export duty

Move To Keep Prices In Check, Aid Textile Industry

The Centre has exempted customs duties on cotton imports for five months until October 30, aiming to boost availability and reduce costs for India's textile sector. This move is expected to enhance competitiveness, particularly benefiting MSMEs and enabling garment exporters to secure orders more effectively amidst global volatility.

The government has imposed a Rs 3 per litre windfall tax on petrol exports while reducing levies on diesel and aviation fuel. These revised rates, effective May 16, aim to ensure domestic fuel availability and prevent excessive profits from elevated global crude oil prices amid the West Asia conflict.

India has moved silver imports to a "restricted" category, requiring government approval, to prevent traders from exploiting a duty gap created by a recent 15% import tax hike. This move aims to curb arbitrage opportunities through the India-UAE free trade agreement, protect foreign exchange reserves, and control precious metal inflows, while exempting export-oriented industries.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed openness to investor concerns regarding capital gains tax, assuring that the government will consider stakeholder suggestions. She also defended recent fuel price hikes, attributing them to global crude oil costs and highlighting the government's prior absorption of excise duties.

Rising Raw Material Costs, Freight Volatility And Uncertain Supply Hit Textiles, Chemicals, Pharma And Real Estate Sectors

Fuel prices have risen sharply, adding to household expenses and transportation costs. This surge, driven by global events, is straining supply chains and impacting everyday goods. Oil marketing companies are seeing stock gains. The government faces a balancing act between consumer relief and revenue. The economic outlook remains a focus amidst these challenges.

Two months into office, Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah faces scrutiny as his ambitious reform agenda lags, with key promises marked "overdue." His administration grapples with cabinet instability, legal challenges over decisions, and criticism of his governing style, including bypassing institutions and controversial enforcement actions.

In a strategic move, the US is pushing to wrap up a trade deal with India that seeks to expand market access and lower trade obstacles, aiming for a remarkable $500 billion in trade by 2030. This agreement is set to bolster supply chain resiliency and attract foreign investments.

India's economy has faced significant challenges from global oil price surges over the past fifty years. From the 1973 Arab embargo to the recent Hormuz disruption, these shocks have impacted inflation and foreign exchange reserves. Policymakers have continuously adapted strategies to manage these crises, balancing economic stability with consumer needs.

Evasion of Around Rs 65 crore Linked to One SEZ Unit

Rupee depreciation is not new, what is new however is the rapid pace at which it is falling. It’s the biggest risk for India’s external sector resilience at the moment. In just over a year, the rupee has depreciated over 14%.