Category: News

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the FCRA 2.0 portal and e-OCI card facilities in Delhi, marking another step toward the government’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” championed by Narendra Modi.

The upgraded FCRA 2.0 portal is designed to offer organisations receiving foreign contributions a more user-friendly and transparent digital platform, reducing paperwork and streamlining compliance processes. The government said the new system will also strengthen regulatory oversight of foreign contributions, helping safeguard national interests while improving efficiency through digital governance.

New Delhi, June 30: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has completed nine years, marking a major milestone in India’s indirect tax reform journey, officials and experts said.

Over this period, GST has evolved into a more stable and collaborative tax framework between the Centre, States, industry, and institutions. The system today is seen as a mature and technology-driven ecosystem supported by continuous reforms, improved compliance mechanisms, and growing alignment with business practices.

Key Changes and Evolution Over Nine Years

Officials highlighted several major improvements since the rollout of GST:

• Unified tax structure: Multiple indirect taxes were replaced with a single nationwide tax system, creating a common national market.
• Digital-first system: End-to-end online filing, e-invoicing, and automated return processing have significantly reduced manual intervention.
• Improved compliance: Technology-driven monitoring and data analytics have helped reduce tax evasion and improve transparency.
• Faster refunds: Streamlined processes have improved refund timelines for exporters and businesses.
• Frequent policy updates: Regular rate rationalisation and procedural changes have improved responsiveness to industry needs.
• Broader tax base: Greater formalisation of the economy has expanded the taxpayer base over time.

Stable and Collaborative Ecosystem

Experts noted that GST has now become a stable collaborative platform involving governments, tax authorities, and businesses. This coordination has helped address implementation challenges and refine processes based on feedback from stakeholders.

The regime is also increasingly aligned with modern business practices, with digital compliance systems reducing paperwork and improving efficiency for taxpayers.

Outlook

Officials said continued reforms, data-driven administration, and deeper digital integration are expected to further strengthen the GST framework in the coming years, making it more efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly.

The government reiterated its commitment to further simplifying processes and improving ease of compliance for businesses and individuals.

New Delhi, June 30: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has officially unveiled the national team jersey ahead of the upcoming Pickleball World Cup.

The new jersey has been designed to represent India’s sporting identity, unity, and competitive spirit as the national team prepares to compete on the global stage.

According to officials, the unveiling marks a significant milestone in India’s preparations for the World Cup, reflecting the rapid growth of pickleball in the country and the increasing participation of athletes in the sport.

The team is expected to undergo final preparations, including training camps and selection processes, ahead of the international tournament.

The Indian Pickleball Association expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the sport across the country.

Rio de Janeiro, June 30: Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli praised head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s calm approach after the team secured a spirited comeback victory in their FIFA World Cup match.

Martinelli said the coach’s composure and clear communication played a key role in keeping the team focused during a difficult phase of the match. He added that Ancelotti’s leadership helped restore belief in the squad, which eventually turned the game around in Brazil’s favour.

The Brazilian team showed strong resilience after going behind early, responding with improved coordination, attacking intent, and disciplined gameplay in the second half.

Players and staff credited the team’s unity and tactical adjustments for the turnaround, highlighting the importance of staying composed under pressure in high-stakes tournament matches.

The win strengthens Brazil’s position in the competition as they continue their campaign in the FIFA World Cup.

New Delhi, June 30: State-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced plans to invest around ₹1,900 crore in research and development (R&D) by FY30, aiming to strengthen innovation and modernise its operations.

The investment is expected to focus on improving mining efficiency, adopting cleaner technologies, enhancing safety standards, and supporting sustainable coal production practices.

The move comes as Coal India looks to align with long-term energy transition goals while maintaining its role as a key supplier of coal to the power sector.

Officials said the R&D push will help the company integrate advanced technologies and improve productivity across its mining operations over the coming years.

New Delhi, June 30: India successfully shielded its consumers from the impact of the ongoing Gulf crisis through timely and well-planned energy management measures, a former senior petroleum official said.

According to the official, proactive steps taken by the government, including diversification of crude oil sourcing, strategic petroleum reserves management, and efficient supply chain coordination, helped maintain stability in fuel availability and prices.

The official noted that India’s energy security framework played a key role in minimizing disruptions despite global uncertainties arising from the Gulf situation. Coordinated efforts between policymakers, refiners, and distribution agencies ensured continuity in supply across the country.

Experts added that India’s approach to energy management highlights the importance of long-term planning, international partnerships, and flexible procurement strategies in safeguarding consumers during global supply shocks.

The remarks underline India’s growing resilience in managing external energy risks and maintaining stability in the domestic market.

New Delhi, June 30: The Government of India has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for a period of six months, according to official sources.

The extension of tenure is aimed at ensuring continuity in leadership and maintaining stability in the functioning of the direct tax administration. The CBDT plays a key role in framing policy for direct taxes and overseeing the Income Tax Department.

Officials said the decision reflects the government’s focus on sustained implementation of ongoing tax reforms, improved compliance mechanisms, and efficient tax administration.

During his continued tenure, the CBDT Chairman is expected to oversee key initiatives related to revenue collection, digital tax systems, and taxpayer services.

Further administrative details will be issued by the concerned authorities in due course.

Bhubaneswar (UDN): The Odisha government is planning to develop a Rapid Transport Corridor (RTC) connecting Bargarh, Sambalpur and Veer Surendra Sai (VSS) Airport at Jharsuguda to strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth in western Odisha.

Representational image

The proposed corridor aims to provide faster, safer and more efficient transportation between the key urban centres and the airport, significantly reducing travel time for commuters, tourists and businesses. The project is expected to improve access to the region’s commercial, industrial and educational hubs while enhancing last-mile connectivity to the airport.

Official sources said the initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to develop modern transport infrastructure and facilitate balanced regional development. Once implemented, the corridor is expected to boost trade, tourism, investment and employment opportunities across western Odisha.

The proposed transport network is also expected to benefit passengers travelling to and from Veer Surendra Sai Airport by providing seamless connectivity with major towns in the region. Authorities are examining various options for the corridor, including route alignment, mode of transport and implementation strategy.

The government is expected to undertake detailed feasibility studies and prepare a comprehensive project report before the project is taken up for execution. Officials said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to expanding world-class transport infrastructure and improving mobility for the people of western Odisha.

New Delhi, June 30: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is set to issue fresh guidelines for banks to curb the mis-selling of insurance products, IRDAI Chairperson has said.

The proposed guidelines aim to strengthen transparency and ensure that insurance products are sold based on customers’ financial needs and informed consent. The regulator is expected to introduce measures that promote ethical sales practices and enhance accountability among banks distributing insurance products.

According to the Chairperson, the initiative is intended to safeguard policyholders’ interests and improve consumer confidence in the insurance sector. The guidelines are also expected to reinforce compliance standards and encourage fair business practices across the bancassurance channel.

Industry experts believe the move will help reduce complaints related to mis-selling and improve the quality of customer service by ensuring greater disclosure and suitability of insurance products.

The detailed guidelines are expected to be released by IRDAI in the coming weeks.

New Delhi, June 30: India’s growing water deficit is expected to create an investment opportunity of nearly ₹20 lakh crore by 2030, according to a recent report.

The report highlights that increasing water demand, rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and climate-related challenges are driving the need for significant investment in water infrastructure, conservation, treatment, and efficient resource management.

Experts said investments will be required across key areas such as water supply systems, wastewater treatment, irrigation, desalination, recycling, and smart water management technologies to address the country’s long-term water security needs.

The report noted that the expanding investment landscape presents opportunities for both public and private sector participation while supporting sustainable development and improving access to clean water.

Analysts believe that timely investments and policy support will be crucial in strengthening India’s water infrastructure and ensuring efficient management of water resources over the coming years.