The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has deferred the planned locking of Table 3.2 in Form GSTR-3B, a move that would have restricted the ability of taxpayers to edit pre-filled data on inter-state supplies to unregistered persons and composition dealers. Originally scheduled to take effect from the April 2025 tax cycle, the change has been delayed following strong feedback from businesses. This decision offers critical relief for sectors heavily reliant on business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions.

Singapore is positioning itself to potentially secure a preferential—or even zero—tariff agreement with the United States on pharmaceutical exports, following Washington's push to impose sectoral duties aimed at safeguarding critical supply chains. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed ongoing discussions between the two nations, citing pharmaceuticals as a vital component of Singapore’s export economy. While no formal deal has been reached, Singapore is actively exploring how to meet U.S. conditions, including supply chain security commitments.

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd (SPIC), a leading name in India’s agri-nutrient and fertilizer sector, has posted a robust financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year of FY25, signaling a strategic turnaround. The Chennai-headquartered firm reported a quarterly profit of Rs. 13.09 crore, reversing a year-ago loss, while annual net profit surged to Rs. 130.84 crore. Revenue gains were equally impressive, with total income rising sharply due to operational efficiencies, a strategic shift to natural gas, and favorable market dynamics.

India’s global cultural influence was on full display this week, with high-profile appearances at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and noteworthy developments in international entertainment. The Bharat Pavilion at Cannes was inaugurated in the presence of stalwarts Anupam Kher and Shekhar Kapur, while Jacqueline Fernandez was honored for her contributions to cinema under the Red Sea Film Festival’s “Women in Cinema” initiative. Simultaneously, rising Indian star Avneet Kaur sparked speculation about her involvement in Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning.

India’s foreign exchange reserves witnessed a sharp rise of USD 4.553 billion, reaching USD 690.617 billion for the week ended May 9, 2025, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The growth was largely driven by a significant jump in the country’s gold reserves, which increased by USD 4.518 billion. This recovery follows a dip in the previous week and reinforces India’s robust external position, even as minor declines were observed in other components such as Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and the IMF reserve position.

India’s capital markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has extended the implementation timeline for a sweeping regulatory overhaul concerning offshore derivative instruments (ODIs) issued by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). Initially slated for enforcement on May 17, 2025, the new framework will now take effect on November 17, 2025. The delay follows industry feedback and aims to ensure a smooth transition.

In a significant move to modernize and streamline its trade defense mechanism, the Indian government is preparing to roll out a digital platform that will allow electronic submission of documents in trade remedy investigations. Spearheaded by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the initiative aims to boost transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in handling trade disputes. With over 1,200 trade remedy investigations since 1995, India has used these tools to protect critical industries from unfair international practices.

Sterling Powergensys Limited has officially appointed Pundlik Davane as its Chief Financial Officer, effective February 13, 2025. The announcement, disclosed belatedly due to internal procedural overlaps, follows the resignation of former CFO Dinesh Agarwal in November 2024. Davane, a seasoned executive with prior experience in the same role, was selected after an expedited internal review by the company’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Casagrand, one of South India’s leading real estate developers, has formally entered the western Indian market with its debut in Pune. The company has acquired two premium land parcels in Upper Kharadi and Wagholi to launch high-end residential projects spanning nearly 19 acres. Known for its upscale developments in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, Casagrand aims to tap into Pune’s fast-growing demand for luxury housing—driven by affluent professionals, a burgeoning NRI community, and a robust services sector.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), once firmly positioned as the country’s second-largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, is rolling out a multi-pronged strategy to reclaim its spot after slipping to fourth place in April 2025. With intensifying competition from Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, Hyundai is now prioritizing rural outreach, institutional sales, and the used car market, alongside aggressive new product launches.