The City of Dallas has revealed that a miscalculation in commercial remodel permit fees has resulted in a significant financial shortfall, costing the city approximately $8.6 million. The error was disclosed during a recent Economic Development Committee meeting and has prompted urgent calls for reform to prevent further losses. The issue stems from an internal mistake following the adoption of a new permit fee structure introduced in spring 2024. According to the Planning and Development Dep

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), securing health and term insurance for themselves and their families back in India is more than just a financial obligation—it is a critical step toward safeguarding their loved ones and managing long-term security. As global citizens, NRIs often weigh the pros and cons of buying insurance in their country of residence versus opting for policies in India. What tips the scale in favor of Indian insurance are three strong reasons: affordability, extensive

The White House has dismissed multiple administration officials following a meeting between President Donald Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer. Among those ousted were at least three National Security Council (NSC) staffers, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision came after Loomer reportedly provided Trump with a list of officials she deemed disloyal, urging their removal. Loomer, a controversial figure known for her extreme views, has gained influence

In a noteworthy development signaling the economic progress of Andhra Pradesh, the state has recorded its highest monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in nearly a year. The GST revenue generated in the state for the month of March 2025 has reached an impressive ₹3116 crore, breaking past the ₹3000 crore milestone for the first time in the last 11 months. This also marks an 8.35 percent year-on-year growth compared to March of the previous year, indicating an upward trend in tax

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is at the center of a major political storm as it is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today amid mounting opposition from the INDIA bloc. The bill, intended to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is being promoted by the government as a long-overdue reform aimed at improving the administration and efficiency of waqf property management. However, critics argue that several of its provisions threaten the very autonomy of Muslim religious endowments, making it a dee

As the new financial year begins on April 1, 2025, taxpayers, investors, and banking customers in India must prepare for several important changes in financial regulations. These reforms, previously announced by the government and regulatory bodies, are aimed at improving compliance, digital security, and financial transparency. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key changes that come into effect starting April 1.   1. Higher Income Tax Exemption Limit

Coromandel International Ltd. has won an appeal to quash an order to recover Rs 589.2 crore, including penalty and interest, from the company. The original order, filed by the additional commissioner of central tax from the Visakhapatnam Central GST Commissionerate, was contested successfully by the company. The Office of the Commissioner (Appeals), Central Tax and Customs, Guntur, ruled in Coromandel's favor on January 20, 2025. In a related matter, the fertilizer manufacturer

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, December 21. This meeting will focus on several important discussions related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. The agenda includes deliberations on taxability issues concerning food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, and potential changes to GST rates on products like health insurance premiums, life insurance, wristwatches, shoes, and apparel. The cou

India introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 to simplify the tax structure and reduce the tax burden. Recent data shows that the gross GST collection for October 2024 rose by 9% to ₹1.87 lakh crore, a record second-highest figure. However, a recent proposal by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rates Rationalisation suggests a new 35% GST slab on products like aerated drinks and tobacco, which has raised concerns. The proposal aims to target 'sin' products such as thos

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has called an urgent meeting of its Apex Council to appoint former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Jyoti as the electoral officer for upcoming elections to fill the positions of secretary and treasurer. These posts were vacated by Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar, who assumed new roles in December. According to the BCCI constitution, the Board must call a Special General Meeting and appoint an electoral officer at least four weeks before the

 On Wednesday, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, informed the Lok Sabha that the government had blocked 18 OTT platforms this year for publishing obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. This action is in line with the IT Rules of 2021, which impose specific due diligence obligations on intermediaries to ensure they take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of such content. The IT Rules also set out a Code of Ethics for publishers

A panel of state ministers has recommended changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, specifically targeting sin goods, including tobacco products, aerated beverages, and luxury cars. These goods are currently taxed at the highest 28% GST rate, along with an additional cess. The proposal, which is part of a rate rationalisation report, is set to be presented before the GST Council in its upcoming meeting later this month. The Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Min

In a positive sign for the Indian economy, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for September 2023 increased by 6.5% year-on-year, totaling ₹1.73 lakh crore. This marks a rise from ₹1.63 lakh crore collected in September of the previous year. The net GST collection after refunds stood at ₹1.53 lakh crore, showing a growth of 4% compared to ₹1.47 lakh crore in September 2022. So far this fiscal year, the government has recorded a gross GST revenue of ₹10.87 lakh cro

A panel of state ministers, established by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, is set to convene in Goa on September 24 and 25. This six-member group, led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, will review the implications of rate rationalization on at least 100 items. The discussions aim to analyze potential changes in GST slabs and rates, particularly focusing on essential goods. During the two-day meeting, the panel will explore various

Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and leader of the Jana Sena Party (JSP), is celebrating his 55th birthday today. This year’s celebration is particularly significant for Pawan and his supporters, marking a milestone as he has achieved his long-standing aspiration of holding a prominent political position after years of dedication and effort. In recognition of Pawan Kalyan’s special day, CM Chandrababu Naidu has extended heartfelt birthday wishes.