Bengaluru Cloth Traders Suggest Flat Digital Tax to Simplify Compliance for Small Businesses

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Bengaluru, July 19, 2025:
Prakash Pirgal, President of the Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchant Association, expressed gratitude to the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) for its continued commitment to addressing the concerns of India’s trading community—particularly micro and small traders who play a vital role in the informal economy.

In a public statement, Pirgal praised the NTWB for its initiatives in simplifying compliance frameworks, enhancing financial inclusion, and protecting the interests of traders. However, he flagged an emerging challenge: a growing number of small vendors in Bengaluru and other cities are returning to cash transactions due to fears of regulatory scrutiny, especially involving GST probes linked to UPI and other digital payments.

“These traders were among the first to adopt digital transactions with patriotic enthusiasm during demonetization and the UPI movement,” Pirgal noted. “Unfortunately, fear of tax inquiries is now pushing them back into cash-based dealings.”

To counter this trend and strengthen India’s digital economy, the association has proposed an innovative, future-ready solution:

Proposed Model: Flat Digital Transaction Tax for Micro Traders (Up to ₹5 Crore Turnover)

Key elements include:

Introduction of a flat Digital Transaction Tax (DTT) between 0.3% and 0.5%, automatically deducted at the point of digital receipt.

Exemption from GST, income tax filings, audits, and other compliance burdens for businesses opting into the scheme.

A pilot project aligned with India’s push for the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to encourage transparency and reduce dependence on cash.

Assured, low-cost revenue collection for the government with minimal enforcement effort.

A system that builds digital trust and promotes voluntary participation from genuine micro enterprises.


Pirgal emphasized that with the RBI’s Digital Rupee pilot progressing, this model could serve as a milestone in building a simplified and inclusive digital trade ecosystem.

He appealed to the NTWB to recommend the proposal to the Ministry of Finance, the GST Council, and the RBI for broader consultation. A pilot in targeted urban and rural markets, he said, could showcase India’s ability to lead the world in trader-centric digital innovation.

“This initiative could bring the vision of ‘Ease of Doing Business’ to life for millions of small traders who are the foundation of our economy,” Pirgal concluded.

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Zee Launches ‘Z What’s Next’ to Usher in a New Era of Content and Innovation

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Bengaluru, July 18, 2025:
Zee Entertainment has announced the launch of ‘Z What’s Next’, a forward-looking initiative designed to showcase the network’s transformation into a content-tech powerhouse. The initiative coincides with the unveiling of Zee’s new brand identity and the promise, “Yours Truly, Z”.

With a reach of over 854 million viewers across 208 million households, Zee aims to highlight its growing focus on culturally rooted storytelling combined with cutting-edge technological innovation. ‘Z What’s Next’ serves as a recurring industry platform to present new ideas, programming strategies, and the brand’s evolving vision in the digital age.

The company also reiterated its belief in the enduring relevance of television as a storytelling medium, even as it adapts to viewers who increasingly consume content across platforms. Zee continues to develop stories and formats that transition fluidly between TV, OTT, and digital media.

As part of the event, the network announced two new hybrid channels—Zee Power for the Kannada-speaking audience, and Zee BanglaSonar for the Bengali market. Both channels are scheduled to go on air in August 2025, with large-scale multimedia campaigns planned across respective states.

Zee Power is positioned as a bold, high-energy channel catering to younger and semi-urban audiences in Karnataka. The programming lineup includes five fiction series, a daily non-fiction show, and movie slots, including occasional world television premieres.

Commenting on the initiative, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer, ZEEL, said, ‘India’s entertainment landscape is shifting to an omni-platform world, and at Zee, we’re shaping that change by leveraging television’s enduring trust and reach alongside the agility of digital. With new launches like Zee BanglaSonar and Zee Power, we’re backing TV to go deeper into regional markets with fresh, differentiated content – giving brands more meaningful, targeted ways to connect with Bharat’s diverse audiences.’

Siju Prabhakaran, Chief Cluster Officer – South and West, ZEEL, said the launch reflects Zee’s dual-channel strategy for Karnataka. “While Zee Kannada continues to engage family audiences, Zee Power will bring in fresh, grittier content for younger viewers seeking a more contemporary experience,” he said.

Zee BanglaSonar, meanwhile, targets Bengali-speaking viewers with a diverse slate of fiction, non-fiction, films, and new formats. Designed for a culturally grounded yet modern audience, the channel will also include content specially curated for male viewers.

Samrat Ghosh, Chief Cluster Officer – East, North & Premium Cluster, ZEEL, said the Bengali television market is ripe for innovation. “Zee BanglaSonar complements Zee Bangla and allows us to tap into new audience segments through differentiated storytelling,” he added.

Kartik Mahadev, Chief Marketing Officer, ZEEL, summed up the initiative, saying, “With ‘Z What’s Next’, we are reimagining entertainment by integrating culture, creativity, and technology. The new channels reflect Zee’s commitment to shaping the future of Indian entertainment by staying in tune with changing viewer preferences.”

Through this initiative, Zee aims to reinforce its position as a cultural mainstay while leading innovation in the Indian media and entertainment space.

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Hazari Prasad Foundation Launches Medical Aid Scheme for Artists

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Bengaluru, July 18:
In a notable step towards supporting the artistic community, the Hazari Prasad Foundation, a unit of Rhythms Academy of Fine Arts, has launched ‘SPANDANA’, a healthcare support initiative offering subsidized medical treatment to artists across Karnataka.

The foundation was established in memory of Late Sri K.S. Hazari Prasad, father of Dr. Vishwanath Prasad H, Founder-Chairman of Rhythms Academy. Since its inception in 2004—marked by an inauguration by Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and then Karnataka Governor Sri T.N. Chaturvedi—the foundation has been actively engaged in promoting the welfare of artists.

Under SPANDANA, the foundation has tied up with M.S. Ramaiah Medical College Hospital to facilitate affordable medical care for musicians, dancers, and other performing artists. Beneficiaries can reach out to the trust’s Social Welfare Office at Sanjay Nagar, Bengaluru, via phone at 99802 85896.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Press Club of Bangalore. Present on the occasion were Dr. Vishwanath Prasad, Chairman-Founder Trustee of the foundation; Smt. Shubha Dhananjay, Chairperson of the Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy; Karnataka Kalashree awardee and renowned tabla artist Dr. Pandit Sathish Hampiholi; and Dr. Lakshmi Narayan, Head of Social Welfare and Public Relations, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Vishwanath Prasad noted that many artists face financial hardship, especially regarding healthcare. He described SPANDANA as a “first-of-its-kind support system for the artistic community” and urged artists to make full use of the facility.

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‘Traditionally Modern’: AIAMA’s Visionary Expo Set to Redefine the Future of Fragrance Industry

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AIAMA to Host India’s Biggest Agarbathi Expo, Aiming to Position the Country as a Global Incense Powerhouse

Bengaluru, July 18, 2025:
The All India Agarbathi Manufacturing Association (AIAMA) has officially announced AIAMA EXPO 2025, the largest international exhibition and conference in the incense industry, as part of its mission to establish India as the global hub for agarbathi manufacturing.

The three-day event, scheduled from November 6–8, 2025, will be held at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, under the theme “Traditionally Modern.” The Expo will bring together manufacturers, exporters, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators from India and abroad.

The announcement was made by senior AIAMA leaders, including:

Mr. Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, President of AIAMA and Director, Ambica Agarbathies Aroma & Industries

Mr. Arjun Ranga, AIAMA EXPO 2025 Chairperson, Immediate Past President of AIAMA, and MD, Cycle Pure Agarbathis

Mr. Krishna T.V, Vice President, AIAMA and Director, Amrutha Aromatics

Mr. Sharath Babu P.S, Past President, AIAMA and Director, Beeju Sugandhi

Mr. Sapthagiri S. Boggaram, Past President, AIAMA and Director, Sugandha Lok


According to research by AIAMA, demand for agarbathis has risen sharply both in India and globally over the past five years. The Expo is expected to serve as a major platform for business networking, policy dialogue, and industry innovation, featuring discussions on employment generation, raw material sourcing, packaging evolution, sustainability, and new consumer trends.

A Platform to Shape the Future of Incense

Mr. Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, President of AIAMA, stated, “Our vision is to transform India into the global hub for incense production. This Expo will not only highlight innovation and sustainability but also foster a deeper sense of cultural pride among stakeholders. By celebrating our traditions and embracing modern approaches, we can chart a progressive future for the industry.”

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Chairperson of AIAMA EXPO 2025, added, “Global interest in agarbathis is growing rapidly. The Expo is a step towards uniting the entire agarbathi ecosystem to keep pace with evolving opportunities. From showcasing pioneering products to hosting knowledge-driven sessions, the event is designed to uplift and empower manufacturers at every level.”



He also revealed that the Expo will include a heritage gallery featuring rare agarbathi samples, historic photographs, industry awards, and memorabilia, offering attendees a rich narrative of the sector’s legacy and growth.

Key Features of AIAMA EXPO 2025:

Spread across 120,000 square feet

Over 5,000 participants expected

Delegations from countries including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Europe

Curated seminars and workshops covering:

Fragrance innovation & R&D

Raw material procurement

Women’s participation and entrepreneurship

Export opportunities

Packaging trends and modern marketing

Employment generation in rural India



Industry Collaboration and Global Participation

The event has garnered support from leading organizations, including:

Fragrance and Flavours Association of India (FAFAI), Mumbai

Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj

Essential Oils Association of India (EOAI)


With international exhibitors and a comprehensive industry agenda, AIAMA EXPO 2025 is poised to be a landmark event—spotlighting India’s leadership in incense production and laying the foundation for stronger global partnerships and innovation in the sector.

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MICA Unveils India’s First School of Applied Creativity, Bridging AI and Imagination

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Mumbai, July 16, 2025: MICA (formerly Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) has taken a groundbreaking step by launching the School of Applied Creativity—India’s first institution solely dedicated to nurturing future-ready talent at the intersection of creativity, storytelling, media, and artificial intelligence.

Located at its Ahmedabad campus, the school is designed to welcome students from across the globe. It features a studio-based, hands-on curriculum, drawing inspiration from globally acclaimed institutions such as Central Saint Martins (UK), Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Southern California (USC). The teaching model includes global faculty, industry co-teaching, and experiential learning.

Flagship Programs Introduced:

Crafting Creative Communications (CCC): A newly structured one-year residential program focused on applied creativity.

Postgraduate Programme in Media, Content & Entertainment: A two-year immersive course designed to shape future leaders in the creative and media industries.


The inaugural academic year begins in July 2026, with an intake of 80–100 students in the first phase. Admissions will be through the MICAT entrance exam.

Notably, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur joins as Chief Mentor, and MICA also plans to roll out online masterclasses in the near future to reach learners worldwide.

The launch event, held in Mumbai, was attended by notable figures including Ms. Tina Ambani (Chairperson, MICA Foundation), Ms. Jaya Deshmukh (Director & CEO, MICA), and Mr. Ramkumar Ramamoorthy (Partner, Catalincs and former CMD, Cognizant India).

Speaking on the occasion, Tina Ambani remarked, “Since its inception, MICA has consistently stayed ahead of the curve—whether by embracing digital early on or integrating design thinking into business education. Today, we take another leap by recognizing imagination as the new strategic resource of the future.”



Formation of MICA AI Advisory Board

A major highlight was the announcement of the MICA AI Advisory Board, comprising leading experts from organizations such as Amazon AGI, Salesforce, and Google DeepMind. This board will serve a three-year term, offering strategic counsel to the Director, CEO, and leadership team.

Dr. Githa Heggde, Dean of MICA, emphasized the board’s role in guiding the institution’s innovation journey and fostering leadership in the emerging “Age of Imagination.”

Ms. Jaya Deshmukh, Director and CEO of MICA, added, “As AI makes knowledge universally accessible, it is human imagination and cultural intelligence that will drive real value. MICA’s new school addresses the rising demand for creative professionals who can work at the intersection of technology and imagination.”



The event concluded with a thought-provoking fireside chat titled Beyond Data: Why Imagination Will Define the Next Economy, moderated by MICA alumna Malika Rodrigues. Panelists included Aparna Kumar (Former CIO, SBI & HSBC), Shekhar Kapur, and Suraja Kishore (former CEO, BBDO), who shared insights on creativity as a strategic and economic force in the AI-driven future.

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