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Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> hailed the seven-year journey of <keyword id="19922145" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goods-and-Services-Tax" source="keywords">Goods and Services Tax</keyword> (<keyword id="19951327" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="GST" source="keywords">GST</keyword>). Quoting a newspaper report, PM tweeted on the social media platform "X" that GST has improved the lives of 140 crore <keyword id="19916609" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indians" source="keywords">Indians</keyword>. "For us, reforms are a means to improve the lives of 140 crore Indians. After the introduction of GST, goods for household use have become much cheaper." The PM also highlighted that after the implementation of GST, the <keyword id="20044873" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="savings" source="keywords">savings</keyword> of the poor and the common man have increased as the GST has reduced <keyword id="20018720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="taxes" source="keywords">taxes</keyword> on various <keyword id="20447338" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="household-items" source="keywords">household items</keyword> like flour, curd, detergent, etc. He said, "This has resulted in significant savings for the poor and common man. We are committed to continuing this journey of reforms to transform people's lives". The Goods and Services Tax will complete its seven years on July 1, it was implemented in 2017. After its implementation, the tax has reduced on several products and services used by the common man. As per the Central Board of Indirect Tax and Customs, post GST various daily household items have become cheaper. It includes items like flour, television, detergent, hair oil, soap etc. The GST has amalgamated a large number of central and state taxes into a single tax. It also mitigated the ill effects of cascading or double taxation in a major way and paved the way for a common national market. From the consumers' point of view, the biggest advantage is in terms of reduction in the overall tax burden on goods. The Introduction of GST has also made Indian products more competitive in the domestic and international markets owing to the full neutralisation of input taxes across the value chain of production. On June 22, <keyword id="19956758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> announced that the next meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is tentatively scheduled for mid-to-late August. The GST Council proposed exemptions for specific services offered by <keyword id="19909154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Railways" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian Railways" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Indian Railways">Indian Railways</keyword> to the general public, as well as for intra-railway transactions. The GST Council recommended waiving interest penalties on demand notices issued under Section 73 of the GST Act for fiscal years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. This section pertains to cases not involving fraud, suppression, or misstatement. Taxpayers who pay the full tax amount demanded in the notice by March 31, 2025, will benefit from this waiver.The Council approved an extension for availing input tax credit (ITC) on any invoice or debit note.

Seven years of GST has lowered taxes and improved lives of 140 crore Indians: PM

<ul><li>The <keyword id="21407809" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-tablet-market" source="keywords">Indian tablet market</keyword> has recorded a 128.8% year-on-year growth in shipments in Q2 2024.</li><li>The <keyword id="21529438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-segment" source="keywords">consumer segment</keyword> has recorded a 27.5% growth, recording growth for the third consecutive quarter.</li><li><keyword id="19897758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Samsung" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Samsung">Samsung</keyword> continues to lead the market, with nearly 50% market share.</li></ul> The Indian tablet market recorded good growth in Q2 2024, registering a 128.8% year-on-year increase in shipments. The tablet market includes detachable and slates, along with traditional tablets. According to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), 1.84 million tablets were shipped in India in Q2 2024. One of the reasons for the high growth in shipments was the fulfilment of a government education order in Uttar Pradesh. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112926834" title="SEBI brings in new norms to regulate finfluencers" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> In Q2 2024, the education segment recorded a growth of 455% year-on-year, helping the overall commercial segment record a growth of 279.1%. The consumer segment on the other hand recorded a growth of 27.5%, boosted by strong sales during summer sales. “Discounts and cashback make the purchases more lucrative, leading to robust demand for consumer tablets, and this trend is expected to continue in the near future,” said Priyansh Tiwari, research analyst, devices research, IDC India &amp; South Asia. Indian tablet shipments market share <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #356854 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#356854;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-left:solid #356854 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #356854 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#356854;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q2 2024 </td><td style="border-left:solid #356854 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#356854;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q2 2023 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Samsung </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">48.70% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">37.10% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Acer Group </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23.60% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.30% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Apple </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9.50% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">19.40% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Lenovo </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.90% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.20% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Xiaomi </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.70% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5.80% </td></tr></tbody></table> <h2>Samsung leads the market</h2>Samsung continues to lead the Indian tablet market with a nearly 50% share. The company recorded a market share of 48.7% in Q2 2024. The company recorded a share of 54.1% in the commercial segment and 38% in the consumer segment. Acer was able to boost its market share at the back of education projects, which helped boost its share in the commercial segment to 35.5%. The company was able to take its market share in overall tablet shipments to 23.6% in Q2 2024. Apple recorded a market share of 9.5% in Q2 2024, with its growth in the consumer segment driven by new product launches and price cuts for older products. Lenovo and Xiaomi take the fourth and fifth positions respectively. While Lenovo recorded a market share of 6.9%, Xiaomi recorded a market share of 4.7%. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-september-2024/slidelist/112841889.cms">Upcoming smartphones launching in India in September 2024</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-increases-prices-of-prepaid-plans-with-netflix-bundle-new-prices-benefits-detailed/articleshow/112873781.cms">Reliance Jio increases prices of prepaid plans with Netflix bundle: New prices, benefits detailed</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-iphone-16-to-be-launched-on-september-9-heres-everything-we-know-so-far/articleshow/112828818.cms">Apple iPhone 16 to be launched on September 9 – here’s everything we know so far</a>

Indian tablet market records good growth in Q2 2024, 1 in 2 tablets sold was from Samsung

<keyword id="19896016" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="New-Delhi" source="keywords">New Delhi</keyword>: The 54th Meeting of the <keyword id="21275205" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goods-and-Services-Tax-Council" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Goods and Services Tax Council" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Goods and Services Tax Council">Goods and Services Tax Council</keyword> or GST Council, will be held on 9th September 2024 in New Delhi, the GST Council said in a post on social media platform "X" on Tuesday. On June 22, <keyword id="19956758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Finance Minister</keyword> Nirmala Sitharaman said that the next meeting of the GST Council will take place in mid to late August. The aim of this meeting will be to discuss the pending issues of the last meeting. The council is expected to discuss rate rationalisation and compliance, among others. The GST Council, consisting of the Union Finance Minister and representatives from all States and Union Territories, was established to make decisions on various aspects of GST, including <keyword id="20452955" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tax-rates" source="keywords">tax rates</keyword>, exemptions, and administrative procedures. It played a crucial role in shaping the GST framework in India. The last meeting of the GST Council was held on 22 June 2024 this year. During the meeting, the council recommended relaxation to taxation, Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims and demand notices. The GST Council proposes exemptions for specific services offered by Indian Railways to the general public, as well as for intra-railway transactions. During the 53rd meeting of the council, it proposed an exemption for specific services offered by Indian Railways to the general public, as well as for intra-railway transactions. The sale of platform tickets and services such as retiring rooms, waiting rooms, cloakroom facilities, and battery-operated car services are now exempt from GST. The 53rd council meeting was marked by several key decisions aimed at easing the compliance burden and providing relief to taxpayers. "Today's <keyword id="20115983" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="GST-Council-meeting" source="keywords">GST Council meeting</keyword> has taken a lot of decisions on trade facilitation, easing compliance burden and relief to taxpayers in terms of compliance easing out," the Finance Minister had said. The GST Council recommended waiving interest penalties on demand notices issued under Section 73 of the GST Act for fiscal years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. The Council, in its June 22 meeting, approved an extension for availing input tax credit (ITC) on any invoice or debit note. To curb government litigation, the Council has recommended setting monetary thresholds for filing appeals by departments: Rs 20 lakh for the GST appellate tribunal, Rs 1 crore for high courts, and Rs 2 crore for the Supreme Court. In a move to assist small taxpayers, the Council, in its last meeting, extended the deadline for furnishing returns from April 30 to June 30 for the fiscal year 2024-25 and subsequent years. The Council, in its last meeting, recommended the phased rollout of biometric-based Aadhaar authentication for GST registration applicants across India. The Council recommended a uniform GST rate of 12 per cent on all milk cans, regardless of their material (steel, iron, or aluminium), to eliminate disputes. The Finance Minister, during the last GST meeting, reiterated the central government's intent to bring petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework. She highlighted that the groundwork for this inclusion was laid during the initial implementation of GST and emphasized that the decision now lies with the state governments. The central government has long maintained that incorporating petrol and diesel into GST would streamline tax rates and potentially reduce prices for consumers.

54th GST Council meeting to take place on September 9 in New Delhi

India, a land of diverse climates and cultures, houses several cities with consistently delightful weather. Whether you prefer moderate temperatures, lush greenery, or serene landscapes, these ten cities offer an alluring retreat for travelers seeking an escape from extreme weather fluctuations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bangalore, Karnataka: The Garden City" comment="subhead" text="Bangalore, Karnataka: The Garden City">Bangalore, Karnataka: The Garden City</cmsannotation> Bangalore, often referred to as the "Garden City" or "Silicon Valley of India," boasts a moderate climate year-round. With temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C, the city offers a pleasant escape from extreme weather. Its lush parks, botanical gardens, and vibrant nightlife make it a popular destination. Attractions: Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, and explore the city's bustling food scene. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pune, Maharashtra: Cultural and Educational Hub" comment="subhead" text="Pune, Maharashtra: Cultural and Educational Hub">Pune, Maharashtra: Cultural and Educational Hub</cmsannotation> Nestled amidst the Sahyadri mountain range, Pune enjoys a mild climate with temperatures averaging between 10°C to 35°C. The city's rich historical heritage, educational institutions, and serene surroundings attract tourists seeking a tranquil experience. Attractions: Explore Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, and take a trip to the nearby hill stations like Lonavala and Khandala. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chandigarh, Punjab: Planned Perfection" comment="subhead" text="Chandigarh, Punjab: Planned Perfection">Chandigarh, Punjab: Planned Perfection</cmsannotation> Chandigarh, India's first planned city, boasts a moderate climate with summers between 20°C to 37°C and winters around 5°C to 20°C. Its well-designed architecture, picturesque gardens, and vibrant culture make it a unique destination. Attractions: Visit the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and experience the city's vibrant nightlife. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mysore, Karnataka: Heritage and Temperate Climate" comment="subhead" text="Mysore, Karnataka: Heritage and Temperate Climate">Mysore, Karnataka: Heritage and Temperate Climate</cmsannotation> Renowned for its rich heritage and temperate climate, Mysore offers a comfortable climate year-round, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 30°C. The city's palaces, art galleries, and cultural festivities attract tourists from around the world. Attractions: Explore Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and indulge in the city's famous Mysore Pak sweets. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Aizawl, Mizoram: Serene Northeastern Charm" comment="subhead" text="Aizawl, Mizoram: Serene Northeastern Charm">Aizawl, Mizoram: Serene Northeastern Charm</cmsannotation> Tucked away in the northeast, Aizawl boasts a mild and pleasant climate, with temperatures averaging between 11°C to 25°C. Its lush landscapes, vibrant local culture, and picturesque views make it an ideal escape. Attractions: Visit Durtlang Hills, Reiek Tlang, and experience the local cuisine and traditional Mizo culture. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Gateway to the Himalayas" comment="subhead" text="Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Gateway to the Himalayas">Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Gateway to the Himalayas</cmsannotation> Surrounded by the Himalayas, Dehradun offers a temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 30°C. The city's natural beauty, educational institutions, and proximity to hill stations make it a serene getaway. Attractions: Explore Robber's Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, and take excursions to nearby Mussoorie and Rishikesh. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Tranquil Hill Station" comment="subhead" text="Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Tranquil Hill Station">Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Tranquil Hill Station</cmsannotation> Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal's mild climate, averaging between 11°C to 20°C, offers a serene hill station experience throughout the year. Its lush forests, scenic lakes, and serene atmosphere make it an enchanting destination. Attractions: Visit Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk, and indulge in homemade chocolates and eucalyptus oil. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Queen of Hill Stations" comment="subhead" text="Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Queen of Hill Stations">Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Queen of Hill Stations</cmsannotation> Known as the "Queen of Hill Stations," Ooty enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C. The city's botanical gardens, tea estates, and colonial charm make it a popular choice for nature enthusiasts. Attractions: Explore Ooty Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, and take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Tropical Paradise" comment="subhead" text="Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Tropical Paradise">Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Tropical Paradise</cmsannotation> With a tropical climate, Port Blair experiences temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. Its stunning beaches, rich marine life, and historical landmarks make it an appealing destination for nature and history lovers. Attractions: Visit Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach, and explore the underwater world with snorkeling and scuba diving. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Shillong, Meghalaya: Scotland of the East" comment="subhead" text="Shillong, Meghalaya: Scotland of the East">Shillong, Meghalaya: Scotland of the East</cmsannotation> Revered for its breathtaking landscapes and <keyword id="553335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pleasant-weather" source="Orion">pleasant weather</keyword>, Shillong enjoys a mild climate, averaging between 4°C to 25°C. The city's picturesque hills, waterfalls, and vibrant music scene make it an idyllic destination year-round. Attractions: Explore Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, and experience the local Khasi culture and cuisine. These ten cities offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and consistently pleasant weather, making them top choices for travelers seeking an escape from extreme climates. Whether it's a serene hill station retreat or exploring vibrant city life, these destinations promise an unforgettable experience amidst favorable weather conditions year-round.

10 Best Indian cities with year-round pleasant weather for travelers

One aspect that always garners much traction on the <keyword id="19936553" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Budget" source="keywords">Budget</keyword> day is what got <keyword id="20257498" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cheaper" source="keywords">cheaper</keyword> and what got <keyword id="20286063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="costlier" source="keywords">costlier</keyword>. Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> as part of her Budget presentation proposed a host of tweaks in basic <keyword id="20454068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="customs-duty" source="keywords">customs duty</keyword> (BCD) for various products or items that are critical for manufacturing. In her Budget speech, Sitharaman proposed an exemption on customs duty on certain <keyword id="22516435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cancer-medicines" source="keywords">cancer medicines</keyword> and a reduction in duties on <keyword id="19920958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-phone" source="keywords">mobile phone</keyword> parts and chargers, aimed at bringing down their prices in the retail market. "With a three-fold increase in domestic production and almost 100-fold jump in exports of mobile phones over the last six years, the Indian mobile phone industry has matured. In the interest of consumers, I now propose to reduce the BCD on mobile phone, mobile PCBA and mobile charger to 15 per cent," said Sitharaman in her Budget speech that lasted around 90 minutes. To provide relief to cancer patients, she proposed to fully exempt three more medicines from customs duties. Imported <keyword id="19895579" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gold" source="keywords">gold</keyword>, silver, leather goods and seafood will also get cheaper, as duties were invariably lowered on them. Duty cut on gold would boost retail demand and help in curtailing smuggling in the world's second-biggest bullion market. "To enhance domestic value addition in gold and precious metal jewellery in the country, I propose to reduce customs duties on gold and silver to 6 per cent and that on platinum to 6.4 per cent." She also proposed changes in the customs duty on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors for use in medical X-ray machines under the <keyword id="20330318" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="phased-manufacturing-programme" source="keywords">Phased Manufacturing Programme</keyword>, so as to synchronise them with domestic capacity addition. Also, she proposed to fully exempt customs duties on 25 critical minerals and reduce basic customs duty on two of them. Minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements are critical for sectors like nuclear energy, renewable energy, space, defence, telecommunications, and high-tech electronics, said the finance minister. "This will provide a major fillip to the processing and refining of such minerals and help secure their availability for these strategic and important sectors," Sitharaman said. Putting energy transition on focus, as it is critical in the fight against climate change, the finance minister proposed to expand the list of exempted capital goods for use in the manufacture of solar cells and panels in the country. However, in view of sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity of solar glass and tinned copper interconnect, it was proposed not to extend the exemption of customs duties provided to them. To enhance competitiveness in marine products, the reduced duty on certain broodstock, polychaete worms, shrimp and fish feed to 5 per cent, besides exempting customs duty on various inputs for manufacture of shrimp and fish feed. Moving on to leather and textile, reduction in duty was announced for various items. "...to enhance the competitiveness of exports in the leather and textile sectors, I propose to reduce BCD on real down filling material from duck or goose," Sitharaman said. To reduce cost of production of steel and copper, two important raw materials, it was proposed to remove the customs duty on ferro nickel and blister copper. "I am also continuing with nil BCD (customs duty) on ferrous scrap and nickel cathode and concessional BCD of 2.5 per cent on copper scrap." On the flip side, to support chemicals and petrochemicals, an increase in duty was proposed. To support existing and new capacities in the pipeline, an increase in duty on ammonium nitrate from 7.5 to 10 per cent would be applicable. PVC flex banners are non-biodegradable and hazardous for environment and health. To curb their imports, a propose was made to raise the duty on them from 10 to 25 per cent. To incentivise domestic telecommunication equipment manufacturing, a propose to increase the duty from 10 to 15 per cent on PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) of specified telecom equipment was made. Explaining her rational behind the indirect taxes tweak, Sitharaman said her proposals for customs duties intend to support domestic manufacturing, deepen local value addition, promote export competitiveness, and simplify taxation, while keeping the interest of the general public and consumers surmount. In Budget 2022-23 too, the government reduced the number of customs duty rates.

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Seven years of GST has lowered taxes and improved lives of 140 crore Indians: PM

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