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In a move aimed at enhancing retirement benefits for central government employees, the Indian government has introduced a one-time option for those who joined between April 1 and August 31, 2025, to switch from the National Pension System (NPS) to the newly established Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). This initiative, announced by the finance ministry, allows employees to make an informed choice regarding their post-retirement financial security, with the deadline for opting into UPS set for September 30, 2025. The UPS, which offers assured payouts, is available to approximately 2.3 million employees currently under NPS, which has been in effect since January 1, 2004. Unlike the old pension scheme, which guaranteed 50% of the last drawn salary, UPS is contributory, requiring employees to contribute 10% of their basic salary, while the government contributes 18.5%. The initiative reflects the government's effort to balance market-linked benefits with guaranteed returns. 
Published: Sep 17 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has recommended that field formations adopt the 'Kolkata Model' for assessing capital gains on Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) following the introduction of Section 45-5A in the Income Tax Act post-Finance Act 2017. This section mandates that capital gains be taxed in the year a completion certificate is issued, with the landowner's share valued at the stamp duty rate. The Kolkata Model outlines a five-step process to identify potential non-compliance cases. It begins with gathering information from regulatory bodies like RERA, followed by identifying relevant JDAs, cross-referencing tax returns, verifying capital gains disclosures, and issuing summons if necessary. The CBDT emphasized that this proactive approach enhances compliance monitoring and could serve as a nationwide standard. Last year, the CBDT also sought data on occupancy certificates issued over the past three financial years to improve integration with tax systems.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's e-commerce logistics market is poised for significant growth, projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% by FY30, according to a JP Morgan report. This expansion is largely attributed to increased customer engagement in tier-2 and smaller cities, alongside technological advancements that enhance operational efficiency. Despite this promising outlook, the broader logistics industry has struggled to keep pace with demand, facing challenges such as high scale barriers and insufficient investment. Many e-commerce logistics firms remain unprofitable, prompting potential consolidation if growth does not accelerate. Additionally, the report highlights the need for improved infrastructure in emerging markets and the adoption of technology, including AI and machine learning, to optimize delivery processes. As consumer expectations shift towards faster delivery options, major companies are increasingly offering same-day and next-day services, while large conglomerates are implementing omni-channel retail strategies to enhance customer experience.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 9 ameznews.inPunjab's border districts, including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Kapurthala, Fazilka, and Ferozepur, have been severely impacted by recent floods, with Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian reporting damage to 5 lakh acres across 2,185 villages. At a national conference on the Rabi campaign 2025, Khudian urged the Centre to allocate an additional Rs 151 crore under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to restore silted land and support the agricultural economy. He highlighted the urgent need for Rs 80 crore to provide certified wheat seeds to affected farmers and requested 637 quintals of mustard seeds and 375 quintals of black gram seeds. Khudian also called for timely supplies of fertilizers and the release of ₹8,000 crore in withheld funds. The Union Agriculture Minister assured that the Centre would take necessary steps to assist Punjab during this crisis.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has urged the Indian government to refrain from imposing an export duty on low-grade iron ore, warning that such a move could lead to an annual revenue loss exceeding ₹800 crore from current production levels. In a letter to Union Minister of Mines G Kishan Reddy, the GCCI highlighted that the imposition of an export levy would severely impact Goa's mining sector, destabilize operations, and threaten thousands of jobs. The chamber emphasized the need to maintain the existing NIL export duty regime for low-grade ores, which are primarily unsuitable for domestic steelmakers due to their lower quality compared to ores from other states. With Goa's mining operations still recovering from years of suspension, the GCCI cautioned that any new levy could undermine investor confidence and hinder the fragile recovery of the state's mining-dependent economy.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), popularly known as Milma, has announced new initiatives aimed at boosting milk production and supporting dairy farmers during its 52nd Annual General Body Meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. Chairperson K S Mani emphasized the federation's commitment to maintaining subsidies and welfare measures for farmers while ensuring high-quality dairy products for consumers. Despite a reported 35% decline in cattle population, Milma's procurement of milk from its three regional unions increased by 13.91% from April to August 2025. The meeting also approved a budget projecting revenues of Rs 597.97 crore and a capital budget of Rs 67.33 crore for the upcoming year, reflecting Milma's strategic focus on enhancing its competitive edge in the market and empowering local milk societies.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe International Bamboo Summit, set to take place in Mumbai on September 18-19, aims to highlight the potential of bamboo in sustainable development. Jointly organized by the Phoenix Foundation and Maharashtra's MITRA, the event will gather farmers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and global experts to discuss bamboo's role in various industries, including ethanol, methanol, furniture, and textiles. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, will attend the summit, which coincides with International Bamboo Day. Pasha Patel, Chairman of the State Agricultural Price Commission, emphasized bamboo's environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and biofuel production. The summit will also feature discussions on urban forestry and green infrastructure, culminating in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding worth ₹20,000 crore on the second day, marking Maharashtra as the first state to host such an event.
Published: Sep 17 2025, 8 ameznews.inDreamFolks Services Ltd., India's largest airport services aggregator, has announced the discontinuation of domestic airport lounge access for customers, effective Monday. This decision, communicated via a stock exchange notification, is expected to significantly impact the company's operations. While DreamFolks will continue to offer other domestic services and its global lounge business, it confirmed that discussions with clients regarding alternative value propositions are ongoing. The company, which has been operational since 2013, previously facilitated lounge access for credit card holders through partnerships with banks, airlines, and lounge operators. However, recent moves by lounge operators, including Travel Food Services Limited and Adani Group, to establish direct agreements with banks have pressured DreamFolks' business model. Adani Group has stated that this shift will not affect passengers, as cardholders will retain lounge access unless banks alter their terms.
Published: Sep 16 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's draft 'Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025', released on Tuesday, aims to overhaul the existing 'Drone Rules of 2021' by introducing mandatory registration, safety features, and insurance for unmanned aircraft systems. The Bill retains the Digital Sky zoning system, categorizing airspace into green, yellow, and red zones, with operations in green zones permitted freely, while yellow zones require air traffic control clearance. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will continue as the primary regulatory authority, mandating that all drones must have a Unique Identification Number (UIN) and type certification. Additionally, the draft includes provisions for compulsory third-party insurance for operators and establishes a compensation mechanism for victims of drone accidents, with specified amounts for death and grievous injury. Violations in restricted airspace are classified as cognizable offences, potentially leading to three years' imprisonment or fines up to ₹1 lakh. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft by September 30, 2025.
Published: Sep 16 2025, 11 pmeznews.inTrade negotiations between India and the US, led by chief negotiators Brendan Lynch and Rajesh Agarwal, resumed with "positive and forward-looking" discussions aimed at revitalizing the stalled bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Following a day of talks, the teams agreed to continue virtual discussions to address contentious issues, including India's agricultural red lines and the US's penalty tariffs related to Russian oil purchases. The last round of negotiations, held in July, failed to yield a mini-deal, primarily due to India's resistance to US demands on market access for sensitive agricultural products and steep duty cuts in the automotive sector. The US has imposed a total of 50% tariffs on Indian goods, with officials asserting that these penalties are linked to India's oil purchases from Russia. As tensions persist, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized India's stance on agricultural imports, highlighting ongoing challenges in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Published: Sep 16 2025, 9 pm
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