India’s economy recorded a sharp growth of 7.8% in the April-June quarter (Q1) of 2025-26, surpassing the earlier estimate of 6.5% and outpacing China’s 5.2% growth in the same period. The figure also marks a notable rise from the 6.5% growth in the corresponding quarter last year, making it the fastest expansion in the last five quarters.

Strong performance across key sectors

According to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the surge was driven primarily by the services sector, which expanded 9.3% compared to 6.8% a year ago, and the agriculture sector, which rose 3.7% against 1.5% last year.

The construction sector, however, witnessed a slowdown, growing 7.6% compared to 10.1% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal.

RBI’s earlier forecast

Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had projected a more modest Q1 growth of 6.5%, with overall real GDP growth for 2025-26 expected at 6.5%. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra attributed the positive outlook to favorable conditions, including a good monsoon, lower inflation, and strong government capital expenditure.

He said, “The above normal southwest monsoon, lower inflation, rising capacity utilisation and congenial financial conditions continue to support domestic economic activity. The supportive monetary, regulatory and fiscal policies, including robust government capital expenditure, should also boost demand. The services sector is expected to remain buoyant, with sustained growth in construction and trade in the coming months.”

India remains fastest-growing major economy

With China reporting 5.2% growth in April-June, India has retained its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The latest figures highlight resilience in the face of external pressures, including recent US tariffs on Indian imports.

Indian stock markets opened lower on Thursday, reeling under the pressure of fresh US tariffs imposed on Indian goods.

At 9:17 am, the BSE Sensex dropped over 600 points to trade at 80,315, while the Nifty 50 declined nearly 180 points to 24,583. This comes a day after Washington enforced an additional 25% duty on Indian imports, raising the total tariff to 50%.

Broad-based sell-off across sectors

Market sentiment remained weak with 14 of the 16 major sectors posting losses. Small-cap and mid-cap indices also dipped, losing 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively.

The fall follows a steep correction earlier this week. On Tuesday, before the tariff announcement, both Nifty and Sensex fell by around 1% — their sharpest single-day decline in three months. Domestic markets remained closed on Wednesday for a local holiday.

Analysts warn of near-term pressure

According to market experts, Indian equities are likely to witness further volatility as investors digest the impact of the US action. The tariffs were imposed in retaliation for India’s continued crude oil imports from Russia, a move that has escalated trade tensions between the two nations.

In the month of September, there are many changes occurring, particularly in the financial sector. Some changes will take effect on the first day, while others will be implemented later in the month. This list will affect people’s finances.

The deadline to update an individual’s Aadhaar card details for free is quickly approaching. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) extended the deadline from June 14 to September 14, 2023. This scheme is specifically for citizens who obtained their Aadhaar card 10 years ago and have yet to update their information. People can take this opportunity to update their details before it’s too late.

The nomination process for trading and demat accounts is mandatory for holders and the deadline for this has been extended by the Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The account holders have to make nominations or opt out of it before September 30.

People will need to update and link of Aadhaar identity documents with PAN cards. Those who have credit cards from Axis Bank will also experience the effects of these changes starting this month.

As per the updated terms and conditions, Axis Bank’s Magnus credit card users need to pay higher fees. The annual fee has been increased to Rs 12,500. Also, the benefits associated with the card will be updated.  

This month marks the final opportunity for individuals to exchange Rs 2,000 notes. As stated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in May, individuals may exchange or deposit these notes into their bank accounts before the specified deadline.

The central bank has specified that individuals may exchange or deposit for lower denomination notes, up to Rs 20,000 at a time, until September 30th. Interestingly, even after the deadline, Rs 2,000 notes will still be considered valid tender.

Starting from the current financial year, the Ministry of Finance has made it mandatory to provide both Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Aadhaar card information when making investments in small saving schemes such as the Public Provident Fund (PPF), Post Office Saving Scheme, and Senior Citizens Saving Scheme (SCSS). Existing subscribers must submit their Aadhaar number before September 30th, or their accounts will be frozen.