Priyansh Verma

Without getting into agreeing or disagreeing with the data that has come out, I would say that the feedback from the industry is that right now the consumption is under stress.

According to the periodic labour force survey (PLFS), the percentage of workers (among total workforce) with regular wages dropped from 22.8% in 2017-18 to 21.7% in 2023-24.

However, February rate cut uncertain given the threat of imported inflation.

For exporters, this could be a boon, but a lot will depend on movements of the currencies of countries that are competing with India.

Finance ministry preparing draft paper, to identify cases of redundant oversight.

Since its introduction, the slabs have been tweaked two times, and are likely to be tweaked again on February 1.

Sources said EPF members with fully compliant e-KYC accounts can file their online transfer claims now with Aadhaar-OTP directly with EPFO without any need for intervention from the employer.

The four codes are a judicious combination of reforms aimed at easing labour market rigidities, and reinforcing workers’ rights and welfare.

Although, it is not a condition for filing an appeal to the ITAT, however, this pre-deposit is required so that tax recovery proceedings are not initiated against the taxpayer during the pendency of appeal.

According to official sources, ‘small and mid-sized' microfinance institutions (MFIs) would be the main beneficiaries of the fund, as these are expected to play a big role in extending collateral-free credit to low-income households.