TICE Dispatch: Top Headlines from Government, Startups, Economy & Business

Today’s dispatch brings you the defining developments shaping India’s business landscape. As the country seeks to bolster its growth trajectory, several key announcements—from regulation in e-commerce to tax collection trends, and from deep-tech startup funding to institutional financing models—signal strategic shifts. These stories will matter for business news, the startup ecosystem, investment flows and government policy alike.

Top News Today

Government proposes ‘Country of Origin’ filter for e-commerce

The government has proposed new rules that will require e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart to include a “Country of Origin” filter on their websites. This means buyers will be able to sort and search products based on where they are manufactured. The draft amendment to the Legal Metrology Rules, 2011 has been opened for public feedback until November 22. The move aims to make product origins more transparent and promote Indian-made goods.

India’s net direct tax collection rises 7% to ₹12.92 lakh crore

India’s net direct tax collections between April 1 and November 10, 2025, grew by 7% to ₹12.92 lakh crore. Gross collections before refunds stood at ₹15.35 lakh crore, while refunds worth ₹2.43 lakh crore were issued. The growth was mainly driven by higher corporate tax receipts and improved compliance. The strong tax inflow indicates continued economic stability and steady revenue growth for the government.

CII proposes sovereign finance platform for long-term growth

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested the creation of a new sovereign finance platform to fund India’s long-term growth projects. The proposed platform would mobilise large-scale domestic and global capital for sectors such as infrastructure, green energy, and industrial corridors. The body said such a fund could help India finance strategic assets and accelerate its journey toward becoming a developed economy by 2047.

DST announces ₹1 lakh crore fund for deep-tech startups

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has announced plans to set up a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund to support deep-tech startups in areas such as AI, quantum computing, robotics, and drones. The fund aims to provide patient capital for startups working on high-risk, long-gestation technologies. The DST said the initiative will help attract private investment into frontier tech ventures and make India a global hub for innovation.

GST collections touch ₹1.96 trillion in October

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for October 2025 stood at ₹1.96 trillion, marking a 5% increase from the same month last year. The rise is attributed to festive season demand, improved compliance, and growth in manufacturing and services. The net GST collections after refunds were reported at ₹1.69 trillion. Officials said the consistent growth in indirect taxes reflects a stable consumption pattern in the economy.

India’s consumer market poised to become world’s third-largest

A new report has projected that India’s consumer market will soon become the third-largest globally, surpassing major economies by 2026. Household consumption in India has nearly doubled over the past decade, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, and growing digital adoption. The study also noted that sectors such as retail, fintech, and consumer tech will continue to see strong momentum in the coming years.

India’s startup funding rises 60% in October

Startup funding in India saw a sharp recovery in October 2025, rising by nearly 60% from September levels. Total funding reached about $1.83 billion across more than 80 deals, marking one of the strongest months of the year. Fintech, enterprise tech, and healthtech sectors led the activity. Investors said the trend indicates renewed confidence in India’s startup ecosystem after several months of slowdown.

SNDT University hosts Innovation Mahakumbh for women entrepreneurs

SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai hosted the ‘Innovation Mahakumbh 2025’ event to promote women-led startups in Maharashtra. The program included workshops, mentoring sessions, and startup pitches across sectors like agri-tech, medtech, and mobility. State officials highlighted that nearly 45% of Maharashtra’s registered startups are now led by women. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

NSE says electricity futures emerging as key benchmark

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) said its electricity futures contracts are now being widely used as a price benchmark in India’s power market. The exchange reported a steady rise in trading volumes, with more power producers and industrial consumers participating. Experts believe this could lead to better price discovery and transparency in the energy sector, benefiting both generators and large consumers.

CII pushes for National GCC Policy to create 25 million jobs

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to introduce a National Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy to boost India’s role as a global business services hub. The proposal targets creating 25 million jobs and generating $600 billion in value by 2030. CII said a comprehensive policy framework will help attract more multinational companies to set up GCCs in India and strengthen its position as a global talent hub.

India awaits US response on proposed trade deal

India is awaiting a formal response from the United States on its comprehensive trade deal proposal. The discussions are aimed at expanding bilateral trade in technology, manufacturing, and agriculture while ensuring protection for sensitive domestic sectors. Officials said talks are progressing steadily and both countries are keen to strengthen economic and strategic ties through the proposed agreement.

Today’s stories highlight a dual-track momentum: on one hand, the government is tightening regulatory and policy levers—from e-commerce origin filters to deep-tech innovation funds—to shape India’s strategic trajectory; on the other hand, the startup-economy ecosystem is showing renewed vigour with stronger fundraising, tax collections and consumption signals. For your coverage at TICE.News, the interplay between policy (government), market (economy/tax), and innovation (startups) is particularly compelling.