Author: News Desk
India and France have signed an updated tax treaty that changes key rules, including the removal of the “most favoured nation” (MFN) clause. The amendment was formalised during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India last week. What the Agreement Covers India and France already have a Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) from 1992. A DTAC ensures individuals and companies do not pay tax twice on the same income in both countries. For example, if a French company earns money in India, the treaty decides which country can tax the income, how much tax can be charged, and ways to…
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a gathering of Bharat Taxi drivers, explaining how a modest ₹500 investment made today could potentially grow significantly over a three-year period with disciplined saving and smart financial planning. Shah used real-world examples and simple financial principles to illustrate how consistency and prudent money management can help drivers build a stronger financial future. During his interaction, he emphasised the importance of adopting good financial habits such as setting savings goals, using digital payment and tracking tools, and reinvesting earnings wisely. Shah’s message was aimed at empowering drivers and gig-economy workers with practical insights to improve their economic well-being amid rising costs and…
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit India this week, with key discussions expected to cover trade, artificial intelligence, economic cooperation and global challenges. Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and a prominent voice on sustainable finance, will engage with Indian leaders and stakeholders across government, industry and innovation sectors. During the visit, both countries are likely to explore ways to deepen bilateral trade relations, enhance cooperation in emerging technologies like AI, and address economic uncertainties facing global markets. India’s rapidly growing digital and technology landscape makes it a strategic partner for Canada, particularly in areas of innovation, sustainability, skills development and investment opportunities.…
Telecom major Bharti Airtel has announced plans to invest ₹20,000 crore in its non-banking financial company (NBFC) arm over the coming years to significantly scale up its digital lending business. The move is aimed at strengthening Airtel’s position in the fast-growing fintech space and expanding access to credit services for consumers and small businesses. The company’s digital lending platform is expected to leverage data insights from its broad customer base, digital payments footprint and technological infrastructure to offer personalised credit products. Airtel’s investment signals confidence in India’s burgeoning digital finance ecosystem, where mobile-enabled lending solutions are gaining traction among underserved segments. With this capital infusion, Airtel NBFC plans…
Global tech giant Amazon has inaugurated its second-largest office campus in Asia in Bengaluru, marking a major milestone in its expansion strategy. The 12-storey facility will accommodate a large workforce spanning various functions, including engineering, operations and customer support, reinforcing Bengaluru’s status as a key technology and innovation hub. The new campus reflects Amazon’s long-term commitment to India’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem and its confidence in the country’s talent pool. Company leaders say the facility will provide modern workspaces equipped to support collaboration, innovation and employee well-being. By expanding its physical footprint in one of India’s busiest tech cities, Amazon aims to deepen engagement with…
Microsoft has appointed Asha Sharma, an Indian-origin tech executive, as the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, a major leadership role overseeing the company’s global gaming business, including Xbox and related platforms. Sharma brings extensive experience in technology and business strategy, having held leadership positions across Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise divisions. Her appointment signals a continuation of Microsoft’s commitment to innovation in gaming, particularly as the industry evolves with cloud gaming, new content, and community engagement initiatives. Sharma’s leadership is expected to focus on expanding Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem, fostering creative talent, and strengthening global market reach. Industry observers have highlighted Sharma’s diverse background and…
India’s first privately operated passenger train, the Tejas Express, has shown impressive performance in terms of passenger occupancy and revenue, highlighting the growing appeal of premium rail services. Launched with upgraded amenities, modern interiors and enhanced onboard services, Tejas Express has attracted significant patronage from travellers seeking comfort and convenience. Reports indicate that the train has consistently recorded high occupancy rates, drawing both business and leisure passengers. Revenue figures have also shown strong growth, reflecting the market’s willingness to pay for enhanced travel experiences beyond conventional options. Equipped with features such as ergonomic seating, infotainment screens, onboard catering and improved cleanliness standards, Tejas…
India’s railway network continues to accelerate in 2026, with several premium trains capable of running at speeds of up to 180 km/h, significantly cutting travel time between major cities. At the forefront is the Vande Bharat Express, India’s flagship semi-high-speed train designed for faster acceleration, energy efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort. Operating on multiple high-demand routes, Vande Bharat represents the new face of modern Indian rail travel. Among the fastest long-distance trains is the Gatimaan Express, which was India’s first semi-high-speed service and continues to be one of the quickest trains in regular operation. The Rajdhani Express, known for connecting the national capital with…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reassured markets that there is no systemic issue arising from a ₹590 crore fraud uncovered at a branch of IDFC First Bank, Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Monday. The fraud, disclosed by the private lender, involved alleged collusion between certain employees and external parties in Haryana government-linked accounts at the bank’s Chandigarh branch. RBI emphasised that it is closely “watching developments” but sees the matter as isolated and not indicative of broader financial system instability. Following the disclosure, the Haryana government de-empanelled IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank for state government business, prompting operational changes and prompting the bank to initiate investigations and a forensic…
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has inducted a rubber removal machine to improve runway surface conditions and ensure smoother, safer flight operations. The specialised equipment is designed to strip away rubber deposits left by aircraft tyres during landings, which can reduce runway friction and compromise braking performance, especially in wet conditions. Airport officials explained that regular rubber buildup on runway surfaces is a common challenge at busy airports, and timely removal is vital for maintaining optimal friction levels and compliance with aviation safety standards. The new machine allows for efficient, thorough cleaning of the runway, reducing operational disruptions and enhancing safety margins…