GI-tagged Tezpur litchi festival highlights export growth, value addition and wider market opportunities for growers.
Tezpur Litchi Festival 2026 highlighted Assam's GI-tagged Tezpur litchi as a crop with growing export and agro-processing potential. The event brought together farmers, exporters, scientists, entrepreneurs and policymakers to discuss market expansion, branding, value addition and improved cultivation practices, while fresh export initiatives were announced for Dubai and Singapore. The festival also showcased innovative litchi-based products, exhibitions, seminars and farmer recognition to strengthen commercial visibility and market reach.

Carbon credit trading and green hydrogen standards shaped India's WTO climate engagement and low-carbon transition agenda.
India presented its carbon credit trading framework and renewable energy standardisation initiatives at WTO Trade and Environment Week 2026, linking them to sustainable development, clean energy transition and nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. The discussion highlighted India's evolving national carbon market architecture under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, including a national electronic carbon credit trading platform and market-based incentives for greenhouse gas emission reduction. It also referred to technical criteria for classifying hydrogen as Green Hydrogen and to transparency concerns around unilateral trade-restrictive climate measures.

Maritime insurance self-reliance gains momentum as the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool lowers risk-cover premiums.
A workshop on the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool brought together maritime and insurance stakeholders to discuss current insurance covers available through the pool and the industry's requirements for protection and indemnity coverage in India. The discussions centred on the need for a reliable, sustainable and internationally acceptable domestic P&I framework, with the pool presented as a means of supporting maritime risk cover and reducing dependence on foreign P&I arrangements for Indian shipping interests. Premium reductions under the pool were highlighted for hull war and cargo war-risk covers, with the benefit of sovereign guarantee described as making maritime insurance more affordable.

Trade and investment forum in Madhya Pradesh to showcase industrial infrastructure and export potential across key sectors.
Diplomatic representatives from more than 15 Latin American and Caribbean countries are to participate in a trade and investment forum in Indore organised to discuss trade and investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. The event will showcase the State's industrial infrastructure, export potential and investment prospects across sectors including pharmaceuticals, packaging materials, engineering, textiles and food processing.

Bilateral trade agreement negotiations advance as India and the US hold positive talks on goods, customs and facilitation.
India and the US held positive and constructive negotiations to advance an interim bilateral trade deal and a broader trade agreement. The talks followed an earlier framework for reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade and were intended to firm up that arrangement through continuing engagement. Discussions covered trade in goods, non-tariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, economic security alignment, and other areas of mutual interest, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to carry the agreement forward.

Fisheries infrastructure modernisation drives export-oriented growth with funding for Kakinada Fishing Harbour and stronger export facilities.
Centre sanctioned funding for modernisation of Kakinada Fishing Harbour into a smart harbour under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, to improve landing facilities and promote fish exports. The upgrade is stated to support berthing for about 423 vessels, handle annual landings of around 74,448 tonnes, and generate substantial employment. The ministry also said it was ready to establish a regional office of the National Fisheries Development Board at Kakinada if land is provided by the state government.

Foreign capital inflows and forex liquidity measures lift the rupee as the repo rate stays unchanged.
The rupee appreciated after the Reserve Bank announced measures intended to support foreign capital inflows and strengthen forex liquidity. The Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged with a neutral stance while raising the inflation forecast and lowering the growth projection. Analysts said the policy package could aid near-term rupee appreciation, subject to oil prices and the actual scale of dollar mobilisation.

Bullion prices weaken as West Asia tensions, a stronger rupee, and tighter global monetary signals pressure gold and silver.
Bullion prices weakened amid shifting geopolitical signals from West Asia, with gold and silver extending volatile moves in domestic and international markets. Domestic gold prices fell after brief recovery in the previous session, while silver recorded a sharper decline, reflecting continued uncertainty in precious metal markets. Analysts linked the weakness to international market softness, a stronger rupee, and fragile sentiment created by unresolved regional tensions alongside expectations that interest rates may stay elevated for longer. The domestic currency and policy backdrop also influenced bullion pricing, with measures to attract foreign capital and support the rupee adding pressure on gold prices.

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.