Economy
New Zealand PM Luxon hasn't given up on dairy in trade deal with India
New Zealand efforts to secure better access to India's huge markets have foundered in the past, in particular because India wants to shield its dairy industry from imports
 "New Zealand PM Luxon hasn't given up on dairy in trade deal with India")
'Merchanting trade' includes supply of goods within same foreign country
The CBEC Circular no.38/97-Customs dated 19th September 1997 says that any group company having status recognition as 'export house' under the FTP can give the corporate guarantee
 "'Merchanting trade' includes supply of goods within same foreign country")
42% of director positions vacant on boards of 12 public sector banks
The Ministry of Finance, in a reply in Lok Sabha, said that the PSBs intimate the vacancies on the board of the bank and difficulties faced by them, if any, from time to time
 "42% of director positions vacant on boards of 12 public sector banks")
Datanomics: More Chinese market access may help counter Trump tariff impact
While India can look for innovative ideas to balance it out, one of the options available may be to persuade China to give it more market access
 "Datanomics: More Chinese market access may help counter Trump tariff impact")
Net direct tax collections rise 13% to Rs 21.3 trn till March 16 of FY25
Advance tax collections jump 14.6% during the period
 "Net direct tax collections rise 13% to Rs 21.3 trn till March 16 of FY25")
India's exports shrink 10.9% in February, the worst show in 20 months
Imports also see first drop in 11 months, bringing trade deficit to over 3-yr low
Govt assessing gains, challenges from US tariffs: Commerce secy Barthwal
Barthwal said govt is carrying out stakeholder consultations and assessing challenges, opportunities, and the broader impact of the additional tariffs imposed by the US on Indian exports
 "Govt assessing gains, challenges from US tariffs: Commerce secy Barthwal")
India, New Zealand explore digital payments, trade, and investment ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kiwi PM promise to quickly designate representatives for trade talks
 "India, New Zealand explore digital payments, trade, and investment ties")
RBI increases state bond auction amount to Rs 52,120 cr from Rs 40,120 cr
In the previous auction, the cut-off yield on 10-year state bonds was set in the range of 7.18 per cent to 7.27 per cent
 "RBI increases state bond auction amount to Rs 52,120 cr from Rs 40,120 cr")
Brics mulling national currencies to foster trade: Brazil Ambassador
Brazil is optimistic about participation of economic actors, civil society, and businesses in the US to fight climate change
 "Brics mulling national currencies to foster trade: Brazil Ambassador")
Net direct tax kitty rises 13% to Rs 21.26 trillion so far in FY25
During the year, the government collected Rs 10.44 trillion from four instalments of advance tax as against Rs 9.11 trillion in the previous fiscal, registering a growth of 14.62 per cent
 "Net direct tax kitty rises 13% to Rs 21.26 trillion so far in FY25")
India's carbon market set for 2026 launch, BEE director reveals
Saurabh Diddi, director at Bureau of Energy Efficiency, explains India's carbon credit trading scheme, which includes mandatory compliance and voluntary offsets, aiming for a 2026 launch
 "India's carbon market set for 2026 launch, BEE director reveals")
India's merchandise trade deficit narrows to $14.05 billion in February
Merchandise trade deficit for March was $14.05 billion, compared with economists' forecast of $21.65 billion
 "India's merchandise trade deficit narrows to $14.05 billion in February")
WPI inflation rises to 2.38% in Feb from 2.31% in Jan on fuel and power
The fuel and power index increased by 2.12 per cent to 153.8 (provisional) in February from 150.6 (provisional) for the month of January
 "WPI inflation rises to 2.38% in Feb from 2.31% in Jan on fuel and power")
Kerala's central tax share has halved from 10th to 15th FC: Vijayan
He tells that the Centre has double standards in dealing with borrowings of certain agencies in the state and those at the Centre as sovereign debt
 "Kerala's central tax share has halved from 10th to 15th FC: Vijayan")
India, New Zealand restart FTA negotiations after a 10-year hiatus
The announcement coincides with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to India
 "India, New Zealand restart FTA negotiations after a 10-year hiatus")
India should seek reciprocity from EU on medical devices under FTA: GTRI
"To achieve a fair trade deal, India must demand reciprocity. India should cut tariff on medical devices only if the EU reduces its non-tariff barriers," Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said
 "India should seek reciprocity from EU on medical devices under FTA: GTRI")
Banking system in India remains strong despite market concerns
The RBI assures stability as IndusInd Bank addresses a one-time discrepancy, reinforcing the resilience of India's banking sector amid strong liquidity and regulatory oversight
 "Banking system in India remains strong despite market concerns")
J&K Assembly passes Rs 7,019 crore grants for five key departments
During discussions, the deputy chief minister highlighted that the public works department oversees a 40,000-km road network and is set to blacktop 4,000 kilometres of roads in 2025-26
 "J&K Assembly passes Rs 7,019 crore grants for five key departments")
J&K received 8,500+ investment proposals worth over Rs 1.69 trn: Dy CM
The government has provided land measuring for industrial purposes to 213 non-local people and 1,751 locals under the Industrial Policy 2016-26 and Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30
 "J&K received 8,500+ investment proposals worth over Rs 1.69 trn: Dy CM")
