The government is considering allowing Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) to subscribe to the National Pension System (NPS), as part of a broader push to attract foreign capital into India. The move follows a series of recent measures by the Government and the Reserve Bank of India aimed at improving dollar inflows and strengthening the rupee.
The policy push comes amid headwinds from rising crude oil prices and foreign portfolio investor outflows linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. As of June 2026, assets under management under the NPS stood at ₹17.27 lakh crore, with state government employees accounting for the largest share, followed by central government employees, the corporate sector and individual subscribers.
Maruti Suzuki to hike prices by up to ₹30,000 across models from August
India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has announced a price increase of up to ₹30,000 across its vehicle portfolio beginning August 2026. The company said the decision has been driven by the continued rise in input costs.
According to a regulatory filing, the extent of the price hike will vary across models. The increase is intended to partially offset higher production expenses, reflecting the pressure automakers continue to face from escalating material and manufacturing costs.
WTO urges India to deepen trade reforms as New Delhi flags global trade barriers
The World Trade Organization has called on India to accelerate reforms aimed at reducing trade costs, simplifying regulations and strengthening integration with global markets. The recommendation was made during India’s eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO.
While acknowledging India’s strong economic growth trajectory, the WTO Secretariat said achieving the country’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision would require addressing structural challenges such as regulatory complexity, infrastructure gaps and high trade costs. India, meanwhile, highlighted growing geopolitical tensions and rising non-tariff barriers as key obstacles affecting its export potential.
Retailers clocked 6 per cent average sales growth in June year-on-year: RAI
India’s retail sector recorded an average sales growth of 6 per cent in June compared to the same period last year, according to the Retailers Association of India. The data points to resilient consumer demand despite a cautious spending environment.
Growth was led by food and grocery, which rose 10 per cent year-on-year, followed by quick-service restaurants at 9 per cent. Footwear sales increased by 8 per cent, while consumer durables and electronics registered 7 per cent growth, indicating steady demand across key consumption categories.
(Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
