Anoushka Sawhney

India and Jordan are embarking on an exciting journey to enhance collaboration in the textiles and apparel industry. A recent high-level delegation from Jordan engaged with Indian officials, discussing opportunities for partnerships across multiple sectors, including fabrics and technical textiles. They are also exploring joint ventures and student exchange programs to bolster trade and deepen mutual ties.

Indias factory workforce crossed 20 million in 2024-25, driven by gains in West Bengal, Telangana, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and sectors such as food products and electrical equipment. Industrial GVA rose 9.6% to Rs 26.9 lakh crore, while average earnings increased to Rs 3.8 lakh. Productivity edged up to Rs 11 lakh per worker.

The government is considering extending the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme until 2030-31 with an estimated Rs 15,000 crore outlay, while easing access for vulnerable, rural and first-time entrepreneurs. Proposed changes include less documentation and no collateral requirements, as the scheme has sanctioned Rs 91,000 crore in loans so far.

Amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, India is showcasing remarkable resilience, paving the way for enhanced leadership. This trajectory is supported by a steady growth in exports and robust foreign investment. However, the emergence of artificial intelligence necessitates urgent workforce training initiatives. Addressing both technical and non-technical skills in training programs will be vital for equipping future job seekers as the economy adapts to technological advancements.

The country has strong domestic consumption, relatively low private-sector debt and favourable demographics, along with rapidly expanding digital and physical infrastructure. But the growth opportunity is conditional: The transition should be driven by domestic reforms rather than protectionism, Gill, a former chief economist and senior vice president for development economics at the

The Lakhpati Didi initiative, launched in 2023, aims to enhance women's income and savings in India. Recent studies indicate that household income has increased by 61% since the program's inception. Notably, the number of women-led enterprises has surged by 48% within a year.

The International Monetary Fund has increased India's economic growth projections for FY27 and FY28 to 7%. This adjustment reflects resilient domestic demand and strong performance in the services sector. India's GDP growth reached 7.8% in FY26, exceeding expectations during the April-June quarter. Additionally, other major institutions like the World Bank have raised India's growth forecasts as well.

Sweets and desserts are experiencing higher prices this festive season due to increasing sugar costs and rising demand. Sugar prices have surged significantly year-on-year, contributing to overall food inflation. The festive calendar is expected to drive further demand for sweets and confectionery items. Manufacturers may react by adjusting prices while trying to maintain consumer affordability. Concerns about production due to uneven rainfall could complicate future price trends.

The textiles ministry has identified over 4,000 textile-based startups for support to scale up and become export-ready over the next three to four years. Consultations with registered startups and small businesses are expected to begin in late November or early December, followed by a national startup conclave in December to assess their needs.

The government plans to extend the PLI scheme for textiles for four years with easier criteria. This initiative aims to increase participation from micro, small and medium enterprises. The scheme, initially approved in September 2021, supports large-scale manufacturing of textiles in India. Lowering minimum investment and turnover thresholds is targeted to enhance accessibility for more applicants. Previously approved applicants committed investments of around ₹41,500 crore, surpassing initial projections.