In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) successfully finished the fourth edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025), the ministry announced Monday.

On October 3, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman officially opened the KEC 2025.

Senior policymakers, economists, business executives, and academics convened for three days to discuss methods to achieve robust, inclusive growth in the face of increased global uncertainty.

The Union Finance Minister emphasized in her speech that a potent confluence of circumstances has led to India’s emergence as a stabilizing influence in these troubled times, which is not coincidental nor temporary.

With the steady share of investment and consumption in the overall GDP over the years, Sitharaman noted that India’s growth is firmly anchored in its domestic factors, which minimizes the impact of external shocks on overall growth. She also emphasized the government’s consistent efforts over the past ten years towards fiscal consolidation, improved quality of capital expenditure, and reining in inflationary pressures.

Through plenary sessions, interactive panels, and special lectures, participants engaged in deep conversations over the course of three days.

The necessity of maintaining stable inflation control, maintaining exchange rate discipline, and protecting financial stability from worldwide swings in the price of commodities and oil were all emphasized in the macroeconomic resilience workshops.

With talks on artificial intelligence, 5G communications, and digital finance pointing to new opportunities for global collaboration, the debate on digital public infrastructure and technology highlighted India’s leadership in creating inclusive systems.

Another topic of discussion was trade and global fragmentation, with specialists looking at the difficulties presented by protectionist tendencies and supply chain rewiring.

In addition, former European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet gave a special speech at KEC 2025 titled “What Europe Can Learn from the Indian Federation,” which drew conclusions about Europe’s integration issues from India’s federal fiscal structure.

On October 5, Union Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar gave a closing speech during which he discussed India’s external economic position in a world that is becoming more fragmented.

On the penultimate day of the conclave, Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Union Minister of Communications and the Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region, gave a speech on “Emerging Technologies.”

The KEC 2025’s major takeaway was unambiguous: India’s growth story is still strong, but maintaining faster growth in the long run will necessitate further structural changes and fortifying external alliances, the ministry stated.

The first “Made in India” Airbus H125 helicopter is anticipated to be delivered in early 2027 and will also be available for export throughout South Asia, the company said Wednesday.

To construct the Airbus H125 helicopters, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will set up India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line in Vemagal, Karnataka.

The action should help the rotorcraft market in South Asia reach its maximum potential.

India is the perfect place for helicopters. According to Jurgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, a “Made in India” helicopter will contribute to the growth of this market and establish helicopters as a vital instrument for nation-building.

Westermeier stated, “We are very happy to be adding this new chapter to our multifaceted relationship with our trusted partners Tata.”

In addition to meeting the Indian military’s need for a lightweight multirole helicopter, particularly on the frigid heights of the nation’s Himalayan borders, the “Made in India” H125 helicopter will aid in the development of new private and parapublic market segments.

The H125M, a military variant with a large percentage of indigenous parts and technologies, is planned to be sold from this Indian plant.

“Tata Advanced Systems takes pride in being India’s first commercial sector helicopter manufacturer. Both civil and defense requirements will be strengthened as a result.

Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, stated, “This is our second FAL in partnership with Airbus and further strengthens the partnership between Tata and Airbus for India.”

According to him, Tata Advanced Systems is ideally positioned in the Indian aerospace industry and can produce and supply both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to meet the needs of the country.

India’s aviation sector will expand thanks to this project, particularly in civil and defense applications.

Important services, including emergency medical flights, disaster relief, tourism, and law enforcement, can be provided by the “Made in India” H125 helicopters.

New rules for small company loans were released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), giving banks more leeway in determining how much extra interest or spread to charge over the course of the loan.

The Reserve Bank of India has also loosened lending regulations for companies that use gold as a raw material.

The acquisition of gold or silver in any form, as well as lending secured by primary gold or silver, are generally forbidden for banks. However, the statement stated that Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) have been given permission to issue working capital loans to jewelers.

Previously, banks could only adjust the spread associated with a borrower’s credit risk once every three years when it came to commercial loans.

In order to help borrowers, banks are now permitted to lower additional spread components before the three-year period under the new regulation. At the time of reset, borrowers will also have the choice to convert to a fixed-rate loan.

The jewelry industry, which previously had few exceptions for financing the purchase of gold and silver, is now able to receive credit through working capital loans from banks to any business that uses gold as a raw material.

Three of the RBI’s seven directives for lenders are required, while the remaining four are available for discussion. The RBI has until October 20 to receive input on these initiatives.

The central bank has extended the accessibility of credit by increasing the involvement of smaller urban cooperatives in lending.

Additionally, capital regulations have been relaxed, allowing banks to employ overseas rupee and foreign currency bonds as Additional Tier 1 capital, which facilitates access to international markets.

Credit Institutions (CIs) were required by the RBI’s directive to submit credit information to Credit Information Companies (CICs) every two weeks or less frequently.

The RBI has now suggested that CIs submit credit information to CICs once a week.

According to the statement, the draft amendments also call for actions to speed up data reporting and error correction by the CIs.

Additionally, it is suggested that the Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) number be included in a distinct section in the consumer segment’s reporting format in order to make it easier for CICs to aggregate credit data, the announcement stated.

A revised electronic challan-cum-return (ECR) method was introduced by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) beginning with the September salary month, as per the Central Provident Fund Commissioner‘s most recent announcement. This is meant to help businesses and employers file returns more easily and accurately.

The new facility divides the creation of payments from the return submission process. Additionally, system-based validations are included to stop improper returns from being filed.

In accordance with Employees’ Provident Funds Act sections 14B and 7Q, the revised system will compute interest and damages automatically.

Along with monthly contributions, it will also require employers to pay interest under section 7Q.

While Section 14B permits EPFO to apply penalties for payment defaults, Section 7Q mandates that employers pay interest on outstanding balances until the date of payment.

The current return file format (.txt) will not change in spite of the modifications. The technology will allow employers to submit regular, supplemental, or amended returns.

The action is part of an effort to make the organization more user-friendly, according to an EPFO representative.

It is anticipated that the modifications will lessen data-entry errors that previously made submitting returns difficult.

Additionally, the updated system would assist in preventing mistakes in Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) pension contributions.

For example, many businesses erroneously pay contributions under the EPS heading even though employees making more than Rs 15,000 per month are not eligible. To ensure accurate submissions, the new system will highlight such mistakes prior to filing.

In a similar vein, unless an employee chooses to participate in deferred pension, EPS participation expires at age 58.

Previously, there were complaints because the system did not halt payments to the pension fund for workers above the age of 58.

The updated ECR will now automatically limit contributions after 58 years unless the employer designates them as delayed pensions.

The EPFO anticipates that these steps will make compliance easier, cut down on errors, and provide businesses and employees more clarity.

Tilak Varma became India’s hero on a night full of drama, tension, and high stakes when he scored an undefeated 69 to lead his team to a five-wicket triumph over bitter rivals Pakistan and secure the Asia Cup for the ninth time at the Dubai International Stadium.

Fans celebrated the historic victory with chanting, fireworks, and a flurry of activity on social media in cities, towns, and villages.

India’s chase got off to a rough start. The scoreboard read grimly against the men in blue, and fans were left gnawing their nails when three wickets fell for just 20 runs.

With the composure of an experienced player, Tilak, however, steadied the innings. He navigated India through the anxious periods and crossed the finish line with two balls remaining by combining sharp strokes with soaring sixes.

He hit three boundaries and four enormous sixes. Each shot conveyed a sense of timing, endurance, and boldness—the ideal combination for an emotionally powerful finale.

After Pakistan had swept to 113/1 in 12.4 overs, India’s bowlers orchestrated a stunning comeback, setting the stage for Tilak’s heroics. The star of the show was Kuldeep Yadav, who destroyed Pakistan’s middle and lower order with four wickets, including three in a single over.

With the vital assistance of Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah, Pakistan was bowled out for 146 in just 19.1 overs.

Pakistan enjoyed a strong start to their innings. A competitive total was promised by half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46), but the subsequent stunning collapse—nine wickets going for only 33 runs—displayed India’s astute bowling, vigilant fielding, and capacity to perform under duress.

In the end, the match was characterized by Tilak Varma’s composed genius. He led India through a tense final to a historic victory by anchoring the chase when others faltered.

India’s triumph demonstrated cooperation, tenacity, and the excitement of one of cricket’s most intense rivalries. For supporters, it was a memorable final; for Tilak, it was a performance that would go down in Asia Cup legend.

“The boys gave a fantastic show tonight. In the second inning, we were a little behind the game. Our power play with the bat wasn’t the best. The guys used the ball to summarize the situation. At the post-match presentation, India bowling coach Morne Morkel remarked, “Nice opportunity for (Shivam) Dube, and he set the tone beautifully, and what a way to finish with the bat.”

India’s triumph was more than just a sporting accomplishment; it was a moment of national pride and happiness. The victory demonstrated Team India’s talent, poise, and cooperation, and supporters are now anticipating the team’s upcoming international contests.

After the victory, Team India Captain, Suryakumar told the reporters that he had never seen something like this in his cricketing career. “It is unprecedented for a winning team to be disqualified from receiving the trophy. I thought the boys deserved the accolades because we put up a good fight and played two fierce games in a short period of time. He said, “I don’t want to say much more, but it was disappointing.”

The captain, however, referred to his teammates and support staff as the “real trophies” of the campaign and thanked them. I have 14 trophies in my dressing room already, if you ask me, and they belong to my staff and players. I will always cherish the moments we made at this Asia Cup,” he continued.

In order to help our Armed Forces and the families of those killed in the Pahalgam terror assault, I have made the decision to give my match fees from this competition. I never stop thinking about you,” Suryakumar Yadav remarked.

Also read: Asia Cup 2025: Know About Match Schedule

Memes, congratulations, and tributes to the team’s top performers were all over social media.

On the field, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to it as “Operation Sindoor” and declared that India had won once more.

“#OperationSindoor on the field of play.” The result is the same: India prevails! Shortly after the win, Modi wrote on X, “Congratulations to our cricketers.”

As he praised the Indian cricket team for their outstanding performance, Home Minister Amit Shah brought up the recent armed conflict between India and Pakistan.

“A tremendous triumph. Our boys’ ferocious energy destroyed the competitors once more. In his post on X, Home Minister Amit Shah stated, “Bharat is bound to win in any field.”

India’s decisive five-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai was hailed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a “powerful statement on and off the field.”

The BCCI said in a succinct but forceful social media post: “3 blows. No answer. Asia Cup winners. The message was delivered. The squad and support personnel will receive 21 crores in prize money.

In addition to demonstrating skill and poise, Team India’s victory conveyed a powerful message of supremacy on the continental scene, and the BCCI’s recognition highlighted the accomplishment’s importance for both players and support personnel.

India’s management had asked who will be presenting the silverware prior to the ceremony. Khalid Al Zarooni, vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, expressed their willingness to accept it, but Naqvi reportedly turned down the offer.

The Indian side made it apparent that they would not take the trophy from Naqvi when he eventually took the dais. Shortly after, the trophy was stealthily taken out of the arena, depriving the winners of their award.

The diplomatic drama that followed what should have been a night of joy raised concerns about cricket administration in the area.

The last Asia Cup Super Fours match was forced into a super-over on Friday night when Charith Asalanka’s Sri Lanka put on an outstanding batting display and finished with the same score as India. It was a batting feast at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka finished at 202/5 after chasing 203 runs for victory, tying India. Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka came out to play the Super Over, but Arshdeep Singh took a wicket off the first and sixth deliveries as Sri Lanka could only score two runs, handing India a final target of three runs.

Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, faced the opening ball as he and his deputy Shubman Gill came out for the chase. He only needed one delivery to end the match, and the two scored three runs off it to secure an incredible victory.

Earlier, when India set a target of 203, Sri Lankan spinners gave up a lot of runs. However, with Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka dominating at bat, the Indian spinners were unable to hold the opposition hitters.

Hardik Pandya’s dismissal of Kusal Mendis for a golden duck gave India a strong start to their defending efforts, but they were unable to stop the opposition’s top-order, which took charge and ultimately won the match.

Sri Lanka finished the Power-play with 72 runs scored thanks to a fantastic 127-run partnership between Perera and Nissanka. The Indian bowlers were astonished by the pair’s relentless play.

Also read: Asia Cup 2025: Know About Match Schedule

When Varun Chakaravarthy wove a web to trap Perera late in the 13th over, India finally made progress. As Perera came down the track to thump the ball, the World No. 1 T20I bowler delivered it down outside off at a flatter length. But Sanju Samson swiftly disassembled the bails, and he miscalculated the line entirely.

After taking quick wickets in the middle, Sri Lanka briefly lost momentum when Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis were removed by Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh. Nevertheless, Nissanka scored a wonderful first century and dominated with a brilliant knock.

In the end, Sri Lanka needed 23 runs from the final two overs, which was lowered to 12 runs from the final six balls as they got closer to the goal. Harshit Rana kept the opposition hitters on edge by dismissing Nissanka on the opening delivery of the last over as the pressure increased.

But after scoring 202 runs in their 20 overs, the Sri Lankan batsmen forced the match into a Super Over. There, they were unable to do much with the bat as India easily chased down the three-run target to win.

Brief scores:

India 202/5 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 49*; Maheesh Theekshana 1-36, Charith Asalanka 1-18)
Sri Lanka 202/5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 107, Kusal Perera 58; Kuldeep Yadav 1-31, Varun Chakaravarthy 1-31, Hardik Pandya 1-7)

Super Over: Sri Lanka 2/2 in 1 over (Arshdeep 2-2) lost to India 3/0 in 0.1 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 3 not out).