The 13.3-km-long stretch of the expressway, constructed at a cost of around Rs 6,700 crore, is designed to bypass the steep mountain pass to improve road safety and reduce travel time. The new route cuts travel time by 25–30 minutes and shortens the distance by approximately 6 km.

This infrastructure upgrade is projected to generate economic activity worth Rs 70,000 crore, bolstering economic growth in the region. The project includes advanced features such as tunnels, viaducts, and a 182-metre-high cable-stayed bridge over Tiger Valley—one of the tallest bridges in India.

However, the timing of the inauguration led to heavy traffic congestion across major routes in Mumbai. Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged this issue and expressed his apologies for the inconvenience caused to travelers during the event.

On another front, experts have raised concerns about potential visibility issues during monsoon and winter seasons due to dense fog. They caution that this could affect road safety despite the advancements made with this new link.

The expressway’s speed limits are set at 100 kmph for cars and 80 kmph for buses. Initially, only light motor vehicles and passenger buses can use this route; heavy vehicles will not be permitted until at least October 31.

The post Mumbai – pune expressway appeared first on newsrush.

This represents a robust 25.8% increase in imports compared to the previous year, contributing significantly to the overall GST revenue. The import-related GST revenue alone accounted for ₹57,580 crore.

In contrast, domestic revenue saw a more modest growth of 4.3%, totaling ₹1.85 lakh crore. This growth indicates that while import activities have flourished, there are signs of softening domestic demand.

The current figures show a notable rise from last year when the GST collection stood at ₹2.23 lakh crore in April 2025. Observers note that this year’s performance is part of an ongoing trend since April 2022, when the collection was only ₹1.67 lakh crore.

Key statistics:

• GST collection for April 2026: ₹2.43 lakh crore
• Year-on-year increase in imports: 25.8%
• Import-related GST revenue: ₹57,580 crore
• Domestic revenue: ₹1.85 lakh crore
• Total refunds issued: ₹31,793 crore, up by 19.3%

The refund process has also seen significant changes, with domestic refunds increasing by 54.6%, while export refunds fell by 14%. This shift may reflect changing priorities within the import-export landscape.

The economic implications of these developments remain under scrutiny as analysts consider how sustained high import levels might influence future economic growth and domestic demand trends.

The post Import Surge Drives India’s GST Collection to New Heights appeared first on newsrush.

Currently, residential electricity in India is available at very low prices, while industrial consumers face some of the highest rates globally. This disparity, as Mishra points out, significantly affects industrial competitiveness and job creation.

India is at a pivotal moment, with geopolitical tensions in West Asia providing an opportunity to reform its energy sector. Mishra emphasizes that reforming energy prices is not merely about reducing costs; it also involves enhancing capacity and fostering innovation.

As of now, the current WTI crude oil price stands at approximately $85 per barrel, while Brent crude is around $90. Mishra warns that if crude oil prices stabilize at $110 per barrel, the Indian rupee could depreciate to ₹100 against the US dollar, exacerbating high industrial energy costs.

“This disparity in electricity prices affects industrial competitiveness and job creation,” Mishra stated, highlighting the urgent need for reforms. He advocates for a balanced approach that considers both social justice and industrial competitiveness.

Moreover, Mishra notes that India is already undertaking reforms in the energy sector, such as expanding renewable energy and modernizing grids. These initiatives are crucial for providing stable, low-cost electricity to industries.

Investments in energy efficiency and alternative resources are also vital to mitigate currency risks and volatile energy costs. Mishra believes that the government should focus on these areas to ensure a sustainable energy future.

Historical precedents, such as Japan’s response to the oil crises of the 1970s, serve as a reminder of how energy reform can lead to significant economic growth. Mishra’s insights suggest that India could benefit from similar strategies.

As the situation evolves, the focus will remain on how effectively the government can implement these reforms and what impact they will have on the broader economy. Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific policy changes and timelines.

The post యాక్సిస్ బ్యాంక్: Axis Bank’s Neelkanth Mishra Discusses Energy Pricing Reforms in India appeared first on newsrush.

The opening of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, is set to have a profound impact on the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas, marking a significant milestone after years of delays. This new airport is anticipated to unlock a wave of infrastructure-led growth, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities across the region.

Initially, the airport will have a passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum, with the potential to scale up to 70 million upon full development. This scalability is crucial for accommodating the increasing demand for air travel in the region.

Phase I of the Noida International Airport has been developed with a total investment of approximately 11,200 crore under a Public-Private Partnership model. This substantial investment underscores the commitment to transforming the NCR into a major hub for commerce and tourism.

The airport is expected to benefit various districts in Western UP, including Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Etawah, and Faridabad. The strategic location of the airport is poised to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

Industry experts view the launch of the Noida International Airport as a transformative trigger for investment and infrastructure in the NCR. Anshuman Magazine, a prominent industry figure, stated, “The Jewar Airport is a landmark infrastructure project, not just for the NCR but for India’s broader economic geography.”

Yash Miglani, another expert, emphasized the airport’s potential, saying, “The launch of Noida International Airport is a defining moment for this region and will unlock tremendous potential for growth in terms of commercial and retail developments.”

Furthermore, Sanjay Sharma noted, “With the launch of the Noida International Airport, the region is poised to enter a new era of planned urban development with the backing of world-class infrastructure.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the significance of the project, remarking, “Airports are not just basic facilities in any country, they give wings to progress.” This sentiment reflects the broader aspirations tied to the airport’s development.

Despite the excitement surrounding the airport’s opening, details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for subsequent phases and additional infrastructure projects that may arise as a result. Observers are keenly watching for further developments in the coming months.

The post Noida International Airport Opens, Transforming the NCR appeared first on newsrush.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Finance Bill 2026, introducing crucial amendments that clarify the surcharge on share buybacks. A flat 12% surcharge will now apply on share buybacks, with the consideration received by shareholders treated as capital gains and taxed at 30% for promoters and 22% for promoter companies.

These amendments are significant as they clarify that the applicable surcharge on buyback income is capped at 12%. This change is expected to impact small and mid-sized buybacks, as larger buybacks exceeding ₹1 crore are already subject to a higher surcharge rate of 15%, according to Sandeepp Jhunjhunwala.

The new Income Tax Act, 2025, is set to take effect from April 1, 2026. In a notable shift, the turnover limit in the startup tax holiday framework has been raised from ₹100 crore to ₹300 crore, aiming to foster growth in the startup ecosystem.

Moreover, the government has announced a three-year tax exemption on dividend income for cooperative federations. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that this exemption is designed to boost the incomes of small cooperative members and encourage broader participation in the sector.

The budget provision for public capital expenditure exceeds ₹12 lakh crore, which constitutes 3.1% of the GDP. This budget is 11.5% higher than the revised estimates for 2025-26, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure. “Money will be spent to strengthen the country’s infrastructure,” stated Sitharaman.

In addition to these measures, the government plans to transfer over ₹25 lakh crore to the states this year, further supporting regional development and economic stability. Observers note that these initiatives are crucial for employment generation and economic growth, particularly in sectors like cooperatives, MSMEs, and agriculture.

As the Finance Bill 2026 unfolds, the implications of these amendments will be closely monitored by stakeholders across various sectors. The focus on cooperatives and small businesses reflects a strategic approach to bolster the economy amid ongoing challenges.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of these changes, but the government’s direction indicates a commitment to fostering a more inclusive economic environment.

The post Nirmala Sitharaman’s Finance Bill 2026: Key Amendments and Implications appeared first on newsrush.