News for 'Essential Service'

GST revamp to see rates of 5%, 18%; 40% tax on 7 items

GST revamp to see rates of 5%, 18%; 40% tax on 7 items

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The central government has proposed just two tax rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent in the revamped Goods and Services Tax (GST), slated to replace the current indirect tax regime by Diwali this year, highly placed sources said.

The Woman Who Dared To Democratise Wealth

The Woman Who Dared To Democratise Wealth

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

'Success isn't about a single brilliant idea; it's about the relentless execution, the ability to withstand the storms, and the unwavering belief in your mission, even when no one else sees it,' Madhu Lunawat, founder, The Wealth Company.

Why was Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA?

Why was Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA?

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

'His series of provocative speeches, references to Nepal agitations, Arab Spring etc and misleading videos resulted in the violent protests of September 24 in Leh where institutions, buildings and vehicles were burnt down and, in the aftermath, police personnel were attacked leading to the unfortunate death of four individuals'

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed changes in digital know your customer (KYC) guidelines for persons with disability and acid attack survivors, citing the right to digital access as an intrinsic component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court found that existing KYC procedures, which require visual tasks such as head movements and facial positioning, pose significant challenges for these groups, preventing them from accessing essential services like bank accounts and welfare schemes. The court emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring universal accessibility to digital services for all citizens.

GST cut on drugs, medical devices to help patients

GST cut on drugs, medical devices to help patients

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The government's move to cut GST on medicines and medical devices while exempting lifesaving drugs from the levy is a bold step that will bring direct relief to patients and families while significantly reducing financial strain on them, pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry players said on Thursday.

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

Amazon cuts seller fees, boosts AI tools ahead of festive shopping season

Amazon cuts seller fees, boosts AI tools ahead of festive shopping season

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Amazon India is repositioning itself as a comprehensive business partner rather than just an e-commerce platform, slashing seller fees and introducing artificial intelligence-powered tools ahead of the country's crucial festive shopping season that could determine the year's retail performance.

Thousands evacuated from flooded areas of Jammu

Thousands evacuated from flooded areas of Jammu

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Over 5,000 people have been evacuated from flooded areas in the Jammu region following heavy rains and flash floods. Rescue and relief operations are underway to restore essential services and provide assistance to those affected.

'Where Are We Today, And Are We Moving Towards A Better Tomorrow?'

'Where Are We Today, And Are We Moving Towards A Better Tomorrow?'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

'You don't have to lose your identity to be part of Congress. You can be who you are, as long as you believe in the core principle of strong citizenry and nation-building through that concept'

GST reforms will cause Rs 3,700 crore revenue loss to govt: SBI report

GST reforms will cause Rs 3,700 crore revenue loss to govt: SBI report

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The State Bank of India (SBI) in its latest research report said that reforms in GST through reduction in rates will cause a minimal revenue loss of Rs 3,700 crore. The government estimates the net fiscal impact of GST rates rationalisation will be Rs 48,000 crore on an annualised basis.

Tharoor backs Bihar voter review, hails GST reforms

Tharoor backs Bihar voter review, hails GST reforms

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) was 'essential', as electoral rolls were not perfect.

Protein Craze Sweeps India

Protein Craze Sweeps India

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

How much protein is needed for a healthy daily diet? A healthy adult needs a minimum of 0.80 gram of protein for every kilogramme of body weight per day. The average consumption of protein in India is around 62 gm per day, which is way lower than the global average of 78 gm.

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Heavy rains battered Jammu and Kashmir, triggering floods, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting normal life. Authorities issued advisories and rescue operations were conducted.

Flipkart, Amazon Stack Up Space For Festival Rush

Flipkart, Amazon Stack Up Space For Festival Rush

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Festive sales are expected to surge 27 per cent to cross Rs 120,000 crore in 2025, driving Amazon and Flipkart to expand warehousing capacity by millions of cubic feet and extend delivery networks to thousands of new pin codes -- an infrastructure buildout that could reshape India's retail landscape for years.

Amazon, Flipkart deploy war rooms for Rs 1.2 trillion festival battle

Amazon, Flipkart deploy war rooms for Rs 1.2 trillion festival battle

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

At the stroke of midnight, live dashboards lit up simultaneously across Amazon India's World Trade Centre headquarters and Flipkart's Outer Ring Road office in Bengaluru. In sprawling "war rooms" at both the companies, executives monitored real-time data streams tracking payment speeds, inventory levels, and delivery logistics as millions of shoppers flooded online platforms.

GST 2.0: Soaps, coffee, biscuits, oil to be cheaper from Monday

GST 2.0: Soaps, coffee, biscuits, oil to be cheaper from Monday

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Daily essentials and food products will be cheaper from Monday, as leading FMCG companies have slashed prices, extending GST cut benefits to consumers.

Patients to benefit from GST cut, but pharma firms may face margin pressure

Patients to benefit from GST cut, but pharma firms may face margin pressure

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The rationalisation of goods and services tax (GST), announced on Wednesday, directly lowers the cost of everyday medical consumables, and also high-end therapies in oncology and rare diseases, helping reduce out-of-pocket patient expenditure and better adherence to medication.

GST and income tax cuts to spark sustained growth

GST and income tax cuts to spark sustained growth

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

GST Reform 2.0, which trims tax slabs from four to two, signals a push for demand-led growth, and together with recent income tax cuts, sets the stage for sustained economic growth, experts said. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on September 3 approved an overhaul of the indirect tax regime by taxing essentials at 5 per cent and other goods at 18 per cent. A new 40 per cent tax will be applicable on luxury and sin items.

'A Revolution In Indian Languages Is Waiting To Be Unleashed'

'A Revolution In Indian Languages Is Waiting To Be Unleashed'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

'The Bhashini Mission has delivered a working technology at large scale, which is as good as or better than the one with MNC tech giants.'

18% slab to contribute lion's share of GST revenue

18% slab to contribute lion's share of GST revenue

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

The 18 per cent tax slab is expected to remain the major contributor to GST revenues if the Centre's proposal for a two-tier GST structure and a special 40 per cent rate is implemented, according to a source. At present, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) follows a four-tier structure with rates of 5 per cent, 12, 18, and 28 per cent.

IAF hero rebuilds life after Operation Sindoor injury

IAF hero rebuilds life after Operation Sindoor injury

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

An Indian Air Force paramedic, who lost his hand in an operation, is regaining independence with the help of a cosmetic hand and support from the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune. The centre is also helping other armed forces personnel recover from severe injuries.

Maratha quota protest cripples Mumbai; rail, road traffic hit

Maratha quota protest cripples Mumbai; rail, road traffic hit

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

A Maratha protest in Mumbai caused significant traffic disruptions, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the city, impacting office-goers and students. Train services were also affected.

Trump's visa crackdown: H-1B holders urged to return or face curbs

Trump's visa crackdown: H-1B holders urged to return or face curbs

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

Immigration attorneys and companies are advising H-1B visa holders to return to the US immediately due to concerns over President Trump's plan to impose a USD 100,000 fee on the work visas.

Himachal districts on alert amid heavy rainfall warning

Himachal districts on alert amid heavy rainfall warning

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

The district administrations of Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur have been put on alert following a warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in these districts on Sunday.

4 Simple Habits For Sound Sleep, Energy

4 Simple Habits For Sound Sleep, Energy

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

'No matter how exhausted you feel, going to bed at your usual time reinforces the body's rhythm.'

Why Hotels Are Building Branded Residences

Why Hotels Are Building Branded Residences

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'While the concept was introduced globally over four decades ago, branded residences have taken off now in India.'

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

New lower GST rates kicked in from Monday, resulting in a slashing of prices of as many as 375 items ranging from toothpaste and shampoo to cars and television sets, a move seen as an attempt to boost consumption to cushion an economy facing tariff headwinds. Tax rates of 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent have been clubbed into two rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, resulting in a reduced price of 99 per cent of daily use items.

Realty firms upbeat on reforms, expect better affordability, project viability

Realty firms upbeat on reforms, expect better affordability, project viability

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Real-estate firms have welcomed the Goods and Services Tax Council's reforms, expecting better affordability for buyers, spurring demand. The council has reduced the rate on cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, while the rate on sand lime bricks or stone inlay work and granite blocks has been cut to 5 per cent from 12 per cent.

Sensex ends in green, but pares most gains on profit taking

Sensex ends in green, but pares most gains on profit taking

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Among the Sensex firms, Mahindra & Mahindra jumped the most by 5.96 per cent. Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Trent, ITC and HDFC Bank were also among the gainers. However, Maruti Suzuki India, Bharat Electronics, HCL Tech, NTPC, Power Grid, Infosys and Reliance Industries were among the laggards.

Malegaon case verdict likely on Thursday; Pragya's fate in balance

Malegaon case verdict likely on Thursday; Pragya's fate in balance

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

A special NIA court is likely to deliver its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six persons and injured over 100. Seven accused, including Pragya Thakur and Prasad Purohit, face charges under UAPA and IPC.

US tariffs: Must stand up to bullying, says Maruti's Bhargava

US tariffs: Must stand up to bullying, says Maruti's Bhargava

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

India needs to come together to deal with the 50 per cent punitive US tariffs on Indian products and stand up to any kind of bullying, Maruti Suzuki India chairman R C Bhargava said on Thursday. "It is our duty as Indians to do our very best to promote and maintain our dignity and respect and not give in to any kind of bullying in this matter... the nation has to stand united," Bhargava said at the company's 44th Annaul General Meeting in New Delhi.

Late Engineering Changes Stall 80% of Auto Launches

Late Engineering Changes Stall 80% of Auto Launches

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

'The delay is high in India, and even higher in the case of electric vehicles.'

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Some of the key names include: Maruti, M&M, Ashok Leyland, Britannia, Ultratech, JK Cement, Havells, Voltas, Amber, Metro, Trent, LemonTree, Indian Hotels, Niva Bupa, HDFC Life, IGL, Acme Solar, Suzlon, Swiggy, Delhivery, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance," according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

Heavy snowfall in Kashmir, flights, rail services suspended

Heavy snowfall in Kashmir, flights, rail services suspended

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Normal life was thrown out of gear in Kashmir on Saturday as most areas of the valley received snowfall, disrupting flight and railway operations and also leading to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, officials said.

'I Want To Retire By 53 With Rs 25 Cr'

'I Want To Retire By 53 With Rs 25 Cr'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

The representatives of youth-led Gen Z, which spearheaded the anti-government protests, held meetings with the top military brass to finalise a transitional government, but the talks hit a roadblock on the issue of who will head it.

Can UPI Stay Free Forever?

Can UPI Stay Free Forever?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Several executives argue that UPI has the potential to grow tenfold, but warn that the absence of a monetisation model risks stagnating the real-time payments system, which has been recording all-time-high transaction volumes every year.

iPhone Affordability Index Reveals: Most Indians Can't...

iPhone Affordability Index Reveals: Most Indians Can't...

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The average Indian worker must labour for an extraordinary 160 full working days to afford Apple's latest iPhone 17 Pro.

Kerala becomes India's first fully digitally literate state: CM Vijayan

Kerala becomes India's first fully digitally literate state: CM Vijayan

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Kerala has become the first state in India to achieve complete digital literacy, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Over 2.5 lakh volunteers contributed to this milestone, which included people of all age groups. The state plans to launch the second phase of the project soon, making all personal documents available in DigiLockers.

Oppn candidate Reddy urges MPs to vote with conscience in VP polls

Oppn candidate Reddy urges MPs to vote with conscience in VP polls

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy appeals to MPs to vote with conscience in the upcoming vice presidential polls, urging them to prioritize the spirit of India and parliamentary traditions over party loyalty.