Credit card payment flexibility supports seasonal shopping and travel through eligible EMIs, rewards, tracking tools and conditional merchant benefits. Credit-card spending features include conversion of eligible purchases into EMIs, selected no-cost EMI options, reward points, cashback, merchant discounts and payment flexibility. Travel-related benefits may include domestic airport lounge access, travel-booking discounts, fuel-surcharge waiver and anniversary-linked rewards. The AU 0101 application enables transaction tracking, balance and interest-rate monitoring, EMI conversion and bill-payment management. Features and offers are subject to change, customer eligibility, internal policies and partner-merchant terms.
Foreign-exchange market conditions weakened the rupee as stronger dollar and crude prices offset support from reserve growth and inflows. Foreign-exchange market conditions saw the rupee weaken against the US dollar in early trading, influenced by a stronger dollar and higher global crude oil prices. Foreign institutional equity inflows and increased foreign-exchange reserves moderated pressure on the rupee. Market attention remained focused on developments in West Asia and the Reserve Bank of India, alongside movements in the dollar index, crude oil prices and domestic equity markets.
GI-tagged Mithila Makhana export facilitation expands sea-route market access while supporting quality compliance and farmer-linked value chains. Export facilitation for GI-tagged Mithila Makhana enabled the first commercial sea-route shipment from Bihar to Australia. APEDA, in association with the Bihar agriculture department, supported market access, coordination, capacity building and stakeholder engagement. The export model is intended to improve farmer price realisation, require adherence to global quality standards, and strengthen growers, processors and exporters. A separate HS Code for Makhana has taken effect under the Finance Bill, 2025, supporting product-specific trade classification.
Startup ecosystem support expands through digital payments, cloud access, AI innovation, investment readiness, governance support and global market programmes. DPIIT has entered into strategic MoUs to support DPIIT-recognised startups through payment infrastructure, entrepreneurship development, cloud technology, mobility innovation, investment readiness and global-market access. Eligible startups may receive payment and cloud support, technical training, mentorship, startup formalisation assistance, market and investor connections, AI and mobility enablement, and programmes addressing governance, financial readiness, compliance and international expansion. The collaborations promote innovation across digital payments, clean energy, artificial intelligence, climate technology, advanced manufacturing, mobility and automotive technology.
UPI transaction charges remain unavailable for consumers and person-to-person payments, while limited threshold-based merchant MDR may be considered. Proposed amendment of section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 is intended to support UPI sustainability, technological advancement and resilience. Consumer payments and person-to-person transactions are to remain free. Any future merchant discount rate would apply only to limited merchant transactions above a threshold, at a nominal rate, while most merchant transactions remain free. The framework supports investment in cybersecurity, fraud prevention and infrastructure, alongside a self-sustaining and inclusive digital-payment ecosystem.
Fair competition cooperation in renewable energy markets advances knowledge-sharing and evidence-based enforcement across interconnected digital and energy markets. BRICS competition authorities adopted a Joint Statement strengthening cooperation to promote fair competition, including in renewable energy markets. Cooperation focuses on dialogue, knowledge-sharing and consideration of cross-border competition challenges in digital markets, emerging technologies and the energy transition. Competition enforcement is to remain principled and evidence-based, supporting efficiency, consumer welfare, innovation and merit-based competition. A collaborative renewable-energy competition study identified evolving market dynamics and areas for future cooperation.
Cost optimisation in public finance strengthens investment decisions, risk allocation, indigenous manufacturing and value-driven government expenditure through specialised financial expertise. ICoAS cost optimisation supports public financial management through prudent resource utilisation, financial oversight and improved cost management across government. Its role includes supporting indigenous manufacturing, better investment decisions, efficient public expenditure and maximum value for public spending. With greater private-sector participation and Public-Private Partnerships, ICoAS officers are expected to promote cost efficiency, appropriate risk allocation and sound project structuring. Capacity building emphasises integrity, financial modelling, data visualisation, analytical frameworks and artificial intelligence for improved public-finance management.
Co-operative development financing would expand through direct assistance, share-capital participation and wider operational powers for sectoral support. National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes to broaden the Corporation's mandate to promote co-operative development. It would permit direct loans and grants to co-operative societies and other entities engaged in co-operative development, where funds are used for co-operative purposes. With Central Government approval, the Corporation could participate in the share capital of such entities. The proposals also expand the meaning of foodstuffs, remove geographical restrictions for industrial-goods assistance, and provide additional functional powers.
GST compliance failures and electricity subsidy controls raise allegations of financial irregularities and potential losses to the public exchequer. Allegations based on a Comptroller and Auditor General report identified purported GST compliance failures involving outstanding tax liabilities, e-way bills generated after cancellation of GST registrations, limited bill scrutiny, non-compliance, and turnover mismatches. The allegations also concerned electricity subsidies extended to consumers with prolonged zero bills or apparent non-residence, presenting these issues as possible financial irregularities and losses to the public exchequer.
Money-laundering prosecution complaints allege fund diversion through shell entities, credit-facility evergreening, layered transactions and fictitious project expenditure. Money-laundering prosecution complaints allege that funds from toll-road projects and credit facilities were diverted through group companies, contractors, shell entities and conduit accounts. In the toll-road matter, allegedly sham or back-dated subcontracting arrangements and subsequent documentation were used to portray transfers as genuine project expenditure. In the credit-facilities matter, fresh facilities were allegedly used to repay, rotate and evergreen earlier liabilities rather than for sanctioned end-use, with funds layered and presented as legitimate business expenditure or receipts. Attached assets are sought to be confiscated as alleged proceeds of crime.
Direct Benefit Transfer pension disbursement replaces cooperative-bank doorstep delivery, while preserving home payments for beneficiaries unable to use bank accounts. Direct Benefit Transfer of social security and welfare pensions to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts is intended to replace cooperative-bank doorstep delivery, except for bedridden and similarly situated beneficiaries. The change addresses delays in remitting undistributed pensions, deficient record updates and reconciliation, duplicate payments, delivery incentives, and compliance with Direct Benefit Transfer norms. Criticism focuses on beneficiary access to linked commercial-bank accounts, possible minimum-balance deductions, exclusion of cooperative banks, and the effect on doorstep-delivery workers.
Engineering business growth supported Raymond's first-quarter performance, with export expansion, capacity investment and net-debt-free financial flexibility. Raymond Limited reported unaudited first-quarter FY27 growth in total income, EBITDA and profit before tax before exceptional items, while remaining net-debt-free with a net cash surplus. Its Engineering business comprises Precision Technology & Auto Components and Aerospace & Defence. Growth in the former was attributed to export expansion, operating leverage, product mix and cost reductions. Aerospace & Defence growth was linked to production for global OEMs, portfolio expansion and increased capacity, although margins were affected by targeted research and development investment. Forward-looking statements remain subject to regulatory, political, economic and technological risks.
Savings account selection requires comparison of effective interest, fees, digital service, access, and individual banking needs. Savings-account selection should compare effective interest returns under slab-based rates, recurring operating charges and the customer's actual banking needs. Net value depends not only on advertised rates but also on relevant minimum-balance, card, ATM, alert and transfer fees. Digital reliability, customer support, branch availability and ATM access should be assessed according to the customer's average balance, cash use, transfer frequency, travel patterns and need for in-person assistance. The suitable account is one that matches real banking behaviour.
Urban cooperative bank regulation promotes licensing, governance, compliance support and cybersecurity measures to strengthen stability and depositor confidence. Urban cooperative banks are encouraged to recognise regulatory support through liberalised branch opening, doorstep banking, demand drafts, life certificates, dedicated regulatory coordination, enhanced gold-loan limits, one-time settlements and progress towards on-tap licensing. Sound governance is material to sectoral stability, while small-borrower lending is presented as a comparatively safe lending segment. The umbrella body can support member banks through technical expertise, compliance assistance, cybersecurity solutions and participation in a security operations centre to strengthen depositor confidence.
Korean food export promotion combines buyer consultations, regulatory guidance and consumer experiences to support entry into Indian and South Asian markets. Korean food export promotion in India and South Asia combined business consultations with consumer-facing activities. Individual meetings connected Korean exporters with regional buyers and generated memoranda of understanding for products including frozen gimbap, ginseng wine and kombucha. Exporters received on-site guidance concerning non-tariff barriers, including food import customs clearance and certification requirements. Preparatory online sessions addressed import procedures, regulatory matters and consumer trends, while consumer events promoted Korean food through tasting, retail and experiential activities.
Illegal immigration enforcement prioritises dismantling entry, documentation and employment networks while requiring citizens to report information through police channels. Illegal immigration enforcement involves continuous identification and verification operations, coordination with relevant officials, and confidential investigation of networks facilitating entry, identity documentation, accommodation and employment. Enquiries extend to intermediaries, contractors, Aadhaar procurement and verification practices, rather than focusing only on apprehended individuals. Citizen vigilantism, moral policing and social-media targeting of suspected migrants are discouraged because they may compromise investigations; information should instead be given through proper police channels.
Technology, transparency and governance strengthen urban cooperative banks through modern customer services, depositor protection and cooperative-sector support. Technology adoption, transparency, sound governance and modern customer services are identified as necessary for urban cooperative banks to remain competitive. Banks are encouraged to join the sector's umbrella organisation and self-regulatory body, which provides capital, information-technology infrastructure and liquidity support. Protection of depositors' money remains a regulatory responsibility, while banks are expected to improve governance, train staff, adopt technology and enhance customer-centric services. Customer prosperity and reduced perception gaps between the central bank and urban cooperative banks are emphasised as measures to strengthen the sector.
Authorised Dealer Category-II licensing expands permissible FEMA current account and foreign trade transaction services for cross-border payment customers. An Authorised Dealer Category-II approval under the Foreign Exchange Management (Authorised Persons) Regulations, 2026 enables Paul Merchants to undertake additional permissible non-trade current account transactions under FEMA, excluding gifts and donations, and foreign trade transactions within the applicable per-transaction limit. The approval supports foreign exchange and cross-border payment services, including overseas remittances for education, medical treatment, travel, and conference or event participation.
Integrated investor claim portal modernisation advances digital KYC, streamlined verification, stakeholder-informed safeguards, and efficient investor claim settlement services. Integrated IEPFA Portal 2.0 is proposed to modernise investor claim processing through digital KYC, pre-filled Form IEPF-5, entitlement search, and a simplified e-Verification Report filing workflow. Stakeholder feedback included Aadhaar eKYC address validation, KYC for authorised representatives, entitlement-letter validation checks, bulk DSC and eSign functionality, integration of approved IEPF Form-4 data, lower-value share valuation using NSE and BSE data, and alerts for frequent address changes to prevent fraud.
Foreign capital inflows supported the rupee despite geopolitical uncertainty, oil-price pressures, and volatile global market sentiment. Foreign capital inflows supported a marginal strengthening of the rupee against the US dollar despite global risk aversion arising from uncertainty surrounding negotiations affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Higher crude oil prices and weak domestic equity sentiment remained relevant pressures. Near-term currency movement was expected to depend on developments in the negotiations, weekend decisions, US employment data, the dollar index, crude oil prices, and the reported increase in foreign exchange reserves.
Finance Minister has announced that the Government has identified seven critical areas on the Direct Taxes Code for further detailed examination. At an interactive session with representatives of trade and industry from all over the country, here today, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said that the areas identified after interactions with all stakeholders are: The concept of Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) based on gross assets; Capital Gains Taxation in the case of non-residents; The Income Tax Act and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA); General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR); Issues relating to effective management control and taxation of foreign companies in India; Taxation of charitable organizations; and Shift from EEE to EET taxation system.
On the apprehensions expressed regarding the time schedule for implementation of the new Direct Taxes Code, the Finance Minister assured that next steps would be taken only after a comprehensive review of the draft Direct Taxes Code by taking on board the suggestions received. Every effort would be made to meet the aspirations and expectations of our taxpayers and our vibrant corporate sector.
Shri Mukherjee said that it has been the endeavour of the government to incorporate the best practices prevailing across the globe and to use innovative methods for attaining equity—vertical and horizontal, ensure growth with sustainability, create stable fiscal eco-system and have well regulated free markets. The new Direct Tax system would also take into account established and time tested practices which have withstood judicial scrutiny. He said, "We want to present the stakeholders with a tax regime which is simple and broad based leading to lowering of tax rates, better tax compliance and reduced litigation."
The Finance Minister said that it has been two months since the proposed draft direct tax code was released for public debate and he was moved by the amount of interest and intellectual debate it has generated amongst various sections of taxpayers, tax professionals and general public. We are receiving thoughtful feedbacks on our website and through other means—trade and industry associations, professional bodies and others, he added.
Shri Mukherjee said that he has kept his promise by putting the draft code in public domain within 45 days and he would like to expedite to give it a final shape. While thanking the industry and trade associations for enthusiastically participating in today's deliberations, Shri Mukherjee said that he looks forward to their suggestions in making the new Direct Taxes Code an effective instrument for meeting the economic challenges and development priorities of the country. The outcome of the discussions would be used for modifying the proposals contained in the draft Direct Taxes Code, the Minister said.
Minister of State for Finance, Shri S.S. Palanimanickam, Revenue Secretary, Shri P.V. Bhide and senior officers of the Finance Ministry were also present at the interactive session.
General Anti-Avoidance Rule under review alongside other Direct Taxes Code reforms to refine tax base and compliance.
Direct Taxes Code reform now targets seven critical areas for detailed examination: Minimum Alternative Tax based on gross assets; Capital Gains taxation for non-residents; the Income Tax Act's interaction with Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements; the General Anti-Avoidance Rule; effective management control and taxation of foreign companies; taxation of charitable organisations; and the shift from an EEE to an EET taxation system, with further steps contingent on a comprehensive review of the draft Code and stakeholder inputs.
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