Career News & Insights

Decade-old income tax demands resurface on portal, leaving taxpayers scrambling for proof

Old income tax demands from as early as 2005 are resurfacing on tax portals, with accumulated interest often exceeding the principal amount. This digitisation effort has created a piquant situation, as taxpayers may challenge the validity of these demands due to potential issues with timely delivery of notices and assessment orders.

35% of issues in big projects due to land acquisition; no plan to change law: Cabinet Secretary Somanathan

Golden Gate Capital Insurer PHL Veers to Liquidation as Rehab Hopes Fade

State regulators are abandoning a plan to rehabilitate PHL Variable Insurance Co. and may pursue liquidation instead, after finding that the struggling life insurer — acquired by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital a decade ago — is in worse shape than previously thought.

What to Stream: Kid Laroi, The Pitt and Tron: Ares

What to Stream: Kid Laroi, 'The Pitt' and 'Tron: Ares'

Vi promoters earmark shares worth ₹3,529 cr to settle legacy liabilities

Vodafone Idea's promoters will settle legacy merger liabilities worth ₹3,529 crore by earmarking 3.28 billion equity shares. This follows an amended agreement securing ₹5,836 crore, with ₹2,307 crore in cash and the rest via shares held by three Vodafone promoter entities. These shares, representing 3.03% of Vi's equity, will be sold over five years.

​Unenviable choice: On the government’s fiscal policy space

Growth-generating capital expenditure can affect fiscal targets

Insurance a long game with hurdles, foreign investors unlikely to rush in

India now permits full foreign ownership in insurance firms. However, industry experts believe this change will not immediately bring many new foreign companies. Setting up an insurer requires substantial investment and a long-term view in a competitive market. Existing joint ventures might see increased stakes, but new ventures from scratch are unlikely.

Niti Aayog drafts plan to shield senior citizens from digital scams

India is preparing a policy road map to protect senior citizens from digital scams, with Niti Aayog working on a multi-ministerial action plan. The plan will focus on digital literacy, stronger security and coordinated monitoring as cases of ‘digital arrest’ fraud rise. The initiative will form part of broader elderly care measures, with details likely in Budget 2026-27.

Labour Codes may spur hiring as firms get more flexibility to restructure

India’s new Labour Codes are expected to boost hiring by giving firms greater flexibility to restructure operations. The Industrial Relations Code raises the threshold for government approval for layoffs and closures to 300 workers from 100, easing compliance for MSMEs and mid-sized firms. Experts say labour-intensive sectors will benefit most, though some warn of higher labour turnover and income volatility.

India manufacturing PMI slows to two-year low in December, but sector ends 2025 on resilient note

India's manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown in December, reaching a two-year low as new orders, output, and employment eased. Despite this, the industry concluded 2025 on a resilient note, with strong demand expected to sustain activity. While export orders saw a dip, manufacturers anticipate future growth, though business sentiment has softened.

RBI continues to build forex reserves which rose to $696 billion

India’s forex reserves rose by $3.3 billion to $696.61 billion in the week ended December 26, RBI data showed. The increase was led by a sharp $2.95 billion jump in gold holdings and a modest rise in foreign currency assets. Reserves remain near record highs, providing cover for 9–10 months of imports amid global volatility.

Labour ministry proposes 90-day work threshold for gig workers’ social security eligibility

The draft rules detail how workdays will be calculated across multiple platforms, mandate Aadhaar-based registration, and place data-sharing and contribution compliance obligations on aggregators.