On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha as part of efforts to reform the tax system. The new Income Tax Bill aims to simplify and streamline provisions to enhance clarity and reduce the potential for legal disputes.

This new legislation will replace the Income Tax Act of 1961, which has seen numerous amendments over the past six decades. Before final approval, the bill will be reviewed by the Select Committee of Parliament. The new law is expected to come into effect on April 1, 2026.

Objective of New Income Tax Bill

The primary goal of the new Income Tax Bill is to make tax laws more transparent, easier to understand, and more taxpayer-friendly. By replacing complex provisions with simpler language, it seeks to reduce legal conflicts and promote voluntary compliance.

The bill may also introduce reduced penalties for certain offences, aiming to create a more accommodating tax environment.

Crypto and Other Virtual Assets Under Other Sources

At 622 pages and containing 536 clauses, the new bill is much shorter than the existing 64-year-old law, which spans 823 pages and contains 819 sections. The bill simplifies legal terminology, replacing terms like “assessment year” with “tax year,” and eliminates convoluted provisions to improve readability and reduce ambiguities. It also removes outdated clauses as part of the simplification effort.

Additionally, the new bill includes specific provisions for virtual digital assets and updates tax rates, ensuring that digital assets like cryptocurrency are properly taxed.

While the bill does not change current tax slabs or rebate structures, it focuses on making the tax code more user-friendly.

Also Read: New Income Tax Bill: Check How Is It Different From the Old Income Tax Law

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

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On Friday, February 14, 2025, at 5 AM, IST, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly elected US President Donald Trump concluded their bilateral meeting at the White House, discussing, defence, tariffs, immigration and other important matters. In this read, we will have a look at the key highlights of the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump

Supply F-35 Stealth Fighters to India

US President Donald Trump announced plans to substantially increase military sales to India starting in 2025, with the F-35 stealth fighter jets potentially being a pivotal part of this expansion. “We’ll be ramping up military sales to India by billions of dollars,” Trump said, highlighting the US’s efforts to facilitate India’s acquisition of the advanced F-35 jets.

Although Trump didn’t offer a specific timeline, such deals generally take years to finalise due to the complexity of foreign military sales, especially when dealing with cutting-edge technology like the F-35.

Reciprocal Tariffs and Trade Discussions

President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to evaluate the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on various trading partners, aiming to challenge a global trade system that he believes disproportionately benefits other nations over the US.

This approach involves a detailed review by the US Trade Representative and Commerce Secretary, with new tariff proposals expected to rebalance trade relations over the coming weeks or months. India, in particular, could face significant consequences from these reciprocal tariffs.

Immigration and Deportation of Indian Citizens

In response to the deportation of 104 Indian illegal immigrants, with more expected, Prime Minister Modi stated that India is prepared to take back “verified illegals” but emphasized the need to combat human trafficking networks.

India’s Position on the Russia-Ukraine War

During a meeting at the White House, Prime Minister Modi clarified India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting, “India is not neutral in this war, but India stands with peace.” This statement reflects India’s delicate diplomatic balance, maintaining ties with both Russia and the West while advocating for a peaceful resolution. Modi also emphasized India’s commitment to the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as its concern for the humanitarian impact of the war.

Extradition of Tahawwur Rana

US President Donald Trump has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to face justice in India. Trump made this announcement during a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Modi at the White House, affirming that the US is “handing over a very violent man” to India immediately. Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, was arrested in the US less than a year after the Mumbai attacks and sentenced to 14 years for his involvement in a conspiracy to support a terror plot in Denmark.

PM Modi on Adani: No Discussion of Individuals

Prime Minister Modi deflected a question about billionaire Gautam Adani during a press conference with US President Trump, saying, “Two heads of state do not discuss individuals.” This remark comes amid controversy surrounding Adani, who has been accused by US prosecutors of bribing Indian officials to secure favourable solar power contracts.

Enhancing Indo-Pacific Security and Energy Trade

Trump highlighted India’s increased purchase of US oil and gas, emphasising the strengthening of strategic energy ties. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Quad alliance with Australia and Japan to ensure regional stability.

“Make India Great Again”

During his official visit to the US, Prime Minister Modi introduced his vision for “Make India Great Again” (MIGA), drawing inspiration from President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) slogan.

In a joint press conference, Modi emphasised the significance of economic collaboration, with both leaders agreeing to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, up from the current $129.2 billion in 2024, solidifying the US as India’s largest trading partner.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

The newly introduced Income Tax Bill, which has been shared with Parliament members, seeks to replace the existing Income Tax Act of 1961 with the updated Income Tax Act, 2025. Spanning a total of 622 pages, this bill is set to be implemented starting April 1, 2026. It includes 23 chapters and 16 schedules.

In the interim, tax calculations and reporting for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 will continue to follow the current law. In this read, we will have a look at how the New income tax bill is different from the old income tax law

Structural and Terminology Updates

The proposed bill reshapes the tax law by reducing the number of chapters from 51 to 23 while increasing the number of sections from 298 to 536. It also introduces more straightforward terminology, replacing terms like “assessment year” and “previous year” with “tax year” and “financial year.”

Enhancing Compliance and Interpretation

To make the tax law easier to understand, the new bill eliminates excessive explanations and provisos. It reduces cross-references to other sections, allowing taxpayers to interpret provisions with less need to consult multiple clauses. A Taxpayer’s Charter will also be introduced to ensure more transparency, alongside enhanced digital compliance measures.

Key Provisions and Simplifications

Several key provisions are included in the bill:

• Tax Rates: The bill retains the existing tax rates for individuals, corporations, and capital gains. It classifies virtual digital assets as “property,” though the tax rate remains unchanged at 30%.
• Service Contracts and MTM Loss: The bill clarifies rules around revenue recognition for service contracts, mark-to-market (MTM) loss provisions, and inventory valuation, which were previously part of the Income Computation and Disclosure Standards (ICDS).
• Deductions for Salaries: Deductions such as standard deduction, gratuity, and leave encashment are now consolidated into a single section, offering better organization.
• Income Categories: Income that is excluded from total income will be clearly listed in schedules for improved clarity.
• Formula-Based Definitions: Complex definitions, such as for the Written-Down Value (WDV) of assets, are now replaced with a simpler, formula-based approach.
• TDS Provisions: TDS provisions are consolidated under one clause and presented in tabular formats for clearer understanding.
• Penalties: The bill introduces stricter penalties for misreporting, non-compliance, and incorrect disclosures.

Conclusion

The Income Tax Bill, 2025, is a significant step towards modernizing India’s tax laws. By simplifying structures, clarifying provisions, and embracing digital compliance, the bill promises to make the tax filing process more efficient and user-friendly.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Feb 13, 2025, marks the one-year anniversary of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY). A year back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched this yojana to provide free electricity by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels. The scheme makes renewable energy more accessible and affordable by offering subsidies of up to 40% on rooftop solar installations.

As the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar program, PMSGMBY is transforming India’s energy landscape, with an ambitious plan to provide solar power to 10 million households by March 2027. Let’s look at how you can get free electricity by installing solar panels through this Yojana.

How to Apply for Subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

You can follow the below steps to apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

Step 1: Visit the official website

Step 2: Provide personal details for registration

Step 3: Now, login with consumer number and mobile number

Step 4: Apply for the rooftop solar as per form

Step 5:  Fill the online application form

Step 6: Now, you need to wait for DISCOM approval and install plant with a registered vendor

Step 7: After installation is finished, you need to submit plant details and apply for net meter

Step 8: Post net meter installation and DISCOM inspection, obtain the commissioning certificate from the portal

Step 9: Submit bank details and a cancelled cheque, receive subsidy within 30 days

Achievement of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

As per the government data, the scheme has already benefited 8,46,000 households through rooftop solar installations as of January 27, 2025. This rapid adoption is reflected in the tenfold increase in monthly installations, now averaging around 70,000 per month, far exceeding pre-scheme figures.

To date, ₹4,308.66 crore has been allocated as Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to 5,54,000 residential consumers, with an average subsidy of ₹77,800 per household. Additionally, approximately 45% of beneficiaries are now receiving zero electricity bills, depending on their solar power generation and consumption patterns.

Key Benefits of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• Free Electricity for Households: The scheme provides households with free electricity by subsidising rooftop solar panel installations, significantly lowering their energy bills.
• Reduced Government Electricity Costs: By encouraging widespread use of solar power, the scheme is expected to save the government an estimated ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity expenses.
• Increased Renewable Energy Use: The initiative promotes the adoption of renewable energy sources, contributing to a greener and more sustainable energy mix in India.
• Lower Carbon Emissions: The transition to solar energy through this scheme will help reduce carbon emissions, supporting India’s goals for a lower carbon footprint.
• Collateral-Free Loans: Households can also access collateral-free, low-interest loans with an interest rate of around 7% for the installation of rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.