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GST reforms in healthcare: 18% GST on health and life insurance removed, 33 life-saving drugs will also be tax-free, medical items to attract only 5% GST

OpIndia Staff
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GST reforms in healthcare: 18% GST on health and life insurance removed, 33 life-saving drugs will also be tax-free, medical items to attract only 5% GST

The GST Council, on Wednesday, 3rd September, announced a major GST reform, which provided a big relief to consumers purchasing health insurance and medical products. The government is removing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on individual health insurance and individual life insurance policies, which were previously taxed at 18%.

In addition to this, the GST on various healthcare products and lifesaving drugs has also been reduced, making them more accessible to the general public.

Healthcare made cheaper as part of GST reforms

With the new reforms, the government has put a strong focus on reducing healthcare costs. Individual life insurance policies, including term life, endowment and ULIPs, will not attract any GST now. 

Similarly, all individual health insurance policies, including family floater plans and policies for senior citizens, will also be exempted from GST. Earlier, people had to pay 18% GST on these, which often increased the overall premium amount.

Apart from insurance, several key healthcare items have also seen sharp reductions in taxes. Products like glucometers, test strips, corrective spectacles, medical-grade oxygen, diagnostic kits and reagents, which earlier attracted 12% GST, will now be taxed at just 5%. 

Thermometers, which previously carried an 18% GST, have also been moved into the 5% slab. Moreover, GST on 33 life-saving drugs and medicines has been brought down from 12% to zero, offering significant relief to patients who rely on these medicines.

Government says reforms will benefit the common man

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while announcing the decisions after the 56th GST Council meeting, said the move was aimed at making healthcare and insurance affordable for all.

“After detailed discussions and consultations with stakeholders, we decided to exempt individual insurance policies. Families and individuals will directly benefit from this, and companies will be expected to pass on the benefit to policyholders,” the Finance Minister said.

She also added that the government wants to make it easier for people to buy medical insurance without worrying about high costs. Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava confirmed that insurance companies have assured the government that the benefits of these tax cuts will be passed on to the buyers.

A landmark decision

Industry leaders have welcomed the tax cuts, calling them a landmark decision. Tapan Singhel, Managing Director of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, said the exemption of GST on health insurance is a progressive step. “At a time when medical inflation is rising steeply, this decision reduces the financial burden on families. It also aligns with the goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ making healthcare more accessible and increasing insurance penetration in the country,” he said.

The latest data shows that India’s overall insurance penetration has slipped to 3.7% in FY24 from 4% in FY23. Experts believe that this reform will help boost both life and health insurance coverage, while also making healthcare products and medicines more affordable for millions of people.

GST Reforms 2025: Taxes on cars under ‘luxury’ category come down drastically in the revised slabs introduced by the Modi government

OpIndia Staff
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GST Reforms 2025: Taxes on cars under ‘luxury’ category come down drastically in the revised slabs introduced by the Modi government

In a major overhaul of the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, the Modi government has introduced several middle-class-friendly changes in the indirect taxes on a wide range of items from everyday essential items to luxury cars.

Under the new reforms announced on Wednesday (3rd September), after a meeting of the GST Council, luxury cars have been brought under a newly created tax category of 40%. Under the new rules, cars over 4 metres long and having petrol engines above 1200 or diesel engines above 1500 cc have been categorised as ‘luxury goods’.

As per the existing tax system, luxury cars are taxed at 28% GST with an additional compensation cess of 17%-22%. This makes the net tax on luxury cars 45-50%. But, after the new GST reforms, a consolidated tax of 40% will apply to the luxury cars without any compensation cess. This way, the cost of luxury cars will be reduced by 5-10%.

Luxury cars fall in the category of ‘sin goods’ under the new GST reforms. Sin goods are products, which are considered harmful to health or society, and include tobacco, gutka, pan masala, alcoholic or sugary beverages, Cars larger than 1,200 cc (petrol) or 1,500 cc (diesel), Motorcycles above 350 cc, and Aircraft for personal use. Sin goods have historically been heavily taxed by the government to discourage their consumption.

The reason behind bringing luxury cars under the ‘special tax rate’ of 40% is that the government intended to get rid of a separate compensation cess without dropping the overall tax. Therefore, it merged the compensation cess with the GST and provided a relief of 5-10%.

Government revises GST rates on other vehicles

Three-wheelers and buses will attract reduced GST rates of 18% from the earlier 28% after the reforms. Ambulances, which fall in the category of vehicles fitted with all equipment and furniture required for an ambulance, will also be taxed at 18%. Similarly, the GST rates for Lorries and trucks will also be reduced to 18%.

Besides, 5% tax will be levied on the trailers, semi-trailers of tractors with 1800 cc and non-road tractors will be taxed at 5%. An 18% tax rate will apply to road tractors for semi-trailers with an engine capacity of above 1800 cc engine capacity. Bikes with up to 3500 engine capacity will be taxed at the rate of 18% but the those exceeding 3500 cc will attract a 40% tax rate.

Manipur: Kuki-Zo Council agrees to open NH-2, Suspension of Operations Agreement renewed with Kuki National Organisation and United People’s Front

OpIndia Staff
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Manipur: Kuki-Zo Council agrees to open NH-2, Suspension of Operations Agreement renewed with Kuki National Organisation and United People’s Front

The Centre on Thursday announced a breakthrough in Manipur’s ongoing peace process, with the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) agreeing to reopen National Highway-02. The crucial lifeline, which had remained blocked amid ethnic tensions, will now be accessible for the smooth movement of commuters and essential supplies. A press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the decision followed sustained deliberations between community representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The decision came after a series of meetings between officials of Ministry of Home Affairs and a delegation of Kuki-Zo Council in the last few days at New Delhi. The KZC has given commitment to cooperate with Security Forces deployed by the union govt to maintain peace along NH-02.

Along with it, a tripartite meeting was also held in New Delhi between the MHA, the Government of Manipur, and representatives of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF). At the meeting, all parties signed a one-year Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement under revised ground rules. The revised ground rules reaffirm the territorial integrity of Manipur and the need for a negotiated settlement to restore long-term peace in the region.

As part of the agreement, KNO and UPF will relocate seven designated camps away from sensitive, conflict-prone areas, while also reducing the total number of such camps. In addition, all weapons presently held in the camps will be shifted to the nearest facilities of the CRPF or BSF, ensuring greater oversight by central forces.

The revised terms also introduce stricter monitoring of armed cadres. Security agencies will now carry out thorough physical verification of individuals in the camps to detect and delist any foreign nationals. This provision, officials said, is aimed at preventing infiltration and misuse of the agreement.

To ensure effective enforcement, a Joint Monitoring Group has been constituted to oversee compliance with the revised rules. Any violation of conditions, the government warned, will be dealt with firmly, including the option of reviewing or revoking the SoO agreement.

The ministry described the signing of the pact as a “significant confidence-building step” that would pave the way for restoring normalcy in Manipur while safeguarding its territorial unity.

India, Singapore mark 60 years of ties with pledge to fight terror, boost strategic cooperation

OpIndia Staff
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India, Singapore mark 60 years of ties with pledge to fight terror, boost strategic cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep gratitude to his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong for extending solidarity with India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing the media after bilateral talks in New Delhi, Modi underscored that both India and Singapore face shared concerns over terrorism and have a moral duty to confront it together.

“In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their sympathy towards the people of India and for their support in our fight against terrorism. We believe that fighting terrorism with unity is the duty of all humanitarian countries,” Modi said.

The remarks came months after 26 people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which prompted India to launch strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. Modi’s statement was not only a diplomatic acknowledgment but also a reaffirmation of India’s growing insistence that the global community must act collectively against terror networks.

Celebrating 60 Years Of India-Singapore relations

PM Modi highlighted that Wong’s visit holds special significance as both nations mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. “During my last visit to Singapore, we elevated our ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This relationship goes far beyond diplomacy—it is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity,” Modi observed.

Singapore Prime Minister Wong, who is on a three-day official trip to India, echoed the sentiment. Describing the India-Singapore bond as “more important than ever in a world of uncertainty and turbulence,” Wong stressed that trust and shared history form the backbone of the partnership. “Together we can strengthen resilience, seize new opportunities and contribute to stability and growth in our region and beyond. I look forward to working hand in hand with Prime Minister Modi to bring the Singapore-India partnership to even greater heights,” he said.

Modi said the cooperation will now extend into advanced areas such as manufacturing, green shipping, civil nuclear, urban water management, and cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum, and digital connectivity. He highlighted Singapore’s role as India’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and a key pillar of the Act East policy, noting that bilateral trade, investment, defence ties, and people-to-people relations continue to deepen.

Modi also underlined the success of initiatives like the UPI-PayNow linkage, the Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership, and space collaboration, while announcing the next India-Singapore Hackathon later this year to connect young innovators.

Expanding cooperation into new frontiers

Wong announced that India and Singapore are set to broaden cooperation in emerging sectors, particularly space. He noted that India has already launched over 20 Singapore-made satellites and that the new MoU on space collaboration would “push the boundaries of what we can achieve together.” He also underlined the importance of people-to-people ties as the “bedrock” of the bilateral relationship, with plans to enhance civil service cooperation and cultural exchanges.

The Singapore PM’s itinerary has been a packed one. On Tuesday, he met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss boosting trade, investment, fintech, skill development, healthcare, sustainability, and connectivity. He also paid tributes at Rajghat alongside his wife, Loo Tze Lui, honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s universal ideals. On Wednesday, Wong met BJP national president and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, further deepening political linkages.

Earlier on Thursday, Wong met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who expressed confidence that the Singaporean leader’s visit would chart a roadmap for the next phase of the strategic partnership. “Appreciate his constant encouragement for strengthening India-Singapore ties,” Jaishankar posted on X.

As GST on agricultural goods gets slashed, here’s how GST reforms are set to revolutionize agriculture sector

OpIndia Staff
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As GST on agricultural goods gets slashed, here’s how GST reforms are set to revolutionize agriculture sector

In a move that would give a massive boost to India’s agriculture sector, the Modi government slashed the goods and services tax (GST) on various farm goods to 5 percent from 12 percent. These goods include tractors, agricultural, horticultural or forestry machinery for soil preparation or cultivation, lawn or sports-ground rollers, nozzles for drip irrigation equipment, and nozzles for sprinklers.

The GST council rolled out these revised tax rates on Wednesday, September 3. These reduced rates, however, will not be applicable to road tractors for semi-trailers with an engine capacity of more than 1800 cc.

Now, Fixed Speed Diesel Engines of power not exceeding 15HP, other hand pumps, sprinklers, drip irrigation system including laterals, mechanical sprayers, harvesting or threshing machinery, including straw or fodder balers, grass or hay mowers, parts thereof will be under 5 percent GST.

Same will apply to other agricultural, horticultural, forestry, poultry-keeping or bee-keeping machinery, including germination plant fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment; poultry incubators and brooders; parts thereof, composting machines, self-loading or self-unloading trailers for agricultural purposes, hand propelled vehicles like hand carts, rickshaws and the like.

Notably, during his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on this Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the current four-tiered GST structure would be rationalised into a citizen-friendly “simple tax”.

Welcoming the GST reforms, PM Modi said that this will benefit common man, farmers, MSMEs, middle-class, women, and youth.

“During my Independence Day Speech, I had spoken about our intention to bring the Next-Generation reforms in GST. The Union Government had prepared a detailed proposal for broad-based GST rate rationalisation and process reforms, aimed at ease of living for the common man and strengthening the economy,” PM Modi posted.

“Glad to state that @GST_Council, comprising the Union and the States, has collectively agreed to the proposals submitted by the Union Government on GST rate cuts & reforms, which will benefit the common man, farmers, MSMEs, middle-class, women and youth. The wide ranging reforms will improve lives of our citizens and ensure ease of doing business for all, especially small traders and businesses,” he added.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, Arvind Shrivastava, said that the decision to correct the inverted duty in GST for agricultural goods will encourage the domestic use of fertiliser.

When asked about the increasing global competitiveness of the farmers and the government’s initiative to raise farmers’ income, Arvind Shrivastava said that the GST Council’s decision to cut tax on agricultural goods will make fertilisers cheaper and will increase productivity.

Shrivastava said, “Under GST, the problem of inverted duty is being solved in the fertiliser sector, which will enable and encourage the domestic use of fertilisers.

“The implements in the agriculture sector, which were at 12 per cent, are being reduced to 5 per cent. This will do two things. First, it will make it cheaper for farmers. Two, we expect more farmers to be able to use it, which enhances productivity… There will be a positive effect,” he added.

Furthermore, the Secretary of the Revenue Department stated that a reduction in GST rates will support ongoing policies and programs in the agricultural sector. He said, “In addition to it, all that the government is doing in the agricultural sector through policies and programs will continue. Eventually, we will be supplementing those effects by this.”

Nepal stakes claim on the Indian territory of Lipulekh Pass: Is there an invisible US hand behind the dispute

Divyansh Tiwari
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Nepal stakes claim on the Indian territory of Lipulekh Pass: Is there an invisible US hand behind the dispute

The dispute over the Lipulekh Pass has lately heated up, with Nepal asserting territorial claims amid important geopolitical undercurrents involving the United States and regional dynamics with India, China, and Bangladesh.

Evidence implies that Nepal’s recent escalation of the Lipulekh dispute is influenced by US goals, such as foreign aid manipulations and concurrent diplomatic-economic engagement.

The Lipulekh Dispute Background

Lipulekh Pass is located in a tri-junction region claimed by Nepal and India. Nepal incorporates Lipulekh, as well as the nearby Kalapani and Limpiyadhura territories, into its official maps and constitution, claiming them in accordance with the Treaty of Sugauli’s designation of the Kali River as the frontier.

India disputes this claim, claiming that the river originates downstream and hence this land belongs to Uttarakhand.

India and China have a historic bilateral commercial arrangement involving Lipulekh, which was recently renewed against Nepal’s objections, resulting in a diplomatic conflict. India contends that Nepal’s claims lack a historical and factual basis, seeking dialogue while maintaining control over the land.

This problem resurfaced in August 2025, when India declared the restart of commerce through Lipulekh with China. Nepal objected angrily on the same day, publicly bolstering its territorial claims.

India’s immediate rebuttal emphasized that Nepal’s claims are contrived and baseless. The Lipulekh route, which connects India and China along their contentious Himalayan border, is strategically important. 

US Influence through aid and diplomatic channels

In addition to Nepal’s assertiveness about the Lipulekh issue, the United States has been prominently involved through diplomatic engagement and financial aid.

In early 2025, the United States suspended major USAID-funded development initiatives in Nepal, including important health, agriculture, and education programs worth tens of millions of dollars.

This 90-day freeze was imposed following President Trump’s return to office, affecting a variety of humanitarian programs and non-governmental organizations operating in Nepal.

Although the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars remained unaffected, the pause represented a strategic lever. Later, funding continued, emphasizing the conditionality of US aid as a diplomatic tool.

The strategic economic alliance that was developing in the same month as the Lipulekh escalation loomed over these developments.The Borderless Banking Service, a ground-breaking project by U.S.-based fintech business Xuno in collaboration with Nepal’s Siddhartha Bank, was recently launched, and U.S. Ambassador Dean R.

Thompson was there. With the help of this cutting-edge technology, which links American banks with Nepal directly, Nepalis residing in the US can create accounts in Nepal without having to fly, and they can choose from safer and more economical remittance methods.

The program, which strengthens U.S.-Nepal connections and supports Nepali communities worldwide, is making digital banking “truly border-less,” according to Ambassador Thompson.

Along with outlining possible avenues for future collaboration, he expressed hope that U.S. fintech companies and Nepali banks may work together more closely in the areas of cybersecurity and fintech, strengthening their bilateral economic connections.

Together with NMB Bank, Nepal executed a historic $60 million green bond agreement with US-affiliated organizations International Finance Corporation (IFC), British International Investment (BII), and MetLife in April 2025.

This agreement intends to support Nepal’s private sector growth and sustainable development, particularly in the areas of green technologies and job creation.

Coordination with regional diplomacy

A delegation from the Nepal Foreign Trade Association met with Bangladesh’s envoy to discuss ways to improve bilateral trade and economic relations on 28th August 2025 a day after when Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal met Sujeev Shakya, Chair of the Nepal Economic Forum, Nepal’s leading policy think tank. This demonstrates Kathmandu’s active posture in the South Asian economic climate for greater regional connectivity notwithstanding its border issue.

Additionally, during this same period, Peking University academic delegations travelled to Bangladesh and Nepal to deepen cooperation on the Belt and Road initiative. This indicates China’s continued strategic cultural and economic influence in the region, which subtly influences Nepal’s actions in relation to the US and India.

Conclusion

These events’ timing and interaction clearly show that Nepal’s assertive position on the Lipulekh territorial issue is influenced by the US. Washington influences Nepal’s political and diplomatic stance by using development funds as leverage to halt and then resume USAID initiatives.

This influence is spreading into economic diplomacy, creating dependence through financial channels, as demonstrated by the Borderless Banking Service and green bond investment transaction.

Simultaneously, Nepal’s regional diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh and China suggest a well-planned effort to diversify its strategic ties, aimed in part to balance Indian and Chinese regional dominance.

The US appears to be using this diplomatic space to strengthen its presence in Nepal, driving the latter toward aggressive stances on India-related problems such as Lipulekh.

In contrast to Nepal’s increasing outside assistance, which may have been facilitated or encouraged by US diplomatic and economic engagement, India places a strong focus on settling boundary disputes through bilateral discussion.

By using Nepal’s territorial claims as part of a larger geopolitical struggle involving the US, China, and India, this triangulation exacerbates tensions in the border region.

DRDO transfers three advanced defence material technologies for missiles, armoured vehicles and naval vessels to industry partners

OpIndia Staff
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DRDO transfers three advanced defence material technologies for missiles, armoured vehicles and naval vessels to industry partners

In a stride toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) in Hyderabad under DRDO has transferred three cutting-edge materials technologies to leading industry partners. In a ceremony held at DMRL on 30 August 2025, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, handed over the Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) documents, marking a significant leap in strategic materials and manufacturing capabilities.

The three defence technologies transferred are:

High-Strength Radomes to BHEL, Jagdishpur

The first technology, manufacturing of high-strength radomes, has been transferred to BHEL, Jagdishpur. Radomes are protective covers for radar and missile sensors that must endure extreme aerodynamic pressures while remaining transparent to electromagnetic signals. The new radomes provide higher strength and reliability, ensuring robust protection of missile guidance systems during flight.

DMR-1700 Steel Sheets and Plates to JSPL, Angul

The second technology involves DMR-1700 steel sheets and plates, licensed to JSPL (Jindal Steel and Power Limited) in Angul. This material has ultra-high strength combined with excellent fracture toughness at room temperature, making it well-suited for armoured vehicles, load-bearing structures, and critical defence hardware. It provides enhanced durability under demanding operational conditions.

DMR 249A HSLA Steel Plates to SAIL

The third transferred technology is DMR 249A HSLA (High-Strength Low-Alloy) steel plates, licensed to Bhilai Steel Plant (SAIL). Specially designed for naval use, these plates meet stringent metallurgical and dimensional requirements essential for shipbuilding. They offer a combination of strength, toughness, and weldability that ensures the integrity of naval structures in harsh marine environments.

Strategic Significance and Collaboration

In his address, Dr. Kamat lauded the dedication fuelling these successful transfers, emphasizing that they embody DMRL’s commitment to bridging research with industrial application. He highlighted that such collaborations accelerate innovation deployment, strengthen India’s defence supply chain, and foster technology-driven self-reliance.

Present at the event were key dignitaries including Dr. R.V. Hara Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems & Materials); Dr. Manu Korulla, Director General (Resource and Management); and Dr. R. Balamuralikrishnan, Director of DMRL.

The ceremony also featured a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between DMRL and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The MoU aims to utilise DMRL’s technical capabilities to support AAIB’s accident investigation activities, further expanding the lab’s collaborative footprint.

Conclusion

This transfer of three advanced materials technologies, high-strength radomes, DMR-1700 steel sheets and plates, and DMR 249A HSLA steel plates, marks a pivotal advancement in India’s indigenous defence capabilities. By entrusting industry partners like BHEL, JSPL, and BSP to scale and manufacture these technologies, DRDO is catalysing rapid deployment of strategic assets across defence platforms. Coupled with enhanced institutional collaboration exemplified by the MoU with AAIB, the event underscores DMRL’s multidisciplinary strength and its central role in driving innovation and national resilience.

Education to become more affordable as centre abolishes GST on key stationery items, erasers and pencils to maps and globes – everything to become cheaper

OpIndia Staff
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Education to become more affordable as centre abolishes GST on key stationery items, erasers and pencils to maps and globes – everything to become cheaper

The GST Council on Wednesday, 3rd September, announced a big relief for students and parents by making several stationery items completely tax-free. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the decision will directly benefit families by reducing the cost of education-related essentials.

With this change, many items that are part of every student’s daily routine will now come at a lower price. Maps, atlases, wall maps, topographical plans, and globes, which earlier attracted 12% GST, will now be exempt from any tax. 

The same applies to pencil sharpeners, ordinary pencils, mechanical pencils, crayons, pastels, drawing charcoals, tailor’s chalk, and all kinds of notebooks such as exercise books, graph books, and laboratory notebooks. Earlier, all of these fell under the 12% tax slab.

Erasers, which were earlier taxed at 5%, have also been made tax-free. This move means that whether it is basic stationery like pencils and erasers or more specialised items like maps and globes, parents will now pay less for their children’s education needs.

Explaining the decision after the 56th GST Council meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the reforms were taken keeping the “common man” in mind. 

“Everyday items used by students have been carefully reviewed, and in most cases, the tax burden has been completely removed. This will help families, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where these costs add up significantly,” she added.

The broader tax reform also simplifies the GST structure by introducing a two-rate system, 5% and 18%, while keeping a 40% slab for sin and luxury goods. But the biggest takeaway for education is that essential study material will now be completely exempt.

The new rates will come into effect from 22nd September, the first day of Navaratri. For millions of students across India, this move is expected to make education more affordable and reduce the financial burden on households.

Modi govt makes major cuts in taxes on essential items: Here is how the GST reforms will benefit the common man

OpIndia Staff
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Modi govt makes major cuts in taxes on essential items: Here is how the GST reforms will benefit the common man

In a move intended to take some burden off the common man’s pocket, the central government has slashed indirect taxes on food items and everyday items. The decision was taken in the 56th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council held on Wednesday (3rd September).

In its 10-hour-long meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the GST Council unanimously revised the existing four-tier tax structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% and removed the tax categories of 12% and 28%.

The new indirect tax system will have only two tax slabs of 5% and 18%, effective from 22nd September, the first day of Navaratri. The reduction in indirect taxes is aimed at leaving more money in the hands of the middle class to enhance their spending capacity, which in turn would boost domestic consumption.

The centre described the tax reduction as a ‘Historic Diwali Gift for the Nation” as the decision comes ahead of the festive season. “These reforms have been carried out with a focus on the common man. Every tax on the common man’s daily use items has gone through a rigorous review, and in most cases, the rates have come down drastically… Labour-intensive industries have been given good support. Farmers and the agriculture sector, as well as the health sector, will benefit,” said the Union Finance Minister.

Image via X/nsitharamanoffc

Here is a look at how the GST reforms will provide relief to the middle class with reduced or nil taxes on essential items.

Reduced tax on food items

Under the GST reforms, the prices of food items and everyday essentials will be reduced significantly. While GST taxes on some items have been reduced, some items have been completely exempted from the tax. For example, ready-made frozen parathas, chapatis, khakhra, pizza bread, and paneer will not be taxed.

GST rates on kitchen items like jam, fruit jellies, sauces, pre-packed namkeens and bhujia have been slashed from earlier 12-18% to 5%. Besides, food items like pasta, biscuits, chocolate, cornflakes, cocoa products, dried fruits, nuts, and dates will attract 5% tax. While zero GST rates will apply to ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk or milk having a long shelf life, 5% GST will apply to both plant-based milk drinks and soya milk drinks.

Home electrical appliances will become cheaper

The GST reforms have been announced before the peak festive season, when the middle class spends on consumer durables to avail discounts. Under the revised tax regime, products like ACs, large-screen TVs, refrigerators and washing machines will have an 18% tax as compared to the earlier 28%.

Zero taxes on insurance and stationery items

While earlier, individual health and life insurance premiums attracted an 18% tax, after the implementation of the reforms, there will be no tax on them. This move will not only make health insurance premiums more affordable but will also attract first-time customers. Additionally, educational items like maps, charts, globes, exercise books and notebooks, which were earlier taxed at 12%, will now be exempt from any taxes.

‘Sin goods’ to attract higher taxes

While significant relief has been granted regarding a large number of everyday items under the GST reforms, certain items have been brought under the tax slab of 40%. ‘Sin Goods’ like tobacco, pan masala, gutkha, cigarettes, carbonated drinks, caffeinated beverages, coal, lignite, peatonline, gambling, SUVs, and luxury or harmful items have been subjected to enhanced taxes under the new tax regime.

Jharkhand: Congress leader attacks police constable after being stuck in traffic jam, slaps and verbally abuses the victim

OpIndia Staff
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Jharkhand: Congress leader attacks police constable after being stuck in traffic jam, slaps and verbally abuses the victim

On Wednesday (3rd September), Congress leader Krishna Nand Tripathi attacked a police constable posted in the security team of former Jharkhand minister.

According to media reports, the Congress leader slapped and abused the constable during a traffic jam in Latehar district of Jharkahnd. The incident has sparked outrage among the police force, with a case now registered against the leader.

Constable Ravindra Rikhiyashan filed a complaint against the leader. He works in Tripathi’s security detail. He said that the former minister lost his cool when his car got stuck in traffic around 1:30 pm on Wednesday, 3rd September, during the Karam puja. 

According to the FIR, Tripathi asked the constable to get down and clear the road, but when the situation did not move quickly, he began shouting.

“As we tried to manage the situation, Neta ji arrived and began hurling abuses,” Rikhiyashan narrated his ordeal. Tripathi also slapped him and called him unfit for the job.

The constable later approached police and filed a complaint. A zero FIR was registered at Daltonganj Nagar police station and will now be transferred to Latehar for further investigation.

Jyoti Lal Rajwar, the officer-in-charge of Daltonganj Town police station, said that sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been invoked.

Tripathi, who has served as Rural Development, Labour, Employment & Training, and Panchayati Raj minister in Jharkhand, has denied the allegations.

He said he did not assault or abuse anyone and claimed that the FIR was filed “out of revenge.” 

The leader further said, “I only asked my bodyguards to be more alert, got the passage cleared, and then left for the Circuit House. I did not assault or abuse anyone. Everything is visible in the CCTV. When they (the bodyguards) refused to move the vehicle, and I managed to get it cleared within a minute, they felt insulted. That is why they registered the FIR.”

Meanwhile, the Latehar Police Men’s Association strongly condemned the incident. In a letter to the state DGP, the association called it an attack on the dignity of uniformed personnel. 

Association president, Karan Singh, wrote that “If a leader feels a bodyguard is unfit, he must report it to senior officers, not assault him. The CCTV footage has clear evidence of the incident.”

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