Category: Business

President Donald Trump on Thursday (US local time) signed an executive order formally implementing the US-Japan trade agreement, a landmark pact that lowers tariffs on Japanese autos to 15% and secures a $550 billion investment pledge from Tokyo, the White House announced.The White House confirmed the move in a statement posted on X.Under the agreement, […]

Jewellers on Thursday welcomed the government’s move to reduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates in several sectors, saying the decision would indirectly benefit the gems and jewellery industry by boosting demand, even though the sector’s tax rate remains unchanged at 3%.“The current GST reforms (GST 2.0) offer no direct and immediate relief to gems […]

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits increased slightly last week, reflecting that employers are retaining workers despite the economy showing signs of slowing down.According to the figures released by the US labour department on Thursday, for the week ending 30 August, jobless claims rose by 8,000 to 237,000. The rise was higher than […]

The US trade gap widened sharply in July, hitting its largest level in four months, as businesses rushed in imports ahead of fresh tariffs from US President Donald Trump.Figures from the department of commerce on Thursday showed the deficit rose by 32.5% to $78.3 billion. Imports jumped 5.9% to $358.8 billion, while exports increased only […]

Will your travel budget take a hit under the new GST regime? As the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Wednesday approved a two-tier structure of 5% and 18% for most goods and services, concerns have grown over whether premium air tickets and train seats will now cost more.Under the new structure, GST on […]

Taxpayers filing their returns using the ITR1 or ITR2 don’t have to bother about this additional form. (AI image) NEW DELHI: Noida-based self-employed professional Alka Sharma was among the early tax return filers last year because she was expecting a fat tax refund. “The 10% TDS deduction on my professional income and fixed deposit interest […]

India’s sweeping Goods and Services Tax (GST) rationalisation, approved on Wednesday, is being hailed by business leaders as a major step to spur consumption, lift growth, and soften the impact of “lopsided” tariff regimes from the United States.The GST Council decided to compress the current rate structure into two slabs of 5% and 18%. The […]

Agriculture and dairy industry leaders on Thursday welcomed the government’s decision to slash GST rates on crucial farm inputs and dairy products, describing it as a lifeline for farmers coping with surging costs and uncertain weather.The GST Council’s move covers fertilisers, biopesticides, farm machinery and dairy products. Experts say the step will lower cultivation expenses, […]

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Wednesday announced the most extensive revamp of the indirect tax system since its rollout in 2017.The reform introduces a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, alongside a new 40% slab for luxury and sin goods.The new rates, except for […]

The government’s announcement of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rationalisation under GST 2.0 signals a major change in India’s economic approach, moving from capex-led spending to a consumption-driven model, according to a report by Axis Securities.“The government has now shifted gears from capex-oriented spending to consumption-led spending,” the brokerage said, adding that the February 2025 […]