Monday, February 16, 2026
27.1 C
New Delhi

GST Reforms Kick Off On Navratri: PM Modi Calls It A Savings Festival For Every Indian Family

As India celebrates the first day of Navratri, a major economic shift has taken place — the new GST reforms have officially come into effect from today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day address on August 15 from the Red Fort, had announced the new, simplified GST structure. Now, that vision has become a reality.Under the revised system, most goods and essential services will fall under just two slabs — 5% and 18%. Previously existing 12% and 28% slabs have largely been merged into the lower categories. A high 40% GST rate will remain in place, but only for luxury goods.This move is being hailed as a “Savings Festival” by the government, aimed especially at the middle class, to improve their living standards and increase household savings. For instance, shoes that were previously taxed at 12% will now attract just 5%, potentially reducing prices by ₹100 or more per item.With the festive shopping season beginning, these reforms are expected to boost consumption and promote ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, as PM Modi urged citizens to buy Indian and contribute to national growth.The government assures that these changes will directly benefit families, making daily essentials more affordable across the board.

Go to Source

Hot this week

Tarique Rahamn oath tomorrow: BNP win ‘a vote for stability,’ South Asia expert tells Firstpost

As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) prepares to form a government in Dhaka, a South Asian expert noted that the people of the country ‘voted for stability’, despite the challenges ahead. Read More

PM Modi to meet Macron to launch ‘India-France Year of Innovation’, discuss strategic cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron tomorrow to launch the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’ and discuss strategic cooperation that’s expected to be focussed on AI and technology partnership, defence collabor Read More

Asim Munir Upset With Mohsin Naqvi? T20 WC Match Loss To India Becomes Flashpoint In Pakistan

The row stems not only from Pakistan’s loss to India but also from remarks Naqvi made during press conference ahead of the high-voltage encounter, where he dragged Munir’s name. Read More

Why You Keep Waking Up At 3 AM: Stress, Sleep Cycle, Other Factors Explained

Waking up at 3 am every night? Experts say stress, hormones, sleep habits and even room conditions could be behind it, not superstition. Read More

Moong Dal, Oats And More: Healthy Cheela Varieties For Weight Loss

These light, filling Indian pancakes are quick to make, low in calories, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner while supporting your fitness goals. Read More

Topics

Tarique Rahamn oath tomorrow: BNP win ‘a vote for stability,’ South Asia expert tells Firstpost

As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) prepares to form a government in Dhaka, a South Asian expert noted that the people of the country ‘voted for stability’, despite the challenges ahead. Read More

PM Modi to meet Macron to launch ‘India-France Year of Innovation’, discuss strategic cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron tomorrow to launch the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’ and discuss strategic cooperation that’s expected to be focussed on AI and technology partnership, defence collabor Read More

Asim Munir Upset With Mohsin Naqvi? T20 WC Match Loss To India Becomes Flashpoint In Pakistan

The row stems not only from Pakistan’s loss to India but also from remarks Naqvi made during press conference ahead of the high-voltage encounter, where he dragged Munir’s name. Read More

Why You Keep Waking Up At 3 AM: Stress, Sleep Cycle, Other Factors Explained

Waking up at 3 am every night? Experts say stress, hormones, sleep habits and even room conditions could be behind it, not superstition. Read More

Moong Dal, Oats And More: Healthy Cheela Varieties For Weight Loss

These light, filling Indian pancakes are quick to make, low in calories, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner while supporting your fitness goals. Read More

‘Why haven’t you gone to the Gauhati HC?’: SC refuses to hear pleas against Assam CM Himanta; flags ‘disturbing trend’

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain petitions seeking the registration of an FIR and the constitution of an SIT probe against Himanta Biswa Sarma over his ‘target-shooting’ video, and asked the petitioners to Read More

AI Boost For Farmers: Govt Set To Launch Bharat-VISTAAR To Transform Farm Support Tomorrow

Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI-driven multilingual platform, will be launched tomorrow to deliver farm-related info via mobile, integrating AgriStack and ICAR systems. Read More

‘Distasteful’: Trisha Krishnan Condemns Tamil Nadu BJP Chief’s Crass Remark On Her

Trisha made it clear that she is not affiliated with any political party and does not intend to be. It said she has always maintained a neutral stand when it comes to politics. Read More

Related Articles