Policy

Fertiliser subsidy hike costing exchequer Rs 60,000 crore in lost tax gets thumbs up from Cabinet

Greenlight for about fifty percent hike in subsidy for NPK fertilisers aimed at cushioning the blow from surge in global raw materials prices

​Exclusive| Mauritius seeks Indian investments amid major bid to shed tax-haven image

Mauritius remains the fifth largest destination of Indian investments globally, mostly because of round-tripping of funds. While stringent tax rules are now reducing the flow, securing clean investments remains a challenge for the COVID-19-hit island country.

Crypto Learn | NFTs and brands: A match made in heaven

NFTs and the metaverse are a powerful tool for any brand trying to gain recognition

India allows universities to offer joint, dual degrees with foreign varsities through automatic route

UGC chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar has said all the arrangements will be done via conventional mode—these partnerships won't be allowed for online, open or distance-learning courses

Exclusive | Key nations closing in on global IP waiver for vaccines but India unhappy

A draft waiver being discussed between the US, UK and the European Union is expected to be presented to the World Trade Organisation’s member-states next week. Doubts loom about how effective it will be.

Exclusive | Government may cut effective import duties on crude edible oils further

The government is prepared to support custom duty cuts on crude edible oil imports beyond the initial deadline of September 2022. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shut down sunflower oil imports from both countries. Palm oil shipments from Indonesia and Malaysia have been disrupted by high prices and domestic shortages in those markets.

How economic and political crises simmering in the neighbourhood affect India

While there is no immediate fallout for New Delhi, the state of political emergency in national capitals across the Indian subcontinent has got officials at the ministry of external affairs working overtime.

Exclusive| EU MPs in India to explore early-harvest trade deal

The Chairperson of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) reached India on April 10 with 6 other European Union (EU) parliamentarians. They plan to start talks on a proposed trade deal, under discussion since 2007.

Higher Education Reform: In a first, students can now pursue two degrees simultaneously

A candidate can also pursue two digital degrees simulteniously. The move also means, an eligible candidate can do a master's and a bachelor's degree together too.

India-US 2+2 dialogue: New Delhi pushed to keep Ukraine out of the bilateral talks

The fourth edition of the annual dialogue between India’s external affairs and defence ministers and their US counterparts will dovetail with a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

RBI Policy: Reverse repo had to die for a non-disruptive liquidity withdrawal

The uncollateralized SDF allows greater flexibility to the RBI in liquidity management as against the reverse repo where the central bank needs to give collateral in the form of government bonds.

RBI Policy | MPC keeps repo rate unchanged at 4%, retains accommodative stance

The Monetary Policy Committee has so far remained on a growth-supportive stance to guard the economy from the ill-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CAIT, IFA urge government to roll back hike in GST rate on footwear

As of January 1, 2022, the effective GST rate on footwear costing below Rs 1,000 has been raised from 5 percent to 12 percent, while the rate for footwear costing above Rs 1,000 was rationalised to 12 percent, down from 18 percent.

Ukraine crisis | India looking to boost egg and poultry exports to Ukraine’s international markets

India’s push to capture Ukraine’s international markets for eggs revolves around boosting shipments to the UAE, which account for almost 40 percent of Ukraine’s egg exports

Trade deal only one step in Australia’s plan to boost ties with India, officials say

To enable closer cooperation, both governments are planning more economic, tech and strategic partnerships

India buying Russian oil: I will put my country's national interest, energy security first: FM Sitharaman

Speaking at the 17th CNBCTV18 India Business Leaders Awards, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that all the engines of economic growth were running, barring that of domestic corporate investments.

Exclusive | Ukraine crisis may land deathblow to India’s alternative trade route to Europe

The 7200-km International North South Transport Corridor is a multination trade route developed by India to cut transit time for shipments to Russia, Central Asia and India’s prized markets in the European Union. But it has faced repeated challenges, and the latest Ukraine crisis is the biggest one so far.

Ila Patnaik, former Principal Economic Advisor, to join Aditya Birla Group as Chief Economist

Ila Patnaik previously served with the Finance Ministry and Reserve Bank of India on multiple working groups, and is a published author and researcher on economics.

As trade with Russia remains suspended, uncertainty over diamond, oil imports continues

Although Russia accounts for only 2.6 percent of India’s total trade, historically deep trade and investment ties between the countries are now under threat.

Israel PM visit expected to boost trade talks

Scheduled for April 2, Bennett’s first visit to India faced some uncertainty after the Israeli PM contracted Covid. Both nations are however yet to officially announce any changes to the planned trip.

India’s flagship skills mission struggles with lowly 20% placement rate for trainees

The shortfall was at all three levels –training, certification and job placements.

Bottom up, all of government approach behind reaching $400 billion target, Commerce Minister says

The target was achieved 9 days ahead of schedule. Exports also crossed $30 Bn every month for 11 consecutive months in FY22.

Explained | How India's exports crossed $400 billion for the first time ever

A massive rise in oil prices, across-the-board uptick in global prices of industrial commodities, a resurgent agri-sector and a higher share of manufactured goods are the main reasons behind India reaching the government's annual export target.

India-Australia Virtual Summit | Government moves to secure critical minerals and investments from Australia

A significant outcome of the latest virtual summit was the decision to hold annual summits at the level of the Heads of Government under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.