Gross GST Collection Grows 14.8% to ₹2 Lakh Crore, Net at ₹1.68 Lakh Crore in August

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.

Press Note 3 FDI Relaxations Yield 29 Projects Worth ₹4,895.65 Crore by August 2026

India's Press Note 3 (2020) restricted FDI from land-bordering countries; relaxations in March 2026 eased rules for minority non-controlling stakes. As of August 10, 2026, 29 projects worth ₹4,895.65 crore have been reported from countries like Mauritius, US, Japan, and Singapore. This marks a strategic shift to unlock stuck investments, though it's less than 1% of total FDI in 2025-26.

E20 Ethanol Fuel Used in 4 Crore Vehicles; Flex-Fuel Engines to End ₹22 Lakh Cr Fuel Imports

E20 ethanol-blended petrol is being used in 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 million two-wheelers without harming vehicles and with improved mileage. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that automobile companies will produce flex-fuel engines capable of running on 100% ethanol, potentially saving ₹22 lakh crore in fuel imports and boosting farmers' income through higher maize prices.

SEBI Grants In-Principle Approval for NSE Settlement at ₹1,491.21 Crore for Past Lapses

SEBI has accepted NSE's settlement offer of ₹1,491.21 crore to resolve long-standing regulatory lapses related to governance failures and inequitable access for trading members. This in-principle approval is a critical step for NSE ahead of its mega IPO, signaling regulatory closure on past issues.

Govt to Sell 6.5% Stake in LIC at ₹382/Share, Raises ₹31,000 Crore via OFS

The Government of India is selling up to 6.5% of its stake in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) at a floor price of ₹382 per share, aiming to raise approximately ₹31,000 crore for the exchequer. This disinvestment drive is a key part of the government's target to meet its fiscal goals for the current financial year.

RBI to Launch Polymer Banknotes of ₹10 and ₹20 from FY28, Trial of 100 Crore Pieces Each

The RBI will introduce polymer (plastic) banknotes of ₹10 and ₹20 denominations from the start of FY28 to enhance durability and expand currency capacity. A trial of 100 crore pieces of each denomination (total ₹3,000 crore) will be conducted, with field tests for Indian climate conditions before full-scale circulation.

RBI Proactively Assists UCBs: On-tap Licensing, Gold Loan Limits Raised, Deposits ₹6 Lakh Crore

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah endorsed RBI's proactive support for urban cooperative banks, including on-tap licensing and raised gold loan limits. This signals a new era of cooperation between UCBs and the central bank, crucial for the sector's growth and financial inclusion.

FAST-DS Launched: Disclose Undisclosed Foreign Income Up to Rs 1 Crore, Assets Up to Rs 5 Crore Till Dec 31, 2026

The Income Tax Department has launched the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers – Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS), a one-time voluntary window from August 16 to December 31, 2026, for small taxpayers to disclose previously undeclared foreign income (up to Rs 1 crore) and assets (up to Rs 5 crore). This scheme offers immunity from prosecution under the Black Money Act, 2015, and is a critical opportunity for students, tech professionals, and relocated NRIs to regularize their foreign holdings.