September 22, 2025 10:43 PM

GST reforms to boost GDP by Rs 20 lakh crore: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said that the simplification of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework will significantly improve ease of doing business, boost demand, and add nearly ₹20 lakh crore to India’s GDP. Speaking to the media, Vaishnaw said the reform is being welcomed across the country as it allows people to save a greater share of their income and makes most everyday essentials more affordable. Targeting the opposition, the minister remarked th...

September 22, 2025 4:27 PM

Sensex, Nifty end lower amid IT selloff and H-1B visa concerns

Indian benchmark indices ended in negative territory on Monday after a volatile trading session, with IT stocks leading the declines amid concerns over the US administration’s announcement of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas. The Sensex closed at 82,159.97, down 466.26 points or 0.56 per cent, while the Nifty ended the day at 25,202.35, down 124.70 points or 0.49 per cent. Both indices opened in the red, reflecting cautious sentiment following global cues and uncertainty over the visa fee. ...

September 22, 2025 4:24 PM

GST 2.0 gives booster shot to coal sector

The GST 2.0 reforms have brought major changes to the coal sector’s taxation structure, benefiting both producers and consumers of the fossil fuel, the Ministry of Coal said in a statement on Monday. Under the new framework, the ₹400-per-tonne Compensation Cess previously levied on coal has been completely removed, while the GST rate on coal has been increased from 5% to 18%. Despite the higher GST rate, the overall tax incidence for end consumers will be lower, thanks to the elimination of...

September 22, 2025 3:43 PM

GST reforms to boost India’s GDP by 0.8%, benefit all sections of society: Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said that the implementation of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will not only bring immediate relief to consumers but also boost India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 0.8 per cent, strengthening the country’s economic momentum at a time of global uncertainty. Speaking to ANI on the day the reforms came into force, Puri said, “Apart from Navratri, the budget utsav has begun. There is a wave of happi...

September 22, 2025 11:35 AM

GST relief to increase savings of countrymen: Amit Shah

With the start of the nine-day Shardiya Navratri festival on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms would come into effect across the country, promising increased savings for common citizens. Labeling the reductions as “historic,” Shah said that GST rate cuts have been implemented on more than 390 products. “Modi government’s gift of Next-Gen GST reform to all the mothers and sisters of the country on the auspicious occasion of Navra...

September 22, 2025 10:25 AM

GST 2.0 takes effect today, major tax reforms to ease prices for consumers

The Government of India on Monday implemented a major overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, introducing a simplified two-tier tax system and revised rates for over 375 items, aimed at easing prices for consumers across the country. Under the new GST structure, most goods and services will now be taxed at either 5 per cent or 18 per cent, replacing the previous four-slab system. A higher rate of 40 per cent will apply only to ultra-luxury items, sin goods, and other demerit produc...

September 21, 2025 5:44 PM

‘GST Utsav’ from tomorrow: PM Modi calls it a festival of savings for all Indians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the launch of a nationwide “GST Utsav” from the first day of Navratri on Monday, describing it as a festival of savings for the people of India. The initiative coincides with the implementation of new GST rates across the country. Addressing the nation, PM Modi said that from September 22, citizens will be able to purchase a wide range of products at lower prices under the new GST framework. “Next Gen GST reforms being implemented from tomo...

September 17, 2025 5:02 PM

New India does not fear nuclear threats, says PM Modi in Dhar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the Indian armed forces for Operation Sindoor, asserting that the strikes “brought Pakistan to its knees in the blink of an eye” and declaring that the “New India” does not fear nuclear threats. Addressing a rally in Dhar, PM Modi said the nation gives utmost priority to the security of Maa Bharti. “Pakistani terrorists wiped the Sindoor of our sisters and daughters. We carried out Operation Sindoor and destroyed terror camps. Our brave...

September 14, 2025 12:04 PM

Revised GST rates to aid middle class, strengthen auto and fitness sectors: Govt

The government on Sunday said the recent GST reductions are more than tax changes, describing them as measures that will improve affordability, enhance mobility, promote healthier lifestyles and strengthen key industries. By lowering GST rates on gyms and fitness centres, two-wheelers and small cars, the government said it has reduced the financial burden on households while advancing its long-term vision of encouraging healthy living, affordable transportation and better ease of life. Accordi...

September 12, 2025 1:39 PM

Affordable Vehicles, Stronger Industry: India’s New GST Reforms in Automobiles

India has just implemented a comprehensive set of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms targeted specifically at the automobile sector, a move that aims to make vehicles more affordable, support Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), boost demand, and enhance domestic manufacturing. Announced via a PIB factsheet on 11 September 2025, the reforms reduce GST rates across many vehicle categories and auto components. The government’s goal is not just to lower prices, but to foster a healthi...