Minimum Support Prices for Kharif crops raised to ensure remunerative prices and strengthen farmer income support
Cabinet approval was accorded to the increase in Minimum Support Prices for 14 Kharif crops for Marketing Season 2026-27, with the object of ensuring remunerative prices to growers. The revised prices cover cereals, pulses, oilseeds and cotton, with the largest absolute increases noted for Sunflower Seed, Cotton, Nigerseed and Sesamum. The increase was stated to align with the policy of fixing MSP at not less than 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.

Precious metal import duty hike curbs non-essential imports and eases external account pressure amid market stress.
Import duty on gold and silver was increased to 15 per cent, and on platinum to 15.4 per cent, with consequential changes for related precious-metal items. The measure raises the effective duty on precious-metal imports and is described as a calibrated, price-based restraint intended to moderate avoidable import demand and ease pressure on the external account during extraordinary external conditions.

Pan-Africanist rhetoric draws backlash as Macron's Africa summit intervention reignites debate over France's colonial legacy.
French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism after interrupting a panel session at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya and demanding silence from the audience. The backlash also followed his claim to be a "Pan-Africanist," amid debate over France's shift from a colonial legacy toward a partnership of equals with African countries.

Rooftop solar demand surges as fuel costs spike, with Asian consumers turning to cleaner and cheaper power options.
Rising fuel and electricity costs triggered by the Iran war are accelerating demand for rooftop solar power across energy-hungry Asia, with the Philippines reporting a sharp increase in installations and customer inquiries as households, businesses, and public institutions seek alternatives to expensive and uncertain fossil-fuel supply. The article describes a broader regional shift toward rooftop solar, including policy interest in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, alongside similar demand growth in the United States and Europe as consumers look for a practical way to reduce electricity bills and improve energy resilience.

Import duty on precious metals raised to curb discretionary imports and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Import duty on gold, silver and platinum was increased to 15 per cent, with related items also revised, as a calibrated price-based measure to moderate discretionary imports and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The stated rationale was to preserve market flexibility while easing external-sector stress, prioritising forex for essential imports and supporting balance-of-payments stability amid the West Asia crisis.

Rural resilience and sustainable livelihoods take centre stage in the new India-IFAD strategy for long-term development.
The Government of India and IFAD launched an eight-year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme for 2026-2033 to advance rural incomes, strengthen resilience, and expand sustainable livelihood opportunities. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, the programme focuses on social, economic, and climate resilience in rural communities and on strengthening knowledge systems to scale proven development models within India and across the Global South. The strategy emphasises Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, and cooperatives as platforms linking finance, technology, infrastructure, and markets.

Maritime insurance pooling strengthens continuous cover, underwriting capacity, and sovereign backstop for shipping risks amid sanctions and tensions.
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is a domestic marine insurance arrangement with combined underwriting capacity and a sovereign guarantee to support continuous cover for Indian flagged or controlled vessels, and vessels destined to or departing from India. It covers Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity, and War risk, especially where sanctions exposure, withdrawal of foreign reinsurance support, or geopolitical tensions may disrupt shipping operations and trade flows. A Governing Body and Underwriting Committee oversee the pool, while GIC Re acts as administrator. Claims up to USD 100 million are met from pool capacity, and larger claims may use the sovereign guarantee after exhaustion of reserves, member contributions, and reinsurance.

Competition approval for CPPIB India's acquisition of shareholding in Ctrl S Datacenters advances a proposed investment combination.
Competition approval was granted for the acquisition by CPPIB India Private Holdings Inc., a Canadian investment holding company and wholly owned subsidiary of CPPIB, of certain shareholding in Ctrl S Datacenters Limited. The transaction concerns a proposed combination involving investment by CPPIB through CIPH in Ctrl S, which provides data centre and colocation services and related managed services in India.

Merger and stake acquisition in Lloyds Engineering Works approved under competition law review.
Competition Commission of India approved a proposed combination involving acquisition of a 7.14% shareholding in Lloyds Engineering Works Limited by Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited through a block deal, and merger by absorption of Lloyds Infrastructure & Construction Limited, Metalfab Hightech Private Limited and Techno Industries Private Limited into Lloyds Engineering Works Limited as the surviving entity. The parties are described by their respective businesses in contract mining, engineering, construction, manufacturing of heavy equipment, lightweight engineering structures, and manufacture of elevators, escalators, motors and pumps.

Competition clearance for Kimberly-Clark's acquisition of Kenvue covers consumer health, hygiene and personal care businesses.
Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of sole control over Kenvue Inc. by Kimberly-Clark Corporation pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger. The transaction concerns consumer products groups active in personal care, health, hygiene and related product lines, including fibre-based absorbency products, baby care, feminine hygiene, consumer health, oral care, skin care, sun protection, baby toiletries and baby wipes.

Competition Commission approval of acquisition and control of GVK Energy by Adani Power under insolvency resolution.
Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of 100% share capital and control of GVK Energy Limited by Adani Power Limited pursuant to the corporate insolvency resolution process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. The proposed combination relates to change in ownership and control of the Target in the context of insolvency resolution. Adani Power Limited is a listed thermal power producer, while GVK Energy Limited is engaged in hydroelectric power generation through its subsidiary AHPL and provides operation and maintenance services to AHPL.

User Development Fee structure at Noida International Airport set for domestic and international passengers with gradual tariff increases ahead.
AERA fixed the User Development Fee for Noida International Airport for the 2026-27 period at Rs 490 for departing domestic passengers, Rs 980 for departing international passengers, Rs 210 for arriving domestic passengers and Rs 420 for arriving international passengers, and approved gradual increases over the first control period. It also allowed a Variable Tariff Plan for landing and parking charges to support early route development, with charges to rise progressively over the concession period. AERA said the tariff structure reflects the characteristics of a greenfield airport, including higher upfront investment, statutory compliance requirements and phased capacity expansion.

Rupee recovery supported by higher gold and silver import tariffs aimed at easing foreign exchange pressure.
The rupee recovered in early trade after higher import tariffs on gold and silver were expected to curb overseas purchases and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The currency's gains were moderated by elevated crude oil prices and the strength of the US dollar, while market participants also linked the move to a possible narrowing of the current account deficit through lower precious-metal imports.

Illegal constructions and municipal membership scrutiny follow notice, failed stay request and demolition at AIMIM corporator's properties.
Municipal action targeted alleged illegal constructions at the residence, office and shops of an AIMIM corporator after a notice called for a reply within 72 hours on the status of the properties. The corporator sought a stay, but no stay was granted, and the civic body proceeded with demolition under police protection while indicating that the property's fate could be decided if no satisfactory response was received. The matter was also linked to proposed action regarding the corporator's membership in the municipal body, subject to verification of property documents and alleged nondisclosure in the nomination process.

Import duty on gold and silver raised to curb non-essential imports and conserve foreign exchange amid balance of payments stress.
Import duty on gold and silver was increased to 15 per cent by raising the social welfare surcharge and agriculture infrastructure and development cess, effective 13 May 2026. The measure was intended to curb non-essential imports of precious metals and conserve foreign exchange amid a rising import bill and balance of payments stress. It reversed the earlier reduction in customs duty on gold to 6 per cent and was aimed at moderating inbound shipments driven largely by the jewellery industry.

User Development Fee fixed for Noida International Airport, with a Variable Tariff Plan allowed for early route expansion.
Airports tariff regulation for Noida International Airport fixed the User Development Fee for the 2026-27 period at Rs 490 for departing domestic passengers, Rs 980 for departing international passengers, Rs 210 for arriving domestic passengers and Rs 420 for arriving international passengers. A Variable Tariff Plan was also permitted, mainly for landing and parking charges, to encourage airlines to open new routes, increase flights and expand their network in the early operational years.

Stamp duty exemption claim rejected, with recovery of deficit duty and penalty sustained on a high-value land sale deed.
Stamp duty exemption claims for a high-value land sale deed in Mundhwa were rejected, and the recovery of deficit duty and penalty was sustained after appellate review by the Maharashtra State Chief Controlling Revenue Authority. After issuance of show-cause notices and consideration of the company's written reply, the Collector of Stamps assessed duty liability at about Rs 21 crore, including duty under the Maharashtra Stamp Act and additional municipal levies. The authority held that the exemption claim was untenable and affirmed the earlier order directing payment of the stamp duty and penalty.

Transparent income tax compliance gets a tech-driven push with simpler language, digital assistance and automated refund processing.
Income tax administration is being repositioned around a simplified, transparent and technology-driven compliance framework under the Income Tax Act, 2025, with emphasis on reducing litigation, improving voluntary compliance and aligning taxpayers and tax authorities through clearer language. The department is promoting digital assistance and taxpayer outreach through initiatives such as an AI-powered chatbot, educational FAQs and brochures, and printed guidance on exemptions and TDS in regional language.

Rupee weakness amid global risk aversion, crude price surge and expectations of possible RBI support
The rupee fell to a fresh record low against the US dollar amid global risk aversion, stronger dollar trends and a sharp rise in Brent crude prices. Traders linked the weakness to concerns over India's trade deficit and balance-of-payments pressures if oil prices remain elevated, while noting that any RBI intervention could support the currency at lower levels. The report also notes foreign institutional selling and weakness in domestic equity markets.

Export growth, self-reliance and quality manufacturing drive India's push toward higher competitiveness and global market expansion.
India's economic resilience, export performance and external-sector strength were highlighted alongside the need for greater efficiency, productivity, self-reliance and import reduction. Free trade agreements with developed economies were presented as tools to expand exports and attract investment, while artificial intelligence, robotics and quantum computing were described as force multipliers for competitiveness. The text also urged a shift from assembled to designed, engineered and manufactured goods, with non-negotiable quality, deeper localisation, stronger R&D and alignment with global standards.