The goods and services tax (GST) council on Thursday has given its nod to the two remaining pieces of legislation required for implementing the landmark tax reform, paving the way for their introduction in Parliament and state legislatures. This marks an important step towards meeting the July 1 deadline for GST legislation. 

Food and drink multinationals are planning to aggressively lobby against planned government rules for more taxes on sugary drinks, and fatty items. The government is considering a nationwide "fat tax" for so-called "junk foods". ITC, Nestle and Pepsico are meeting trade groups in Delhi to push back against government efforts. 

Stock in spotlight: BPCL, India’s second largest oil marketing company, is planning to enter the travel business with its personal travel offering, Happy Roads, which would help travellers plan and execute road trips. 

Photo of the day: An orchid mantis perches on the head of a frog hanging from a tree branch. Riau/Barcroft