DRI seizes over 125,000 kg foreign-origin smuggled areca nuts and 41,000 kg poppy seeds worth around Rs. 20.31 crore in Assam and Mizoram in a crackdo...
From Digital Banking to Resilient Banking – Technology, Cyber Security and AI as Pillars of Trust - Address by Shri Rohit Jain, Deputy Governor at t...
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Highlights India’s Expanding Global Economic Engagement and Growing Integration with Globa...
Interest-free working capital assistance for FCV tobacco growers supports liquidity, institutional loan repayment, crop inputs, and reduced private borrowing. A one-time, interest-free working-capital loan of Rs. 50,000 per barn is approved for FCV tobacco growers in Andhra Pradesh under the Interest-Free Working Capital Assistance Scheme. Covering about 44,000 growers, the assistance is proposed to be delivered through direct benefit transfer. It is intended to provide liquidity for household requirements, institutional loan repayment and crop inputs, while reducing dependence on private borrowing.
Government securities auction calendar establishes retail bidding access, flexible issuance terms, greenshoe subscriptions, and periodic debt switch operations. Each auction carries a non-competitive bidding facility, under which five per cent of the notified amount is reserved for specified retail investors. The Government may modify indicated amounts, issuance periods and maturities, and may issue instruments with non-standard maturities, floating-rate bonds or inflation-indexed bonds, having regard to governmental requirements, market conditions and other relevant factors. It may retain additional subscriptions through a greenshoe option and conduct switch or buyback auctions of dated securities.
Market borrowing plan sets dated securities auctions, Treasury Bill issuance, redemption management, and temporary cash-flow support. Government market borrowing for the second half of FY 2026-27 is to be raised through weekly auctions of dated securities, including Sovereign Green Bonds, across maturities from 3 to 50 years. Debt-management measures include switching and buyback operations to smooth the redemption profile and a greenshoe option for additional subscriptions. Treasury Bills are to be issued through weekly auctions in 91-day, 182-day and 364-day maturities. The Ways and Means Advances limit is fixed to address temporary mismatches in government accounts.
GI-tagged agricultural exports expand farmer access to international markets through FPO-led value chains and higher price realisation. APEDA facilitated the export of a one-metric-tonne consignment of GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal from Karnataka to the Maldives through an FPO-led brand. Gulbarga Tur Dal has held GI registration since 2019. The export-linked channel provides farmers a realisation of Rs.82 per kg compared with a prevailing market price of Rs.60 per kg, while supporting closer integration of FPOs and farmers into export-oriented supply chains.
Gold smuggling through powdered gold concealed in food products led to seizure and arrests under customs law. Intelligence-led interception and baggage examination identified foreign-origin gold converted into fine powder and mixed with packaged food products of similar colour, texture and consistency. Segregation and assaying yielded 9.40 kg foreign-origin gold, which was seized under the Customs Act, 1962. Questioning linked the passengers to the same organised gold-smuggling syndicate, and they were arrested under that Act.
Customs seizure of suspected smuggled areca nuts and restricted poppy seeds followed intelligence-led cross-border enforcement operations. Intelligence-led customs enforcement in Mizoram and Assam resulted in seizure, under the Customs Act, 1962, of suspected foreign-origin areca nuts and poppy seeds believed on preliminary inquiry to have been smuggled from Myanmar. Searches of locked, unattended godowns near the Indo-Myanmar border recovered the commodities, while interception of two trucks carrying poppy seeds without valid import documents led to seizure of the consignments and vehicles. Four persons connected with transportation of the poppy seeds were arrested.
Industrial control system cybersecurity certification validates system-level protection across wind farm controls, networks, and lifecycle security services. IEC 62443-3-3 Security Level 2 certification applies to a wind farm control system covering SCADA, PPC, PLC and industrial network devices. It assesses system-level security requirements, including the interaction of components, networks and security mechanisms within an overall industrial control environment. The cybersecurity framework also spans secure development, certified core control components, system-level protection, and security integration and maintenance services across the lifecycle of wind energy technologies.
Foreign exchange reserve composition reflects a weekly decline driven by foreign currency assets despite a modest gold increase. India's foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 14.881 billion to USD 765.901 billion for the week ended 18 September 2026. The contraction was principally driven by a reduction in foreign currency assets, which also reflect valuation effects from movements in non-US reserve currencies. Gold reserves increased, while Special Drawing Rights decreased and the reserve position with the International Monetary Fund remained reported separately.
Five-day banking proposal remains under consideration amid strike plans and measures for uninterrupted banking and advance disbursements. Five-day banking remains under governmental consideration, with no Finance Ministry commitment to implementation. Unions linked the proposal to the 12th Bipartite Settlement/9th Joint Note, which contemplated extended Monday-to-Friday working hours. Family pension revision and a pension option for resignees were identified as addressed, while withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive scheme remains in abeyance. Public sector banks were instructed to remain open on the preceding Sunday, and central government salaries, wages and pensions were directed to be disbursed in advance.
Alternative fuel transition promotes ethanol, electric and hydrogen mobility to reduce imports, pollution, and strengthen farm income. Alternative-fuel and public-transport measures seek to reduce dependence on imported petroleum, curb air pollution, and support farmer income and employment. Ethanol is positioned as a farm-income source through increased demand and returns for maize growers, alongside electricity, hydrogen and waste-derived CNG. Development and introduction of flex-fuel vehicles, using engines capable of operating on ethanol, electric tractors, hydrogen-powered vehicles and hydrogen buses form part of a cleaner-mobility strategy.
Foreign-exchange market intervention expectations supported rupee appreciation amid improved risk sentiment, while importer demand and crude prices constrained gains. Foreign-exchange market conditions supported a 19-paise appreciation of the rupee to 95.80 against the US dollar, aided by improved global risk sentiment and expectations of Reserve Bank intervention. Dollar demand from importers, high crude prices and US dollar strength constrained gains. Lower crude prices and dollar weakness could support the rupee, while geopolitical escalation may create pressure. Market participants expected intervention if the currency weakened toward 96.
Credit health assessment combines score, repayment history, utilisation, accounts and enquiries to support informed borrowing and profile monitoring. Credit health is broader than a numerical credit score and encompasses the way credit has been managed over time. Credit analysis requires a combined review of the score, repayment history, credit accounts, credit utilisation, credit history and credit enquiries. A credit report may identify management of EMIs and credit-card dues, existing borrowing obligations, use of revolving credit relative to available limits, and recent lender checks associated with credit applications. Incorrect or unfamiliar entries may be reviewed and, where necessary, raised with the relevant lender or credit bureau.
Fuel-price mitigation measures use tax reductions, targeted subsidies and energy-security policies to ease pressure on households and energy-intensive industries. European fuel-price intervention combines targeted subsidies, fuel-tax reductions, temporary regulatory flexibilities and energy-security investment to moderate the economic effects of sharply higher gasoline and diesel prices caused by disrupted supplies. Member States have temporary discretion to grant state aid to households and energy-intensive sectors, including agriculture, transport and fishing, and limited flexibility under EU spending rules for investments that improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
AI management certification anchors responsible lifecycle governance, transparency, accountability, security, and human oversight for agentic loyalty systems. ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification applies to an Artificial Intelligence Management System governing AI development, deployment, oversight and continual improvement within the GRAVTY platform. The framework supports AI-related risk management, responsible governance, transparency, accountability, security and human oversight throughout the AI lifecycle. Its scope includes supervised and unsupervised learning models and large language models supporting personalised engagement, fraud management, loyalty intelligence, autonomous decision-making, operational automation and workflow support.
Digital warehousing controls propose electronic tracking, secure transport, monthly returns, and risk-based compliance verification for warehoused goods. Draft Warehousing Operations Regulations, 2026 would require public and private warehouse licensees to use the electronic portal and a digital warehouse management system for receipt, storage, transfers, removals and accounting of warehoused goods. Transport would generally require a one-time-lock and transit-risk insurance, subject to specified exemptions. Licensees would verify locks and goods, report discrepancies, maintain auditable electronic records, submit monthly returns, and permit removals for home consumption or export only upon electronic clearance orders. Non-confirmation, discrepancies and contraventions would trigger information demands, risk-based verification and action under the Customs Act.
Technology risk governance requires banks to retain accountability, test resilience, and govern artificial intelligence before scaling financial services. Technology risk governance must treat technology architecture as a first-order enterprise risk, alongside conventional financial risks, because the availability and integrity of core banking, payments, onboarding, credit, fraud-monitoring and reporting systems determine whether customers can access essential financial services. Banks may outsource technology functions but retain accountability for access controls, concentration, recoverability, data protection and exit options. Effective resilience requires secure architecture, asset visibility, timely remediation of vulnerabilities and legacy systems, identity and access management, effective controls, third-party oversight, post-incident learning, and regular recovery testing.
Global value chain integration advances trade partnerships, semiconductor capacity, and deep-tech innovation within broader economic engagement. India's global economic engagement prioritises trade and economic partnerships to strengthen participation in global value chains and supply chains, facilitating cross-border movement of goods and services. The approach is linked to projected semiconductor demand and development of artificial-intelligence capabilities, alongside innovation, deep-tech startup support and private-sector space activity. The startup ecosystem is described as having expanded substantially, with current policy emphasis on deep-tech innovation and participation in global markets.
Trade agreement review targets balanced, user-friendly, trade-facilitative rules to address asymmetries and strengthen regional commerce. The ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement seeks to enhance trade flows, address trade asymmetries, and deliver a balanced, effective, user-friendly, and trade-facilitative arrangement for businesses. It forms part of India's commitment to mutually beneficial trade partnerships and regional trade arrangements.
Portfolio management reforms broaden permitted investments, establish independent fund managers, and retain registered managers' responsibility for client portfolios. Portfolio-management reforms replace the 2020 framework and expand investments into IPOs, primary-market debt, listed overseas equity and debt, and direct plans of Indian mutual fund schemes. Investment-grade unlisted non-convertible debt may comprise up to 10 per cent of client assets under management with client consent. Independent Fund Managers may operate with registered portfolio managers, which retain responsibility and liability. Accredited-investor eligibility is broadened, while specified compliance requirements are relaxed where adequate audit trails and internal controls exist.
Addressing a press conference here today, Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, has stated that quick estimates of exports during October, 2009 indicates significant signs of stabilization and improvement in the Indian exports compared to decline of close to 39% in May 200. "The decline in exports in October 2009 was only 6.6% in Dollar terms ($13.19 Billion in October 2009 vis-à-vis $ 14.13 Billion in October, 2008). The stablisation in the exports needs to be viewed in the context of projections of IMF of 11.9% decline in world trade volume during the year 2009 coupled with 36.6% decline in commodity prices of oil, and 20.3% decline in non-fuel commodity prices during 2009", the Minister added.
An analysis of the sectoral performance indicates that the following sectors have continued to do well with no effect of global slowdown (with increase in exports of US$ terms during April-October, 2009 as compared to corresponding period of previous year): Man-made yarn / fabric / made ups (+1.2%).; Tobacco(+20.5%); Fruits and Vegetables (+5.7%)
Further analysis shows that some export commodities which were significantly impacted by global slowdown, have now shown a turnaround in exports during October, 2009 (with positive export in October, 2009 as compared to October 2008): Plastic and Linoleum [+13.2% in Oct 09; (-) 18.6% in Apr-Oct 09]; Drugs and Pharmaceuticals [+9.3% in Oct 09; (-) 9% in Apr-Oct 09]; Marine Products[+3.7% in Oct 09; (-) 1.1% in Apr-Oct 09]; Iron ore [+250% in Oct 09; (-) 19.9% in Apr-Oct 09]; Spices [+18.2% in Oct 09; (-) 22.1% in Apr-Oct 09]; Oil meal [+19.8% in Oct 09; (-) 37.1% in Apr-Oct 09]; Cashew [+20.6% in Oct 09; (-) 21.9% in Apr-Oct 09]; Petroleum products [+7.8% in Oct 09; (-) 37.9% in Apr-Oct 09]
Some export commodities which were significantly impacted by global slowdown have shown lower rate of decline in October, 2009 as compared to earlier months: Cotton yarn / fabrics / made ups [(-)9.7% in Oct 09; (-) 28.7% in Apr-Oct 09]; Handicrafts [(-) 8.5% in Oct, 09; (-) 26.6% in Apr-Oct 09]; Basic chemicals (other than pharmaceuticals) [(-) 13% in Apr, 09; (-) 25% in Apr-Oct 09]; Gems and Jewellery [(-) 16.8% in Oct, 09; (-) 26.7% in Apr-Oct 09]; Leather and Leather manufactures [(-) 13.8% in Oct, 09; (-) 25.1% in Apr-Oct 09]; Engineering goods [(-) 14.7% in Oct, 09; (-) 30.1% in Apr-Oct 09]; Electronic goods [(-) 9.9% in Oct, 09; (-) 28.9% in Apr-Oct 09]; Tea [(-) 7% in Oct, 09; (-) 33.9% in Apr-Oct 09]
There are, however, some sectors which still continue to show significant decline in exports: Jute manufacturing including floor covering [(-)38.9% in Apr-Oct 09]; Carpets [(-)28.6% in Apr-Oct 09]; Coal and other ores including processed minerals [(-)25.3% in Apr-Oct 09]
Software exports have not shown any decline during April - October, 2009.
Overall reduction in the rate of decline of export growth in the 7 months of the current financial year, tend to indicate that the different support measures of Government, announced during the Budget and the Foreign Trade Policy, do appear to have contributed significantly in arresting the rate of decline, particularly, for labour intensive sectors.
Shri Sharma said that despite the current economic downturn, FDI inflows during April-September, 2009 were US $ 15.3 billion, which is comparable to US $ 17.2 billion received during the corresponding period of the financial year. Total FDI into India since the onset of the liberalisation process (August, 1991-September, 2009) is nearly US $ 121.85 billion.
The Minister underlined that various reports continue to place India as a highly attractive destination for investments and added that the UNCTAD World Investment Report (WIR) 2009, in its analysis of the global trends and sustained growth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, has reported India as the third most attractive location for FDI for 2009-2011. According to the WIR 2009 report, the top five most attractive locations for FDI for 2009-11 are China, United States, India, Brazil and the Russian Federation. India continues to attract investors in the high value-added services industries like financial services and information technology. The top position is occupied by China, while the US is the fourth in the list. The report predicts India to be on the cusp of FDI take off, in view of the Government maintaining focus on reforms, overcoming narrow business interests, de-bottlenecking infrastructure, logistics and regulatory barriers.
As regards industrial growth, the Minister informed that the impact of the stimulus packages announced by the Government can be seen in the revival of growth of the industry, particularly, the manufacturing sector and added that the industrial growth measured by Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a robust growth of 9.1 percent in September 2009. Industrial recovery is generally widespread encompassing most of the sectors. He further highlighted: "The consumer durables (Passenger cars, Televisions, Refrigerators, Air conditioners), registered a double digit growth for the sixth consecutive month at 22.2 per cent in September, 2009 compared to 14.7 per cent in September, 2009. Industry groups such as basic chemicals & chemical products (20.1 percent), machinery & equipment (16.5 per cent ) and rubber, plastic, petroleum and coal products (10.1 percent) recorded a double digit growth in September, 2009."
October 2009 exports showed a moderated decline of 6.6% year on year, with certain sectors sustaining growth and several previously depressed commodities recording positive month on month turnaround. Labour intensive and manufacturing categories exhibited reduced contraction rates, while software exports showed no decline. The release attributes improvement to government Budget and Foreign Trade Policy support measures. Concurrently, FDI inflows for April-September 2009 were comparable to the prior year period, international reports rank India as an attractive FDI location, and industrial production registered robust recovery in September 2009.
Note: It is a system-generated summary and is for quick reference only.
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