Export policy of onions remains free, while seed exports are restricted and require authorisation under amended notification.
The export policy for onions is Free, with only onion seed exports Restricted and permitted subject to an authorisation requirement; a 2020 notification amended export classification to allow certain processed forms and specific varieties to be exported freely, and April-December 2022 monthwise data show aggregate export values and a year-on-year increase.

Policy repo rate rise signals continued withdrawal of accommodation to anchor persistent core inflation while supporting growth.
The MPC resolved to raise the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.50 per cent, adjust SDF, MSF and Bank Rate accordingly, and continue withdrawal of accommodation to ensure inflation is steered towards the medium term CPI target while supporting growth. The Committee detailed macro assessments showing resilient domestic activity, elevated core inflation despite recent headline moderation driven by vegetables, projection of higher near term inflation with gradual moderation, a GDP growth projection for the next year, articulation of upside and downside risks, and a recorded 4-2 vote split with individual member statements.

Research grant for indigenous LGD production to establish a national centre and boost domestic machinery seeds and recipes.
A five-year research grant funds establishment of the India Centre for Lab grown Diamond (InCent-LGD) at IIT Madras with budget support to develop indigenous production of LGD machinery, critical seeds and documented recipes. The project focuses on promoting domestic manufacturing of CVD and HPHT systems, transferring technology to startups, providing affordable access to equipment and process parameters, and reducing import dependence to increase employment and exports.

Trade partnership strengthens export promotion of Indian agricultural and millet products to UAE through MoUs and market initiatives.
APEDA is exhibiting at Gulfood 2023 to promote exports of Indian agricultural and processed food products, emphasizing millets and value added RTE/RTS categories. The APEDA pavilion assembles exporters, conducts sampling, B2B interactions, and capacity building, and a Millet gallery highlights start ups. APEDA signed MoUs with UAE entities to facilitate procurement, distribution and supply chain linkages, aiming to strengthen market access and diversify exports to GCC and other regions.

Organic testing laboratory to be set up in Sikkim to boost exports, traceability, and packaging-led value addition
A high quality organic testing laboratory will be established in Sikkim to promote organic produce through farm to lab traceability and quality assurance, support export promotion, and dovetail with conditional placement of National Institute of Design and National Institute of Packaging campuses if land is provided by the State; implementation will leverage existing infrastructure, blockchain traceability, and enhanced design and packaging capacity to drive youth employment and value addition in spices, cardamom, homestays and organic farming.

Import restriction lift on frozen seafood enables resumption of exports after health reassessment and diplomatic engagement.
Qatar rescinded a temporary import restriction on frozen seafood from India after Vibrio cholera detections and limited local testing capacity prompted a November ban; Indian government and sector agencies engaged Qatar's Ministry of Public Health, leading to a February notification lifting the ban on frozen seafood while controls on chilled seafood remain pending reassessment.

Operational measures to deter smuggling: customs and DRI enhance profiling, inspections and multi-agency coordination nationwide.
Counter-smuggling operational measures deploy intelligence-led techniques-passenger profiling, risk based interdiction, targeted cargo scrutiny, non-intrusive inspection and aircraft rummaging-and circulate Modus Operandi Circulars to Customs and DRI units. Seizure and arrest data for gold and drugs are compiled to inform enforcement. Policy and coordination mechanisms include Narco coordination mechanisms, state anti-narcotics task forces and a multi-agency maritime security group to strengthen inter-agency and maritime interdiction efforts.

Agricultural export promotion through statutory institutional measures enhances market access and compliance for processed food exports.
APEDA, a statutory export-promotion body under the Ministry of Commerce, advances agricultural and processed food exports by expanding market access, building export infrastructure and digital services, and integrating producers and exporters through farmer-connect platforms and trade facilitation. It establishes quality, safety and traceability measures-including standards, residue monitoring protocols and laboratory recognition-and implements targeted programmes (GI promotion, millets, organic production Secretariat) and capacity building to align domestic production with importing-country requirements.

Investment facilitation through governance reforms boosts investor confidence and expands market access under trade initiatives.
Investment facilitation in Uttar Pradesh is attributed to governance reforms, law-and-order measures, and administrative transparency that have increased investor confidence; accelerated licensing approvals and streamlined procedures reduce barriers to business. Recent and prospective Free Trade Agreements are presented as mechanisms to expand market access and technology inflows for local industries, while targeted export promotion and district-level product strategies have diversified and increased exports. Enhanced excise collections, despite rate reductions, are linked to stricter enforcement and disruption of illicit supply channels.

Seafood export growth prompts increased government support for processing infrastructure and technology to raise unit value.
The Government provides support through the Marine Products Export Development Authority by extending financial assistance for processing infrastructure, technology upgradation and skill development to enhance unit value realization in seafood exports; MPEDA extended approximately Rs. 99.00 Crores during 2017-18 to 2021-22.

Geographical indication promotion boosts international market access for GI products through targeted export-promotion and buyer-seller initiatives.
The government uses coordinated export-promotion institutions and agencies to enhance international market access for GI-tagged products through targeted promotional activities. Agencies such as APEDA and DPIIT organise virtual and in-person buyer-seller meets, fairs, pavilions, in-store promotions and mission-linked events, and collaborate with foreign retailers and Indian missions to facilitate shipments, visibility and demand for agricultural, food and handicraft GI goods.

Action Plan for Champion Services Sectors strengthens targeted support and standards to boost services exports and global competitiveness.
Centre launched an Action Plan for Champion Services Sectors focusing on 12 priority services sectors and earmarked central funds to support nodal Ministries/Departments. The strategy comprises negotiating market access through trade agreements, trade promotion via international events, addressing domestic sectoral constraints through stakeholder consultations and reforms, formulation and harmonization of sectoral standards by BIS Services Sector Division Council, and a Districts as Export Hubs initiative through DGFT and States/UTs to identify and facilitate exportable services.

Balance between facilitation and enforcement urged for tax officers, with technology adoption and public service ethos stressed.
The passing out ceremony for the 72nd Batch of IRS (C&IT) officers emphasized balancing taxpayer facilitation with enforcement, urging adoption of technology to ease compliance, accessibility as public servants, and continuation of NACIN-linked training throughout service. Senior leadership stressed work ethic and motivation under the Amrit Kaal vision, and five trainees received institutional medals recognizing exceptional performance.

Customs seizure of foreign-origin gold recovered from seabed after an intelligence-led maritime interception and arrests.
Seizure under customs authority of foreign-origin gold recovered from the seabed following an intelligence-led maritime interception. Enforcement located and pursued a fishing boat near the Mandapam coast; crew discarded a parcel which coast guard divers retrieved and which was seized under the Customs Act, 1962. Three persons were apprehended and are under custodial interrogation as part of the investigative and prosecutorial process.

Agricultural export growth drives higher shipments as APEDA advances market access and quality certification measures.
India's agricultural and processed food exports rose 13 percent to USD 19.694 billion in April-December 2022, with APEDA achieving 84% of its USD 23.6 billion export target. Provisional DGCI&S data show significant commodity gains-processed fruits and vegetables, Basmati rice, pulses, cereal preparations and milled products-despite logistical challenges. APEDA's export-promotion measures include B2B exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, GI product promotion, recognition of testing laboratories, and targeted international festivals and conferences to expand market access and quality certification.

One District One Product initiative promotes district level export capacity and market access without direct financial assistance.
ODOP DEH identifies and promotes one product or service from each district to build district level export capacity. Integrated with the Department of Commerce and supported by DGFT and DPIIT, the initiative has prepared District Export Action Plans to scale production, assure quality, address infrastructure and supply chain gaps, and improve market access. It operates through institutional facilitation, capacity building, export training, diplomatic promotion and trade events, and does not provide direct financial assistance.

Memorandum of Understanding on digital forensic laboratories enables DGGI-NFSU collaboration for investigations, training and technical assistance.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate General of GST Intelligence and the National Forensic Sciences University establishes digital forensic laboratories and a framework for information exchange, technological advancement, joint research, training programmes and mutual technical assistance to enhance investigative capacity and digital evidence analysis.

Customs seizure of concealed areca nuts exposes deliberate mis-declaration to evade import duty; organiser arrested and investigated.
Seizure under the Customs Act followed inspection of five containers declared as Compounded Animal Feed and barley that concealed areca nuts; examination showed declared cover cargo in front rows and concealed nuts behind, prompting detention of the consignments, a criminal investigation, and arrest of the person who arranged the imports for allegedly attempting to evade payment of applicable customs duty by mis-declaration and concealment.

Invoicing and payment in Indian Rupee now permitted for international trade, with trade policy adjusted to recognise INR settlements.
The central bank authorises invoicing, payment and settlement of exports and imports in Indian Rupee (INR) for any partner country, and the national foreign trade policy has been amended to permit INR invoicing and payments while adjusting grant of export benefits and fulfilment of export obligations to accommodate INR realisations in line with the central bank guidelines.

Export growth of automobiles boosts passenger and commercial vehicle shipments; government extends trade support schemes and digital facilitation.
Automobile exports increased by 35.9%, driven by substantial rises in passenger and commercial vehicle shipments; category wise gains are reported for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three wheelers, two wheelers and quadricycles, with Haryana identified as a notable exporting region. The Government has extended and implemented trade support measures-including the Interest Equalization Scheme, RoSCTL and RoDTEP, trade infrastructure and market access schemes, a Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin, district export hubs, and active diplomatic mission support-to promote and facilitate exports.