The previous generation, our parents, often shied away from investing in the stock markets. Their apprehension was not unfounded, given the financial scandals and economic crises that have rocked the investment world over the years. Here's a closer look at some of these events and their implications: 1. The 1992 Harshad Mehta Scandal: In 1992, (I was in class 12) the Indian stock market was hit by a colossal scam orchestrated by Harshad Mehta, amounting to 4000 Crore. This scandal caused the stock market to plummet by more than 50%, shaking investor confidence to its core. Example: Imagine an investor who had put their life savings into the stock market before the crash. The value of their investment would have halved almost overnight, causing significant financial distress. In response to this scandal, the Indian government passed the Securities Laws (Amendments) Act in 1995, granting the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) the authority to regulate depositories, Foreig...
Introduction: The GST Council in India convenes periodically to discuss and refine tax structures. Each meeting brings forth a mix of positive and negative developments, often revealing new ironies and fallacies within the economy. This article sheds light on certain inconsistencies, focusing on the taxation of non-branded atta or wheat, the exemption of cricket games like IPL from GST, and the associated revenue generation. Taxing Essentials, Exempting Entertainment: One of the glaring ironies in the Indian tax system is the imposition of GST on non-branded atta or wheat, an essential commodity consumed by the poor. Despite the burden on those struggling to make ends meet, cricket, a form of entertainment, remains exempt from GST. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the governing body of cricket in India, enjoys tax-free status despite being the wealthiest cricket governing body globally. Example: A daily wage laborer, s...