📰 India Business Brief: Top Headlines for April 01, 2026

Business Standard

• Stock Market Overhaul: New trading regulations come into effect today, including a hike in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) for futures and options (F&O) and a 12% surcharge on share buybacks. SEBI has also implemented a 50:50 margin rule, requiring brokers to maintain half of their collateral in cash.
• LPG Price Hike: Commercial LPG cylinder prices have been hiked by ₹195.50 amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, though domestic cooking gas rates remain unchanged for now.
• Market Sentiment Rebound: GIFT Nifty signaled a significant gap-up opening for Indian indices as global markets reacted positively to statements from US President Donald Trump suggesting a potential end to the Iran conflict within weeks.
• Corporate Security Alerts: The IRGC has reportedly issued threats against the regional offices of Google, Apple, and Meta, citing espionage concerns, adding a layer of geopolitical risk for tech giants operating in the region.
• FY26 Retrospective: Reports indicate that Indian stock markets were the sole losers among emerging market peers in the previous financial year, though analysts suggest the Nifty is now entering a "bounce zone" based on historical valuations.

Economic Times

• New Tax Era Begins: The Finance Act 2026 is now operational, formalizing the transition to the New Income Tax Act 2025. Key changes include the renumbering of popular sections like 80C and 80D and the introduction of higher HRA exemption limits for cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.
• Aviation Leadership Shift: IndiGo has officially appointed William Walsh, the former chief of British Airways and IATA, as its new CEO following the departure of Pieter Elbers.
• Defense Milestone: The government has given the green light to the ₹39,000 crore "Ghatak" stealth drone project, a major boost for India's indigenous defense manufacturing and aerial combat capabilities.
• Infrastructure & Logistics: NHAI has increased the FASTag annual pass fee to ₹3,075 for FY27. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Ministry has launched "Udan 2.0" to specifically spur the manufacturing of small aircraft within India.
• Banking & Rewards: RuPay Platinum debit cardholders lose their complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges starting today, as NPCI implements revised eligibility criteria for premium benefits.

Mint

• Personal Finance Overhaul: Form 130 and Form 131 have officially replaced Form 16 and 16A as the primary TDS certificates for salaried individuals and senior citizens under the new tax regime.
• Zero Tax Threshold: Under the implemented tax reforms, individuals opting for the new tax regime and earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will now effectively pay zero tax due to enhanced rebate benefits.
• Stricter Railway Norms: Indian Railways has implemented a new refund structure where no refund will be provided for tickets cancelled within 8 hours of departure, a tightening from the previous 4-hour window.
• Banking Fee Revisions: HDFC Bank and other major lenders have begun charging ₹23 per transaction for UPI-based ATM withdrawals after the first five free monthly transactions.
• E-commerce Export Boost: The central government has removed the INR 1 million value cap on courier-based e-commerce shipments, aiming to empower MSMEs and global start-ups by streamlining digital compliance and logistics.

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