Digest for 23 August, 2025
CBI Raids Anil Ambani's Premises in ₹2,000 Crore Bank Fraud Case
The CBI has filed a case against Reliance Communications (RCOM) and its promoter Anil Ambani for an alleged bank fraud causing over ₹2,000 crore in losses to the State Bank of India. The agency conducted searches at six locations in Mumbai linked to Ambani and RCOM. The action follows SBI classifying the RCom account as "fraud" in June, alleging deviation in the utilisation of loans and complex fund movements. The probe aims to gather evidence on the misuse of bank funds.
GST Council to Meet in September to Discuss Major Tax Reforms
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council will hold a two-day meeting on September 3-4 in New Delhi to deliberate on key reforms. The agenda is expected to include a proposal to simplify the tax structure by reducing the slabs from four to two (5% and 18%), with a special 40% rate for select demerit goods. Discussions may also cover GST exemptions for health and life insurance. Opposition-ruled states have raised concerns about potential revenue shortfalls from the proposed changes.
Online Gaming Bill Receives Presidential Assent, Becomes Law
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 has become law after receiving assent from President Droupadi Murmu. The new legislation imposes sweeping restrictions on money-based online gaming platforms in India. It introduces stringent penalties, including imprisonment up to three years and fines up to ₹1 crore for operators, while advertising such platforms can lead to a two-year jail term and a ₹50 lakh fine. Several real-money gaming platforms have already suspended operations following the bill's passage.
India and Pakistan Extend Mutual Airspace Closures
India has extended the closure of its airspace to aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan until September 24. Pakistan has reciprocated by extending its own airspace ban for Indian aircraft for the same period. The restrictions were first imposed by India on April 30 following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The move, part of a series of measures against Pakistan, affects both commercial and military flights and reflects ongoing high tensions between the two nations.
Supreme Court Bars Street-Feeding of Stray Dogs, Mandates Dedicated Feeding Zones
The Supreme Court has issued new national guidelines for managing stray dogs, ordering a prohibition on feeding them on streets and in public places. Instead, municipal authorities must create dedicated feeding spaces in each ward. The court clarified that sterilised and immunised dogs can be released back into their original areas, but aggressive or rabid dogs must be kept in shelters. The Bench has also transferred all stray dog-related cases from various high courts to itself to formulate a final national policy.