Marine reform: Centre notifies new deep-sea fishing rules; bans foreign vessels, empowers cooperatives – what changes for Indian fishers?

In a major policy shift aimed at unlocking India’s vast marine wealth, the Centre has notified new rules for deep-sea fishing in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — prioritising fishermen cooperatives, small-scale fishers, and digital transparency, while banning foreign vessels from Indian waters.The rules, notified on November 4, fulfil the government’s Budget 2025-26 promise […]

IBC reform: ICAI submits inputs on proposed amendments; suggestions made to Parliament panel examining insolvency bill

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on Thursday presented its suggestions to a Parliamentary panel reviewing proposed changes to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), aimed at strengthening and streamlining the insolvency resolution framework.The Select Committee of Parliament, headed by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, is examining the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, […]

Certification reform: Sebi proposes new norms for market professionals; hybrid learning, tighter exemptions on the cards

Markets regulator Sebi has proposed a major revamp of the certification framework for securities market professionals, aiming to expand participation and upgrade skill standards in line with evolving market needs.In a consultation paper released on Thursday, Sebi suggested broadening the definition of “Associated Persons” to include not only those employed by intermediaries and regulated entities […]

PM Modi hails GST reform at Rozgar Mela, ETCFO

Hailing the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the country is seeing the “positive impact in the MSME sector and retail trade” and would create new employment opportunities. Addressing the Rozgar Mela virtually, the prime minister highlighted that the reform would increase exports and give young […]

Economy

Retail inflation expected to decline on high base and GST reform impact in October: Report

India’s retail inflation is expected to decline further in October 2025, driven by a high base effect, delayed seasonality in food prices, and the full impact of recent GST reforms, according to a report by Union Bank of India. The report anticipates only a gradual pickup in price pressures in the months ahead. “Our projection […]

Fiscal reform: J-PAL’s Dhaliwal urges states to fix finances for faster poverty reduction; calls for scheme rationalisation and focus on human capital

States must strengthen their financial position to accelerate poverty reduction and ensure sustained development, Iqbal Singh Dhaliwal, Global Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has said.“The central government’s fiscal deficit is fine, but the state governments are facing considerable challenges in terms […]

Economy

GST reform to cushion tariff impact; agriculture freedom can add 0.7% to GDP: CEA

Speaking at an AIMA event, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran noted that the US tariff hikes may have only a limited short-term effect on GDP, while GST-driven domestic demand could provide resilience. | Photo Credit: George Verghese 4772@Chennai A GST rate cut is likely to limit tariff-related impact on economic growth, based on changes […]

CBIC Holds Key Meeting with Industry for Smooth GST Reform Rollout, ETCFO

New Delhi: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) is set to hold a meeting with industry associations and trade bodies to discuss the implementation of recent GST reforms and rate rationalisation. CBIC chief Sanjay Kumar Agarwal has also urged field formations for proactive outreach to assist businesses in ensuring a smooth transition. […]

Car prices: Mahindra cuts rates by up to Rs 1.56 lakh after GST reform; XUV700, Thar, Scorpio see big drops

Mahindra & Mahindra on Saturday announced a reduction of up to Rs 1.56 lakh across its passenger vehicle range, passing on the benefit of the GST rate cut to customers.The move comes after the revamped Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure was cleared at the 56th GST Council meeting on September 3. The revised prices […]