GST reimbursement workflow requires taxpayer registration, annexure filing, certificate upload, refund application and online status tracking.
GST reimbursement under the Assam Industries (Tax Reimbursement for Eligible Units) Scheme is processed through the Commissionerate of Taxes portal by taxpayer registration, login and profile creation, including first-time password change and access to the dashboard. The portal directs the user to the relevant reimbursement workflow for the 2017 or 2021 scheme and enables selection of the appropriate annexures for filing. For reimbursement under the 2021 scheme, the taxpayer must complete Annexure-8 and Annexure-9 with unit particulars, eligibility and certificate details, exemption period and bank particulars, then upload the prescribed certificates and submit the application for jurisdictional approval.

Digital signature certificate setup in GST portal requires Java, emSigner, token login, and certificate-based electronic signing.
Digital Signature Certificate use in the GST portal depends on system preparation, including a compatible Windows environment, Internet Explorer 11, Java installation, and the emSigner utility. The Java exception site list must include the local port address used by the signer service, and the emSigner service must be running before the portal can recognise the token-based signature setup. The process then moves through token insertion, GST officer login, and selection of the relevant certificate for electronic signing after entry of the token PIN or password.

GST tax deduction at source applies to specified government payments, with monthly deposit, return filing, and certificate issuance requirements.
Section 51 GST TDS applies to specified government deductors from 1 October 2018, requiring registration before payment to suppliers above the prescribed contract threshold. Intra-State supplies attract 1% CGST and 1% SGST, while inter-State supplies attract 2% IGST, with tax computed on the taxable value excluding GST and cess shown in the invoice. Deductors must maintain records, generate CPIN challans, deposit tax, file FORM GSTR-7 within ten days after month-end, and issue FORM GSTR-7A certificates.

GST tax deduction at source: registration, deduction, payment, monthly return filing and TDS certificate requirements for deductors.
Tax deduction at source under the GST Act applies to specified government entities and public bodies making payment for taxable supplies above the prescribed threshold. The tax deductor must register online in FORM GST REG-07, deduct tax at the applicable rate from taxable supply value, deposit the amount through the GST portal by the due date, file monthly return in FORM GSTR-7, and issue FORM GSTR-7A certificate to the deductee. The guideline also covers treasury and non-treasury payment procedures, amendment of registration and return details, transitional cases, and default consequences including interest, late fee and penalty.

State Domestic Product estimation discussions focus on reconciling methodologies, data sources, and comparable GSDP estimates.
Annual joint discussions between the National Accounts Division and State/UT economics and statistics directorates are held to reconcile differences in State Domestic Product estimates compiled independently by the States/UTs and the national accounts authorities. The current exercise covers current price Gross State Domestic Product estimates for FY 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 on the revised base year 2022-23, with sectoral groups examining revised methodologies and data sources to arrive at comparable SDP estimates.

Temple gold monetisation rumours denied; official communications confirm no approved scheme or strategic reserve classification.
False claims regarding a proposed monetisation scheme for temple gold holdings are expressly denied. Assertions that the Government plans to issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for temple gold reserves, or that any such proposal has been approved, are stated to be completely false, misleading, and without basis. Claims that gold plates on temple towers, doors, or other temple structures would be treated as Strategic Gold Reserves of India are also denied as baseless.

Intra-BRICS trade and economic cooperation gain emphasis through calls for stronger value chains, services trade and MSME support.
BRICS trade and economic cooperation was highlighted as a growing platform for emerging markets and developing economies, with intra-BRICS merchandise trade described as having expanded sharply over time and still retaining significant untapped potential. The deliberations focused on strengthening the multilateral trading system, supporting the internationalisation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, improving the resilience and diversification of global value chains, and expanding services trade.

Digital public procurement platform GeM advances transparency, widens market access, and strengthens domestic enterprise participation.
Government e Marketplace (GeM) continues to function as a digital public procurement platform established through a Section 8 non-profit special purpose vehicle under the Companies Act, 2013 to develop, manage and maintain the procurement system for government buyers and sellers. The platform advances transparency, efficiency and technology-driven governance in public procurement while widening market access for domestic enterprises, including Class-1 local suppliers, Micro and Small Enterprises, women-led enterprises, SC/ST entrepreneurs and startups.

Knowledge contribution framework seeks stakeholder input on measuring knowledge products, traditional knowledge, and economic value.
A framework is being developed to measure the contribution of knowledge and knowledge products to the Indian economy, with expert consultation, a technical advisory group, and a base paper prepared for stakeholder review. The paper covers conceptual issues, available methodologies and metrics, traditional knowledge, and an initial framework for valuing knowledge contribution. A committee has been constituted to prepare an actionable policy paper, and comments from stakeholders and the public are invited.

Credibility, compliance and consumer confidence drive Kimberley Process reforms for the natural diamond trade.
The Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 concluded in Mumbai under India's Chairship with a focus on advancing Credibility, Compliance and Consumer Confidence in the natural diamond sector. Working Groups and Committees discussed monitoring, technical processes, governance, statistics and artisanal production, with emphasis on transparency, operational mechanisms and trust across the natural diamond value chain. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is described as a global initiative aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering legitimate trade and promoting responsible sourcing.

Durability-centric concrete design gains focus as a new certification programme supports quality assurance and code implementation readiness.
Durability-centric concrete design and quality assurance were discussed at a national workshop organised by the National Council for Cement and Building Materials on the draft revisions proposed in IS 456:2025. The workshop brought together industry, academia, research institutions and the Bureau of Indian Standards to examine durability design, performance-based specifications, quality assurance practices and implementation readiness for the proposed code changes. A six-month online certification programme on Advanced Concrete Technology was also launched to support capacity building and professional training.

Semi high-speed rail connectivity gets a boost as the Ahmedabad-Dholera project aims to improve mobility and logistics efficiency.
Cabinet approval has been granted for the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project in Gujarat, covering Ahmedabad district and adding about 134 km to the Indian Railways network. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 20,667 crore, is planned for completion by 2030-31 and is described as Indian Railways' first semi high-speed project using indigenously developed technology. It is intended to improve direct connectivity, reduce travel time and enhance mobility, service reliability and logistics efficiency.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement talks advance as India and Chile deepen trade, investment and business cooperation.
Bilateral economic and commercial cooperation between India and Chile was advanced through high-level ministerial and official engagements focused on deepening trade, investment and institutional ties. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to expand bilateral business engagement and to work towards the early conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as a framework for unlocking the relationship's economic potential. The talks also covered trade facilitation, market access, investment promotion and stronger economic institutional engagement.

Investor awareness through public broadcasting expands financial literacy, safe investing, and unclaimed dividend claim guidance nationwide.
Investor awareness initiatives are being expanded through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority and Prasar Bharati for dissemination of scroll messages on Doordarshan. The collaboration is intended to promote financial literacy, investor protection, safe investing practices, and awareness of the process for reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares. It also encourages use of the Search Facility, filing of claims through Form IEPF-5, and fraud prevention awareness.

Minimum Support Prices for Kharif crops raised to ensure remunerative prices and strengthen farmer income support
Cabinet approval was accorded to the increase in Minimum Support Prices for 14 Kharif crops for Marketing Season 2026-27, with the object of ensuring remunerative prices to growers. The revised prices cover cereals, pulses, oilseeds and cotton, with the largest absolute increases noted for Sunflower Seed, Cotton, Nigerseed and Sesamum. The increase was stated to align with the policy of fixing MSP at not less than 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.

Rural resilience and sustainable livelihoods take centre stage in the new India-IFAD strategy for long-term development.
The Government of India and IFAD launched an eight-year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme for 2026-2033 to advance rural incomes, strengthen resilience, and expand sustainable livelihood opportunities. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, the programme focuses on social, economic, and climate resilience in rural communities and on strengthening knowledge systems to scale proven development models within India and across the Global South. The strategy emphasises Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, and cooperatives as platforms linking finance, technology, infrastructure, and markets.

Maritime insurance pooling strengthens continuous cover, underwriting capacity, and sovereign backstop for shipping risks amid sanctions and tensions.
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is a domestic marine insurance arrangement with combined underwriting capacity and a sovereign guarantee to support continuous cover for Indian flagged or controlled vessels, and vessels destined to or departing from India. It covers Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity, and War risk, especially where sanctions exposure, withdrawal of foreign reinsurance support, or geopolitical tensions may disrupt shipping operations and trade flows. A Governing Body and Underwriting Committee oversee the pool, while GIC Re acts as administrator. Claims up to USD 100 million are met from pool capacity, and larger claims may use the sovereign guarantee after exhaustion of reserves, member contributions, and reinsurance.

Competition approval for CPPIB India's acquisition of shareholding in Ctrl S Datacenters advances a proposed investment combination.
Competition approval was granted for the acquisition by CPPIB India Private Holdings Inc., a Canadian investment holding company and wholly owned subsidiary of CPPIB, of certain shareholding in Ctrl S Datacenters Limited. The transaction concerns a proposed combination involving investment by CPPIB through CIPH in Ctrl S, which provides data centre and colocation services and related managed services in India.

Merger and stake acquisition in Lloyds Engineering Works approved under competition law review.
Competition Commission of India approved a proposed combination involving acquisition of a 7.14% shareholding in Lloyds Engineering Works Limited by Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited through a block deal, and merger by absorption of Lloyds Infrastructure & Construction Limited, Metalfab Hightech Private Limited and Techno Industries Private Limited into Lloyds Engineering Works Limited as the surviving entity. The parties are described by their respective businesses in contract mining, engineering, construction, manufacturing of heavy equipment, lightweight engineering structures, and manufacture of elevators, escalators, motors and pumps.

Competition clearance for Kimberly-Clark's acquisition of Kenvue covers consumer health, hygiene and personal care businesses.
Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of sole control over Kenvue Inc. by Kimberly-Clark Corporation pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger. The transaction concerns consumer products groups active in personal care, health, hygiene and related product lines, including fibre-based absorbency products, baby care, feminine hygiene, consumer health, oral care, skin care, sun protection, baby toiletries and baby wipes.