Discounts serve as a powerful strategic tool to stimulate sales, attract new customers and strengthen a brand’s competitive edge in price-sensitive market. Due to this reason, discount schemes have enjoyed favourable tax treatment right from the pre-GST regime.

India’s move to incorporate a Customs Authority for Advance Rulings (‘Authority’) aligns with the World’s Customs Organization’s core trade facilitation framework which emphasizes on transparency, and certainty for traders. Article 3 of the World Trade Organization (‘WTO’) Trade Facilitation Agreement requires Members to issue binding advance rulings and publish their period of validity, reinforcing transparency and predictability for traders.

The Union Budget 2026 signals a continued shift towards trust-based regulation and faster dispute closure across indirect tax administration. Amongst the reforms proposed in the Finance Bill, 2026 (‘Finance Bill’), proposal for amendment to Section 28(6) of the Customs Act, 1962 (‘Customs Act’) is a notable change.

The article provides an overview of the most significant free trade agreements concluded by India in this decade - the India–EU Free Trade Agreement.

The article discusses the recurring issues encountered in M&A transactions where consolidation and private capital participation accelerate across tertiary care, specialty hospitals and regional networks. Investors and acquirers increasingly encounter diligent risks unique to this hospital sector.