ICI Updated: New Series Adds Iron Ore, Revises Weights, Base Year 2026

IIP Growth Hits 7.3% in June 2026, Highest in 23 Months; Consumer Demand Weak

India's IIP grew 7.3% YoY in June 2026, the highest in 23 months. However, the growth is driven by capital and infrastructure goods due to government spending, while consumer goods (especially non-durables) show weakness, highlighting a demand-side slowdown amid high prices.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal: Japan Commits $70 Billion Investment, $10 Billion Already Inflow in 10 Months

India is deepening economic ties with Japan, expecting faster investment inflows from a $70 billion commitment, of which $10 billion has already been realized in 10 months. The Commerce Minister highlighted India's strategy to become Japan's global sourcing partner, leveraging FTAs with 38 countries and addressing Japanese firms' concerns like BIS certification hurdles for high-tech industries.

India-Japan Critical Minerals: Joint Africa Investment to Reduce China Dependence

India and Japan are exploring joint investments in Africa to secure critical mineral supplies, reducing dependence on China. FICCI President Anant Goenka highlighted this during a business delegation to Japan with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, focusing on sectors like AI, semiconductors, and shipbuilding. The initiative also aims to address the widening trade deficit with Japan since the 2011 economic partnership agreement.

GeM Completes 10 Years: ₹20 Lakh Crore GMV, 1.37 Lakh Buyers, 25 Lakh Sellers

The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has completed 10 years as a transformative digital platform for public procurement, achieving a cumulative Gross Merchandise Value of ~₹20 lakh crore. A recent IIT Delhi study (Jul-Aug 2026) found it generated ₹86,571.69 crore in monetised benefits over the last three financial years, making it a critical engine for Viksit Bharat 2047 and Ease of Doing Business.

New UPI MDR: Flat Rs 5 Charge on Railway Bookings Above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, 2026

From October 15, 2026, UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for railway tickets will attract a flat Rs 5 Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) instead of the general 0.4% fee. Crucially, this charge is on the merchant side and will not be passed to passengers. This special category concession makes railway ticketing cheaper to process than regular merchant payments.

India's LNG Imports Rise 15.4% in May-July as US, Nigeria, Oman Offset Strait of Hormuz Crisis

India successfully diversified its LNG import sources during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, increasing imports by 15.4% in May-July 2026. The US became the top supplier, while imports from Qatar plummeted 91.3%, highlighting India's energy security strategy amid geopolitical turmoil.

Record Rs 70,278 Crore Toll Collection in FY26: Top 5 States Drive 14.45% Growth

National highway toll collections hit a record Rs 70,278 crore in FY26, up 14.45% from last year, reflecting increased economic activity and highway expansion. Five states (UP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu) account for 49% of total collections. The article also highlights the shift to FASTag and the new Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.