Global export hub logistics for Lalitpur Pharma Park strengthened through port connectivity and freight corridor integration.
Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority have entered into a memorandum of understanding to develop the proposed Lalitpur Pharma Park as a global export hub by linking the industrial cluster to international maritime trade routes. The cooperation contemplates use of the Dadri-Khurja rail link with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor to create a multi-modal rail network for movement of pharmaceutical goods to JNPA, supporting import of raw materials and export of finished pharmaceutical products.

Indian pharmaceutical exports maintain growth momentum as formulations, biologicals, vaccines and Ayush products lead performance.
Indian pharmaceutical exports maintained growth momentum despite global pricing pressures and trade volatilities, with shipments reaching over USD 28 billion up to February in FY26 and registering year-on-year growth of 5.6 per cent over the corresponding period in FY25. Export performance was led by formulations, biologicals, vaccines and Ayush products.

Customs enforcement along the India-Nepal border led to seizure of undocumented soft drinks and air conditioners.
Customs enforcement along the India-Nepal border led to seizure of soft drinks and air conditioners being moved without valid customs documents. A vehicle carrying 1,575 bottles of soft drinks was intercepted after the driver tried to flee, while two split air conditioners transported on bicycles were also recovered in a separate patrol operation. The goods, vehicle and bicycles were handed over to the Customs Department.

Indian pharmaceutical exports show sustained growth as formulations, biologicals, vaccines and Ayush products drive resilience.
Indian pharmaceutical exports recorded sustained growth in FY26, reaching nearly USD 29 billion by the end of February and increasing over the corresponding period in the previous financial year. The export performance was led by formulations, biologicals, vaccines and Ayush products, and was described as resilient despite global challenges, pricing pressures and trade volatility. The sector's overall value was placed at about USD 60 billion, with projected expansion to USD 130 billion by 2030.

Supply chain disruption hits Bikaner snack exports as conflict delays shipments and raises freight and input costs.
West Asia conflict has disrupted Bikaner exports and imports, causing delays in shipments of bhujia, papad, namkeen and spices to Gulf and European markets. Traders report longer transit routes, container shortages, higher freight charges, rising raw material and packaging costs, and consignments stuck at ports or in transit, affecting the city's export-driven economy.

Egg brand initiative to boost poultry farming, strengthen local production and support rural entrepreneurship in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra is planning to develop a state-specific egg brand and expand poultry farming to strengthen local egg production, reduce dependence on imports from southern states and improve supply chain stability. The initiative is linked to rural entrepreneurship and allied agricultural activity, with the aim of creating a stable market for poultry farmers, improving quality assurance and increasing incomes in rural areas. Financial assistance is being provided under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Pashudhan Udyojakata Yojana for poultry units at two levels, with higher subsidy support for SC and ST beneficiaries.

LPG supply prioritisation reshapes refinery allocations as propylene is partly redirected to ease petrochemical shortages.
The government has adjusted refinery output directions in response to LPG import disruptions and petrochemical feedstock shortages. After requiring C3 and C4 streams to be used exclusively for LPG production, the Ministry later allowed part of the propylene supply to return to the petrochemical industry. The policy is presented as a balance between domestic LPG supply security and the needs of sectors such as packaging and condom manufacturing, alongside partial restoration and enhancement of commercial LPG allocations for priority consumers.

Trade liberalisation under India-Australia ECTA expands market access, boosts exports, and advances zero-duty access for Indian goods.
India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years, marking stronger bilateral economic engagement through expanded market access, reduced trade barriers, and deeper trade and supply-chain linkages. India has granted preferential access on 70.3% of its tariff lines, while Australia has granted preferential access on 100% of its tariff lines and imports from India, with most lines duty-free immediately and all Indian exports eligible for zero-duty access from 1 January 2026. The Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Organic Products supports trade by recognising certification systems and reducing duplication, cost, and time.

Customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical inputs aims to ease supply disruptions and support downstream manufacturing.
Full customs duty exemption is granted on critical petrochemical products as a temporary and targeted relief measure in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and resulting supply chain disruptions. The exemption continues until 30 June 2026 and is intended to ensure continued availability of essential petrochemical inputs for domestic industry, reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors, and maintain supply stability. The notified products cover petrochemical feedstock, intermediates and related industrial inputs used across multiple manufacturing sectors.

Defence exports growth reflects India's indigenous manufacturing strength, wider global acceptance, and streamlined export regulation.
India's defence exports recorded a new high, driven by indigenous manufacturing strength, wider global acceptance of Indian defence products, and a collaborative ecosystem involving defence public sector undertakings and private industry. The exports reached more than 80 countries, while the number of exporters increased, reflecting growing participation in the sector. The ministry also noted that streamlined export regulatory processes, a revamped online portal, and simplified authorisation procedures supported this growth.

Export obligation discharge certificates see accelerated disposal under a special drive to clear backlog and ease exporter compliance.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade conducted a time-bound special drive for expeditious issuance of Export Obligation Discharge Certificates under the Advance Authorisation and Export Promotion Capital Goods schemes, with daily monitoring by senior officials to accelerate closure of export obligations and improve trade facilitation. The drive was designed to support an exporter-friendly ecosystem by enabling release of bank guarantees and bonds, reducing grievance burden, and strengthening compliance monitoring under the foreign trade framework. In view of the campaign's results, the special drive was extended for a further two months with fresh guidelines. The extension continues the administrative effort to expedite EODC disposal, support timely closure of export obligations, and reduce the operational burden on exporters.

Conditional customs duty concessions for SEZ to DTA clearances impose value addition, cap limits, and anti-double-benefit safeguards.
Conditional customs duty concessions are notified for clearance of goods manufactured in Special Economic Zones to the Domestic Tariff Area, subject to a ceiling of 30 per cent of the highest annual Free on Board export value in the preceding three financial years. Eligible units must satisfy minimum 20 per cent value addition, obtain a Development Commissioner's certificate, and comply with audit requirements, while export benefits such as duty drawback on inputs are barred to prevent double benefits.

Concessional customs duty relief for eligible SEZ units enables limited DTA sales with value addition and export-linked caps.
A one-time customs relief window allows eligible SEZ manufacturing units to sell manufactured goods in the Domestic Tariff Area at concessional duty rates for a limited period. Eligibility is confined to units that commenced production on or before 31 March 2025, and the goods must have undergone minimum 20% value addition over inputs. DTA sales under the relief are capped at 30% of the highest annual FOB value of exports in any of the three preceding financial years, with certain sensitive sectors excluded and faceless assessment applying to clearances.

Biomass tariff revision supports continued renewable power operations and revenue visibility for a Punjab-based 6 MW plant.
A revised tariff has been fixed for DEE Development Engineers Ltd's 6 MW biomass-based Malwa Power Plant under the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission, replacing the interim tariff applied during pendency of the petition. The revised arrangement includes annual escalation on the variable component and extends the plant's operating life for another 10 years after expiry of the earlier power purchase pact, supporting continued biomass-based power generation and revenue visibility.

Quality-controlled masterbatch manufacturing links R&D, regulatory compliance, and application-specific products across export markets.
Masterbatch and compound manufacturing is presented as a quality-controlled, export-oriented activity built on regulatory compliance, R&D support, and structured batch testing for colour consistency, dispersion, mechanical performance, and stability. The product range is described as application-specific, including laser marking masterbatches, flame retardant masterbatches meeting UL 94 ratings, long glass fibre reinforced compounds for metal replacement, and amber colour masterbatches for pharmaceutical packaging that comply with global regulatory requirements.

Trade barriers and tariff flexibility in India draw fresh US concerns over market access, standards and digital restrictions.
The report says India maintains high applied import duties and wide tariff flexibility, while also using numerous non-tariff barriers such as licensing requirements, Quality Control Orders, customs barriers, testing and certification mandates, and price controls. It further criticises opaque quantitative restrictions, burdensome import licensing for remanufactured goods, discretionary tariff changes, and complex customs exemptions. The report also flags concerns over standards, government procurement, foreign equity limits, digital trade barriers and internet shutdowns affecting market access and commercial operations.

Domestic satellite preference and internet shutdown controls are flagged as trade barriers affecting satellite services and digital commerce.
Preference for domestic satellites in direct-to-home television services, restrictions on direct foreign contracting, and procedural delays in accessing foreign satellite capacity are described as barriers to foreign trade. The report also urges an open skies satellite policy to expand market access. Localised internet shutdowns and increased takedown requests are said to impede the digital economy, while satellite communication providers face security instructions on interception, blocking, routing, registration, disclosure, geo-fencing, data localisation, and phased sourcing of ground infrastructure.

Disproportionate assets probe leads to recovery of cash, vehicles and property documents from senior officials.
Police action against two senior Bihar government officers for alleged possession of disproportionate assets led to searches at multiple locations and recovery of property documents, cash, luxury items and vehicle records. The Economic Offences Unit registered separate FIRs against Kishanganj SDPO Gautam Kumar and Saharsa DRDA director Vaibhav Kumar after preliminary findings indicated assets allegedly far in excess of their known income, with suspected benami properties and investments traced to family members and associates. Searches yielded documents relating to numerous land parcels, residential property, insurance and financial investments, bank deposits, cash, luxury watches, high-end vehicles and other valuables.

Free trade agreements and apple imports raise concerns over Himachal orchardists' economic interests and market competitiveness.
Himachal Pradesh's apple sector was discussed in the context of free trade agreements with the European Union, the United States, New Zealand and other countries, with concern that lower import duties on apples could affect the economic interests of local growers. A private resolution urged the central government to frame a policy to safeguard orchardists, and the government accepted the resolution. The debate also noted that Himachal apples must improve in quality to compete with imports and that the state lags behind those markets in quality standards.

Sanctions waiver revives Iranian crude trade as a cargo heads to Gujarat amid refinery inventory pressures.
India's crude oil trade may see a renewed shipment of Iranian oil after a sanctions waiver allowed oil "on the water" to be purchased for a limited period. A vessel carrying about 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude has reportedly been observed heading toward Vadinar in Gujarat, marking the first such delivery since imports stopped in 2019 after sanctions tightening. The development is linked to Indian refiners' need for cargoes amid tightening inventories, while the government has stated that any resumption of purchases will depend on techno-commercial feasibility.