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Vodafone Plans to Challenge Rs 16.73 Crore GST Demand

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Vodafone Idea (Vi) announced in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Friday that it intends to contest a Goods & Services Tax (GST) demand of ₹16.73 crore issued by the Deputy Commissioner of the Large Taxpayer Unit in West Bengal. The company indicated that the GST order, received on February 27, 2025, was issued under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. This order was “passed under Section 73 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, in conjunction with the West Bengal Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, affirming a penalty of ₹16,73,33,489 along with applicable demand and interest,” the filing disclosed.

The GST demand pertains to allegations of “excess availment of Input Tax Credit, underpayment of tax, and other issues,” indicating that the total financial impact could extend to the tax demand, interest, and penalties imposed.

In other news, Vodafone Idea (Vi) officially launched its 5G network trial in Mumbai on Friday, gearing up for a full commercial rollout expected around Holi, which falls on March 14. The company is also planning to launch its commercial 5G services in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Patna by April 2025.

“Vi 5G is currently in its trial phase in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to provide next-generation connectivity to our customers. During this trial, a select group of Vi users will have the opportunity to experience high-speed 5G connectivity firsthand,” said a Vi spokesperson.

The trial phase will allow chosen customers in Mumbai to access unlimited 5G data at no additional cost. Eligible users will be notified via SMS from Vi Care or will notice a 5G signal on their devices. These users will need a 5G-compatible handset and a 5G-ready SIM card (existing 4G SIMs will also work).

Users involved in the trial will receive free 5G data, but if they venture outside the coverage area in Mumbai, they will automatically switch to the 4G service, using data from their existing 4G plan, the spokesperson added.

“The trials are an opportunity for Vi to collect feedback to refine its network before the commercial launch of its 5G service in Mumbai. We will provide more details about the launch of our 5G services at the appropriate time,” the spokesperson concluded.

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UN Lowers India’s 2025 Economic Growth Projection to 6.3%

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The United Nations has revised India’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 6.3%, emphasizing that the country still ranks among the fastest-growing large economies despite this adjustment. This growth is expected to be bolstered by strong consumer spending and government expenditure.

In its report titled “The World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2025,” the UN highlights the precarious state of the global economy, which is currently affected by increasing trade tensions and policy uncertainties. The rising tariffs in the US are anticipated to elevate production costs, disrupt global supply chains, and increase financial volatility.

Ingo Pitterle, Senior Economic Affairs Officer at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), noted that India’s economy continues to flourish, driven by robust private consumption and public investment, even as the growth projection has been adjusted to 6.3% for 2025.

The report indicates that consistent private consumption, substantial public investments, and strong exports in the services sector will sustain economic growth. Although impending US tariffs might impact merchandise exports, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, semiconductors, energy, and copper—currently exempt from tariffs—may mitigate some economic effects, though these exemptions could change.

The revised growth forecast of 6.3% for India in 2025 is slightly below the earlier estimate of 6.6% provided in the UN’s January report. Regarding employment, the report indicates stability driven by steady economic conditions, but highlights ongoing gender disparities that call for enhanced workforce inclusivity.

Additionally, inflation in India is predicted to decrease from 4.9% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025, remaining within the central bank’s target range. This decline in inflation allows central banks across the South Asian region to initiate or maintain monetary easing through 2025.

The global GDP growth forecast has been adjusted to 2.4% for 2025, down from 2.9% in 2024 and 0.4 percentage points lower than the prior January estimate. Meanwhile, governments in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are expected to pursue fiscal consolidation and economic reforms supported by the IMF.

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Adani Airports Terminates Partnership with Celebi for Mumbai and Ahmedabad Airports

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Adani Airport Holdings has immediately terminated its ground handling concession agreement with Turkish firm Celebi at both Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports.

In a press release, Adani Airports stated that the decision follows the government’s revocation of Celebi’s security clearance: “We have terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Celebi at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA).”

“As a result, Celebi has been instructed to promptly hand over all ground handling facilities to ensure seamless operations,” the company added.

Furthermore, they confirmed their commitment to providing uninterrupted service to all airlines through new ground handling agencies. “All existing Celebi employees at CSMIA and SVPIA will be transferred to the new agencies under their current employment terms. Ground handling operations at our airports will continue without disruption. We remain dedicated to maintaining high service standards and promoting national interests,” spokespersons for Mumbai and Ahmedabad Airports stated.

This termination decision was made following the Union government’s revocation of the Turkish firm’s security clearance. Previously, Adani Airport Holdings also ended its agreement with Turkish company DragonPass, which had allowed access to airport lounges.

This action aligns with recent geopolitical tensions, particularly Turkey’s support for Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attacks and India’s subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor’ aimed at addressing the situation.

“Our partnership with DragonPass, which provided lounge access, has been discontinued with immediate effect. DragonPass customers will no longer have access to lounges at Adani-managed airports. This change will not affect the lounge experience for other travelers,” the Adani Airport Holdings spokesperson remarked.

In a notification issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that “in the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security.”

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India Posts $26.42 Billion Trade Deficit in April as Exports Climb 9%

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India’s merchandise exports increased by 9.03% year-on-year, reaching $38.49 billion in April. In contrast, imports surged by 19.12% to $64.91 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $26.42 billion, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Thursday.

The total value of exports, which includes both merchandise and services, is estimated at $73.80 billion for April, marking a growth of 12.70% compared to the previous year. Total imports for goods and services are projected at $82.45 billion, reflecting a 15.72% increase.

Commenting on these figures, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal expressed optimism for sustaining the current momentum in exports.

In April, services exports were valued at $35.31 billion, up from $30.18 billion in the same month last year, while services imports were estimated at $17.54 billion, compared to $16.76 billion a year earlier. The growth in services exports is estimated at 17.01% year-on-year.

Non-oil imports for April reached $44.20 billion, up from $37.99 billion in the same month last year. Additionally, India’s engineering goods exports rose to $9.51 billion in April 2025, compared to $8.55 billion in April 2024.

Notably, despite tariff challenges, India’s exports to the US climbed to $8.42 billion in April, up from $6.61 billion in the same period last year.

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