GECs
IBF welcomes special Parliament session on GST
MUMBAI: The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has welcomed the government’s proposed plan to hold a special Parliament session to pass the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill as it is likely to usher in greater transparency and consistency making compliance easier.
According to reports, the government is looking at holding the special session for the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second) Amendment Bill, 2015- or the GST Bill, in the second week of September. The government has also initiated talks with all political parties to get the requisite 2/3 majority in Rajya Sabha.
IBF president and Star India CEO Uday Shankar said, “Indian broadcasting sector is happy to note that the government is mulling over calling a special session of Parliament in the second week of September 2015. On behalf of the sector, I would strongly appeal to the government to stay course on the implementation of GST Bill as it intends to bring a semblance of uniformity to the taxation structure, subsumes all existing central and state indirect taxes under one value added tax, both on services and goods, leading to greater efficiency and business speed. Looking at the larger perspective, a national comprehensive tax regime will not only integrate the goods and services sector, but will usher in greater transparency and consistency making compliance easier.”
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
