Modernization of National Sample Surveys through adoption of digital platforms such as Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) integrated with e- ...
Shri Piyush Goyal Invites Indian and Uzbek Businesses to Co-invest and Co-manufacture; Calls for Doubling Bilateral Trade at India-Uzbekistan Business...
MSME credit expansion combines SIDBI lending initiatives with guaranteed additional working-capital facilities for eligible borrowers. MSME credit access is being expanded through SIDBI's branch network, direct lending, refinance support, co-lending arrangements, affordable credit for informal micro-entrepreneurs, and invoice-based digital credit for micro enterprises. Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 enables eligible MSMEs to obtain additional credit linked to peak fund-based working-capital outstanding, with full guarantee coverage for member lending institutions against defaults on the additional facility. The scheme also covers scheduled passenger airlines under distinct eligibility and guarantee parameters.
Furniture and interiors sourcing platform connects Indian manufacturers with domestic and international trade buyers through direct procurement opportunities. imm india 2026 is presented as a business-to-business sourcing platform linking Indian furniture, home de cor, rug, carpet, mattress and handicraft manufacturers with domestic and international trade buyers. It is intended to provide direct manufacturer access, design-led sourcing and project-scale procurement opportunities for architects, designers, retailers, hospitality professionals and real estate developers. The programme includes a hosted buyer initiative, industry conferences, knowledge sessions and awards addressing innovation, sustainability, craftsmanship and design.
Financial literacy Olympiad builds students' practical understanding of mutual funds, financial planning, market concepts and responsible investment participation. Financial literacy and investment awareness are promoted through a nationwide, multi-level educational competition for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Participants are assessed on mutual funds, investment fundamentals, financial planning, market concepts and long-term wealth creation, with exposure to market-linked products including ETFs, portfolio management services, alternative investment funds and specialised investment funds. The initiative combines academic institutions and financial-sector participants to improve practical investment knowledge, informed decision-making and responsible participation in investment markets.
WTO dispute settlement challenges test India's safeguards, agricultural support, technology tariffs and production-linked incentives across pending proceedings. Nine pending WTO disputes against India concern safeguard measures, sugar support and export schemes, information and communications technology tariffs, and technology-sector incentives. India contests the claims as consistent with its WTO rights and obligations. Appeals concerning iron and steel safeguards, sugar measures, and certain information and communications technology tariff reports remain pending, including because the WTO Appellate Body is non-functional. Other proceedings concern Chinese challenges to production-linked incentives, tariffs, and solar, automotive, renewable-energy and information-technology measures; one panel proceeding is ongoing and another panel has not been constituted.
Digital business law and entrepreneurship education combine management, compliance and innovation training for technology-driven enterprise careers and ventures. The MBA programme integrates management education, entrepreneurial capability, digital business law, and legal and policy awareness for technology-driven enterprise. It addresses compliance, digital platforms, data-driven decision-making, artificial intelligence, digital transactions, intellectual property, cross-border commerce and evolving regulatory frameworks. The programme is designed for prospective founders, start-up professionals, transforming family businesses and careers in consulting, strategy, business development, policy-oriented enterprises and digital commerce, with industry-relevant entrepreneurship education and digital-first learning.
Savings account access expands through video KYC, mobile banking, no-minimum-balance options, monthly interest payments and deposit insurance coverage. Savings accounts provide monthly interest payments, liquidity and access to funds, subject to eligibility, internal policies and applicable terms. Digital account opening through Video KYC is available for an account with no minimum balance requirement, supported by mobile banking for UPI transfers, bill payments and balance monitoring. Account variants include premium, value-oriented, agricultural, financial-inclusion, children's and basic no-frills accounts. Deposit insurance applies up to the prescribed limit per depositor per bank.
Foreign-exchange market conditions supported a modest early rupee gain, while importer demand and policy data remained key factors. Foreign-exchange market conditions supported a marginal early appreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, led by broad US-dollar weakness, improved risk sentiment, lower oil-price levels and foreign portfolio inflows. Importer demand for dollars moderated the movement. Market direction remained linked to the forthcoming monetary-policy decision and US economic data, while reported central-bank activity was described as helping smooth currency volatility. The US dollar index, crude-oil movements, global supply expectations and domestic equity-market activity were relevant exchange-rate influences.
Quality statistics drive statistical-system reform through administrative data, interoperable systems, stronger governance, and international cooperation for evidence-based policymaking. Quality statistics are advanced through modernised national statistical systems, administrative data, digital public infrastructure, and stronger data-governance and privacy standards. Cooperation among national statistical offices is intended to address data gaps through knowledge sharing, methodological harmonisation and statistical innovation. Discussions also emphasised digital dissemination, transformational statistical reforms, and the use of administrative data for timely, cost-effective and granular official statistics, supported by harmonised metadata, interoperable systems and institutional collaboration.
Digital statistical modernisation strengthens survey quality, macroeconomic indicators, international standards alignment and infrastructure performance monitoring through standardised data systems. National statistical modernisation uses digital survey platforms with validation checks, AI-enabled support and multilingual interfaces, alongside short-duration surveys and administrative data to improve sampling and timely official statistics. Reforms include base revisions for Gross Domestic Product, Consumer Price Index and Index of Industrial Production; adoption of metadata, quality-assessment and classification standards; and alignment with international statistical principles and methodologies. Sustainable development indicators and infrastructure monitoring are supported through a national indicator framework, PAIMANA and a standardised performance dashboard.
Windfall gains tax on petroleum exports increases to discourage exports and preserve domestic fuel availability during regional supply disruptions. Special additional excise duty on exports of petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel has been increased for the relevant fortnightly period, while existing duty rates for petrol and diesel cleared for domestic consumption remain unchanged. The windfall gains tax is intended to preserve domestic availability of petroleum products during the West Asia crisis and prevent exporters from benefiting unduly from price differences linked to elevated global crude oil prices.
Online Astrology Platform Regulation: consumer department reported no guidelines, while information requests required revised factual disclosures. Online astrology platforms were reported as lacking specific regulatory guidelines within the consumer affairs department. The RTI application sought information on alleged unfair trade practices, investigations, complaints, licences, approvals, and applicable rules. The National Consumer Helpline stated that it had not investigated because it functions as a grievance-resolution platform. A revised factual response was required on investigations and complaint data, while queries concerning regulation, licences, approvals, and related investigations were to be transferred to the public authorities likely to hold that information.
Business combination disclosure outlines shareholder approval, registration requirements, financing conditions, and forward-looking risks for the proposed public listing. The proposed business combination would take Yellow.ai public through a definitive agreement with Bluerock Acquisition Corp., subject to customary closing conditions and shareholder approval. Bluerock intends to file a Form S-4 registration statement containing a proxy statement/prospectus for proxy solicitation and securities issuance in connection with the transaction. The communication is not an offer or solicitation and states that no securities offering may occur without compliance with applicable registration, qualification or exemption requirements. Transaction projections and anticipated benefits are forward-looking statements subject to material risks and uncertainties.
Bilateral investment and trade facilitation drive proposed co-investment, digital cooperation and advanced manufacturing partnerships between Indian and Uzbek businesses. India-Uzbekistan cooperation is proposed through co-investment, co-manufacturing and co-innovation, supported by the Bilateral Investment Treaty to promote investor confidence and reciprocal investment. Priority sectors include mining, textiles, healthcare, agriculture, food processing, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing. Trade facilitation measures include reducing trade barriers, mutual recognition of standards, approvals, testing and certification, customs digitalisation and improved trade routes. Regulators and standard-setting bodies are expected to cooperate under a structured, time-bound economic partnership.
Concessional agricultural credit supports working capital, crop diversification, allied activities, and digital expansion under the Kisan Credit Card scheme. The Kisan Credit Card-Modified Interest Subvention Scheme provides concessional institutional credit to reduce farmers' interest burdens and improve timely working-capital access. The scheme is reported to support cropping intensity, multi-season cultivation, diversified crop portfolios, timely input use, and credit discipline through the Prompt Repayment Incentive. It also supports dairy, livestock, and fisheries-based income diversification. Credit-delivery measures include collateral-free lending, digital platforms, simplified applications, coverage expansion, and awareness campaigns. State-wise data tracks operative accounts, outstanding credit, and non-performing Kisan Credit Card accounts.
Banking inclusion expands rural access while digital credit systems and payment security controls address service delivery and cyber fraud. Banking inclusion is pursued by providing banking outlets within a five-kilometre radius of inhabited villages, with branch expansion permitted subject to rural-coverage requirements and continuing assessment of uncovered areas. Agricultural credit delivery uses digital loan, beneficiary-verification, processing and claim-settlement systems. Digital payment security measures require minimum controls for payment channels and include fraud-intelligence sharing, artificial-intelligence-based identification of money-mule activity, digital lending-app analysis, cyber-incident reporting, public awareness campaigns and electronic-banking training.
Foreign exchange market movement strengthened the rupee as lower crude prices, investment inflows and improved risk sentiment provided support. Foreign exchange market movement saw the rupee strengthen for a sixth consecutive trading session against the US dollar, supported by declining global crude oil prices, a softer dollar, foreign institutional investment inflows and gains in domestic equity markets. Improved global risk sentiment followed the decision to defer planned US military strikes against Iran and allow diplomatic engagement. Renewed geopolitical tensions were identified as a factor that could limit further appreciation.
Quarterly financial performance reflects revenue growth, improved standalone profitability, and continued investment in AI-led digital technology platforms. Quarterly financial performance reported revenue growth in standalone and consolidated operations, higher standalone profit before tax, and a return to consolidated profitability. The company continues to invest in an AI-led, intellectual-property-driven digital technology strategy through enterprise software, SaaS platforms, digital commerce, cloud, data and AI solutions. Its priorities include scalable platforms, proprietary technology assets, recurring-revenue offerings, partnerships and selective acquisitions. Complete financial results, notes to accounts and regulatory disclosures are available through exchange filings and the company website.
MSME delayed-payment reforms strengthen award recovery, faster dispute adjudication, invoice discounting, and interim supplier payment protection. MSME delayed-payment reforms seek faster adjudication, strengthened recovery and improved liquidity for enterprise suppliers. Courts may direct payment of at least half of an awarded amount where a setting-aside application remains pending beyond six months. Mediated settlements and arbitral awards may be recovered as arrears of land revenue and recognised as legally enforceable debts under the insolvency framework. The measures also provide graded penalties, voluntary digital registration, invoice settlement through the Trade Receivables Discounting System, and additional Facilitation Councils.
Monetary policy rate setting remains cautious as inflation, liquidity, growth and global uncertainty shape the policy stance. Monetary policy rate setting is expected to remain cautious amid global uncertainty, rising inflation risks and steady domestic growth. The inflation outlook is affected by energy-price pass-through, higher input costs, and seasonal and monsoon-related food-price pressures. Policy decisions are expected to remain data-dependent, guided primarily by domestic inflation, liquidity conditions and economic growth. A cautious or neutral stance is identified as preferable while external risks and inflation developments persist.
Forward-looking financial disclosure raises revenue and earnings guidance while describing non-GAAP measures, capital allocation, and material business risks. Financial performance reporting identifies increased bookings, revenue growth, continuing earnings, and backlog, with segment-level operating and margin measures. The release addresses cash flow, capital allocation through dividends, acquisitions and share repurchases, and increased full-year revenue and earnings guidance. Forward-looking statements concerning financial performance, operations, demand, liquidity and capital deployment are subject to identified risks and uncertainties. Non-GAAP measures are presented as supplemental to GAAP measures, with definitions and reconciliations stated to be available in accompanying materials.
Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee held meeting with the stakeholders of different Industry Groups to get their inputs for General Budget 2011-12, here today. This was the second meeting in the series of pre-Budget consultations held by Finance Minister with the stakeholders of different sectors. First meeting was held on Friday, the 7th January, 2011 with the stakeholders of agriculture sector.
In his opening remarks, the Finance Minister said that a good performance of industry is vital for the overall growth of the economy and for the growth of government revenues to fund critical public expenditure on social and infrastructure development in the economy. He said that Indian industry, particularly the manufacturing sector, has been an important growth driver in recent years. The Finance Minister said that we have seen the economy clock over 9 per cent GDP growth in the years prior to the global economic slowdown, which impacted us in years 2008 and 2009. Shri Mukherjee said that we have done well in recovering our growth momentum from this slowdown and the impact of other external shocks over the last two years. Shri Mukherjee said that the recovery has been broad based with agriculture, industry and services all contributing to the consolidation of the growth process and he is happy to see the performance of the industrial sector in the past few months.
The Finance Minister said that the industrial production has achieved a cumulative growth rate 10.3 per cent during April-October 2010. Sustained robust expansion in capital goods and consumer durables segments is an indication of the pick-up in industrial activity, he added. The Finance Minister further added that the strong growth in capital goods also suggests an improvement in investment and business confidence. Merchandise exports during April-October of this financial year have increased by a healthy 27 per cent, said the Finance Minister.
The Finance Minister Shri Mukherjee said that the Government is conscious of two major concerns relating to the pace of development of infrastructure and investments in Research and Development (R&D). He said that both these issues have a direct bearing on the productivity of Indian enterprise. Shri Mukherjee said that the investment in infrastructure sector is also the key to sustainable and inclusive growth. He said that our spending on R&D as a ratio of GDP is very low in comparison to other emerging economies and we need to make all possible efforts to invest in R&D and innovate in order to remain competitive. In both these areas, the Finance Minister said that the Government alone would not be able to achieve the desired outcomes without the complementary efforts of the private sector, be it in the form of Public Private Partnership (PPP) or purely private initiatives. He asked for the suggestions from representatives of industry present to enhance and strengthen the private sector participation in infrastructure and R&D initiatives.
The Finance Minister Shri Mukherjee said that he would also like to hear specific short and medium term suggestions from the stakeholders of industry sector for sustaining a double digit growth in industry and for stepping up the growth of manufactured exports. He asked for their specific observation about the corporate tax collections in the current financial year which are not keeping up with the anticipated trend.
After that the stakeholders representing the different industry groups gave their suggestions for consideration for General Budget 2011-12.
Industry growth solicited: stakeholders urged to propose infrastructure, R&D and corporate tax measures ahead of budget.
The Finance Minister stressed sustaining industrial growth and revenue mobilisation for public expenditure, citing robust industrial production and exports. He identified inadequate infrastructure development and low R&D spending as key constraints on productivity and competitiveness, urged enhanced private sector participation including PPPs, and requested specific short- and medium-term industry proposals to sustain industrial growth, increase manufactured exports, and address underperforming corporate tax collections for consideration in the General Budget 2011-12.
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