Insurance Sector May Increase Cap on FDI
Jun. 23 – India is considering lifting its foreign direct investment cap on the insurance sector from 26 percent to 49 percent according to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. “We have committed to allow 49 percent and the necessary legislation is pending before the House, as the leg process will be completed it will be done…in […]
Double Tax Avoidance Agreements Still Applicable Despite New Tax Code
Jun. 23 – The revised discussion paper on India’s new Direct Tax Code has assured that Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) made with other countries will not be annulled when the new tax code is implemented. Specifically the paper says that, “The current provisions of the Income-tax Act provide that between the domestic law and […]
India’s Bio-Tech Industry Grows by 17 Percent
Jun. 22 – The country’s bio-tech industry grew by 17 percent to US$3 billion during the 2009-10 financial year compared to the previous period, with the bio-pharma market contributing to the majority of growth. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Biotechnology-led Enterprises and the BioSpectrum journal, the bio-pharma made up 60 percent […]
Berkshire Hathaway Enters India Market Via Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
Jun. 21 – Warren Buffett’s conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway has confirmed its entry to the Indian market via a wholly-owned subsidiary that will use a corporate agency license to sell motor insurance policies offered by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. The modest entry into India will involve the company investing Rs. 500 million, or about US$11 million, […]
Income Tax Exemptions Not Available for New SEZs
Jun. 21 – Income tax exemptions for new special economic zones will no longer be available as confirmed by Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra. Tax deductions on income will be applicable to existing SEZs based on the latest draft version of the Direct Tax Code. The proposed ruling may affect India’s plans to open 469 new […]
Minimum Alternate Tax May Be Credited Against Corporate Tax
Jun. 18 – India may allow companies in all sectors paying the minimum alternate tax (MAT) to credit it against corporate tax that can be carried forward for 10 years according to a revised discussion paper released on Tuesday. Currently, MAT is levied at 19.93 percent of book profits. The long awaited Direct Tax Code […]
Special Economic Zone Units Allowed to Relocate
Jun. 17 – The government will soon allow industrial units to transfer from one special economic zone to another pending consent from the Board of Approval (BoA). It is easier for an industrial unit to petition for a transfer to another special economic zone if the units have yet to begin operations or production as […]
An Overview of Indian Labor Law and Policy
By Vikas Srivastava MUMBAI, Jun. 14 – The Constitution of India provides that the central government as well as the state government be vested the power to enact and amend rules and regulations related to labor policy in the country. Regulations that address labor and safety in mines and oil fields and Union agencies and […]





