Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal says technology-enabled bilingual management education can bridge the rural-urban divide and...
Bilingual management education expands access through digital learning, hybrid teaching and practical industry exposure for students. Technology-enabled bilingual management education was presented as a means of widening access to quality education and reducing the rural-urban divide through an online bilingual BBA programme in Hindi and English. The programme was said to extend management education through digital platforms while maintaining accountability through offline examinations. Strengthening measures included regular physical interaction, soft-skill development, experiential learning through factory, port and industrial-cluster visits, and adoption of global best practices, including digital tools, credit transfers, joint programmes and research internships.
Rupee depreciation against the US dollar reflects a stronger greenback, rate-hike expectations, and range-bound trading. The rupee depreciated against the US dollar amid a firmer greenback and broader pressure on emerging market currencies, closing at 95.38 after trading within a narrow intraday range. Market commentary attributed the movement to expectations of a further US rate hike, while domestic equity strength and lower crude prices provided some support. Foreign exchange conditions were also influenced by developments in India's external buffers, with forex reserves declining in the latest reporting week after a prior increase.
Forged identity documents racket allegedly used websites, digital wallets, and fake QR codes to produce counterfeit government records online. An inter-state racket allegedly used websites to prepare and sell forged government identity documents after online payment, including Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards, PAN-related documents, residence certificates, caste certificates, birth and death certificates, and similar records. The portal allegedly let users recharge a digital wallet, enter fictitious details, and upload photographs to generate documents resembling genuine government-issued identity papers, with QR codes that were not linked to the official database.
Bullion prices ease as a stronger dollar and Fed rate expectations weigh on gold and silver demand. Gold and silver prices declined in domestic and overseas markets as a firmer US dollar, weak bullion demand and broader global cues prompted traders to trim positions in precious metals. The outlook remained cautiously positive on easing inflation and weak US jobs data, but expectations of elevated interest rates were noted as a constraint on any sharp upside in bullion prices.
AI and FinTech partnership accelerates enterprise banking solutions through a direct startup pathway into regional financial services. Strategic partnership between Emirates NBD and Techstars to accelerate enterprise-grade AI and FinTech solutions across the MENAT region through an Acceleration-to-Enterprise model. The collaboration integrates selected startups into the bank's regional ecosystem and uses its analytics and cloud-native infrastructure to support deployment in enterprise banking, with focus on compliance, wealth management, SME banking and capital markets.
Digital savings account offerings expand customer choice with paperless onboarding, Video KYC, monthly interest payouts and flexible banking access. AU Small Finance Bank has introduced a full range of savings account products for different customer segments, with options such as AU Digital, AU Royale, AU Platinum, AU Value, AU Vikaas, AU Swadesh, AU Kids and AU Kisan. The offering centres on digital convenience, paperless account opening, Video KYC, mobile and net banking access, debit card choices, competitive interest rates and monthly interest payouts. The accounts remain subject to eligibility, internal policies and applicable terms and conditions, and deposits are covered under DICGC up to the prescribed limit.
Rupee weakness against the US dollar reflects dollar strength, reserve rebuilding by the central bank, and persistent market caution. The rupee weakened in early trade against the US dollar, opening lower and trading at 95.28 after a decline of 10 paise, as broad dollar strength in overseas markets weighed on the currency. Market participants said the central bank is likely to use fresh foreign inflows to rebuild reserves rather than allow excessive appreciation. India's foreign exchange reserves also declined in the latest weekly reporting period after earlier pressure on the rupee had led to intervention through dollar sales.
Export promotion of premium Kashmir cherries and plums opens new overseas market access for growers. APEDA facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu & Kashmir to the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the export potential of the region's horticultural produce. The shipment from Shopian and Pulwama was presented as a market-access initiative for premium Indian fruits, supported by export promotion, quality enhancement, buyer outreach and export facilitation measures. The initiative was linked to better price realisation, wider adoption of export-oriented production practices and stronger global presence for fresh fruit exports.
Toy manufacturing quality upgrade gains momentum through modern testing, technology adoption and export market expansion. Modern testing facilities are to be established across toy manufacturing clusters through BIS, the National Test House and other laboratories, with industry expected to identify the equipment needed for quality certification. Toy manufacturers are urged to upgrade production through CAD-CAM, CNC machining, modern machinery and continuous process improvement, alongside skill development centres, partnerships with ITIs and public-private Centres of Excellence. Export expansion is linked to Free Trade Agreement market access, overseas delegations, exhibitions, branding initiatives and warehousing support abroad under the Export Promotion Mission.
Investment protection framework deepens India-Israel economic ties while preserving sovereign policy space for public objectives. The India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement has entered into force, establishing an investment protection framework between India and Israel. It is presented as strengthening bilateral economic relations and providing a secure and predictable investment climate for cross-border investment. The agreement is described as protecting investors and their investments while preserving sovereign policy space for legitimate public policy objectives, reflecting modern international investment law.
Codeine-based cough syrup seizures expose concealment methods used in narcotics trafficking networks under the NDPS Act. Large quantities of codeine-based cough syrup were intercepted and seized in coordinated anti-smuggling operations in Tripura and West Bengal under the NDPS Act, 1985. The consignments were concealed inside metallic and iron drums beneath cover cargo, including powdery substance and china clay powder, to evade detection during transport and storage. The operations involved recovery from a train parcel van and a warehouse, with one person arrested after arriving to take delivery of the consignment.
Emergency natural gas supply curbs withdrawn as LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resume after ceasefire. Withdrawal of emergency natural gas supply restrictions followed the normalisation of LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire and the resumption of maritime traffic. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas amended the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 by omitting key operational provisions of the March emergency framework, which had been issued under the Essential Commodities Act in response to disruption of West Asia LNG supplies and supplier force majeure declarations. The omitted provisions had authorised government direction and diversion of domestic gas, imported LNG and regasified LNG to priority consumers and had overridden existing gas sale agreements and related commercial contracts.
Murder investigation centres on a Snapchat message allegedly showing prior knowledge that the planned wedding would not happen. Police investigating the alleged murder of Ketan Agarwal said they found a Snapchat message purportedly sent by Siya Goyal in May stating that her marriage to Agarwal would not take place, while also asking for an Aadhaar card copy for wedding ticket bookings. Investigators said the message is being verified, and the friend who received it may be questioned to determine whether she had any prior knowledge of a conspiracy to eliminate Agarwal.
Murder investigation centers on a Snapchat message suggesting the planned marriage was not to happen and may show prior conspiracy. Police investigation in the alleged murder of a Pune realtor has reportedly brought to light a Snapchat message said to have been sent by the accused, indicating that her scheduled marriage would not take place while also referring to travel arrangements for the wedding. The message is being examined for authenticity, and investigators are questioning a friend to determine whether she had any prior knowledge of a possible conspiracy to eliminate the victim.
Free trade negotiations face market access hurdles as India advances talks with Canada, Israel and the EU framework. Negotiations for the proposed India-Peru free trade agreement remain stalled because of concerns over market access in sensitive products, especially duty concessions on gold. Talks with Canada are progressing under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement framework, with officials aiming to conclude the pact within the next six months or so. Negotiations with Israel are continuing more slowly because of the West Asia crisis, while the India-EU Trade and Technology Council is being used as a complementary mechanism to support implementation of the concluded trade pact.
GST collection growth in Assam reflects stronger compliance, leakages control and digital tax administration. Assam reported a 15 per cent increase in GST collection in June, with receipts rising to Rs 1,437 crore from Rs 1,255 crore. The growth was attributed to improved compliance, leakages control, stronger digital tax administration and a wider tax base. GST collections for the April to June quarter were also higher, at Rs 4,467 crore against Rs 3,026 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Energy security through diversified sourcing, expanded refining capacity and LPG supply measures helped shield consumers from crisis impacts. India's response to the West Asia energy crisis relied on diversified fuel sourcing, expanded domestic refining capacity, rapid reconfiguration of refinery output toward LPG, and active diplomatic engagement to secure energy supplies from multiple countries. These measures were described as shielding consumers from severe fuel shortages and sharp price increases, while excise duty reductions and absorption of oil company losses limited the burden on citizens. The account also highlighted expansion of PNG connections, increased LPG production, and energy resilience as part of a broader policy approach to self-reliance.
Future-ready higher education expands as new programmes focus on AI integration, industry relevance and multidisciplinary skills. Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh has introduced 17 new academic programmes from the 2026 academic session across engineering, management, computer applications, liberal arts, sciences, hospitality, aviation and law. The programmes include undergraduate and postgraduate courses in aerospace engineering, robotics and automation, AI and machine learning, data science, psychology, microbiology, biotechnology and an LL.M. with specialisations in constitutional law, business law, criminal law and human rights. The expansion is intended to align higher education with industry needs, AI integration, practical exposure and future-ready skills.
Retail expansion and customs duty pressure shape jewellery retailer's strong quarterly update and margin outlook. Jewellery retailer reported retail expansion through new showroom openings, with further store additions planned and a stronger shift toward the franchise model. The update also recorded substantial year-on-year growth in standalone revenue, retail revenue and same-store sales, supported by festive demand across company-owned, franchise and branded showroom formats. The company said performance continued despite elevated gold prices and a customs duty increase, but cautioned that discounting and duty pressure would affect margins.
Pharmaceutical exports and Chinese investment seen as key to strengthening India-China trade ties and broader economic relations. Greater market access for Indian pharmaceuticals in China and expanded Chinese investment in India were identified as measures that could strengthen the broader bilateral relationship. India's envoy said India seeks higher exports to China in sectors where it has a competitive advantage, particularly pharmaceuticals, and urged that Chinese partners open their market to high-quality generic medicines exported by India to other countries. He also said trade and commerce remain central to India-China ties, and that a more balanced commercial relationship would benefit both sides.
MOU on Mutual Administrative Assistance to facilitate Co-operation in the Prevention, Detection, Investigation and Combating of Customs Offences between United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Republic of India
June 19, 2009
Contents
Summary
Note
Bookmark
Share
✓ Copied successfully !
Print
Print Options
For full text, please login
Login to TaxTMI
Verification Pending
The Email Id has not been verified. Click on the link we have sent on
The Union Cabinet today approved the text of a new MOU to be signed between India and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Mutual Administrative Assistance to facilitate Co-operation in the Prevention, Detection, Investigation and Combating of Customs Offences.
The MOU provides for assistance by sharing information and intelligence to facilitate proper application of Customs law and prevention, detection, investigation and combating of Customs offences. The assistance under the MOU shall be provided in accordance with the national laws within the competence and available resources of the Customs administration. The MOU also provides for "capacity enhancement" by way of cooperation in exchange of information on new Customs law enforcement techniques, modern technologies and on developments in policy, legislation and the evolution of best practices.
The provisions in the approved MOU have been framed to enable systematic and structured exchange of information, including a separate Service Level Framework, to facilitate expeditious response on requests within a prescribed time frame. This Agreement will significantly help the Indian Customs Administration in getting reliable information to enable detection and investigation of Customs violations, particularly in the critical area of under-valuation of imports and over-valuation of exports and the consequent fraudulent availment of export incentives.
BACKGROUND:
A MOU between the Central Board of Excise & customs, India (CBEC) and Her Majesty's revenue and Customs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (HMRC) on Cooperation in Customs Matters was signed on 16.03.2001. After mutual discussion, it was agreed that the existing MOU needs to be replaced by a new MOU in light of the current requirements and to provide for systematic exchange of data and information.
Mutual administrative assistance in customs fosters structured information exchange and capacity enhancement to tackle valuation and related offences.
The MOU creates a structured mechanism for sharing information and intelligence to prevent, detect, investigate and combat customs offences, subject to each administration's national laws, competence and available resources, and includes provisions for capacity enhancement through cooperation on enforcement techniques, technologies, policy and best practices, together with a Service Level Framework to ensure time bound, expeditious responses to requests.
Note: It is a system-generated summary and is for quick reference only.
TaxTMI 
of 3355
Join Channel
TaxTMI 