Regulatory oversight and crony capitalism dominate Congress criticism over alleged Rajesh Exports misrepresentation and delayed enforcement.
Congress questioned the role of probe agencies and the government's regulatory oversight in relation to allegations surrounding Rajesh Exports, relying on SEBI's interim order and saying the case reflects a wider problem of crony capitalism and weak enforcement. SEBI's interim findings were described as indicating large-scale misrepresentation of financial statements, routing and layering of funds through personal accounts and related entities, and inadequate disclosures or supporting documentation.

GDP growth and macroeconomic stability drive India's expansion amid oil price pressure and supply-chain disruptions.
India's economy recorded 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the January-March quarter, with full-year growth rising to 7.7 per cent, supported by strong domestic demand, government expenditure, healthy consumption and robust investment activity. Gross value added also increased, indicating that expansion was backed by production momentum as well as demand. The growth performance was driven mainly by secondary and tertiary sectors, while private final consumption expenditure and gross fixed capital formation showed strong expansion.

Inflation target remains unchanged as RBI ties future policy action to persistent price pressures and data dependence.
The Reserve Bank of India reiterated that its 4 per cent medium-term inflation target remains unchanged and has not been placed in abeyance, while monetary policy action will depend on whether price pressures become broad-based and persistent. The central bank kept the repo rate unchanged and maintained a neutral stance, saying temporary shocks may be looked through, but entrenched inflationary pressures affecting expectations would require policy response.

Bilateral trade agreement negotiations advance as India and the United States revisit tariffs, market access and trade-facilitation terms.
India and the United States are advancing the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiations focused on trade in goods, non-tariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, economic security alignment and related areas of mutual interest. The interim framework contemplates preferential market access and tariff adjustments, while both sides continue work on the broader bilateral trade agreement. The article also notes the changing US tariff environment and pending Section 301 investigations linked to forced-labour concerns.

Insolvency law amendments streamline default records, disclosure, liquidation claims and personal guarantor asset reporting.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India has amended multiple regulations to align them with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Act, 2026. The information utilities framework now uses the broader term financial institution, provides for issuance of a record of default on debtor confirmation or non-response after reminders, and introduces a standardised Information of Dispute output where default is disputed. Other amendments revise disclosure for pre-packaged insolvency applications, claims handling and termination in voluntary liquidation, asset disclosure and coordination requirements in personal guarantor processes, and align grievance, inspection, and disciplinary provisions with the amended Code.

Trade and investment cooperation deepens as India and Philippines discuss customs facilitation, market access, and preferential trade arrangements.
Strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation between India and the Philippines was discussed through review of trade and investment trends, priority products and services, and expanded cooperation in sectors including infrastructure, ICT, AI, and pharmaceuticals. The discussions also focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation, agricultural market access, and settlement of trade in national currencies. The meeting considered the early conclusion of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement review and engagement on a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.

Blue economy and seafood exports drive India's aquaculture growth through sustainability, innovation, and infrastructure development.
India's seafood sector offers substantial expansion potential, with the country holding only a small share of the global seafood market. The discussion highlights the role of blue economy development in supporting coastal economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems, and identifies Andhra Pradesh as a major contributor through its fish production, shrimp production, and seafood export earnings. The stated growth strategy centres on improving quality, sustainability, traceability, innovation, and zero pollution in seafood production and exports.

Domestic manufacturing expansion drives localisation and import reduction at a new PPE facility in Gujarat.
PPE manufacturer Mallcom India Ltd has invested over Rs 100 crore in a new manufacturing facility at Sanand in Gujarat to expand domestic production capacity, strengthen localisation and reduce dependence on imports. The Sanand plant is the company's 17th manufacturing unit and produces items such as NBR and PU gloves, safety helmets and bump caps. It also supports local production of Protech PU gloves and a domestic tariff area unit at the site.

Foreign exchange reserves rise as foreign currency assets gain, while gold reserves decline and SDRs stay unchanged.
India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 938 million to USD 682.321 billion in the reporting week, driven mainly by a rise in foreign currency assets to USD 546.148 billion. Gold reserves declined to USD 112.6 billion, while Special Drawing Rights remained unchanged at USD 18.747 billion. India's reserve position with the IMF rose marginally to USD 4.826 billion.

RBI policy stance unchanged as rupee-support measures and weaker growth outlook drive profit-taking in equities
The Reserve Bank of India kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent and retained a neutral stance while lowering its growth projection and signalling higher inflation pressures. It also announced measures to attract foreign capital and support the rupee, including tax relief for eligible foreign investors in government securities, concessional foreign-currency deposit terms for non-resident Indians, and subsidised hedging costs for specified overseas borrowing and FCNR(B) inflows.

Foreign capital inflow measures and forex liquidity support lift the rupee as policy rates remain unchanged.
The rupee appreciated after the Reserve Bank announced measures to support foreign capital inflows and strengthen forex liquidity, while stating that foreign exchange reserves provide a sufficient buffer against external shocks. The policy stance remained unchanged, with the Monetary Policy Committee retaining the repo rate at 5.25 per cent with a neutral stance despite revised inflation and growth projections. The measures included expansion of the Fully Accessible Route, removal of FPI concentration limits, extension of FCNR(B) hedging support, a PSU ECB swap window, and restoration of the export realisation period to nine months.

Marine product exports face a quality-led growth push through wider market access and trade support measures.
Marine product exports should be expanded through higher production, stronger quality standards and wider market reach, with the sector positioned for substantial growth over the next five years. The plan emphasizes reassessing current performance, reducing dependence on a small group of destinations and identifying new opportunities in the global seafood trade. Support is linked to the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and recent free trade agreements covering multiple countries.

Seafood export growth strategy focuses on quality, value-added products, trade access, and stronger export infrastructure.
Seafood export policy is being pushed toward a higher-value, export-led model, with emphasis on raising production, improving quality, and expanding value-added processing. The stated objective is to expand seafood exports substantially over the next five years, while exporters are urged to reduce dependence on raw shrimp shipments and build branded value-added goods. Free trade agreements are expected to improve market access, alongside infrastructure support for inland states and export logistics reforms.

Inflation concerns and higher rate expectations weigh on gold prices as the reserve bank raises its inflation outlook.
Gold prices weakened as elevated oil rates, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and expectations of higher global interest rates ressed investor sentiment. Market participants also tracked the US dollar and upcoming US labour data for direction on bullion prices amid inflation concerns. The Reserve Bank of India raised its retail inflation projection for 2026-27, citing higher global energy prices feeding into domestic fuel costs, and lowered its FY27 growth expectation.

Unsecured personal loans with flexible repayment, digital application, and eligibility-based pricing for varied financial needs.
Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is described as an unsecured lending product offering loan amounts from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh with repayment tenures of up to 108 months. The process is fully digital, with standard KYC and income documents required, while eligibility and interest rates depend on creditworthiness, income stability, debt obligations, and CIBIL score. An EMI calculator is provided to estimate monthly instalments, total interest, and total repayment before applying, and disbursement is stated to occur typically within 24 hours of approval, subject to verification and eligibility.

Money laundering investigation power survives without a predicate FIR, as tax settlement immunity does not bar PMLA proceedings.
The Kerala High Court upheld the Enforcement Directorate's power to continue a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act despite the absence of a registered FIR or complaint for the scheduled offence at the stage of civil inquiry powers. It refused to quash the ECIR and summons, holding that such action is aimed at ascertaining the existence of proceeds of crime. The Court further held that immunity under the Income Tax settlement framework does not extend to PMLA proceedings or other central laws.

Foreign capital access expands as investment limits ease, government securities widen and hedging support is extended for overseas borrowing.
Foreign capital inflows are being encouraged through wider access to government securities and equity instruments, along with the removal of several investment restrictions for overseas investors. The basket of specified government securities under the Fully Accessible Route is being expanded to include all new issuances of 15-year, 30-year and 40-year tenor G-secs, while short-term investment, concentration and individual security limits for Foreign Portfolio Investors under the General Route are being removed. Investment limits for Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India in listed equity instruments are also being raised, and the facility is extended to all individual Persons Resident Outside India.

Capital inflows and inflation outlook shape RBI policy, with rates unchanged and outflow restrictions ruled out.
The Reserve Bank of India said India's economic situation remains strong and that recent policy measures are expected to support higher capital inflows and a healthy balance of payments. No target has been set for inflows, and no measure is under consideration to restrict capital outflows. The 4 per cent inflation target remains operative, while the central bank said it would raise rates only if inflation becomes persistent and generalised.

Foreign investment liberalisation expands equity access, revises G-Sec investment rules, and exempts certain G-Sec income from tax.
Foreign investment in Indian capital markets is being liberalised through measures intended to deepen the G-Sec market, expand access for individual Persons Resident Outside India and Foreign Portfolio Investors, and reduce operational and compliance frictions. Individual PROIs will be permitted to invest in equity instruments of listed Indian companies through the Portfolio Investment Scheme, with the individual investment cap raised from 5% to 10% in any company and the aggregate cap for all individual PROIs raised from 10% to 24%. The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026 are being notified to implement this framework.

Rupee support measures: RBI holds repo rate steady and offers tax, swap, and hedging incentives for foreign inflows.
The Reserve Bank of India kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent and maintained a neutral stance while announcing measures to attract foreign capital and support the rupee. The package removed tax on interest income and capital gains for eligible foreign investors in government securities, broadened access to sovereign bonds under the foreign investment route, and provided concessional foreign-currency swap and hedging support for specified overseas borrowing and non-resident deposit arrangements.