Tamil Nadu CM Vijay unveiled a fresh set of welfare measures in the Assembly, headlined by the "Annapoorani Super 6" scheme, offering three free LPG cylinders annually to women heads of households, starting Pongal 2027. With a ₹4,000 crore annual outlay, it's expected to benefit over 1.30 crore families. Vijay also expanded the "Vetri Payanam" free bus travel scheme to cover Express, Deluxe, and hill-area buses for women and transgender persons from October 2, with no trip limits or income cap


Tamil Nadu: Vijay announces free LPG cylinders, expanded bus travel for women & transgender persons

<p>India's Supreme Court has once again criticised pre-poll freebies, this time taking issue with plans to provide free electricity ahead of the Tamil Nadu state elections. In its observations on Thursday (Feb 19), the court said that even states that are not financially doing well are offering such freebies. &nbsp;It slammed indiscriminate free electricity and other benefits by revenue-deficient states, warning that such largesse harms economic development and work culture. But we have been here before. The apex court has often been reluctant to make any specific ruling to regulate the matter, leaving it to the election body and parliament. It leaves a grey area that often allows pre-election freebies to thrive, possibly affecting election outcomes for years now. Here is an analysis.</p><h2>What the Indian Supreme Court said on pre-election freebies</h2><p>The court agreed that freebies might be appropriate for poor people, but said that when they are given to everyone, it amounts to appeasement. It called for a re-examination of policies that are affecting progress.</p><p>“Most of the states in the country are revenue deficit states and yet they are offering such freebies,” said the court.</p><p>“The economic development of the nation will be hampered by this kind of largesse distribution. It is the state’s duty to provide welfare, but those who are enjoying freebies, is that not something which needs to be examined?,” it added.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-people-get-freebies-why-work-apex-court-8715346/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-people-get-freebies-why-work-apex-court-8715346/embed</a></p><h2>Why Indian Supreme Court made observation on freebies during elections</h2><p>Over the years, it has become very common in Indian states to offer various freebies — services and products — ahead of elections, including direct cash transfers into people's bank accounts. The court said that, as a welfare state, it is acceptable to give concessions to poor people, but even states without adequate income are offering universal freebies.</p><p>The Supreme Court bench, chaired by Chief Justice Surya Kant, was hearing a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation. The company had challenged the 2024 central electricity reforms, which mandate strict financial discipline for power-distribution firms.</p><p>Issuing notice to the Centre in the case, the Supreme Court expressed its displeasure that such freebies are being offered not only in Tamil Nadu, but across the nation.&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court is aware of what happened in the recent state elections, including direct money transfer programmes.&nbsp;</p><p>The court observed that, instead of spending money on development projects, states are using funds for large-scale freebies and salaries.</p><h2>Who will work if government gives freebies? Supreme Court's sharp rebuke&nbsp;</h2><p>If food, bicycles and electricity are given free of cost, who will go to work, the court asked.</p><p>"If you start giving free food from morning to evening, then free cycles, then free electricity, who will work? And what will happen to the work culture?”</p><p>It is fine if people who cannot afford to pay are given some concessions in electricity rates. But if it is given to everyone, what culture are we creating, asked the court, adding that those who can pay should be made to pay.&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-this-is-tax-money-supreme-court-slams-poll-eve-freebie-culture-questions-fiscal-logic-1771496414543">‘This is tax money’: Supreme Court slams poll-eve freebie culture, questions fiscal logic</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The court said: It is understandable that you want to provide, as part of a welfare system, for those who cannot pay electricity charges. But without drawing a distinction between those who can afford and those who cannot, if you start distributing… will it not amount kind of an appeasing policy?”</p><h2>Freebies politics: This is not the first time that the Indian top court took up the matter</h2><p>The Chief Justice also reminded that the various political parties offering freebies ahead of elections are currently under its examination.</p><p>Pre-poll largesse has become a malice in Indian politics, and the Supreme Court has been cognizant of the matter in the past few years.</p><p>In February 2025, the apex court criticised election-time free rations and cash transfers, saying they discourage people from working and risk creating dependency. During the hearing, the court questioned whether schemes like 'Ladli Behna' announced around elections were fostering a culture where people are unwilling to work.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-criticises-freebies-says-people-not-willing-to-work-8715261">Supreme court criticises freebies, says people not willing to work</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In January this year, it said the issue of pre-poll freebies, including the distribution of cash and other goods, is an important matter requiring serious examination.</p><p>In January, 2022 the Supreme Court described the promise of freebies during election campaigns as a serious issue. At the time, it sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission on regulating the practice.</p><p>In the Subramaniam Balaji case of 2013, the court declined to strike down welfare schemes involving distribution of goods like televisions and laptops. But it acknowledged concerns about freebies. It left the regulation of such promises to the Election Commission and Parliament.</p>

India's Supreme Court slammed pre-election freebies, this time in a case on free electricity in Tamil Nadu. The top court has targeted such schemes in cash or kind, warning they harm fiscal discipline, economic development and work culture

India's Supreme Court has once again criticised pre-poll freebies, this time taking issue with plans to provide free electricity ahead of the Tamil Nadu state elections. In its observations on Thursday (Feb 19), the court said that even states that are not financially doing well are offering such freebies. It slammed indiscriminate free electricity and other benefits by revenue-deficient states, warning that such largesse harms economic development and work culture. But we have been here before. The apex court has often been reluctant to make any specific ruling to regulate the matter, leaving it to the election body and parliament. It leaves a grey area that often allows pre-election freebies to thrive, possibly affecting election outcomes for years now. Here is an analysis. What the Indian Supreme Court said on pre-election freebies The court agreed that freebies might be appropriate for poor people, but said that when they are given to everyone, it amounts to appeasement. It called for a re-examination of policies that are affecting progress. “Most of the states in the country are revenue deficit states and yet they are offering such freebies,” said the court. “The economic development of the nation will be hampered by this kind of largesse distribution. It is the state’s duty to provide welfare, but those who are enjoying freebies, is that not something which needs to be examined?,” it added. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-people-get-freebies-why-work-apex-court-8715346/embed Why Indian Supreme Court made observation on freebies during elections Over the years, it has become very common in Indian states to offer various freebies — services and products — ahead of elections, including direct cash transfers into people's bank accounts. The court said that, as a welfare state, it is acceptable to give concessions to poor people, but even states without adequate income are offering universal freebies. The Supreme Court bench, chaired by Chief Justice Surya Kant, was hearing a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation. The company had challenged the 2024 central electricity reforms, which mandate strict financial discipline for power-distribution firms. Issuing notice to the Centre in the case, the Supreme Court expressed its displeasure that such freebies are being offered not only in Tamil Nadu, but across the nation. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court is aware of what happened in the recent state elections, including direct money transfer programmes. The court observed that, instead of spending money on development projects, states are using funds for large-scale freebies and salaries. Who will work if government gives freebies? Supreme Court's sharp rebuke If food, bicycles and electricity are given free of cost, who will go to work, the court asked. "If you start giving free food from morning to evening, then free cycles, then free electricity, who will work? And what will happen to the work culture?” It is fine if people who cannot afford to pay are given some concessions in electricity rates. But if it is given to everyone, what culture are we creating, asked the court, adding that those who can pay should be made to pay. Also read: ‘This is tax money’: Supreme Court slams poll-eve freebie culture, questions fiscal logic The court said: It is understandable that you want to provide, as part of a welfare system, for those who cannot pay electricity charges. But without drawing a distinction between those who can afford and those who cannot, if you start distributing… will it not amount kind of an appeasing policy?” Freebies politics: This is not the first time that the Indian top court took up the matter The Chief Justice also reminded that the various political parties offering freebies ahead of elections are currently under its examination. Pre-poll largesse has become a malice in Indian politics, and the Supreme Court has been cognizant of the matter in the past few years. In February 2025, the apex court criticised election-time free rations and cash transfers, saying they discourage people from working and risk creating dependency. During the hearing, the court questioned whether schemes like 'Ladli Behna' announced around elections were fostering a culture where people are unwilling to work. Also read: Supreme court criticises freebies, says people not willing to work In January this year, it said the issue of pre-poll freebies, including the distribution of cash and other goods, is an important matter requiring serious examination. In January, 2022 the Supreme Court described the promise of freebies during election campaigns as a serious issue. At the time, it sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission on regulating the practice. In the Subramaniam Balaji case of 2013, the court declined to strike down welfare schemes involving distribution of goods like televisions and laptops. But it acknowledged concerns about freebies. It left the regulation of such promises to the Election Commission and Parliament.

<p>India's Supreme Court slammed pre-election freebies, this time in a case on free electricity in Tamil Nadu. The top court has targeted such schemes in cash or kind, warning they harm fiscal discipline, economic development and work culture</p>

Indian Supreme Court slams freebies before elections, and it's not the first time. But can anything be done about it?

China’s consumer slowdown is prompting a new and unusual trend on the mainland. More than 30 retail and tourism companies are now offering tangible perks, not to customers, but to their own shareholders. The move comes as weak jobs growth, a soft property market and tightening household budgets weigh on spending. Take a look at this next report for more.

Shareholder Freebies Become China’s New Survival Playbook

India's reliance on cash handouts as a means of inclusion has renewed a debate around whether it fosters a productive workforce. Are welfare schemes creating a culture of dependence, threatening economic growth and infrastructure development? We discuss the details with Dr. Suma Singh - Registrar, Academics of Mount Carmel College Bengaluru.

The big debate: Freebies vs work culture?

UK PM has paid for gifts worth more than £6,000 in a bid to salvage his reputation amid a growing scandal over freebies. Watch in for more details!

Freebies Scandal: UK PM Keir Starmer Orders New Ministerial Code On Gifts

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was embroiled in controversy in September 2024 following claims that he had neglected to disclose a gift of several thousand pounds' worth of clothing that Labour Party contributor Waheed Alli, Baron Alli, had sent to his wife. Subsequently, there was discussion over how many presents Starmer had taken while leading the Labour Party.

Starmer's Labour Party Accused Of Accepting 'Freebies', $1.7M accepted over 2 years

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">British politician Rachel Reeves has acknowledged receiving donations for clothing, amid rising criticism over senior Labour figures accepting gifts, just as the Labour Party conference was about to begin.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:64,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1751}">Reeves, who has taken nearly £7,500 ($9,991) for clothing from her friend Juliet Rosenfeld since 2023, now faces scrutiny along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who have also accepted clothing donations.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1822}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:231,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1822}">Donations for clothes</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:180,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1867}">The revelation comes as Labour figures shift their stance, announcing they will no longer accept donations for clothing while in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1916}">On Friday (Sep 20), The Prime Minister, Rayner, and Reeves all made clear that they would stop taking donations for clothes now that they were in office.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:279,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1966}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:279,&quot;w&quot;:718,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1966}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:279,&quot;w&quot;:637,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1966}" data-ved="2ahUKEwie5qnyxtOIAxXYiK8BHe4nDAsQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-keir-starmers-wife-attended-two-taylor-swift-concerts-without-paying-a-penny-759730" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-keir-starmers-wife-attended-two-taylor-swift-concerts-without-paying-a-penny-759730&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie5qnyxtOIAxXYiK8BHe4nDAsQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">British PM Keir Starmer`s wife attended two Taylor Swift concerts without paying a penny</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:311,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1998}">However, Starmer's decision does not extend to other forms of hospitality, such as corporate football tickets or concerts like the Taylor Swift show he attended with his wife.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:361,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:104,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2048}">Recently, Sir Keir Starmer's wife, Lady Starmer, became the source of controversy after it was revealed that she received £5,000 worth of clothing and personal shopping from the donor. Starmer himself accepted £16,200 worth of "work clothing" from Lord Alli in April, three months before he won the election.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:643,&quot;y&quot;:396,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:676,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2083}" />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:16,&quot;y&quot;:413,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:49,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2100}" />
This follows a backlash from Labour MPs, who argue that such actions could harm the party's reputation, calling for stricter limits on gifts and hospitality.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:480,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2167}">One Labour MP told the Telegraph, "Loads of us are livid. This is what hypocrisy looks like – and most of us have been fighting the 'they're all the same' rhetoric for our whole careers. Keir’s double standards just prove it's entirely accurate."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:480,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2167}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwie5qnyxtOIAxXYiK8BHe4nDAsQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-keir-starmers-wife-attended-two-taylor-swift-concerts-without-paying-a-penny-759730" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-keir-starmers-wife-attended-two-taylor-swift-concerts-without-paying-a-penny-759730&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie5qnyxtOIAxXYiK8BHe4nDAsQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">British PM Keir Starmer`s wife attended two Taylor Swift concerts without paying a penny</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:551,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2238}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:551,&quot;w&quot;:291,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2238}">Reeves' clothing donations</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:595,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2282}">As per The Telegraph, donations received by Reeves were declared on the Register of Members' Financial Interests. However, no mention of clothing specifically was mentioned, and her team states that no updates to the declarations are needed.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:662,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2349}">Nonetheless, the timing of these revelations threatens to overshadow the Labour Party’s conference, as party members and the public question the appropriateness of accepting such gifts while in government.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:712,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2399}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:712,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2399}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British politician Rachel Reeves has acknowledged receiving donations for clothing, amid rising criticism over senior Labour figures accepting gifts, just as the Labour Party conference was about to begin.

British politician Rachel Reeves has acknowledged receiving donations for clothing, amid rising criticism over senior Labour figures accepting gifts, just as the Labour Party conference was about to begin. Reeves, who has taken nearly £7,500 ($9,991) for clothing from her friend Juliet Rosenfeld since 2023, now faces scrutiny along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who have also accepted clothing donations. Donations for clothes The revelation comes as Labour figures shift their stance, announcing they will no longer accept donations for clothing while in office. On Friday (Sep 20), The Prime Minister, Rayner, and Reeves all made clear that they would stop taking donations for clothes now that they were in office. Also read | British PM Keir Starmer`s wife attended two Taylor Swift concerts without paying a penny However, Starmer's decision does not extend to other forms of hospitality, such as corporate football tickets or concerts like the Taylor Swift show he attended with his wife. Recently, Sir Keir Starmer's wife, Lady Starmer, became the source of controversy after it was revealed that she received £5,000 worth of clothing and personal shopping from the donor. Starmer himself accepted £16,200 worth of "work clothing" from Lord Alli in April, three months before he won the election. This follows a backlash from Labour MPs, who argue that such actions could harm the party's reputation, calling for stricter limits on gifts and hospitality. One Labour MP told the Telegraph, "Loads of us are livid. This is what hypocrisy looks like – and most of us have been fighting the 'they're all the same' rhetoric for our whole careers. Keir’s double standards just prove it's entirely accurate." Also read | British PM Keir Starmer`s wife attended two Taylor Swift concerts without paying a penny Reeves' clothing donations As per The Telegraph, donations received by Reeves were declared on the Register of Members' Financial Interests. However, no mention of clothing specifically was mentioned, and her team states that no updates to the declarations are needed. Nonetheless, the timing of these revelations threatens to overshadow the Labour Party’s conference, as party members and the public question the appropriateness of accepting such gifts while in government. (With inputs from agencies)

UK freebies controversy: Rachel Reeves faces scrutiny over £7,500 clothing donations

Be it the state or the General Elections in India, polling season brings in a wave of freebies not that political parties employ as a last ditch effort to ensure their vote bank.

India Elections 2024: Supreme Court lists PIL against freebies

<p>Argentina is eliminating income tax for most of its formal workers ahead of the election season. The move has been taken to offer relief to people hit by rising inflation; however, experts fear it will end up further ballooning the fiscal deficit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Latin American country is reeling under a massive 124 per cent inflation before October’s presidential elections, pushing the ruling party to roll out generous schemes.</p>

<p>Legislation eliminating income tax was approved by the country’s Senate on Thursday (Sep 28) by a 38-27 vote, which was backed by Argentina’s Economy Minister and presidential hopeful Sergio Massa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Alberto Fernandez. Presidential elections will be held in Argentina on October 22.</p>

<h2><strong>A political move</strong></h2>

<p>It is to be noted that the economy ministry has already exempted around 99 per cent of the formal workforce from paying taxes through a decree. However, the new legislation eliminates the income taxes altogether.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;EU's growth plan for countries</strong></p>

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<p>Only those earning more than $5057 per month will be exposed to the income tax provisions, who account for a tiny fraction of the total workforce. The new government will assume the charge on December 10 and can very well reverse the changes to steer the nation out of the financial mess.</p>

<p>Some observers are seeing it as a political move, aimed at reclaiming lost electoral ground.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Free handouts</strong></h2>

<p>The Argentinean government is also planning to offer payouts to informal workers in October and November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two welfare checks of $268.60 each will be offered, funded by taxes imposed on banks and other major companies who the government believes have benefitted the most from a currency devaluation that followed the Aug 13 primary vote.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-argentina-eyes-indias-tejas-jets-amidst-uk-parts-hurdle-617160"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Exclusive | Argentina eyes India`s Tejas jets amidst UK parts hurdle</strong></a></p>

<p>“We have made the decision to charge an extraordinary income tax to those sectors that were the biggest winners of the devaluation imposed by the International Monetary Fund,” he said while justifying the imposition of extra tax.</p>

<h2><strong>Burden on economy</strong></h2>

<p>All of these freebies will cost the government a whopping $5.7 billion, which will be largely financed with central bank money printing that will fuel future inflation.</p>

<p>The increased fiscal spending, along with the lost revenue due to the elimination of income tax, heightens risks to Argentina’s $44 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund after Massa had committed to austerity in August.</p>

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Argentina is eliminating income tax for most of its formal workers ahead of the election season. The move has been taken to offer relief to people hit by rising inflation; however, experts fear it will end up further ballooning the fiscal deficit.

Argentina is eliminating income tax for most of its formal workers ahead of the election season. The move has been taken to offer relief to people hit by rising inflation; however, experts fear it will end up further ballooning the fiscal deficit. The Latin American country is reeling under a massive 124 per cent inflation before October’s presidential elections, pushing the ruling party to roll out generous schemes. Legislation eliminating income tax was approved by the country’s Senate on Thursday (Sep 28) by a 38-27 vote, which was backed by Argentina’s Economy Minister and presidential hopeful Sergio Massa. The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Alberto Fernandez. Presidential elections will be held in Argentina on October 22. A political move It is to be noted that the economy ministry has already exempted around 99 per cent of the formal workforce from paying taxes through a decree. However, the new legislation eliminates the income taxes altogether. Watch: EU's growth plan for countries × Only those earning more than $5057 per month will be exposed to the income tax provisions, who account for a tiny fraction of the total workforce. The new government will assume the charge on December 10 and can very well reverse the changes to steer the nation out of the financial mess. Some observers are seeing it as a political move, aimed at reclaiming lost electoral ground. Free handouts The Argentinean government is also planning to offer payouts to informal workers in October and November. Two welfare checks of $268.60 each will be offered, funded by taxes imposed on banks and other major companies who the government believes have benefitted the most from a currency devaluation that followed the Aug 13 primary vote. Also read: Exclusive | Argentina eyes India`s Tejas jets amidst UK parts hurdle “We have made the decision to charge an extraordinary income tax to those sectors that were the biggest winners of the devaluation imposed by the International Monetary Fund,” he said while justifying the imposition of extra tax. Burden on economy All of these freebies will cost the government a whopping $5.7 billion, which will be largely financed with central bank money printing that will fuel future inflation. The increased fiscal spending, along with the lost revenue due to the elimination of income tax, heightens risks to Argentina’s $44 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund after Massa had committed to austerity in August. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Argentina ends income tax, offers relief worth $5.7 billion before presidential elections

More than 100 MPs have enjoyed free hospitality to concerts and sporting events worth more than £180,000 this summer, with tickets given away by banks, oil companies, the gambling industry and media firms. Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, Oliver Dowden, the deputy prime minister, and Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, are among those who have benefitted from an increasing trend among politicians to receive gifts.

Report: More than 100 British MPs received freebies worth £180,000

<p>Chinese internet&nbsp;users slammed German automaker BMW on Thursday (April 20) for alleged discrimination at the Shanghai auto show after reports emerged that employees at its Mini booth favoured foreign over local Chinese visitors during an ice cream giveaway promotion.&nbsp;Mini expressed regret over the incident, explaining in a statement on its official Weibo account that it was brought on by subpar internal management and that training would be improved.</p>

<p>The incident occurred on Wednesday, local media reported. The term "BMW Mini" rose to the second-most-searched topic on China's Weibo social media site, with users posting images, videos and critical comments that crossed 93 million views.</p>

<p>The debate occured even as BMW and other German automakers compete to keep on top of consumer trends in a nation where domestic competitors have been aggressively gaining market share at the Shanghai auto show.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-intense-burst-of-light-in-skies-over-kyiv-triggers-panic-in-conflict-ridden-ukraine-584226">Mysterious flash over Kyiv probably meteorite, says Ukrainian space agency</a></p>

<h2><strong>What was the ice cream controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>In one video, two Chinese employees can be seen telling some locals who came to the Mini stand that the complimentary ice cream had run out, before quickly handing a tub to a foreign attendee.</p>

<p>"This has taken away my good feelings towards BMW," said one Weibo user.</p>

<p>Reuters reported citing a source with insight into the situation that the event occurred after 300 servings of ice cream intended for guests had been distributed by the booth. The foreigner in the video was a BMW employee.</p>

<p>According to the insider, who requested anonymity owing to the sensitivity of the situation, the personnel were not BMW employees but rather temporary workers hired locally for the show.</p>

<p>Oliver Zipse, the Chief Executive Officer of BMW, highlighted in presentations earlier this week the significance of the Chinese market to the automobile manufacturer by claiming that many of its automobiles' characteristics were inspired by China and that the nation was in front of the curve globally in terms of auto trends.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-jamtara-fraud-in-indian-state-of-jharkhand-cybercrooks-con-2500-more-584265">What is 'Jamtara' fraud in Indian state of Jharkhand? Cybercrooks con 2,500 more</a></p>

<p>Chinese consumers have been paying closer attention to how major brands behave in recent years and have become more critical of international or domestic enterprises for perceived slights or for failing to respect Chinese territorial claims.</p>

<p>At times, such criticism has erupted into widespread consumer boycotts. Sales in China for Dolce &amp; Gabbana decreased in 2019 as a result of outrage to an ad campaign that was criticised as racist by celebrities and on social media. The upscale Italian company apologised and claimed there was a "cultural misunderstanding".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese internet users slammed German automaker BMW on Thursday (April 20) for alleged discrimination at the Shanghai auto show after reports emerged that employees at its Mini booth favoured foreign over local Chinese visitors during an ice cream giveaway promotion.

Chinese internet users slammed German automaker BMW on Thursday (April 20) for alleged discrimination at the Shanghai auto show after reports emerged that employees at its Mini booth favoured foreign over local Chinese visitors during an ice cream giveaway promotion. Mini expressed regret over the incident, explaining in a statement on its official Weibo account that it was brought on by subpar internal management and that training would be improved. The incident occurred on Wednesday, local media reported. The term "BMW Mini" rose to the second-most-searched topic on China's Weibo social media site, with users posting images, videos and critical comments that crossed 93 million views. The debate occured even as BMW and other German automakers compete to keep on top of consumer trends in a nation where domestic competitors have been aggressively gaining market share at the Shanghai auto show. ALSO READ | Mysterious flash over Kyiv probably meteorite, says Ukrainian space agency What was the ice cream controversy? In one video, two Chinese employees can be seen telling some locals who came to the Mini stand that the complimentary ice cream had run out, before quickly handing a tub to a foreign attendee. "This has taken away my good feelings towards BMW," said one Weibo user. Reuters reported citing a source with insight into the situation that the event occurred after 300 servings of ice cream intended for guests had been distributed by the booth. The foreigner in the video was a BMW employee. According to the insider, who requested anonymity owing to the sensitivity of the situation, the personnel were not BMW employees but rather temporary workers hired locally for the show. Oliver Zipse, the Chief Executive Officer of BMW, highlighted in presentations earlier this week the significance of the Chinese market to the automobile manufacturer by claiming that many of its automobiles' characteristics were inspired by China and that the nation was in front of the curve globally in terms of auto trends. ALSO READ | What is 'Jamtara' fraud in Indian state of Jharkhand? Cybercrooks con 2,500 more Chinese consumers have been paying closer attention to how major brands behave in recent years and have become more critical of international or domestic enterprises for perceived slights or for failing to respect Chinese territorial claims. At times, such criticism has erupted into widespread consumer boycotts. Sales in China for Dolce & Gabbana decreased in 2019 as a result of outrage to an ad campaign that was criticised as racist by celebrities and on social media. The upscale Italian company apologised and claimed there was a "cultural misunderstanding". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

No free ice cream for locals! BMW accused of discriminating against Chinese visitors at Shanghai auto show

<p>Dolo-650 mg tablets were most commonly used in treatment&nbsp;of&nbsp;COVID-19 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in India. When the drug became a meme, it attained its greatest level of popularity.</p>

<p>When the department accused the Dolo-650 manufacturer Bengaluru-based Micro Labs of tax cheating at the beginning of 2022, the lab was put under income tax scrutiny.</p>

<p>And now, in a hearing in the Supreme Court, the Federation of Medical &amp; Sales Representatives Association of India (FMRAI) has accused the manufacturer of giving doctors gifts worth Rs 1000 crores to get them to prescribe Dolo-650 mg as the go-to medication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was upset by the accusation. He stated: "This is not music to my ears. I was also asked to have the same when I had Covid. This is a serious issue and matter."</p>

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<p><strong>What is Dolo-650 mg?</strong></p>

<p>The trademark name for a fixed-dose combination medication with 650 mg of paracetamol is Dolo 650 mg. It is analgesic and antipyretic, which means it alleviates pain and brings down temperature.</p>

<p>It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that is even sold without a prescription. The vast majority of OTC products include paracetamol with 500 mg of salt. Pain and fever were the main COVID-19 symptoms, hence the sale of all fever-relieving medications increased dramatically.</p>

<p><strong>What's behind the popularity?</strong></p>

<p>During the pandemic, sales of all paracetamol brands skyrocketed because it was thought to be safe to treat COVID-19-related fever and pain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The income from paracetamol sales climbed by 138.42 per cent between the second quarters of 2020 and 2021, according to an Indian Express report citing market research firm AIOCD-AWACS. While companies like GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Crocin and Calpol, saw sales soar by 53% and 158.9%, respectively, during that time, Dolo-650 sales increased by a remarkable 289.6%.</p>

<p>According to pharmaceutical specialists, this is due to Micro Labs, the company that makes Dolo 650, overmarketing and decreased availability of rival paracetamol products. And now, allegations of corruption.</p>

<p><strong>How did they find a way around price control?</strong></p>

<p>Under the Necessary Commodities Act, some essential pharmaceuticals and their formulations are priced according to the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), and no business is allowed to sell drugs for more than that amount. The price of paracetamol was recently established by a National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority order at Rs 2.88 per tablet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The price of a 500 mg Paracetamol tablet is currently regulated, but not the price of a 650 mg tablet. This is why businesses like Micro Labs could charge more for their medicine. Of course, this is a huge issue, and estimates suggest that the DPCO does not cover about 80% of medications.</p>

<p><strong>Can it cause harm?</strong></p>

<p>According to the doctors we spoke to, an adult's daily intake of paracetamol can range up to 2 grammes. Therefore, consuming 2-3 Dolos every day during fever would not necessarily be harmful. However, excessive paracetamol use has been related to serious liver damage. Dolo-650 is not recommended for people with persistent alcoholism, liver disease, or kidney disease.</p>

<p><strong>What is the Dolo-650 controversy about?</strong></p>

<p>Even though the pharmaceutical company has described this practice as sales promotion, the plea against the company claimed that several "unethical" benefits, including gifts and entertainment, sponsored international travel, hospitality, and other benefits, are provided to doctors for promoting&nbsp;and prescribing the drug.</p>

<p>It was stated that unethical drug promotion can negatively affect doctors' attitudes toward prescribing medications and harm human health through overusing/over-prescribing medications, prescribing medications in higher doses than necessary, prescribing medications for longer periods of time than necessary, prescribing a higher number of medications than necessary, and prescribing an irrational combination of medications.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Dolo-650 mg tablets were most commonly used in treatment of COVID-19 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in India. When the drug became a meme, it attained its greatest level of popularity.

Dolo-650 mg tablets were most commonly used in treatment of COVID-19 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in India. When the drug became a meme, it attained its greatest level of popularity. When the department accused the Dolo-650 manufacturer Bengaluru-based Micro Labs of tax cheating at the beginning of 2022, the lab was put under income tax scrutiny. And now, in a hearing in the Supreme Court, the Federation of Medical & Sales Representatives Association of India (FMRAI) has accused the manufacturer of giving doctors gifts worth Rs 1000 crores to get them to prescribe Dolo-650 mg as the go-to medication. Even Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was upset by the accusation. He stated: "This is not music to my ears. I was also asked to have the same when I had Covid. This is a serious issue and matter." × What is Dolo-650 mg? The trademark name for a fixed-dose combination medication with 650 mg of paracetamol is Dolo 650 mg. It is analgesic and antipyretic, which means it alleviates pain and brings down temperature. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that is even sold without a prescription. The vast majority of OTC products include paracetamol with 500 mg of salt. Pain and fever were the main COVID-19 symptoms, hence the sale of all fever-relieving medications increased dramatically. What's behind the popularity? During the pandemic, sales of all paracetamol brands skyrocketed because it was thought to be safe to treat COVID-19-related fever and pain. The income from paracetamol sales climbed by 138.42 per cent between the second quarters of 2020 and 2021, according to an Indian Express report citing market research firm AIOCD-AWACS. While companies like GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Crocin and Calpol, saw sales soar by 53% and 158.9%, respectively, during that time, Dolo-650 sales increased by a remarkable 289.6%. According to pharmaceutical specialists, this is due to Micro Labs, the company that makes Dolo 650, overmarketing and decreased availability of rival paracetamol products. And now, allegations of corruption. How did they find a way around price control? Under the Necessary Commodities Act, some essential pharmaceuticals and their formulations are priced according to the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), and no business is allowed to sell drugs for more than that amount. The price of paracetamol was recently established by a National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority order at Rs 2.88 per tablet. The price of a 500 mg Paracetamol tablet is currently regulated, but not the price of a 650 mg tablet. This is why businesses like Micro Labs could charge more for their medicine. Of course, this is a huge issue, and estimates suggest that the DPCO does not cover about 80% of medications. Can it cause harm? According to the doctors we spoke to, an adult's daily intake of paracetamol can range up to 2 grammes. Therefore, consuming 2-3 Dolos every day during fever would not necessarily be harmful. However, excessive paracetamol use has been related to serious liver damage. Dolo-650 is not recommended for people with persistent alcoholism, liver disease, or kidney disease. What is the Dolo-650 controversy about? Even though the pharmaceutical company has described this practice as sales promotion, the plea against the company claimed that several "unethical" benefits, including gifts and entertainment, sponsored international travel, hospitality, and other benefits, are provided to doctors for promoting and prescribing the drug. It was stated that unethical drug promotion can negatively affect doctors' attitudes toward prescribing medications and harm human health through overusing/over-prescribing medications, prescribing medications in higher doses than necessary, prescribing medications for longer periods of time than necessary, prescribing a higher number of medications than necessary, and prescribing an irrational combination of medications. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: Dolo-650 controversy and Rs 1000 crore freebie accusation

The Federation of Medical & Sales Representatives Association of India claimed before the Supreme Court that the Central Board for Direct Taxes has accused makers of Dolo-650 tablet of distributing freebies worth Rs 1,000 crore to doctors as consideration for prescribing the tablet.

Maker of Dolo-650 drug said to have spent over $12.5 million on freebies

Starting July, social media influencers will have to pay TDS on freebies. The rule will apply if the freebies are retained by the influencers. The 10% TDS rule will also apply to doctors. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Social media influencers will now need to pay TDS on freebies

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has issued new guidelines stating that social media influencers and doctors who get freebies for sales promotions will have to pay a 10% TDS.

WION Fineprint | No More Freebies! Influencers and doctors will have to pay 10% TDS

From cheesecake at Junior's in Brooklyn to donuts at Krispy Kreme in Times Square, New Yorkers are using their vaccination cards for free perks.

New Yorkers flash vaccine card for freebies

freebies

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