INDIA GST reforms Highlights 2025

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INDIA GST reforms Highlights 2025

1. INDIA GST reforms Major Rate Simplification

  • The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a major revamp of the GST structure, collapsing the four existing tax slabs into just two primary rates—5% and 18%, with a special 40% rate retained for select “sin” and luxury goods.

  • The existing four-tier GST regime (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) has been streamlined into two core slabs: 5% and 18%, plus a special 40% “sin and luxury” slab
  • The 40% rate targets tobacco products, carbonated beverages, pan masala, high-end luxury goods, and similar items.

2. Effective Date: A Strategic Rollout

  • These changes will take effect from 22 September 2025, aligning with the start of Navratri—an important festival period in India.

3. What Gets Cheaper (Or More Accessible)?

  • A wide range of essential and consumer items will benefit from lower rates:

  • Zero GST on staples like UHT milk, paneer, roti, paratha, chapati, and several life-saving cancer drugs.
  • Clean food and personal items (e.g., chocolates, noodles, butter, ghee, sauces, coffee, namkeen) are shifted to 5%.

4. Healthcare & Insurance — Big Wins

  • Life-saving medicines and a broad range of drugs now fall under nil or 5% GST.
  • Life and health insurance premiums are fully exempt from GST

5. Consumer Durables, Transport & Infrastructure — More Affordable

  •     Goods like air conditioners, TVs, dishwashers move from 28% down to 18%
  • Cement, small cars, bikes below 350 cc, 3‑wheelers, ambulances, and trucks now attract 18% instead of 28%.
  • Electric vehicles remain at 5% GST, offering continued support for sustainable mobility.

    • Everyday goods: packaged food, toothpaste, milk products, medicines — GST dropped to 5%.

    • Insurance products: now tax-exempt.

    • Electronics & appliances: TVs and air conditioners reduced from 28% to 18%.

    • Vehicles: most small cars now at 18% tax, while electric vehicles remain at 5%.

6. Agricultural, Education, Stationery & Household Goods

  • Bicycles, soaps, hair oil, shampoos, utensils, tableware, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and similar household items now at 5% (down from 12–18%).
  • Stationery (notebooks, maps, globes, pencils, erasers) now mostly nil or 5%.
  • Agricultural machinery, fertiliser inputs, bio‑pesticides, and related equipment are now taxed at 5%.

7. Tourism & Hospitality — Boost Ahead of Festive Season

  • Hotel rooms up to ₹7,500/day, and economy class flight tickets now taxed at 5%, down from 12%.

8. Some Items Got More Expensive

  • Apparel over ₹2,500—GST increased from 12% to 18%.

  • Other luxury and sin goods remain at the high 40% slab.

  • Coal’s tax was raised; fizzy drinks unchanged.

9. Economic Impact & Industry Reaction

  • The reform is expected to reduce inflation by up to 1.1 percentage points, while triggering a possible revenue dip of ₹48,000 crore (roughly $5–6 billion).

  • Industry response has been largely positive, citing improvements in compliance, affordability, and business sentiment.

10. Structural Reforms Beyond Rate Cuts (“GST 2.0”)

  • The reform isn’t just about tax slabs—it’s a broader shift to streamline GST systems:

    • Faster registration for small businesses (e.g. in 3 working days).

    • Automation: AI-powered invoice matching, e-way bill tracking, even blockchain for tamper-proof records.

    • Improved taxpayer experience with reduced compliance costs and digital enforcement.

11. Compliance Updates from April–July 2025

  • January 16, 2025:

    • GST on Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) cut to 5%; Gene Therapy fully exempt; Used vehicles taxed at 18% based on margin.

April 1, 2025:

  • Mandatory MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) for GST portal access.

  • e‑Way bills restricted to invoices from the past 180 days; extensions capped at 360 days.

  • GSTR‑7 and GSTR‑8 forms enhanced; new invoice series required each fiscal year.

  • Mandatory e-invoicing for credit notes and separate series per invoice type.

July 1, 2025:

  • Hard lock on auto‑populated GSTR‑3B values (no manual edits).

  • A three-year time limit imposed on filing past GST returns.

  • Launch of E-Way Bill Portal 2.

 

Best direction as per Vastu

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Best Directions

In Vastu Shastra, choosing the best directions for the house’s layout, including the entrance, bedroom, study room, kitchen, and toilet, is one of the most important factors. It is believed that energies flow based on its direction. If the directions are in favorable, it brings positive energy; however, if it is in an unfavorable direction, it can lead to difficultiesloss of money and live.

Best Room heater under Rs.500 in India

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Best Room heaters

Best Room heater price under Rs.500 in India

Room Heater is an Affordable Solutions for Winter Comfort

As winter, many of us look for ways to stay warm. Room heaters are one of the most effective and efficient ways to add warmth to small spaces without having to heat the entire house. If you are on a budget and looking for a heater priced under 500, you’re in luck, as there are a variety of options available that combine affordability and functionality.


Room Heater

Room heater

Room heater

Room heater

Features to Look for in Budget-Friendly Room Heaters

When choosing a room heater in the under-500 range, there are a few features to keep in mind that can improve performance and safety:

  • Safety Features: Even budget models often come with safety features such as automatic shut-off if the heater overheats or if it tips over. This is crucial, especially in homes with children or pets.
  • Energy Efficiency: Look for a heater with an adjustable thermostat to help control energy usage. Energy-efficient heaters use less electricity, helping you save on electricity bills while still keeping your space warm.
  • Portability: Most heaters in this price range are designed to be portable, making them easy to move from one room to another. Some models also come with handles or wheels for added convenience.

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Types of Room Heaters

  • Fan Heaters: Fan heaters are one of the most budget-friendly options available, often priced under 500. These heaters work by drawing in cool air, warming it with a heating element, and then blowing the warm air back into the room. While not the most energy-efficient option, fan heaters are effective for quickly warming small rooms and are very portable. They are a great choice for people who need instant heat.
  • Radiant Heaters: Radiant heaters operate by emitting infrared radiation that directly warms objects and people in their path. This type of heater works well for small spaces and provides a more even warmth compared to fan heaters. Radiant heaters can be a more energy-efficient choice as they heat objects rather than air, which can reduce heat loss.
  • Ceramic Heaters: Ceramic heaters are another popular choice, and many models are priced under 500. These heaters use ceramic plates that heat up when electricity passes through them. They are known for being quiet and providing consistent heat. Ceramic heaters are efficient, portable, and often come with added safety features like overheat protection, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Safety instructions for using a room heater:

  • Keep Flammable Materials Away: Ensure that there are no curtains, bedding, clothes, or paper near the heater. Maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet from any flammable objects.
  • Use on a Flat, Stable Surface: Place the heater on a flat, stable surface to prevent it from tipping over. Avoid placing it on uneven or soft surfaces like carpets or beds.
  • Do Not Overload Electrical Circuits: Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips, as they can overload and increase the risk of fire.
  • Turn Off When Leaving the Room: Always turn off the heater when leaving the room or going to sleep to prevent accidents. Avoid leaving it unattended for long periods.
  • Keep Heater Clean: Regularly clean the heater to remove dust, lint, or debris that may accumulate and obstruct airflow or pose a fire hazard.
  • Avoid Wet Areas: Never use a room heater in a bathroom, laundry room, or any area where it could get wet. Electric heaters and moisture are a dangerous combination.
  • Check for Damage: Inspect the heater for any signs of wear or damage, such as frayed wires, scorch marks, or unusual odors. If damaged, stop using it and have it repaired or replaced.
  • Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation, operation, and maintenance of the heater.
  • Use with Proper Ventilation: If using a fuel-powered heater, ensure the room is well-ventilated to avoid the buildup of harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
  • Keep Children and Pets Away: Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the heater to prevent burns or accidents. Never allow them to play near the heater.