INSURANCE SECTOR REFORM
FM Sitharaman has a message of hope for exporters hit by Trump tariffs
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Indian government is developing a support package for exporters facing a 50% US tariff, initiated partly due to continued oil imports from Russia. Various ministries are assessing the tariff's impact on sectors like textiles, gems, and leather.
Govt keeping 'good watch' on rupee, several currencies declined against USD: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Sitharaman stated the government is closely monitoring exchange rates as the rupee depreciates against the strengthening US dollar, a trend affecting multiple currencies. The rupee hit a record low amid concerns over US tariffs, including a 50% levy on Indian goods.
GST Council's decision to simplify tax structure will make taxation more 'transparent': IOB
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) council is set to simplify the tax structure. This move aims to make taxation more transparent. Indian Overseas Bank anticipates a boost in rural consumption by 8-10 percent. Increased demand is expected across various sectors. Farmers will benefit from reduced costs on agricultural products. Price cuts on essentials will provide relief to consumers.
GST overhaul a people's reform, touches every family: FM Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman calls GST overhaul a 'people's reform'. Rate rationalization will benefit families and boost the economy. Prices of nearly 400 products will decrease from September 22. Premium on health and life insurance will be tax-free. The GST slab structure will change to 5% and 18%. Daily food items will fall under the 5% slab.
GST reductions to boost cooperatives, farmers, rural enterprises
The Ministry of Cooperation reports that recent GST reforms will strengthen the cooperative sector, enhance product competitiveness, and boost rural entrepreneurship. Rate reductions benefit farming, animal husbandry, and food processing, making essential goods more affordable. Dairy farmers and consumers receive direct relief through exemptions and lowered taxes on related products, promoting sustainable practices and increasing incomes for cooperatives.
New GST rates, coming into effect this Navratri, to boost economy: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the 2025-26 Budget's income tax relief and GST rate rationalization will significantly boost India's economy. Effective September 22, the GST reforms will simplify taxation, reduce rates on daily-use goods, and stimulate consumption, potentially adding Rs 20 lakh crore to the GDP.
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GST reforms to set stage for next investment cycle, provide tailwind for growth in coming quarters and years: Sanjiv Bajaj
Sanjiv Bajaj hailed the government’s GST rate cuts as the biggest reform since 2017, calling it a major driver for demand, lending, and financial services. He expects festive spending, MSME growth, and housing finance to benefit, alongside expanded insurance coverage due to exemptions.
Pharma sector hails GST cut as a landmark move toward affordable healthcare
GST rates on 33 life-saving drugs have been reduced to zero, while rates on other medicines and diagnostics have been cut to 5%. The industry welcomes the reform as a major relief for patients.
GST reforms a growth trigger, dips offer opportunity, says Rahul Shah
He noted that the downside in equities is likely to remain limited, with sentiment gradually improving across sectors. “The clear beneficiaries we saw in the initial round were consumer discretionary companies, FMCG, auto companies, and so on. My sense is we will continue to see more upside in the markets, and any decline in the near term would be a good opportunity to invest.”
GST 2.0 is here. How should you tweak your mutual fund portfolio
GST 2.0 is set to revamp India's indirect tax system. Experts suggest domestic-facing sectors will benefit. Sectors like autos, staples, and retail may see better demand. Premium apparel and luxury cars could face pressure. The revised rates will be effective from September 22, 2025. Investors should consider their risk appetite before tweaking their mutual fund portfolio.
HDFC Life shares in focus as revised GST structure to kick in from September 22
HDFC Life shares: The insurer announced adoption of the revised GST structure on all insurance products from September 22, 2025. The company said the GST cut will make policies more affordable, boost demand, and aid long-term growth
A GST 'Budget' for aspiring citizens
The Indian government has implemented significant economic reforms. These reforms include GST rate rationalization and structural changes. The aim is to boost India's competitiveness and economic growth. Rate reductions on essential goods will benefit citizens. This will lead to increased consumption and GDP growth. Simplified tax structure and trade facilitation are also key components. MSMEs will experience easier business operations.
Spreading the safety net farther and wider
Waiving GST on health and life insurance premiums, though potentially regressive, could boost insurance penetration and reduce the state's social security burden. This move aims to address affordability issues, attract foreign investment, and stimulate domestic consumption amidst slowing growth. Ultimately, it seeks to improve insurance sector reforms and mitigate external volatility.
GST rate cuts complement Ayushman Bharat, PMJAY, says health ministry
The government's GST reforms aim to make healthcare more accessible and affordable by exempting health and life insurance premiums, reducing taxes on essential medicines and medical products. These changes complement initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY, encouraging wider insurance adoption and lowering healthcare costs for citizens. The move also supports preventive healthcare by maintaining high taxes on harmful goods.
Bankers say GST Council decision to boost consumption, credit growth
Bankers anticipate that the GST Council's recent decisions, including reduced tax rates on various goods, will significantly boost consumption and credit expansion. This reform, effective September 22, 2025, is expected to increase disposable incomes, stimulate demand across sectors like retail and agriculture, and ultimately drive substantial economic growth. Businesses will also benefit from simplified compliance and improved competitiveness.
Govt delivers 'GST Diwali bonanza': Cheaper essentials, big relief on insurance premiums
India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) undergoes a major overhaul, eight years after its launch, with the GST Council approving significant rate cuts on numerous everyday items. Effective September 22nd, the new rates aim to boost consumption by shifting to a two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, abolishing the 12% and 28% rates.
GST overhaul lifts new-age stocks PB Fintech, Nykaa, FirstCry
The new regime has abolished tax on individual life and health insurance products sold by companies such as LIC, SBI Life Insurance and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. This move is likely to boost premiums and customer adoption of such products.
GST reforms will mostly help poor; Andhra govt failed to demand compensation: CPI(M)
CPI(M)'s V Srinivas Rao acknowledged that GST reforms could lower prices and benefit the poor, but criticized the Andhra Pradesh government for not seeking compensation for potential income loss. APCC's Kolanukonda Sivaji claimed the reforms were a result of Rahul Gandhi's campaign and international pressure, demanding compensation for states and relief for MSMEs.
GST reforms set to boost FMCG, auto, insurance and hospitality sectors: Saurabh Mukherjea
India's Goods and Services Tax reforms are set to stimulate consumption and vital economic sectors. Saurabh Mukherjea highlights potential benefits for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods and the auto industry. He favors large-cap quality stocks. Insurance and business-focused hospitality also present opportunities. However, personal credit growth may face challenges due to job cuts. Mukherjea welcomes the reduced GST on popcorn.
GST 2.0: How mutual fund experts decode government’s rationalisation move
The 56th GST Council meeting, led by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on September 3, set the stage for a major revamp of India’s indirect tax framework.
Consumption boost and GST reforms set to drive economic growth and sectoral gains: Sunil Subramaniam
India’s economic landscape is poised for a significant uplift following the government’s recent policy announcements aimed at boosting consumption and reducing GST burdens.
Anand Mahindra calls for ‘more reforms to unleash consumption and investment’ after GST rate cuts
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled major changes to the GST structure, reducing taxes on a range of items spanning essentials, automobiles, farm inputs and electronic goods. Branded as the “Next-Gen GST Reform,” the decision was pitched as a Diwali gift that would lower household expenses, ease business costs and stimulate wider economic activity.
GST relief to boost insurance penetration, ease burden on policyholders: Nilesh Sathe
The government's GST reform has eliminated the 18% tax on insurance premiums, a move expected to boost insurance penetration in India. While policyholders will benefit from lower costs, insurers may face challenges in adjusting premium structures due to the loss of input tax credit, potentially squeezing profit margins, especially on renewal policies.
Finally have to follow Rahul Gandhi's advice: Pawan Khera slams Centre on GST reforms after 8 years
Congress leaders Pawan Khera and P Chidambaram have criticized the Centre's next-generation GST reforms, deeming them overdue. They highlight Rahul Gandhi's earlier advocacy for an 18% GST cap, questioning the government's delayed response. The reforms, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aim to reduce GST rates, providing relief across various sectors with revised slabs of 5%, 18%, and 40%.
ICICI Pru, LIC, other insurance stocks rise up to 6% after GST council scraps tax on life, health policies
Insurance stocks: GST Council has scraped 18% tax on all individual life and health insurance policies, effective Sept 22, 2025. Relief extends to ULIPs, endowment, health plans, and reinsurance. GST on goods carriage third-party cover cut from 12% to 5%.
Diwali cheer comes early for Indian middle class as Sitharaman announces GST 2.0
Diwali arrives early for the Indian middle class. The GST Council reduces tax slabs to 5% and 18%. Food, essentials, and durables become cheaper. Families save money on various products. Personal care items and smaller cars also see tax cuts. Health insurance becomes exempt from GST. The new rates are effective from September 22, 2025.
FDI up 15 pc to USD 18.62 bn in Apr-June FY26; inflow from US triples
Foreign Direct Investment in India increased by 15 percent, reaching 18.62 billion US dollars during April to June. The United States became the largest investor, contributing 5.61 billion US dollars. Karnataka received the highest inflow of investments. The government has implemented investor-friendly policies and reforms across various sectors. These reforms aim to liberalize FDI norms and attract more overseas investments.
Oman’s 10-year Golden Visa: Who is eligible and how much does it cost
Oman launched a golden residency program on August 31, offering long-term visas to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals as part of its Vision 2040 reforms. The program features two tiers with varying investment requirements for 10-year and 5-year residencies. This initiative aims to boost investor confidence, increase capital inflows, and diversify Oman's economy.
Legal and regulatory landscapes set to transform with InsurTech and AI in insurance: Lokanath Prasad Kar, ElpeeCo
India's insurance sector is rapidly evolving, driven by new risks and technological advancements. While IRDAI's "Use & File" approach fosters product innovation, pricing remains a challenge due to limited claims data. Focus should shift towards popularizing insurance as a risk management tool, with InsurTech playing a crucial role in accessibility.
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