Ahead of the finalisation of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Pay Commission, the issue of pension commutation is back in focu. It is an old demand of employee unions that the period for restoration of the commuted part of the pension should be reduced from 15 years to 12 years. The question
The country’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has raised interest rates on home loans for new borrowers from the beginning of August 2025, according to a report by ‘The Economic Times’. The decision was taken ahead of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) MPC meet, which was held from August 4-6. The repo
Leading tax expert Ajay Rotti on Saturday welcomed the government’s plan to overhaul the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, primarily into two tax slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent. How does the government plan to reform the pre-existing tax slab structure? The Central Government has mulled reducing the current four-slab structure
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day on Friday, promised next-generation GST (Goods and Services Tax) reforms ahead of Diwali, calling it a major gift to the people during the festive season. The government has proposed to change the slabs of the
SBI Life has launched a term insurance plan called ‘SBI Life – Smart Shield Plus’, designed for consumer’s evolving insurance needs, the insurer said in a statement. Claiming to have some ‘future-ready features’, the term insurance plan comes with an increasing cover, whole life protection and optional benefits, it said. “This individual, non-linked, non-participating, pure
In the world of investing, you will probably find only a handful of people who have managed to achieve ‘legend’ status. Warren Buffett is one of them. 94-year-old Buffett, who now has a personal fortune of over $140 billion, transformed investing into an art and discipline. His ideas – which he has shared over the
The Income Tax Bill 2025 passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday has brought great relief to government pensioners and many other taxpayers. The new bill clearly provides that the entire amount of commuted pension will be exempted from tax, provided this pension is received from an approved pension fund. Earlier this exemption was available
The new Income Tax Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday without debate. Earlier today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reintroduced the Income-Tax (No 2) Bill in the Lok Sabha, days after it was withdrawn in the House to incorporate key recommendations of the Select Panel of the Lok Sabha. One more bill
WHENEVER A NON-RESIDENT Indian (NRI) sells a property, the buyer has to deduct tax on the gross sale consideration rather than on the actual taxable gains. However, there’s a way out to ensure that tax is withheld only on the real capital gains arising from the sale and not on the entire transaction value. For this
After being formally separated from gambling-based segments, esports are now eyeing towards becoming a far more attractive proposition for mainstream corporate sponsors and institutional investors. Esports’ Rise vs. RMG’s Decline Esports, which traditionally depends on sponsorships and media rights, is now expected to grow fan-led monetisation through event ticketing, merchandise and digital engagement. Big brands
Shares worth Rs 1.75 lakh crore are set to be unlocked in the next three months (August 28-November 27), as the pre-listing lock-in period of promoters, anchor investors, and other shareholders in 57 companies is set to expire, according to a report by Nuvama Institutional Equities. While this unlocking will increase the supply of shares
Paving the way for an overhaul of the eight-year-old goods and services tax (GST) regime, a group of ministers on rate rationalisation has given its nod to the Centre’s proposal for a reduction in tax slabs and rates, even as some opposition-ruled state sought compensation for revenue losses. This is a shot in the arm
After the government unveiled a sweeping ban that could wipe out their businesses overnight, a shell-shocked online gaming industry has requested the government to reconsider and take a more calibrated stance on banning real money gaming (RMG). Some are also weighing the option of taking legal recourse. The Esports Players Welfare Association (EPWA) on Wednesday
