04 Sep 2025

Kerala is likely to experience an annual revenue loss of INR 8,000-10,000 crore following the GST rate cuts, according to state Finance Minister Shri K N Balagopal. While the state supports the cuts to lower consumer prices, Balagopal emphasized that the central government must ensure these benefits reach the public. Key sectors including cement, electronics, automobiles, and insurance are expected to contribute to the revenue shortfall. The new GST structure simplifies rates to 5% and 18%, impacting personal-use and aspirational goods, as well as life and health insurance premiums.Read more

04 Sep 2025

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has welcomed the GST Council's decision to process refunds within seven days, saying it will help ease liquidity pressure for exporters. Timely and predictable refunds are critical for maintaining India's export competitiveness amid global demand uncertainties. FIEO highlighted that the move to allow refunds below INR 1,000 will especially benefit e-commerce exporters. The exporters' body emphasized that effective implementation of these measures, along with ICEGATE facilitation for small taxpayers, will provide much-needed relief and strengthen confidence in India's export sector.Read more

04 Sep 2025

Odisha CM Shri Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the recent GST Council approvals, emphasizing benefits for farmers, MSMEs, small traders, and middle-class families. The Council approved tax reliefs on life and health insurance, agricultural inputs, farm machinery, and essential medicines, alongside measures to support tribal livelihoods. Majhi supported rate rationalisation, compensation cess reforms, and the simplified GST registration for small businesses. He also pointed out sector-specific benefits, including reduced tax on Kendu leaves for tribal communities, lower agricultural production costs, and more affordable medicines, framing the reforms as steps toward economic efficiency and inclusive growth.Read more

04 Sep 2025

The GST Council has reduced tax rates on multiple dairy products, fertilisers, biopesticides, and farm equipment to benefit farmers and consumers. UHT milk and paneer are now tax-free, while butter, cheese, and condensed milk attract 5 per cent GST. Agricultural machinery, tractor components, fertiliser inputs, and various biopesticides have also seen significant tax cuts. These measures aim to lower input costs, increase demand for farm produce, and make dairy and agricultural products more affordable. The changes are expected to boost rural incomes and improve the livelihood of farmers.Read more

04 Sep 2025

TRULiV, a Chennai-based co-living and staycation operator, announced earlier this week that it had become the first company in India's alternate hospitality and co-living segment to achieve profitability. The firm reported revenues of INR 32.34 crore for FY 2024-25, more than double the previous year, and turned a profit of INR 13 lakh after posting a loss in FY 2023-24. With nearly 7,000 beds set to open across major cities, the company now eyes INR 50 crore revenues in the coming fiscal while retaining its asset-light model.Read more

04 Sep 2025

The Central Government has established a committee to tackle tax and export clearance issues affecting manufacturing units, following high US tariffs on Indian goods. The panel includes representatives from key ministries, RBI, and industry bodies, and will review existing customs duties, export incentives, and clearance procedures. It will identify challenges in key export sectors such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, electronics, chemicals, textiles, and gems and jewellery, study global best practices, and suggest reforms to improve efficiency and competitiveness. With the US accounting for a significant portion of exports, these measures aim to help Indian manufacturers sustain their performance in global markets.Read more

04 Sep 2025

SEBI conducted a Municipal Bond Outreach Programme in Bhopal to guide Urban Local Bodies on using municipal bonds for financing urban infrastructure. The sessions covered investor expectations, regulatory requirements, and procedures for issuing bonds. SEBI also highlighted its e-learning course on municipal bonds developed with the World Bank. Madhya Pradesh officials stressed the need for strong financial management, revenue-focused projects, and staff training. Following a similar programme in Thiruvananthapuram, SEBI continues to support ULBs in adopting municipal bonds as a reliable funding tool for urban development.Read more

04 Sep 2025

Arkade Developers Ltd has acquired a 14,364 sq metre land parcel in Bhandup (West) for INR 148 crore by taking full ownership of Woollen and Textile Industries Ltd. The company has successfully completed 31 projects covering 5 million square feet and is developing another 2 million square feet. This acquisition strengthens Arkade's presence in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and aligns with its strategy of expanding its development portfolio in key urban locations. Known for its focus on residential and commercial projects, the company continues to consolidate its position among India's leading real estate developers.Read more

04 Sep 2025

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a flat fee of INR 5,000 for both stamp duty and registration charges on property partition deeds, replacing the earlier 4% stamp duty and 1% registration fee. The move is intended to make property division among families more affordable, encourage formal registration, and reduce disputes that often end up in courts. Although the initial revenue loss is projected at around INR 6.38 crore, officials expect that increased registrations over time will balance the loss. Similar reforms in other states have led to more transparent property settlements.Read more

03 Sep 2025

BBMP has sent electronic demand notices to over 2.75 lakh Bengaluru property owners for unpaid dues exceeding INR 786 crore. The notices were distributed zone-wise, with Mahadevapura recording the highest number of defaulters. Property owners have been instructed to pay or appeal through the BBMP portal, while defaulters face the risk of property attachment and distress sale. The civic body collected INR 4,604 crore last fiscal year, short of its INR 5,210 crore target. Past digital initiatives such as e-khata revealed under-reporting worth hundreds of crores. Recent reminders, restrictions on transactions, and citizen complaints over inflated notices were also part of the drive.Read more