The finance ministry has asked India’s public sector banks to explore quantum-resistant encryption as a shield against future quantum computing threats. Experts say quantum computers could eventually break today’s widely used encryption. The push aligns with the National Quantum Mission’s work on quantum communication networks, aiming to keep financial systems secure as the technology landscape shifts.
The 46th GST Council meeting is set for Dec 31, with rate rationalisation on the agenda. India’s current four-tier structure (5, 12, 18, 28%) and separate cess on luxury and demerit items are facing calls to merge the 12% and 18% slabs and possibly move some items out of the exempt category to balance revenue impact.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
India’s GST mop-up rose sharply in August 2022, with gross revenues of Rs 1,43,612 crore—up 28% year-on-year, according to the Finance Ministry. The result pushed monthly GST collections past Rs 1.4 lakh crore for the sixth consecutive month, underscoring sustained momentum in tax collections despite shifting economic conditions.
GST collection for October clocked in at about Rs 1.51 lakh crore, marking the second-highest monthly figure since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. The finance ministry had anticipated collections would finally surpass the Rs 1.5-lakh-crore threshold in October, and the results landed just above that mark.
The Finance Ministry plans to update the Actuaries Act, 2006, widening the definition of actuarial science to include data science and risk management. It also proposes a new regulatory framework for actuarial firms. The bill is expected during the monsoon session, with stakeholder consultations already underway to shape the changes.
The Finance Ministry has revised recruitment examination and result-declaration timelines for public sector banks to streamline processes and boost transparency. Under the new sequence, SBI will announce results first, followed by nationalised banks, and then regional rural banks. The change is intended to reduce candidate attrition and support better workforce planning across these institutions.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
India’s GST collections surged 26% in September, reaching over Rs 1.47 lakh crore, the finance ministry said. The monthly mop-up has stayed above Rs 1.40 lakh crore for seven consecutive months, signaling sustained tax collections amid the ongoing push to grow compliance and stabilize revenues.
The Centre plans to raise about Rs 8 lakh crore via dated securities between April and September 2026-27, the finance ministry said. The borrowing is aimed at funding the government’s revenue gap. The move highlights how fiscal needs are being met ahead of the first half of the next financial year, potentially shaping bond market expectations.
India’s finance ministry says it is closely monitoring global commodity price swings triggered by the Russia Ukraine war, especially pressures affecting crude oil costs. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhury added the government supports moves to release from Strategic Petroleum Reserves, aiming to reduce volatility and help calm rising fuel prices in markets.
Ahead of the Union Budget process, the Finance Ministry has invited suggestions from industry and trade bodies on possible changes to duty structures, tax rates, and the broadening of the tax base. The communication covers both direct and indirect taxes and asks stakeholders to provide economic justifications for proposed changes.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.