The cumulative exports (merchandise & services) during April-June 2026-27 is estimated at US$ 232.73 Billion, as compared to US$ 208.98 Billion in Apr...
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Reseller cover bids and coordinated supplies sales treated as cartelisation, with penalties and cease-and-desist directions imposed The Competition Commission of India addressed cartelisation in the sale and supply of toner, cartridges and other consumables used with print hardware products. Sixteen Tier-2 resellers were identified as having sought and submitted support or cover bids, contrary to Sections 3(3)(d) read with Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002. HP India was identified as playing a central role in the arrangement. Monetary penalties were imposed on HP India, the resellers and relevant officials under Section 48, together with directions to cease and desist from the anti-competitive conduct.
Bid-price coordination and tender-participation manipulation in personal system products attract competition-law penalties and cease-and-desist directions. HP India and five resellers were found to have engaged in cartelisation in the sale and supply of personal system products. The conduct included dictating bid prices and manipulating reseller participation in GeM tenders by withholding authorisation. The conduct was treated as contravening Sections 3(3)(d) read with Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002. The resellers were found to have acted in collusion with HP India, while officials were treated as liable under Section 48. Penalties and cease-and-desist directions were imposed under the Act.
Export Growth Driven by AI Demand as Technology Products, Semiconductors, and Electric Vehicles Lift China's June Trade Performance China's exports increased sharply in June, driven by strong external demand associated with the expansion of artificial intelligence. Exports of electric vehicles, semiconductors, and related technology products expanded significantly, while imports also recorded substantial year-on-year growth. Strong export manufacturing helped offset weakness in domestic demand.
Cryptocurrency investment fraud allegations trigger PMLA provisional attachment of bank deposits, flats, and commercial shops linked to diverted funds. The Enforcement Directorate reported a money-laundering investigation into an alleged cryptocurrency fraud involving ATC Coin. It alleged that investors were induced to contribute funds through assurances of high and assured returns, and that the collections were deposited with Jewria Services Club India before being diverted through accounts of the accused and associated entities. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, bank deposits and Mumbai properties comprising residential flats and commercial shops were provisionally attached.
Preferential market access anchors India-US trade negotiations as tariff investigations and bilateral commitments remain under discussion India and the United States are progressing negotiations on a framework deal and a bilateral trade agreement focused on preferential market access and comparative tariff advantages. India is engaging with the USTR on Section 301 investigations concerning forced labour and excess industrial capacity. The forced-labour investigation has proposed an additional tariff on imports from India, but the measure remains unfinalised. India has urged resolution through bilateral negotiations rather than unilateral measures. The excess-capacity investigation remains pending, and the eventual trade agreement is expected to address relevant aspects of the bilateral trade relationship, including tariff treatment, market access, and investigation-related issues.
Export-control sanctions prohibit routing electronic components to Iran through intermediaries, with conspiracy liability turning on knowledge and assistance. US export-control sanctions prohibit the unlawful export of electronic components to Iran through intermediaries or front companies. The reported prosecution concerned allegations that an employee conspired with an Iranian business associate to obtain components for a Tehran-based company whose technology had potential military applications. Prosecutors relied on documents, text messages, photographs, and communications said to show knowledge and assistance, while the defence disputed procurement, the Swiss company's characterization as a front, and proof that components reached Iran. Evidence concerning a specific drone attack was limited to general evidence about the Iranian company and potential military applications.
Mandatory securities compliance governs mutual fund redemptions, investor consent, disclosures, due diligence, and trustee responsibilities Compliance with securities regulations is presented as mandatory regardless of whether investors ultimately incur losses or receive benefits. Close-ended mutual fund schemes must be redeemed at maturity unless formally rolled over with informed written investor consent and prior disclosure to SEBI. The reported issues also include inadequate due diligence regarding issuers' financial condition, excessive reliance on pledged collateral, delayed disclosures to investors and SEBI, and the trustee company's failure to independently assess regulatory compliance and unitholder interests.
Rupee weakness reflects geopolitical risk, crude prices, capital outflows, rising inflation, and widening trade pressures on India The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar amid heightened US-Iran tensions, elevated crude oil prices, a stronger dollar and foreign capital outflows. Pressure on the domestic currency was linked to concerns over India's import bill and risk aversion in global markets, while domestic market recovery and some moderation in crude prices limited the decline. Retail inflation rose above the central bank's four per cent target, and the merchandise trade deficit widened as imports, particularly crude-related imports, increased despite stronger exports.
Predicate-offence acquittal removes the foundation for money-laundering proceedings arising from alleged coal-block allocation irregularities Money-laundering proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act depend on the existence of a scheduled offence and identifiable proceeds of crime. Although money laundering is an independent offence, its prosecution cannot survive when the predicate offence forming its foundation has ended in acquittal. The basis for treating property or transactions as proceeds of crime is then removed, making continuation of proceedings for money laundering and company-related liability under the PMLA legally unsustainable. Proceedings may be reopened if the acquittal is later set aside or materially varied.
PMLA bail requires satisfaction of twin statutory conditions amid allegations of impersonation, cheating, and suspected money laundering The reported bail proceedings concerned the twin conditions under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act: reasonable grounds to believe that the accused was not guilty and assurance that he would not commit an offence while on bail. The prosecution also raised concerns regarding possible evidence tampering, witness intimidation, and repetition of similar conduct. The accused relied on a serious heart ailment and constitutional protection against punitive pre-trial detention, while the reported order noted his medical stability in custody and that the investigation complaint had not yet been filed.
Frozen political party accounts raise questions on representative authority, Election Commission recognition, and preventing money laundering during investigation Permission to operate three Trinamool Congress bank accounts frozen by the Enforcement Directorate was sought before the Calcutta High Court in connection with a probe into alleged dishonest financial dealings, unlawful collection of money, and routing of suspected funds through specified accounts. The Enforcement Directorate challenged the petition's maintainability, asserting that the filers lacked authority and had not disclosed an ex parte civil court order. The petitioners relied on the party constitution and the Election Commission's jurisdiction over recognition of political parties, while the Enforcement Directorate maintained that releasing the funds would undermine the prevention of money laundering.
Fake investment and work-from-home scams: laundering through mule accounts, shell entities and crypto wallets prompts asset seizures Money laundering investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act concern alleged fake online investment and work-from-home scams involving promises of lucrative returns and commissions. Funds transferred by victims were allegedly layered through mule bank accounts and shell entities, converted into cryptocurrency, and moved through multiple crypto wallets to conceal their origin and ownership. Searches were conducted at multiple locations, with cryptocurrency and cash seized and multiple bank accounts frozen under the PMLA.
Engineering export growth reflects market diversification, trade agreements, and rising global competitiveness despite persistent international uncertainty India's engineering goods exports increased by nearly 21 per cent year-on-year in June, rising to USD 11.48 billion. Cumulative exports during April-June of the 2026-27 fiscal reached an estimated USD 34.14 billion, reflecting 18 per cent growth over the corresponding period of the previous year. The reported export performance was attributed to free trade agreements with key partner countries, diversification of products and markets, and the increasing global competitiveness of Indian engineering products despite continuing global uncertainty.
Rural infrastructure development through NABARD strengthens farmer support, women's financial inclusion, and climate-resilient agriculture in Rajasthan NABARD is presented as a key partner in Rajasthan's rural infrastructure and agricultural development. Its initiatives support small and marginal farmers through Kisan Credit Cards, farmers' clubs and Farmer Producer Organisations, while the Self-Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme promotes financial inclusion among rural women. NABARD also supports climate-change resilience, honours rural development institutions and artisans, and provides grants for projects promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
Retail inflation rises above target as food and fuel pressures challenge monetary policy outlook ahead of August review Retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index increased to 4.38 per cent in June from 3.93 per cent in May, exceeding the Reserve Bank's median target of 4 per cent. Food inflation rose to 5.32 per cent. The Reserve Bank's framework seeks to maintain CPI inflation at 4 per cent within a tolerance band of 2 per cent on either side. The Reserve Bank retained the benchmark policy rate at its June meeting but raised its inflation forecast for 2026-27, citing higher input costs and global energy price transmission to domestic fuel prices. Economic assessments anticipated further inflationary pressure while generally expecting the policy rate to remain unchanged at the forthcoming review.
Money laundering proceedings fail when acquittal in the scheduled offence removes the basis for alleging proceeds of crime. Money laundering proceedings arising from the Bander coal block allocation were terminated because the underlying predicate offences had already ended in acquittal. The central legal point reported is that, while money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act is a distinct offence, its survival depends on the continued existence of the scheduled offence and proceeds of crime. Once acquittal in the scheduled offence removed that foundation, the complaint under Section 3 read with Section 70, punishable under Section 4, was dropped and dismissed.
Trade deficit expansion accompanies export growth as higher crude oil, electronics, machinery and gold imports outpace merchandise export gains. June trade data shows export growth alongside a wider merchandise trade deficit because imports increased faster than exports. The higher import bill was driven mainly by crude oil, with electronics, machinery and gold also adding to import pressure. April to June figures reflect the same trend, with cumulative imports outpacing export growth and enlarging the merchandise trade gap. Export strength was reported in sectors such as electronics, iron ore, handicrafts, meat and dairy products, while services trade estimates for June indicate a surplus as services exports exceeded services imports.
Foreign currency mobilisation gains momentum through FCNR(B) deposits, ECBs and OFCBs, backed by NRI outreach and swap facilities. Foreign currency mobilisation under the FEMA / RBI framework is being driven through FCNR(B) deposits, ECBs and OFCBs, with banks directed to strengthen NRI outreach, offer innovative deposit products and sustain mobilisation during the scheme period. Attractive returns on fresh FCNR(B) deposits, supported by suspension of the interest rate ceiling, customised digital outreach, use of International Banking Units at GIFT City, central bank support, and real-time reporting are presented as key implementation mechanisms. The scheme combines a US dollar-rupee swap facility for fresh FCNR(B) deposits with a concessional swap facility for eligible ECBs and OFCBs to support capital inflows and the balance of payments.
Trade pact negotiations advance as India and the US align a framework deal with wider tariff and market access discussions. India-US trade negotiations are advancing through a framework deal and a bilateral trade agreement, with discussions focused on preferential market access and India's effort to obtain comparative tariff advantage over competitor nations. The framework arrangement is stated to be ready for signature at the appropriate stage, while the broader agreement remains under negotiation. India is also engaging with Section 301 investigations on forced labour and excess industrial capacity; proposed additional tariffs affecting multiple economies, including India, have not yet been finalised.
Foreign trade growth data shows rising exports, higher imports, and a wider trade deficit across merchandise and services segments. Combined merchandise and services trade data for June 2026 and April-June 2026-27 records export growth together with stronger import growth and a wider trade deficit. Merchandise exports, non-petroleum exports, and trade excluding petroleum and gems and jewellery all show increases, while services exports and imports are also estimated to have risen. Major merchandise export growth drivers identified for June 2026 include gems and jewellery, engineering goods, organic and inorganic chemicals, electronic goods, and rice. The services figures for June 2026 are expressly stated to be estimates based on the latest available central bank data.
Government has made changes in the Investment Pattern for Non-Government Provident Funds, Superannuation Funds and Gratuity Funds. A Notification to this effect was issued by Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, here today. The Investment Pattern is reviewed from time to time and revisions are effected based on the developments in the financial market and economy. The investment pattern was last revised on 24th January, 2005. Subsequently, it was decided to revise the investment pattern to make it more flexible and give the trustees of these funds more autonomy and discretion. Accordingly, the proposed revised pattern was put up on the website of the Ministry of Finance in draft form in September, 2007 inviting comments. A large number of comments were received and these have been examined by the Government.
Based on this feedback, the revised investment pattern was finalised and notified today. It explicitly recognises the fiduciary responsibility of the Trustees and the need for the exercise of due diligence by them and gives them greater flexibility in terms of a wider variety of financial instruments as well as greater freedom to actively manage the portfolio. The changes suggested in the new investment pattern include:
(i) merger of Central Government Securities, State Government Securities and units of gilt Mutual Funds into a single category and allowing investment up to 55% of the investible funds;
(ii) providing a flexible ceiling for various category of instruments instead of fixed investment ceiling as at present;
(iii) providing new category of instruments, such as, rupee bonds of multilateral funding agencies, money market instruments ;
(iv) permitting investment in term deposit receipts of not less than one year duration issued by scheduled commercial banks subject to the specified financial criteria; and
(v) permitting direct investment up to 15% of the investible funds in shares of companies on which derivatives are available in the Bombay Stock Exchange or National Stock Exchange.
Further, it has been provided that,-
(i) The Trustees of these funds will have freedom to exit from a rated financial instrument when their rating falls below investment grade as confirmed by one credit rating agency;
(ii) The Trustees have been given freedom of trading of securities, subject to the turnover ratio (i.e., the value of securities traded in the year divided by average value of the portfolio at the beginning and end of the year) not exceeding two.
(iii) Though it is expected that throughout the year the investments are in conformity with the investment pattern, the same may be achieved by the end of the financial year. Trusts will have the flexibility of exceeding the investment ceiling up to 10% of the limit prescribed during the year.
This investment pattern would come into force from 1st April, 2009, that is, from the financial year 2009-10.
BSC/SS/GN-196/08
Investment pattern reform grants trustees greater fiduciary discretion and wider permissible instruments, with staged implementation.
Notification revises the investment pattern for Non Government Provident Funds, Superannuation Funds and Gratuity Funds, consolidating gilt instruments into one category with an elevated ceiling, replacing fixed category ceilings with flexible limits, and adding eligible instruments including rupee bonds of multilateral agencies, money market instruments and qualifying bank term deposits; limited direct equity investment in companies with listed derivatives is permitted. Trustees are recognised as fiduciaries with duties of due diligence and are granted powers to exit downgraded rated instruments, trade within a turnover limit, and temporarily exceed ceilings subject to year end compliance.
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