The Coconut Development Board (CDB) recently celebrated World Coconut Day with the launch of its newly revised schemes aimed at boosting the coconut industry in India.

About the Coconut Development Board (CDB)

The Coconut Development Board is a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, established on 12th January 1981. It focuses on the integrated development of the coconut sector in India, aiming to increase productivity, diversify products, and expand market access for coconut-based products.

• Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala

• Regional Offices: Bangalore (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Guwahati (Assam), and Patna (Bihar)

The Board’s core mission is to improve the livelihood of coconut farmers, promote coconut-based industries, and innovate in coconut product development.

Key Functions of the Coconut Development Board

The CDB plays a multi-faceted role in the coconut industry, focusing on both developmental and regulatory functions:

1. Advisory Services:

   • The Board provides technical advice to farmers, processors, and other stakeholders in the coconut industry.

2. Financial Assistance:

   • It offers financial support to expand the area under coconut cultivation and to modernize the processing technologies for coconut-based products.

3. Productivity and Technology:

   • Encourages the adoption of modern technologies for improving coconut cultivation and processing to enhance productivity and product quality.

4. Market and Export Promotion:

   • It works on improving the marketing of coconut products, recommending measures for better exports and managing the import of coconut and related products.

5. Setting Standards:

   • The Board is responsible for fixing grades, specifications, and standards for coconut and its products, ensuring high-quality output.

Newly Revised Schemes by CDB

The launch of the revised schemes by CDB on World Coconut Day marks a significant step in the growth of India’s coconut industry. These schemes are designed to:

1. Enhance Productivity: By improving farming practices and using advanced technologies, the CDB aims to increase coconut yields, thereby benefiting farmers across the coconut-producing states in India.

2. Product Diversification: The schemes focus on promoting value-added coconut products such as coconut oil, copra, desiccated coconut, coconut water, and even coconut-based packaging materials, which are gaining popularity globally due to their sustainability.

3. Incentives for Coconut Farmers: The CDB has introduced incentive schemes to encourage coconut farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and increase their output.

4. Improved Export Facilitation: There is a focus on improving the export mechanisms to ensure Indian coconut products reach global markets with better traceability, quality, and market access.

Importance of the Coconut Industry in India

India is the largest producer of coconuts globally, and coconuts are an important agricultural crop in several states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The coconut industry plays a crucial role in:

• Providing livelihoods to millions of farmers and workers involved in coconut cultivation and processing.

• Boosting the rural economy by encouraging small-scale industries related to coconut processing.

• Enhancing export potential, as demand for coconut products like coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut oil is growing internationally.

The revised schemes by CDB will significantly contribute to further enhancing the global competitiveness of India’s coconut products and expanding its market share in the global coconut trade.

Nepal’s ongoing political unrest, exacerbated by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation and youth-led protests, has created a volatile environment that directly impacts India’s national security, economic interests, and regional influence. The unrest stems from deep-rooted issues such as corruption, unemployment, inequalities, and restrictions on social media, which have escalated into a full-blown crisis. Police firing in Kathmandu and subsequent casualties have added fuel to the fire, deepening grievances and creating further instability.

Historical and Cultural Ties Between India and Nepal

The relationship between India and Nepal is deeply rooted in history, culture, and shared religious ties.

1. Epic Ties: The Ramayana connects Lord Rama from Ayodhya (India) and Sita from Janakpur (Nepal), signifying cultural and religious ties between the two nations.

2. Ancient Republics: The Magadh and Shakya republics spanned both the Indian and Nepali borders, with Prince Siddhartha (Buddha) being born in Lumbini (Nepal) and attaining Nirvana at Bodh Gaya (India).

3. Shared Struggles: K.P. Bhattarai, born in Varanasi, was a key figure in Nepal's struggle against the Rana regime and participated in India's Quit India Movement.

4. Military Ties: The Treaty of Sugauli (1816) allowed for the recruitment of Nepali Gurkhas into the British Indian Army, cementing military ties.

5. Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950): This treaty allowed for open movement, trade, and mutual economic participation between the two nations.

Despite these strong historical and cultural links, Nepal’s current political instability has significant implications for India’s national security, economic interests, and regional influence.

Impact of Nepal’s Political Crisis on India

1. Security Concerns

Nepal’s political instability presents immediate security threats to India:

• Cross-Border Threats: Political unrest can create a vacuum in governance, which may be exploited by insurgent groups or criminal networks, leading to an increase in smuggling, trafficking, and even militant infiltration along the open India-Nepal border.

• Increased Instability: The absence of strong governance in Nepal allows external actors, like China, to further entrench their influence in the region.

2. Economic Impact

Nepal’s instability has economic ramifications for both countries:

• Trade Disruptions: India is Nepal’s key trading partner, with a trade surplus of around USD 7.32 billion in exports to Nepal. Political instability threatens to disrupt supply chains and Indian investments in Nepal.

• Opportunity for China: Instability in Nepal may create space for China to expand its influence, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

3. Development Cooperation Setbacks

• India has funded over 573 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) across Nepal, focusing on health, education, and sanitation. Instability may halt these crucial projects and allow China’s influence to rise, especially with the BRI projects in Nepal.

4. Energy Cooperation Disruptions

• Nepal is critical to India’s energy strategy for regional integration. The ongoing hydropower projects like Arun-3 and Phukot Karnali are vital for cross-border energy trade, but political turmoil in Nepal could delay or derail these projects, affecting India’s goal of becoming a regional energy hub.

5. Defence and Security Cooperation

• India and Nepal share a strong military relationship, including regular joint exercises like Surya Kiran. However, political instability risks disrupting these exchanges and may open the door for China to influence Nepal’s security policies.

Consequences of Regional Unrest for India

The political turmoil in Nepal is part of a larger pattern of instability across South Asia, which poses broader implications for India:

1. Internal Security Threats

• Cross-border terrorism: Pakistan continues to fuel tensions over Jammu and Kashmir, supporting terrorism and insurgency. The porous borders in the Northeast (Myanmar and Bangladesh) also facilitate illegal activities like arms smuggling and insurgent movements.

2. Geopolitical and Strategic Implications

• China’s Growing Influence: Instability in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh provides China an opportunity to strengthen its presence through the BRI and militarization of the Indian Ocean (e.g., Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka).

• Regional Power Vacuum: Instability creates a vacuum that major powers, especially China and the U.S., seek to exploit. This undermines India’s strategic position in the region.

3. Economic and Developmental Setbacks

• Political instability delays key projects under the Act East Policy, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. This disrupts India's efforts to become a regional economic hub and to implement infrastructure projects.

• The Teesta River dispute with Bangladesh, aggravated by political turmoil, impacts agriculture and energy security in the region.

4. Refugee and Humanitarian Crisis

• Refugee inflows from countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh create socio-cultural tensions within India, especially in border states like Assam. These inflows strain local infrastructure and fuel identity-based tensions, as seen in the NRC and CAA debates.

5. Erosion of India's Influence in Multilateral Forums

• Instability weakens regional institutions like SAARC and BIMSTEC, preventing India from building consensus or driving cooperative initiatives. This opens the door for extra-regional powers, like China, to shape the regional agenda.

Measures India Can Adopt to Enhance Engagement in the Neighborhood

To mitigate the impact of political instability in Nepal and the wider region, India should focus on several strategies:

1. Strengthening Border and Cross-Border Management

• Modernize border infrastructure, such as integrated check posts and digital customs systems, to minimize disruptions and security risks. This will ensure smooth trade and enhance border security.

2. Comprehensive Security and Defence Cooperation

• Crisis management frameworks through SAARC and BIMSTEC should be established to respond effectively to political crises, natural disasters, and security threats.

• Expand joint military exercises with countries like Nepal, Myanmar, and Maldives to maintain security cooperation and safeguard maritime interests in the Indian Ocean.

3. Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure

• Accelerate the completion of key infrastructure projects like the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project. These initiatives will improve connectivity and trade in the region.

• India must adopt a whole-of-government approach to ensure the fast-tracking of developmental projects in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other neighboring countries.

4. Economic and Connectivity-Driven Diplomacy

• India should offer an alternative to China's debt trap diplomacy, focusing on soft loans, grants, and development assistance tailored to individual countries' needs.

• Incentivize economic cooperation by expanding trade routes and markets, helping neighboring countries improve their economies without becoming overly dependent on China.

5. Leveraging Soft Power

• Expand people-to-people ties through programs like Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), which offers training, scholarships, and technical assistance to professionals from neighboring countries. This strengthens India's soft power and cultural diplomacy.

Conclusion

The political crisis in Nepal underscores the broader instability in India’s neighborhood, with significant implications for security, economic development, and regional cooperation. India must adopt a proactive strategy to manage its relationships in South Asia, combining robust diplomacy, strategic security cooperation, economic assistance, and cultural outreach to preserve its regional influence and ensure regional stability.

Karnataka has recently passed the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of gig workers.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Establishment of a Welfare Board:

   • The Welfare Board will be responsible for the registration of workers and aggregators.

   • It will also create social security schemes, monitor their implementation, and ensure compliance.

2. Social Security and Welfare Fund:

   • The fund will be financed by welfare fees collected from transactions between workers and aggregators or based on the overall turnover of the company.

   • Contributions will also be made by both the Union and State governments.

3. Registration and Transparency:

   • Aggregators (e.g., companies like Uber, Swiggy) will be required to register gig workers, clearly outline the terms of work, and explain how automated systems (such as algorithms for task allocation) affect workers’ conditions.

4. Regional Developments:

   • Rajasthan and Bihar have already passed similar legislation in 2023 and 2025, respectively, setting a precedent for other states.

Understanding Gig Workers

Who Are Gig Workers?

Gig workers are individuals who work outside of traditional employer-employee relationships, often performing short-term, flexible tasks based on demand. The Code on Social Security, 2020 defines a gig worker as a person working in this non-traditional setting.

Types of Gig Workers:

1. Platform Workers:

   • These workers are associated with online platforms like Ola, Uber, Zomato, Swiggy, Urban Company, etc.

   • Their work relies heavily on technology and apps for task allocation, payments, and communication with clients.

2. Non-Platform Gig Workers:

   • These workers operate in traditional sectors, often in casual wage or part-time roles.

   • They might include casual laborers, domestic workers, or workers in the informal economy who do not rely on platforms for their work.

Reasons for Growth of the Gig Economy:

• Demographic Dividend: With 65% of India’s population in the age group of 15-64 years, gig work provides flexible opportunities for a large part of the labor force.

• Urbanization and Digitalization: The increasing adoption of smartphones and internet (85.5% of households in India own a smartphone) enables more people to participate in platform-based gig work.

• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic gave a major boost to remote work, furthering the growth of gig economy jobs.

Significance of the Gig Economy

1. For the Government:

   • Utilizing Demographic Dividend: The gig economy can help absorb a large section of the workforce, contributing to job creation. Over 56% of all new jobs in India are created by businesses that serve the gig economy.

   • Economic Growth: By 2030, the gig economy could contribute $250 billion in transactions, amounting to 1.25% of India’s GDP (NITI Aayog estimate).

2. For Society:

   • Empowering Vulnerable Groups: According to the ILO, gig work can empower women, youth, and physically disabled individuals by offering flexible and accessible employment.

   • Micro-Entrepreneurship: Platforms like Airbnb and Urban Company enable individuals to monetize their skills, assets, and time with lower barriers to entry.

3. For Workers:

   • Flexible Employment: Gig workers enjoy benefits such as remote work, task-based jobs, and flexible hours.

   • Skill Development: The gig economy helps workers develop a diverse skill set, including digital literacy, self-management, communication, and problem-solving.

4. For Consumers:

   • Access to Global Markets: Platforms like Airbnb and Amazon allow consumers access to products and services from all over the world.

   • Convenience and Affordability: Gig platforms offer personalized and cheaper services, benefiting consumers through greater access and convenience.

Challenges Faced by Gig Workers

1. Lack of Social Security:

   • More than 82.5% of gig workers are informal employees (NITI Aayog), without access to traditional labor benefits such as health insurance, retirement funds, or paid leave.

2. Health and Safety Concerns:

   • Gig work can be physically demanding, leading to safety concerns. For instance, tight delivery schedules can result in accidents, especially for those working in food delivery or ride-sharing services.

3. High Working Hours:

   • A study by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences revealed that 60% of platform workers work seven days a week, and 47% work more than 12 hours a day, indicating a heavy workload and limited work-life balance.

4. Income Uncertainty:

   • Around 50% of gig workers do not earn the statutory minimum wage, leading to unpredictable income streams. Fairwork India has highlighted this issue in its research.

5. Algorithmic Asymmetry:

   • Platform algorithms can lead to imbalances in how work is assigned and compensated. Issues include:

     • Lack of Information Access: Aggregators may have access to workers’ personal data, raising privacy concerns.

     • Opacity: The rating systems, task allocation, and wages are often based on algorithms that lack transparency, making it difficult for workers to know how decisions are being made.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill, 2025 is a step toward recognizing the rights of gig workers and ensuring their protection. However, more comprehensive frameworks at the national level are necessary to address the socio-economic challenges faced by gig workers, including fair wages, social security, safe working conditions, gender inclusion, and algorithmic accountability.

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has received Presidential assent and will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Act is designed to simplify tax laws, modernize existing provisions, and improve the efficiency of tax administration.

Key Highlights of the Income Tax Act, 2025

1. Commencement:

   • The Act will come into effect on 1st April 2026.

2. Simplification and Shorter Language:

   • The new Act is shorter and written in simpler language than the 1961 Act, making it more user-friendly.

   • MAT (Minimum Alternate Tax) and AMT (Alternate Minimum Tax) provisions have been separated into two sub-sections to improve clarity.

3. Stability in Core Tax Elements:

   • Tax rates and tax regimes for both individuals and corporations remain unchanged.

   • Offences and penalties under the Act also remain unchanged.

   • Most of the definitions in the previous Act are retained for continuity.

   • Faceless collection of information and faceless assessment of tax cases have been introduced, promoting transparency and reducing the scope for errors or corruption.

4. Power to Frame Schemes:

   • The central government is now empowered to frame new schemes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the tax system.

5. Undisclosed Income:

   • The definition of undisclosed income has been expanded to include virtual digital assets (VDAs) in addition to traditional assets like money, bullion, and jewelry. This is in line with the increasing use of VDAs like cryptocurrencies.

   • Income tax authorities are authorized to gain access to virtual digital spaces (such as email servers, social media accounts, and online trading accounts) during search and seizure proceedings. This includes overriding access codes, reflecting the need to regulate and track virtual assets.

6. Dispute Resolution Panel:

   • A Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) has been established to handle disputes efficiently. Certain eligible assessees, including those involved in transfer pricing cases, non-residents, or foreign companies, can now refer draft orders passed by the assessing officers to the panel.

   • Transfer pricing refers to the pricing of transactions between related entities within a multinational enterprise. The new provision will help in resolving disputes faster and ensure fairness.

7. Pending Proceedings:

   • Any pending proceedings before income-tax authorities, Appellate Tribunals, or courts will continue as though the new Act had not been enacted, ensuring that ongoing cases are not disrupted by the introduction of the new law.

8. Interpretation of Tax Treaties:

   • The central government can enter into agreements with other countries to provide relief from double taxation for taxpayers involved in cross-border transactions.

Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025

Alongside the Income Tax Act, 2025, the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 has also received assent. This Act introduces several significant changes:

1. Exemption for the Unified Pension System (UPS):

   • The Act aligns the tax exemptions with the benefits provided under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), ensuring greater support for retirees and pension holders.

2. Tax Benefits for Public Investment Funds (PIF) of Saudi Arabia:

   • Tax benefits have been extended to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia and its subsidiaries. The PIF manages assets exceeding $925 billion, making this a significant move in attracting foreign investment.

3. Block Assessment in Search Cases:

   • The Act aims to streamline the treatment of pending assessments and reassessments in block assessment procedures, especially in cases involving search and seizure.

Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) vs Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT)

1. Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT):

   • MAT ensures that zero-tax companies, which are able to evade taxes despite having significant book profits, are brought into the tax net.

   • It applies only to corporate taxpayers who, despite earning substantial profits, manage to avoid paying taxes due to various concessions and incentives.

   • MAT ensures that companies pay a minimum level of tax, thus contributing to the tax system regardless of their tax exemptions.

2. Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT):

   • AMT is similar to MAT but applies to non-corporate taxpayers. This includes individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and other non-corporate entities.

   • It ensures that non-corporate taxpayers who have substantial income but utilize various exemptions also contribute to the tax system.

Significance and Implications of the New Act

The Income Tax Act, 2025 introduces several important changes that aim to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity of India’s tax system:

• Simplification of Language and Structure: The new Act is designed to make tax compliance easier, especially for individuals and businesses. By streamlining the provisions and providing clearer definitions, it will reduce the complexities associated with the earlier tax code.

• Digital Assets Regulation: With the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets, the inclusion of VDAs in the definition of undisclosed income ensures that the government can track and regulate digital financial activities effectively.

• Faster Dispute Resolution: The establishment of the Dispute Resolution Panel will expedite the resolution of tax-related disputes, especially in complex cases like transfer pricing.

• Foreign Investment and Global Cooperation: By providing tax benefits to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and aligning with international treaties, India is signaling a more open and attractive environment for global investors. The emphasis on double taxation relief strengthens India’s relations with other countries.

• Impact on the Corporate and Non-Corporate Sector: The retention of MAT and AMT ensures that both corporate and non-corporate taxpayers who benefit from tax exemptions still contribute a fair share to the government’s revenue.

Conclusion

The Income Tax Act, 2025 brings several modernizing changes, including the recognition of digital assets, clearer dispute resolution mechanisms, and a simplified framework. With the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, the government has shown its commitment to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of India’s tax system while aligning with global standards.

The Unique Disability ID (UDID) card is a critical initiative to provide Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India with easier access to government services and benefits. , only less than 40% of India’s projected population of PwDs currently holds the UDID card, indicating a significant gap that needs to be addressed.

Key Points to Understand About the UDID Card:

1. Single Document for All PwDs:

   • The UDID card is designed to serve as a universal ID that can be used across the country, making it easier for PwDs to access various government schemes and benefits.

2. Card Structure:

   • The 18-digit UDID includes details such as the state code, district code, disability type, date of birth, and a checksum for security.

   • It helps uniquely identify PwDs and provides a streamlined way to manage records.

3. Color-Coded Cards Based on Disability Severity:

   • White Card: Disability percentage below 40%.

   • Yellow Card: Disability percentage between 40% and 80%.

   • Blue Card: Disability percentage above 80%.

4. Key Objectives of the UDID Project:

   • Centralized Database: The initiative aims to create a national database of PwDs, allowing for better management and tracking of services.

   • Accessibility: The project aims to make the process of obtaining a UDID card more accessible, with online and offline application options.

   • Efficient Medical Assessment: It simplifies the process of determining the disability percentage through medical boards or hospitals.

   • Management of Government Schemes: It ensures the smooth administration of various government programs, avoiding duplication of records and enabling the tracking of beneficiaries' progress.

5. Benefits to PwDs:

   • Access to Services: PwDs can avail themselves of healthcare, social security, financial assistance, and other government schemes.

   • Tracking Progress: The UDID card helps monitor both physical and financial progress of PwDs at all levels — from local to national.

Challenges in Implementation:

Despite the potential benefits, the issuance of UDID cards has been slower than anticipated.

• Awareness: Many PwDs might not be aware of the program or the processes involved in getting a UDID card.

• Geographical Barriers: For people living in remote areas, accessing the medical assessments required for determining the disability percentage might be difficult.

• Technological Issues: Though the system aims to be online, technological gaps in rural or less developed regions could hinder the smooth rollout of the UDID card.