The post triggered a flood of responses from citizens, many echoing his frustration. One user recounted how a friend in Trivandrum was subjected to income tax scrutiny every year simply because there were “so few people who pay high taxes” locally.
Sanyal criticized untargeted populist measures, citing women’s free travel in buses as an example.
2025 reshaped India’s commerce playbook. While GST rates were fine-tuned to simplify taxation, protect input credits and ease consumer burden, India simultaneously accelerated its global trade strategy. Landmark free trade agreements with the UK, Oman and New Zealand expanded market access, services mobility and investment flows, even as tariff pressures from the US underscored a shifting global trade landscape.
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.





