Business
GST Reforms Reaffirm India’s Commitment To Empower Youth, Inclusive Growth
New Delhi: The recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms represent a landmark step in reshaping India’s taxation system to better serve the aspirations of its youth, the Union Government said on Saturday. GST on leather, footwear, textiles, handicrafts, and toys has been reduced to 5 per cent to boost youth-led MSMEs and exports. Meanwhile, Essential learning materials like pencils, erasers, and exercise books have been made GST-free to ease education costs.
GST on gyms or fitness centres was slashed from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, making fitness more affordable and accessible. At the same time, the tax rates on two-wheelers (under 350cc) and small cars have been reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, enhancing youth mobility.
Moreover, Healthcare has been made affordable with GST on medicines cut to 5 per cent or to Nil, while health insurance is exempted from GST. The government has also introduced a uniform 5 per cent GST on drones, supporting startups and the Make in India initiative.
Additionally, Daily food items like UHT milk, roti, paratha, paneer, and packaged snacks bear a rough under 5 per cent or a Nil tax slab, easing household expenses. The GST rationalisation also promotes affordability, healthier lifestyles, and improved ease of living for youth and households.
The Union government has also lowered the indirect tax on cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, lowering housing and infrastructure costs. By simplifying tax structures, reducing rates across key industries, and addressing long-standing anomalies, these reforms are designed to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, job creation, and affordable living.
Sectors with high youth participation—such as education, automobiles, technology, handicrafts, footwear, healthcare, food processing, and textiles —have been prioritised to lower costs, boost competitiveness, and encourage innovation. Beyond reducing the financial burden on households and businesses, the reforms strengthen India’s vision of inclusive growth, sustainability, and empowerment of the next generation.
Business
Co-op boss quits after ‘toxic culture’ claims reported by BBC
Co-op chair Debbie White said: “We thank Shirine for her leadership and for the significant contribution she has made to our Co-op, to our communities and to the co-operative movement during her tenure. The Board is grateful for her commitment and leadership, particularly during a challenging few years, and we wish her every success in the future.”
Business
Airfares likely to doubled as jet fuel price aurges to Rs417 in Pakistan – SUCH TV
Air travel is all set to become highly expensive as the airlines are indicating at doubling the air ticket prices following a whopping increase in jet fuel rate.
The jet fuel price has rocketed to Rs417 from Rs388 per litre in Pakistan and the airlines have started to increase the airfares through enhancing fuel surcharge rates.
The airlines maintained the basic fare but added the fuel price surge into the fuel surcharge.
The one-way fare from Karachi to Islamabad and Lahore has shot up to Rs40,000 while air travel on chance seats for Islamabad and Lahore has soared by 150 percent.
Accordingly, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has boosted the airfares by 10 to 100 dollars.
Domestic flights will now carry additional $10 fuel surcharge which on Canada routes extra $100 will be received as fuel charge.
Passengers on UK-bound flights to pay 75 dollars additional surcharge while 50 dollars will be received on Middle East routes.
Private airlines have gone a step ahead as they enforced charging additional 15 dollars to 150 dollars on different routes.
The airlines were under pressure after closure of many air routes with the airlines administrations are saying that extraordinary rise in airfares has become inevitable.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan fuel NOTAM forced foreign airlines to tanker Jet A-1 fuel from abroad and limit uplift at Karachi and Lahore airports.
The Pakistan Airports Authority issued the order to protect local supplies amid supply disruptions.
Foreign carriers now arrive with enough fuel for their return flights while Pakistani airlines receive full requirements.
This change hit operations on March 25 when one Karachi-to-Doha flight diverted to Muscat.
The Pakistan fuel NOTAM A0147/26 took effect on March 13 and runs through March 31 2026. It targets Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.
Airlines follow the rule and carry maximum fuel on inbound legs. Officials confirm foreign airlines get only the minimum quantity inside Pakistan.
Pakistan fuel NOTAM creates immediate changes on the ground. Foreign airlines offload passenger baggage and cargo to stay within weight limits.
The extra fuel adds weight that reduces payload capacity on every affected flight.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA, the supply of aviation fuel at domestic airports has been significantly curtailed due to regional supply chain disruptions, advising international carriers to maximize their fuel “uplift” at foreign stations and minimize refuelling within Pakistan.
The directive has already begun to impact international flight schedules.
Business
NS&I set to pay millions to customers over misplaced funds
The government-backed bank has been accused of a series of errors, including not paying bereaved families money that was rightfully theirs.
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