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Blow for Tesla, BMW as panel for steep levies on luxury EVs An Indian tax panel has proposed steep increases in consumer levies on luxury electric cars priced above $46,000, a document showed, a move that could impact sales of carmakers such as Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and BYD. The key panel tasked with making rate suggestions to the GST Council has backed sweeping cuts to many items, but calls for raising taxes on electric cars, the government document showed

Rupee hits a new low of ₹88.09 responding to additional tariffs The Indian rupee fell 0.58% to 288.09. against the US dol lar on Thursday respond ing to the additional tariffs imposed by the United States. The domestic cur rency may depreciate further in the range of 89.5-290 against the dol lar in the coming weeks, analysts said. Currency dealers react ed two days after the U.S's tariffs on Indian goods kicked in before selling off the rupee Anindya Ban nerjee, Currency and Com modities Head of Kotak curities said that dealers were waiting to see if the central bank would step in and control the volatility "Once they realised RBI didn't, they started to sell off the rupee." The rupee depreciates when foreign exchange traders sell and Chain reaction: A further increase in exports over imports may also quicken the pace of depreciation. REUTERS Setool in the war" appreciates when they buy. He added that the RBI may not have intervened because "when there is a ...

India, China committed to fair resolution of border issue PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the SCO summit, stressing that border disputes should not define overall ties. Both sides agreed on peace and tranquillity along the border and a fair, mutually acceptable solution. They discussed balanced trade, reducing deficits, and the potential of India–China cooperation to stabilize global trade. Modi also called for joint efforts against terrorism, noting both countries are victims of it. The meeting signals cautious optimism, with a focus on dialogue, people-to-people contact, and constructive engagement over confrontation.

Pharma industry hopes for relief from GST reforms The pharmaceutical industry has long struggled with high GST rates and an inverted duty structure, raising costs and reducing affordability of medicines. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Chairman Satish Reddy has expressed optimism that the upcoming GST reforms will address these critical issues. A rationalised tax framework can make essential drugs more affordable, boost domestic manufacturing, and enhance India’s global competitiveness. At a time of global uncertainty, such reforms will not only strengthen healthcare access for citizens but also reinforce India’s role as a reliable partner in global supply chains.

SC asks govt. to form guidelines to regulate conduct on social media The Supreme Court has raised an important point about social media and free speech. While freedom of expression is vital in a democracy, it should not be misused to insult or hurt people. Jokes targeting disabled persons, women, children, or senior citizens may seem funny to some, but they deeply affect dignity and equality. The Court observed that when speech is commercialised by influencers, it carries even greater responsibility. Guidelines are needed to ensure humour and opinions do not cross into cruelty. At the same time, free speech should not be unnecessarily restricted.

NITI Aayog report recommends model policy for homestays Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Path ways", released in New Delhi on Friday, aims at ad vancing a framework that States can adopt to harmo-nise regulations and esta-blish an inclusive homes tay ecosystem in the country as The planning body be lieves that alternative ac-commodation such homestays is an opportuni ty with immense economic potential that can help in promoting sustainable growth of India's tourism sector. The report offers a "strategic road map" to un-lock the potential of hom-estays and Bed and Break fast (BnB) providers in India's tourism landscape NITI Aayog said in a statement that the report draws insights from aggre-gators, hosts, and policy-makers and highlights the role of homestays in offer ing travellers "culturally immersive experiences" while fostering local entre preneurship and employ-ment generation. "It em-phasises the need for light-touch, transparent regul...