Mauritius–India Tax: India’s tax office has invoked JAAR to deny treaty benefits to some Mauritius funds on sale of “grandfathered shares,” reigniting debate after earlier CBDT assurances that such gains were spared from GAAR. UPI Fees Debate: India says there will be no rollback of the 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI merchant payments above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, with the charge paid by merchants; the move is framed as needed for UPI sustainability and cybersecurity, while legal challenges and political criticism grow. Digital Payments Expansion: UPI is set to expand into Central Asia via Uzbekistan, enabling Indian travellers to pay using Uzbekistan’s interoperable QR code through existing UPI apps. Emirates & Tourism Links: Emirates kicked off Arabian Travel Market 2026 with seven tourism board MoUs, including renewed ties with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, as the airline also reports strong winter booking momentum and continued Starlink rollout. Regional Connectivity: flydubai signed interline agreements with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, boosting single-ticket connections via Dubai, while King Shaka Airport prepares direct Durban–Addis Ababa flights from Dec 11. Local Business & Governance Angle: Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu unveiled a technology-driven, net-zero/zero-waste model for Tirumala, including electric buses, a 3D “virtual darshan” centre, and plans for global Venkateswara temples—Mauritius named among countries that requested temples. Markets Watch: SEBI re-appointed Kamlesh Chandra Varshney as whole-time member till 2029, and India’s tax minister urged independent, quantified tax policy research beyond sectoral lobbying.