05 Sep 2025

HDFC AMC has highlighted the potential in short-term corporate bonds, citing higher yields compared with government securities. AAA-rated corporate bonds with three- and five-year maturities have increased around 50 basis points recently, while spreads over government bonds widened to 75-85 bps. The fund, managing debt worth INR 2.61 trillion (USD 29.60 billion), suggests investors may consider corporate bond-focused schemes with durations up to five years. Factors such as ample banking liquidity, potential RBI rate cuts, and stable inflation support this outlook. Despite fiscal pressures from tax revisions, government measures are expected to maintain deficit targets.Read more

05 Sep 2025

Global investment firm Blackstone has announced leadership changes within its Asia-Pacific real estate division. Tuhin Parikh has been elevated to Vice Chairman of Real Estate Asia and Executive Chairman of Real Estate India, while Asheesh Mohta has been appointed Head of Real Estate India. These appointments form part of wider structural changes in the APAC business. Blackstone, one of India's largest foreign real estate investors, manages over USD 50 billion in assets, including USD 20 billion in real estate holdings.Read more

04 Sep 2025

Kerala is likely to experience an annual revenue loss of INR 8,000-10,000 crore following the GST rate cuts, according to state Finance Minister Shri K N Balagopal. While the state supports the cuts to lower consumer prices, Balagopal emphasized that the central government must ensure these benefits reach the public. Key sectors including cement, electronics, automobiles, and insurance are expected to contribute to the revenue shortfall. The new GST structure simplifies rates to 5% and 18%, impacting personal-use and aspirational goods, as well as life and health insurance premiums.Read more

04 Sep 2025

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has welcomed the GST Council's decision to process refunds within seven days, saying it will help ease liquidity pressure for exporters. Timely and predictable refunds are critical for maintaining India's export competitiveness amid global demand uncertainties. FIEO highlighted that the move to allow refunds below INR 1,000 will especially benefit e-commerce exporters. The exporters' body emphasized that effective implementation of these measures, along with ICEGATE facilitation for small taxpayers, will provide much-needed relief and strengthen confidence in India's export sector.Read more

04 Sep 2025

Odisha CM Shri Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the recent GST Council approvals, emphasizing benefits for farmers, MSMEs, small traders, and middle-class families. The Council approved tax reliefs on life and health insurance, agricultural inputs, farm machinery, and essential medicines, alongside measures to support tribal livelihoods. Majhi supported rate rationalisation, compensation cess reforms, and the simplified GST registration for small businesses. He also pointed out sector-specific benefits, including reduced tax on Kendu leaves for tribal communities, lower agricultural production costs, and more affordable medicines, framing the reforms as steps toward economic efficiency and inclusive growth.Read more

04 Sep 2025

The GST Council has reduced tax rates on multiple dairy products, fertilisers, biopesticides, and farm equipment to benefit farmers and consumers. UHT milk and paneer are now tax-free, while butter, cheese, and condensed milk attract 5 per cent GST. Agricultural machinery, tractor components, fertiliser inputs, and various biopesticides have also seen significant tax cuts. These measures aim to lower input costs, increase demand for farm produce, and make dairy and agricultural products more affordable. The changes are expected to boost rural incomes and improve the livelihood of farmers.Read more

04 Sep 2025

TRULiV, a Chennai-based co-living and staycation operator, announced earlier this week that it had become the first company in India's alternate hospitality and co-living segment to achieve profitability. The firm reported revenues of INR 32.34 crore for FY 2024-25, more than double the previous year, and turned a profit of INR 13 lakh after posting a loss in FY 2023-24. With nearly 7,000 beds set to open across major cities, the company now eyes INR 50 crore revenues in the coming fiscal while retaining its asset-light model.Read more

04 Sep 2025

The Central Government has established a committee to tackle tax and export clearance issues affecting manufacturing units, following high US tariffs on Indian goods. The panel includes representatives from key ministries, RBI, and industry bodies, and will review existing customs duties, export incentives, and clearance procedures. It will identify challenges in key export sectors such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, electronics, chemicals, textiles, and gems and jewellery, study global best practices, and suggest reforms to improve efficiency and competitiveness. With the US accounting for a significant portion of exports, these measures aim to help Indian manufacturers sustain their performance in global markets.Read more

04 Sep 2025

SEBI conducted a Municipal Bond Outreach Programme in Bhopal to guide Urban Local Bodies on using municipal bonds for financing urban infrastructure. The sessions covered investor expectations, regulatory requirements, and procedures for issuing bonds. SEBI also highlighted its e-learning course on municipal bonds developed with the World Bank. Madhya Pradesh officials stressed the need for strong financial management, revenue-focused projects, and staff training. Following a similar programme in Thiruvananthapuram, SEBI continues to support ULBs in adopting municipal bonds as a reliable funding tool for urban development.Read more

04 Sep 2025

Arkade Developers Ltd has acquired a 14,364 sq metre land parcel in Bhandup (West) for INR 148 crore by taking full ownership of Woollen and Textile Industries Ltd. The company has successfully completed 31 projects covering 5 million square feet and is developing another 2 million square feet. This acquisition strengthens Arkade's presence in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and aligns with its strategy of expanding its development portfolio in key urban locations. Known for its focus on residential and commercial projects, the company continues to consolidate its position among India's leading real estate developers.Read more