Economy

Airfares likely to rise as ATF crosses ₹2 lakh/kl amid surge in oil prices

The steep price hike would add to the spiralling operational costs of airlines, which are already facing headwinds due to the West Asia conflict

India's diesel exports to SE Asia hit 7-year high in March due to Iran war

The surge in exports could boost spot sale margins for ‌Indian refiners who have purchased large volumes of prompt Russian crude to replace West Asia supply disrupted by the war

Govt grants temporary customs duty relief for SEZ goods sold domestically

The lowered duty ‌rates will range between 5 per cent to 12.5 per cent across industries

Commercial LPG prices hiked by ₹195.5 amid escalating West Asia conflict

Domestic cooking gas LPG rates, which were last hiked by ₹60 per 14.2-kg cylinder on March 7, remain unchanged

CAG pulls up Odisha govt for PSU dues, flags poor budget utilisation

Audit flags over Rs 5,000 crore unpaid PSU dividends and weak budget utilisation, raising concerns over fiscal oversight and revenue mobilisation in Odisha

Global risk aversion halts FPI momentum in FAR securities in FY26

In the financial year 2024-25, FPI inflows were supported by phased entry into JPMorgan's Government Bond - Emerging Market Index (GBO-EM)

States spend just 55% of annual capex target by February: CAG data

Twenty-two states spend just over half of their FY26 capex target by February, lagging behind the Centre, while revenue spending and tax collections show steadier progress

Datanomics: Ethanol push gains ground; dependence on oil imports persists

India's E20 fuel rollout boosts ethanol blending, but rising fuel demand keeps crude import dependence high, raising questions on its impact on energy security

Cameroon meet shows WTO's relevance: Commerce secy Rajesh Agrawal

A key area where member nations could not agree on was the moratorium on Customs duty on ecommerce

Increasing AI adoption puts humanities and critical thinking back in focus

As generative AI reshapes knowledge and decision-making, the humanities face both renewed relevance and existential pressure, raising urgent questions for universities and critical thinking

Chatroom: 'Absolute Confiscation' need not lead only to destruction'

Absolute confiscation vests goods with govt but disposal may include auction, sale or destruction; overvaluation attracts penalties under customs act, while GST export lapses trigger tax liability

Shipbuilding ties to be in focus during South Korea President's visit

India and South Korea to prioritise shipbuilding cooperation during Lee Jae Myung's visit, alongside talks on semiconductors and small modular reactors

Govt extends piped gas drive; over 310,000 new connections added

India adds over 3.1 lakh PNG connections in March as government extends drive to boost adoption amid LPG supply concerns and expand gas network coverage

Delhi Budget FY27 hikes capital outlay, but lags as share of GSDP

Delhi's FY27 Budget raises capital outlay and green spending, but capex remains below 1 per cent of GSDP, even as revenue surplus strengthens and fiscal deficit stays within limits

Bombay High Court halts GST action on 18% hotel restaurant levy

Court continues interim relief, stays show-cause notice in case challenging 18% GST rate on restaurants in high-tariff hotels, with hearing slated for June

Coal demand rises in India as West Asia crisis disrupts gas supply

Coal demand in India is rising as the West Asia crisis disrupts gas supplies, prompting higher auctions by Coal India and pushing industries to reconsider fuel choices amid tightening energy markets

India's first Iranian oil cargo since 2019 headed to Gujarat coast

Indian refiners have been looking to purchase a few cargoes of Iranian oil on water following the recent sanctions waiver by Washington

CBIC removes ₹10 lakh cap on courier exports to boost e-commerce trade

Move to boost e-commerce exports and ease logistics as CBIC rolls out wider reforms, including faster clearances and simplified return mechanisms

CBDT issues revised DIN norms, replaces 2019 circular on tax notices

New guidelines introduce flexibility in quoting DIN in tax communications while ensuring traceability and reducing litigation over procedural lapses

RBI extends export credit window till June 30 amid West Asia disruptions

Central bank extends 450-day export credit facility for disbursals till June 30 to ease cash flow pressures amid disruptions caused by West Asia conflict