In what the government on Wednesday called a Diwali gift, the GST Council has approved sweeping rate cuts across key sectors. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that daily-use items like hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, and shaving cream will now attract just 5% GST, down from 18%. GST on individual health and life insurance […]
‘India’s got big problems’: Trump hints at ‘phase-2, phase-3’ of ‘sanctions’ over Russian oil purchase – watch
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hinted at “phase-2 and phase-3” of what he called “sanctions” on India, highlighting his past warning that New Delhi “got big problems” if it did not stop buying Russian oil. He further claimed that imposing additional 25% tariffs on India cost Russia “billions of dollars.” “That cost hundreds of […]
GST reforms: 0% GST on individual health and life insurance; reduced from 18%
NEW DELHI: Individual health and life insurance has been made GST free, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Wednesday. It comes as a big relief as the rate has been brought down from 18%.“Insurance services from 18% currently will go into two, three different categories. Exemption of GST on all individual life insurance policies, whether […]
Small cars, two-wheelers under 350cc, TVs, ACs and dishwasher prices to come down on GST cut
NEW DELHI: There is good news for buyers of top consumer segments such as small cars, two-wheelers under 350cc, ACs, TVs (over 32’inches) and dishwashers. The GST Council has cut the GST rates on the products from 28% to 18%, which will see significant cuts in consumer prices.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the decision […]
GST rate cuts announced by FM Sitharaman! 5% and 18% to be two main slabs; new rates effective September 22
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced major Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts, saying that with the two-tier tax rate system approved, the common man will benefit greatly. The GST Council approved the two-tier rate structure of 5% and 18%. The GST rate rationalisation will be implemented from September 22, according to a […]
Insulated from Donald Trump’s tariffs: Indian companies target small towns, villages for growth; here’s why
The India-US trade relationship faces challenges as Trump has increased tariffs from August. (AI image) Indian companies are betting on robust demand from smaller towns and villages to counter the impact of US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on India. India’s GDP grew at a 5-quarter high of 7.8% in the April-June period. Private consumption […]
Defence deal: Czechs to buy 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany in $1.6 billion pact; delivery set for 2028-31
The Czech government on Wednesday approved a plan by the defence ministry to acquire 44 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks from Germany in a deal worth more than 34 billion koruna ($1.6 billion). The acquisition is part of Prague’s sweeping military modernisation programme amid Russia’s war against Ukraine.Defence Minister Jana Černochová said the tanks would be […]
Gold rate today: Delhi prices cross Rs 1.07 lakh per 10 g; global safe-haven rush continues, silver stays flat
Gold rate today: Gold prices shot up by Rs 1,000 to hit a fresh all-time high of Rs 1,07,070 per 10 grams in Delhi on Wednesday, fuelled by mounting expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut, geopolitical tensions, and concerns over the US economy. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed […]
‘Much more needs to be done’: COP30 finance goal far behind with just 4-5% achieved; experts urge urgent action by 2030
The global funding target set for COP30 is far behind schedule, with only 4-5 per cent of the promised $1.3 trillion achieved so far, claimed Vishwas Chitale, Fellow, Climate Resilience at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).In an exclusive interview to news agency ANI, Chitale stressed that the $1.3 trillion target is crucial […]
India-China business thaw: Firms accelerate JV talks after PM Modi-Xi Jinping meet; positive sentiment lifts industry
Indian and Chinese companies are moving quickly to firm up joint ventures and partnerships in electronics and automobiles after the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.Both leaders have pledged to improve ties, a signal that has boosted business sentiment amid US tariff pressures.According to industry executives cited by ET, […]