Pulse of the Public
Pulse of the Public
India's net direct tax collections rose nearly 13% year-on-year to over ₹12.12 lakh crore between April 1 and September 17, 2026. The growth was primarily driven by an 18% expansion in corporate advance tax payments, reflecting sustained economic activity and broad-based business performance.
The Finance Ministry has issued an urgent appeal to Public Sector Bank and Regional Rural Bank employees to refrain from going on a 3-day strike from September 28. The ministry stated that key demands are being reviewed and urged dialogue to prevent widespread banking disruptions.
India's Index of Core Industries recorded a 4.8 per cent year-on-year growth in August 2026, driven by double-digit expansion in cement and electricity output.
The Union Ministry of Finance concluded a two-day conference of State Finance Ministers and Secretaries in New Delhi, focusing on fiscal roadmap and economic growth strategies.
The National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) has recommended asset monetisation proposals valued at over ₹5,000 crore in its 21st Board Meeting to unlock value from surplus government real estate.
The Central Government has extended the sugar stockholding limit for bulk industrial consumers from 15 days to 30 days, provided the additional stock is sourced from imported sugar. Domestic open-market purchasing remains capped at 15 days.
NITI Aayog has launched the ninth edition of its 'Trade Watch Quarterly' report, revealing that India's combined trade reached $506.9 billion in the first quarter of FY27. The thematic study focuses on strategic metals, critical minerals, and expanding export corridors in developing markets.
APEDA signed an agreement with InD Events Dubai, confirming India as the Official Partner Country for Gulfood 2027. The partnership aims to expand global trade channels for Indian agri-food exporters, MSMEs, and farmer organizations.
India has welcomed the passage of enabling legislation by New Zealand's Parliament to give effect to the bilateral Free Trade Agreement signed between the two nations. The agreement offers duty-free access for 100 percent of Indian export items.
A report by NLB Services projects festive season hiring in India to grow by 15-20%, generating up to 2.5 lakh temporary and gig roles across e-commerce, logistics, and retail.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced a de minimis exemption from Registration-cum-Membership Certificate requirements for export shipments valued up to ₹3 lakh. The move aims to cut compliance costs for MSMEs and small exporters using postal and courier channels.
The National Payments Corporation of India has notified a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI merchant transactions exceeding ₹2,000, starting October 15, 2026. Person-to-person transfers and transactions with small merchants will remain entirely fee-free.
Credit rating agency Moody's Ratings has upgraded India's real GDP growth forecast for FY 2026-27 to 7% from 6%, citing strong domestic demand and resilience to global geopolitical shocks.
India and the South American trade bloc MERCOSUR have launched formal negotiations to expand their Preferential Trade Agreement and signed a protocol to accept electronic Certificates of Origin for paperless trade.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has fined ride-hailing app Rapido ₹10 lakh for using dark patterns and misleading tipping prompts during booking processing.
India and Canada have officially commenced the fourth round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in New Delhi. The five-day talks aim to conclude the trade pact by the end of 2026 and double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030.
India’s annual wholesale price index (WPI) inflation ticked up to 9.92% in August 2026, driven primarily by surging energy costs and elevated food prices, according to official Ministry of Commerce data.
Capital markets regulator SEBI has released a consultation paper proposing a blended VWAP settlement methodology for futures and options to curb expiry-day price volatility.