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New Delhi, Mar 25 (BNP): India’s total exports of merchandise and services rose to $714.73 billion during April–January of FY 2025–26, registering a growth of 5.26 per cent over $679.02 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal, the government said on Tuesday.

The data reflects continued resilience in India’s trade performance despite global uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and volatile commodity prices.

Over the longer term, exports have shown steady growth, rising from $497.90 billion in 2020–21 to $828.25 billion in 2024–25, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9 per cent.

The government said it is strengthening the export ecosystem through policy support, digital infrastructure, and financial incentives, with a focus on enhancing global competitiveness, especially for MSMEs.

The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 continues to play a key role, supported by schemes such as Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and the recently approved Export Promotion Mission (EPM), which has an outlay of ₹25,060 crore.

As part of efforts to mitigate risks arising from geopolitical disruptions, the government has also launched a time-bound “RELIEF” scheme under the Export Promotion Mission, to be implemented through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC).

Officials said digital platforms and trade facilitation measures have improved efficiency, transparency, and access to global markets for exporters.

India is also expanding its global trade footprint through free trade agreements, with 19 FTAs in place and several others under negotiation, including with the EU, UK, and New Zealand.

The government said the integrated approach combining policy reforms, digital systems, and market access initiatives is aimed at building a resilient and future-ready export ecosystem.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

New Delhi, Mar 25 (BNP): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said farmers’ incomes have doubled under the current government, citing higher minimum support prices (MSP), record procurement, and expanded welfare schemes.

Replying to questions in the Lok Sabha, Chouhan said the government is committed to ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce in all situations and has built a “strong security shield” through initiatives such as MSP procurement, PM-AASHA, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

He said MSP is being fixed at cost plus 50 per cent, providing better returns to farmers, and stressed that procurement at MSP has been expanded beyond foodgrains to include pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables.

The minister said agricultural production has increased by nearly 44 per cent in recent years, alongside efforts to improve both productivity and farm incomes.

Highlighting income protection measures, Chouhan said the PM-AASHA scheme ensures support when market prices fall below MSP through direct procurement, price deficiency payments, and other interventions.

He added that under the crop insurance scheme, farmers have received claims worth about ₹1.92 lakh crore against premium payments of around ₹36,055 crore, indicating substantial benefits.

Referring to recent natural calamities in Maharashtra, the minister said ₹14,000 crore was transferred directly to farmers within five days using digital farmer identification systems.

Chouhan said the government is also supporting farmers through the Market Intervention Scheme, including covering transportation costs in some cases to help farmers access better prices in distant markets.

He emphasised increased use of technology, including satellite-based assessment, to improve transparency in crop insurance claims and ensure accurate yield estimation.

The minister reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring they receive the full value of their produce.

New Delhi, Mar 25 (BNP): The Centre has identified 100 districts across the country under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (DDKY) to drive the next phase of agricultural growth, focusing on regions with low productivity and limited credit access.

The districts have been selected based on three key indicators — low crop productivity, low cropping intensity, and inadequate agricultural credit disbursement.

The scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification and sustainable practices, improve irrigation infrastructure, and expand post-harvest storage facilities at the panchayat and block levels. It also seeks to improve access to both short-term and long-term credit for farmers.

Under the initiative, District Action Plans (DAPs) are being prepared and implemented by district-level Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana committees headed by district collectors.

Officials said the plans will be developed through convergence of 36 central schemes across 11 departments, along with state schemes and private sector participation. The DAPs are designed to address local bottlenecks and integrate interventions such as climate-resilient technologies, micro-irrigation, protected cultivation, and post-harvest infrastructure.

To ensure coordination and monitoring, committees have been set up at the district, state, and national levels. Central Nodal Officers have also been assigned to each district for field visits and performance review.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

New Delhi, Mar 25 (BNP): The Centre has disbursed over ₹4.27 lakh crore to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme through 22 instalments since its launch in February 2019, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

The scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible landholding farmers in three equal instalments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

During the release of the 21st instalment on November 19, 2025, more than 9.35 crore farmers received financial assistance under the scheme.

According to government data and independent assessments, the scheme has had a positive impact on farmers’ income and the rural economy.

A 2019 study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) found that PM-KISAN support helped ease credit constraints, boost rural economic growth, and encourage higher investment in agricultural inputs. It also enhanced farmers’ ability to take productive risks.

Feedback collected through Kisan Call Centres indicates that over 93 per cent of beneficiaries used the funds for agricultural activities.

An impact evaluation by NITI Aayog’s Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) found that over 92 per cent of beneficiary farmers spent the assistance on essential inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. Around 85 per cent reported an increase in agricultural income and reduced dependence on informal credit, particularly during crop failures or medical emergencies.

The government said the scheme contributes to broader goals including poverty reduction, food security, and improved transparency.

To improve accessibility, a dedicated ‘Farmers Corner’ on the PM-KISAN portal allows beneficiaries to check payment status and eligibility. Farmers can also access these services through Common Service Centres.

A voice-based AI chatbot, ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, has also been deployed to address queries in 11 languages. The chatbot has handled over 95 lakh queries from more than 53 lakh farmers so far.

The government said Aadhaar authentication is mandatory under the scheme, with payments made directly through Aadhaar-based systems. Regular drives are conducted in coordination with states and agencies to ensure Aadhaar seeding of bank accounts.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

 
With its scale and structured implementation, the deployment is expected to serve as a model for expanding electric mobility through local partnerships across Southeast Asia.

The deployment builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in October 2025 between Xentro Group and Green GSM. Initially planned at 2,000 vehicles, the fleet has since been expanded to 2,500, reflecting growing operational confidence and long-term commitment from both parties. The Rizal rollout marks the first phase of implementation, with further expansion expected across Metro Manila and adjacent areas.

At the center of this initiative is a partner-led operating model that combines local market leadership with a standardized global platform. Green Xentro leads on-the-ground execution, overseeing operations, driver management, and local market adaptation, while Green GSM provides a fully integrated electric mobility platform encompassing full electric vehicles, technology infrastructure, and standardized service protocols.

The platform is designed to ensure operational consistency at scale, offering real-time fleet monitoring, centralized safety management, and consistent service delivery standards. Each vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking, CCTV, and dashcams, as well as emergency features such as panic buttons, all connected to a 24/7 monitoring center. The entire fleet is also covered by comprehensive insurance policies, reinforcing safety and reliability.

Passengers can expect a more reliable and predictable travel experience, with standardized service quality and fully electric, air-conditioned vehicles. Services are offered with transparent, value-driven pricing and support multiple payment options, including cash and digital platforms. Rides can be accessed via street hailing or the Green GSM mobile app.

On the supply side, the model introduces a salaried driver system to enhance income stability and professional standards in the transport sector. Drivers earn a fixed monthly salary, performance-based incentives, and full statutory benefits, along with structured training programs focused on safety, service quality, and electric vehicle operations.

Beyond mobility, this rollout is expected to boost local economic activity through job creation and ecosystem development, supported by an expanding EV charging network across commercial hubs within the Xentro system. As a fully electric fleet, the deployment also helps national efforts to cut emissions and improve urban air quality, aligning with broader policy goals for energy transition and sustainable urban growth.

Mr. Noel M. Ignacio, CEO of Green Xentro, shared: “We see this as a long-term investment in building a transport system that is more reliable, more structured, and better aligned with the needs of Filipino communities. By combining electric vehicles with a professional driver model, we are creating a service ecosystem that elevates everyday journeys while also improving the quality of livelihoods for drivers. Over time, we believe this approach can help set a new standard for public transport one that balances efficiency, sustainability, and human-centered service.”

Mr. Dao Quy Phi, Managing Director of Green GSM Southeast Asia, said: “This is not just a fleet deployment. It represents the early stage of a scalable model where strong local partners lead market execution, while Green GSM enables growth through a unified electric mobility platform. We believe this approach can unlock a more practical pathway to green mobility—one that is not only scalable, but also adaptable to the realities of emerging markets. By combining global standards with local expertise, we aim to accelerate adoption in a way that is both commercially viable and operationally sustainable over the long term.”

Green Xentro is among the first international partners to adopt the Green GSM operating model. Developed and refined in Vietnam through extensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, the model has played a key role in shaping a highly integrated and scalable electric mobility ecosystem. Its rollout in the Philippines marks a significant milestone in the model’s global expansion, thoughtfully localized to suit market conditions while upholding consistent standards of safety, service excellence, and user experience.

By Manoj Soni, CEO of YoloBus & and EasyGreenMobility

The electric mobility revolution in India is now taking place not only with two wheelers and buses in large cities, but also with longer distance bus operations connecting cities. While there is a bus industry that has operated for many years connecting cities, it has historically operated as a fragmented marketplace that has not adhered to standards of reliability and quality of service like the airlines and railroads have. This means that the bus industry has always been critical to providing long-distance transportation for millions of people in India. However, this industry is on the verge of transformation.

The rapid emergence of battery technology, investment in charging infrastructure through public-private partnerships, and government policy support at both the central and state levels all contribute to the feasibility of electric intercity bus operations.

However, the shift towards electric intercity travel is not being driven by supply alone  it is equally a response to evolving consumer expectations. Reliability and punctuality are now the most critical elements to the intercity bus traveller. Previously, price was usually the most important element to consider; now, bus passengers want buses to depart at their scheduled time, have a seamless booking and tracking experience, and have the same level of dependability as an airline or railroad passenger.

This is where electrification and digital infrastructure begin to intersect meaningfully.In terms of intersectional electrification and digital infrastructure, electric fleets are an excellent Example for how to create structured, technology-driven systems for operational efficiency. From optimising route planning through predictive maintenance to real-time performance monitoring to enhanced performance tracking, there are many opportunities to build operational enhancement into your fleet’s operation.

The development of organised technology-led intercity mobility platforms is also accelerating this transition. These platforms bring standards, transparency, and user-focused design into the intercity bus ecosystem, creating a new definition of what bus travel in India can be. It is now not only cost-effective but also more sustainable, convenient, and enjoyable than ever before.

The transition from diesel to electric bus fleets supports India’s overall sustainability objectives since, by nature, distance and long-haul routes produce a high level of CO2 through transportation emissions and that, converting a portion of diesel-powered long-haul intercity bus routes to electric power has the potential to produce not only direct reductions in CO2 emissions but improve overall operational efficiency over time to future reduce costs per mile travelled.

To achieve sustainable growth of the intercity electric transportation system, ongoing dedication to key areas is necessary. For example, building out charging stations along highways needs continued investment, coordination between private and public entities, and optimisation of route economics.

Further, changing perceptions of intercity buses as mere commodities, to that of being an integral part of India’s overall mobility system, requires a collective re-think.

Collaboration across all segments of the mobility sector is rapidly increasing. Mobility providers, OEMs and government agencies are coming together to offer integrated solutions that provide vehicle technology along with digital platforms and infrastructure.

Whereas just a few years ago these developments seemed like a distant reality, they are now becoming a tangible state of operation.

With the convergence of electrification, digital innovation, and shifting consumer preferences, the intercity mobility ecosystem in India is on the verge of a total reset that will be cleaner, smarter and much more reliable than ever before.

Mumbai, Mar 24: Capri Global Capital Limited, a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has secured ratings from two leading global rating agencies, Moody’s Ratings and Fitch Ratings, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reinforcing its strong credit profile.

Moody’s has assigned the company a first-time ‘Ba3’ Corporate Family Rating (CFR) with a stable outlook. Fitch Ratings has assigned Capri Global a ‘BB- (Stable)’ Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR), along with a ‘B’ Short-Term IDR and a ‘BB- (Stable)’ Local Currency Long-Term IDR.

These ratings reflect Capri Global’s diversified lending portfolio, improving asset quality, strong capitalisation, and continued focus on prudent risk management. The stable outlook from both agencies underscores confidence in the company’s ability to sustain its growth momentum while maintaining financial discipline.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Managing Director, Capri Global Capital Limited, said:

“Securing ratings from both Moody’s and Fitch is a significant milestone for Capri Global and a strong validation of our business model, governance standards, and risk management practices. These ratings reflect the strength of our diversified lending platform and our consistent focus on building a resilient, scalable franchise. We remain committed to maintaining high asset quality, pursuing disciplined growth, and enhancing our access to diversified funding sources to support our long-term strategic ambitions.”

The ratings also recognise Capri Global’s ongoing efforts to enhance its funding profile, improve operational efficiencies through technology adoption, and expand its presence across underserved and emerging segments.

With a growing footprint across India and a focus on financial inclusion, Capri Global continues to deliver tailored financial solutions while maintaining a prudent and risk-aware approach to growth.