India's food processing sector is poised for significant growth, projected to reach $535 billion by FY26, driven by rising consumption and government support. The organic food market is expected to surge, with a CAGR of 20.13% to $10.8 billion by 2033.

Niti Aayog envisions India achieving self-sufficiency in pulses by 2030 and doubling production by 2047, projecting a surplus through targeted interventions like crop clustering and high-quality seed distribution. The strategy emphasizes climate adaptation, data-led monitoring, and promoting pulse consumption to align with nutritional recommendations.

India is actively building a safer road network by implementing technology-driven platforms like the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) across all states and union territories. This centralised platform facilitates real-time accident data collection and analysis, enabling evidence-based interventions to reduce accidents. The adoption of digital platforms and intelligent technologies is laying the foundation for a more resilient road network.

A Nuvama report anticipates a significant boost for the FMCG sector due to recent GST rate rationalization, potentially lowering consumer prices and improving company margins. Key categories like biscuits and toothpaste now fall under the 5% tax slab, benefiting companies such as HUL and Britannia.

GST 2.0 reforms are poised to alleviate the impact of US tariff hikes, offering crucial support to sectors like textiles and automobiles. Stakeholders anticipate the rationalization, merging rates into two slabs, will boost domestic demand and offset global trade pressures. Experts believe the move will lower inflation, increase growth, and benefit both consumers and industries.

New GST rates 2025 full list: The Finance Minister announced significant GST rate cuts and slab changes, effective September 22, 2025, leading to cheaper daily-use items. Many food items will attract 0% GST, and life and health insurance will also see zero tax. The government is monitoring price changes, while luxury and sin goods may face higher taxes, potentially reaching a 40% bracket.

Banks across multiple Indian states remained closed on September 5 due to Id-E-Milad and Thiruvonam, as per the RBI holiday calendar. While digital banking services continued uninterrupted, physical branch visits were necessary for certain transactions. Maharashtra, however, shifted the Eid-e-Milad holiday in Mumbai to September 8, 2025, impacting government securities and related markets.

Gold price prediction today: Gold futures on MCX are trading near record highs, prompting a 'buy on dips' strategy. Technical indicators suggest continued strength, with analysts recommending buying opportunities near 1,06,500, setting stop-loss at 1,06,150.

India's diesel exports to Europe surged by 137% year-on-year in August, hitting 242,000 barrels per day, as European nations stockpile fuel ahead of impending EU restrictions on Russian-origin products in 2026. This increase is attributed to early refinery maintenance and anticipated winter demand.

Asian shares climbed, mirroring Wall Street's record close, as investors awaited crucial US jobs data influencing potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Japan's Nikkei surged following positive labor and spending data, further boosted by reduced US tariffs on car imports.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured that reduced GST rates would directly benefit citizens, with industries committed to passing on gains. He highlighted trust in stakeholders and monitoring mechanisms for compliance, dismissing revenue shortfall concerns due to robust tax collections. The GST structure addresses diverse needs, offering relief in healthcare and aiming to simplify compliance and boost demand.

SBI projects India's GST revenue loss from recent rate cuts at Rs 3,700 crore in FY26, significantly lower than earlier estimates due to robust consumption and improved tax compliance. Experts anticipate that these reforms, part of GST 2.

Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research suggests Adani Ports and Jayaswal Neco Industries as top stock picks for September 5, 2025. NIFTY is expected to consolidate between 24,400 and 25,000. A move above 25,000 could lead to 25,250.

The Life Insurance Council urges the GST Council and finance ministry to eliminate the 18% GST on agents' commissions, following the reduction of GST on premiums and reinsurance to zero. Maintaining the current GST on commissions would deprive life insurers of significant input tax credit, impacting their profitability.

Health insurance premiums are unlikely to decrease by the full 18% GST cut due to insurers' potential passing of input tax costs to consumers. While life insurance sees unexpected GST waivers, increased costs from unrecovered input taxes may affect bonuses. Non-life insurers anticipate a boost from higher automobile sales, pending clarity on input tax credit implications.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Friday as the market continued to react positively to GST rate cute announcements. While Nifty50 was above 24,800, BSE Sensex was up almost 300 points.

Following the GST rate adjustments, the Indian stock market experienced a muted response, aligning with the 'buy on expectation, sell on news' strategy. Despite an initial surge, benchmark indices flattened due to in-line GST rationalization and US tariff concerns. While domestic funds bought, foreign funds' outflow was muted, and investors saw a decrease in wealth.

Value retail players like Zudio and Reliance Trends anticipate a festive season boost as apparel and footwear priced up to Rs 2,500 move to the 5% GST slab, benefiting lower and mid-income shoppers. This change is expected to drive sales across both offline and online channels, with e-tailers like Flipkart timing their festive sales accordingly.

The GST Council has streamlined taxes for unmanned aerial vehicles, setting a 5% GST for commercial drones. Military drones and related equipment now have a 0% GST. This decision aims to boost the drone industry, currently valued at 2,500 crore with significant startup investment.

Navratri brings good news for consumers as FMCG companies like Amul, Mondelez, and Godrej Consumer plan to pass on GST cuts, leading to reduced prices on larger packs of items like namkeen and ice cream. This move aims to boost consumption, especially in urban areas, where demand has been sluggish due to inflation.

GST rejig expected to stimulate demand, ease inflation, boost ease of doing business & partially counter impact of US tariffsretail, renewables business key drivers for RIL, Tatas, Adani Group

Mukesh Ambani hailed India's second-generation GST reforms as a progressive step, a historic Diwali gift, and a significant boost to consumption-driven growth, potentially accelerating the economy towards double-digit growth. Isha Ambani pledged that Reliance Retail would pass on the entire benefit of the new GST regime to customers, impacting every stakeholder in the retail value chain.

Donald Trump signed an executive order implementing tariff cuts under a July agreement with Japan, reducing duties on Japanese automobile imports from 27.5% to 15% and formalizing a $550 billion investment pledge. Japan will increase purchases of US agricultural goods and Boeing planes, while also boosting defense spending with US firms.

The central government, driven by Prime Minister Modi's vision, successfully convinced states to agree to significant GST rate cuts, potentially lowering prices for consumers before Diwali. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, after extensive preparation and with the PM's backing, framed the move as pro-people, overcoming initial resistance from states concerned about revenue loss.

India's clean energy transition receives a boost as GST rationalization lowers taxes on renewable energy products to 5%, reducing project costs and benefiting utilities. Conversely, GST on oil and gas projects increases to 18%, raising exploration and production expenses, potentially squeezing margins amidst already subdued oil prices and impacting pipeline companies.

Recent GST rate adjustments are poised to boost India's agricultural sector, particularly benefiting small farmers. Reduced taxes on drip irrigation, bio-pesticides, and composting machines aim to promote sustainable farming practices. The fisheries sector will also see lower operational costs, enhancing competitiveness. Dairy experiences changes, with UHT milk and paneer now tax-exempt, while other milk products attract a 5% GST.

President Trump declared the imminent imposition of a fairly substantial tariff on imported computer chips during a White House dinner with tech executives. This announcement follows previous threats, including a potential 100% tariff on semiconductors from companies not investing in the US. The move comes amid a US-China trade war and competition in high-end semiconductor development, while Trump seeks a Supreme Court ruling on broader tariff legality.

Air travel is set to change from September 22. Flying in premium cabins will become more expensive due to increased GST. Private jet travel will also see a rise in costs. However, there's good news for the drone industry. GST on unmanned aircraft is significantly reduced. This move aims to boost the drone sector in India.

The GST Council has decided to simplify the GST registration process for small and low-risk businesses, introducing an optional scheme for automated registration within three hours for eligible applicants. A simplified registration scheme for small suppliers selling across states through e-commerce operators has also been approved.

Starting September 22nd, air conditioners, large-screen TVs, and dishwashers will see price reductions due to GST rate cuts, potentially boosting consumption and market penetration. AC prices are expected to drop by around 8%, while larger TVs and premium dishwashers will also become more affordable. Industry leaders anticipate increased demand and long-term benefits for domestic manufacturing.

Royal Enfield and other big bike manufacturers are facing challenges as GST rate cuts favor motorcycles below 350cc, while those above see a tax increase to 40%. This shift impacts popular models like the Himalayan and Interceptor, potentially hindering investment and global reach, according to Royal Enfield MD Siddhartha Lal.

Indian passenger vehicle dealers face a potential loss of 2,500 crore due to the lapse of the compensation cess on September 22. Dealers holding older stock purchased at higher tax rates risk financial strain, with no clear mechanism for cess refund.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the GST reforms as a Diwali Dhamaka, emphasizing their role in simplifying the tax system, improving citizens' lives, and boosting economic growth. He criticized the previous Congress regime for high taxes on essential goods, highlighting the current government's focus on savings for common people.

Premium airfares are set to increase as the GST Council has approved raising the tax on business and first-class tickets from 12% to 18%, effective September 22, 2025. Economy class tickets and AC train travel will remain unchanged at 5%. For premium tickets booked and paid for before the deadline, the old 12% GST rate will still apply.

Many taxpayers are confused about Form 10-IEA, which is required for opting in or out of the new tax regime, especially those with business income using ITR3 or ITR4. Missing the filing deadline results in default assessment under the new regime, potentially costing taxpayers refunds as deductions are not considered. Frequent rule changes have further complicated tax filing.

The US trade deficit surged to a four-month high in July, climbing 32.5% to $78.3 billion, as businesses accelerated imports in anticipation of new tariffs imposed by President Trump. Imports saw a significant jump, particularly in gold and capital goods related to AI, while exports experienced only a slight increase.

US jobless claims edged up to 237,000 for the week ending August 30th, slightly above economists' predictions, signaling a potential slowdown despite employers largely retaining staff. Hiring has weakened, leading to a 'no hire, no fire' dynamic, with attention now focused on the upcoming August employment report.

India's GST rationalization, effective September 22, aims to boost consumption and growth by compressing the rate structure. Business leaders anticipate it will soften the impact of US tariffs and stimulate demand, benefiting sectors like FMCG and retail. Economists note uneven tax receipts, while others predict a strong policy push alongside recent rate cuts.

Indian jewellers have expressed mixed reactions to the government's decision to maintain the 3% GST rate on gems and jewellery. While some industry leaders believe that reduced GST rates in other sectors will indirectly boost demand and consumer spending, others worry that the unchanged rate will hinder growth and affordability, especially during the festive season.

The Modi government has announced better-than-expected GST reforms and rate structure rationalisation, with a majority of items consumed by the common man and middle class set to see price cuts from September 22, the start of the Navratras. But will the GST rate cuts be enough to counter the impact of Trumps 50% tariffs on India?

Wall Street experienced gains as bond market pressures eased and investors analyzed signs of a weakening US labor market. Encouraging reports on jobs hinted at potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. American Eagle Outfitters surged, while Google slightly declined. European and Asian markets were mostly positive, contrasting with declines in Chinese markets due to regulatory concerns.

Indian agriculture and dairy sectors are celebrating the government's GST rate cuts on essential inputs. Industry leaders like Sunil Kataria of Godrej Agrovet see it as a major relief for farmers facing rising costs and unpredictable weather.

The GST Council's decision to raise the tax on apparel above Rs 2,500 to 18% from 12% has sparked concerns among industry bodies. RAI and CMAI fear this move will impact middle-class affordability and potentially weaken organized retail and the garment sector.

Starting September 1, the government introduces voluntary hallmarking for silver jewellery, enhanced by a digital HUID system for quality assurance. BIS updated standards to include seven purity grades, allowing consumers to verify authenticity via the BIS Care app. Over 3.2 million silver articles were hallmarked in FY24-25, with BIS conducting awareness campaigns ahead of the rollout.

The GST Council's decision to lower tax rates on essential goods and personal care items is set to boost domestic consumption and rural demand, benefiting the FMCG sector. Companies plan to pass on the benefits to consumers through increased grammage or reduced prices, potentially leading to an 8-10% price drop.

India's economic strategy shifts towards consumption-led growth with the implementation of GST 2.0, rationalizing tax slabs to boost demand and benefit MSMEs. The reforms, effective from September 22, aim to increase discretionary income and revive private capex, impacting sectors like retail, FMCG, and automobiles. Union Minister Piyush Goyal hails the changes as a 'game-changing' reform that will support India's development.

The GST Council has announced a major overhaul of the indirect tax system, introducing a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, along with a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods. Small cars and motorcycles up to 350cc will see reduced GST rates, while electric vehicles and gold remain unchanged.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council reduced tax rates on vehicles. The automobile industry leaders welcomed this decision. They said it would boost demand and affordability. The new tax structure includes 5% and 18% slabs. Shailesh Chandra and C S Vigneshwar expressed positive sentiments. Sudarshan Venu said the cut would turbocharge growth.

The GST Council has approved a restructured indirect tax system, effective September 22nd, featuring simplified rates of 5% and 18%, with a 40% category for luxury and sin goods. This reform eliminates the 12% and 28% slabs, aiming to streamline tax administration.