As per the latest clarification by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), restaurants located within hotels that charge over ₹7,500 per day for rooms are now categorised as operating within “specified premises”. Consequently, restaurant services in such establishments will attract an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST), with the benefit of input tax credit (ITC).

In contrast, standalone restaurants or those situated in hotels with room tariffs below ₹7,500 will continue to attract a lower GST rate of 5%, but without ITC.

What Qualifies as a “Specified Premises”?

The CBIC defines “specified premises” as hotel properties where the actual transaction value of accommodation exceeded ₹7,500 per night in the preceding financial year. This classification directly affects the GST rate applied to restaurant services within the premises.

Notably, this threshold is determined not by the listed tariff, but by the actual price charged — offering more clarity and uniformity in implementation.

Voluntary Declaration: Can Hotels Choose to be ‘Specified Premises’?

Hotels that did not exceed the ₹7,500 threshold in the previous financial year may still choose to be classified as “specified premises”. This is done by submitting a declaration between January 1 and March 31 before the start of the new financial year.

Once opted in, the classification will remain valid throughout the financial year, unless the hotel decides to opt out in a subsequent year. This change also eliminates the earlier method of using the ‘declared tariff’, which often caused confusion due to its inclusion of all room amenities but exclusion of discounts.

What if the Room Rent Falls Below ₹7,500?

Hotels whose room rents fall below ₹7,500 in the preceding financial year are not automatically considered “specified premises”. They will only fall under this category if they voluntarily opt in through the declaration process.

If no such declaration is made, restaurant services in such properties will be taxed at 5% GST, but ITC will not be available.

GST Rate for Restaurants Outside Specified Premises

Restaurants operating outside the boundaries of “specified premises” — including standalone eateries or those in budget hotels — will continue to be taxed at 5% GST. However, these establishments cannot claim input tax credit, making their effective tax burden potentially higher in operational terms.

Determination of ‘Specified Premises’ Status

The classification of a property as “specified premises” depends on two factors:

1. Actual room transaction values during the previous financial year.
2. Voluntary declaration, made within the stipulated window (January 1 to March 31).

Hotels that exceeded the ₹7,500 threshold in 2024–25, for instance, will automatically fall under the 18% GST slab for restaurant services in 2025–26. This status will remain unchanged throughout the financial year, ensuring consistency.

Newly registered hotels can also opt in by submitting their declaration within 15 days of receiving their GST registration certificate.

How Is GST Handled for Hotels with Multiple Properties?

For hotel chains or groups operating multiple properties under a single GST registration, each premise is treated separately for GST classification purposes. The 18% GST on restaurant services will apply only to those properties where:

• The room tariff exceeded ₹7,500 in the prior financial year, or
• The hotelier has opted for “specified premises” status.

This ensures fairness in taxation across diverse properties with varying room tariffs.

Conclusion

The CBIC’s revised framework aims to simplify and bring clarity to the taxation of hotel restaurant services. With defined criteria and options for voluntary classification, hoteliers can make informed decisions for each property.

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

MAN Industries (India) Limited announced a noteworthy achievement—its inclusion in the approved vendor list of Qatar Energy LNG, one of the world’s largest producers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This development signals the company’s enhanced position in the global energy supply chain and highlights its proven capabilities in manufacturing high-quality steel pipes and anticorrosion coatings.

Qatar Energy LNG: A Global Energy Giant

Qatar Energy LNG, previously known as Qatargas, is a cornerstone of the global LNG market with an annual output capacity of 77 million tonnes. It plays a central role in the exploitation and export of Qatar’s vast gas reserves, especially from the North Field—the world’s largest non-associated gas field. Inclusion in this elite list positions MAN Industries to potentially engage in key LNG infrastructure projects across the Middle East and beyond.

Recognition of Quality and Compliance

Securing a place on the vendor list of such a globally recognised energy company requires strict adherence to quality, safety, and reliability benchmarks. MAN Industries met these demanding standards, reaffirming its reputation for engineering excellence and commitment to international specifications.

Comments from Leadership

Mr Nikhil Mansukhani, Managing Director of MAN Industries, expressed his pride: “We are extremely proud to be included in the prestigious approved vendor list of Qatar Energy LNG. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our team. It opens up exciting new opportunities for the niche Sour Grade Line pipe market in the Middle East and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class solutions to our customers worldwide.”

Implications for Future Growth

The inclusion opens new avenues for MAN Industries in the high-potential Sour Grade Line pipe segment, often required for harsh environments in oil and gas exploration. The endorsement is also expected to strengthen the company’s credentials for similar approvals from other global energy majors.

Man Industries Share Price 

The share price of Man Industries was trading down by 1.31% at ₹289.60 at 2:02 PM. The stock had made an intraday high of ₹299 on the NSE.

Conclusion

While this announcement is not indicative of any immediate commercial contracts, it marks an important milestone for MAN Industries and reflects its continued momentum in the international market. The recognition by a major energy player like Qatar Energy LNG could serve as a gateway to future collaborations and growth opportunities.

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, one of India’s leading hospitality chains, has announced the signing of a new licence agreement for a hotel property in Jaipur, Rajasthan. As of 1:53 PM, the share price of Lemon Tree Hotels is trading higher by 2.28% at ₹144.03.

Property Details and Strategic Location

The upcoming Lemon Tree Hotel, Jaipur, will be operated by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. The hotel is scheduled to commence operations in FY 2027.

The property will feature 66 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, banquet facilities, a meeting room, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and other public areas, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Located in close proximity to Jaipur International Airport (just 500 metres away), and approximately 12 km from Jaipur Junction Railway Station, the hotel is well-positioned to benefit from strong connectivity via both public and private transport.

Strengthening Presence in Rajasthan

With this signing, Lemon Tree Hotels continues its expansion in Rajasthan, where it already operates 10 hotels and has six additional properties in the pipeline. Speaking about the development, Mr Vilas Pawar, CEO of Managed & Franchise Business at Lemon Tree Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about strengthening their regional presence. “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Rajasthan, complementing our portfolio of 10 existing hotels and six upcoming properties,” he said.

About Lemon Tree Hotels Limited

Established in 2004, Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTHL) is one of the largest hotel chains in India. The company operates across various segments—upscale, upper-midscale, midscale, and economy—offering differentiated hospitality experiences through a range of brands:

• Aurika Hotels & Resorts
• Lemon Tree Premier
• Lemon Tree Hotels
• Red Fox Hotels
• Keys Prima, Select, and Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels 

The group’s current portfolio includes over 210 hotels—comprising 110+ operational properties and 100+ upcoming hotels—spanning metro cities, tier I/II/III towns, and international destinations like Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Conclusion 

The latest signing in Jaipur highlights Lemon Tree Hotels’ continued expansion strategy in key tourist and business destinations. With operations slated for FY27, the property adds to its growing presence in Rajasthan.

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Om Freight Forwarders Ltd., a Mumbai-based logistics and freight company, has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company was established in 1995 and provides end-to-end logistics services including freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution.

IPO Details

The IPO will include both a fresh issue of shares and an offer-for-sale (OFS). The fresh issue aims to raise ₹25 crore. The OFS component includes 72.5 lakh equity shares with a face value of ₹10 each. The overall issue size has not been disclosed in the DRHP.

Promoters Rahul Jagannath Joshi, Harmesh Rahul Joshi, and Kamesh Rahul Joshi will be offloading their shares through the OFS. Specifically, Rahul Jagannath Joshi will sell 39.8 lakh shares, Harmesh Rahul Joshi will sell 25.3 lakh shares, and Kamesh Rahul Joshi will sell 7.25 lakh shares.

Use of Proceeds

From the ₹25 crore expected through the fresh issue, ₹16.64 crore will be used for capital expenditure. This includes the acquisition of commercial vehicles and heavy equipment. The remaining funds will go toward general corporate purposes.

Allotment Structure

The IPO will be offered through the book-building process. According to the DRHP, 50% of the issue will be allocated to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), 15% to non-institutional investors, and 35% to retail individual investors.

Smart Horizon Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd. is acting as the book-running lead manager for the issue. Bigshare Services Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed as the registrar. The shares are proposed to be listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Financials

In FY24, the company reported a revenue of ₹410.5 crore and a net profit of ₹10.35 crore. For the July-September quarter of FY25, revenue stood at ₹250.29 crore and net profit at ₹13.22 crore. The company’s net worth as of September 30, 2024, was ₹164.72 crore.

Om Freight has operations in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK, and serves over 700 destinations globally.

Conclusion

The IPO process will move forward following SEBI’s observations and approvals. Final details regarding pricing, issue dates, and investor bidding will be released in subsequent filings.

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Lupin Limited announced that its UK arm, Lupin Healthcare (UK) Ltd, has acquired a 100% stake in Renascience Pharma Limited. The deal is valued at £12.3 million, which is approximately ₹135 crore. Following the transaction, Renascience will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lupin Healthcare (UK).

As of 10:54 am on April 3, Lupin shares price was trading at ₹2083.60, a 3.68% up for the day, despite being down 7.84% over the past six months and up 25.35% over the past year.

Renascience’s Product Portfolio

Renascience Pharma is a UK-based pharmaceutical company with a portfolio of 4 specialty products. These include:

• Branded injectable cephalosporins are used to treat infectious diseases
• A topical treatment for ear pain
• A branded quinazoline-like diuretic used in cardiovascular and renal conditions

These products are currently available in the UK market and are positioned in therapeutic areas that address specific treatment needs.

Lupin’s Existing UK Business

Lupin has an established presence in the UK through its branded business, offering medicines across various therapeutic segments. The acquisition of Renascience is expected to integrate these new products into its UK portfolio.

Statements from the Companies

According to a statement issued by Lupin, the acquisition is intended to support the company’s branded product offerings in the UK. Renascience will now trade under Lupin Healthcare (UK) Ltd.

Eric Che, Co-founder and Director of Renascience, noted that the deal enables the company to continue its existing operations and reach a wider patient base under new ownership.

Conclusion

Lupin Healthcare (UK) Ltd’s acquisition of Renascience Pharma provides it with complete ownership of a set of UK-based pharmaceutical products. These additions will now be managed under Lupin’s existing operations in the region. The deal is valued at £12.3 million and is another expansion of Lupin’s international business.

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

The Indian Navy has signed a ₹270 crore agreement with Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd (KOEL) for the design and development of a 6 MW medium-speed marine diesel engine. The project falls under the ‘Make-I’ category, where the government will fund 70% of the total cost. The engine will have over 50% indigenous content, as specified by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

As of 10:43 AM on April 3, Kirloskar Oil Engines share price was trading at ₹761.55, a 4.44% up for the day, with a 26.14% gain over the past month and a 37.89% decline over the past six months.

Purpose and Application

The diesel engine developed under this deal will be used for main propulsion and power generation in Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships. In addition to the prototype, the project includes the detailed design of diesel engines ranging from 3MW to 10MW.

The deal was signed in Delhi in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.

Shift from Imported Equipment

Until now, most high-capacity diesel engines for marine use have been imported from countries like Ukraine, the US, and the UK. The new project is aimed at reducing dependency on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This step is part of ongoing efforts to localise key technologies in the defence sector.

Context and Existing Upgrades

The Indian Navy is currently in the process of converting the steam propulsion systems on its vessels to diesel-based systems. For example, Cochin Shipyard Ltd began work in 2023 on upgrading INS Beas, a Brahmaputra-class frigate, with an imported 6MW Caterpillar diesel engine.

Defence Manufacturing under Make in India

As of March 24, 2025, a total of 145 projects have been initiated under the Make in India initiative, with participation from 171 industries. This includes:

• 40 government-funded Make-I projects
• 101 industry-funded Make-II projects
• 4 Make-III projects involving technology transfer

Conclusion

The agreement with Kirloskar Oil Engines is a step towards domestic production of marine diesel engines for defence use, contributing to the larger goal of building indigenous capacity in sectors.

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Medicamen Biotech Limited has announced the signing of a contract manufacturing and development organisation (CDMO) agreement with European pharmaceutical company, XGX Pharma. As part of the contract, Medicamen will develop and manufacture 6 products for XGX Pharma, which will retain the market authorisation rights in Europe.

This strategic partnership has sparked investor optimism, leading to a sharp surge of over 9% in the Medicamen share price on April 03, 2025 and trading at ₹528 at 2:04 PM.

Strengthening Presence in Regulated Markets

This development comes at a time when Medicamen is making rapid strides in global market penetration. Having secured approvals from the USFDA and the European Union for its plants, Medicamen is now eyeing further expansion into Canada and Australia, with desktop approvals filed and site approvals expected in the next 6 months.

With its capabilities in contract manufacturing, the CDMO deal aligns well with the company’s long-term strategy of becoming a key player in regulated markets. The company is also empanelled with global bodies like the UN and UNICEF, showcasing its commitment to international compliance and quality benchmarks.

Roadmap to Higher Capacity Utilisation

According to the company’s corporate presentation, Medicamen has invested significantly in expanding and upgrading its production infrastructure. Facilities in Bhiwadi and Haridwar currently operate at around 30% of their potential. However, the company aims to ramp up this utilisation to 70% by FY27-28 and 90% by FY29-30.

These efforts are intended to support the rising demand from international clients and new product registrations, particularly in high-growth therapeutic segments like oncology, cardiovascular and diabetes.

India’s Domestic Portfolio: A Strategic Focus

Back home, Medicamen is also growing its domestic presence through branded marketing, especially in chronic therapy areas. Its Indian portfolio includes over 300 SKUs and a strong doctor network of over 60,000. The company has launched its subsidiary, Medicamen Life Sciences Ltd., to further strengthen its brand presence in lifestyle-driven segments like cardiovascular and anti-diabetics.

With an expanding sales force and improved distribution across 560 headquarters nationwide, Medicamen is strategically positioned to tap into the domestic pharma market, which is expected to grow from ₹2.6 lakh crore in 2024 to ₹5.1 lakh crore by 2030.

Geographic & Product Mix Diversification

Medicamen’s growth strategy hinges on its diverse geographic exposure and robust product pipeline. In Europe, the company has filed for two marketing authorisations and entered a CDMO agreement involving seven products with a Danish partner. Meanwhile, in Canada and the US, partnerships and product filings are progressing steadily.

In emerging markets such as Africa, South America and Southeast Asia, the company has already registered over 100 products and continues to expand via definitive distribution agreements. Its product focus includes key therapies such as oncology, cardiovascular, gastroenterology, and dermatology.

Conclusion

With a sharpened focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships, Medicamen is poised for sustainable growth. The company’s shift from a largely government-supply dependent model to a research-led, globally compliant CDMO player indicates a transformation in its business model.

As it continues to tap underutilised capacity and enter high-potential geographies, Medicamen Biotech is aiming to create long-term value by aligning its R&D efforts with evolving global healthcare needs

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Fortis Healthcare Limited has officially acquired ownership of the ‘Fortis’ trademark following a long-standing legal dispute. This acquisition was confirmed by the Delhi High Court on 25 March 2025 after a public auction process. The case, originally linked to an arbitration award in favour of Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, resulted in the sale of the Fortis Marks to Fortis Healthcare for ₹200 crores.

Legal Background and Auction Process

The legal conflict began with an arbitral award issued in April 2016 by a Singapore tribunal, which ruled in favour of Daiichi Sankyo against multiple respondents, including RHC Holding Private Limited. As part of the decree enforcement, the Supreme Court of India ordered in September 2022 that assets linked to the erstwhile promoters, Malvinder and Shivinder Mohan Singh, be made available for auction under the Delhi High Court’s supervision.

On October 29, 2024, the Delhi High Court directed a public auction for the Fortis Marks to settle the decree against Daiichi Sankyo. The auction took place on December 21, 2024, where Fortis Healthcare emerged as the highest bidder with a ₹200 crore offer. Despite objections raised by RHC Healthcare regarding valuation and auction procedures, the Delhi High Court upheld the sale in its final judgment on March 25, 2025.

Confirmation of Ownership and Future Implications

With the court’s confirmation, Fortis Healthcare now holds complete ownership of the Fortis Marks, along with all associated rights and liabilities. The company is free to register the trademark under its name in official records. The next step in the legal proceedings includes finalising the sale deed, scheduled for April 16, 2025.

Financially, the acquisition carries no additional penalties or compensatory obligations for Fortis Healthcare. The judgment secures the brand’s intellectual property, ensuring its exclusive use by the company.

Fortis Healthcare Share Performance 

As of April 03, 2025, at 9:30 AM, Fortis Healthcare share price was trading at ₹669.50, reflecting a surge of 1.04% from its previous closing price. Over the past month, it has surged by 6.42%.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s ruling marks the end of a prolonged legal battle, granting Fortis Healthcare undisputed ownership of its trademark. This resolution reinforces the company’s brand identity and stability while concluding a significant chapter in its corporate history.

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

GE Power India Limited has successfully secured a significant purchase order worth ₹382 million (excluding 18% GST) from NTPC Limited. This development was disclosed in compliance with SEBI’s regulations, reinforcing the company’s strong presence in India’s power sector. The contract highlights GE Power India’s ongoing commitment to providing advanced energy solutions to major domestic clients.

Strategic Partnership with NTPC

NTPC Limited, India’s leading power generation company, has awarded this contract to GE Power India for the supply of generator parts for the Talcher site. The project, which falls under a domestic entity, is set to be executed over a period of 40 months. The deal further strengthens GE Power India’s long-standing relationship with NTPC and underscores its expertise in power equipment manufacturing.

Contract Details and Compliance

The awarded contract is a purchase order strictly within SEBI’s regulatory framework. It does not involve any related party transactions, and the promoter group of GE Power India holds no vested interest in NTPC. The company confirmed its adherence to transparency and corporate governance norms, ensuring compliance with SEBI guidelines dated 11 November 2024 and 25 February 2025.

GE Power Share Performance 

As of April 03, 2025, at 9:30 AM, GE Power share price was trading at ₹257.06, reflecting a surge of 2.68% from its previous closing price. Over the past month, it has surged by 10.72%.

Conclusion

The ₹382 million contract marks another milestone for GE Power India, reaffirming its role in India’s power infrastructure development. The collaboration with NTPC is expected to enhance efficiency at the Talcher site, reflecting GE’s technical prowess and reliability in the energy sector.

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.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.