Policy
Demand for work under MGNREGS seen highest in Tamil Nadu during October
Tamil Nadu led demand for work under MGNREGS in October, accounting for 22% of the total, with 2.88 million people seeking employment. Overall demand for unskilled work across India dropped by over a third year-on-year, indicating improved economic activity in rural areas.
EPFO rolls out Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025
A new Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025 will encourage employers to enroll eligible employees with EPFO. Starting November 1, 2025, employers will face minimal penalties for past employee contributions. This initiative aims to boost workforce formalization and ease of doing business. The EPFO is also enhancing its digital platform, EPFO 3.0, for greater efficiency and accessibility.
RBI launches 3 key surveys for monetary policy inputs
The Reserve Bank of India has launched three important surveys. These include one on inflation expectations from households. The surveys will provide key information for the central bank's monetary policy decisions. The results will help shape future economic strategies. The Monetary Policy Committee will consider these findings in its upcoming meeting.
CII Budget wishlist: Tax reforms must seek to simplify, stabilise & digitise
In a bid to streamline taxation, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has put forth ambitious reforms for the upcoming union budget in India. Their vision is to create a tax framework that is not only straightforward and stable but also fully digitized.
GST returns pending for 3 years to get time-barred from November tax period: GSTN
Starting November 2025, businesses will face a hard deadline as the GST Network enforces a new rule prohibiting the filing of tax returns that are overdue by three years or more. Companies must prioritize submitting their outstanding returns to stay compliant. This regulation affects all categories of filings—monthly, quarterly, and annual.
Housing index: Rural rent in, staff accommodation out
India's housing index is set for a major overhaul. The new inflation series will now cover rural areas alongside urban centers. Government and employer-provided housing will be excluded to reflect true market rents. Rent data collection will shift to a monthly basis. These changes aim to create a more accurate and representative housing index for the nation.
Income Tax Tribunal move to back 22% tax on capital gains sparks row
A tax tribunal's unusual decision has surprised many. It supported the tax department's move to charge 22% tax on capital gains. This is based on the company's other income tax rate. Experts believe this ruling may be challenged. The development could encourage similar stands from tax officials. This situation highlights how automated tax demands can proceed through appeals.
Unbacked cryptos have no value, stablecoins risk policy sovereignty: RBI DG
RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar has voiced concerns about stablecoins. He believes they could destabilize economies like India and that Central Bank Digital Currencies offer superior functionality. Sankar also asserted that cryptocurrencies lacking backing or an issuer hold no inherent value. These digital assets are not considered financial instruments by the central bank.
RBI wants rupee internationalisation to support developed economy goal
India's currency, the Rupee, is beginning its global journey. Exporters are now invoicing in Rupees, a trend expected to grow significantly. This move aims to help India reach developed economy status. The Reserve Bank of India believes this will reduce risks for Indian businesses and contribute to a more stable global financial system.
Budget 2026: Assocham suggests tax simplification, rationalisation
Industry body Assocham has submitted its pre-Budget memorandum to the Revenue Secretary. Key proposals include tax simplification and rationalisation to boost ease of doing business. A loan waiver under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is also suggested. Assocham also recommended a comprehensive tax amnesty scheme for customs duties to reduce litigation.
Must Watch
HCL co-founder Ajai Chowdhry urges adopting "demand aggression" model for Made in India push
In a dynamic push for India's tech sector, Ajai Chowdhry, co-founder of HCL, champions the idea of demand aggregation for telecom and networking solutions. His call for the government to consolidate and award major contracts to top-tier Indian companies mirrors the successful model of China's Huawei.
RBI’s forex strategy yields better results than IMF approach, says deputy governor Poonam Gupta
Reserve Bank of India deputy governor Poonam Gupta defended the central bank's currency management strategy. She stated that building foreign exchange reserves and intervening in the currency market yield better outcomes. Gupta also indicated that there is scope for easing monetary policy. This is due to growth being below aspirations and inflation remaining benign.
Robust, globally competitive manufacturing sector key to raise share in GDP: Niti report
India needs a strong manufacturing sector to reach 25% GDP contribution and create 100 million jobs. NITI Aayog's report highlights the need for advanced manufacturing to achieve this. This roadmap aims to make India an advanced manufacturing powerhouse by 2035. Frontier technologies will build precision and resilience. This will create a globally competitive 'Made in India' identity.
Finmin launches National Cyber Awareness campaign
In a bold move towards securing our digital future, the Department of Financial Services has kicked off the National Cyber Awareness campaign. This initiative was launched during a dynamic capacity building workshop, coinciding with National Cybersecurity Awareness month. Secretary M Nagaraju championed the need for robust cyber education, vital for cultivating a resilient fintech landscape.
NITI lays out 10-year roadmap to develop frontier technology-enabled manufacturing ecosystem
In its report Reimagining Manufacturing: India’s Roadmap to Global Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing, released on Wednesday, the Aayog said systematic, inclusive, and cluster-focused deployment of frontier technologies along with related interventions could take up the share of manufacturing to 25% of GDP from 15-17% now, generate over 100 million jobs, and establish India as one of the top three global hubs for advanced manufacturing by 2035, key milestone towards Viksit Bharat in 2047.
Upcoming reforms must target small enterprises' integration into global supply chain: Niti Aayog Vice Chairman
Niti Aayog's Vice Chairman Suman Bery stressed integrating small enterprises into global supply chains for India's industrial success. He highlighted the need to move beyond uniform approaches, focusing on state-specific strategies and developing competitive industrial ecosystems.