Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on official visit to Canada and USA from 25th August to 2nd Septemb...
Bilateral economic and financial cooperation will advance through investment dialogues, business engagement, financial-sector partnerships, and global economic discussions. Official visits to Canada and the United States are scheduled to strengthen bilateral economic and financial partnerships, deepen investment linkages, and advance cooperation on global economic priorities. Engagements include an Economic and Financial Dialogue, investment and business roundtables, corporate meetings, and discussions on financial-sector cooperation, technology, innovation, critical minerals, resilient supply chains, and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Participation in the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting will address global economic growth, stability, and international financial cooperation.
Interoperable real-time payments enable inclusive retail transactions, bank participation, and cross-border digital payment expansion through UPI. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) operates as an interoperable, real-time digital payments platform for peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions. Its network includes varied banking institutions acting as remitter and beneficiary payment service providers, with performance monitoring across participants. Person-to-merchant payments drive transaction volume through routine small-ticket retail use, while person-to-person payments represent a larger share of transaction value. UPI also supports cross-border digital payments, with future growth linked to technological advancement, broader adoption, policy support, and financial inclusion.
Service Producer Price Indices track quarterly price movements across financial, transport, telecom and insurance services using sub-service weights. Service Producer Price Indices based on 2022-23 set out provisional first-quarter estimates for FY 2026-27 and final fourth-quarter estimates for FY 2025-26 across financial, insurance, telecom, railway and air-passenger services. Latest quarterly data show negative year-on-year inflation for securities transaction and banking services, while banking service contribution, pension-fund management, insurance, telecom and railway services record positive inflation. Aggregate weights are not assigned because the covered services do not represent the entire service sector; sub-service weights are used to derive service-level PPIs.
Food safety cooperation supports imported-food quality information exchange and technical collaboration within broader bilateral economic and trade engagement. India-Morocco economic cooperation is being advanced through discussions on trade diversification, market access, investment, industrial cooperation, customs, agriculture, food safety, energy, digital transformation and logistics. A proposed food safety Memorandum of Understanding would support exchanges on imported-food safety and quality, testing laboratories, analytical methods, import procedures, quality control, sampling, testing, packaging and labelling. Proposed cultural cooperation would promote professional exchanges, heritage conservation and institutional linkages.
Foreign-exchange market conditions pressured the rupee as dollar strength, crude concerns and geopolitical uncertainty shaped narrow USD/INR trading. Foreign-exchange market conditions led the rupee to close marginally lower against the US dollar after reversing initial gains. The USD/INR pair traded within a narrow range amid a stronger dollar index, weak domestic equity markets, importer demand, crude-oil concerns and geopolitical uncertainty. Market commentary indicated a slight negative bias for the rupee, although possible US-dollar weakness could provide support at lower levels. India's foreign-exchange reserves increased during the referenced reporting week.
Branch expansion for wealth and cross-border banking services targets emerging commercial centres and affluent customer segments across India. HSBC India's branch expansion is directed at extending wealth, international banking, and corporate banking services to affluent, high-net-worth, ultra-high-net-worth, and non-resident Indian customers in emerging commercial centres. The Nashik opening forms part of a broader branch-expansion programme undertaken after Reserve Bank of India approval to establish additional branches in key cities. The programme is intended to expand delivery of banking and financial services, including support for cross-border wealth management, overseas investment by Indian companies, and foreign investment into India.
Bilateral trade and investment cooperation advances through business engagement in high-technology manufacturing, clean energy, innovation and industrial collaboration. India's commerce and industry engagement with Japan is structured around a business delegation visit to deepen bilateral trade, investment, technology and industrial collaboration. Sector-focused discussions cover semiconductors, artificial intelligence, start-ups, automotive manufacturing, steel, electronics, industrial and consumer markets. Business roadshows and investor interactions are directed at presenting opportunities in India's manufacturing, clean-energy and consumer sectors, while advancing cooperation in high-technology manufacturing and next-generation industries.
Inter-state heroin trafficking enforcement uncovered concealed narcotics in transport vehicles, triggering arrests, confiscation, and continuing supply-chain investigations. Operation Black Hawk targeted an alleged inter-state heroin trafficking network moving crude heroin from the North-East region towards Uttar Pradesh. Intelligence-led vehicle tracking and highway interceptions resulted in the seizure of over 18.6 kg of crude heroin and the arrest of three suspected network members under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The narcotics were detected in specially fabricated concealed compartments within a passenger vehicle fuel tank and a heavy commercial vehicle body frame. Both vehicles and the contraband were confiscated, while financial and logistical investigations continue into suppliers and distribution channels.
Five-day banking and uniform performance incentives drive proposed bank union action over unresolved pension and employment demands. Banking labour relations are affected by proposed nationwide industrial action over five-day banking, performance-linked incentives, and pension-related demands. Five-day banking remains pending despite a bipartite arrangement for extended weekday hours. Unions dispute an incentive scheme that differentiates awards by seniority and individual performance, contending that it departs from bank-level performance linkage and uniformity across cadres. They also allege that implementation during pending conciliation breaches a status quo obligation, while pension revision, uniform dearness allowance, and a pension-scheme switch option remain unresolved.
Free trade agreement strategy expands preferential market access and supports India's integration into global value chains and investment partnerships. India's free trade agreement strategy seeks to expand preferential market access and integrate the country into global value chains as a trusted trading partner. Negotiations with additional country groups and individual nations are intended to extend agreement coverage to a substantial share of global trade. Investment opportunities are identified in data centres, manufacturing and artificial intelligence, alongside an objective of developing more balanced trade relations between India and Japan.
Foreign exchange market conditions supported rupee appreciation, but crude prices, importer demand and geopolitical sanctions concerns limited gains. Foreign exchange market conditions supported a modest early appreciation of the rupee against the US dollar due to relative dollar softness. The gain was limited by elevated crude oil prices, importer demand for dollars, and caution over anticipated sanctions affecting Iranian oil trade, banking networks and shipping routes. Currency markets remained sensitive to geopolitical uncertainty and possible wider trade effects.
Undeclared gold importation led to customs interception, seizure, arrest and continuing investigation after concealment inside passenger clothing. Customs enforcement against undeclared gold importation involved interception of a passenger arriving from Sharjah at Ahmedabad airport following passenger profiling. A gold chain concealed inside clothing was recovered after it was not declared for customs purposes. The chain was seized and the passenger was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, before being released on bail, with further investigation continuing.
Digital arrest cyber fraud used impersonation, forged notices and coercive video calls to obtain transfers through mule accounts. Digital arrest cyber fraud allegedly used impersonation of law-enforcement and central banking officials, fabricated notices, threats of arrest and continuous video communications to coerce a retired railway employee into disclosing financial details and transferring funds for purported verification. The alleged proceeds were routed through mule and shell accounts. Banking records, KYC details, digital evidence and transaction trails allegedly connected a recipient account with suspicious transactions and multiple cyber-fraud cases; part of the cheated amount was recovered or refunded.
Political targeting allegations challenge money-laundering enforcement actions, searches, questioning, and public disclosures in the CMRL investigation. CPI(M) alleges that enforcement action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in the CMRL matter is politically motivated targeting of Pinarayi Vijayan, family members and party associates. It contends that searches, questioning and public communications during the investigation were used to create suspicion without incriminating evidence, and characterises references to hawala as a new investigative narrative. The party also alleges selective anti-money-laundering enforcement against opposition leaders and states that the company will address the CMRL-related matter.
Money-laundering investigation into alleged liquor transport irregularities results in arrests connected with claimed loss to the government exchequer. Money-laundering proceedings concerning alleged financial irregularities in liquor transport led to the arrest of former Andhra Pradesh minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The inquiry concerns alleged wrongful loss to the government exchequer arising from liquor-transport operations. Investigative measures included raids and the arrest of Rao's son, along with arrests of a former state beverages corporation managing director and the person described as the principal accused.
Alleged LLP record forgery raises cheating, breach of trust and conspiracy concerns over unauthorised partnership interest changes. Alleged forgery, cheating, criminal breach of trust and conspiracy concern purported unauthorised changes to LLP statutory records filed with the Registrar of Companies. The allegations include use of false documents to remove a nominated partner, substitute another person as partner and transfer a partner's interest in the LLP. The matter also draws attention to separate land-collaboration allegations and delayed possession claims by homebuyers in a halted housing project.
Voluntary production curtailment addresses polyester yarn cost volatility as weaving units seek customs-duty relief on inputs. Voluntary production curtailment by weaving units is being adopted in response to increased polyester yarn and related input costs. Units may reduce shifts or observe periodic holidays according to individual commercial feasibility to limit yarn consumption until prices and fabric-market conditions stabilise. Industry representatives allege that yarn-price increases exceed corresponding input-cost movements and seek examination of possible artificial pricing, along with customs-duty relief on yarn and relevant inputs.
Retaliatory tariffs escalate trade restrictions as historic tariff authority enables duties without prior investigation or a prescribed duration. Retaliatory tariffs are set to escalate bilateral trade restrictions after the United States imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on specified Canadian imports. Canada proposes dollar-for-dollar countermeasures covering sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper and electronics. Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 is invoked as the legal basis for the United States measures, permitting presidential import duties up to 50 per cent without a prior investigation or prescribed maximum duration. Escalation creates uncertainty for supply chains and renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Reciprocal tariffs reshape Canada-United States trade relations, increasing supply-chain risks and accelerating Canadian trade diversification beyond its primary export market. Canada-United States trade relations are described as entering a confrontational phase after tariff negotiations collapsed. The United States imposed tariffs on specified Canadian goods, while Canada committed to reciprocal import taxes and suspended negotiations. The dispute marks a retreat from preferential market access and continental integration. Canada's export dependence on the United States may limit retaliation and increase risks to output, employment, investment and integrated supply chains. Trade diversification, non-United States investment and expanded Pacific export infrastructure are identified as responses to a potentially enduring protectionist bilateral relationship.
Retaliatory tariffs on United States goods will target key sectors after trade negotiations failed and reciprocal tariff relief was unavailable. Retaliatory tariffs on United States goods will take effect from 8 September in response to United States tariffs on Canadian products and unsuccessful negotiations. The dollar-for-dollar measures will cover steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, with product-specific details to follow. Canada had been willing to remove certain retaliatory tariffs if corresponding United States tariffs were substantially reduced, but considered the final demands unacceptable.
Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee released the first Budget Manual of the Union Government, here today. Releasing the Manual, the Finance Minister said that the Union Budget has evolved over the past six decades to reflect the strength of India's democratic processes in shaping its economy, and has emerged as a crucial tool for Public Finance Management. He said that this Manual is an attempt to bring together the entire Budget related activities and procedures etc. which were hitherto available in a dispersed manner in the form of executive instructions and guidelines . The Manual has been prepared by the Budget Division of the Department of Economic Affairs. Finance Minister Shri Mukherjee congratulated the Division for taking this initiative.
The Finance Minister said Budget Manual is a comprehensive document explaining in detail the procedures and activities connected with the preparation of Budget. Mr Mukherjee said that Budget Manual will serve as a guidance document to the officials involved in Budget making in the Finance Ministry as well as in other Ministries/Departments. He said that it is also expected to act as a good reference document for interested readers and stakeholders. He said that this document is an effort in the direction of fostering greater transparency and better understanding about procedures and systems relating to making of Union Budget.
At the outset, the Manual brings out the Constitutional provisions related to the Budget. It describes the contents of various Budget documents. The Finance Minister said that the Manual also deals with the Organizational aspects, roles and responsibilities of the Parliament, Parliamentary Committees and the responsibilities of various wings of the Executive in the Budget making process. The Union Government's accounting and classification systems have also been explained apart from the working of the Consolidated Fund of India, the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India, the Finance Minister added.
Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena alongwith the Secretaries of different departments of the Ministry of finance including Finance Secretary, Shri Ashok Chawla, Revenue Secretary, Shri Sunil Mitra, Expenditure Secretary, Smt. Sushma Nath, Secretary, Financial Services, Shri R. Gopalan, Secretary, Disinvestment, Shri Sumit Bose and Chief Economic Advisor, Dr. Kaushik Basu were also present on this occasion among others.
The core sections of the Manual explain the entire chain of activities related to Budget preparation right from the issue of Budget Circular in September to the Budget Day in February, including the processes of estimation of receipts and expenditure, their firming-up and finalization through the Pre-Budget Meetings and their compilation. The comprehensive calendar of Budget related activities, their timelines, details of the related duties and responsibilities of the officers and staff together with the Security and 'Lock-in' procedures have also been brought out. Finally the Manual deals with the Implementation and Reporting of various Budget announcements. There are also a series of Annexes which provide a holistic perspective on the related subjects. An attempt has been made to incorporate all the Budget related issues in the Manual so as to make it a self contained and one stop guidance document.
Text of the Finance Minister's address on the occasion is given below:
"I am pleased to participate in this function to release the Budget Manual for the Union Government. The Budget process of our country predates the Independence and has evolved over the past six decades to reflect the strength of our democratic processes in shaping our economy. It has emerged as a crucial tool for public finance management.
Budget was first introduced on 7th April, 1860, two years after the transfer of Indian administration from East-India Company to British Crown. The first Finance Member, who presented the Budget, was James Wilson. Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan, Member of the Interim Government presented the Budget of 1947-48. After Independence, India's first Finance Minister, Shri Shanmukham Chetty, presented the first budget of independent India on 26th November, 1947.
Toni Morrison, the famous author and winner of the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize for literature, had once stated, I quote-
"If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it".
~Toni Morrison
The Union Government Budget Manual is one such book, the need for which has been felt for long. I am happy to note that the Budget Division has brought out this Manual. Large areas of the Budget making procedures and processes have not been in public domain, leading at times to some misinterpretations and conjectures. The Budget Manual will shed such misconceptions. I am sure this Manual will bring about greater transparency and better understanding about the Union Government Budget making procedures and systems.
The Manual attempts to outline the entire chain of events leading to the Union Budget. The purpose of this Budget Manual is to provide guidance and a training tool for the officers and staff engaged in the Budget preparation, not only in the Finance Ministry but in other Ministries/Departments as well.
Finally, I would also like to express my appreciation to the officials of the Finance Ministry for taking this initiative and completing the task of preparing the Union Government Budget Manual.
With these words I would now like to release the Budget Manual for the Union Government."
DSM/GN (Release ID :66030)
Budget Manual consolidates Union Budget procedures and roles, standardising accounting, timelines and transparency for public finance management.
The Budget Manual consolidates dispersed executive instructions into a single guidance document describing Constitutional provisions, contents of budget documents, accounting and classification systems, and the operations of the Consolidated Fund of India, the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India. It delineates roles of Parliament, parliamentary committees and executive wings, and outlines the full sequence of budget formulation from the Budget Circular to Budget Day, including timelines, officer duties, security and lock-in procedures, implementation and reporting, with annexes for related subjects.
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