Business
Sitharaman’s ‘Diwali gift’: From paneer to paratha, Centre explains tweaks in GST rates – The Times of India
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 has been scrapped entirely. Farmers benefit too, with tractor tyres, parts, and tractors now taxed at only 5%.
Rate change FAQs
When will the changes in GST rates come into force?The changes in GST rates on services and goods other than cigarettes, chewing tobacco products, unmanufactured tobacco and beedi will be effective from Sept 22.Will e-way bills have to be cancelled and generated afresh on goods in transit when new rates take effect?E-way bills currently in transit will continue to remain valid as per their original validity period.What is the reason for the 40% rate on ‘other non-alcoholic beverages’?Principle behind the recent rate rationalisation is to keep similar goods at the same rate to avoid issues of misclassification and disputes.What is the reason for revising the GST rate only on specified varieties of Indian bread?Bread was already exempt while pizza bread, roti, porotta, paratha attracted different rates. All Indian breads have been exempted even though only a few goods have been mentioned as examples.Why has rate of carbonated beverages of fruit drink or carbonated beverages with fruit juice increased?These goods attracted compensation cess in addition to GST. Since it has been decided to end compensation cess levy, the tax has been increased to maintain pre rate rationalisation level of tax.Why is there a different tax treatment between paneer and other cheese?Prior to rate rationalisation, paneer sold in other than pre-packaged and labelled form already attracted nil rate. The changes have been made only for paneer supplied in pre-packaged and labelled form. Paneer is an Indian cottage cheese. This is mostly produced in the small scale sector. The measure is intended to promote Indian cottage cheese.What will be rate of GST on services of admission to sporting events other than sporting events like IPL?Admission to other sporting events, including recognised sporting events, where the ticket price is not more than Rs 500 continues to be exempt, and if the ticket price is more than Rs 500, it continues to be taxed at the standard rate of 18%. TNN
Now one of the biggest sportswear firms, Anta’s rise follows a playbook adopted by many Chinese giants.
Source link
Business
Gold price prediction today: Will gold prices continue to be volatile? Key levels to watch out for April 27, 2026 week – The Times of India
Gold price prediction today: Gold prices will closely track movements on the rate decisions by several central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, this week, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.Gold is currently consolidating after sharp swings in a broad range, indicating a pause rather than a reversal. Price action shows a higher-high structure intact, but the recent sideways movement suggests indecision near the upper supply zone around 158,000–160,000. The formation resembles a short-term flag/triangle continuation pattern, where a breakout on either side will define the next directional move. Volume has tapered slightly, reinforcing the consolidation narrative.Gold prices recently moved from the upper band toward the mid-band (20 DMA), and are now attempting to stabilize. The bands have started to contract, signaling a potential volatility expansion ahead. Sustaining above the mid-band (~150,500–151,000 zone) keeps bullish bias intact, while a breakdown below this could trigger a deeper mean reversion toward the lower band.For the week, immediate support for gold prices is placed at around Rs 150,500, which is followed by stronger support near Rs 148,500. On the upside, the resistance stands at around Rs 155,500, and after that the key supply zone is at Rs 158,000. A decisive close for gold above Rs 158,000 levels can then resume the broader uptrend. However, a break in gold prices below levels of Rs 148,500 may shift the momentum to bearish in the near term.The economic docket is filled with data points and events this week as the focus will be on FED, BOJ, ECB and ECB policy meetings. US consumer confidence, GDP, inflation and durable goods orders data will also be in radar.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)
British families tell BBC Panorama how the Iran war is affecting their monthly budgets.
Source link
SBP raises policy rate by 100bps to 11.5% as inflation risks mount
Finalise Bangladesh’s textile-RMG circular economy strategy: Experts
Prince Harry faces unseen threat to Archie, Lilibet: Can’t escape
-
Sports1 week agoWWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2: Live match results and analysis
-
Sports1 week agoNCAA men’s gymnastics championship: All-time winners list
-
Fashion1 week agoUK’s Sosandar returns to profitability amid robust FY26 performance
-
Politics6 days agoUK’s Starmer seeks to deflect blame over Mandelson appointment
-
Entertainment7 days agoLee Anderson, Zarah Sultana kicked out of UK Parliament for calling PM ‘liar’
-
Business1 week agoNo fuel shortage: Govt assures 100% domestic LPG, PNG, CNG supply amid Hormuz energy crunch – The Times of India
-
Business7 days agoHow Trump’s psychedelics executive order could unlock stalled cannabis reform
-
Business1 week agoExercise to test response to offshore energy threat involving vessels and drones