In this Episode of Business Today podcast, Karishma Asoodani speaks to PVR INOX Chairman Ajay Bijli, who busts some of the biggest myths around movie-going costs. With an average ticket price of ₹259, Bijli explains why premium cinema prices are often misunderstood and wrongly extrapolated across all screens. He also addresses the much-debated popcorn pricing issue, including unlimited refills and the GST controversy around caramel versus salted popcorn. From footfalls to food economics, this candid conversation dives into how headlines often miss the full picture—and why the big-screen experience still delivers value for money.
The Centre had opposed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), arguing that the GST Council lacked the authority to classify air purifiers as medical devices.
The company disclosed that the project cost is Rs 3,400 crore (excluding GST), with a construction period spanning 42 months.
For investors looking at gold and silver over the next 5, 10 or even 20 years, a disciplined and balanced approach is key. Experts recommend allocating at least 10–15% of the portfolio to precious metals as a long-term hedge and diversification tool. With sharp price moves and elevated levels, lump-sum investing may not be ideal. Instead, SIPs in gold and silver ETFs offer a smarter way to average costs over time and manage volatility. Physical gold and silver in the form of bars or coins can also work for those comfortable holding them. However, jewellery is best avoided as an investment due to high making charges and GST. The takeaway: stay systematic, diversified, and patient.
Subramanian served as chief economic adviser from October 2014 to June 2018, during Arun Jaitley's tenure as finance minister.
Stock market rally: While Sensex is up nearly 9%, Nifty has risen 10% on a year-to-date basis.
The GST annual return, GSTR-9, is rarely discussed until a tax notice lands in a taxpayer’s inbox. With the December 31 deadline approaching, experts warn that small, overlooked mismatches can quickly escalate into compliance issues. Experts say timely reconciliation, not last-minute filing, is key to avoiding trouble.
After one of the most challenging 12-15 months for equity investors, markets enter 2026 with a very different setup. Valuations, once the biggest concern, have corrected sharply as earnings moved up but prices failed to keep pace. India is no longer the most expensive market, while policy tailwinds - tax cuts, repo rate reductions, GST rationalization and easing global liquidity - are now in place. Lower oil prices and rate cuts by global central banks further strengthen the macro backdrop. However, persistent selling pressure, rupee volatility and heavy IPO activity have capped upside momentum. The key question now is whether markets can absorb past excesses and transition into a more stable phase. With fundraising peaking and liquidity conditions improving, 2026 could mark a shift from pain to potential.
Despite the growing necessity of air purifiers, the government imposes a hefty 18% GST on these devices, categorising them as luxury items under the tax system
In an interview on Business Today Television, Prateek Agarwal, MD & CEO of Motilal Oswal Asset Management, shared an optimistic outlook for Indian equities in 2026 after a challenging 2025 marked by valuation corrections and pain in mid/small caps. He highlighted positives like significant valuation resets (India no longer the most expensive market), tax/GST/rate cuts, global easing, lower oil prices, and rupee depreciation boosting margins. Agarwal expects improved broad-market performance as rupee stabilizes, with tailwinds for growth themes like EVs, renewables, electronics manufacturing, and luxury. He advises focusing on high-growth leaders rather than cap categories, anticipates broader participation (e.g., metals, banks/NBFCs), and sees higher probability of positive outcomes. On gold/silver's strong 2025 run, he views gold as a store of value amid uncertainty and silver as industrial-driven, expecting possible consolidation before further gains.
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, discusses India's upcoming changes to GDP estimation, highlighting the use of real-time GST data to enhance state-level economic growth calculations. This updated methodology, set to launch with a new GDP series on February 27, 2026, will improve the measurement of the informal sector and inflation. Garg emphasizes the importance of base revisions due to changes in the economy and data sources like GST, e-Wahan, and PFMS. The shift will incorporate international methodological standards, improving the accuracy and credibility of India’s economic data. Workshops will help states strengthen their estimation capabilities.





