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India’s <keyword id="23445999" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="carbonated-soft-drinks" source="keywords">carbonated soft drinks</keyword> (CSD) segment has hit a roadblock, unable to expand and reach its full potential, largely due to the high tax burden under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. A recent report from PTI, originally attributed to the economic think tank ICRIER says that despite the government’s initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the CSD industry is struggling to scale up due to the steep taxation. According to the report, India imposes one of the highest tax rates on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), with a total tax rate of 40% as of 2023. This figure is significantly higher than that of over 90% of the countries that tax SSBs, based on comparative data compiled by the World Bank. The report also added that global and domestic consumers are increasingly opting for low-sugar and zero-sugar varieties. Manufacturers around the world are reformulating their products to cater to health-conscious consumers, offering options like low-sugar, fruit-flavored, and zero-calorie drinks. In India, however, companies face an uphill battle. The high tax of 40%, irrespective of sugar content, is preventing firms from innovating and scaling their low-sugar or fruit-based CSD offerings. The report also highlighted that India, a leading global producer of fruits like mangoes and bananas, has untapped potential for incorporating these ingredients into the CSD sector. Yet, the country’s CSD industry lags behind other developing nations, such as Thailand and the Philippines, in terms of product variety and revenue generation. Despite generating $18.25 billion in revenue in 2022 and growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8% from 2017 to 2022, the sector remains underdeveloped. The report also underscored that India’s CSD market could be a major driver for investment and job creation, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities. However, the high tax rates, seen as a lucrative source of revenue for the government, are acting as a deterrent to the sector’s growth, preventing it from becoming a global competitor and unlocking its full economic potential. (With PTI inputs)

Indian consumers shifting towards low-sugar beverages, high GST rates stalling growth in carbonated soft drinks market

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

<keyword id="19906778" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Infosys" source="keywords">Infosys</keyword> says that the Karnataka State authorities are withdrawing the pre-show cause <keyword id="19951327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST" source="keywords">GST</keyword> notice issued to Infosys with a tax demand of Rs 32,403 crore, the company informed the exchange in a filing on Friday, "The Company has received a communication from Karnataka State authorities, withdrawing the pre-show cause notice and has directed the Company to submit a further response to DGGI central authority on this matter," said Infosys Earlier on Wednesday the Karnataka State GST authorities issued a pre-show cause notice to Infosys for payment of GST of Rs. 32,403 crores for the period July 2017 to March 2022 towards the expenses incurred by overseas branch offices of <keyword id="19916185" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Infosys-Limited" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Infosys Limited" meta.hostid="345" meta.entityid="Infosys Limited">Infosys Limited</keyword>. The Company responded to the pre-show cause notice and stated that the Company believes that as per regulations, GST is not applicable to these expenses. "Additionally, as per a recent Circular (circular number 210/4/2024 dated June 26, 2024) issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs on the recommendations of the <keyword id="19994390" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst-council" source="keywords">GST Council</keyword>, services provided by the overseas branches to Indian entity are not subject to GST," said the company. The clarification from Infosys came post news articles published on Wednesday for non-payment of GST towards expenses incurred by the overseas branches of the Company. Infosys said GST payments are eligible for credit or refund against the Infosys says that the Karnataka State authorities are withdrawing the pre-show cause GST notice issued to Infosys with a tax demand of Rs 32,403 crore, the company informed the exchange in a filing on Friday, "Infosys has paid all its GST dues and is fully in compliance with the central and state regulations on this matter," the statement said. (ANI) SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ola-electric-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112185870.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ola-electric-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112185870.cms" target="_blank">Ola Electric IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nothing-phone-2a-plus-with-dimensity-7350-pro-chipset-launched-in-india-starting-at-29999/articleshow/112164963.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nothing-phone-2a-plus-with-dimensity-7350-pro-chipset-launched-in-india-starting-at-29999/articleshow/112164963.cms" target="_blank">Nothing Phone (2a) Plus with Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset launched in India starting at ₹29,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-shipments-decline-by-2-in-q2-2024-xiaomi-retakes-the-throne/articleshow/112162312.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-shipments-decline-by-2-in-q2-2024-xiaomi-retakes-the-throne/articleshow/112162312.cms" target="_blank">Indian smartphone shipments decline by 2% in Q2 2024, Xiaomi retakes the throne</a>

Infosys says Karnataka govt withdrawing pre-show cause notice on GST notice

Union Minister of <keyword id="19994242" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-transport" source="keywords">Road Transport</keyword> and Highways, <keyword id="19897455" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nitin-Gadkari" source="keywords">Nitin Gadkari</keyword>, asked states to pitch for reducing GST on flex-engine cars. Gadkari stated that the government needs the support of the states to promote <keyword id="23007559" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flex-engine-vehicles" source="keywords">flex engine vehicles</keyword> by reducing GST up to 12 per cent on <keyword id="23007560" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flex-engines" source="keywords">flex engines</keyword>, cars, and scooters. "We will try to convince all the finance ministers. Yesterday I had the opportunity to discuss with the finance minister of Maharashtra and I told him, you please go to the meeting and put up this proposal for reducing GST up to 12 per cent on flex engines, cars, and scooters," he said. Addressing IFGE's India Bio-Energy and Tech Expo in New Delhi, the Union Minister added that factors such as economic viability, proven technology, availability of raw material, and marketability of the finished product are in favour of the development of these engines. Gadkari said that developing flex-fuel engines is the target of the government, and we have the "proven technology" to make it possible. "I feel that now the flex fuel is very, very important. Already the managing director of Tata, Suzuki and Toyota, they have decided to start flex engine car in the country," the Union Minister stated. Gadkari added, "So the flex engine is the ultimate target. As far as the market is concerned, there is huge potential. Everywhere, as far as a comparison between fossil fuel and <keyword id="20228373" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="biofuel" source="keywords">biofuel</keyword>, in the Indian scenario, the cost of biofuel is less and there is no pollution. So that is the important reason that it is going to be advantageous to the common man also," the Minister stated. Going further, Gadkari said that vehicle companies such as Bajaj, TVS, and Hero, along with two or three other companies, have their models ready with flex engines to run on 100 per cent <keyword id="20069651" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ethanol" source="keywords">ethanol</keyword>. He said, "Many of the generator manufacturers are working to change the diesel generators into ethanol. One of the companies is also they are taking an interest in converting 5 lakhs of telecommunication towers there and 250 crore litre consumption of diesel. Now they are also changing into ethanol." He further stated that the raw material is already available in India, there is a need to think about ways to increase the production of biomass, which can be useful for making biofuel. (ANI) "I feel that this is the time for the country that we have got very good potential. We need to create positivity and confidence in the minds of the stakeholders. Now things are open. The market is going to increase. Availability of ethanol, again, I am very much thankful to Hardeep Puri ji, our Minister group is there. We already have a clear policy now," Gadkari said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/realme-13-plus-5g-vs-iqoo-z9s-pro-battle-of-the-under-25000-smartphones/slidelist/112924868.cms">Realme 13 Plus 5G vs iQOO Z9s Pro – Battle of the under ₹25,000 smartphones</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/baazar-style-retail-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112920678.cms">Baazar Style Retail IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-launching-in-india-in-september-2024/slidelist/112917920.cms">Upcoming cars launching in India in September 2024</a>

Gadkari asked states to pitch for reducing GST on flex engine vehicles

The <keyword id="19994390" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST-Council" source="keywords">GST Council</keyword> on Saturday decided to tweak <keyword id="20452955" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tax-rates" source="keywords">tax rates</keyword> on items, including accommodation services for students and solar cookers, and took a host of taxpayer-friendly measures including waiver of interest and penalty for demand notices issued in the first three years of <keyword id="6354679" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="GST" source="Orion">GST</keyword> rollout. Briefing reporters after the 53rd <keyword id="3680839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST-Council-meeting" source="Orion">GST Council meeting</keyword>, Finance Minister <keyword id="129243" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="Orion">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> said the Council has recommended to roll-out the biometric-based <keyword id="20433416" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aadhaar-authentication" source="keywords">Aadhaar authentication</keyword> of registration applicants on pan-India basis in a phased manner. This will help check fraudulent registration done to avail input tax credit and evade taxes. To reduce litigation, the Council decided to fix a monetary limit for tax officers to file appeals before the GST Appellate Tribunal, the High Court and the Supreme Court at Rs 20 lakh, Rs 1 crore and Rs 2 crore, respectively. It also recommended reduction of the quantum of pre-deposit required to be paid by taxpayers for filing of appeals under Goods and Services Tax (GST). The maximum amount of pre-deposit for filing appeal with the appellate authority has been reduced from Rs 25 crore CGST and SGST each to Rs 20 crores CGST and SGST each. This will help ease cash flow and working capital blockage for the taxpayers. "The 53rd GST Council meeting has taken a number of decisions on trade facilitation, easing compliance burden and giving relief to taxpayers in terms of easing compliance," Sitharaman said. The Minister said the next meeting of the GST Council will be held in August in which the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation under Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sumant Chaudhary, will give a presentation on the status of the work and aspects covered by the panel and work pending before the panel. "What was decided in the Council is, when we meet in the next GST Council meeting we will start a discussion on rate rationalisation... There will be a presentation by the GoM irrespective of whether the report is draft... and then Council will start the discussion on rate rationalisation in the next meeting in August," Sitharaman said. The GST Council on Saturday recommended to exempt Accommodation Services of up to Rs 20,000 per person per month from GST. This is subject to the condition that these services are supplied for a minimum continuous period of 90 days. "It's primarily meant for students," Sitharaman said. In a taxpayer friendly move, the Council has decided to waive interest and penalties for demand notices issued under Section 73 of the CGST Act (for cases not involving fraud, suppression or wilful misstatement) for the fiscal years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, if the full tax demanded is paid by March 31, 2025. GST, which subsumed 17 local taxes and cesses, was rolled out on July 1, 2017. With its introduction, prices of various products and services used by masses have moderated. As per the CBIC data, mobile phones and many household items including TV, refrigerator, washing machine and AC have become cheaper post GST. It has reduced burden on household income and improved affordability. The Council also decided to refer the standing committee's recommendation to exempt GST on fertiliser and cut rates on raw materials to the GoM on rate rationalisation. Currently, GST is levied at 5 per cent on fertilisers, while its raw materials like sulphuric acid and ammonia face 18 per cent tax. Also the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rate for e-commerce suppliers has been cut from present 1 per cent to 0.5 per cent, which will ease the financial burden on the suppliers making supplies through E-commerce platform. Besides, services provided by Indian Railways to the general public, namely, sale of platform tickets, facility of retiring rooms/waiting rooms, cloak room services and battery-operated car services as well as intra-railway transactions would be exempt from GST. GST Council has prescribed a uniform rate of 12 per cent on all milk cans meaning steel, iron, aluminum which are irrespective of the use. The Council also recommended a uniform GST rate of 12 per cent on all carton boxes and cases of both corrugated and non-corrugated paper or paper board, which in particular, help the apple growers of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu &amp; Kashmir. All types of Sprinklers, including fire water sprinklers, will attract 12 per cent GST. Solar Cookers, whether it has a single or dual energy source, too will attract a 12 per cent tax. The Council also decided that GST anti-profiteering provisions will have a sunset date of April 1, 2025. Current cases and investigations with regard to profiteering complaints will be handled by the Principal bench of GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), instead of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Also, the time limit to avail input tax credit w.r.t. any invoice or debit note through any GSTR 3B return filed up to November 30, 2021 for FY 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21, has been fixed at November 30, 2021. Sitharaman said less than two per cent of the total 58.62 lakh taxpayers under Central GST administration has been sent tax notices and the intention of the government is to make GST assessees life easier by reducing compliance requirements. "I want to reassure the assessees that our intent is to make GST assessees life easier, we are working towards less and less compliance. On behalf of the CGST, notices are not being sent left, right and centre. Only 1.96 per cent of all active tax assessees have been sent notices from Central GST," Sitharaman said.

GST Council tweaks tax rates; Waives interest, penalty on tax dues for first 3 years of rollout

<ul><li>The <keyword id="19955368" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Budget-2024" source="keywords">Budget 2024</keyword> will be tabled by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23.</li><li>The tech and electronics industry’s expectations from the Budget 2024 include a push for localisation, <keyword id="20335594" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reduced-GST" source="keywords">reduced GST</keyword> and more.</li><li>Here are the key expectations from the tech and electronics industry from Budget 2024.</li></ul> The Budget 2024 is set to be tabled on July 23 by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and like each sector, the Indian tech and electronics industry is ready with its list of expectations from the Narendra Modi-led government in the upcoming budget. The Indian government has been pushing for an increase in electronics manufacturing in India with schemes like Make in India and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This article delves into the key budget expectations of the tech and electronics industry in India. <h2><keyword id="19869633" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Budget-2024-expectations" source="Orion">Budget 2024 expectations</keyword></h2>In the last budget, the government had reduced taxes on key smartphone components such as camera lenses and lithium-ion batteries. This move was aimed at boosting smartphone production in India and bringing the costs down. Companies and consumers both will hope for similar boosts in the upcoming budget as well. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111573138" title="Union Budget 2024: When will it be presented, what time, where to watch and what are various sectors expecting?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The <keyword id="19981334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PLI-scheme" source="keywords">PLI scheme</keyword> has played a key role in boosting domestic production in various sectors. The introduction of a revamped PLI scheme for the manufacture of various consumer technology products such as smartphones, laptops, wearables and more will give a good boost to domestic production. “Guided by Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we seek government support for extensively localizing component production, fostering a lucrative environment where homegrown brands can lead globally. Incentivizing domestic production through tax breaks, subsidies, and R&amp;D funding will enhance India's manufacturing capabilities,” said Amit Khatri, co-founder, Noise. Industry leaders are hoping for steps aimed at boosting the disposable income of consumers. “Higher disposable incomes will lead to a promising growth impetus. We look forward to a budget that will create a stable and growth-oriented tax environment, which will help in ease of doing business, and will lead to increased economic activity and demand generation,” said Pradeep Bakshi, chief executive officer, Voltas. Companies are also hoping for simplified GST rules and reduced GST rates. In one such instance, TV makers are hoping for a reduced GST rate for TVs sized above 32 inches. “One expected move is reducing the GST rate on LED TVs larger than 32-inches from 28% to 18%. This change aims to boost consumer spending in the electronics sector. Expanding PLI schemes to include smart TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines is also important for market growth and improving manufacturing capabilities,” said Avneet Singh Marwah, chief executive officer, Super Plastronics. In addition to measures aimed at boosting domestic production, companies are also hoping for antidumping duties to ensure fair competition with Chinese companies. "While the government has made significant strides in supporting Indian manufacturers through initiatives like the 'Made in India' campaign and the PLI scheme, there is a pressing need to level the competitive playing field. Anticipations include measures such as antidumping duties to ensure fair competition against Chinese and other international companies in the industry,” said Imran Kagalwala, co-founder, UNIX India. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/economic-survey-2024-public-sector-investment-drives-infrastructure-growth-but-private-investment-needed/articleshow/111927594.cms">Economic Survey highlights public sector investment's role in driving infra growth; Underlines need for private sector to step up</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-expectations-fame-scheme-aid-for-vehicle-scrapping-and-other-expectations-of-the-auto-industry/articleshow/111783199.cms">Budget 2024 Expectations: FAME scheme, aid for vehicle scrapping and other expectations of the auto industry</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-key-sustainability-and-energy-initiatives-that-indian-government-plans-to-implement-this-year/articleshow/111917956.cms">Budget 2024: Key sustainability and energy initiatives that Indian government plans to implement this year</a>

Budget 2024 expectations – PLI scheme to GST reduction, budget expectations from the tech industry

<ul><li>The <keyword id="15478236" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-2024" source="Orion">Budget 2024</keyword> will be tabled by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23.</li><li>The <keyword id="20081557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-industry" source="keywords">auto industry</keyword>’s expectations from the Budget 2024 include FAME 3 scheme, incentives for hybrids and more.</li><li>Here are the key expectations from the auto industry for the Budget 2024.</li></ul> The Budget 2024 is set to be tabled on July 23 by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and like each sector, the Indian auto industry also has set a lot of expectations from the Narendra Modi-led government’s first budget of its third term. From a boost to electric vehicles to infrastructure development, the auto sector has a series of expectations that it hopes will be addressed in the upcoming budget. This article delves into the key budget expectations of the auto industry in India <h2>FAME 3 scheme</h2>The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME 2) has been integral for the electric vehicle (EV) makers as it has helped keep EVs affordable for the common man. With the government<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/government-is-reportedly-reworking-the-fame-ii-scheme-to-ensure-companies-use-domestic-components/articleshow/93752352.cms"> reworking</a> the FAME 2 scheme and then<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-scooters-get-a-price-hike-of-up-to-16000-as-fame-subsidy-ends/slidelist/109136771.cms"> ending the scheme</a>, the prices of EVs have increased. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111573138" title="Union Budget 2024: When will it be presented, what time, where to watch and what are various sectors expecting?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> With Budget 2024, EV makers will look towards the government for the FAME 3 scheme. The government is expected to announce the FAME 3 scheme with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore. While the exact details of the scheme will only be known once the budget is announced, it will be aimed at boosting demand by subsiding the cost, while also promoting local manufacturing of key components. “In the upcoming budget, we advocate for initiatives and subsidy structures without segment caps which will in turn foster innovation and growth across multiple segments. Recent discussions surrounding the implementation of FAME 3 present a notable opportunity to enhance EV adoption in India,” said Niraj Rajmohan, CTO and Co-Founder, Ultraviolette. "Proposed measures to promote e-buses and enhance payment security are crucial for accelerating sustainable transportation. Comprehensive support for the entire EV ecosystem is essential. Anticipated policy reforms like FAME-III and increased funding for critical EV segments will foster holistic industry growth," said Kartikey Hariyani, Founder and CEO, Charge Zone. <h2>Petrol and diesel under GST</h2>One of the frequent demands recently has been to bring petrol and diesel under goods and services tax (GST) to bring the fuel prices under control. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that the government will try to bring petrol and diesel under GST. At present, the central government levies excise duty on petrol and diesel, while the state government imposes value-added tax (VAT) and sales tax. <h2>Incentives for hybrids</h2>While electric vehicles have long been subsidised by both state and central governments, hybrids have not received the same love. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier this year<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/gadkari-vows-to-eliminate-petrol-diesel-vehicles-in-india-bats-for-lower-tax-for-hybrid-cars/articleshow/108936085.cms"> pitched</a> for lower GST on hybrid vehicles. “The proposal to reduce GST on hybrid vehicles to 5% and to 12% for flex engines has been sent to the Finance ministry which is considering the requisition,” Gadkari said. Companies like Maruti Suzuki have a strong presence in hybrids and have a lot to gain from incentives, while companies like Tata Motors who do not have hybrid technology may take a hit on EV sales. With the government looking to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel cars, hybrids may finally get some incentives in the upcoming budget. The UP government has already started offering incentives to select hybrid cars. <h2><keyword id="22433272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-scrapping" source="keywords">Vehicle scrapping</keyword></h2>Industry bodies such as the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) have sought incentives for vehicle scrapping. These are vehicles that have crossed a certain age and are being scrapped keeping in mind the pollution. While a policy is already in place, the stakeholders are looking for increased incentives, especially for commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, which account for most of the emissions. <h2>PLI scheme</h2>Automakers are also looking for increased incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, for both ICE and EVs. Companies want the scheme to be expanded to more components, including tyres, which have seen a lot of changes. 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Budget 2024 Expectations: FAME scheme, aid for vehicle scrapping and other expectations of the auto industry

<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

With just 2 days to go before finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the union budget 2024, various sectors are abuzz with their expectations from the first full fledged budget to be presented under PM Modi's third consecutive term. Most experts anticipate the budget to focus heavily on boosting consumer demand and accelerating infrastructure development. In fact, president Murmu has already hinted that the budget will be historic, both in its scope and announcements. As such, what is it that the Indian insurance industry, driven by IRDA's vision of "Insurance for all by 2047" want from this budget? Lets find out <h2>Capture the <keyword id="21409017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="annuity-market" source="keywords">annuity market</keyword> </h2>Subhrajit Mukhopadhyay, Executive Director, Edelweiss <keyword id="19936531" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="life-insurance" source="keywords">Life Insurance</keyword> anticipates that the upcoming budget should tackle the issue of how annuities are taxed. Currently, they are completely taxable in the hands of customers, which reduce its attractiveness, vis a vis other retirement planning options like NPS (National Pension System). According to a recent report by UNFPA, the population of number of individuals in the country who are aged 60 or more is set to double to around 346 million in the next 30 years. As such, it becomes all the more important to create awareness regarding retirement planning, and ensuring the aged have a secure, stable source of income in their twilight years, which is where annuities come in. "India’s vast ageing population underlines its burgeoning pension and annuity market. Annuity caters to the key dilemma of a pensioner, for a life-long pension at a steady, guaranteed rate and exposes the investors to a reinvestment rate risk especially in a volatile interest rate scenario. Annuities are the only solution, which provide complete protection from the perspective of living longer (i.e. outliving one’s corpus), by providing a regular flow of income throughout one’s lifetime, purchased in lieu of a single lump-sum amount. Currently, tax incentive is offered for people to accumulate corpus in NPS under Section 80CCD (1b ). A similar incentive may also be extended to annuities", noted Mukhopadhyay <h2>Separate sops for <keyword id="19894985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance" source="keywords">health insurance</keyword> premiums </h2>One of the most vocal demands of the insurance industry at the moment is to increase the tax deduction limit for premiums paid towards life and health insurance. At present, individuals aged below 60 can claim an annual deduction of up to Rs 25,000 towards health insurance premiums paid for self, spouse or children. The limit goes up to Rs 50,000 in case of senior citizens. Mr. Rakesh Goyal, Managing Director, Probusinsurance.com hopes that the budget will raise this limit to Rs 50,000 for self, spouse, and children, and Rs 1 lakh for senior citizens. Anup Rau Managing Director &amp; Chief Executive Officer of Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, agrees to this. “Making insurance products affordable and accessible to masses will be crucial to ensure India achieves “Insurance for All by 2047” – a goal set by IRDAI - and this calls for certain <keyword id="20071222" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tax-incentives" source="keywords">tax incentives</keyword>. The deduction limit on health insurance premium under Section 80D has remained unchanged for the past nine years despite the fact that there has been a significant rise in healthcare costs across the country. Interestingly, India, which surpasses South Asian peers with a medical inflation rate of 14%, last witnessed an enhancement in the deduction limit in 2015-16. Also, these benefits need to be extended to the new tax regime as well since increasing health <keyword id="20998941" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="insurance-penetration" source="keywords">insurance penetration</keyword> is critical", he adds. Goyal goes a step ahead, and advocates for creating a separate exemption limit for insurance premiums, in addition to the existing threshold of Rs 1,50,000. "Right now, Indians get a tax exemption of Rs 1.5 lakh every year, but it's crowded with various financial products. We would expect the limit to increase or to establish a separate exemption limit specifically for life insurance premiums. This move would help increase countrywide insurance penetration", says Goyal. Krishnan Ramachandran, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD&amp;CEO) of Niva Bupa Health Insurance also advocates for the 80D tax exemption to be linked to inflation and revised periodically. Also, per him, tax exemptions should also extend to dependent family members like siblings. Syed Meraj Naqvi,CEO &amp; Principal Officer, Riskbirbal Insurance Brokers also thinks on similar lines. "Adding a portion of medical insurance premiums for tax relief alongside the current 1,50,000 deduction limit would not only ease financial burdens but also encourage the younger generation to embrace saving habits. It’s about nurturing a mindset of financial responsibility while ensuring adequate healthcare coverage for all", he notes. Parimal Heda, Chief Investment Officer, Go Digit General Insurance believes that a good way to increase insurance coverage amongst young individuals is by offering a significant tax discount. "This could also be considered particularly for first-time health insurance buyers, especially youngsters. A tax exemption of 200% of the premium amount can be considered under chapter VIA. This can later be reduced in a phased manner of four years to make the same at par with the existing tax benefit provided under Section 80D", Heda observes. <h2>Don't overlook home, vehicle insurance </h2>Even though motor insurance, which makes up for around 50% of the non-life insurance industry (sans health) grew at around 12.9% in FY24, touching Rs 91,781.3 crore, over 50% of vehicles don’t even have a third-party (TP) motor insurance. To counter this, Heda suggests a one-time tax exemption can be offered to people to renew their lapsed TP policy. Additionally, given the increasing frequency of natural calamities adversely impacting human property, it is necessary to increase home insurance penetration to protect homeowners. Per Heda, the government, with the help of RERA can make home insurance mandatory for new homeowners, for which a tax deduction of up to Rs 25,000 can also be considered on home insurance premiums. However, a word of advice. Do not wait for tax breaks, or budget announcements to buy a life, or health insurance in case you already don't have one. Get one right away!

Budget 2024: Three things the insurance sector want from FM Sitharaman this budget.

Mumbai: The rupee fell sharply by 15 paise against the US dollar to 83.44 in early trade on Wednesday amid muted trends in the domestic equity markets. However, a decline in the dollar index and a marginal fall in the Brent crude index prevented further losses in the domestic unit, according to experts. At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 84.38 -- down 9 paise from its previous close -- and then slid further to 84.44, registering a decline of 15 paise from its previous close. On Tuesday, the rupee pared its intra-day losses to settle flat at 84.29 against the US dollar. "The <keyword id="24182640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-banking-liquidity" source="keywords">Indian banking liquidity</keyword> fell into deficit as industry players paid Rs 1.6-1.8 lakh crore as GST payment. This was after two months that liquidity has fallen into a deficit as the RBI also intervened into forex markets to defend the rupee weighing on liquidity conditions," Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, said. "The rupee may be in the broad range of 84.00 to 84.50 in the near term as markets await a slew of data from the US this evening," Bhansali added. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was down 0.15 per cent to 106.84. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was marginally down 0.10 per cent to USD 72.74 per barrel in futures trade. In the domestic equity market, the 30-share equity benchmark Sensex was trading 46.69 points lower, or 0.06 per cent, at 79,957.57 points. <keyword id="19932515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Foreign-Institutional-Investors" source="keywords">Foreign Institutional Investors</keyword> (FIIs) were net buyers in the capital markets on Tuesday, purchasing shares worth Rs 1,157.70 crore, according to exchange data.

Rupee falls 15 paise to 83.44 against US dollar in early trade

New Delhi, Asset management companies launched 212 <keyword id="20372350" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-fund-offerings" source="keywords">new fund offerings</keyword> mobilising Rs 63,854 crore in 2023, marginally higher from previous year, on the back of significant uptrends in broader markets. In comparison, Asset Management Companies (AMCs) garnered Rs 62,187 crore through 228 New Fund Offerings (NFOs) in 2022. Further, they collected Rs 99,704 crore in 2021 and Rs 53,703 crore in 2020, according to data compiled by <keyword id="20372349" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="morningstar-india" source="keywords">Morningstar India</keyword>. "The trend towards the financialisation of assets in India is unmistakable. Aligned with changing consumption behaviours and a need for a higher standard of living, investors recognise the importance of long-term investing. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity for financial planning and the creation of liquid assets to address emergencies and pave the way for wealth-building," FYERS Research said in its report. It further said that "despite indices exhibiting strength, propelled by robust economic activity, steady <keyword id="19951327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst" source="keywords">GST</keyword> collections, and confidence in government reforms and policies, anticipating a similar outperformance in 2024 may not be prudent. Valuations across various market capitalisations look elevated, advocating a cautious approach to direct equities in the short term". As per the FYERS report, the January-March period of 2023 saw the highest number of NFOs at 57. However, the peak fund mobilisation occurred in the July-September period, totalling Rs 22,049 crore. Additionally, 29 thematic or sectoral funds raised an aggregate of Rs 17,946 crore in 2023. With an increased risk appetite for equities and awareness of products and offerings, retail investors opted for higher-risk products like thematic and sectoral funds compared to other products. Usually, NFOs come during a surging market when investor sentiments are high and optimistic. The NFOs were floated to capitalise on the mood of investors and attract their investment as they were willing to invest at that time. Industry experts said that the stock market performance along with the positive investor sentiments led to higher fund mobilisation through NFOs in 2023. In the year 2023, Nifty 50 index delivered a return of 20 per cent, majorly supported by earnings growth. <keyword id="19994732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nifty-midcap" source="keywords">Nifty Midcap</keyword> and <keyword id="20118967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nifty-smallcap" source="keywords">Nifty Smallcap</keyword> indices recorded impressive returns of 47 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) infused a substantial Rs 1.7 lakh crore into the market and the infusion played a pivotal role in propelling Indian equities beyond the USD 4 trillion market capitalization milestone. Overall, the mutual fund industry saw a net inflow of Rs 2.74 lakh crore in 2023 as compared to an inflow of over Rs 71,000 crore in the preceding year. The huge inflow could be on the back of sustained investors' interest in equity funds, arbitrage funds, and index funds &amp; ETFs. Debt schemes experienced a net outflow of Rs 46,100 crore last year, while equity schemes saw substantial inflows of Rs 1.62 lakh crore, closely followed by hybrid category schemes at Rs 93,208 crore.

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Budget 2024: Three things the insurance sector want from FM Sitharaman this budget.

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