Fri Jan 31 19:21:58 UTC 2025: ## Modi’s Pre-Budget Focus on Middle Class, Women, and the Poor
**New Delhi** – India’s Finance Minister presented the Economic Survey 2025 to Parliament today, highlighting the government’s pre-budget focus on the middle class, women, and the poor. The survey suggests potential relief from inflationary pressures for the average Indian (“aam aadmi”), though this is contingent on certain conditions. While Indian corporations reported strong profits, the survey notes their reluctance to increase wages significantly. The survey also linked poor diet to mental health issues. Other key highlights from the day included President Murmu’s address to Parliament, focusing on the success of UPI and the risks of deepfakes, and the ongoing Yamuna river pollution dispute. Separately, the upcoming Licious IPO faces challenges from its rapid delivery model, and India’s auto export market shows mixed results, with Maruti Suzuki surging while Hyundai lags.
First Piper 