'GST 2.0 a Huge Gift to People,' Says Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hails PM Modi's New Reforms

'GST 2.0 a Huge Gift to People,' Says Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hails PM Modi's New Reforms

The GST 2.0 reforms, approved by the 56th GST Council, aim to simplify the tax structure by transitioning from a multi-slab system to a primary two-slab system of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, effective from September 22, 2025. This overhaul is designed to make essential goods and services more affordable, reduce the compliance burden on businesses, and stimulate consumption-led economic growth. Previously, the GST structure comprised four slabs of 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, and 28 per cent. Sep 6, 2025
Mixed reaction from farm unions on GST reduction in farm inputs

Mixed reaction from farm unions on GST reduction in farm inputs

However, pointed out Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana president Raju Shetti, "What I gather is that the GST reduction has been announced only for bio-pesticides. Such bio-pesticides are used by barely five per cent of the farmers in India. How does it benefit the majority?" Sep 4, 2025
Over 150 products may see rate cut in GST Council meet this week

Bold step: Industry experts hail GST reforms in health sector

In a landmark move, the GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Wednesday rationalised the indirect tax structure, cutting the current four slabs down to two -- scrapping the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates, while retaining the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs. Sep 4, 2025
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

NextGen GST reform: Transformative leap for India's economic future

The NextGen GST reforms represent a bold reengineering of India's tax landscape, balancing simplicity, inclusivity, and economic competitiveness. By addressing structural inefficiencies, reducing consumer costs, and empowering businesses, they lay the groundwork for sustained growth, writes Major General Dilawar Singh. Sep 4, 2025
Number of Jan Dhan accounts crosses 55 crore, FM Sitharaman tells banks to reach out more

Explained: How GST rate rejig is going to boost businesses, empower common man

"Food preparations not elsewhere specified will attract a GST rate of 5 per cent. Bread was already exempt, while pizza bread, roti, porotta, paratha, etc., attracted different rates. All Indian breads, by whatever name called, have been exempted even though only a few goods have been mentioned by way of illustrative example," the ministry said. Sep 4, 2025
Goods to turn cheaper as GST Council brings more consumer items under lower tax rates

What's expensive, what's cheaper as GST Council brings more consumer items under lower tax rates

The GST Council, comprising state Finance Ministers with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as the Chairperson, which met here on Wednesday, has also decided to finalise the rollout of a simplified GST regime with only two tax slabs of 5 and 18 per cent. However, the government has decided to keep the higher slab of 40 per cent on sin goods such as cigarettes, tobacco, sugary drinks and luxury goods that are bought by the high-income groups. Sep 3, 2025
Stock market ends volatile session slightly lower ahead of GST Council meet

Stock market ends volatile session slightly lower ahead of GST Council meet

Sensex closed at 80,157.88, down 206.61 points or 0.26 per cent. The 30-share index started the session with a decent gap-up at 80,520.09 against last session's closing of 80,157.88, buoyed by the affirmative SCO summit and strong GST collection data. The index escalated further to touch an intra-day high at 80,761.14; however, it fell into negative territory amid profit booking. Sep 2, 2025
Over 150 products may see rate cut in GST Council meet this week

Over 150 products may see rate cut in GST Council meet this week

The proposals to move various items from the 12 per cent and 18 per cent GST slabs to the 5 per cent slab or to the nil GST category aim to reduce the tax burden for households and boost spending. GST council plans to overhaul the rate structure, replacing the current four-rate structure with a two-rate structure. Sep 2, 2025
Indian stock market opens lower amid mixed global cues

Sensex, Nifty open marginally higher ahead of key GST meet

Among sectoral indices, the Nifty media was the top gainer, rising 0.82 per cent, followed by Nifty Oil & Gas, which gained 0.34 per cent each. Nifty FMCG advanced 0.20 per cent. All other indices were in red, with Nifty IT losing 0.42 per cent. Sep 2, 2025
India's growth to remain healthy in FY26 amid robust domestic consumption, govt spending

Morgan Stanley ups India's GDP growth forecast, expects cut in GST to spur demand

The report also highlighted that the strong monsoon and the kharif sowing levels indicate resilience in the agricultural sector, and should likely support buoyant agricultural growth going forward. For the financial year 2025-26, Morgan Stanley has revised its real GDP growth upwards to 6.7 per cent year-on-year from 6.2 per cent projected earlier. Sep 1, 2025