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...
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.
Counterfeit drug enforcement targets illicit manufacture, storage and trafficking networks, with coordinated seizures and referral of non-narcotic stock. Counterfeit-drug enforcement under Operation Vajra addressed an inter-state network involved in the illicit manufacture, storage and distribution of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and spurious pharmaceutical products. Searches of unregistered godowns recovered narcotic products, unauthorisedly manufactured Buprenorphine injection ampoules, and counterfeit non-NDPS medicines. A farmhouse-based illicit manufacturing facility was dismantled, with machinery, chemicals and related materials seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Anti-smuggling enforcement targets concealed gold, narcotics, protected products, prohibited e-cigarettes and restricted imports through coordinated intelligence operations. Intelligence-led anti-smuggling operations resulted in seizures of foreign-origin gold, narcotic drugs, hydroponic weed, protected wildlife and forest products, prohibited electronic cigarettes, and restricted poppy seeds and areca nuts. The operations identified concealment through fabricated baggage cavities, false cargo declarations, misdeclaration of origin, forged documentation, and concealment in transport vehicles. Poppy seeds are restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy and may be imported only subject to conditions concerning legally cultivated produce from designated countries and registration of import contracts with the Narcotics Commissioner.
Tax devolution advance instalment strengthens State finances for accelerated capital and developmental expenditure through distribution of Union tax proceeds. Tax devolution was released to State Governments as an additional advance instalment alongside the normal monthly devolution schedule. The fiscal transfer shares net proceeds of Union taxes and duties with States, with the stated purpose of strengthening State finances and supporting accelerated capital and developmental expenditure. The release includes a State-wise distribution of tax-devolution proceeds.
Financial performance reporting highlights revenue and EBITDA growth, garmenting recovery, retail optimisation, ESG commitments, and forward-looking risk disclosures. Financial performance reflects growth in total income and EBITDA, with improved margin, reduced net working-capital days, and a net-cash position. Branded textiles and high-value cotton shirting reported lower revenue due to the prior-year base effect, while branded apparel grew but faced lower margin from channel mix. Garmenting improved through order-book execution, tariff rationalisation, and new global clients. ESG priorities include female representation, waste-management initiatives, renewable energy, emissions reduction, and workplace safety. Forward-looking statements remain subject to regulatory, political, economic, and technological risks.
Foreign exchange market support strengthens the rupee as lower crude prices, portfolio inflows and reserve growth improve sentiment. Foreign exchange market conditions supported an early appreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, attributed to lower global crude oil prices, a weaker dollar, sustained foreign portfolio inflows, higher foreign exchange reserves, and Reserve Bank of India presence in the foreign exchange market. Domestic equity market gains and net foreign institutional equity purchases were also identified as supporting factors.
Gold smuggling detection targets sophisticated concealment methods through strengthened passenger profiling, intelligence gathering and coordinated investigations into organised networks. Gold smuggling detection at Kerala airports led to multiple seizures, registration of cases and arrests in alleged smuggling attempts. Organised networks reportedly use gold in paste or compound forms concealed in clothing, body cavities, aircraft seats and other unconventional locations. Enforcement measures include strengthened passenger profiling, intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination, while investigations continue to identify associated syndicates and financiers.
The Government has been concerned about the impact of the global financial crisis on the Indian economy and a number of steps have been taken to deal with this problem.
The first priority was to re-assure the people of the stability of the financial system in general and of the safety of bank deposits in particular. To this end, steps were taken to infuse liquidity into the banking system and also to address problems being faced by various non-bank financing companies. These steps have ensured that the financial system is functioning effectively without suffering the kind of loss of confidence experienced in the industrialised world.
Having assured stability of the system, the Government has focussed its attention on countering the impact of the global recession on India's economic growth. On the monetary side, the RBI has sought to pump sufficient liquidity into the banking system to enable bank credit to meet the expanded requirements of the economy keeping in mind the contraction in credit from non-bank sources. Banks have been provided adequate liquidity through a series of reductions in the CRR and additional flexibility in meeting the SLR requirement. Interest rate reductions have also been signalled by reductions in the repo and reverse repo rates, the most recent of which was announced on Saturday when both the repo rate and the reverse repo rate were cut by 100 basis points. Access to external commercial borrowings has also been liberalised so that borrowers capable of accessing funds from abroad are allowed to do so. The banks are being encouraged to counter what might otherwise become self-fulfilling negative expectations by enhanced lending to support economic activity.
These measures in the area of money and credit are being supplemented by fiscal measures designed to stimulate the economy. In recognition of the need for a fiscal stimulus, the government had consciously allowed the fiscal deficit to expand beyond the originally targeted level because of the loan waivers, issue of oil and fertilizer bonds and higher levels of food subsidy. In addition, the following steps are being taken:
1. Plan Expenditure:
In order to provide a contra-cyclical stimulus via plan expenditure, the Government has decided to seek authorisation for additional plan expenditure of upto Rs 20,000 crore in the current year. In addition, steps are being taken to ensure full utilisation of funds already provided, so that the pace of expenditure is maintained. The total spending programme in the balance four months of the current fiscal year, taking plan and non-plan expenditure together is expected to be Rs.300,000 crore.
The economy will continue to need stimulus in 2009-2010 also and this can be achieved by ensuring a substantial increase in plan expenditure as part of the budget for next year.
2. Reduction in Cenvat:
As an immediate measure to encourage additional spending, an across-the-board cut of 4% in the ad valorem Cenvat rate will be effected for the balance part of the current financial year on all products other than petroleum and those where the current rate is less than 4%.
3. Measures to Support Exports
i) Pre and post-shipment export credit for labour intensive exports, i.e., textiles (including handlooms, carpets and handicrafts), leather, gems & jewellery, marine products and SME sector is being made more attractive by providing an interest subvention of 2 percent upto 31/3/2009 subject to minimum rate of interest of 7 percent per annum
ii) Additional funds of Rs.1100 crore will be provided to ensure full refund of Terminal Excise duty/CST.
iii) An additional allocation for export incentive schemes of Rs.350 crore will be made.
iv) Government back-up guarantee will be made available to ECGC to the extent of Rs.350 crore to enable it to provide guarantees for exports to difficult markets/products.
v) Exporters will be allowed refund of service tax on foreign agent commissions of upto 10 percent of FOB value of exports. They will also be allowed refund of service tax on output services while availing of benefits under Duty Drawback Scheme.
4. Housing
Housing is a potentially very important source of employment and demand for critical sectors and there is a large unmet need for housing in the country, especially for middle and low income groups. The Reserve Bank has announced that it will shortly put in place a refinance facility of Rs.4000 crore for the National Housing Bank. In addition, one of the areas where plan expenditure can be increased relatively easily is the Indira Awas Yojana. As a further measure of support for this sector public sector banks will shortly announce a package for borrowers of home loans in two categories: (1) upto Rs.5 lakhs and (2) Rs 5 lakh-Rs 20 lakh. This sector will be kept under a close watch and additional measures would be taken as necessary to promote an accelerated growth trajectory.
5. MSME Sector
The Government attaches the highest priority to supporting the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) sector which is critical for employment generation. To facilitate the flow of credit to MSMEs, RBI has announced a refinance facility of Rs.7000 crore for SIDBI which will be available to support incremental lending, either directly to MSMEs or indirectly via banks, NBFCs and SFCs. In addition, the following steps are being taken.
(a) To boost collateral free lending, the current guarantee cover under Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small enterprises on loans will be extended from Rs.50 lakh to Rs.1 crore with guarantee cover of 50 percent.
(b) The lock in period for loans covered under the existing credit guarantee scheme will be reduced from 24 to 18 months, to encourage banks to cover more loans under the guarantee scheme.
(c) Government will issue an advisory to Central Public Sector Enterprises and request State Public Sector Enterprises to ensure prompt payment of bills of MSMEs. Easing of credit conditions generally should help PSUs to make such payments on schedule.
6. Textiles
(a) An additional allocation of Rs.1400 crore will be made to clear the entire backlog in TUF Scheme.
(b) All items of handicrafts will be included under 'Vishesh Krishi & Gram Udyog Yojana'.
7. Infrastructure Financing
A large number of infrastructure projects are now being cleared for implementation in the Public Private Partnership mode. These projects may experience difficulty in reaching financial closure given the current uncertainties in the financial world. In order to support financing of such projects, Government has decided to authorise the India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to raise Rs.10,000 crore through tax-free bonds by 31/3/2009. These funds will be used by IIFCL to refinance bank lending of longer maturity to eligible infrastructure projects, particularly in highways and port sectors. In this way it is expected that IIFCL resources used for refinance can leverage bank financing of double the amount. Depending on need, IIFCL will be permitted to raise further resources by issue of such bonds. In particular, these initiatives will support a PPP programme of Rs.100,000 crore in the highways sector.
8. Others
(a) Government departments will be allowed to take up replacement of government vehicles within the allowed budget, in relaxation of extant economy instructions.
(b) Import Duty on Naphtha for use in the power sector will be eliminated.
(c) Export duty on iron ore fines will be eliminated and on lumps will be reduced to 5%.
The Government is keeping a close watch on the evolving economic situation and will not hesitate to take any additional steps that may be needed to counter recessionary trends and maintain the pace of economic activity.
Fiscal stimulus expands public expenditure and tax relief to sustain credit flow and support exports and MSMEs.
The Government announced monetary measures to ensure bank liquidity and credit supply via reduced reserve requirements, lower policy rates, SLR flexibility and liberalised external borrowings, together with fiscal stimulus through increased plan expenditure authorisation, a temporary across the board 4% cut in ad valorem Cenvat for most products, targeted export supports including interest subvention and enhanced refunds and guarantees, housing refinance facilities and bank packages for home loans, expanded MSME refinance and credit guarantee provisions, and IIFCL authorisation to raise tax free bonds for infrastructure refinancing.
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