UPI Tax Rumors Busted | MTNL Defaults Big | REITs, InvITs Get a Boost

Top of the Morning

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This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.

1. No GST on UPI, Says Government

The Finance Ministry has shut down rumors of a potential 18% GST on UPI payments over ₹2,000, calling the reports “false and misleading.” It clarified that GST applies only where fees like MDR are involved—which were eliminated in 2020 for UPI Person-to-Merchant transactions. Instead, the government is doubling down on UPI promotion, spending ₹3,631 crore in FY24 alone. With UPI transactions soaring to ₹260.56 lakh crore, India now handles 49% of global real-time digital payments. Bottom line: UPI stays tax-free.

2. MTNL Defaults on ₹8,346 Crore

MTNL has defaulted on massive loans from seven public sector banks, including SBI and PNB, pushing its total debt to ₹33,568 crore. The defaults occurred between August 2024 and February 2025. Despite the financial mess, MTNL stock has delivered 500% returns in five years—though it’s down 15% year-to-date. Investors remain optimistic, but the company’s debt pile raises serious questions about its future.

3. China Extends Olive Branch to India Amid $99 Billion Trade Gap

China’s trade deficit with India hit a record $99.2 billion, prompting Beijing to seek economic cooperation. Ambassador Xu Feihong said China is ready to open its market to premium Indian exports but expects equal treatment for Chinese firms in return. Meanwhile, India has activated an Import Monitoring Committee to track any potential dumping of Chinese goods amid U.S. tariffs. The stakes: whether this becomes a turning point in bilateral trade—or another round of economic tug-of-war.

4. Auto Part Makers Burn Cash in EV Gamble

Once solid in the engine parts business, companies like Greaves Cotton, Tube Investments, and Pinnacle Industries jumped into EV manufacturing to stay relevant. The result? A collective ₹1,600 crore in losses. Greaves’ scooter sales halved in FY24, Pinnacle’s EKA Mobility bled cash despite a solid order book, and Tube’s EV arm remains unprofitable. Analysts say legacy players like Bajaj and TVS now dominate, with better brands, service networks, and distribution. The EV dream for these suppliers? A harsh reality check.

5. Sebi Pushes for More MF Exposure to REITs, InvITs

Sebi wants mutual funds to increase exposure to REITs and InvITs, proposing to double the investment cap to 20% of NAV and 10% per issuer. The move aims to boost real estate and infra sectors, but experts warn of risks around taxation, classification, and compliance. Since these instruments blend features of equity and debt, overshooting limits could mess with a fund’s identity and investor expectations. A bold push—but AMCs will need better risk disclosures and investor education to make it work.