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Sunday, April 19, 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

Are you acting like a teenager in love? It’s a modern dating epidemic

I have been called out for the hater energy I bring to my romantic life. Here I was thinking that my rants about the people I date are a sign of my deeper interest in them.

Recovery of energy flows will be ‘gradual rather than immediate’ as Hormuz re-opens post ceasefire

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz eases supply fears, but controlled shipping, slow output recovery, and high costs may delay oil flow normalisation for months.

Why Siliguri Corridor is strategically important for India & how it is being secured | Cut The Clutter

This special edition of Cut The Clutter, straight from the Siliguri corridor, details the strategic importance of the narrow strip of land in West Bengal, and how it’s a vital link connecting the Northeast to the rest of India.

Trump, Netanyahu’s Iran gamble: The regime change rebound

American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.