Business
Reduce GST on mobile phones to 12%, ICEA writes to state CMs
The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said on Tuesday that it has written to various state chief ministers to reduce the GST rates on mobile phones to 12 per cent and on mobile parts and components to 5 per cent.
The 12 per cent GST rate on mobile handsets had increased tax by almost 50 per cent in this sector from a prevailing national average rate of 8.2 per cent (pre-GST era).
The mobile industry was emerging from the GST rate hike and the government once again increased the rate by another 50 per cent (from 12 per cent to 18 per cent).
“This increase in the GST rate has a trickle-down effect leading to the rise in prices for the consumer, which, in turn, is decreasing the demand for mobile phones,” the ICEA said in a statement.
Further, the move is proving to be a deterrent to the ‘Digital India’ initiative, as the existing high cost of smartphones amplifies more due to the increase in GST rate,” the industry body lamented.
The ICEA, in association with Ernst & Young (EY), also released a report, titled a consequential GST step: Boon or Bane for Mobile Handset Industry?’, that underlines the importance of mobile phones in the current economic environment and taxation laws applicable on mobile phones.
“This report captures all the focal points for policymakers that highlight the increase in GST rates of mobile handsets and its parts and components,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA.
“Affordability will be key to India reaching a $80 billion size in the domestic market by 2026, and the GST rates will play an important role,” he added.
Mobile phone subscribers have crossed the one-billion mark, and the monthly sales of mobile phones have consistently been between 20-27 million in numbers.
“The rates for mobile phones and parts must be rationalised, and as highlighted in this report, brought back to 12 per cent on the mobile phones and simultaneously removing the inverted duty structure,” said Bipin Sapra, Partner, EY.
Business
Jharkhand to honour Ratan Tata’s legacy with Republic Day tableau
New Delhi, Jan 23: Jharkhand is set to pay tribute to the late iconic industrialist Ratan Tata through its tableau for the Republic Day celebrations, showcasing his enduring contribution to the state and the nation.
The highlight will be Jamshedpur, the city the business leader helped build, famously known as the first ‘steel city’ of India.
Jamshedpur, located in southeastern Jharkhand at the confluence of the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers, stands as a symbol of India’s industrial prowess.
Named after Jamsetji Tata, who established a steel plant there in 1911, Jamshedpur has grown to become the state’s largest urban hub and an important industrial and transportation centre.
This year’s tableau, praised for its creative design, emphasises Ratan Tata’s significant role in Jharkhand’s development as it was his visionary initiatives in the 1960s that laid the foundation for the state’s formal establishment in 2000.
The display will present a panoramic view of the industrial units of Jamshedpur, also known as Tata Nagar, and will highlight Jharkhand’s progress while celebrating its cultural richness.
Alongside industrial achievements, the tableau will showcase Jharkhand’s traditional dance forms, handicrafts, and art. Sohrai and Khobar paintings, created by tribal artists, will take centre stage.
Shalini Verma, Deputy Director of the Information & Public Relations Department of Jharkhand, told Media, “This time we have decided to honour Ratan Tata, as he started the industrialisation in Jamshedpur. Along with this, we have shown women empowerment by showcasing how they generate employment by working.”
“We have also focussed on education. Because industrialisation and education, both reflect Viksit Bharat and Viksit Jharkhand,” she added.
These murals, deeply rooted in the state’s tribal heritage, celebrate themes of harvest, fertility, and spirituality, underscoring Jharkhand’s strong connection to nature.
The middle section of the tableau will feature rural women engaged in crafting traditional handicrafts, symbolising the integration of heritage and development.
This element reflects how Jharkhand’s traditions and resources are contributing to the nation’s progress, embodying the theme of “Virasat and Vikas.”
Adding to the tableau’s vibrancy, the UNESCO-recognised Chhau Dance of Saraikela will be performed as part of the ground element. This traditional dance, rooted in mythological themes, will showcase the dynamic cultural heritage of the state.
Having previously highlighted themes like ‘tassar silk’ and the Baba Baidyanath Temple, Jharkhand’s participation in this year’s celebrations will stand out as one of 15 states and Union Territories presenting tableaus in the national Capital.
The tableau is expected to reflect Jharkhand’s unique blend of tradition and progress, making it a captivating centrepiece of the Republic Day celebrations.
It is a fitting tribute to Ratan Tata and the late industrialist-cum-philanthropist’s transformative vision that helped shape the state’s identity and future.
Business
Torres Jewellery Ponzi Scam: Bombay HC Orders Transfer Of All FIRs To EOW, Directs Formation Of SIT
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the transfer of all FIRs related to the Rs 1,000 crore Torres scam to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. Four FIRs have been registered across Mumbai and MMR, alleging that the jewellery chain defrauded over 1.25 lakh investors.
A bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale instructed EOW Deputy Commissioner of Police Sangramsinh Nishandar, who attended the hearing virtually, to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the probe. The SIT will include officers from police stations where the FIRs were originally lodged.
Apart from EOW Mumbai, FIRs were registered by the Thane, Navghar, Mira Bhayandar, and Navi Mumbai police. The Navi Mumbai FIR was earlier transferred to its local EOW branch.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Mumbai-based chartered accountant Abhishek Gupta, 31, who claims to have exposed the scam. Gupta sought police protection, citing threats to his life. The court directed Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar to provide protection to Gupta until the next hearing, scheduled after eight weeks.
During the hearing, the court criticized the police for their delayed action despite being alerted to irregularities in June 2024. The bench observed, “The police need to be alive to what is happening and act promptly to ensure the common man does not lose their hard-earned money.”
The scam involved cheating investors through a combination of Ponzi and multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes. The EOW has so far arrested three individuals, including two foreign nationals. Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar informed the court that of the 12 accused, eight — seven Ukrainians and one Indian — fled the country before December 30, 2024. He assured the court that their locations are now known and action will be taken.
Venegaonkar also revealed that the Navi Mumbai EOW had been secretly investigating the case since October 2024, after realizing the scale of the fraud. “They quietly collected information and summoned individuals linked to Torres’ showrooms. The hue and cry started after the payments stopped in the last week of December. That’s when the Ukranians fled the country,” he said.
The court, however, emphasised the lack of urgency shown by the police. “Somewhere there has been dereliction of duty. Nobody has acted with alacrity,” the bench remarked. It also urged the police to develop mechanisms to prevent similar scams in the future, stating, “Now you know their modus operandi. Police need to be alive to what is happening and take prompt action so that people do not lose their money. Or there can be some mechanism in the future,” it added.
Responding to a court query, Nishandar requested eight weeks to show progress in the case.
Gupta, who audited the accounts of Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, Torres’ parent company, claimed to be a vulnerable witness at risk of being targeted by the scam’s perpetrators. He alleged that the company’s directors—Sarvesh Surve and Taufiq Riaz (alias John Carter)—and an employee, Laxmi Yadav, had warned the police about the scam as early as June 2024. However, the authorities only took cognizance on January 2, 2025.
Business
Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Toyota & Lexus Unveil Future Projects In Indian Portfolio; Images Below
New Delhi: Japanese car maker Toyota and it’s luxury arm, Lexus have showcased some of their future models from their respective India portfolios at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Toyota’s standout concepts include the X-Van, bZ4X, and Urban EV, while Lexus has captivated audiences with the ROV Concept 2 and LF-ZC.
Toyota’s star studded lineup
Moreover, Toyota showcased some of its updated and facelifted models during the autoshow. The Japanese car maker features included the Prius Flexi-Fuel PHEV, the Hilux FCEV, and a detailed cross-section of the Innova Hycross hybrid. Additional highlights include the striking Hilux Black Edition and the Land Cruiser 300 GR Sports, adding excitement to the brand’s lineup.
Toyota X-Van (Concept)
The X-Van, envisioned as a futuristic MPV, is designed to redefine spaciousness and versatility to meet diverse customer needs. This boxy, three-row utility vehicle eliminates the B-pillar, resulting in an expansive glasshouse and flexible seating configurations, available in 1-3-2 or 2-2-2 layouts. It features sliding suicide doors, a three-pane sunroof, and robust plastic cladding on the lower sections, adding a rugged and bold aesthetic to its innovative design.
Toyota BZ4X
The bZ4X electric SUV concept, first unveiled in 2021, is built on the e-TNGA architecture developed with Subaru. Its design features sharp styling, chunky black wheel-arch trim, a contrasting roof, and a silhouette influenced by the popular RAV4 SUV. The front showcases Toyota’s ‘Hammerhead’ design language, reminiscent of the latest Camry sold in India.
In global markets, the production-spec bZ4X comes with a 71.4kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of 450km. It’s available in two variants: a single-motor version (204hp, 265Nm) and a twin-motor AWD version (218hp, 336Nm).
Lexus LF-ZC (Concept)
The Lexus LF-ZC concept offers a glimpse into the premium electric sedan slated for international launch next year. Designed with a modular structure, its centrally placed batteries free up space for versatile front and rear configurations, supporting both single- and dual-motor setups. Lexus claims the top-spec LF-ZC will deliver a range exceeding 1,000km upon production.
The concept features Lexus’s latest design language, emphasizing sharp, aerodynamic styling. Inside, it boasts a futuristic cockpit with a steering yoke incorporating steer-by-wire technology and digital control pads seamlessly integrated across the cabin.
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