The recent submission by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to the Supreme Court of India, contending that the Chief Minister of Kerala has no role in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellors (V-C) of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and Digital University Kerala, is another instance of how recent Governors are the political and ideological adversaries … Read more
Sops in GST slabs There can be no second opinion that the 18% GST charged on the premium payable by individuals for their medical and life insurance policies affected many, especially senior citizens and pensioners. Many of them stopped renewing the policies as they were unable to afford payment of the basic premium with the … Read more
India’s economic journey has always been shaped by bold reforms, and the latest set of Goods and Services Tax (GST) measures announced at the 56th GST Council meeting on September 3, 2025, may well prove to be one of the most consequential yet. For years, businesses and policymakers alike have called for simplification, predictability, and … Read more
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has brought into effect a set of rules called the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, that allows the vital activity of environmental monitoring and auditing to go beyond the remit of State Pollution Control Boards. The rules will largely scrutinise whether industrial units are compliant with environmental regulation. … Read more
With Madras Day now behind us, let us take you on a gentle walk through the efforts that unfold quietly, yet passionately, behind the scenes. At the Library Department, every July begins with an eager wait for the official nod that allows us to set the Made of Chennai celebrations in motion. Once greenlit, our … Read more
On August 25, 2025, the Supreme Court urged the Union government to frame guidelines for regulating social media, noting that influencers often commercialise free speech in ways that may offend the sentiments of vulnerable groups. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed that these regulations be drafted in consultation with the National … Read more
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, is sending shock waves through India’s investment ecosystem, far beyond the online gaming sector. Parliament passed the new law with just a brief discussion, without adequate public or industry consultations. This sets a dangerous precedent that could derail business confidence across industries. In imposing a blanket … Read more
Although much has been made of what the United States and U.S. President Trump are doing, it is critical for India (and the world) to dissect the raison d’être behind the disruptions being imposed on them today. The economic, geopolitical and technological polycrisis necessitates a strategic recalibration, to insulate ourselves and to forge a more … Read more
The sweeping changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, authorised by the GST Council on Wednesday, have come as a shot in the arm for the mood of the people, and, potentially, for the economy overall. Few things spur optimism and demand as effectively as tax cuts. The Centre did well to … Read more
GST, a new tax slab The government’s decision to rationalise and revamp the present Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, although belated, is commendable, if the goal is to ensure that the interests of the common man are upheld (Front page, September 4). Waiving GST on individual life and health insurance policies is praiseworthy. But … Read more