Cabinet approves additional investment commitment of Rs. 30,000 crore in National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) to accelerate infrastructu...
DRI busts firecracker smuggling syndicate, seizes Chinese origin firecrackers worth Rs. 35 crore in operations at Chennai and Mumbai; 12 persons arres...
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.
Rupee weakness reflects geopolitical tensions, dollar strength, and shifting crude oil trends in the foreign exchange market. The rupee weakened against the US dollar after giving up early gains, with renewed geopolitical tensions reducing investor risk appetite and weighing on sentiment in the foreign exchange market. Traders said supportive crude oil prices and improved foreign inflows initially helped the currency, but broader dollar strength kept pressure on the exchange rate. Market commentary also noted that lower crude prices and easing inflation concerns could support the rupee at weaker levels.
Flexible personal loan repayment tenure expands collateral-free borrowing with digital application and quick approval for eligible customers. Extended personal loan tenure offered by a non-banking financial company enables eligible borrowers to select a repayment period of 12 to 108 months for collateral-free borrowing. The loan is available for amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, with interest rates stated to begin from 10% per annum and vary according to customer profile, eligibility, credit assessment, and other lending criteria. The facility is presented as a digital, collateral-free loan with minimal documentation, quick approval, and potential disbursal within 24 hours for eligible applicants.
India-UK trade cooperation advances through CETA-focused business engagement, simpler compliance, and stronger investment partnerships. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is presented as a framework for deepening bilateral trade and investment through sustained business engagement, with emphasis on long-term investment, technology partnerships, innovation, resilient supply chains and broader economic cooperation. Industry discussions highlighted the need for effective implementation of CETA by increasing awareness of the agreement, especially among MSMEs, and by simplifying regulatory procedures and certification requirements so businesses can better use the opportunities arising under the agreement. The business plenary also underscored strengthening industry-to-industry partnerships and facilitating greater talent mobility.
Restricted import of firecrackers exposed through misdeclaration, cargo concealment, and clandestine removal from a container freight station. Restricted import of firecrackers under the Foreign Trade Policy requires valid licences from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization. Enforcement operations detected mis-declared containers concealing Chinese-origin fireworks and firecrackers, as well as clandestine removal of contraband from a Container Freight Station without Customs authorisation. The smuggling activity involved cargo substitution, active connivance of CFS staff, seizure of substantial quantities, and arrests of multiple persons.
Bilateral trade and investment cooperation expand as India leads business delegation to Greece for innovation partnerships. India is advancing bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation through a high-level business delegation visit to Greece following recent engagements in the United Kingdom. The programme includes startup presentations, roundtable discussions and business interactions to promote cross-border innovation partnerships, identify collaboration opportunities in infrastructure, digitalisation, defence, food and agriculture, and explore cooperation in advanced manufacturing and technology-driven sectors.
Merger scheme approval for REC into PFC subject to shareholder, creditor, regulatory approvals and government control conditions. Board approval was given to a Scheme of Merger of REC into PFC under the Companies Act, 2013, subject to approvals from shareholders, creditors, and regulatory and governmental authorities. The Scheme is also conditional on the merged entity continuing as a Government Company and on the Government of India retaining majority voting rights and control. The valuation-based share exchange ratio provides for 88 equity shares of PFC for every 100 equity shares of REC.
Rupee weakness against the US dollar reflects geopolitical tensions, dollar strength, and shifting crude oil trends. The rupee weakened against the US dollar after paring early gains, closing lower amid renewed geopolitical tensions and reduced investor risk appetite. Market sentiment was shaped by fresh military exchanges involving the US and Iran, a firm US dollar, and hawkish Federal Reserve expectations. Support came from lower crude oil prices, improving foreign inflows, and easing inflation concerns, while broader market indicators showed mixed conditions and higher forex reserves in the reporting week.
Export promotion through buyer-seller meets is aimed at expanding market access and building export capacity for local producers. Export promotion through an international buyer-seller meet was highlighted as a means of strengthening outward trade by bringing foreign buyers to Jammu and Kashmir and connecting them with local artisans, exporters and prospective exporters. The initiative was also described as including training and assistance to help existing exporters expand and encourage non-exporters to start exporting, with the broader aim of market access, commercial linkage and export capacity-building.
Criminal conspiracy allegations arise from an attack on ED officers during a search operation and related bail opposition. The Enforcement Directorate alleged that the attack on its officers and damage to vehicles after a search at a former Chief Minister's residence formed part of a criminal conspiracy linked to the top leadership of the CPI(M). It said the unlawful protest and violent assault occurred in the presence of senior party leaders, whose provocative language allegedly instigated supporters to escalate the demonstration into physical violence. The agency treated the episode as interference with the rule of law and filed its objection in opposition to a bail plea in the case arising from the incident.
Export controls on dual-use goods tighten as China targets Japanese entities over alleged remilitarisation. China imposed new export controls on 40 Japanese entities, placing 20 on a control list that prohibits exports of China-made dual-use items and 20 more on a watch list subject to licensing, risk assessment and written assurances. The controls target entities said to be contributing to Japan's remilitarisation and apply to goods that may be used for both civilian and military purposes.
AI governance certification under ISO/IEC 42001:2023 establishes audited controls for lifecycle risk, accountability, and deployment practices. Certification under ISO/IEC 42001:2023 requires an independent external audit and establishes auditable requirements for AI governance across the full lifecycle, including risk management, accountability structures, data practices, deployment controls, and incident response. The standard cannot be self-attested and is described as addressing enterprise, procurement, and vendor-risk expectations for AI systems used in regulated environments. The certified scope covers the organisation's AI practice for production-grade systems, extending its independently audited governance framework to AI operations.
Free Trade Agreement drives deeper UK-India cooperation across investment, innovation, services and future industries. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement was presented as a major milestone in India's trade strategy and as the most comprehensive agreement India has entered into so far, with implementation expected to begin in July. The Agreement was described as a platform for deeper bilateral cooperation across goods, services, investment, innovation and future industries, and as part of a broader reset in UK-India relations aimed at reducing barriers and strengthening long-term economic engagement. The Forum emphasised the Agreement as the basis for a new phase of investment, innovation and strategic partnership.
Money laundering probe over alleged CMRL-Exalogic transactions and suspected proceeds of crime under prevention law. Enforcement Directorate questioned the Joint Managing Director of CMRL in a money laundering probe concerning alleged financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, with allegations of payment without services and loans extended despite delayed repayment. The case proceeds under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on the basis of a prosecution complaint filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office, following findings of the Income Tax Department and prior scrutiny of CMRL after a raid reportedly detected suspected irregularities.
Rupee appreciation supported by easing crude prices, stronger foreign inflows, and rising forex reserves despite firm dollar pressure. The rupee appreciated in early trade on support from easing crude oil prices and improving foreign inflows, even as a firm US dollar and subdued risk appetite weighed on sentiment. India's foreign exchange reserves increased in the latest reported week, indicating a rebuilding of the Reserve Bank's buffer after earlier dollar sales. The broader market backdrop included a steady dollar index, higher Brent crude, domestic equity weakness, and net foreign institutional investment into equities.
Electronics manufacturing expansion drives Amber Group's localisation and import substitution strategy through large Uttar Pradesh investments. Amber Group is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Uttar Pradesh through large-scale investments in electronics, consumer durables and allied component production. The proposed projects at YEIDA include a high-density interconnect printed circuit board and semiconductor substrate manufacturing unit through a 70:30 joint venture, together with an expanded air-conditioner and components complex, with funding to be executed in phases through internal accruals, debt, equity and foreign direct investment from Korea. The expansion is positioned as a backward-integration and localisation strategy, supported under the Centre's Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme and incentives from the Uttar Pradesh government.
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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