New Delhi, Aug 2: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that West Bengal is set to benefit significantly from the nine landmark Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with enhanced market access expected to boost the state’s exports and economic growth.

In a post on social media platform X, the minister said the FTAs would provide greater opportunities for tea growers, fisherfolk, artisans engaged in traditional handicrafts, as well as the state’s youth and women.

“West Bengal stands to gain significantly from the 9 landmark Free Trade Agreements concluded under PM Narendra Modi,” the Union Minister mentioned.

“Enhanced market access will benefit tea growers, fisherfolk, artisans engaged in traditional handicrafts, and the state’s youth and women,” Goyal added.

According to Goyal, improved access to international markets will help increase production, expand exports and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across multiple sectors in West Bengal.

He said the benefits arising from the trade agreements would contribute to strengthening the state’s economy while advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat, or developed India.

“This will drive higher production, boost exports, and generate sustainable livelihoods, furthering the vision of Viksit Bharat,” the minister explained.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, a State government insider said that at least 42 industrialists have contacted State Commerce and Industries Minister Tapas Roy, expressing their desire to invest in West Bengal.

According to the official, the minister has assured them of cooperation in this regard. The insider added that several announcements regarding investment in the industrial sector may be made during the current budget session of the State Assembly.

After coming to power, the Suvendu Adhikari government said there would be development in the State’s industrial sector, and that he himself would intervene in this regard.

After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) first came to power in West Bengal, the Centre asked NITI Aayog to prepare a long-term blueprint to revive West Bengal’s industry and economy.

That work has already started under the leadership of NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri.

Mumbai, Aug 2: Indian equity markets will enter the new trading week with investors closely tracking the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy decision, a fresh round of June quarter earnings, global geopolitical developments, crude oil prices and foreign institutional investor (FII) flows after benchmark indices staged a strong recovery in the previous week.

The market snapped its recent losing streak as easing crude oil prices, improving geopolitical sentiment, strong corporate earnings for the April-June quarter and renewed buying by foreign institutional investors lifted investor confidence.

The decline in crude oil prices from recent highs helped ease concerns over imported inflation, pressure on corporate margins and India’s external account, providing support to equities.

The Nifty advanced 2.59 per cent during the week to close at 24,383.60, while the Sensex gained 2.68 per cent to settle at 78,094.64. Both benchmark indices also recorded their second consecutive monthly gain in July.

Commenting on Nifty technical outlook, experts said that a decisive close above the 24,500–24,600 zone could extend the rally towards 25,200.

“On the downside, 24,100 is expected to provide immediate support, followed by a stronger support zone in the 23,600–23,800 range,” an analyst stated.

The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting will be the key domestic event this week. The three-day meeting will begin on August 3, with the policy decision and RBI Governor’s statement scheduled for August 5.

Investors will closely monitor the central bank’s commentary on inflation, economic growth and the future interest rate trajectory for cues on market direction.

Corporate earnings will remain another major driver as several heavyweight companies are set to announce their financial results for the first quarter of FY27.

Global developments will also remain on investors’ radar amid persistent tensions in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump warned of additional strikes on Iran as Washington stepped up efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Crude oil prices will continue to be closely monitored after ending Friday more than $1 per barrel higher and registering their strongest monthly gains since March amid concerns over global supply disruptions following reports that some oil tankers had reversed course in the Strait of Hormuz.

New Delhi, Aug 1: August brings a slew of financial deadlines and events that could affect taxpayers and banking customers, including an August 31 income tax return (ITR) deadline for businesses and professionals, the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and bank service charge changes.

Taxpayers who are required to file ITR‑3 or ITR‑4 and not subject to tax audit — including self‑employed professionals, freelancers and small business owners using presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD and 44ADA — must file income tax returns by August 31.

Late filing fee penalty could be up to Rs 5,000 under Section 234F and interest on unpaid tax under Section 234A, where applicable.

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting is scheduled to start from August 3, with its policy decision due on August 5.

RBI’s stance on interest rates and liquidity could influence home loan EMIs, lending rates and fixed‑deposit returns in the coming months.

The RBI is likely to keep policy rates unchanged as consumer price inflation is expected to remain above 5 per cent for the next two quarters and Q1 FY27 domestic product growth may exceed about 7 per cent, a recent report said.

An explicitly dovish message is less likely given oil volatility, rupee pressure and external flow caution.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways has launched a token-based system for Tatkal ticket booking at reservation counters from August 1 to streamline the booking process and reduce crowding at ticket counters.

Axis Bank will cut benefits on its premium Magnus for Burgundy card from August 28, raising the Dynamic Currency Conversion markup from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent. Reward points on toll‑related transactions and gift‑card purchases will be discontinued.

Several banks are set to revise select service charges in August, like debit card annual maintenance charges, transaction fees, or other banking service charges.