Three decades of reform have transformed India’s economy. It must now dismantle the barriers that prevent growth from scaling. The period from 2014 to 2019 marked a significant turn in India’s economic strategy, with a strong emphasis on formalising the economy, widening the tax base and improving the ease of doing business. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax replaced a maze of central and state levies with a unified indirect-tax framework, creating a single natio

The real question is whether the cost stays confined to the merchant side or finds its way into prices. For a decade, UPI has run on one promise: instant, free and frictionless. That promise is now being tested. Parliament has cleared the legal path for a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions. Untangling what this actually means matters more than the headlines around it. The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by both Houses this month, amends Se

The government’s decision to create a legal framework for levying charges on UPI transactions has understandably triggered concern, even though it insists that ordinary users and small merchants will continue to enjoy free payments. The proposed amendment does not impose a fee on UPI today. But it removes the statutory barrier to one being imposed in the future, making the government’s reassurance less than the final word. The government argues that this is a measure for UPI’

From UPI payments to credit cards and loans, recent financial changes are making everyday transactions safer, faster and easier to manage. India’s financial system is changing quickly, especially with the growth of digital payments and stricter banking rules. Recent updates in UPI payments, credit cards and loans are designed to make transactions safer, more transparent and easier for everyone. From paying a grocery bill to applying for a home loan, these changes are beginnin