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UPI Framework – Key Highlights UPI Framework – Key Highlights UPI continues to remain free for individuals and small merchants The new UPI framework introduces MDR only for specified merchant transactions , while keeping the vast majority of UPI payments free. 1. Transactions that remain FREE P2P Transactions: All person-to-person UPI transactions remain completely free , irrespective of the amount transferred. P2M transactions up to ₹2,000: No MDR will apply. Small merchants: Merchants receiving up to ₹1 lakh per month through UPI QR under the P2PM category will continue to enjoy zero MDR on all transactions . Approximately 96% of merchant transactions will therefore remain unaffected. 2. Transactions attracting MDR Transaction MDR Merchant payments above ₹2,000 0.4% , capped at ₹300 Essential sectors above ₹2,000 – railways, telecom, insurance, fuel, agricultural inputs ₹5 per transaction Mutual funds, securities, stockbrokers & dealers 0.0...

Legal Basis Under GDPR vs. DPDP Act, 2023 Legal Basis Under GDPR vs. DPDP Act, 2023: Understanding the Fundamental Difference Privacy compliance professionals often use the term “legal basis” when determining whether an organisation can lawfully process personal data. While this concept is central to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) , it is important to recognise that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) follows a different statutory architecture. At first glance, the two frameworks appear similar. Both regulate the processing of personal data, impose obligations on organisations, protect individuals, and recognise consent as an important mechanism for lawful processing. However, the way lawful processing is established is fundamentally different. GDPR: A Multi-Basis Model Under Article 6 of the GDPR , processing of personal data must generally be supported by one of six recognised legal bases: Consent Contractual necessity Legal obligatio...

EPFO Wage Ceiling Revised to ₹25,000 EPFO Wage Ceiling Revised to ₹25,000 1. What is the revised EPFO wage ceiling? The statutory wage ceiling for mandatory EPF/EPS/EDLI coverage has been increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month , with effect from 17 September 2026 . 2. Who will come under mandatory EPFO coverage because of this change? Employees whose applicable EPF wages are above ₹15,000 and up to ₹25,000 per month , and who satisfy the applicable statutory conditions, will come within the expanded mandatory coverage. The revision is estimated to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under EPFO coverage. 3. Does the ₹25,000 ceiling mean PF must be calculated on the employee's entire gross salary? No. The ₹25,000 ceiling is not the same as gross salary. PF is determined with reference to the applicable statutory definition of wages and PF contribution provisions. The document specifically clarifies that gross salary is not automatically the PF wage. 4. What happen...

Court Room Series — G.R. Infra Projects Limited Court Room Series M/s G.R. Infra Projects Limited, Ratlam v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors. Court: Supreme Court of India Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran Civil Appeal No.: 11277 of 2026 Arising out of: SLP (C) No. 33594 of 2025 Date of Order: 19 August 2026 Facts of the Case: M/s G.R. Infra Projects Limited was subjected to a Show Cause Notice dated 13 June 2025 in respect of AY 2018–19. The Department sought to invoke Section 74 of the CGST Act , which permits the extended period of limitation where tax has not been paid or has been short-paid by reason of fraud, wilful misstatement or suppression of facts. The assessee challenged the SCN, contending that the normal limitation under Section 73 had already expired and that the SCN did not contain any specific factual allegations establishing fraud, wilful misstatement or suppression of facts. The Department sought to support the invocation of...