Zero Duty on Indian Agricultural Products

According to the minister, several Indian agricultural and marine products will now enter the US market at zero customs duty. This is expected to provide a strong boost to exports of items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and processed food products.

Big Relief for Farmers and Fishermen

Piyush Goyal said the move would bring direct benefits to Indian farmers and fishermen, as lower duties will make Indian products more competitive in the American market. Higher demand is likely to translate into better prices and increased income for producers.

Strengthening India–US Trade Ties

The removal of extra tariffs is seen as a sign of improving trade cooperation between the two countries. Officials believe the decision will help stabilise supply chains, encourage long-term trade partnerships, and open new opportunities for exporters.

Positive Impact on Exports

Trade experts say the tariff rollback could lead to a noticeable rise in Indian exports to the US over the coming months, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and allied sectors.

The government stated that it will continue to engage with global partners to secure fair trade conditions and expand market access for Indian products.

The post US Extra Tariff on Indian Goods Ends Today; Piyush Goyal Says Zero Duty on Indian Farm Exports Will Benefit Farmers and Fishermen first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

Profit Booking Triggers Sell-Off

Market experts attribute the sudden drop primarily to profit booking, as investors chose to lock in gains after the recent rally in precious metals. Silver, which had seen a rapid rise in prices over the past few weeks, faced heavy selling pressure across domestic markets.

Global Cues Add Pressure

Weak global cues and a strengthening dollar also weighed on bullion prices. Traders noted reduced demand from industrial buyers and jewellers, further contributing to the downward trend.

Gold and Silver Remain Volatile

Despite the correction, analysts believe that precious metals may continue to see price volatility in the near term, driven by global economic signals, interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments.

Investors are being advised to remain cautious and track market movements closely before making fresh positions.

The post Silver Prices Crash Sharply, Fall by ₹67,000 to ₹3.32 Lakh; Gold Drops ₹15,000 Amid Profit Booking first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

Earlier, employees were permitted to make only partial withdrawals or had to meet certain restrictive criteria for full withdrawal. Under the revised rule, if an individual remains unemployed for more than three consecutive months or has officially retired from service, they can now claim the full amount accumulated in their PF account.

According to officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, this decision aims to enhance financial flexibility and provide greater security to workers who may be facing uncertain job situations. The new withdrawal facility will soon be available on the official EPFO portal, making it possible for employees to apply and receive funds directly in their bank accounts through an online process.

Experts say the move is timely and could help stabilize personal finances during economic slowdowns. Many workers who lost their jobs during recent market disruptions have struggled to access their savings due to existing withdrawal restrictions. “This policy change ensures that employees can rely on their own savings in times of crisis,” said a senior financial consultant.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is expected to issue detailed guidelines on documentation, eligibility verification, and withdrawal timelines in the coming weeks. Officials have also clarified that the reform will not affect the government’s contribution to the fund, ensuring continued social security for all registered members.

Overall, the decision is being hailed as a people-friendly reform that strengthens the social safety net for India’s workforce, providing a much-needed sense of financial control and stability.

The post Employees Can Now Withdraw Full Amount from PF Account first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

The government has announced that a restructured version of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), dubbed ‘Next-gen GST’, will officially come into effect from September 22, 2025. The new framework aims to simplify the tax structure, reduce the burden on essential commodities, and bring more transparency in indirect taxation.

What’s Changing Under the New GST?

• Essential goods cheaper: Daily-use products such as milk, medicines, refrigerators, TVs, and washing machines will attract lower tax rates, giving relief to households.
• Luxury items costlier: High-end cars, premium gadgets, alcohol, and tobacco products are likely to face higher tax slabs.
• Simplified structure: The government plans to reduce the number of GST slabs from five to three, making compliance easier for businesses.
• Digital-first compliance: Filing and refunds will become fully automated, reducing delays and red tape.
• Small business relief: Enterprises with turnover below a certain threshold will get simplified return-filing benefits and reduced compliance burden.

Why the Overhaul?

Officials said the changes are designed to ease inflationary pressure on households while ensuring that luxury consumption contributes more revenue to the exchequer. The move also seeks to improve compliance, plug tax evasion, and boost digital tax governance.

FAQs Answered

Q: Will my monthly expenses reduce?
Yes, if your spending is more on essential goods and services, you’ll notice savings. However, luxury consumption may pinch your pocket more.

Q: Do I need to re-register under the new system?
No, existing GST numbers will remain valid. Businesses will simply transition to the new filing format.

Q: Will restaurant and food services get cheaper?
A moderate cut is expected in taxes for mid-range restaurants, while premium dining may see marginal increases.

Q: How will refunds work?
Refunds will now be processed within 30 days through an AI-driven automated system, ensuring faster resolution.

What’s Next?

With Next-gen GST, the government hopes to strike a balance between public relief and revenue generation. Economists believe this reform could give a push to consumption, particularly in the middle-class segment, while luxury taxation ensures fiscal discipline.

The post ‘Next-gen GST’ to Roll Out from September 22: Key Takeaways from Govt’s Tax Overhaul first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

According to officials, the case relates to loans taken by companies associated with Ambani that have reportedly defaulted on repayments, causing huge losses to banks. The CBI has seized several documents and digital records during the raids as part of its investigation.

The matter is under probe, and further action will depend on the findings of the agency.

The post CBI Raids Anil Ambani’s Premises in ₹2,000 Crore Loan Fraud Case first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

According to the adviser, India’s continued purchases of Russian oil are the key trigger for the action. He argued that revenue from these transactions indirectly supports Russia’s military activities in Ukraine, creating a security risk for the United States. The adviser described India as the “maharaja of tariffs,” pointing to its long-standing high trade barriers that limit access for American goods.

He also outlined his reasoning: U.S. trade sends dollars to India, which then pays Russia for oil; those funds strengthen Russia’s war efforts—something the U.S. government says it cannot allow.

President Donald Trump signed the order on August 6, 2025, setting the additional duty to take effect on August 27. The move represents one of the steepest tariff levels the U.S. has ever placed on another nation, significantly heightening tensions between Washington and New Delhi. Critics have questioned whether this step will actually reduce India’s Russian oil purchases, noting that other buyers could easily replace India if it cuts back.

The post White House Trade Adviser: Extra Duty on India is a “National Security Issue” first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

According to eyewitnesses at the private event held on a polo ground in Delhi’s outskirts, Kapur appeared dizzy and short of breath midway through the game. Moments before collapsing, he reportedly turned to a fellow player and said, “I’ve swallowed something,” leading many to believe he was choking.

However, by the time medical help arrived, it became evident that Kapur had suffered a massive cardiac arrest, and not a choking incident. Despite immediate attempts at CPR and emergency care on-site, he was declared dead shortly after being rushed to a nearby hospital.

Known for Polo, Passion, and Prominence

Kapur, a respected businessman and chairman of a major auto components group, was equally well-known for his love of polo. He was often seen participating in charity tournaments and elite club matches. Friends described him as “fit, disciplined, and deeply committed to the sport.”

His sudden passing has sparked conversations about hidden cardiac risks among active middle-aged individuals, especially in high-adrenaline sports.

Tributes Pour In

Messages of condolence have poured in from the business world, political circles, and the sporting community. Many remembered him as a gracious sportsman and thoughtful leader, whose calm demeanor masked a competitive spirit.

A private cremation is expected to be held soon, with the family requesting privacy during their time of grief.

Singh News Media extends heartfelt condolences to Sunjay Kapur’s family and loved ones. We will continue to follow any medical updates or family statements regarding the incident.

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The post ‘I’ve Swallowed Something’: Sunjay Kapur’s Last Words Before Sudden Collapse on Polo Ground first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

Mehul Choksi, accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of over ₹13,500 crore, was arrested in Belgium after evading Indian authorities for nearly seven years. He was reportedly preparing to flee to Switzerland for medical reasons when Belgian authorities, acting swiftly on the request of India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), arrested him. Following his arrest, Indian agencies quickly moved to invoke the India-Belgium extradition treaty and submitted a formal request for his return.

The treaty outlines several key provisions, one of the most important being the principle of dual criminality—meaning the crime must be considered an offence in both countries. The requesting country must also submit strong evidence of the accused’s conviction or criminal activity if a trial has not yet taken place. Additionally, neither country is obligated to extradite its own citizens, and extradition can be refused if the case appears politically motivated. The treaty also enforces specific deadlines: a formal request must be made within 14 days of the arrest, and substantial evidence must be submitted within two months, or else the accused may be released. Furthermore, an extradited person cannot be tried for any new offence unless they are first given an opportunity to return, and they cannot be handed over to a third country without the home country’s approval.

India formally requested Choksi’s extradition from Belgium in August 2024, shortly after tracking him down in Antwerp through the CBI’s global operations center. After his arrest, the Indian government submitted a detailed legal request under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 201 (destruction of evidence), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 477A (falsification of accounts), along with sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which deal with bribery. According to CBI officials, Belgium examined the request thoroughly and was satisfied that the charges were considered crimes under Belgian law as well. The dual criminality condition was fulfilled, strengthening India’s case for extradition. Now, with legal procedures underway, the chances of bringing Mehul Choksi back to face trial in India are stronger than ever.

The post Mehul Choksi’s Arrest: How a 125-Year-Old Treaty is Bringing Him Back to India first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

The Indian stock market surged during early trading on April 15 after US President Donald Trump announced a possible relaxation of specific new tariffs. Although a minimum 10% tariff rate remains in place, the possibility of exemptions sparked strong investor confidence and drove up market indices.

2. Sensex and Nifty Rally Sharply

By 10 AM, the BSE Sensex jumped by 1,595.37 points or 2.12%, reaching 76,752.63, while the NSE Nifty climbed 481.70 points or 2.11%, touching 23,310.25. This recovery came after a massive drop the previous day, reflecting positive market sentiment driven by global trade optimism.

3. Top 10 Gainers on the Sensex

Tata Motors and Larsen & Toubro were the top gainers, each rising by 4.78%. Other big movers included IndusInd Bank (4.06%), M&M (3.73%), HDFC Bank (3.52%), Adani Ports (3.36%), Axis Bank (2.91%), ICICI Bank (2.45%), Bajaj Finance (2.19%), and Bharti Airtel (2.15%).

4. Top 10 Gainers on the Nifty

Shriram Finance led the Nifty gainers with a 4.81% rise, followed by Tata Motors (4.77%), Larsen & Toubro (4.34%), IndusInd Bank (3.97%), M&M (3.86%), Trent (3.57%), HDFC Bank (3.47%), Adani Ports (3.41%), Dr Reddy’s (3.24%), and Axis Bank (2.97%).

5. Trump’s Comments on Auto Tariffs

Donald Trump said at the White House that he was considering modifying the 25% tariffs on foreign auto and auto parts imports. He acknowledged that carmakers need more time and flexibility to adjust production, hinting at supportive policies ahead for global manufacturers

6. Investor Confidence Returns

The 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, including for countries like India, eased fears of a global trade war. This led to a sharp rebound in markets. The possibility of relaxed duties on key sectors like automobiles encouraged investors to return to equities, boosting both Sensex and Nifty.

The post Markets Bounce Back: Sensex, Nifty Surge as Trump Pauses Tariffs first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.

Amid the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, Beijing on Wednesday hit back at Donald Trump’s 104 per cent tariffs with its own additional tariffs of 84 per cent, up from the previous 34 per cent, on all American goods. The Chinese finance ministry said that these additional tariffs will be imposed on goods from the US from April 10, news agency Reuters reported. Beijing had previously announced a retaliatory tariff of 34 per cent on American goods.

China’s commerce ministry also announced that it has added 12 US entities to its export control list, while including 6 American entities to its “unreliable entity” list.

ALSO READ | Donald Trump hits China with 104% tariffs amid ongoing trade tensions

Soon after the announcement, the US stock index futures also reportedly took a sharp dive.

This comes just a day after Trump imposed a 104 per cent tariffs on China, with the White House press secretary saying that the additional tariff will be collected from Wednesday, April 09.

Trump’s move was in response to China’s retaliation to his reciprocal tariffs, with the President on Tuesday saying that he was waiting for a response from China before implementing duties exceeding 100 per cent.

The post China hits back at Donald Trump with 84% retaliatory tariff on US goods first appeared on Singh News Media | A leading News Portal | singhnewsmedia.com.