19:51⇢GST Two-Slab Regime Approved
⌨Indian newspapers continue to prioritize the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's approval of a revamped two-slab structure, now 5% and 18%, effective September 22. The reforms eliminate the 12% and 28% slabs, exempting health and life insurance from GST, and introducing a 40% rate for luxury goods (Dainik Bhaskar, India Today, Mathrubhumi, The Hindu, Zee News, ABP Live). These changes are framed as beneficial, though some states express revenue concerns (The Hindu).