Battery innovation and green energy development take centre stage at CIBF 2026 in Shenzhen.
CIBF 2026, the 18th China International Battery Fair, is presented as a global platform for battery innovation, industrial cooperation and sustainable energy development. The fair will cover power batteries, energy storage systems, consumer batteries, advanced materials, intelligent manufacturing, recycling and circular economy technologies, and will include new product launch areas, business matchmaking zones and high-level forums on advanced battery technology, carbon footprint management, supply chain security and green recycling.

India-Korea economic cooperation gains momentum as CEPA upgrade, industrial township and sectoral partnerships move forward.
India and the Republic of Korea have reaffirmed a commitment to expand bilateral economic engagement through a fast-track upgrade of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with focus on non-tariff barriers, rules of origin, market access and ease of doing business. The parties also highlighted the India-Korea Industrial Cooperation Committee, multiple MoUs, and a proposed Korea-specific industrial township in India to support investment and market entry. Priority sectors include semiconductors, electronics, advanced manufacturing, e-mobility, green energy, shipbuilding, digital trade and artificial intelligence.

GST refund fraud through bogus ITC, dummy firms and fabricated export claims led to a major arrest at the airport.
GST refund fraud involving fraudulent availment and encashment of Input Tax Credit through bogus purchases, dummy entities and fabricated export claims. The alleged network used non-functional firms, borrowed KYC documents, fake invoices, layered paper transactions and centrally managed GST registration, invoicing, banking, return filing and refund claims to accumulate ineligible ITC in projected exporter entities. The scheme also involved misdeclaration of low-value tobacco products as high-value exports at inflated values, with no genuine manufacturing infrastructure, doubtful e-way bills, fabricated transport documents and circular fund movement. The matter further records alleged inflation of export turnover to divert bank funds and references related proceedings involving the persons concerned.

Corporate restructuring approved for Vishakha group businesses through amalgamation, slump sale transfer, and merger of renewables operations.
The Competition Commission of India approved a proposed combination involving the restructuring of Vishakha Renewables Private Limited's renewables business and its merger with Vishakha Glass Private Limited. The combination includes transfer of the pipes division and mouldings division to Progressive Pipes Private Limited on a slump sale basis, amalgamation of Vishakha Renewables 1 Private Limited, Vishakha Metals Private Limited and Vishakha Metals 1 Private Limited into Vishakha Renewables Private Limited, and merger of Vishakha Renewables Private Limited into Vishakha Glass Private Limited as the merged entity.

Bilateral trade agreement talks advance as India seeks preferential market access and tariff reductions with the US.
India and the US are negotiating finer details of a bilateral trade agreement after the US Supreme Court's decision against sweeping reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The framework already announced contemplates preferential access to the US market for India and tariff reductions on Indian goods, including removal of the tariff linked to Russian oil purchases and a further reduction in the remaining tariff burden, as both sides work toward expanded bilateral trade.

Infrastructure and power-supply works launched ahead of Godavari Pushkaralu, alongside tariff reduction and rooftop solar support.
Development works worth nearly Rs 500 crore were launched in East Godavari district in the run-up to Godavari Pushkaralu, with electrical infrastructure and power-supply arrangements prioritised for the pilgrimage. The account also notes statewide power-sector works, including transmission infrastructure, substations, underground cabling, and a renewable energy scheme providing free rooftop solar systems to SC and ST households.

Bank fraud allegations over misuse of credit facilities and shell transactions lead to arrests of senior Reliance Communications executives.
Allegations of bank fraud concerning Reliance Communications involve misuse of credit facilities, discounted Letters of Credit and circuitous transactions through shell entities, causing loss to multiple banks and financial institutions. The CBI attributes key roles to senior RCOM functionaries handling finance, banking operations and fund utilisation, while the company states it has been under Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process since 2019 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Asset disclosure discrepancies in election affidavits raise questions over truthful voter information and financial scrutiny.
Contradictory asset disclosures in election nomination affidavits triggered a petition seeking scrutiny of a candidate's Form 26 declarations, sources of income, and related statutory filings. The matter concerned materially different total asset values stated in affidavits filed for two constituencies and the alleged impact of such inconsistency on truthful voter information and election disclosure integrity.

Money laundering probe over alleged unaccounted funds, bogus invoices and hawala channels linked to a consultancy firm investigation.
A legal representative appeared before the Enforcement Directorate to assist in extracting data from seized electronic gadgets in a case involving alleged falsification of accounts, unaccounted funds, bogus invoices, hawala transfers and money laundering. The probe stems from a police FIR against the consultancy company and is linked to a separate coal-related investigation.

Anticipatory bail in sexual harassment and alleged religious coercion probe denied interim protection as police responses were sought.
Anticipatory bail in a sexual harassment and alleged religious coercion investigation was sought by Nida Khan on the ground of pregnancy. The court did not grant interim protection from arrest and directed the police and the complainant to file responses, with further hearing scheduled. The investigation also involved allegations of molestation, attempted forceful conversion, hurting religious sentiments, and related offences, while the defence disputed the applicability of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Regulatory assets liquidation and independent audit directions reshape Delhi power dues and consumer electricity billing obligations.
Directions were issued for liquidation of regulatory assets accumulated by Delhi distribution companies within three weeks, with the regulator's request for delay rejected as unreasonable. The tribunal also held that the audit of the discoms need not be conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General and directed appointment of an independent chartered accountant within one week, with completion of the audit within three months. The dues were described as regulatory assets recoverable through consumer surcharges in electricity bills.

Court-monitored completion of stalled housing projects moves forward as remaining Supertech projects face urgent NCLAT review.
Expeditious court-monitored administration of the remaining housing projects of Supertech has been directed through the NCLAT, with the focus on determining whether the unresolved 14 projects can also be placed with another agency for completion. The order addresses stalled residential projects, uncertainty faced by homebuyers, and the need for a common framework for all Supertech projects, including those already handed over for completion. The court also noted that stakeholders, including land-owning agencies and farmers, must be heard urgently.

Trade diversification and market access face strain as West Asia instability pressures India's macroeconomic stability.
West Asia geopolitical instability poses risks to India's trade and macroeconomic stability by widening the current account deficit and pressuring the exchange rate, while slowing the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement and affecting trade diversification and market access. The report also recommends upgrading the gems and jewellery sector through design-led manufacturing, GI-branded products, stronger trade facilitation, improved raw material access, easier finance, simplified customs procedures, and better sector-specific data systems.

Preferential market access shapes India-US trade talks as tariff changes prompt recalibration of the bilateral framework.
India is seeking a mechanism for preferential market access in the US for domestic goods as part of the first tranche of the bilateral trade agreement, with officials discussing tariff treatment and related framework changes in light of altered US tariff conditions. The agreed framework had contemplated tariff reductions on Indian goods and reciprocal tariff concessions by India on a wide range of US industrial, food and agricultural products, alongside proposed Indian purchases of US energy products, aircraft, precious metals, technology products and coking coal. The pact is being recalibrated because all US trading partners now face a uniform tariff environment.

Anticipatory bail and interim arrest protection were declined in a workplace harassment and religious coercion investigation.
Anticipatory bail proceedings concerned allegations of sexual harassment, religious coercion, defamation and allied offences against an accused employee in the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services. The accused sought interim protection from arrest on the ground of pregnancy, but the court did not grant interim relief and instead directed the police and the complainant to file their responses. The investigation involved multiple FIRs, arrests of several persons and allegations of pressure on female employees to pray, change dietary habits and conform to religious practices.

Digital customs duty payments gain momentum through ICEGATE 2.0 integration with secure net banking and instant challans.
IDFC FIRST Bank has integrated its retail and corporate internet banking platforms with the ICEGATE 2.0 portal to enable secure digital payment of Customs Duty, Central Excise and Service Tax. Customers can initiate payments through the portal, complete transactions through net banking, and obtain real-time confirmation together with downloadable challans for record-keeping and reconciliation. The integration forms part of the bank's broader tax payment suite and its authorised support for tax payments across Direct Taxes, GST and Customs.

Transnational subsidies under the SCM Agreement drew focus as the panel discussed financial contribution, public body status, and trade remedy implications.
A panel discussion examined the WTO Panel Report in the dispute concerning European Union countervailing and anti-dumping duties on stainless steel cold-rolled flat products from Indonesia, focusing on the legal and policy implications for transnational subsidies under the SCM Agreement. The discussion considered attribution of financial contributions by foreign entities to the Government of Indonesia, the closed-list character of financial contribution under Article 1.1(a)(1), the assessment of public body status, and the broader significance of the ruling for cross-border state support and industrial policy.

Dearness Allowance revision approved for Central Government employees and pensioners to offset price rise from 2026.
An additional instalment of Dearness Allowance for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief for pensioners has been approved with effect from 01.01.2026, increasing the existing rate by 2% to 60% of basic pay or pension. The increase is intended to compensate for price rise and operates in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

Maritime insurance pool strengthens domestic cover for vessels, reduces external dependence, and supports continuity of trade.
Approval has been given for creation of a domestic Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool backed by a sovereign guarantee to provide continuous maritime insurance cover for Indian flagged or controlled vessels, and for vessels destined to or starting from India. The pool is intended to reduce dependence on external insurance markets, address volatility and geopolitical disruption, and maintain insurance availability for maritime trade, including cargo movements between international origins and Indian ports and vice versa. It will cover major maritime risks, with policies issued by insurer members using combined underwriting capacity.

External debt rollover and reserve support shape Pakistan's repayment schedule to the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan's central bank expects to repay the remaining USD 1.5 billion outstanding to the United Arab Emirates by April 23, after having already transferred USD 2 billion on maturity of the deposits. The repayment follows the UAE's balance-of-payments support arrangement and is said to have been managed alongside stable foreign exchange reserves and recent inflows, including anticipated IMF disbursement support. The related financing position also includes a Saudi arrangement under which a USD 3 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan was extended in maturity, with USD 2 billion already deposited by the Saudi Fund for Development.