👉 Recommendations of the 57th Meeting of the GST Council 👉 GST Council recommends removal of arrest provisions under GST 👉 GST Council recommends raising prosecution threshold from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore 👉 GST Council recommends reduction in general penalty from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000 👉 GST Council recommends wider eligibility for input tax credit and refunds 👉 GST Council recommends further simplification of registration and compliance processes 👉 GST Council recommends faster refunds to improve working capital for businesses 👉 GST Council recommends common standards for GST notices and proceedings 👉 GST Council recommends measures for smoother movement of goods across states 👉 GST Council recommends intelligence-based and authorised interception of goods 👉 GST Council recommends simplified GST registration for small sellers on e-commerce platforms 👉 GST Council recommends measures to facilitate export of services 👉 GST Council approves in-principle optional scheme for small consumer-facing businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore Read more ➡️ pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.… #57thGSTCouncil

👉 DRI foils major ganja trafficking attempt and seizes 591 kg cannabis smuggled from Nepal 👉 Intelligence-led operation uncovers 81 packets of ganja concealed in ingenious compartments in a truck suspected to be carrying contraband from Nepal Read more ➡️ pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetai… #DRIAtWork

👉 DRI seizes more than 43 lakh foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes worth Rs. 8.64 crore in Mizoram; one arrested 👉 Intelligence-led interception on Champhai–Aizawl Road again exposes suspected cigarette smuggling from Myanmar Read more ➡️ pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetai… #DRIAtWork

👉 DRI seizes over seven kg amphetamine and three kg cocaine as it intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking in country; three arrested 👉 Intelligence-led interceptions at Bengaluru & Delhi airports and near Nagpur expose attempts to traffic contraband concealed in passenger baggage Read more ➡️ pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetai… #DRIAtWork

RT @RBI: ‘Samvad 2026’, an international seminar for central banks organised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), commenced today in New Del…

As part of #SpecialCampaign-6, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) @FinMinIndia continues to strengthen Swachhata, workplace efficiency, systematic record management and citizen-centric service delivery, reaffirming its commitment to responsive and accountable governance. #SpecialCampaign-6 is underway at the Department of Economic Affairs with focused efforts towards cleanliness, optimum use of office space, responsible e-waste disposal, reduction of pendency and improved delivery of public services. DEA is undertaking focused activities under #SpecialCampaign-6 to ensure timely disposal of pending references and grievances, strengthen record management and promote responsible disposal of e-waste from 2 October to 31 October 2026. #SpecialCampaign-6 goes beyond cleanliness. It is about decluttering offices and processes, reducing pendency, improving record management, enhancing accountability and making public service delivery more efficient and citizen-centric. Read more ➡️ pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.…

👉 DRI seizes massive 137 kg consignment of crystal meth; busts coastal drug trafficking network; 4 arrested in Tamil Nadu 
👉 Major intelligence-led operation foils suspected attempt to smuggle drug to Sri Lanka through maritime route Read more ➡️ pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.… #DRIAtWork

The members shared their experiences and perspectives on the Tham Luang cave ordeal with Smt @nsitharaman. She also commended their courage and resolve and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Lord Buddha for His blessings and for protecting the young lives through the ordeal. Noting that they practise Theravada Buddhism, she invited them to visit India, particularly Bodh Gaya in Bihar, a place of immense significance to Buddhists worldwide and Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh. The team members warmly accepted the invitation and expressed their eagerness to visit India soon. (2/n)

Smt @nsitharaman met members and representatives of Thailand’s Wild Boars Football Academy in Bangkok, including survivors of the 2018 Tham Luang cave incident, in which 13 people, an assistant coach and 12 boys aged between 11 and 16, were trapped in the cave for up to 17 days. Among them were Coach Ekapol Chanthawong, who was the assistant coach at the time and helped keep the trapped boys calm and sustain their morale, and Chanin Wibunrungrueang (Titan), who was just 11 years old, the youngest of the 12 footballers caught in the ordeal. The rescue of all 12 boys and their coach from the flooded cave brought together Thai authorities, international specialists, medical teams and volunteers in an extraordinary humanitarian effort. Their remarkable story of survival and the selfless efforts of those who brought them to safety remain an enduring testament to courage, human resilience and cooperation beyond borders. Nopparat Kanthawong (Coach Nop), the Academy’s then head coach who assisted the rescue effort from outside the cave and Noppadol Kanthawong (Coach Dol), the Academy’s public relations representative and the younger brother of head coach Nopparat Kanthawong, were also present. (1/n)

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met Minister of Finance of Curaçao, Mr. Charles Cooper, on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF #AnnualMeetings in Bangkok, Thailand, today. The discussion centred on avenues for engagement between the two countries. Mr. Cooper highlighted opportunities for Indian companies in the island’s energy storage and logistics infrastructure, including its large hydrocarbon storage capacity, deep-sea harbour and ship repair facilities, as well as its financial services sector and the stability offered by the legal framework of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. FM Smt. @nsitharaman welcomed the interest expressed and said it would be conveyed to the Indian companies concerned. The two Ministers also discussed cooperation in health and education, including the supply of generic medicines from India and potential partnerships between universities. FM invited Curaçao to share its requirements, which can be taken up with the Indian pharmaceutical industry. The two sides exchanged views on a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to promote investment, noting that such agreements would be concluded through the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Curaçao side informed that, at the request of the Indian community, a roundabout has been named after Mahatma Gandhi, and that a statue will be unveiled there shortly. FM Smt. @nsitharaman appreciated the gesture. Both sides mutually agreed to follow up on the discussions and noted the potential to deepen India-Curaçao economic and people-to-people ties.

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met H.E. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand, on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF #AnnualMeetings, in Bangkok, Thailand, today. At the outset, FM Smt. @nsitharaman expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother of Thailand, and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati. She also expressed deep condolences for the loss of life and property due to the recent floods. Both Ministers discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, with particular emphasis on enhancing bilateral trade, mutual investment opportunities, financial connectivity, digital payments and cooperation in emerging financial technologies. FM Smt. @nsitharaman underlined that India and Thailand share a very special relationship forged by strong cultural ties, and highlighted investment opportunities offered by India's International Financial Services Centre @IFSCA_Official at @GIFTCity_, Gujarat, and encouraged Thai banks, financial institutions and fintech companies to leverage its expanding ecosystem for cross-border banking, trade finance, capital markets, treasury operations, fintech innovation and wealth management. Discussions also focused on facilitating greater two-way investment flows, including opportunities for Thai investors to participate in India's growing infrastructure and emerging sectors through investment platforms and vice versa, while encouraging stronger business and financial linkages between the two economies. Both Ministers exchanged views on advancing the proposed UPI–PromptPay linkage to facilitate seamless cross-border payments for tourists and businesses, and exploring local currency settlement mechanisms using the Indian Rupee and Thai Baht to support bilateral trade and investment. The Ministers also discussed prospects for enhanced fintech collaboration, cross-border settlement of tokenised financial assets, and regulatory sandboxes among others, besides emerging technologies like AI, quantum as areas of future cooperation.

Watch: Smt @nsitharaman's keynote address on India’s ambitious Urban Development Programmes under the theme of "Working Together to Make Cities Investable - Mobilising Private Capital for Urban and Water Infrastructure", at the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met Shri Mr. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Finance Minister of Bhutan, on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF #AnnualMeetings in Bangkok, Thailand, today. Both Ministers discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation including engagement with @GIFTCity_ and @IFSCA_Official, development partnership, energy collaboration, trade, connectivity and financial integration. FM Smt. Sitharaman reiterated India's continued commitment to supporting Bhutan's developmental priorities and welcomed progress in bilateral cooperation. Discussions also focused on exploring INR currency payments and settlements and exchanged views on advancing energy cooperation and enhancing bilateral trade facilitation. Both the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the long-standing partnership through closer economic engagement, improved connectivity and mutually beneficial development initiatives.

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met Mr. @RothGilles, Minister of Finance, Luxembourg, on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF #AnnualMeetings in Bangkok, Thailand, today. FM Smt. @nsitharaman said that India looks forward to the forthcoming State Visit of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg to India early next year as an opportunity to further strengthen the India-Luxembourg economic and financial partnership. Both sides discussed enhanced cooperation between financial sectors of the two countries, exploring opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in sustainable finance and banking.

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met Mr. Kazuhiko Amakawa, Governor of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF #AnnualMeetings in Bangkok, Thailand, today. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in clean energy, energy transition, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, critical minerals, electric mobility and resilient supply chains, including through the $600 million India-Japan Fund and Japanese participation in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (@NIIFIndia). The Governor highlighted the success of the India-Japan Fund, with investments in e-mobility and bioethanol, and expressed hope for a follow-on fund. He noted JBIC’s stake in the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) and growing Japanese interest in semiconductors, including opportunities at Dholera, and in AI and data centres. The Union Finance Minister also encouraged Japanese investment in data centres in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities such as Visakhapatnam, to support balanced urban growth. Both sides noted the potential to deepen India-Japan economic and financial cooperation and learn from each other’s experiences.

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman delivered the keynote address on India’s ambitious Urban Development Programmes under the theme of "Working Together to Make Cities Investable - Mobilising Private Capital for Urban and Water Infrastructure", at the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF #AnnualMeetings in Bangkok, Thailand, today.

Countries which were in the middle-income group are suddenly dropping into desperate balance-of-payments struggles and need the IMF's help. The response can't come years afterwards. They approach you in desperation for help and for nearly three or four years, no solution is given. These kinds of things are getting corrected now. - Smt @nsitharaman in Bangkok, Thailand (2/n)

During India's G20 presidency, in 2023, we took up this issue that multilateral development institutions, financial institutions, the World Bank, IMF and so on, will have to be more nimble-footed. They have to live up to 21st-century expectations because these are Bretton Woods institutions. They have contributed immensely to keeping the global systems going, financial markets understood, global financial systems supported and so on. But that is the kind of expectation we have of them even in this century, where you are finding newer problems: cross-border, technology-driven payments, cross-border issues, stablecoins or central bank-driven currencies. - Smt @nsitharaman in Bangkok, Thailand (1/n)

Public spending on capital expenditure has helped us build infrastructure in the country and that has a greater multiplier effect. So, when you spend public money on building infrastructure, the multiplier that it creates is different from what it would be if you were to put that money in the hands of the people directly. So, that way, I think the multiplier has actually worked out and kept us going very well during these difficult times. - Smt @nsitharaman in Bangkok, Thailand (2/n)

India, much against all the odds, is able to keep up the growth. In fact, we've been the fastest-growing in the last four or five years since COVID. So, it's a performance which is consistent with the kind of efforts that we're taking. Particular reasons for it I would think is being inclusive and making sure everyone has access to resources and access to skilling for the young and making sure that fiscal prudence is not lost in this. We are conscious that we have a responsibility with public money and therefore, have a very clear understanding that we can't be splurging money, even as we have to take care of those who are vulnerable in the economy. - Smt @nsitharaman in Bangkok, Thailand (1/n)