Topic
government policy
Business For Ease of Liquidity and Business, Government to Amend MSME Act
The Government of India intends to amend the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Act to enhance liquidity and ease of doing business. The move, reported by Times of India, signals a strategic shift to support the MSME sector, which is vital for employment and economic growth. The amendment aims to address regulatory bottlenecks and improve access to finance.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Govt opens inventory-based e-commerce to foreign direct investment for exports only
The Indian government, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has amended the FDI policy to allow inventory-based e-commerce for exports only. This enables Indian manufacturers to use foreign investment to own inventory and sell directly to overseas buyers, while maintaining the existing prohibition on inventory-based B2C e-commerce domestically. The policy change aims to boost exports without affecting small domestic retailers.
Commodities India ring-fences 72 lakh tonnes of FCI rice for ethanol production in 2026-27
India's food ministry has allocated 72 lakh tonnes of rice from FCI stocks for ethanol production in the 2026-27 supply year at ₹2,390/quintal, up from 52 lt in 2025-26. An additional 55 lt of broken rice will be sold via e-auction. The move supports higher blending targets and reduces fossil fuel imports.
Regulations & Compliance India Issues Draft CAFE III Norms for Passenger Vehicles, Seeks Stakeholder Feedback
The Ministry of Power released draft Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) III norms for 2027-2032, targeting progressively tighter fuel consumption for M1 passenger vehicles. Stakeholder suggestions are invited by August 6, 2026.
Commodities Philippine Department of Energy Suspends 3.3GW Offshore Wind Auction for Recalibration
The Philippine Department of Energy has suspended all activities under the fifth Green Energy Auction round, which was to award incentives for up to 3.3GW of fixed-bottom offshore wind capacity. The suspension allows for recalibration amid port readiness, permitting, environmental costs, and potential supply chain disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Nine companies had passed the initial qualification review out of over 20 bidders.
Commodities India Extends Duty Relief on Key Petrochemical Products Until July 15 Amid West Asia Tensions
The Indian government has extended duty relief on around 40 key petrochemical products including Anhydrous Ammonia, Methanol, and Styrene until July 15. The exemption, first introduced on April 2, aims to protect domestic industries from supply chain disruptions due to West Asia tensions. The extension comes as the government monitors global freight and supply chain impacts, with a customs revenue target of Rs 2.71 trillion for FY27.
Trade Centre Tweaks Windfall Tax, Raises Petrol Export Duty: Times of India Report
The Times of India reported that the Indian government has tweaked the windfall tax and raised the petrol export duty. The source article, however, did not contain any specific details on the changes, effective dates, or product scope beyond the headline.
Technology India's Semicon 2.0 to Broaden Chip Incentives Beyond Fabrication to Entire Ecosystem
India is finalizing Semicon 2.0, the next phase of its semiconductor mission, which will expand incentives beyond chip fabrication to include design startups and suppliers of chemicals, gases, materials, and equipment. ISM CEO Amitesh Kumar Sinha announced the policy will improve eligibility and incentive structures, aiming to localize the supply chain and reduce import dependence.
Manufacturing Delhi EV Policy 2026: Rs 15,000 Crore Plan to Boost Electric Mobility and Phase Out Petrol Two-Wheelers
The Delhi government officially notified the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026, effective July 1, 2026, with a Rs 15,000 crore investment plan, over 30,000 charging points, and full road tax exemption for electric cars priced up to Rs 30 lakh. The policy also phases out registration of petrol two-wheelers from April 1, 2028, and restricts subsidies to battery electric vehicles only.
Manufacturing India’s E100 ethanol push could trigger ₹50,000 crore auto industry investment
India's push for E100 ethanol could trigger ₹37,000-50,000 crore in auto industry investment, including ₹22,000-30,000 crore in R&D and ₹15,000-20,000 crore in localisation and manufacturing upgrades. However, flex-fuel vehicles are expected to account for only a low single-digit share of the market by 2030, and the investment must compete with ongoing electrification spending.
Technology UK to Scan Asylum-Seekers’ Faces with Flawed AI Age Estimation Despite Internal Warnings
The UK Home Office plans to deploy facial age estimation AI on asylum seekers from 2026, despite an internal report showing the technology regularly mistakes children for adults and exhibits racial bias. The system errors by an average of 4.6 years for female Sub-Saharan Africans, the largest migrant group crossing the Channel.
Business India’s Fiscal Policy Shifts to Long-Term Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty, S&P Global Says
India's fiscal policy is transitioning from providing immediate economic buffers to building long-term strategic resilience, according to a report by S&P Global. The shift aims to support domestic growth and strengthen economic resilience amid rising global uncertainties triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict. Policy measures include fiscal adjustments, industrial policy changes, and energy source diversification.
Business Maharashtra CM: Dharavi redevelopment to follow Singapore, Hong Kong model, with global hub
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Dharavi Redevelopment Project will follow modern housing development models from Singapore and Hong Kong. The first phase targets completion by March 2028, delivering 10,000 homes. The project includes a multi-modal transport hub, MSME support for local industries, and preservation of Dharavi's industrial ecosystem.
Technology India de-licences radio spectrum for automotive radar and V2X to boost collision-avoidance systems
The Indian government has de-licenced the 77-81 GHz and 5.9 GHz radio spectrum bands for automotive radar and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, according to the Department of Telecommunications. The move paves the way for wider deployment of collision-avoidance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, aligning India with US and EU regulatory frameworks. It comes as India's road deaths reached a record 1.8 lakh in 2024.
Manufacturing Tata Motors Poised to Benefit from India's Rs 9,585 Crore Scrappage Scheme for Ageing Commercial Vehicles
Tata Motors, with 11 registered vehicle scrapping facilities across 10 states and capacity to dismantle more than 1.9 lakh vehicles annually, is well-positioned to benefit from India's Rs 9,585 crore scheme to replace ageing commercial vehicles in Delhi-NCR. The company holds over 50% market share in medium and heavy trucks in key northern states and operates its scrapping network under the Re.Wi.Re initiative.
Trade India Seeks Tariff Parity for Drug Exports to US
India is negotiating with the US for tariff parity on patented drug exports, challenging a 100% duty imposed in April. The tariffs could impact India's CRDMO sector, which is growing rapidly.
Commodities India Considers Delaying Higher Ethanol Mandate
India's government is considering delaying the increase in ethanol blending from E20 to E25 due to concerns about vehicle compatibility. Most vehicles manufactured before 2025 are not fully compliant with higher ethanol blends, potentially impacting mileage and maintenance costs.
Trade Indian Cotton Prices Drop as Import Duty Suspended
India suspends import duty on cotton from June 1 to October 31, easing domestic prices and benefiting the textile industry. The Cotton Corporation of India adjusts prices amid increased import options.
Trade India Reduces Excise Duty on Fuel Exports Effective June 1
India has reduced the special additional excise duty on fuel exports, effective June 1. The duty on petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel has been lowered to enhance trade competitiveness.
Trade India Waives Cotton Import Duty to Boost Supplies
The Indian government has waived the import duty on cotton until October 30, 2026, to enhance supply and reduce input costs for the textile industry. This policy aims to stabilize domestic prices and support the sector amid global supply chain challenges.
Trade India Waives Cotton Import Duty to Boost Textile Exports
India's Finance Ministry has waived the 11% import duty on cotton from June 1 to October 31, 2026, to support the textile industry. This move aims to stabilize input costs and enhance competitiveness in global markets.