Following the 56th GST Council meeting, the government is moving toward 'GST 2.0,' focusing on simplification, predictability, and fairness. Key reforms include reducing tax rates on essentials, life-saving drugs, and labor-intensive sectors like textiles and handicrafts. Significant institutional changes include the operationalization of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) to resolve disputes efficiently. By removing thresholds for low-value exports and introducing a simplified registration scheme for MSMEs, the reforms aim to boost competitiveness, encourage formalization, and position India as a reliable global investment destination.
- GST 2.0 focuses on streamlining rates, correcting inverted duty structures, and strengthening dispute resolution.
- The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) will be operationalized to reduce the burden of litigation.
- MSMEs benefit from a simplified registration scheme with approvals within three days and the removal of thresholds for low-value exports.
The 56th GST Council meeting introduced significant rate rationalizations to boost consumption and simplify the tax structure. Key changes include reducing GST on entry-level cars, medical products, and insurance premiums. The Council moved towards a 'GST 2.0' framework, aiming for a simpler two-rate structure (12% and 18%) while addressing inverted duty structures in sectors like textiles and fertilizers. While sectors like auto and pharma welcomed the moves, airlines and high-end apparel makers expressed concerns over higher slabs. The removal of the compensation cess marks a shift in the federal fiscal landscape, requiring states to seek alternative revenue sources.
- The GST Council is a federal body where states and the center collaborate on tax rates and policy reforms.
- Rate cuts on insurance premiums aim to increase social security and insurance penetration among senior citizens and low-income families.
- The move towards a two-rate structure (12% and 18%) is intended to reduce compliance burdens and tax complexity.
Following a Calcutta High Court order, the Centre is set to resume MGNREGA in West Bengal after a three-year hiatus due to alleged irregularities. However, the revival faces significant hurdles, including the mandatory Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) and the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS). Millions of workers, particularly women and marginalized groups, remain non-compliant with ABPS. The article emphasizes that restarting the scheme requires more than just a 'green signal'; it needs trust-building, logistical preparation, and administrative muscle to ensure that no worker is left behind due to technological bottlenecks.
- MGNREGA provides a vital safety net of 100 days of guaranteed work for rural households.
- The scheme was halted in West Bengal in March 2022 over 'widespread irregularities' involving over ₹10,000 crore.
- Technological requirements like ABPS and NMMS (geo-tagged photos) are major barriers for rural workers with limited digital access.
The passage of the Indian Ports Bill 2025 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 marks a significant shift in India's maritime governance. While intended to modernize outdated laws from 1908 and 1958, critics argue these reforms centralize power at the expense of states. The new Ports Act allows the Centre to direct State maritime boards, potentially undermining cooperative federalism. The Merchant Shipping Act introduces 'partial' Indian ownership, including OCI and foreign entities, which raises security concerns. The article calls for a course correction to balance ease of doing business with federal balance and maritime security.
- The Indian Ports Bill 2025 replaces the 1908 Act to streamline maritime governance and align with global practices.
- Critics highlight the centralization of power in the Maritime State Development Council, chaired by the Union Minister.
- The Merchant Shipping Act 2025 allows for partial foreign ownership of Indian-flagged vessels.
The 56th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, decided to simplify the tax structure into primarily two slabs: 5% and 18%. A significant move includes removing the 18% GST on life and health insurance policies to make them more affordable. A 'special rate' of 40% will be introduced for 'sin goods' and luxury items like tobacco, large cars, and yachts. The changes, effective from September 22, aim to reduce prices for daily-use items, food, and life-saving medicines while addressing the long-pending inverted duty structure in sectors like textiles and fertilizers.
- The GST structure is being streamlined to 5% and 18% slabs for most goods and services.
- Health and life insurance premiums are now exempt from GST, moving from 18% to 0%.
- A 40% special rate applies to sin goods like tobacco and super-luxury items like yachts and large cars.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Semicon India 2025 conference, announced India's goal to secure a significant share of the projected $1-trillion global semiconductor market. He emphasized the government's commitment to 'faster approvals' and reducing paperwork to accelerate the 'file to factory' transition. Comparing semiconductor chips to 'digital diamonds,' he highlighted their role as key economic drivers of the 21st century. The PM noted that India achieved a 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter, signaling robust economic health despite global uncertainties and trade tariffs.
- The government aims to reduce the time taken to start manufacturing through a national single-window system.
- Five new semiconductor projects were cleared in 2025, bringing the total to ten with an $18 billion investment.
- India is positioning itself as a reliable alternative in the global supply chain amidst shifting trade dynamics.
The UK is set to implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (UK-CBAM) by January 2027, targeting imports like steel and aluminum. This mirrors the EU's CBAM and poses a significant challenge for Indian exporters, potentially increasing costs by 20-40%. India is developing its own Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to mitigate these impacts. The article discusses the need for a global consensus on carbon pricing, referencing the IMF's proposal for an International Carbon Price Floor (ICPF) with tiered pricing based on a country's income level to ensure equity.
- UK-CBAM will be implemented from January 2027, covering direct and indirect emissions for hard-to-abate sectors.
- The IMF proposed an International Carbon Price Floor (ICPF) with tiered pricing: $25 for low-income, $50 for middle-income, and $75 for high-income countries.
- India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is a major step toward establishing a domestic carbon market.
India's GDP grew by 7.8% in the first quarter of the current financial year, surpassing the RBI's prediction of 6.5%. While manufacturing grew at 7.7%, other indicators like the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and vehicle sales showed signs of slowing. Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran maintained the annual growth forecast at 6.3%-6.8%, implying a expected slowdown in subsequent quarters. Concerns remain regarding the government's ability to meet fiscal deficit targets due to potential revenue hits from upcoming GST rate cuts and global economic uncertainties.
- Q1 GDP growth stood at 7.8%, significantly higher than the RBI's August prediction of 6.5%.
- The manufacturing sector grew by 7.7%, though the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) showed a slower growth of 3.3%.
- Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran retained the annual growth forecast at 6.3%-6.8%.
The Department of Revenue and CBDT have completed a comprehensive review to simplify the 'mammoth' Income Tax Act, 1961. The resulting Income Tax Act, 2025, aims to make the law more lucid, concise, and user-friendly. The drafting process involved 26 subcommittees and 75,000 man-hours. Key changes include reducing the number of chapters from 47 to 23 and sections from 819 to 536. The new Act removes redundant sections, simplifies complex jargon, and introduces 57 tables for clearer explanations. It is scheduled to come into effect on April 1, 2026, following its passage in Parliament.
- The new Income Tax Act, 2025, replaces the 64-year-old 1961 Act to reduce litigation and improve compliance.
- The number of sections has been significantly condensed from 819 to 536.
- The drafting committee utilized 26 subcommittees to review every aspect of the law for redundancy.
The Union Government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) to address the dual challenge of youth employability and enterprise competitiveness. With an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, the scheme aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over two years. It provides direct financial incentives to first-time employees (up to ₹15,000) and employers (up to ₹3,000 per month). This initiative focuses on formalizing the workforce by ensuring new workers are linked to social security systems from their first day of employment, supporting the broader 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision.
- PMVBRY offers direct benefit transfers to first-time employees to encourage formal sector participation.
- The scheme reduces entry barriers for workers while lowering hiring risks for businesses through government subsidies.
- Social security coverage in India has surged from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, reaching 94 crore beneficiaries.
India's economy continues its strong trajectory, with real GDP growing at 7.8% in Q1 FY 2025-26. The nation has ascended from the 10th to the 5th largest economy globally, driven by manufacturing, services, and digital public infrastructure. Significant progress in social welfare is noted, with 24.82 crore people moving out of multidimensional poverty. In the energy sector, India is expanding its refining capacity and accelerating ethanol blending, which has reached 15%. The government aims to cover 1 million square kilometers for sedimentary basin exploration by 2030 to ensure long-term energy security and reduce import dependence.
- India is currently the world's 5th largest economy and is projected to become the 3rd largest by 2030.
- Real GDP growth of 7.8% in Q1 FY 2025-26 reflects strong domestic consumption and investment.
- The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity and UPI have been instrumental in formalizing the economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, visited a semiconductor plant in Sendai, Japan, after New Delhi and Tokyo agreed to deepen cooperation in the critical technology sector. The visit highlighted the complementarity between India's growing semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem and Japan's strengths. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the semiconductor supply chain. PM Modi also met governors of 16 Japanese prefectures, advocating for stronger State-prefecture cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, emphasizing collaboration in manufacturing, mobility, innovation, and start-ups.
- PM Modi visited a semiconductor plant in Sendai, Japan, with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba.
- The visit underscores India and Japan's commitment to deepening cooperation in the critical semiconductor technology sector and supply chain.
- PM Modi urged Japanese governors and Indian State governments to strengthen collaborations across various sectors.
India's Environment Ministry and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) to advance low-carbon technology projects. Under JCM, Japan invests in low-carbon technologies in developing countries like India, earning carbon credits for its national emission reduction targets. This initiative aims to boost investment, technology transfer, and localization of low-carbon technologies in India, fostering a domestic ecosystem. The MoC will also facilitate international trading of carbon credits under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, aligning with India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments to reduce emission intensity and increase non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
- The JCM allows Japan to invest in low-carbon technologies in India and receive carbon credits for its emission reduction targets.
- The initiative aims to promote investment, technology transfer, and localization of low-carbon technologies in India.
India, heavily reliant on crude oil and natural gas imports, faces significant energy security risks amidst global instability. The article highlights historical energy shocks and proposes a doctrine of energy sovereignty anchored in domestic capacity, diversified technology, and resilient systems. Five foundational pillars are outlined: coal gasification for indigenous energy, biofuels for rural empowerment and national security, nuclear power as a zero-carbon baseload, green hydrogen for self-reliance, and pumped hydro storage for grid balancing. This strategy aims to build an uninterrupted, affordable, and indigenous energy future, reducing vulnerability to geopolitical shifts and external dependencies.
- India's high dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas poses a significant national risk.
- Global energy security has been reshaped by five major historical shocks, emphasizing the need for resilience.
- India must adopt an energy sovereignty doctrine based on domestic capacity, diversified technology, and resilient systems.
Eight states have proposed levying an additional cess on sin and luxury goods, over and above a proposed 40% GST rate, to safeguard their revenues. This proposal comes ahead of the GST Council meeting, in response to the Centre's plan to rationalise tax slabs by removing 12% and 28% rates and moving most items to 5% and 18%. The states, all non-BJP ruled, anticipate a 15-20% revenue reduction from the Centre's rationalisation and argue for the cess proceeds to be fully distributed among them to discourage sin goods and promote public health, citing their heavy dependence on GST revenue.
- Eight states have proposed an additional cess on sin and luxury goods beyond the 40% GST rate.
- The proposal aims to protect state revenues from potential losses due to the Centre's GST rate rationalisation plan.
- The Centre's plan includes removing 12% and 28% GST slabs, shifting items to 5% and 18%, and setting a 40% rate for some sin/luxury items.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, asserted that India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy 'very soon'. Amidst trade uncertainties with the U.S., Modi advocated for increased investment in India, highlighting its role as a 'springboard' to the Global South. Japan announced a ¥10 trillion private investment target for India over the next decade. The two nations also launched initiatives like the India-Japan AI Initiative and an Economic Security Initiative, alongside a Joint Credit Mechanism for green energy, reinforcing cooperation in critical sectors and mineral resources.
- Prime Minister Modi declared India would soon become the world's third-largest economy during his visit to Tokyo.
- Japan committed a private investment target of ¥10 trillion for India over the next decade.
- India and Japan launched an AI Initiative and an Economic Security Initiative to bolster supply chain resilience.
India's economic growth rate accelerated to a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the April-June quarter (Q1) of the current financial year, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India's prediction of 6.5%. This robust growth was primarily propelled by strong performances in the manufacturing, construction, and services sectors. Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran expressed confidence in continued momentum despite concerns over U.S. tariffs, attributing the resilience to government decisions on indirect tax rates. However, the Rupee depreciated to an all-time low against the USD, influenced by additional U.S. tariffs.
- India's GDP grew by 7.8% in the first quarter (April-June) of the current financial year, marking a five-quarter high.
- The growth exceeded the Reserve Bank of India's projection of 6.5% for the same period.
- Key drivers of this economic expansion include strong performances in the manufacturing, construction, and services sectors.
The U.S. has eliminated duty-free imports of low-value goods (under $800 threshold), effective August 29, causing logistics disruptions worldwide. This reversal, initially applied to Chinese imports in May, aims to narrow the U.S. trade deficit, prevent intellectual property theft, and block counterfeit products. Opponents argue it will reduce aggregate welfare by $11-$13 billion and disproportionately harm the poor. The de minimis regulation, rooted in the 1930 Tariff Act, was expanded in 2016. The move aligns with previous actions, like Trump's 2019 bargain with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to hike postal rates for developing nations. The EU has similar reforms, proposing handling fees for direct imports to crack down on illegal goods and protect consumers.
- The U.S. has ended duty-free imports of low-value goods (under $800 threshold), effective August 29, to address trade deficits and prevent IP theft.
- This policy reversal, which initially targeted Chinese imports, is expected to cause global logistics disruptions and impact e-commerce platforms.
- Critics argue the abolition of the de minimis exemption will reduce overall welfare and disproportionately affect lower-income consumers.
Nearly 60% of the budget allocated for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for 2025-26 has been spent within the first five months of the financial year, with a month still remaining in the second quarter. Out of ₹86,000 crore earmarked, ₹51,521 crore has been utilized. A significant portion (38%) of this budget went to cover pending liabilities from the previous financial year (2024-25). The Finance Ministry had capped spending at 60% for the first half, leaving limited funds. Ministry of Rural Development officials have sought a revised allocation, but no indications of additional funds have been received from the Finance Ministry.
- Almost 60% of the MGNREGS budget for 2025-26 has been expended within the first five months of the financial year.
- A substantial portion (38%) of the current budget was used to clear pending liabilities from the previous financial year.
- The Finance Ministry had capped spending for the first half of the financial year at 60% of the annual allocation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Japan to meet his counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, aiming to expand economic and investment ties and advance cooperation in new technologies like AI and semiconductors. The visit includes the 15th annual summit, where they are expected to upgrade the 2008 Declaration on Security Cooperation, including defence hardware purchases and an "Economic Security" initiative. Discussions will also cover India-Japan Indo-Pacific plans for the Quad summit and B2B agreements. A key highlight is a bullet train ride to Sendai and inspection of a semiconductor factory, discussing the next steps for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shinkansen project, which Japan is funding.
- Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan aims to strengthen economic, investment, and technological cooperation, including AI and semiconductors.
- The 15th annual summit will upgrade the 2008 Declaration on Security Cooperation and launch an "Economic Security" initiative.
- Discussions will include Indo-Pacific plans for the Quad summit and numerous business-to-business agreements.
The article discusses the proposed GST reforms, which aim to move to a two-tier structure (5% and 18%) and lower the average tax rate. Manoj Mishra estimates an initial revenue hit of ₹60,000-₹1,00,000 crore per year, but expects it to be offset by increased compliance and demand. Pratik Jain notes that the 18% slab, which accounts for 70% of GST revenues, remains unchanged. The core debate revolves around whether States should be compensated for revenue loss, especially since the compensation guarantee for five years ended. States like Maharashtra and Karnataka, being manufacturing and service-heavy, are more affected by rate cuts than agriculture-dependent States.
- Proposed GST reforms aim for a two-tier structure (5% and 18%) and an overall lower average tax rate.
- Initial revenue loss from these cuts is estimated at ₹60,000-₹1,00,000 crore annually, expected to be recouped through increased compliance and demand.
- The 18% GST slab, contributing 70% of revenues, is largely unaffected by the proposed changes.
India's healthcare system is at a critical juncture, needing to expand access and ensure affordability. An integrated framework is proposed, focusing on strengthening insurance, leveraging scale, embedding prevention, accelerating digital adoption, and enabling regulatory clarity. Insurance penetration is low (15%-18%), despite significant growth potential. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) have improved access for millions, but private hospital participation needs fair reimbursements. Prevention is highlighted as a powerful cost-saver, requiring public participation and redesigning insurance to cover outpatient care. Digital health, including telemedicine and AI tools, is democratizing access, but robust regulation and trust are crucial for deeper coverage and confidence.
- India's healthcare system needs an integrated framework to expand access and ensure affordability for its 1.4 billion population.
- Strengthening health insurance, leveraging scale, embedding prevention, and accelerating digital adoption are key components of this framework.
- Government schemes like Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) have significantly improved access to advanced care for millions.
India's demographic dividend, with over 800 million people under 35, is at risk of becoming a liability due to a widening gap between education and real-world skills. The education system is outdated, failing to prepare students for jobs shaped by emerging technologies like AI. Many graduates are underemployed or unemployable, with 40-50% of engineering graduates unplaced. Students lack career awareness, pursuing degrees misaligned with market needs. Despite government initiatives like Skill India Mission, systemic issues persist. A cohesive strategy aligning education, skill development, and industry demands is crucial to prevent a crisis of highly literate but unemployable youth.
- India's large youth population, often seen as a demographic dividend, is at risk of becoming a liability due to an outdated education system.
- There is a significant gap between the skills taught in educational institutions and the demands of the evolving job market, particularly with AI.
- Many Indian graduates, including engineers, are underemployed or unemployable due to a lack of relevant skills and career awareness.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has facilitated the transfer of five ISRO-developed technologies to five Indian companies. This initiative aims to drive commercialisation, strengthen self-reliance, reduce imports, and enable wider applications in sectors like automotive, biomedical, and industrial manufacturing. Technologies transferred include a Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC) Multi-Chip Module for biomedical use, RTV Silicone Single-Part Adhesive for solar panel bonding, Film Adhesives, a 30W HMC DC-DC Converter, and Anodisation of 3D-printed Al-10Si-Mg alloy.
- IN-SPACe has facilitated the transfer of five ISRO technologies to private Indian firms.
- The initiative aims to promote commercialisation, strengthen self-reliance, and reduce imports in various sectors.
- Technologies transferred include those for biomedical use, solar panel bonding, and industrial applications.