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Indian law could impose 2% levy on crypto bought from offshore exchanges

According to local sources, the Indian Government’s 2% “equalisation levy” could be extended to crypto-assets purchased from off-shore exchanges.

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According to local sources, the Indian Government’s 2% “equalization levy” could be extended to crypto-assets purchased from off-shore exchanges.

According to a June 22 report from Economic Times, analysts are inferring that existing law could require a 2% levy to be added onto the settlement price of crypto bought from overseas-based crypto exchanges operating in India’s market.

The equalisation levy was first introduced by the government in 2016, imposing a 6% tariff on payments for e-commerce supply and services to non-resident companies without a permanent establishment in India.

However, the equalisation levy was updated in mid-2020. Now dubbed the “Google Tax,” the updated legislation imposed a 2% tax on services provided by off-shore e-commerce operators conducting business in India, with tax experts inferring that the tariff may also apply to foreign-based crypto exchanges servicing Indian customers.

“The way the new equalisation levy is worded and defined, it appears that it will also be applicable on cryptocurrency bought from an exchange not based in India,” Girish Vanvari, founder of tax advisory firm Transaction Square, told Economic Times. He added:

“The levy is on the selling price and companies may be required to add this to the cost of the crypto assets.”
Amit Maheshwari, tax partner at tax consulting firm AKM Global, argued it would be difficult for India’s government to impose a 2% levy without first establishing a broader regulatory apparatus addressing crypto assets, stating:

“In the absence of any guidelines on the treatment of crypto assets, there is ambiguity in how these would be treated under the tax laws and FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act).”
The regulatory status of crypto assets has long been a contentious issue, with Cointelegraph reporting on June 16 that the Indian government is reviewing whether to introduce a bill banning crypto outright, with some officials arguing digital assets should be classified as an alternate asset class.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), appears to have maintained its anti-crypto stance, with RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stating the central bank has “major concerns” regarding cryptocurrency that it has conveyed to the government.

In March 2020, India’s Supreme Court repealed the RBI’s two-year prohibition on local financial firms providing banking services to businesses operating with crypto assets.

Source Credits: Coin Telegraph

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Brazil proposes to ban stablecoin withdrawals to self-custodial wallets

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Brazil’s Congress is reviewing a proposal to prohibit the withdrawal of stablecoins to self-custodial wallets, sparking significant debate within the cryptocurrency community. The draft legislation, introduced on Nov. 21, seeks to tighten oversight of digital asset transactions, citing concerns over money laundering and illicit activities. If passed, the measure could have far-reaching implications for the use and management of stablecoins in the country.

The proposed ban specifically targets stablecoins, which have become a popular medium for value transfer due to their price stability. Under the new rules, users would be restricted from moving stablecoins from regulated platforms to wallets they personally control. Lawmakers argue that such restrictions are necessary to ensure greater transparency and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, a growing concern for financial authorities worldwide.

Critics, however, have expressed alarm over the potential infringement on individual financial sovereignty. Many within Brazil’s crypto ecosystem view self-custodial wallets as a cornerstone of decentralization and personal control over digital assets. Opponents of the proposal warn that such a ban could stifle innovation and push users toward unregulated platforms or peer-to-peer exchanges, undermining the intended goals of increased oversight.

The legislation comes as Brazil continues to embrace cryptocurrency adoption, with an estimated 16 million Brazilians owning digital assets. Despite its progressive stance on blockchain technologies, the government faces challenges balancing innovation with security. The stablecoin debate highlights the broader tension between regulatory measures and the principles of decentralization, setting the stage for a heated discussion in the months ahead.

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XRP returns to 3rd-largest crypto after 4-year battle with SEC

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XRP has reclaimed its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, driven by a surge in investor confidence despite ongoing legal disputes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The token’s market value soared following positive developments in its legal battle, with Ripple securing key victories that bolster its argument that XRP is not a security. As of Nov. 21, XRP trails only Bitcoin and Ethereum in the rankings.

The milestone reflects growing optimism among investors that Ripple may emerge victorious or reach a favorable settlement in its clash with the SEC. The case, which has significant implications for the broader cryptocurrency industry, centers on whether XRP qualifies as a security under U.S. law. Ripple executives have consistently denied these allegations, arguing that XRP functions as a digital currency similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum.

XRP’s resurgence also highlights increasing adoption of Ripple’s blockchain technology for cross-border payments and remittances. Financial institutions and payment providers continue to leverage RippleNet and its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) services, which utilize XRP to facilitate faster and cheaper international transactions. This utility has contributed to the token’s renewed momentum, drawing both institutional and retail interest.

The ongoing legal battle remains a focal point for the crypto industry, as its outcome could shape future regulatory approaches to digital assets in the United States. While uncertainty lingers, XRP’s rise underscores its resilience and the market’s appetite for assets with strong use cases. Ripple’s success in navigating this turbulent period may further solidify its role as a leader in blockchain-based financial solutions.

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Clipper DEX says recent $450K hack wasn’t caused by private key leak

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Clipper Decentralized Exchange (DEX) has addressed concerns surrounding a recent security breach, emphasizing that the incident was not the result of a private key leak. In a statement issued on Nov. 21, the platform clarified that the hack, which led to the loss of user funds, exploited a vulnerability in its smart contract architecture. The team assured users that it is working diligently to resolve the issue and enhance platform security.

The breach came to light after users reported unusual transactions depleting funds from their wallets. Initial speculation pointed to a potential compromise of Clipper’s private keys, raising alarm within the crypto community. However, Clipper’s investigation revealed that the attack targeted a flaw in a recently deployed contract, allowing the hacker to manipulate transactions. The platform has since paused its operations to prevent further exploitation.

Clipper DEX stated it is collaborating with blockchain security firms to audit its contracts and implement fixes to prevent similar incidents. Additionally, the platform is exploring mechanisms to reimburse affected users, though no specific timeline has been provided. The incident underscores the persistent risks faced by DeFi platforms, where rapid innovation can sometimes outpace security measures.

This hack highlights the importance of robust contract auditing and ongoing security enhancements in the decentralized finance ecosystem. As Clipper works to rebuild user trust, the event serves as a reminder for DeFi users to remain vigilant and diversify risk when engaging with emerging platforms. The broader community continues to call for heightened security standards across the sector to mitigate vulnerabilities and protect investor assets.

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