GST Council Rolls Out Two-Slab Tax, Adds 40% ‘Sin’ Tier

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

Business Finance

The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved sweeping reforms to India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST), effective from 22 September 2025, coinciding with the Navratri festival. New GST Structure Under the new framework, the existing four tax slabs—5%, 12%, 18%,

Op-Eds Opinion

Revamping Judicial Appointments: Can Democracy and Independence Coexist?

By BPN News Desk August 27, 2025

A fresh storm has erupted over judicial appointments in India. Justice Vipul Pancholi’s proposed elevation to the Supreme Court has triggered dissent within the Collegium itself. Justice B.V. Nagarathna, in a rare move, openly opposed the recommendation, warning it was “counter-productive to the administration of justice” and risked damaging whatever credibility the

Business Finance

New GST Rates Likely by Dussehra as Revenue Shortfall Looms

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

The government is preparing to revamp the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure by Dussehra. The new plan includes two primary slabs of 5% and 18%, along with a 40% levy on luxury and sin goods. The proposal will be discussed in the upcoming GST Council meeting in early September, with implementation likely around the […]

Business Finance

GST Council to Meet Sept 3–4 on Two-Slab Reform

By BPN News Desk August 23, 2025

The 56th GST Council meeting will be held on September 3 and 4, 2025, in New Delhi. Both sessions will begin at 11 a.m., while a preparatory officers’ meeting is scheduled for September 2. Proposal for Two Main Slabs The Centre is expected to present a proposal to reduce the goods and services tax (GST) […]

Business Finance

FM to Head GST Panel Talks on Reforms

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will brief three ministerial groups of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in New Delhi this week. The groups will discuss rate rationalisation, health and life insurance, and phasing out the compensation cess. Proposal to Simplify GST Slabs The government is considering moving from the current four-tier structure to two […]

Business Finance

India Plans 2-Slab GST System by Diwali

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2025

The government has proposed reforms to simplify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) into a two-slab system, targeting implementation by Diwali to reduce the tax burden on everyday items and benefit small businesses. Proposed Restructuring The Finance Ministry has submitted a proposal to the Group of Ministers to consolidate the existing four-rate GST structure (5%, […]

Business Finance

Panel Clears Income Tax Bill With 285 Changes

By BPN News Desk July 17, 2025

The Parliamentary Standing Committee has approved the Income Tax Bill, 2025 with a total of 285 suggested changes, aiming to simplify tax procedures, reduce litigation timelines, and improve overall compliance. The bill is set to be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, with implementation targeted for the next financial year. One of the […]