Economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties on October 13. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Election manifestos outline political parties’ stated priorities and policy proposals. Examining their details and comparing them with official records helps citizens follow government commitments and implementation.

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has approved the implementation of the Model Building Regulations, 2026, to simplify building map and plot approvals in areas governed by industrial development authorities. The Cabinet also approved a scheme to waive interest and penalties on outstanding dues arising under various tax laws up to December 2025. The decisions are aimed at improving ease of doing business, supporting investment and accelerating infrastructure and urban development.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has weighed in on the Starlink licensing dispute as the Union government says satcom applicants face the same process.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh has become the country’s fifth-largest exporting State, with exports crossing ₹2 lakh crore, while Bhadohi’s handmade carpets are making a major contribution to the State’s growing global trade.

Pargat Singh has taken charge as Punjab Congress president ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with party unity and organisational strengthening as his immediate priorities. Singh has positioned “Brand Punjab” and issues including drugs, law and order, farming, the economy, debt and women's safety at the centre of the Congress's political narrative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in government are highlighted in a BJP-linked opinion piece focusing on youth empowerment, development, entrepreneurship and nation-building. The article traces his Gujarat tenure and national policies covering startups, education, sports, digital infrastructure, space and defence.

Maharashtra's decision to declare 265 talukas drought-affected has triggered questions from both ruling alliance leaders and the Opposition. While some areas represented by Mahayuti leaders have been excluded, the MVA has questioned the transparency of the assessment process.

Odisha Assembly proceedings were disrupted on September 28 as BJD and Congress MLAs protested against the amended mining law, raising concerns over its potential impact on the state’s mining revenue and powers.

Punjab’s 2027 Assembly contest is taking shape around competing campaigns on governance, welfare, drugs, agriculture and regional politics. AAP has begun a door-to-door campaign highlighting its government’s record, while BJP is conducting an anti-drug yatra across the state. At the same time, Congress, SAD and Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) are working to expand their organisational and political space ahead of the election.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram are set for October 6, with counting on October 9. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has expressed confidence in his party's prospects, while ruling TVK has renominated the two former AIADMK MLAs whose resignations created the vacancies. DMK, CPI, CPI(M), NTK and independent candidates are also in the fray, with 49 candidates remaining across the two constituencies.

Political activity is increasing in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly election. Recent local-body developments, including BJP-backed candidates taking key Shimla Zila Parishad posts, have added a new dimension to the political preparations of both BJP and Congress.