The Economic Times
The Economic Times Feb rate cut hinges on new RBI leadership, MPC minutes show
Then RBI governor Shaktikanta Das in his last monetary policy committee meeting said, "policy priority at this critical juncture has to be on restoring the inflation-growth balance," emphasising the need to control inflation. He added, "The fundamental requirement now is to bring down inflation and align it with the target." In conclusion, Das said, "Any other approach would be counterproductive and a case of inappropriate timing."
The Economic Times GST Council meet: No tax on bank penalties, EV tax hike, popcorn tax clarity, and other key highlights
The 55th GST Council meeting unveiled several important decisions that will have a lasting impact across various sectors, from healthcare and finance to the automobile industry. While some changes, such as the increase in GST for used EVs and the new popcorn tax structure, have sparked concerns about complexity and cost, others, such as the exemption for gene therapy, have been widely welcomed by experts.
The Economic Times GST Council clarifies on popcorn taxation
When popcorn is mixed with sugar (caramel popcorn), its essential character changes to that of a sugar confectionary, and would therefore be classifiable under HS 1704 90 90 and attract an 18 per cent GST, as per the clarification.
The Economic Times GST Council ups tax on sale of used cars by businesses; says rate on popcorn depends on flavour
The GST council met on Saturday. It decided to not tax gift vouchers. Used cars purchased by businesses will face an 18% tax. This includes electric vehicles. The tax on fortified rice kernels is reduced to 5%. A decision on insurance product tax rates is postponed. The council clarified tax rates for different types of popcorn.
The Economic Times Maha will play key role in achieving India's $5 trillion economy goal: Minister Tatkare
Representing Maharashtra in the pre-Union Budget meeting held in Jaisalmer, Minister Aditi Tatkare on Saturday assured that Maharashtra would play a pivotal role in India's journey towards becoming a $5 trillion economy.
The Economic Times Vodafone India faces Rs 54 lakh penalty for unsolicited commercial communications violations
The regulatory authority has levied financial disincentives of Rs 33,31,000/-, Rs 5,93,000/-, Rs 8,14,000/-, and Rs 6,82,000/- for the quarters ending March 2023, June 2023, September 2023, and December 2023, respectively.
The Economic Times India signs $350 million loan agreement with ADB to expand manufacturing sector
India secures a USD 350 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to bolster its logistics sector. This funding, part of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) program, will support policy reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, attracting private investment, and improving supply chain resilience. The program will also promote sustainable economic growth and job creation.
The Economic Times India's PLI schemes drive Atmanirbhar Bharat vision with Rs1.97 lakh crore boost
The initiative, launched in November 2020, covers 14 key sectors and has already delivered milestones. The program has catalyzed investments worth Rs1.46 lakh crore (USD 17.5 billion), spurred production and sales of Rs12.50 lakh crore (US$150 billion), and boosted exports to Rs4 lakh crore (USD 48 billion).
The Economic Times Age of AI: The critical role of cybersecurity in future-proofing businesses
Generative AI (GenAI) systems that rely on large datasets and complex algorithms, can become targets for cyberattacks such as data breaches, adversarial attacks, and exploitation of model weaknesses. Cybercriminals may attempt to manipulate AI models or steal sensitive information, which can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal repercussions.
The Economic Times Electricity distribution companies continue to remain a burden on state finances: RBI
The Reserve Bank of India reported that DISCOM losses reached Rs 6.5 lakh crore, impacting state finances. The RBI recommends improving efficiency, reducing losses, and aligning tariffs with costs. Privatization and unbundling are also suggested. States are showing fiscal discipline, with a gross fiscal deficit contained at 2.91 percent of GDP. Capital outlay increased, indicating investment in infrastructure.
The Economic Times Incomes are either rising too slowly or falling at the lower end of the bracket
India’s gross domestic product (GDP) has been growing at a much faster clip than expected — most government agencies and financial institutions peg it at over 7%. Yet, the households tell another story. Most of them saw their real income growth — after accounting for inflation — fall by 3.1% in the last five years.
The Economic Times Gig economy led to precarious employment arrangement: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court slammed the misuse of temporary contracts. The court highlighted the exploitation of workers, especially in the gig economy. The court ordered reinstatement of sweepers who worked for two decades. The sweepers were employed by the Central Water Commission. The court ordered back wages for the sweepers. The court stressed fair employment practices for government organizations.
The Economic Times Rise of sustainable entrepreneurship: How Eco-friendly businesses are revolutionising industries
Sustainable entrepreneurship is transforming business by prioritizing both profit and the planet. Driven by moral imperative, consumer demand, and regulations, these businesses embed green practices throughout their operations.
The Economic Times Biotech startups in India surged from 50 to about 9,000 in last decade: Jitendra Singh
From just 50 biotech startups in 2014 in India, the ecosystem has grown to nearly 9,000 in the last decade, said Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
The Economic Times NFRA’s latest audit inspections reveal major deficiencies in BSR & Co. and Lodha & Co.
The NFRA's recent audit inspections of BSR & Co. LLP and Lodha & Co. LLP have exposed significant lapses in related party transactions, audit documentation, and independence controls. However, the report highlights improvements from previous inspections for BSR & Co. Both firms have acknowledged these issues and committed to implementing corrective actions to enhance their audit practices and regulatory compliance.