Cabinet approves additional investment commitment of Rs. 30,000 crore in National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) to accelerate infrastructu...
Foreign contribution compliance becomes fully digital as the revamped FCRA portal streamlines verification, monitoring and online filing processes. A revamped online FCRA portal digitises registration, renewal, annual returns and other foreign contribution compliance processes, while incorporating the new amendment rules and enabling real-time monitoring through integrated database verification. A separate e-OCI Card provides a fully digital OCI process, online document submission and passport-detail updates without requiring a new booklet for older cardholders.
Government of India monthly accounts show receipts, tax devolution, and expenditure composition up to May 2026. Government of India's monthly accounts up to May 2026 show consolidated receipts of Rs.7,18,669 crore, including net tax revenue, non-tax revenue, and non-debt capital receipts, with Rs.1,75,557 crore transferred to State Governments as tax devolution. Total expenditure stood at Rs.8,81,023 crore, covering revenue and capital account spending, including interest payments and major subsidies.
Customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical imports extended to support supply chains and domestic availability. Full Customs Duty exemption on imports of critical petrochemical products has been extended until 15 July 2026 as temporary and targeted relief in view of the conflict in West Asia and disruptions in global supply chains. The extension is intended to ensure sufficient availability of petrochemicals in the domestic market, with the list of covered products unchanged from the earlier notification. The exemption is expected to support sectors dependent on petrochemical feedstock and intermediates and provide relief to consumers of final products.
Trans-border gold smuggling and cryptocurrency financing exposed after concealed foreign-origin gold was recovered from a courier consignment. Trans-border gold smuggling operation involving foreign-origin gold concealed in an international courier consignment declared as "worn gear" was intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. Examination of the consignment led to recovery of foreign-origin smuggled gold hidden inside gear parts, and subsequent searches at the residence of the intended recipient and the alleged mastermind yielded additional concealed gold pieces. Four persons, including the alleged mastermind and a foreign national, were arrested, and preliminary investigation indicated use of cryptocurrency to finance the smuggling network.
Economic growth resilience improves as supply chain normalisation, capital inflows and policy support offset external shocks and inflation pressures. The interim peace deal between Iran and the US is expected to support Indian economic growth by easing global turbulence and helping normalise supply chains. High-frequency indicators suggest firm activity, while government support to MSMEs and exports may cushion external shocks. Elevated commodity prices, a weak monsoon and limited fuel price pass-through could pressure inflation, the fiscal deficit and domestic growth, although external sector resilience and stronger capital inflows may mitigate funding constraints.
Financial system resilience strengthened by capital buffers, improving asset quality, and stress-tested banking stability amid AI cyber threats. Domestic financial system remains resilient, supported by strong bank and non-bank balance sheets, with scheduled commercial banks described as safe and sound and stress tests showing capital ratios above regulatory thresholds even under adverse scenarios. Non-banking financial companies are also financially sound, while AI-enabled cyberattacks are identified as the most important near-term cyber threat.
GST appeal filing deadline extended for tribunal appeals after portal pressure and stakeholder representations. The Government has extended the due date for filing appeals before the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal under Section 112(1) read with Section 112(3) to 31.07.2026. An earlier notification had fixed 30.06.2026 as the last date for such filings. The extension was issued in response to representations from stakeholders pointing to technical difficulties caused by a surge in filings on the GSTAT portal.
CBDT chairmanship tenure extension on contract basis under re-employment terms and relaxed recruitment rules. The Union government extended the tenure of the CBDT Chairman, Ravi Agrawal, by six months on a contract basis from 01.07.2026 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The extension is on the terms and conditions applicable to re-employed central government officers, in relaxation of the Recruitment Rules, for his continued service as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes.
INR-settled crypto derivatives trading stands out with low fees, tax treatment differences, and beginner-friendly platform features. Delta Exchange India is presented as an INR-focused crypto trading platform designed to simplify futures, options, and tracker trading through low fees, full rupee settlement, and features for beginners and advanced traders. The platform integrates with UPI and IMPS, offers a demo account, strategy builder, basket orders, API access, and an algo marketplace, while operating in line with Indian regulations and using security measures such as two-factor authentication and multi-signature wallets. It also states that INR-settled derivatives are treated differently from direct crypto purchases under Indian tax rules and are not subject to the 1% TDS or 30% flat tax applied to direct crypto transactions.
Rice export incentives aim to open overseas markets, support quality-compliant industries, and improve returns for farmers and millers. Telangana is considering incentives and a dedicated policy framework to boost rice exports and help rice producers access overseas markets. Government support would extend to industries meeting export quality standards, including speedy approvals and necessary clearances, along with support for value-added rice products to improve returns for farmers and rice millers.
GSTAT appeal filing deadline extended to July 31 amid portal congestion and technical difficulties for taxpayers. The government extended the due date for filing appeals before the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) to July 31, 2026, after stakeholders reported technical difficulties caused by heavy traffic on the GSTAT portal. Taxpayers were advised to file well in advance rather than wait until the deadline, to reduce the risk of portal congestion and technical disruption during the transition to the newly operational tribunal framework.
IPO subscription and expansion strategy drive research analysts' Subscribe view for Aastha Spintex amid textile sector growth. Aastha Spintex Limited has opened a fresh public issue for subscription, with the proposed listing of its shares subject to completion of the issue process and regulatory approvals. The issue proceeds are stated to be earmarked mainly for acquisition of Falcon Yarns, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes. SEBI-registered research analysts have covered the issue and assigned a Subscribe view for investors with a medium- to long-term horizon, citing expansion plans, improving financial performance, operational efficiencies, and exposure to the textile sector.
Manufacturing growth in China gains pace as AI hardware exports lift factory activity and external demand remains key. China's manufacturing sector expanded in June as the purchasing managers' index moved above the neutral threshold, supported by stronger new orders, production and robust exports driven by demand for artificial intelligence hardware. The report said external demand remained the main engine of growth, while domestic consumption stayed sluggish amid continued caution after the property sector downturn.
Indian food exports gain global showcase as the India Pavilion highlights premium products, mangoes and basmati at Summer Fancy Food 2026. India's largest-ever participation at North America's Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 was showcased through the inauguration of the India Pavilion, jointly presented by APEDA and ITPO. The pavilion brought together Indian food brands, exporters and innovators across categories including basmati rice, spices, ready-to-eat foods, beverages, organic products, frozen foods, snacks and value-added agricultural products, reflecting rising global demand for Indian food products and the strength of India's processed food sector.
Seafood skill development advances through MPEDA's National Seafood Skill Olympiad and value-added export training programmes. MPEDA will organise the second National Seafood Skill Olympiad during Seafood Expo Bharat 2026 to promote innovation, quality standards, skill recognition and value addition in marine exports. As preparation, MPEDA conducted 50 nationwide Seafood Value Addition Training Programmes for more than 2,500 workers and professionals, followed by preliminary, State-Level and Regional Skill Olympiads to shortlist finalists for the national finale. Seafood Expo Bharat 2026 will also provide a platform for business meetings, technical sessions and industry exchange across the seafood value chain.
Infrastructure financing commitment expands NIIF support to attract institutional capital and fund strategic national projects. Additional Government commitment of investment capital to the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund has been approved to expand infrastructure financing and attract institutional participation into nationally important sectors. The commitment supports a second infrastructure-focused fund, successor fund strategies and wider investment deployment across transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, urban infrastructure and e-mobility, with the broader aim of catalysing private capital and strengthening public-private partnership frameworks.
Bank board appointment and governance profile highlight strengthened banking oversight, depositor protection, and credit discipline measures. HDFC Bank approved the appointment of former Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar as an Independent Director for four years from 30 June 2026 and, subject to Reserve Bank of India approval, as Part-time Chairman for three years with remuneration to be determined from the date approved by the central bank. The bank also recorded that he is not related to any other director or key managerial personnel. His profile further noted banking clean-up measures, NPA recognition and provisioning, action against shell companies and unregulated deposit schemes, and strengthened monitoring of large exposures and fraud risks.
Farm loan waiver rollout begins with mandatory Agristack Farmer ID and assured coverage for eligible cultivators. Farm loan waiver benefits under the Maharashtra government's Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana are scheduled to begin disbursement from July 5, after the scheme's financial allocation is completed through supplementary demands and receives the required approval. The scheme provides loan waiver relief up to the prescribed ceiling, with the government assuring that no eligible agriculturist will be excluded from the benefit. The Agristack Farmer ID remains a mandatory eligibility requirement.
Renewable energy expansion gains momentum as new solar parks and industrial projects support cleaner power and investment. Renewable energy development in Madhya Pradesh was highlighted through the inauguration of two solar power projects with a combined capacity of 950 MW, including a 500 MW solar park in Neemuch and a 450 MW solar park in Shajapur. The Neemuch Solar Park was described as a vanilla solar project, meaning a solar facility using only solar panels without battery storage, and its tariff was said to be possibly among the lowest globally for such projects. Officials stated that the Neemuch project would supply clean electricity to Indian Railways and the state grid.
Banking governance and financial-sector reform shape Rajiv Kumar's appointment as HDFC Bank's new chairman HDFC Bank appointed Rajiv Kumar as an Independent Director for four years and, subject to Reserve Bank of India approval, as Part-time Chairman for three years. The accompanying profile credited him with banking-sector clean-up measures, including recognition and provisioning of non-performing assets, borrower accountability under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code framework, and the 4R strategy of Recognition, Resolution, Recapitalisation and Reforms. It also referred to action against shell companies, unregulated deposit schemes, illicit financial practices, strengthened oversight of cooperative banks, and technology-based risk controls for large exposures.
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.
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