A look at the headlines in the sector right now:

  1. Sensex, Nifty close at new all-time highs: The rise in the markets was the result of investors’ expectations that upcoming data on inflation and industrial production will be encouraging. 
  2. WhatsApp will soon allow payments through UPI: The National Payments Corporation of India has given it permission to tie up with multiple banks for the service.
  3. Centre allows Amazon to stock and sell food and groceries in India: The international e-commerce giant did not provide any more details on the matter.
  4. No GST on annual gifts worth Rs 50,000 from an employer to an employee, says Finance Ministry: The ministry said this applies to items given voluntarily by the company, not to those over which workers have a right.
  5. Indians applying for Green Card have 12-year waiting period, says report: However, India is also among the top countries whose residents get Green Cards every year.
  6. High-income taxpayers to get priority treatment and extra facilities from taxman: The Central Board of Direct Taxes has begun work on a plan based on the recognition that 80 per cent of India’s direct tax is paid by 20,000 individuals and entities.
  7. US firm accused of paying $1.18 million to Indian officials for highway contracts, says US Justice Department: Between 2011 and 2015, employees of CDM Smith’s division responsible for India operations and CDM India illegally paid bribes to NHAI officials