The Benefits of the New Income Tax Bill Will Be Reduced Complexity, Increased Compliance, Liberal Tax Rates, and Minimised Legal Disputes” – Ms. Mitali Madhusmita, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

Hyderabad, April 17, 2025: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) hosted an interactive overview meeting on the New Income Tax Bill & Finance Act 2025 (ITB 25), featuring Ms. Mitali Madhusmita, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Madhusmita highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting voluntary compliance, enhancing the ease of doing business, and progressing towards a $5 trillion economy, a vision laid out by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

“The government is moving towards decriminalising minor tax offences, including delays in TDS filings and minor IT return issues. These were historically seen as areas of fear and friction, and the shift from prosecution to penalty is a welcome move,” she said.

Simplified & Modern Legislation

The Income Tax Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha on February 13, 2025, aims to replace the Income-Tax Act, 1961, while retaining its core provisions. The new bill simplifies the structure, reducing over 700 sections to 536, and introduces the concept of a unified “Tax Year”, replacing the existing “Previous Year” and “Assessment Year”.

“This bill is designed to be simple, clear, and predictable, guided by global best practices and tailored to modern economic needs,” Ms. Madhusmita explained. “It empowers taxpayers, reduces litigation, and ensures better digital compliance.”

The act has consolidated chapters from 47 to 23, minimising ambiguity, which previously led to nearly 4,000 amendments over the years. “The old act left a lot to interpretation, benefiting only legal professionals. This reform brings clarity,” she added.

Regional Impact & Participation

Ms. Madhusmita also shared that direct tax collections from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have increased significantly — from ₹1 lakh crore last year to ₹1.19 lakh crore this year — reflecting the region’s growing compliance and economic activity.

Around 150 participants attended the session.

FTCCI’s Role and Industry Contribution

In his welcome address, Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI, emphasised the chamber’s proactive role in analysing the bill and submitting constructive feedback to the Finance Ministry, including corrections, simplifications, and suggestions to resolve technical challenges.

Mr. Sudhir VS, Chairman of the Direct Taxes Committee at FTCCI, added that nearly 200 man-hours were invested in reviewing the bill and compiling insights that were shared with the government.

Technical Sessions

The event also featured three in-depth technical sessions:

• Session 1: Overview of Finance Act, 2025 – Speaker: Alka Zanwar | Chair: Gopalakrishnan N
• Session 2: Income Tax Bill, 2025 – Speaker: Rajendra Prasad | Chair: T. Ramdev Bhutada
• Session 3: Overview of Appeals, Prosecutions, Penalties, Assessments, and Reassessments under ITB 2025 – Speaker: GS Prashanth | Chair: Poorna Chander Rao M

The program aimed to familiarise tax professionals and industry stakeholders with the key changes and ensure smooth adoption of the new tax regime.

Jaipuria students undergo orientation to create a positive social impact

On 16th April 2025, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Vasundhara, successfully hosted its official Studomatrix Orientation, welcoming students to a vibrant movement of youth leadership, collaboration, and change-making. The session aimed to familiarize students with what Studomatrix is, how it functions, and how they can actively become part of it.

Studomatrix is a pan-India, student-led organization that empowers young individuals by providing them with a platform to lead initiatives, share ideas, and contribute meaningfully to society. From writing and public speaking to social impact campaigns and inter-school programs, Studomatrix offers students endless avenues to explore their potential.

The orientation featured two keynote speakers who have been actively involved in shaping the organization and its initiatives. Triveni Dutta, Convener of StudoMeerut, and Ms. Gauri Mehta, a dedicated public service professional, briefed the students about the vision and functioning of Studomatrix. They explained how the organization operates through its various units across India, the structure of leadership roles, and the kinds of events and opportunities available to members – including Studo Synergy, writing forums, school-level projects, and community outreach programs.

Their message was simple but powerful: Studomatrix is built by students, for students, and every voice matters. They encouraged the attendees to step out of their comfort zones, lead with purpose, and use the platform to grow beyond the classroom.

Björn Ståhl and Youri Guerassimov Appointed as International Jury Chairs at The ABBY Awards 2025 Powered by One Show

April 17, 2025; Mumbai, India: The ABBY Awards powered by One Show today announces the appointments of Björn Ståhl, Chief Creative Officer, Uncommon Creative Studio, Stockholm, Sweden and Youri Guerassimov, Chief Creative Officer, Marcel Paris, France as International Jury Chairs for the 56^th edition ABBY Awards powered by One Show.

Björn Ståhl, CCO, Uncommon Creative Studio Stockholm has been appointed as Jury Chair at ABBY Awards 2025 powered by One Show in the Still Print category.

He has won 250+ awards, including Titanium and Grand Prix in Cannes and 2 Black Pencils. Björn has been in advertising for 31 years including 12 years with Lowe in Stockholm and in London. Bjorn was CCO and a member of the board of INGO for 19 years. Under his creative lead the agency won international acclaim, featuring at No 6 on Fast Company’s list of ‘Most innovative companies in the world’ and No 3 in both One Show & D&AD.

Björn has been serving as CCO and Founder of Uncommon Creative Studio in Stockholm since January 2024.  He has been a juror of many prominent award shows, i.e. three times in both Cannes and D&AD.

Youri Guerassimov, Chief Creative Officer and CEO, Marcel France has been appointed Jury Chair at Abby Awards 2025 powered by One Show in the Integrated category.

Youri is one of the most awarded French creative professional of his generation. He has won almost every major award of the industry including 2 Cannes Lions Grand Prix, 3 D&AD Black Pencils and a White Pencil, One Show Green Pencil, 2 NY Festival Best of Show, Grandy, Grand LIA, 8 Eurobest Grand Prix and more than 40 Cannes Lions.

Youri started his career as an art director at CLM/BBDO in 2004.  Along with his creative partner Gaetan du Peloux, Youri has produced outstanding and award-winning work for a large span of national and international brands. Youri was on the jury of the Andies.

Lil Stitchers’ Summer Club 2025 – A Fun & Creative Textile Art Camp for Kids!

Looking for an exciting and creative hands-on/screens-off summer activity for your child? Lil Stitchers’ Summer Club 2025 at The hab by Usha in Mumbai is the perfect opportunity to do so. Designed for kids aged 5 to 17, this engaging camp introduces and encourages young makers to explore the world of creativity, design, textures and textile, learning fun techniques like crochet, punch needle, macramé, stitching, and more – all in a lively, guided environment.

The camp runs across April, May, and June, allowing participants to pick any five consecutive weekdays (Mon–Fri) that fit their schedule. What’s even better? To make sure that the experience is even more fun each ticket is a buddy pass, meaning your child can bring along their bestie to create memories for a lifetime!

With all materials provided, no prior experience required, and a welcoming space for guardians, Lil Stitchers’ Summer Club promises a memorable and educational adventure into the world of crafts. Sessions are held from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM at The hab by Usha, Khar (W), Mumbai.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity for your little creator to enjoy learning new skills, make new friends, and unleash their creativity in multiple ways, keeping them busy through the summer!

 Event Details:

• Date: Any 5 Consecutive Weekdays (Mon–Fri) in April, May, June
• Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Venue: The hab by Usha, Khar (W), Mumbai

Pune Hosts First-Ever Harmony Fest: A Celebration of Talent, Inclusion, and Empowerment for Special Needs Children

In a heartfelt step toward building an inclusive society, Pune will witness its first-ever Harmony Fest—a vibrant, day-long celebration for children with special needs—on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Creaticity Campus, Yerwada, from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Spearheaded by the Nanhagyan Foundation (founded by Romal Surana) in association with Ridaan Array (led by Surabhii Aplesh), the event is powered by Innocent Times School, a pioneer in holistic special needs education.

What to Expect at Harmony Fest 2025

1. Umeed Awards – A tribute to courage and creativity, these awards will honor children with special needs who inspire through their resilience and achievements.
2. Talent Showcase – A stage for both neurodiverse and neurotypical children to express themselves through art, dance, music, and storytelling.
3. Young Authors’ Book Launch – Presented by Ridhzworld Publication, this segment features inspiring books written by children aged 5–15, reflecting their vivid imagination and unfiltered honesty.
4. Ridaan Array Flea Market – A colorful space where children sell handmade creations, promoting creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit.
5. Inclusive Job Fair – Tailored for adults with special needs (18+), this fair connects them with inclusive employers, emphasizing dignity through opportunity.

Backed by a Passionate Community

This inclusive fest is supported by a strong network of partners committed to the cause:

• Sunderji Global Academia (Gifting Partner)
• Shruti Joshi (Training Partner)
• Ravima Ventures & Blooming Tanman (Supporting Partners)
• Beyond Competition (Outreach Partner)
• Mahaz Times (Media Partner)
• Stay Featured (Featuring Partner)
• Neel Writes

Organizers Speak from the Heart

“Harmony Fest is more than an event—it’s a call to action,” said Romal Surana, Founder of Nanhagyan Foundation. “The Umeed Awards are about honoring potential and changing the way society sees ability.”

Co-organizer Surabhii Aplesh shared, “The flea market and job fair are designed to empower. True inclusion is when we enable individuals to become self-sufficient and proud of their identity.”

Event Details

•  Date: April 19, 2025
•  Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
•  Venue: Creaticity Campus, Yerwada, Pune
•  Entry: Free and open to all

Families, educators, and NGOs from cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Ahilyanagar

 are expected to attend, making this not just a city event but a regional milestone in inclusive advocacy.

“nclusion is not a privilege—it’s a right. Let’s harmonize our differences and create strength in unity.” — Harmony Fest 2025

URBAN Expands Audio Lineup with HX30 – Wireless ANC Over-the-ear Headphones Featuring HD Sound and Comfort for Everyday Use

15th April 2025: URBAN Smart Wearables, the well-known home grown technology brand, has expanded its premium audio portfolio with the launch of the URBAN HX30 Wireless ANC Over the ear Headphones. Designed for audio lovers, this wireless headphones come equipped with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and an easy-use ANC control button with dedicated ANC & Transparency modes. The advanced AI audio drivers are especially developed to deliver a punchy bass and immersive studio quality HD sound output.

The URBAN HX30 is tailored for everyday use and especially developed for those who crave for a  powerful sound isolation without compromising on sound clarity. Whether you’re traveling, working from home, or relaxing with your favorite playlist, the HX30 blocks out distractions and surrounds you in deep, high-fidelity audio. Available at an introductory price of ₹1999, the Wireless ANC Headphone HX30 can be purchased via URBAN’s official website (gourban.in), amazon, Flipkart & other leading e-commerce platforms. The product is also available at select offline retail partners across India.

Built for all-day use, the URBAN HX30 boasts a lightweight design with soft vegan leather earcups, adjustable headbands, and up to 14 hours of playtime on a single charge. With Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, it offers seamless pairing with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.

This launch further strengthens URBAN’s commitment to delivering smart, compact, and user-friendly audio wearables that are thoughtfully built for Indian consumers. The HX30 is perfect for professionals, students, travelers, and anyone who values superior sound with comfort and control.

Speaking on the launch, Aashish Kumbhat, Co-Founder of URBAN, said: “With the newly launched Wireless ANC Headphone HX30, we wanted to bring Active Noise Cancellation to a wider audience without compromising on comfort, design, or sound quality. It’s crafted for the modern lifestyle – for those who want the power to control their sound environment, whether they’re working, traveling, or just relaxing. The HX30 stands out as one of the best ANC headphones in its segment. It’s a reflection of our commitment to innovation, thoughtful design, and the evolving needs of modern Indian consumers.”

Specifications and Features:

• Hybrid ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) – Dual mic system eliminates external sounds up to 32dB, delivering a quiet, immersive audio experience.

• Dedicated ANC Button – Instantly toggle ANC on or off with a single button, giving users precise control over their listening environment.

• HD Sound Output – Advanced audio drivers produce crystal-clear highs, detailed mids, and powerful bass for a balanced sound signature.

• Dual Connectivity Options – Bluetooth 5.4 for ultra-fast sync and AUX mode for wired convenience, ensuring minimal latency and wide compatibility across devices.

• 14 Hours Playback Time – Long-lasting battery life for extended use; supports fast charging via USB Type-C.

• Comfort-Fit Design – Soft ear cushions, adjustable headband, and lightweight build for fatigue-free listening all day long.

• Foldable and Portable – Compact, travel-friendly design with collapsible earcups for easy storage and portability.

• Voice Assistant Support – Quick access to Siri, Google Assistant, and other voice-enabled functions for hands-free operation.

• AI Dual Mics – Clear and stable calling experience with enhanced mic quality and noise suppression.

Dr. Birbal Jha to Lead a Youth Revolution in Bihar with ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Bihar’ Campaign

Darbhanga, Bihar – April 2025:As part of his ongoing mission to build a stronger, self-reliant India, renowned litterateur, educationist, and social reformer Dr. Birbal Jha will visit Madhubani and Darbhanga on the 24th and 25th of April 2025, respectively. Dr. Jha’s visit is a pivotal initiative under the banner of ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Bihar’, a grassroots social campaign that seeks to unlock the untapped potential of Bihar’s youth through education, skill-building, and cultural revival.

Dr. Birbal Jha, hailed as the “Youngest Living Legend of Mithila“, has earned national recognition for his pioneering work in English education, social entrepreneurship, and cultural promotion. With over 30 books to his name, he has empowered more than 4 lakh youth from the unprivileged section of society with employability skills, helping them access better livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.

During his two-day tour, Dr. Jha will engage with students, young professionals, and community stakeholders in interactive sessions focused on intellectual development, career planning, soft skills, and self-employment opportunities. Known for his dynamic speaking style and deep-rooted connection with the people of Mithila, Dr. Jha will answer questions from the youth, inspiring them to dream big and work towards building a developed Bihar within a developed India.

Dr. Jha’s contributions go beyond the classroom. As the founder of several social initiatives, including English for Social Justice, he has championed the cause of educational equity, particularly for the underprivileged. His efforts have led to the creation of learning platforms and training centres that have benefitted lacs across the region. Through his social outfit Mithilalok Foundation, he has been able to revive pride in the Paag, the cultural identity of Maithila, while simultaneously promoting India’s three-language formula, employability skills, and the personality development of youth under his social enterprise British Lingua.

In addition to youth engagement programs, Dr. Birbal will address local media, sharing insights into the goals and progress of the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Bihar campaign and outlining future plans for regional development through education and cultural empowerment.

His visit is seen not only as an opportunity for dialogue and guidance but also as a symbol of hope and transformation for the people of Mithila, particularly its ambitious and energetic youth.