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News & Analysis · 03 July 2026 · Indian Economy

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

03 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis03 Jul 2026thehindu.com

PM Modi to make first official visit to New Zealand next week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make his first official visit to New Zealand in 40 years, reflecting growing momentum in bilateral relations. The visit, from July 10-11, will involve discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport, and global issues. A recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations, which aims to eliminate 95% of tariffs on goods from New Zealand, will be a key focus.

International RelationsIndian Economy
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GS-3News & Analysis03 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Coal Ministry permits use of insurance surety bonds as replacement for bank guarantees

The Coal Ministry has permitted coal block allottees to use Insurance Surety Bonds (ISBs) as a replacement for Performance Bank Guarantees (PBGs) to fulfill their performance surety obligations. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on allottees, allowing for more efficient capital deployment in mine development and operations, while ensuring government interests remain protected. The directive also applies retrospectively to existing allottees.

Indian Economy
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GS-3News & Analysis03 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Coal imports decline 13% in April

India's coal imports declined by 13% (3.14 million tonnes) in April, reducing overall dependence on imported coal from 21.7% to 19.7% of total consumption. This decline was particularly significant in the power sector and plants designed to run on imported coal. The Union Ministry of Coal attributed this trend to increased domestic coal production and offtake, strengthened First Mile Connectivity, close monitoring of thermal power plant stock, and coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Railways and Coal India Limited (CIL) to ensure assured supply to power utilities.

Indian Economy
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