Daily News - Thursday, 18 December 2025
YouTube emerges as a powerful engine of employment and income generation in India (Mathrubhumi)
India’s creator economy is expanding rapidly, with YouTube emerging as a major driver of jobs and revenue. Millions of Indian content creators are contributing to this boom, producing videos across diverse genres. The platform is not only generating income streams but also enhancing India’s global cultural reach. YouTube’s growth in India reflects the rising importance of digital media in shaping careers and industries. This surge highlights how technology platforms are reshaping traditional employment models. Overall, India is embracing YouTube as a powerful engine of economic opportunity and cultural influence.
How Uttar Pradesh became India’s second‑largest economy in a 10 Years (Times Now)
Uttar Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has risen to become India’s 2nd largest, crossing about USD 300 billion (₹25 lakh crore) in 2025. The state overtook Tamil Nadu and Gujarat in economic size within just 10 years. Vijay Kiran Anand, CEO of Invest UP, announced this milestone at the India Economic Conclave (IEC) 2025). Infrastructure projects worth over USD 36 billion (₹3 lakh crore) in expressways, airports, and industrial corridors have fueled growth. Manufacturing output expanded by 12% CAGR, while services grew at 9% CAGR, making them key contributors. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into UP touched USD 1.5 billion (₹12,000 crore) in FY24–25, boosting jobs and industrial expansion. The growth was driven by massive infrastructure investments, industrial expansion, and improved governance. Overall, UP’s transformation reflects India’s broader push for regional development and balanced economic growth.
India’s Sports Economy to Hit US$8 Billion by 2029 (exchange4media)
India’s OTT streaming market is valued at USD 2.3 Billion (₹19,000 crore) today and will grow to USD 4 Billion (₹33,000 crore) by 2029. The sports economy, currently USD 5 Billion (₹41,000 crore), is projected to reach USD 8 Billion (₹66,000 crore) in the same period. Digital advertising revenues will more than double, rising from USD 6.25 Billion (₹52,000 crore) in 2024 to USD 13 Billion (₹1.07 lakh crore) by 2029. India’s gaming market will expand from USD 2.7 Billion (₹22,000 crore) in 2024 to USD 4 Billion (₹33,000 crore) by 2029, driven by mobile gaming and esports. Traditional television revenues will grow from USD 14 Billion (₹1.15 lakh crore) in 2024 to USD 18 Billion (₹1.48 lakh crore) by 2029, showing resilience despite digital disruption. Overall, India’s entertainment & media industry will surge from USD 32.2 Billion (₹2.65 lakh crore) in 2024 to USD 47.2 Billion (₹3.88 lakh crore) by 2029, nearly twice the global growth rate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces India is on Track to Become World’s 3rd Largest Economy (News18)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the India–Jordan Business Forum in Amman that India is on track to become the world’s 3rd largest economy, with growth above 8%. Modi proposed doubling bilateral trade with Jordan to USD 5 billion (₹42,000 crore) over the next five years. The forum was attended by King Abdullah II, Crown Prince Hussein, and Jordan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, alongside Indian industry leaders and FICCI representatives. Modi highlighted India’s 1.4 billion consumer market, strong manufacturing base, and stable policy environment as key attractions for Jordanian companies. He emphasized collaboration in Digital Public Infrastructure, IT, Fintech, Health‑tech, Agri‑tech, pharma, and medical devices, noting Jordan’s geographic advantage for West Asia and Africa. Opportunities were also identified in renewable energy, green financing, desalination, water recycling, agriculture, cold chain, food parks, fertilizers, automobiles, and cultural tourism.
India’s Telecom Exports Increase 72% in 2025. Exports Rise to USD 2.03 Billion (India Brand Equity Foundation)
India’s telecom exports grew 72%, rising from USD 1.10 billion (₹10,000 crore) to USD 2.03 billion (₹18,406 crore) in 2025. This growth was highlighted in a report by Mr. Scindia, reflecting India’s rising competitiveness in telecom manufacturing. Key drivers included increased domestic production, economies of scale, and improved capabilities in telecom equipment and components. The government’s manufacturing and export‑focused initiatives played a significant role in boosting performance. The sector is becoming more integrated into global value chains, with rising demand for Indian‑made telecom products internationally. Strong export growth supports India’s long‑term goal of building a self‑reliant economy and expanding its manufacturing base.
