AGP Executive Report
Last update: an hour agoUPI MDR Shake-Up (India): India’s Finance Ministry and NPCI clarified that from 15 Oct 2026 a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate will apply only to select merchant UPI payments above ₹2,000 (with a ₹300 cap), while P2P transfers stay free and most small merchant payments remain zero-charged—sparking debate in Parliament as the BJP defends the move and the NCP(SP) warns merchants may try to pass costs to customers. SME Support Push (Hong Kong): Hong Kong’s 2026 Policy Address outlines expanded SME and digital support, including more financing and trade tools, plus stronger cybersecurity and logistics modernisation. Fisheries Value-Chain Investment (India): India marks six years of PMMSY (launched 2020), with Rs 20,750 crore planned and Rs 2,500 crore allocated in Budget 2026-27, aiming to modernise fisheries beyond production into cold chains, transport, marketing and post-harvest systems. SME Digital Complexity (Asia Pacific): Mastercard’s Dreamonomics report says Asia-Pacific SMEs juggle multiple tools and payment methods, creating reconciliation and cash-flow headaches—while many want more integrated solutions. SME Growth via Policy & Skills (BRICS/China): China’s proposed BRICS digital cooperation initiative focuses on a shared digital ecosystem plus skills training and business matchmaking to bridge digital divides. SME IPO Watch (India): Robokidz Eduventures is set to launch a ₹31.09 crore BSE SME IPO on 21 Sep. Trade & Compliance (India Customs): CBIC’s chief urged faster AI use to move customs toward a near-paperless, trusted taxpayer system and better handholding for MSMEs.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.