Page 7 - Latest Updates on Nirmala Sitharaman
Govt keeping 'good watch' on rupee as several currencies fall, says FM
On August 7, President Donald Trump administration enforced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, citing India's persistent oil imports from Russia and long-standing trade barriers
 "Govt keeping 'good watch' on rupee as several currencies fall, says FM")
Spurt in consumption to meet fiscal deficit target of 4.4%: Sitharaman
She also emphasised that consumption boost to be provided by landmark GST reform
 "Spurt in consumption to meet fiscal deficit target of 4.4%: Sitharaman")
PM Modi's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 years: Sitharaman
The final decision on changes in the GST rested with the GST Council, which is headed by the Union Finance Minister and includes representatives of all states and Union Territories
 "PM Modi's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 years: Sitharaman")
GST reforms to make life easier for both businesses, consumers: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said GST reforms include faster refunds, easier registrations and lower tax rates on nearly 400 products, benefiting 140 crore people
 "GST reforms to make life easier for both businesses, consumers: Sitharaman")
Sitharaman thanks state FMs for support in implementing GST overhaul
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed the GST Council's unanimous decision to cut tax rates, thanking state finance ministers for prioritising public relief over revenue concerns
Centre may introduce Bill in winter session to replace tobacco GST cess
New levy could follow full repayment of GST compensation loans, keeping overall tax incidence on tobacco products high
 "Centre may introduce Bill in winter session to replace tobacco GST cess")
'Divide and rule principle': Sitharaman slams justifying Navarro's remark
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised attempts to justify US trade adviser Peter Navarro's "Brahmins profiteering" remark, calling it a colonial divide-and-rule tactic
 "'Divide and rule principle': Sitharaman slams justifying Navarro's remark")
India will continue to buy Russian oil as required, says FM Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India will keep buying Russian oil, stressing that the country's energy decisions are guided by national interest and citizens' needs
 "India will continue to buy Russian oil as required, says FM Sitharaman")
GST rate rejig above expectation, stocks price in most positives: Analysts
The breadth and depth of the new rate cuts, analysts at Bernstein said, especially in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) categories saw rate reductions well beyond what they thought was possible
 "GST rate rejig above expectation, stocks price in most positives: Analysts")
GST 2.0 impact: Small cars, tractors to get cheaper ahead of festive sales
Aiming to provide relief to the common man, the government has sharply cut the GST levied on small cars to make them more affordable
 "GST 2.0 impact: Small cars, tractors to get cheaper ahead of festive sales")
GST rate cut may ease CPI inflation by 25bps; 40bps dent on fiscal deficit
Here's how analysts leading brokerages assess the impact of the GST rate rejig on the Indian economy, bond markets and the possibility of an aggressive interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India
 "GST rate cut may ease CPI inflation by 25bps; 40bps dent on fiscal deficit")
Popcorn finally pops into one GST slab: Now 5% across the board
The GST Council has moved all popcorn varieties-salted, packaged, caramel-into the 5% slab, effective September 22, simplifying tax rules and cutting prices for consumers
 "Popcorn finally pops into one GST slab: Now 5% across the board")
GST revamp may trim revenue but fiscal impact limited, says BofA Securities
GST Council approves two-slab system from September 22; BofA Securities says impact on GDP and government finances will be small, while consumption may get a boost
 "GST revamp may trim revenue but fiscal impact limited, says BofA Securities")
GST on lifesaving drugs reduced to nil: Check full list of tax on medicines
GST Council meet outcome: GST on various medical apparatus and devices used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary usage has been reduced to 5% from 12%
 "GST on lifesaving drugs reduced to nil: Check full list of tax on medicines")
Farm machinery, tractors, fertilisers now attract 5% GST: Check full list
GST Council meet: GST on farm machinery, tractors, fertilisers and other agri items cut to 5 per cent from higher rates, giving relief to farmers
 "Farm machinery, tractors, fertilisers now attract 5% GST: Check full list")
GST Council clears 2-slab system: Full list of items under 5% and nil rates
Under the two-slab system, the GST Council has scrapping 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. Now, essential items like food, medicines, and books fall under zero and 5 per cent rates
GST Council fast-tracks refunds under inverted duty structure: What to know
From Nov 1, firms facing an IDS will get 90% refunds upfront. Here's all you need to know about inverted duty structure & changes made during the 56th GST Council meet
 "GST Council fast-tracks refunds under inverted duty structure: What to know")
Here's how political leaders, India Inc reacted to new GST rate reforms
Nirmala Sitharaman announces sweeping GST rationalisation, hailed as a Diwali gift. Industry and political leaders call the move historic, with praise for easing costs and boosting growth
 "Here's how political leaders, India Inc reacted to new GST rate reforms")
Chidambaram welcomes new GST reforms but says move is '8 years too late'
In a post on X late Wednesday, the former Union finance minister said the current GST design and rates should not have been introduced in the first place
 "Chidambaram welcomes new GST reforms but says move is '8 years too late'")
Festival cheer: Two-rate GST structure approved; new rates from Sep 22
New tax slabs of 5% & 18%; 40% levy on sin & super luxury goods; Personal health, life insurance policies exempted
 "Festival cheer: Two-rate GST structure approved; new rates from Sep 22")