directives

The Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025 has been shaped by directives from the Supreme Court and was finalised under the leadership of a committee chaired by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Srivastava. The policy’s legal backing gives it added weight and ensures that it aligns with broader judicial expectations around public transport and consumer rights.

Safer Commutes for Women and Night Riders

To enhance safety, especially for women travelling late at night, the policy introduces women-only ride-sharing options. This gender-sensitive initiative aims to build trust among female passengers by providing them with dedicated and secure transport options during vulnerable hours.

Quality Control: Minimum Ratings and Vehicle Standards

The policy mandates that drivers must maintain a minimum fare satisfaction rating of 80% to continue operating under these platforms. Additionally, poorly maintained or unfit vehicles will be systematically removed from service to maintain basic service quality and passenger comfort.

Local Offices and Driver Training

The policy also advises cab aggregators to set up local offices across Maharashtra to better address customer issues and provide on-ground support. Furthermore, drivers will be required to undergo formal training that includes a strong focus on ethical behaviour and customer privacy.

Data Privacy and Customer Protection

In a bid to protect users’ personal data, the policy clearly prohibits drivers and aggregator platforms from misusing or accessing passenger information for any purpose beyond the immediate service. This clause ensures that data privacy is prioritised and reinforced at all levels.

Emergency Response Features and Background Checks

Another cornerstone of the policy is the mandatory inclusion of real-time GPS tracking and in-cab emergency buttons. These features are designed to allow quicker responses during crises. Additionally, all drivers must now undergo police verification and background checks, enhancing passenger trust and reducing security risks.

Conclusion

With the launch of the Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025, Maharashtra is aiming to bring structure, safety, and fairness to the aggregator cab ecosystem. By addressing key pain points like cancellations, safety, and transparency, the government is working towards a more reliable and passenger-friendly urban transport experience.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

In a major policy reform aimed at improving coal distribution in the power sector, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy. This new framework simplifies the allocation process, introduces greater flexibility for power producers, and aims to strengthen domestic coal-based energy generation through a dual-window structure.

Simplified Coal Linkage Through Dual Windows

The revised policy introduces two distinct windows for granting coal linkages:

Window I: Notified Price Allocation

Under this window, the existing mechanism for allocating coal to Central Sector Thermal Power Projects (TPPs), including Joint Ventures and their subsidiaries, will continue. States will receive earmarked coal linkages based on recommendations from the Ministry of Power. These allocations may be used either by State Generating Companies or by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) selected through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), or those with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under Section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003, for establishing new or expansion units.

Window II: Premium-Based Auction System

This window provides any domestic coal-based power producer, including those with untied capacity, as well as Imported Coal-Based (ICB) plants, the opportunity to obtain coal via auction. The coal may be secured for a period of up to 12 months or up to 25 years, by paying a premium above the notified price. Importantly, the policy removes the requirement for PPAs under this window, granting power producers the liberty to sell electricity in the open market as per their strategy.

 

Read More: Central Government Employees to Get DA Hike Before 8th Pay Commission

Operational Strategy and Sectoral Benefits

Implementation and Delegation:

Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will receive directions for executing the new provisions. Ministries and State Governments will be informed to ensure seamless implementation and regulatory compliance. The policy empowers the Ministries of Coal and Power to make minor adjustments and introduces an “Empowered Committee” comprising the Secretary (Power), Secretary (Coal), and Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to resolve operational issues.

Broader Impact and Long-Term Advantage: 

The revised policy significantly simplifies the coal allocation structure by reducing eight existing categories into two comprehensive windows, thus enhancing the ease of doing business. It enables power plants to match their coal procurement strategies with long-term or short-term demand. With the flexibility to operate without a PPA in Window-II, Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are better positioned to plan new thermal capacity, which will contribute to the sector’s growth.

The revised policy also promotes domestic coal usage in ICB plants, encouraging import substitution. The preference for pithead-based power projects helps reduce logistics costs and environmental load. Coal linkage rationalisation aims to reduce the landed cost of coal, ease pressure on railway infrastructure, and lower electricity tariffs. Additionally, existing Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) holders may participate beyond their Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) under Window-II, and plants can trade surplus power in the electricity market, further enhancing grid efficiency.

Conclusion

The Revised SHAKTI Policy reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, flexible, and efficient coal allocation system for the power sector. By enabling new investment, reducing import reliance, and fostering market-driven operations, the policy is poised to contribute significantly to India’s energy security and economic growth.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.