Coal gasification incentive scheme boosts domestic syngas production, import substitution, and long-term project policy certainty.
A Union Cabinet-approved incentive scheme promotes surface coal and lignite gasification projects with a financial outlay of Rs 37,500 crore to accelerate coal gasification, support clean energy production, and reduce dependence on imports of LNG, urea, ammonia, methanol and other substitutable products. The scheme provides financial incentive of up to 20 per cent of plant and machinery cost, to be disbursed in four equal instalments linked to project milestones, with caps for a single project, product and entity group.

Gold import duty hike may curb jewellery volumes while boosting recycling and domestic circulation of idle gold.
Higher import duty on gold and silver is expected to affect jewellery volumes in the short term while encouraging recycling, exchange of old gold, and circulation of idle domestic gold. The increase is aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves, reducing dependence on imported gold, and supporting a circular domestic gold economy. Consumer demand is still expected to remain resilient because gold retains strong cultural, wedding-related, savings, and investment significance in India, even as buyers shift toward lighter-weight jewellery and exchange-based purchases.

Import duty on precious metals drives up local prices and may temporarily dampen physical demand.
Import duty on precious metals was increased to 15 per cent, with platinum duty raised to 15.4 per cent and consequential changes made for gold and silver related goods. The revision was intended to discourage purchases and reduce non-essential imports amid rising foreign-exchange outflows and a widening import bill. The higher levy was expected to feed into purchase bills, raise local prices and temporarily dampen physical demand.

US-China trade and artificial intelligence discussions shape a Beijing trip with major executives from technology, finance and manufacturing.
Prominent US executives from technology, finance, manufacturing and agriculture were invited to accompany President Donald Trump on a trip to Beijing for discussions expected to cover trade and artificial intelligence, alongside broader bilateral issues. The delegation included senior leaders from companies with significant China exposure, reflecting the commercial importance of the visit and the role of corporate diplomacy in managing trade relations. The report highlights Elon Musk, Tim Cook and Kelly Ortberg as examples of executives whose businesses have faced distinct China-related pressures.

Rupee pressure deepens as crude oil costs, global risk aversion and dollar strength drive a record intraday low.
The rupee weakened to a record intraday low against the US dollar amid elevated crude oil prices, global risk aversion linked to West Asia tensions, a strong dollar and foreign institutional outflows. The government's increase in import duties on gold and silver was intended to curb overseas purchases and support forex reserves, but market participants said it did not fully ease pressure on the currency.

Rooftop solar demand surges as fuel costs spike, with Asian consumers turning to cleaner and cheaper power options.
Rising fuel and electricity costs triggered by the Iran war are accelerating demand for rooftop solar power across energy-hungry Asia, with the Philippines reporting a sharp increase in installations and customer inquiries as households, businesses, and public institutions seek alternatives to expensive and uncertain fossil-fuel supply. The article describes a broader regional shift toward rooftop solar, including policy interest in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, alongside similar demand growth in the United States and Europe as consumers look for a practical way to reduce electricity bills and improve energy resilience.

User Development Fee structure at Noida International Airport set for domestic and international passengers with gradual tariff increases ahead.
AERA fixed the User Development Fee for Noida International Airport for the 2026-27 period at Rs 490 for departing domestic passengers, Rs 980 for departing international passengers, Rs 210 for arriving domestic passengers and Rs 420 for arriving international passengers, and approved gradual increases over the first control period. It also allowed a Variable Tariff Plan for landing and parking charges to support early route development, with charges to rise progressively over the concession period. AERA said the tariff structure reflects the characteristics of a greenfield airport, including higher upfront investment, statutory compliance requirements and phased capacity expansion.

Rupee recovery supported by higher gold and silver import tariffs aimed at easing foreign exchange pressure.
The rupee recovered in early trade after higher import tariffs on gold and silver were expected to curb overseas purchases and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The currency's gains were moderated by elevated crude oil prices and the strength of the US dollar, while market participants also linked the move to a possible narrowing of the current account deficit through lower precious-metal imports.

User Development Fee fixed for Noida International Airport, with a Variable Tariff Plan allowed for early route expansion.
Airports tariff regulation for Noida International Airport fixed the User Development Fee for the 2026-27 period at Rs 490 for departing domestic passengers, Rs 980 for departing international passengers, Rs 210 for arriving domestic passengers and Rs 420 for arriving international passengers. A Variable Tariff Plan was also permitted, mainly for landing and parking charges, to encourage airlines to open new routes, increase flights and expand their network in the early operational years.

Export growth, self-reliance and quality manufacturing drive India's push toward higher competitiveness and global market expansion.
India's economic resilience, export performance and external-sector strength were highlighted alongside the need for greater efficiency, productivity, self-reliance and import reduction. Free trade agreements with developed economies were presented as tools to expand exports and attract investment, while artificial intelligence, robotics and quantum computing were described as force multipliers for competitiveness. The text also urged a shift from assembled to designed, engineered and manufactured goods, with non-negotiable quality, deeper localisation, stronger R&D and alignment with global standards.

Fuel supply stability and under-recoveries shape India's energy response as the government weighs long-term conservation and storage reforms.
India's fuel supply remains stable despite global energy disruptions, with about two months of crude stock, LNG inventories and LPG reserves available and no immediate supply-side shortage reported. State-owned oil marketing companies continue to supply petrol, diesel and cooking gas below cost, and retail prices have remained unchanged for several years despite elevated input costs. The government is reviewing the strain from under-recoveries, promoting fuel conservation, a shift to piped natural gas, larger strategic reserves, expanded refining capacity and wider domestic exploration.

Gold jewellery demand concerns emerge as traders warn of pressure on artisans, exporters and small businesses.
Gold jewellery traders in Jaipur expressed concern that a call to avoid buying gold for a year could reduce demand for ornaments and affect the wider gems and jewellery trade. Industry stakeholders linked any sustained fall in gold demand or availability to pressure on workers, artisans, small traders, exporters and showrooms, noting that Jaipur functions as a major centre for gemstones, gold jewellery manufacturing and exports. Trade representatives urged a distinction between consumption-based and export-linked imports, policy support for recycling and exchange schemes, and greater stability in the import duty and taxation structure.

SEZ warehousing partnership expands port-linked logistics and faster clearance access through a sublease arrangement in Mumbai.
Welspun One entered into a Letter of Intent with Balmer Lawrie & Co. for the sublease of Grade A+ warehousing space at WTC Nhava Sheva in the JNPA special economic zone. The arrangement is intended to give Balmer Lawrie access to SEZ warehousing facilities over a five-year term, with the site positioned for customs duty deferment, faster clearance and value-added logistics services.

Austerity measures urged to cut foreign-currency spending, reduce fuel use, and shift travel, work and schooling domestic
Austerity measures were urged as a public response to global disruption caused by the West Asia crisis, with emphasis on reducing avoidable foreign-currency expenditure and shifting daily activities toward lower-cost, domestic alternatives. Citizens were asked to avoid foreign vacations and destination weddings abroad, defer gold purchases, reduce consumption of edible oils, limit use of imported products, and curtail fuel consumption through public transport, electric mobility and carpooling.

Fertiliser availability remains comfortable as government bolsters Kharif supply, stabilises prices, and curbs hoarding.
Fertiliser availability for the upcoming Kharif sowing season remains comfortable, with stocks above the usual seasonal benchmark and additional imports and domestic production supplementing supply. Major fertiliser prices have remained stable, urea pricing is fixed, and further quantities of NPK complexes, DAP, triple super phosphate and ammonium sulphate have been secured to support peak-season demand. Measures are also being taken to promote balanced fertiliser use and prevent hoarding, diversion and black-marketing at the state level.

Integrated township development in Amaravati gains momentum with Singapore model cooperation, trade connectivity and MICE infrastructure planning.
Integrated township development in Amaravati is being advanced as a Singapore-modelled urban project, intended to serve as a benchmark development and to support the Amaravati Economic Region. The state has invited requests for proposals and is pursuing monthly working-group consultations to implement the existing memorandum of understanding covering township development, digital transformation and real-time governance. Cooperation is also being sought on trade connectivity, a pilot digital trade corridor, and a dedicated MICE policy with single-window approvals and new infrastructure.

Chinese EV exports surge as domestic car sales weaken amid global demand and trade pressures.
China's passenger car exports expanded sharply in April as automakers increased overseas shipments while domestic demand weakened. Passenger car exports rose by nearly 85 per cent year on year, with new energy passenger vehicle exports increasing by more than 120 per cent. Domestic passenger car sales fell for the sixth consecutive month, while Chinese brands continued expanding abroad and analysts pointed to stronger global EV demand and trade pressures shaping export prospects.

MSME growth strategy turns on AI adoption, export expansion, and global supply chain integration for scale.
Bombay Industries Association installed Dr. Rajesh Doshi as its 62nd President and set a growth-oriented agenda for MSMEs. The leadership programme focuses on artificial intelligence, digital adoption, global supply chain integration, and export market expansion. It also identifies financing gaps, technology deficits, and governance challenges as barriers to MSME scaling, while announcing initiatives such as a revived knowledge platform, defence-sector linkage, AI training, partnerships for financial and export support, and wider cluster outreach.

ODOP honey export from Baksa advances farmer-led exports, quality compliance, and stronger market access for rural producers.
ODOP honey from Baksa district in Assam was exported to the USA in the first-ever consignment through APEDA facilitation, marking a step in promoting district-specific agricultural products under the One District One Product initiative. APEDA supported the export by strengthening processing-facility infrastructure, including testing and laboratory equipment, to help meet international quality standards and food safety requirements. The initiative is presented as a means of improving value addition, expanding export growth, integrating farmers from Aspirational Districts into global value chains, and generating better price realisation for local beekeepers and farmers.

Seafood export market access expanded through EU engagement, quality controls, and removal of regulatory bottlenecks after tariff pressure.
India secured access to the European Union seafood market through active trade engagement after the United States imposed steep tariffs on Indian seafood exports. The government addressed regulatory bottlenecks that had limited Indian shipments, including the restoration of previously delisted fishery establishments through quality control orders and standards, and more than 125 Indian fishery establishments were registered for access to the EU market. The move formed part of a wider export strategy focused on long-term trade opportunities, export growth, manufacturing, and employment.