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government
Commodities Indian Agriculture Minister asks ICAR to tackle onion price gap
India's all-India modal onion price reached Rs 50/kg on Tuesday, with Punjab and Delhi prices up 130% and 83% respectively over three months. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked ICAR to reduce the farm-retail price gap and questioned trader-driven inflation. The government is dispatching buffer-stock onions via 'Kanda Express' rail rakes to sell at Rs 35/kg in Delhi, amid a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonnes for 2026.
Commodities Govt to offer city gas distributors 200 SCM extra gas to push household PNG switch
India's oil ministry will provide city gas distributors an additional 200 SCM of lower-priced APM gas for every new billed household PNG connection above a set threshold, effective September 1. The incentive is designed to cut the payback period for PNG connections to about three years from around 10 and accelerate the switch from LPG to piped gas, following supply disruptions during the West Asia crisis.
Commodities India offers city gas distributors 200 SCM cheaper domestic gas for every new PNG connection
India will offer city gas distributors 200 SCM of lower-priced domestic natural gas for every new billed household PNG connection, effective September 1. The incentive aims to activate unused connections and expand networks, potentially cutting the payback period for distributor capital expenditure to about three years from 10 years.
Commodities Indian govt sees limited El Nino impact on kharif crops as sowing deficit narrows
India's kharif sowing area reached 92% of normal by August 14, with the year-on-year deficit narrowing below 1%, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said El Nino's impact on production is unlikely to be significant, though Karnataka and Telangana face water shortages. Monsoon rainfall remains 13% below normal, and forecasters warn of a widening deficit through September.
Commodities Telangana directs CCI to ensure smooth cotton procurement as acreage rises 3 lakh acres
Telangana has asked the Cotton Corporation of India to ensure smooth cotton procurement at designated centres, with cotton area up nearly 3 lakh acres despite El Nino fears. Farmers face issues with the Kisan Kapas app for slot booking, prompting the minister to seek central intervention. The state has assured CCI of support and asked millers to open mills within 2-3 weeks.
Manufacturing Govt Clears 31 Electronics Part Projects Worth Rs 7,877 Crore
The Indian government has approved 31 electronics component manufacturing applications worth Rs 7,877 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme. The projects, involving Kaynes Technology, Dixon Technologies, Wipro and Motherson, will produce PCBs, camera modules, enclosures and other key inputs. The scheme has now attracted 106 proposals with committed investment of Rs 69,548 crore, exceeding its initial target.
Commodities India Caps Refiners' LPG Output at 63,810 TPD Until December on Supply Disruption
India's Central Government has set a maximum daily LPG production limit of 63,810 tonnes per day for all refiners, including joint ventures and private firms, until December 2026. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas issued the directive after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first bi-annual production cap. Reliance Industries received the largest allocation at 18,000 TPD.
Commodities India cooks up LPG safety net: Govt fixes refinery-wise output targets; Reliance gets biggest quota
India's petroleum ministry has, for the first time, fixed maximum LPG output targets for 21 refineries and upstream companies, capping combined output at 63,810 tonnes per day. Reliance Industries' Jamnagar DTA refinery gets the largest single quota of 18,000 tonnes a day, while imports had covered over 64% of demand before the Iran war shut the Strait of Hormuz.
Commodities Govt sets LPG production targets for refiners; Reliance gets largest quota
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has fixed maximum LPG production targets for 21 refineries and upstream companies, with combined potential of 63,810 tonnes per day. Reliance Industries' older refinery gets the largest quota of up to 18,000 tonnes per day. The move follows supply disruptions during the West Asia crisis, when the Strait of Hormuz closure exposed India's 64 percent import dependence.
Commodities India orders sugar mills to ensure 7-day stock lifting; bulk data due Aug 20
India's Food Ministry has ordered sugar mills to ensure buyers lift stocks within seven days of sale and to submit bulk-consumer sales data by August 20. All-India retail sugar prices have risen 8% and wholesale prices 7% over the past month, with Delhi prices at ₹55-56/kg.
Commodities India's coal demand seen at 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030 as govt pushes market-driven trade
India's coal demand is projected to rise to 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030, said Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt at the Global Commodity Conclave 2026. With domestic production past 1 billion tonnes, the government plans a many-to-many coal exchange and eventual derivatives market for transparent, market-driven price discovery.
Commodities Mining Revenue: States’ Share Rises From 65% to 88% in a Decade
States' share of mineral revenue in India jumped from 65% in 2014-15 to 88% in 2024-25, while the Centre's share fell to 12%, according to mines ministry data cited by PTI. The figures came as Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Coal revenue followed suit, with states' share rising from 55% to 96% over the decade.
Commodities Indian government must disclose sugar stock after physical verification, says NFCSF MD Prakash Naiknavare
NFCSF Managing Director Prakash Naiknavare has urged the Indian government to disclose sugar stock figures after completing physical verification of mills, citing price rise and potential supply tightness in October-November. Speculation of season-end stock of about 35 lakh tonnes has driven retail and wholesale sugar prices up, with the government imposing stock limits and planning early crushing.
Technology Power ministry urges states to accelerate smart meter installation amid RDSS lag
India's power ministry has directed all states and union territories to accelerate smart meter installation, clarifying that the mandate is independent of prepaid or postpaid billing configuration. RDSS data cited by Business Today show 5.7 crore of 20.3 crore approved meters installed as of June 30, while total functional meters exceed 7.2 crore.
Technology White House Set to Expand AI Framework to Cover Open Models
White House officials are almost certain to revise the Trump administration's AI guidelines and expand oversight to open models once they reach frontier capabilities, according to people familiar with the matter. The voluntary framework currently covers only closed models from Anthropic and OpenAI, and officials worry about a two-tier approval system and a 30-day testing requirement that could stifle development.
Business Direct Tax Collections Rise Sharply to Rs 8.11 Lakh Crore; Non-Corporate Taxes Lead
The Times of India reported that direct tax collections in India rose sharply to Rs 8.11 lakh crore, with non-corporate taxes leading the increase. The August 11, 2026 report by the TOI Business Desk provides the headline figure but no detailed segment breakdown. The page also includes personal finance calculators for loans, SIPs, PPF, FD, NPS and mutual fund investments.
Logistics Senate panel advances bill tying USPS executive bonuses to 95% mail on-time target
A Senate committee approved a bipartisan bill that would bar USPS executives from bonuses until on-time mail delivery reaches 95%. The Postal Service missed the target in all eight categories in FY2025, with single-piece First-Class mail at 72.7%. Postmaster General David Steiner opposes the measure.
Business India Sixth-Largest Economy at $3.92 Trillion Nominal GDP in FY26: Government
India ranked as the world's sixth-largest economy with a $3.92 trillion nominal GDP in FY26, according to a government statement in the Rajya Sabha. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary detailed the IMF ranking methodology, growth strategy, falling public sector bank bad loans, and unclaimed deposits of Rs 86,917 crore.
Logistics Postmaster General: Senate Zip code bill would cost USPS more than $800M
The U.S. Postal Service warns that Senate bill S. 4505, which would assign single unique Zip codes to 83 communities, would erase a $600 million performance gain and cost over $800 million to implement. Postmaster General David Steiner testified the measure would cause 'irreparable harm' and reduce service in areas surrounding the affected Zip codes.
Commodities India mulls curbing cane use for ethanol to tame record-high sugar market
India is considering restricting sugarcane diverted to ethanol in the season starting October to boost sugar output and cool record-high domestic prices, according to two government and two industry sources cited by Reuters. Reduced rainfall in Maharashtra and Karnataka has raised supply concerns, and a decision could come by the end of next month. About 3 million metric tons of sugar — roughly 10% of output — was diverted to ethanol in the current year.
Commodities Tamil Nadu hikes paddy and sugarcane procurement incentives to record highs
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced steep increases in state procurement incentives for paddy and sugarcane, with fine-grade paddy incentive at ₹289 per quintal and sugarcane total procurement price at ₹4,000 per tonne, according to The Hindu Business Line. The decision, made under Rule 110 in the Assembly, comes despite the state's financial position not being good.
Technology Govt examines if Meta recommendation system deciding what-to-show-to-whom fits intermediary status
The Indian government is examining whether Meta's recommendation systems and paid content promotion are consistent with its status as an intermediary under the IT Act. Government sources said the key issue is whether the platform determines what content is shown to whom, which could amount to publishing and remove safe harbour protections.
Commodities India's oilseeds acreage rises 3% on good rains, may attain Centre's coverage target
India's Kharif oilseeds acreage rose nearly 3% to 180.20 lakh hectares, recovering from a two-month shortfall, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Groundnut, soyabean and sesamum sowings increased while castorseed area fell 23%, with Gujarat down 44%. Officials said acreage may reach the normal ~200 lh if August monsoon rains remain favourable.
Technology Zohran Mamdani’s NYC Tech Team Is What DOGE Should Have Been
Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched Public Interest Technology Crews, a five-team civic-tech program based at New York City's Office of Technology and Innovation. Led by CTO Lisa Gelobter with a $5.24 million city budget and a $2 million Rockefeller Foundation grant, the crews echo the US Digital Service model that DOGE dismantled.
Trade More exporters leveraging free trade pact benefits as certificate of origin issuance doubles
Certificate of origin issuance in India more than doubled from 3.6 lakh in 2021-22 to over 7.8 lakh in 2026-27 so far, indicating higher FTA utilisation. Exports to FTA partner countries grew 25% to USD 43.14 billion, lifting their share in total exports to 33.4%. Minister Jitin Prasada informed the Rajya Sabha that India's trade deficit with China widened to USD 112.16 billion in the last fiscal.
Finance Bankers unaware as government timed LIC stake sale to maximise receipts
The Indian government raised Rs 31,000 crore through an offer for sale of LIC shares, timing the transaction to capture favourable market conditions after SBI Mutual Fund's IPO and ahead of NSE and Jio listings. Merchant bankers were kept in the dark until trading closed to prevent leaks and maximise receipts, DIPAM officials said.
Commodities Coal production stands at over 69 Million Tonnes during last month: Govt
The Ministry of Coal reported that overall coal production during the previous month stood at over 69 million tonnes, against more than 64 million tonnes a year earlier. Overall coal despatch rose to more than 86 million tonnes from over 73 million tonnes, marking robust growth of more than 18 percent. The ministry said coal supply for the power sector remains adequate.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Lok Sabha passes bill to let banks levy merchant charges on UPI transactions
The Lok Sabha approved a Bill amending the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, empowering the government to allow banks and payment service providers to levy Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions. The Times of India reported a likely 0.25%–0.4% fee on business payments above Rs 2,000 — a threshold covering only about 5% of transactions but nearly 65% of UPI's processed value.
Commodities Centre calls ethanol-jet fuel blending claims 'completely false, irresponsible'
The Indian government has dismissed reports of a plan to blend ethanol with aviation turbine fuel, calling them completely false and irresponsible. Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu clarified that ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel are entirely different fuels, while road transport minister Nitin Gadkari disclosed E20 petrol's likely 2-6% fuel efficiency impact.
Finance Government mops up Rs 31,552 crore from LIC share sale via OFS
The government raised Rs 31,552 crore by selling a 6.5% stake in LIC through an offer for sale, the biggest public offer in Indian stock market history. Shares were allotted at Rs 383.69, above the base price of Rs 382, with demand for 111.3 crore shares against 82.2 crore on offer. LIC's public shareholding now stands at 10%, meeting Sebi's minimum public shareholding norm ahead of schedule.
Technology DHS Demand for Protesters' Signal Group Chats Sparks First Amendment Fight
The Department of Homeland Security is seeking neighborhood 'rapid response' Signal group chats in the Hilton v. Noem lawsuit, where protesters accuse DHS of First Amendment violations. Attorneys for the protesters argue the discovery demand itself violates the First Amendment, while turning over smaller chats with redactions.
Commodities India's rice procurement up 5% in 2025-26 as rabi season purchases jump 18%
India's 2025-26 rice procurement reached 571.14 lakh tonnes, 99% of target and 5% higher year-on-year. Rabi-season buying jumped 18% to 86.71 lt, led by Telangana. Punjab purchases fell 9.7%, while Haryana's were revised upward. The Agriculture Ministry expects another bumper crop unless August-September monsoon deficiencies emerge.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Government Notifies Operational Framework for Inventory-Based Cross-Border E-Commerce Exports
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified operational procedures for inventory-based cross-border e-commerce exports with immediate effect. The framework covers exporter-of-record registration, inventory management, seller visibility, reverse logistics, compliance certification and dispute resolution, following the government's move to allow foreign-invested e-commerce firms to keep export-only inventory.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Govt Operationalises Inventory-Based Cross-Border E-Commerce Export Framework for Indian Manufacturers and MSMEs
The Indian government has operationalised the Inventory-based Cross-Border E-Commerce Export Framework under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, according to News on AIR. The framework provides a policy architecture for inventory-based exports of goods made in India, ensures timely payments to sellers, and is expected to boost participation of manufacturers and MSMEs in global e-commerce supply chains.
Supply Chain UK Overhauls £90bn Public Procurement to Prioritise Job Creation in Contract Awards
The UK government will double the weighting for community benefits in public contract awards from 10% to 20% and shift the scoring basis from social-value measures to job creation. Bidders on contracts worth £5m or more will earn extra credit for regional jobs, skills training, and 45-day work experience placements for young people, according to the BBC.
Finance Government raises LIC OFS size; offer becomes India's biggest stake sale
The government expanded LIC's ongoing offer for sale by an additional 4% after the issue was subscribed 3.3 times on day one, taking the total offer to 82.2 crore shares. At the base price of Rs 382, the OFS is expected to raise about Rs 31,400 crore, making it India's largest-ever offer for sale. Total demand reached nearly 94.5 crore shares, and retail investors will bid on the closing day.
Commodities Brent falls to $80 as India vows to mitigate fuel price volatility
Brent crude slipped below $80 a barrel on Tuesday to a three-week low, down nearly 5% in a day on optimism over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. India's PPAC pegged the Indian basket at $88.12/barrel. The government said it will continue fiscal and administrative measures to mitigate future fuel price volatility, with minister Pankaj Chaudhary citing a $138.2/barrel April peak and a Rs 10/litre excise cut.
Technology The White House Is Keeping Its AI Cybersecurity Framework Secret
The Trump administration has finalized a plan to address AI cybersecurity risks but is deliberately keeping details under wraps, WIRED reported. Developers may voluntarily submit models up to 30 days before release for classified vetting, a process critics say favors large AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Commodities 'Over 2000 samples tested': Oil ministry dismisses fuel adulteration claims, says only 2 cases detected
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas dismissed fuel adulteration claims, saying over 2,000 samples were tested for chloride/sulphide with only 2 cases found. Water-ingress testing is now conducted 8-12 times daily at over 87,000 outlets. Strict action is promised against any confirmed contamination.
Trade India's exports from SEZs up 11.8% in 2025-26, government data shows
India's exports from special economic zones grew 11.8% in 2025-26, according to government data cited by the Economic Times. Pharmaceutical exports rose from USD 15.43 billion in 2014-15 to USD 31.12 billion in 2025-26. The government also disclosed Certificates of Origin issued under the UAE, Australia and Oman trade pacts.
Manufacturing Govt aims to raise weavers’ annual income to Rs 6 lakh, launches handloom tech centre
The Indian government has launched a Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology at IIT Delhi, aiming to raise weavers' annual income to at least Rs 6 lakh. The centre will focus on loom modernisation, AI tools and skill development, training 1,000 professionals over five years. Five digital initiatives, including Handloom 4.0 and Threads of Valour, support the modernisation push.
Government to sell up to 6.5% stake in LIC, may mop up Rs 31k cr
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Finance India Proposes Sweeping Tax Rule Changes to Attract Offshore Funds
India proposes easing EIF eligibility norms and replacing the June 5 FPI tax Ordinance under the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The changes aim to make India a global fund management hub and attract foreign capital, with a unified IFSC and non-IFSC framework.
Commodities India approves Rs 84,084 crore Samudra Manthan scheme to cut crude import reliance
India's Union Cabinet has approved the Rs 84,084 crore Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme, under which the Centre will fund 50% of deepwater or ultra-deepwater exploration well costs, up to Rs 650 crore per well. The programme targets 60 exploration wells over five years as crude oil imports have climbed from 77% to 88% of domestic requirement in the past decade.
Business 5.9 crore income tax returns filed by July 31 deadline, says I-T department
The Income-tax Department reported 5.9 crore returns filed by July 31, the annual deadline for most individuals. The tally is lower than the over 7.3 crore filings recorded by last year's extended deadline on September 16, 2025. Returns are still accepted until December, with penalties, and business-income filers face later deadlines.
Technology Centre may expand CCTV-like import restrictions to other sensitive areas, says IT secretary
Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said the government may expand the import restrictions it applied to CCTV cameras to other sensitive product categories. Speaking at a CII event on semiconductors, he said the approach, driven by security concerns about non-vetted chips, could be extended while assisting Indian chip designers in building end-to-end trusted supply chains.
Manufacturing India's transport, petroleum ministries disagree on E20 mileage loss: 2-6% vs 3-5%
India's road transport ministry and petroleum ministry have given different official estimates of the fuel-efficiency loss when E20 petrol is used in vehicles designed for E10. The transport ministry cited a 2-6% reduction based on an ARAI-SIAM-Indian Oil study, while the petroleum ministry said it is generally 3-5%. Both ministries pointed to driving conditions, habits and maintenance as key variables.
Finance Govt Debunks AI-Generated Fake Video of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Promoting Investment Scheme
The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check Unit has debunked a social media video claiming Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoted an investment scheme with easy returns. The video is AI-generated and fake, the government said, urging citizens and professionals to verify claims through official channels.
Commodities E20 Petrol Debate: Indian Government Debunks 7 Claims on Ethanol Blended Fuel, Impact on Mileage and Engines
The Indian government has issued a seven-point clarification refuting 'misleading claims' about E20 petrol, including that pre-2023 vehicles cannot use it and that 30 crore vehicles will become unusable. Minister Nitin Gadkari acknowledged a 2-6% fuel efficiency drop but said no engine failures have been recorded. Automotive companies including Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have voiced support.
Technology Meta Outlines Stricter Safeguards for Prominent Accounts After PM Modi Post Incident
Meta has communicated to the Indian government enhanced safeguards for content posted by Prime Minister Modi and other prominent accounts, including multiple review levels by senior officials. This follows a brief restriction of Modi's Facebook post due to an AI filter glitch, which the government deemed inadequately explained.
Commodities Tur Importers Seek Government Nod to Expand Sourcing Network to Brazil and Australia
India's tur importers, led by the Indian Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), are seeking government approval to add Brazil as a certified source for quality tur dal. The move aims to diversify import origins beyond traditional suppliers and follows successful pilot cultivation, with Brazil also advancing urad production. Trade bodies are simultaneously exploring tur cultivation in Australia, though policy certainty is needed.
Finance India Public Sector Banks' Bad Debt at Lowest Levels in Decades, Government Says
Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed Rajya Sabha that public sector banks' bad debt has fallen to the lowest levels in several decades. Gross NPAs declined from 7.3% to 1.9% in five years, while cumulative profits reached nearly Rs 2 lakh crore in FY2025-26, nearly three times the FY2021-22 level. The government also highlighted the continued credit growth and the role of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) in supporting businesses.
Finance Government Clarifies: Using E20 Petrol Cannot Lead to Insurance Claim Rejection
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that using E20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol cannot be a reason for insurance claim rejection. The government dismissed concerns about engine damage and fuel quality, stating the Ethanol Blending Programme is scientifically validated and has not caused widespread issues since its 2023 rollout.
Commodities India Plans to Source Up to Quarter of 2027 LPG Imports From United States, Sources Say
India plans to buy up to a quarter of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from the United States in 2027, according to three sources. The move would reduce dependence on the Middle East and help secure a trade deal with Washington. State refiners Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp and Hindustan Petroleum are expected to issue tenders within one to two months for US LPG supplies.
Commodities 10% Monsoon Deficit Hits Kharif Output: Government Warns of Production Decline Risks
The Indian government stated that kharif foodgrain production declines when the all-India monsoon rainfall deficiency exceeds about 10%, citing major drought/El Niño years. Meanwhile, cotton production has fallen due to diversification, while spices parks processed over 52,000 tonnes and e-NAM interstate trade surged.
Commodities Government restricts low-priced suspension-grade PVC resin imports for six months
The Indian government has restricted imports of low-priced suspension-grade PVC resin for six months by imposing a minimum import price of USD 0.766 per kg. The move, effective immediately, changes the import policy from 'Free' to 'Restricted' for S-PVC under HS code 39041020. Exemptions are granted to export-oriented units (EOUs), SEZs, and units under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, provided the imported inputs are not sold into the domestic tariff area. The policy change follows an anti-dumping investigation by the DGTR that found material injury to domestic producers from dumped imports.
Commodities India Says Premium Petrol to Stay Ethanol-Free, No Plan to Blend Beyond 20%
The Indian government has confirmed that premium petrol grades from state-run retailers will remain ethanol-free due to their niche performance-additive composition. Additionally, there is no current proposal to raise ethanol blending in regular petrol beyond the existing 20% or to reintroduce E0/E10 fuels, pending further scientific studies.
Commodities Government says household PNG prices remain stable despite higher LNG prices and West Asia crisis
The Indian government has stated that household piped natural gas (PNG) prices have been kept stable and affordable despite higher global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices triggered by the West Asia crisis. The measures include a capped domestic gas price of USD 7 per MMBtu and allocation of 105% of previous quarter's consumption. The PNG network continues to expand, with over 1.70 crore connections as of May 31, 2026, though a target of 1.2 crore new households by March 2027 was not explicitly confirmed.
UK Government to Cut Business Rates by 20% for Pubs, Clubs and Music Venues
The UK government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April, saving firms around £1,100 next year. The £100m cost will be funded by reviewing tax relief on vape shops and clamping down on online marketplace tax compliance. Industry figures welcome the move but caution it may not offset rising costs.
Commodities India Establishes ₹40,000 Crore Corpus for Scientific Coal Mine Closure and Rehabilitation
Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy announced a ₹40,000 crore corpus for scientific mine closures, with 42 mines closed in the last year and a target of 147 more in 2-3 years. The fund includes a community development allocation, supported by frameworks like RECLAIM and SUVIKALP, and an Indo-German cooperation project.