Tax Alert: Income Tax Notices for HRA Claims

The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has announced that India is on the verge of becoming the first country to finalize a trade agreement with the United States. This deal could help India avoid high tariffs of 26% that are currently on hold until July. Bessent emphasized that trade discussions with India are progressing well because of its low tariffs and minimal trade barriers. The chief negotiators from both nations recently met in Washington to finalize the terms and expedite the agreement. As both countries work closely, this trade deal could significantly boost India's economy.

South Korea has taken action against the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek for improperly transferring user data when its app was available for download. The country's data protection authority revealed that DeepSeek did not get consent from users to send their personal information to several companies in China and the U.S. This violation led to a suspension of new downloads for the app. In response, DeepSeek claimed that sharing data was meant to enhance user experience. The agency has now recommended that DeepSeek halt this data transfer and establish legal protocols for sharing personal information abroad.

Apple is taking a big step by planning to manufacture most of its iPhones sold in the U.S. in India by the end of 2026. This move comes as the company seeks to avoid high tariffs in China, which is currently its main manufacturing hub. In the U.S., Apple sells over 60 million iPhones each year, with about 80% made in China. Although manufacturing costs in India are slightly higher, they are still more manageable compared to the heavy tariffs imposed on China. With suppliers like Foxconn and Tata already operating factories in India, Apple is set to strengthen its presence in the Indian market.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action against Gensol Engineering Ltd, detaining co-promoter Puneet Singh Jaggi from a hotel in Delhi. This investigation follows a SEBI report that raised concerns about the company's financial practices. Puneet and his brother Anmol Singh Jaggi, who co-founded the electric cab service BluSmart, are under scrutiny for allegedly misusing funds. Instead of using the money for its intended projects, they reportedly diverted it to buy personal assets or through various shell companies. The situation highlights serious issues of financial misconduct in the corporate sector.

Indian residents are sending less money abroad, with remittances dropping by 29% to $1,964.21 million in February 2025. Travel-related remittances fell by over 33%, primarily due to fewer students studying overseas. Many people are also delaying their travel plans because of economic uncertainty. However, investments in foreign stocks increased, indicating a shift in priorities. The Liberalised Remittance Scheme allows individuals to send up to $250,000 yearly for various purposes, including education and healthcare. Despite the decline in travel and study remittances, the overall amount sent abroad was significant, highlighting changing trends in financial behavior.

On April 26, 2025, banks across India will be closed for the fourth Saturday of the month, as noted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This day is recognized as a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which affects transactions involving cheques and promissory notes. While customers won’t be able to conduct these specific transactions, they can still use online banking services to manage their finances conveniently. April sees a total of nine bank holidays in different regions, excluding weekends, so it's wise to plan ahead for any banking needs.

The earnings season has begun in India, marking an important time for investors. Major tech companies like TCS, HCL Tech, and Infosys, along with banks such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, have released their financial results for the year ending March 31, 2025. On April 26, more companies like IDFC First Bank and India Cements will share their earnings. Investors are paying close attention to these results, as key financial figures and management insights play a crucial role in determining stock prices. Staying informed is essential for making smart investment choices.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are having a tough time in IPL 2025, struggling with only four points after nine games. They've lost crucial matches at home against teams like RCB, DC, and SRH, which is surprising since they usually dominate at Chepauk. Coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged the team's struggles and emphasized the need for self-reflection. He pointed out the importance of fans, who fill stadiums in yellow, and expressed disappointment in failing to meet their expectations. While CSK has traditionally relied on loyalty in their squad, Fleming admitted that their strategy may have faltered in the recent mega-auction, leading to their current position at the bottom of the points table.

Pope Francis' coffin has been sealed after approximately 250,000 people paid their last respects over three days. He now lies in state at the Confessio altar in a simple wooden coffin, dressed in a red chasuble, with a white mitre and a rosary held in his hands. This decision was made by the Pope himself. During the private ceremony, a white silk cloth was placed over his face, and holy water was sprinkled on him. The zinc coffin was sealed with various official seals, and a hymn to Mary concluded the rite. The Chapter of St. Peter will hold a prayer vigil by his coffin until the funeral the next morning.

Dhone's journey from a small village in Kolhapur to aspiring civil servant is truly inspiring. He grew up in a humble family known for sheep rearing, and after completing his education in local schools, he worked as a postman. Despite financial challenges, his dream of joining the civil services pushed him to resign and move to Delhi for UPSC preparation. With support from a friend, Dhone dedicated himself to his studies, aiming to serve in the Indian Administrative Service or the Indian Police Service. He believes in listening to people and ensuring their voices are heard, reflecting on his journey as a dream come true.

Reddit has launched a new AI-powered search tool that can be accessed from its homepage. This feature allows users to ask the AI questions, similar to other chatbots like ChatGPT. Unlike Google, which provides straightforward answers, Reddit Answers excels in discussing complex topics by presenting multiple viewpoints. For instance, when asked about living in Gurugram, it shares various pros and cons, linking to relevant discussions on Reddit. CEO Steve Huffman emphasized the importance of search in Reddit's strategy, noting that many users now rely on Google to find content on the platform. As Reddit grows, it plans to introduce some paid content.

Many people seek jobs that not only offer good salaries but also a positive work environment and opportunities for growth. A recent analysis by Blind highlights companies that excel in these areas based on reviews from Indian professionals. Leading firms like Target, NVIDIA, and American Express received top scores for their company culture and trust in management. Interestingly, companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google were the most searched by job seekers, reflecting a strong interest in career advancement and international roles. This report sheds light on what employees value in their workplaces.

Gold prices have skyrocketed by ₹1,800, crossing the important ₹1 lakh-mark for 10 grams in India. This surge is driven by local jewellers and stockists preparing for increased demand during Akshaya Tritiya and the wedding season. Gold of 99.5% purity hit a record high of ₹1,02,100 per 10 grams. Akshaya Tritiya, celebrated on April 30, is the most auspicious day for buying gold. The yellow metal has risen by nearly 29% since December 2024, while silver prices remained stable. Global uncertainties, particularly around the US economy, have also influenced these price changes.

Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, strongly condemned the horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, mostly tourists. He expressed his condolences to the victims' families and announced that all injured individuals would receive free treatment at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. Ambani emphasized the need for unity against terrorism, standing firmly with the Indian government and Prime Minister in the fight against this menace. Following the attack, the government has taken significant steps, including suspending visa services for Pakistani nationals and advising Indians against traveling to Pakistan.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange faced a significant drop, with the KSE-100 index plummeting by 2,111 points, or 1.80%, following India's firm diplomatic response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Investors showed caution due to geopolitical tensions and a revised GDP forecast for Pakistan from the IMF. Meanwhile, India took decisive actions, including revoking visas for Pakistani nationals and closing the integrated check post at the Attari-Wagah border. Historically, the KSE-100 has reacted negatively to such events, reflecting the impact of India-Pakistan relations on market stability.

Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines, causing potential disruptions for flights heading west from northern India. This closure means airlines will face longer flight times and increased fuel costs, leading to possible fare hikes for passengers. Air India, which operates many westward international flights, is particularly affected. IndiGo has already adjusted its flight schedules, extending some routes significantly. The full impact, both financially and operationally, will become clearer in the coming days, as Indian airlines navigate this unexpected challenge. The situation echoes previous airspace closures that resulted in large losses for these carriers.

In a thrilling IPL 2025 match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) narrowly defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs. Both teams were struggling, with RCB losing at home and RR on a three-match losing streak. RR started strong, needing just 18 runs off 12 balls but crumbled under pressure, reminiscent of their previous failures. Josh Hazlewood's outstanding bowling in the 19th over turned the tide for RCB, sealing RR's fate. Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's explosive 49 runs, RR's collapse allowed RCB to secure victory. Virat Kohli shone with a solid 70 runs, helping RCB reach 205 runs.

Indian rice prices have shown a slight recovery from a 22-month low, with the 5% broken parboiled variety priced between $389 and $396 per metric ton. This rise is partly due to a stronger Indian rupee against the U.S. dollar. However, overall demand remains low, especially from African buyers who are cautious after making high-cost imports earlier. Meanwhile, Thailand's rice prices have also increased slightly due to currency changes, but demand is described as very quiet. Bangladesh is actively purchasing rice locally to strengthen its reserves, reflecting the challenges in global rice markets.