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In a significant overhaul of its tax regime, India implemented sharp cuts to Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates and raised the income tax exemption limit in 2025, with a focus on stimulating domestic demand amid global economic challenges. The new Income Tax Act, effective from April 1, 2026, replaces the outdated 1961 legislation, while two new laws will impose additional excise duties on cigarettes and pan masala. The GST reform, which reduced rates on 375 goods and services and streamlined the tax structure to two main slabs, aims to simplify the indirect tax system and enhance compliance. Despite record GST collections of ₹2.37 lakh crore in April, revenues dipped to ₹1.70 lakh crore in November, reflecting the impact of the rate cuts. Looking ahead, the government plans to rationalise customs duties, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighting the need for transparency and efficiency in customs processes. 
Published: Dec 25 2025, 11 ameznews.inNihar Info Global Limited has launched the Amazon Inter-State Xpress Delivery (IXD) Programme, aimed at streamlining operations with a unified weight-handling fee structure. This initiative will enhance inventory distribution through automated algorithms that align with regional sales demands. To comply with eligibility criteria, the company established Virtual Principal Places of Business (VPPOB) and secured GST registrations in five states: Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Divyesh Nihar Boda, Managing Director, announced these developments to the Bombay Stock Exchange on Wednesday. The company has significantly expanded its infrastructure, increasing from two warehouses to over 20 fulfilment centres for Amazon and Flipkart across the five states. These operations are now fully operational, enabling the company to efficiently dispatch inventory to various centres, thereby positioning products closer to customers.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia is set to chair the Kimberley Process, a global initiative aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds, starting January 1, 2026. The Kimberley Process, which includes 60 members representing over 99% of the global rough diamond trade, seeks to ensure that diamond shipments are free from conflict financing. India, a major hub for diamond manufacturing, will focus on enhancing governance, compliance, and transparency during its tenure, as well as advancing digital certification and traceability. The country will assume the role of Vice Chair on December 25, 2025, before taking over the chairmanship. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that India's selection reflects global confidence in the Modi government's commitment to integrity in international trade. Established in 2003 under a UN resolution, the Kimberley Process has evolved into a key mechanism for curbing the trade in conflict diamonds, and India aims to strengthen its credibility and inclusivity during its leadership.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) industry is poised for a significant upturn, with projected growth of approximately 8% in FY26 and 10% in FY27, according to a report by Nomura. This anticipated growth follows a period of modest performance, driven by improving industry fundamentals, rising freight rates, and a high average truck age of around 10 years, which is expected to boost replacement demand, particularly in FY27-28. The report indicates that fleet operators are experiencing enhanced profitability due to better freight rates and GST-related efficiencies, leading to stronger cash flows and increased confidence in new vehicle purchases. While the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is nearly fully operational, its impact on overall truck demand is expected to be limited, as non-bulk cargo still heavily relies on road transport. Nomura remains optimistic about the sector's potential for a cyclical upturn, supported by favorable macroeconomic conditions.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian retail sector, valued at around $1.1 trillion, is poised for significant growth as it heads into 2026, driven by a shift in consumer demand from major cities to Tier II and III locations. With a backdrop of strong domestic demand, digital integration, and substantial mall development, the industry is expected to benefit from policy reforms like GST adjustments and income tax relief, alongside a favorable monsoon season. Experts predict double-digit growth, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency and competition in shaping the market. While challenges such as rising rentals, supply chain inefficiencies, and margin pressures persist, the rise of e-commerce and the increasing influence of the middle class are set to redefine retail dynamics. Industry leaders highlight the need for retailers to leverage technology and focus on personalization to thrive in this evolving landscape, marking a transition from volume-led to margin-driven growth.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia is unlikely to meet its ambitious target of $1 trillion in goods and services exports by FY26, according to Ajay Shrivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). In an interview with ANI, he noted that last year's exports reached approximately $825 billion, but projected only $850 billion for the current year due to stagnant growth in goods exports, despite some growth in services. Shrivastava emphasized that achieving the target hinges on major trade agreements with the US and EU, expected next year. He highlighted early signs of market diversification, with exports to the US down 20.7% but a 5.5% increase to other regions. However, he cautioned that diversification of the export basket is essential, advocating for more medium to high-tech products. He also called for a stronger push at the WTO to refocus on trade issues and suggested coalition-building with countries like South Africa and Brazil to protect agricultural interests.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 10 ameznews.inUnion Minister Amit Shah announced the upcoming launch of the Bharat Taxi ride-hailing app, set to debut within one to two months, aimed at reducing commercial vehicle drivers' reliance on private companies. Speaking at the Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO) conference in Panchkula, Shah emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing farmers' prosperity through cooperative initiatives and sustainable agriculture practices. The Bharat Taxi app, operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, will ensure that all profits go directly to drivers, providing them with insurance and advertising opportunities. Shah highlighted the importance of cooperatives in transforming rural livelihoods, citing the success of Amul in empowering women milk producers. He also noted significant increases in the agriculture budget since 2014 and praised Haryana's efforts in supporting farmers through timely payments and high prices for crops. The event included the inauguration of new agricultural facilities and the distribution of RuPay cards to cooperative bank beneficiaries.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 10 ameznews.inNavi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially launched commercial flight operations on Thursday, a significant development for India's civil aviation sector and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The inaugural flight from Bengaluru, operated by IndiGo, landed at 8 am, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute to commemorate the occasion. Following this, the first departure to Hyderabad took off at 8:40 am. On its opening day, NMIA will facilitate 15 scheduled departures, with airlines including IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air connecting to nine destinations across India. Initially operating from 8 am to 8 pm, the airport aims to expand to 24 daily departures and handle up to 10 aircraft movements per hour. Built at a cost of ₹19,650 crore, the first phase of the airport is part of a larger project expected to accommodate 90 million passengers annually upon completion. Full 24-hour operations are anticipated to begin in February 2024.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndiGo, India's largest airline, has announced its readiness to meet holiday season demand following significant operational disruptions earlier this month. In response to a directive from the civil aviation ministry, the airline has reduced its winter schedule by 10% but remains committed to reliability amid forecasts of a harsher winter. Since stabilising operations on December 9, 2025, IndiGo has been gradually increasing capacity within government guidelines, consistently operating between 2,100 and 2,200 flights and transporting over 1 million passengers every three days. However, the airline is facing scrutiny, with Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare revealing that the ministry has received approximately 100 complaints regarding IndiGo ticket cancellations. The airline's proactive measures aim to ensure a smoother travel experience during the peak holiday period.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory on Thursday, alerting passengers to potential flight disruptions due to dense fog and low visibility in Bangalore. The airline is actively monitoring weather conditions and has urged travelers to check their flight status through official channels. In its advisory, IndiGo reassured customers of its commitment to safety and operational support during this challenging period. Despite the weather-related challenges, IndiGo reported operational stability, carrying over one million passengers every three days and maintaining a schedule of 2,100-2,200 flights. The airline is also preparing for increased demand during the holiday season and is set to introduce its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, enhancing medium-to-long haul travel options. IndiGo plans to connect Delhi and Mumbai with Athens starting January 23, 2026, while exploring additional domestic and international routes as part of its fleet expansion strategy.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 9 am
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