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By Nishang Narayan
Published on October 13, 2024
Foreign airlines operating in India will no longer be liable to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) on services provided by their head offices to branch offices in the country, as per a government notification issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC). This decision, part of the recommendations made at the 54th GST Council meeting, will take effect starting October 10.
The exemption is subject to the condition that foreign airlines secure a certificate from the civil aviation ministry, confirming that their operations in India fall under the scope of a bilateral air services agreement. This move is expected to ease the tax burden on foreign airlines and streamline operations.
In addition to this, academic institutions that have received grants for research purposes will also be exempt from GST, further promoting research and development activities across the country.
The CBIC has rolled out several new GST-related updates, including measures aimed at reducing penalties for taxpayers. Individuals or businesses that comply by March 31, 2025, will be eligible for waivers on penalties and interest. This is particularly applicable to taxpayers facing demand orders under section 74(1) of the GST Act, as long as they have not filed an appeal.
The GST Council has also introduced a special rectification window for taxpayers to amend past input tax credit (ITC) discrepancies. This opportunity is designed to help taxpayers correct genuine mistakes made in the past, potentially resolving many pending litigations and reducing the burden on both taxpayers and the government.
Additionally, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has raised concerns over the excessive GST charges on air ticket cancellations and modifications. The association revealed that GST was incorrectly charged at 18% instead of the appropriate rates of 5% for economy class and 12% for business class, leading to an over-collection of taxes. They have urged airlines and relevant ministries to refund the excess GST that was wrongly collected.
Experts believe that the latest measures are a step towards encouraging voluntary compliance while resolving disputes outside the court system. By offering taxpayers a chance to correct their errors and reduce penalties, the government aims to streamline tax compliance and promote a more efficient system.
This series of notifications, especially the rectification of ITC mistakes, is expected to significantly reduce taxpayer grievances and litigation, creating a more taxpayer-friendly environment moving forward.
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By Hariharan U
Published on December 19, 2025
As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.
ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.
ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.
ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.
ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.
Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.
Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.
Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.
Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.
Published on December 10, 2025
PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced a full refund policy for guests who could not check into their hotels between December 5 and 15, 2025 due to the widespread flight disruptions across India. With more than 1,400 flights cancelled over the weekend and multiple delays crossing four hours, thousands of travel plans were affected at the peak of the wedding and holiday season.
Under this policy, guests who booked through the OYO or CheckIn apps will receive automatic refunds once they submit valid proof of cancellation or delay. PRISM is also coordinating closely with its hotel partners to ensure the process is smooth and does not burden small and mid-sized properties that depend heavily on seasonal business.
Sharing more details, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, PRISM Asia, said, “Our early estimates indicate that significant bookings across our hotel network may be affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Coinciding with the peak wedding and holiday season, both leisure and business travel plans are being impacted. Our decision to offer full refunds is guided by empathy and a sense of responsibility to ensure our guests are not financially burdened by circumstances entirely beyond their control.”
PRISM today operates 13,000+ hotels under brands such as Townhouse, Sunday and Palette across India. To support the increased volume of queries, the group has also expanded its customer service team to help guests with refund requests and clarity on documentation. The company will continue to monitor the situation and extend the refund window if required.
Guests can access detailed policy information or raise requests through the CheckIn policy page or contact the dedicated support helpline.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on December 8, 2025
Christmas in India brings together beaches, hills, colonial heritage, and cultural celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere that feels unique to every region. Showcasing this diversity, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have highlighted seven destinations that capture the country’s holiday spirit and inspire travellers to plan memorable year-end trips.
Goa remains one of India’s most popular festive escapes, glowing with lights, carols, and its signature Christmas flavours. Churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception host soulful midnight masses that attract visitors from across the country. Travellers can explore lively Christmas markets, enjoy beachfront music sessions, or savour traditional Goan feasts.
In Kerala, Christmas blends coastal charm with serene celebrations. Cities such as Kochi, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram come alive with star lanterns, nativity displays, and warm community gatherings. A backwater cruise on Christmas Eve, a Kathakali show in Kochi, and the beautifully lit streets of Fort Kochi offer a relaxed yet festive holiday experience.
Puducherry brings together French elegance and coastal simplicity for a peaceful Christmas getaway. White Town turns into a picture-perfect festive setting lined with cafés, heritage buildings, and soft illumination. Visitors can attend midnight mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enjoy French-Indian festive menus, or spend quiet evenings by the sea.
For travellers seeking a hill destination, Meghalaya offers a vibrant yet serene celebration. Shillong shines with decorated churches, choir performances, and lively music nights that reflect the state’s strong musical culture. Christmas fairs, colourful lights at Police Bazaar, and outings to Umiam Lake make it an inviting winter retreat.
A culturally rich experience awaits visitors in Nagaland, where community feasts, gospel performances, and beautifully decorated churches define the celebrations. Kohima and Dimapur showcase the state’s strong sense of togetherness, while travellers visiting in early December can also experience the energy of the Hornbill Festival.
Kolkata brings timeless charm to Christmas with its Anglo-Indian traditions and festive street scenes. Park Street turns into a hub of lights, music, and food, drawing crowds throughout the season. Midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, treats from heritage bakeries, and the warm celebrations of Bow Barracks add to the nostalgic experience.
Those dreaming of a winter escape can head to Shimla, where pine trees, colonial architecture, and the possibility of snow create a classic Christmas mood. The Ridge and Mall Road glow with decorations, while Christ Church offers a peaceful setting for Christmas services. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, warm cafés, and short trips to Kufri for snow-filled adventures.
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s curated selection offers travellers a chance to choose a Christmas holiday that suits their festive mood, be it relaxed, cultural, adventurous, or nostalgic.
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