Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary participated virtually in 21st Award Ceremony of Security Printing and Minting Corporation o...
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Strengthens India-Singapore Economic Partnership through High-Level Bilateral and Business E...
Customer experience analytics enables banks to convert real-time feedback into operational improvements across high-value customer journeys. Customer experience analytics is used in banking to transform customer data and real-time feedback into operational improvements across key customer journeys. Operational teams retain responsibility for strategy and execution, supported by in-house analytics and technology platforms for multi-channel journey mapping, journey analytics and prioritisation of high-value customer segments. AI-driven customer experience management tools capture customer signals, analyse journey performance and operationalise actionable insights across teams.
Predicate-offence dependency limits retrospective addition of old FIRs to preserve money-laundering proceedings after the original scheduled offence is closed. Predicate-offence dependency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act requires an ECIR to rest on a subsisting scheduled offence. Closure of the FIR forming its basis through an accepted cancellation report prevents continuation of money-laundering proceedings unless that closure is overturned. A previously registered FIR cannot be belatedly added merely to preserve an existing ECIR and coercive powers. Where statutory requirements are met, an independently registered ECIR may be required. Expansion of an ECIR cannot rest solely on tenuous factual links between successive disputes.
Indian rupee export invoicing rules now permit overseas contracts and invoices in rupees or foreign currency for eligible destinations. Foreign Trade Policy provisions were amended to facilitate invoicing of overseas exports and receipt of export payments in Indian rupees. For exports to countries outside the Asian Clearing Union, export contracts and invoices may be denominated in Indian rupees or any foreign currency, replacing the earlier general requirement that export earnings be received in a freely convertible currency. The applicable requirements vary according to the destination country.
Dealer inventory financing supports working-capital flexibility, vehicle inventory management and electric-vehicle network expansion for authorised dealers. Dealer inventory financing is to be provided by Federal Bank to VinFast India's authorised dealer network under a memorandum of understanding. The tailored financing is intended to improve dealers' working-capital flexibility, support maintenance of vehicle inventory, strengthen operational capability, and enable timely response to demand as the electric-vehicle distribution network expands.
Sugar supply pressures drive festive-season price increases as imports, stockholding limits and ethanol diversion shape market conditions. Sugar prices in Bengal have risen sharply ahead of the festive season, with higher prices also affecting jaggery and other sugar-derived products. Supply constraints, mill stock releases, lower production in Brazil, ethanol diversion and possible hoarding have been identified as contributing factors. Raw-sugar imports have been permitted to augment availability, while stockholding restrictions limit inventories of specified bulk consumers. Lower projected closing stocks and possible future production effects from El Nino may sustain pressure on sugar availability and increase costs for sweetmeat producers.
Foreign currency inflows and FCNR(B) deposits supported rupee sentiment, while oil prices and geopolitical risks constrained currency strength. The rupee strengthened marginally against the US dollar as the dollar index softened, but elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty, reduced foreign participation and net foreign equity outflows constrained currency sentiment. RBI measures to attract foreign currency inflows, including FCNR(B) deposits, were expected to generate substantial inflows, although these had not produced meaningful rupee strength. Energy-market disruption and restrictions on fuel exports through the Strait of Hormuz added to external-sector pressures.
Sovereign security production priorities emphasise compliance, modernisation, employee innovation and operational excellence across currency, passport and coinage manufacturing. SPMCIL performs a sovereign production mandate covering secure currency, coinage, passports and other products of national importance through its mints, currency presses, security presses and paper mill. Modernisation, compliance, transparency, efficiency, productivity, quality and corporate governance support the fulfilment of sovereign requirements. Individual employees and units were recognised for performance in productivity, environment and safety, energy conservation, knowledge and development, vigilance, and official-language implementation.
Customs enforcement against suspected gold smuggling leads to baggage seizure and apprehension of the alleged intended receiver. Customs officers intercepted an arriving passenger at the green channel on intelligence inputs and examined baggage after X-ray screening indicated suspicious images. The examination recovered two oval capsules containing gold paste concealed in the baggage. Interrogation indicated that an alleged receiver was waiting outside the airport to collect the suspected smuggled gold. Customs officers apprehended the alleged receiver, and further investigation remains underway.
Provincial alcohol sales restrictions remain subject to economic impact assessment under proposed bilateral trade agreement negotiations. Provincial control over alcohol distribution remains distinct from federal trade-making authority. Quebec retains authority over whether United States alcohol is offered through its government-controlled liquor distribution system, despite lacking a veto over a bilateral trade agreement. Federal requests to restore United States alcohol to retail shelves cannot compel provincial action. Proposed trade commitments also concern restrictions on United States agricultural products and Canada's dairy import regime, which applies lower tariffs within designated import volumes and higher duties beyond those volumes.
Electoral-roll verification found no reported cases of specified foreign nationals receiving identity-linked benefits or voter registration. Electoral-roll special intensive revision recorded no reported cases of Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Iranian nationals obtaining Aadhaar cards, ration cards, other government benefits, or voter registration. Illegal immigrants are identified through police monitoring, intelligence measures, specialised operations and a Special Task Force. Overstayers are recorded through the District Police Module and Foreigners Identification Portal and produced before Foreigners Regional Registration Officer authorities. Persons found to be residing illegally are reported to the concerned central divisions, proceeded against through registered cases, retained pending case disposal and exit permits, and subjected to deportation steps.
Raw sugar tariff-rate quota permits duty-free imports while bulk consumers face consumption-based sugar stockholding limits. Raw sugar imports are permitted duty-free under a tariff rate quota until 31 October 2026, with online allocation to eligible millers and refiners having functional refining capacity. Applicants must provide a refining-capacity declaration and supporting Consent to Operate; preference applies to importers undertaking timely completion of imports, while non-utilisation or failure to surrender allocations constitutes non-compliance. Bulk sugar consumers meeting the prescribed consumption threshold are subject to a stock cap of 15 days' consumption from 1 September to 30 November 2026.
Duty-free raw sugar imports under tariff rate quota seek to improve domestic supply and contain rising sugar prices. Duty-free import of 10 lakh metric tonnes of raw sugar is permitted under a tariff rate quota until 31 October 2026. The import-policy measure seeks to increase domestic raw-sugar availability and restrain rising local prices amid reduced opening stocks. Price-containment measures also include a stockholding limit for bulk consumers using more than 10 tonnes of sugar monthly, restricting holdings to 15 days' consumption.
Reservation policy implementation is strengthened through capacity building, uniform institutional practices, welfare measures, and improved financial accessibility for Divyangjans. Reservation policy implementation across Public Sector Banks, Public Sector Insurance Companies, sectoral regulators and Public Financial Institutions is being strengthened through a capacity-building workshop. The programme seeks uniform and effective application of Government reservation policies and related welfare measures. Senior human-resource functionaries and Chief Liaison Officers considered practical implementation issues, actionable measures for consistency, and operational concerns. It also focuses on improving accessibility of financial services for Divyangjans.
Startup ecosystem support expands through digital infrastructure, mentorship, market linkages and specialised assistance for energy and climate-tech innovation. DPIIT's collaborations with PhonePe and Shell India create support mechanisms for DPIIT-recognised startups through technology access, digital infrastructure, mentorship, market opportunities and industry networks. PhonePe will provide transaction credits, access to the Indus AppStore, onboarding support, brand visibility, and training on fintech, sales, go-to-market strategy and business scaling. Shell India will assist energy and climate-tech startups through mentorship, strategic guidance, investor and incubator connections, participation opportunities, and knowledge-sharing materials on innovation and best practices.
India-Singapore economic cooperation advances through trade, investment, technology and business linkages, including agriculture, fintech and sustainable infrastructure collaboration. India-Singapore economic cooperation was advanced through ministerial, business and government-to-business engagements focused on deepening bilateral trade, investment, technology and commercial linkages. Discussions addressed agri-exports, GCC-based commercial parks, fintech and sustainable infrastructure, alongside expanding agricultural market linkages. The engagements reinforced commitment to strengthening trade, investment, technology and business-to-business cooperation.
Responsible AI banking requires human oversight, explainable customer decisions, fair conduct, resilient systems and inclusive credit access. Responsible AI in banking must promote inclusion, resilience and customer trust while preserving human judgement, governance accountability and clear responsibility. AI and alternative data may widen access to credit where data is obtained with consent, tested for reliability and bias, and used prudently. Banks must maintain capacity to challenge models, oversee providers, test systems under adverse conditions and intervene when automation fails. Material customer decisions must be explainable, clearly communicated and subject to review by an authorised person. Fair conduct, meaningful disclosure, impartial complaint review and transparent communication remain essential throughout the customer relationship.
Multi-Currency EEFC settlements let exporters retain foreign earnings and choose conversion timing for overseas payment obligations. Multi-Currency EEFC Account settlements enable exporters and international businesses to receive payment settlements directly into Exchange Earners' Foreign Currency accounts in the original transaction currency without immediate conversion into Indian rupees. Retention of foreign currency earnings permits businesses to choose when conversion is required, reducing repeated foreign-exchange conversion cycles and supporting management of foreign-currency cash flows and overseas obligations.
Power semiconductor foundry expansion targets Indian fabless customers through technology showcasing, process development, and collaboration in the growing semiconductor market. DB HiTek seeks to expand foundry business with Indian fabless semiconductor companies by showcasing power semiconductor and specialised process technologies. Its commercial focus includes BCD processes for automotive and industrial applications, together with silicon-carbide and gallium-nitride process development and planned volume production. Product-performance evaluations are underway with strategic customers. Customer expansion also covers X-ray, global-shutter, single-photon avalanche diode, specialty CIS, and mixed-signal/RF processes, supported by collaboration with local fabless firms.
Money-laundering allegations over payments without services raise concerns about overseas transfers, identity-linked communications, and mineral smuggling. Money-laundering allegations concern claimed payments by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. to Exalogic Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a company promoted by Veena T., without corresponding services. Searches reportedly yielded handwritten material referring to fund transfers to Dubai and digital material relating to a SIM card obtained in another person's name. Further allegations included overseas fund movement, hawala transfers, and possible thorium or monazite smuggling, all presented as allegations requiring examination.
Exchange stabilisation support aims to strengthen foreign-exchange resilience, reduce rollover dependence and restore access to longer-term market financing. Pakistan has sought a proposed Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility to reinforce foreign-exchange stability and signal currency resilience to international capital markets. The strategy seeks to reduce reliance on short-term bilateral loans, deposits and rollovers by moving towards market-based financing with longer repayment periods. Improving sovereign creditworthiness through engagement with credit-rating agencies is intended to facilitate international market access, lower borrowing costs and enable longer-maturity debt raising.
CBI in its press release has stated that it has arrested CEO of LIC Housing Finance Limited(LICHFL), Mumbai, Secretary (Investment), LIC, Mumbai, General Manager, Bank of India, Mumbai, Director (Chartered Accountant), Central Bank of India, New Delhi, DGM, Punjab National Bank, New Delhi, Chairman & Managing Director and other officials of a Mumbai-based private financial services company in a bribery case.
CBI has further said that it has busted a racket wherein a private financial services company, its CMD and other associates were allegedly bribing senior officials of public sector banks and financial institutions for facilitating large scale corporate loans. They were also gathering confidential business information from Financial Institutions. Officers of top and middle management of PSBs and FIs viz. Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and LIC Housing Finance Limited were receiving illegal gratification from the private financial services company who were acting as mediators and facilitators for corporate loans and other facilities. Searches were conducted by CBI at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata and Jalandhar and five separate cases have been registered by CBI and investigations are in progress.
Reports have been called by Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance from these institutions and the details as made available are as under:
LIC of India : The CEO of LICHFL Shri Nair and Shri Naresh Chopra, Secretary (Investment), LIC have been arrested. Senior executives of a financial services company private limited have also been arrested in this case. LICHFL has issued a press release assuring its investors, customers and business associates that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that interests of various stake holders are fully protected. It has also said that all procedures and due diligences consistent with Board approved guidelines have been adhered to in approving the loans by the competent authority. It has also indicated that all loans have been secured by underlying assets to the full satisfaction of the appropriate authority.
Bank of India: The CBI at Chennai had enquired about particulars of Shri Tayal, General Manager, Mumbai Large Corporate Branch who was earlier working in Chennai Large Corporate Branch and sought information on three accounts viz. OPG Power, BGR Energy and Ashapura Minechem, Mumbai. Of these three accounts, Bank of India has reported that only one is at present NPA on account of derivative losses. Shri Tayal was interrogated by CBI in Delhi on 23.11.2010 on the above three accounts. He has been arrested by CBI.
Central Bank of India : The Chartered Accountant, Director on the Board of the Bank Shri M.S. Johar has been arrested by CBI in this case. No official of the bank has been arrested. CMD, Central Bank has confirmed that as per information available there is no impact of the above development on asset quality
Punjab National Bank: Shri V.K. Gujjal, DGM of the Bank has been arrested. Mr. Gujjal is working as Chief Operating Officer of PNB Investment Services Limited, a merchant banking subsidiary set up by the Bank and headquartered in Delhi. Prior to this he was working as DGM in-charge of Large Corporate Branch, Delhi from 30th May, 2009 to 22nd May, 2010. CMD of PNB has said that there is no information linking the above incidence to any loan account of the bank.
Bribery allegations prompt institutional inquiries; reports sought as arrests and investigations target loan facilitation and confidential information misuse.
Allegations of systemic bribery by a private financial services company involve payments to officers of public sector banks and financial institutions to facilitate large corporate loans; multiple arrests and coordinated CBI searches have led to five cases and ongoing investigations. The Ministry of Finance has sought reports from affected institutions, which have asserted adherence to board-approved procedures and due diligence in loan approvals and reported no confirmed impact on asset quality to date.
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