DRI seizes 15 kg methamphetamine, 4 kg pseudoephedrine, 85 lakh smuggled cigarettes, and 2 drone-dropped Pakistan-made pistols in nationwide operation...
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal concludes successful visit to Spain, Belgium, Finland and Estonia; strengthens India's econo...
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Engages with Leading Finnish Technology and Industrial Companies to Deepen India–Finland P...
Agricultural export facilitation supports frozen potato product market access through trade promotion and state logistics assistance for exporters. Agricultural export facilitation supported the first export of frozen French fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq, promoting value-added agricultural exports and processed food market access. APEDA assisted the exporter through international trade exhibitions for buyer engagement and market outreach. Logistics costs affecting landlocked-state exports are being addressed through work on a State Agri Export Policy, including transport assistance provisions to improve competitiveness, strengthen export infrastructure and support participation in export-oriented agricultural supply chains.
Responsible business conduct requires credible ESG disclosures, sector-specific reporting, supply-chain due diligence and inclusive MSME participation for sustainable development. Responsible business conduct and ESG integration were presented as constitutional and legal obligations connected with environmental protection, social equity, human dignity and sustainable development. ESG was discussed as extending beyond compliance to support resilience, risk management and sustainable innovation. Key priorities included credible, comparable and reliable disclosures; sector-specific reporting responsive to materiality and data gaps; responsible value-chain due diligence; MSME capacity-building; technology-enabled traceability; credible assurance; and rigorous, comparable environmental metrics. Capacity-building, policy research and partnerships were identified as important to advancing inclusive ESG adoption.
Intelligence-led anti-smuggling enforcement disrupts narcotics, illicit tobacco and cross-border arms trafficking through coordinated seizures and arrests. Intelligence-led operations addressed narcotics smuggling, illicit tobacco trade and cross-border arms trafficking. Methamphetamine allegedly smuggled from Myanmar and pseudoephedrine intended for illegal export were seized, with arrests made under the NDPS Act, 1985. An import container falsely declared as carrying plastic storage boxes contained smuggled foreign-made cigarettes. Drone-dropped parcels containing Pakistan-made pistols were recovered near the international border and handed to jurisdictional police for action under the Arms Act, 1959.
Precious-metals smuggling enforcement targets concealed gold transport, illicit sale proceeds and airport insider facilitation networks. Organised precious-metals smuggling was targeted through intelligence-led operations involving seizures of foreign-origin gold, silver and cash believed to represent sale proceeds, with arrests of persons allegedly connected with possession, transport and facilitation of smuggled goods. The operations addressed concealment in luggage-frame rods, undergarments and specially fabricated vehicle cavities, and included alleged airport-staff assistance in clandestinely removing smuggled gold during passenger transit.
India-EU economic cooperation advances through FTA implementation, investment facilitation, digital partnerships, manufacturing collaboration and market-access discussions across Europe. India advanced economic engagement with European partners through discussions on trade, investment, technology cooperation, manufacturing, digital infrastructure and market access. The engagements emphasised early signing and implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, investment protection, geographical indications, regulatory cooperation and professional mobility. Cooperation initiatives included digital payments interoperability, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, cybersecurity, fintech, telecom, research and supply-chain resilience. European businesses were encouraged to establish India as a manufacturing, innovation and export hub, including through opportunities for MSMEs, startups and future-oriented sectors.
Russian oil purchase tariffs would target major buyers and sanctions-evasion facilitators, with specified energy, nuclear and cooperation exemptions. Proposed United States legislation on Russian sanctions would impose tariffs on imports from countries identified as major purchasers of Russian crude oil or natural gas or leading facilitators of Russian oil-sanctions evasion. It provides for periodic reassessment and tariff adjustment based on purchasing behaviour, while exempting specified reduced natural-gas imports, United States uranium purchases for nuclear and medical needs, and certain nuclear and space cooperation. The revised proposal also addresses sanctions-evasion fleets and Chinese support for Russia's defence industrial base.
Corporate governance and asset quality improvements accompany stronger banking profitability amid continuing leadership reappointment considerations. Banking-sector performance reporting records higher profitability, improved asset quality and lower provisions for bad loans, although operating profit declined and capital adequacy moderated. Corporate governance developments include appointment of a part-time chairman following the former chairman's resignation and concerns about internal practices. The chairman's prior financial-services role was associated with actions against shell companies and ponzi schemes targeting black-money structures. Reappointment of the managing director and chief executive officer remains subject to committee consideration.
Covid business loan fraud involved inflated turnover, duplicate applications, personal diversion, and criminal sentencing with recovery action. Covid business loan fraud involved false Bounce Back Loan applications based on inflated turnover, duplicate claims, and false declarations that funds would be used solely for business purposes. The loan proceeds were diverted to personal accounts for personal debts, personal finance, stocks and shares, and transfers between company accounts. The borrower pleaded guilty to fraud offences, received a custodial sentence, and faces recovery proceedings for the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Onion export infrastructure: growers seek a Nashik export hub, dedicated terminal and logistics link to global markets. Onion growers seek development of Nashik as a National Onion Export Hub linked to the proposed agricultural market near Vadhvan port. The proposed framework includes an onion export terminal, grading, sorting, packing, quality testing and customs-clearance facilities, and rail, container and cold-chain logistics. Additional requests include a stable national onion export policy, support for processing industries, direct farmer producer organisation participation in exports, an export promotion cell, and a training, research and export-guidance centre.
EXIM operations at Vizhinjam will establish an international cargo gateway while retaining open-access common-user port services. Full export-import (EXIM) operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport are scheduled to commence from August 18, transitioning the port from a transshipment hub into an international cargo gateway. The launch is intended to reduce logistics costs, improve supply-chain efficiency, enhance export competitiveness, and support investment and employment. The port will continue as an open-access, common-user facility serving shipping companies on an equal basis.
India-Finland technology cooperation expands across digital infrastructure, sustainable manufacturing, research partnerships, investment, and emerging industrial technologies. India-Finland cooperation was advanced through discussions on telecommunications, digital infrastructure, electronics manufacturing, research and development, innovation, clean technologies, advanced materials, and technology transfer. Further priorities included smart urban infrastructure, sustainable construction, advanced manufacturing, localisation, industrial machinery, clean industrial solutions, and investment. The engagements also explored EV charging infrastructure and reinforced business-to-business linkages for long-term cooperation in technology, sustainable manufacturing, research, and investment.
Alternative oil export routes aim to reduce Iraq's reliance on the Strait of Hormuz through pipeline investment and regional transit. Alternative oil export routes from Iraq are being pursued through agreements to develop pipeline capacity that can reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Planned pipelines would support larger-scale exports through Syria and Turkey and strengthen energy-security options amid disrupted maritime shipments. Their timing and viability remain uncertain because cross-border construction requires substantial development and coordination. Existing overland shipments through Syria offer a temporary, but less efficient and more costly, route to European markets. Iraq has emphasised its preference for long-term investment partnerships over project-based contracting.
Consolidated fraud investigation requires specialised inquiry where an investor complaint forms part of an alleged shell-company network. A fraud investigation concerning an alleged real-estate investment scheme was transferred to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office because the named company was stated to be part of a wider alleged shell-company network already under its examination. The FIR was not quashed, as the complainant's individual transaction had not been investigated. A single specialised inquiry was considered necessary to prevent fragmented or conflicting investigations into an allegedly indivisible fraud scheme.
Foreign exchange market movement strengthens the rupee as equity gains and possible central-bank support offset oil-price pressure. Foreign exchange market movement saw the rupee appreciate against the US dollar, supported by positive domestic equity-market performance, lower US Treasury yields and reported possible central-bank intervention. Elevated West Asia tensions, higher global crude-oil prices and cautious foreign investment flows continued to pressure the currency. Market attention remained focused on global developments, crude-oil movements and foreign institutional investment activity, alongside an increase in foreign-exchange reserves.
E-commerce export promotion supports Madhya Pradesh businesses through global marketplace access, exporter readiness, and a cross-border export roadmap. A memorandum of understanding supports Madhya Pradesh businesses, including MSMEs, entrepreneurs, direct-to-consumer brands, manufacturers, weavers, artisans and producers, in accessing international customers through the Amazon Global Selling programme. The collaboration will improve e-commerce export awareness, exporter readiness and knowledge sharing, while developing a state export roadmap with policy and infrastructure recommendations. It will also identify interventions relating to logistics, access to finance, payment reconciliation and regulatory enablers for cross-border exports.
Russian oil purchase tariffs and tighter visa oversight reshape trade exposure and immigration compliance for foreign nationals. Proposed trade tariffs on purchases of Russian oil would target specified countries, including India and China, while exempting European purchasers of Russian gas. Separately, tighter United States visa regulations for international students, exchange visitors and journalists would end a long-standing arrangement allowing indefinite residence without government oversight. The reported changes may materially affect foreign nationals, including Indian nationals, through differentiated trade treatment and enhanced immigration compliance requirements.
Clean slate doctrine extinguishes uncrystallised operational claims and pending proceedings once an approved insolvency resolution plan becomes binding. The clean slate doctrine under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is described as abating or extinguishing pending civil suits and arbitration involving pre-insolvency operational claims that had not crystallised into determinable and quantifiable amounts before resolution-plan approval. Claims must be submitted to and determined by the resolution professional, and only crystallised claims incorporated in the approved plan remain payable under its prescribed treatment. Once final, the creditor list and approved plan bind all stakeholders.
Foreign exchange reserves rose as foreign currency assets, gold, Special Drawing Rights and IMF reserve position increased. Foreign exchange reserves increased during the reporting week, principally because foreign currency assets rose. Reserve components include foreign currency assets, gold reserves, Special Drawing Rights and the reserve position with the International Monetary Fund. Foreign currency assets, expressed in dollar terms, reflect valuation effects arising from movements in non-US currencies held in the reserves. Gold reserves, Special Drawing Rights and the reserve position with the International Monetary Fund also increased.
Rupee exchange-rate movement stabilised after possible central bank intervention, while oil prices and foreign fund flows sustained pressure. The rupee strengthened against the US dollar following four declining sessions, reportedly amid possible Reserve Bank of India intervention. Elevated West Asia tensions, higher crude-oil prices and cautious foreign fund flows continued to weigh on the currency, despite consolidation in the absence of major domestic triggers. Market participants were expected to monitor global developments, crude-oil movements and foreign institutional investor activity for the next directional move.
Revised Index of Core Industries adopts a new base year, adds Iron Ore, and aligns production measurement methodology. The revised Index of Core Industries adopts 2022-23 as its base year and replaces the 2011-12 series. Its weights are derived from the 2022-23 Index of Industrial Production and redistributed pro rata to total 100. Iron Ore is added as a core industry, expanding the basket to nine industries. The Steel Index will use gross production data for consistency with the Index of Industrial Production. In the Coal sector, only Raw Coal is retained; Coal Middlings and Washed Coal are excluded to prevent double counting.
The ECB policy is regularly reviewed and modified by the Government in consultation with Reserve Bank of India, keeping in view the evolving macroeconomic condition, sectoral requirements and investment demand. The policy was reviewed in June, 2009. As per the extant ECB guidelines, units in the SEZ are permitted to access ECBs for their own requirements. However, based on review effective from June 30, 2009, SEZ developers have been permitted to avail of ECB under the Approval route for providing infrastructure facilities also, as defined in ECB policy, within the SEZ. However, ECB shall not be permissible for development of integrated township and commercial real estate within the SEZ. The infrastructure facilities as defined in the extant ECB policy include (i) power, (ii) telecommunication, (iii) railways, (iv) road including bridges, (v) sea port and airport (vi) industrial parks (vii) urban infrastructure (water supply, sanitation and sewage projects) and (viii) mining, refining and exploration.
ECB can be accessed under two routes. Viz. (i) Automatic Route as outlined in Section I(A) and (ii) Approval Route as outlined in Section I (B) of Master Circular dated July 1, 2009 on ECB issued by RBI under FEMA. Under the Automatic Route, the eligible borrowers may enter into loan agreement with recognized lender for raising ECB complying with the amount, maturity, all-in-cost, and end use etc. conditions in the ECB guidelines without prior approval of the Reserve Bank. However, the borrowers are required to obtain a Loan Registration Number (LRN) from the Reserve Bank before drawing down the ECB. The procedure for obtaining LRN has been outlined in Section II(i)(b) of Master Circular on ECB and Trade Credits issued by RBI under FEMA,
This information was given by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question raised in Lok Sabha today.
External commercial borrowings: SEZ developers may use the Approval route for permitted infrastructure financing, not real estate.
SEZ units may access ECBs for their own needs, and SEZ developers may obtain ECBs under the Approval route to provide defined infrastructure within SEZs; ECBs remain impermissible for integrated township and commercial real estate. ECBs are available under the Automatic Route or the Approval Route per the Master Circular: the Automatic Route permits eligible borrowers to contract with recognized lenders without prior RBI approval subject to amount, maturity, all-in-cost and end-use conditions and requires obtaining a Loan Registration Number before drawdown.
Note: It is a system-generated summary and is for quick reference only.
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