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Monday, March 30, 2026
TopicGST Council

Topic: GST Council

GST reforms show India’s mature federalism and citizen-centric governance

The reforms are a paradigm shift in India’s approach to economic governance. The system is simple enough for a small shopkeeper, yet sophisticated enough to power a $5 trillion economy.

GST 2.0: India streamlines indirect tax regime amid Trump tariffs & what it means for consumers

Goods and Services Tax Council paves way for a broad two-slab structure of 5% and 18% with a demerit rate of 40% for super luxury and 'sin' goods.

India’s GST system is now a mess. Those who designed it also are confused

The root cause of GST’s complexity lies in the multiplicity of rates. Time and again, experts recommended a simple dual-rate system. They were all ignored.

India’s popcorn tax tickles global media’s tastebuds & how Jahangir appears in a nativity scene

An op-ed in South China Morning Post also lists 4 major issues, besides border, that obstruct India-China’s relationship & reflects on how the 2 nations can 'improve mutual understanding'.

Chemistry of curd to physics of paratha, GST rates on food are a multi-disciplinary tangle

Issue of GST on food items is in news again after hotel owner’s viral interaction with Finance Minister Sitharaman last week. But complexities highlighted go back further in time.

Research funds exempt from GST, finance ministry not to pursue notices issued to IIT-D, Anna University

GST council in its 54th meeting exempted universities, research centres governed by central or state govt, or those exempted from Income Tax, from paying GST on research grants.

GST regime needs transformation. Rate rationalisation, simplification must be council’s key priority

Layers of complexity due to multiple tax rates result in similar products being taxed differently. There should be a phased move towards a low single rate to reduce incentive for evasion.

28% GST on gambling: Only on buy-in, not winnings, says Sitharaman amid concerns of double taxation

GST Council took its second-ever decision not based on consensus, on this matter, with Delhi, Goa, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu dissenting.

Govt to levy 28% GST on online gaming, casinos, horse racing. ‘No one wants to kill an industry, but…’

Finance Minister Sitharaman announces decision taken at GST Council meet, adds cancer drugs, medicines for rare diseases and food products for special medical purposes exempt from GST.

Modi govt clears GST dues worth Rs 16,982 crore, says paperwork delayed on part of 15 states

Union finance minister Sitharaman says govt cleared 90% GST compensation owed to states & only ‘5-8%’ is held back subject to authentication certificates issued by auditor general.

On Camera

Trans Amendment Bill echoes Criminal Tribes Act. It wants them to stay in violent families

The one thing that keeps the relentless beauty of trans people alive is their community. But for lawmakers, kinship is ‘deception’, ‘allurement’, and ‘undue influence’.

Blow to West Asia commodities market as Iran hits 2 aluminium makers

Aluminum prices, already rising before the conflict, have gained further as traders and buyers focus on the potential for tighter markets and shrinking global inventories.

1st batch of 2,000 India-made Israeli Negev LMGs delivered to Army; 4,000 more to be delivered this year

The Indian Army is set to get another 4,000 of these LMGs as part of a contract signed in August 2024 to replace the 5.56x45mm INSAS LMG.

Gulf war exposed India’s fragilities. It’s time for navel-gazing, in the national interest

It’s easy to understand why the government can’t speak the hard truth. When this war ends, as all wars do, India’s interests will lie with both the winner and the loser.