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The Second National Fairtrade in India Conference & Recognition Event, organized by Fairtrade India and the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers, will take place on September 9-10, 2025, in Bengaluru. Supported by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Programme, the conference aims to unite over 150 stakeholders from the Fairtrade ecosystem, including farmers, businesses, policymakers, and youth representatives. Themed “Sustainability, Markets, and Impact,” the event will address critical issues in sustainable trade, such as Fairtrade’s role in promoting ethical practices, enhancing sustainable agriculture, and building resilient supply chains. Notably, domestic sales of Fairtrade-labelled products surged from ₹23.92 crore in 2022 to ₹77.22 crore in 2024, while exports are estimated between ₹330 to ₹450 crore annually. The Fairtrade Premium of nearly ₹49.81 crore generated in 2023 has been reinvested in local farming communities for education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. 
Published: Sep 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to reduce healthcare costs, the Indian government has announced a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all medicines to 5%, while consumables such as glucometers and thermometers will also see a similar decrease. Notably, GST has been completely exempted for a list of 36 cancer and rare disease drugs. This change is expected to lower medical bills by approximately 6-7%, according to Sushil Suri, Chairman of Morepen Labs. However, he cautioned that the impact on prices may take time due to existing inventory. Tax expert Saurabh Agarwal described the decision as pragmatic, while Ameera Shah, President of Nathealth, noted that the benefits would be more pronounced for consumer-facing products. Nonetheless, she tempered expectations for diagnostics, as over 70% of costs remain subject to the higher GST rate. Industry leaders suggest that companies may leverage the GST cuts to enhance consumer offerings.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe recent increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 12% to 18% on oil and gas exploration, development, and production is set to further strain upstream companies already grappling with declining crude oil prices, according to ratings agency ICRA. Senior VP Prashant Vasisht highlighted that this tax hike will elevate production costs without providing offsets for sales, leading to stranded taxes. The volatility in global markets and OPEC+'s decision to reverse production cuts have already dampened earnings for firms like ONGC and Oil India. Energy Analyst Dhaval Popat warned that the higher GST will hinder the competitiveness of exploration and production projects, particularly coal-bed methane initiatives, complicating efforts to boost domestic output and reduce import reliance. The new tax regime also applies to various petroleum operations under specific contracts and offshore works, further complicating the landscape for the industry.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe GST Council's recent decision to lower tax rates on inputs and equipment for aquaculture farms is expected to significantly benefit India's seafood sector, which has faced challenges due to a 50% tariff imposed by the US on Indian imports. The Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) highlighted that the reduction in duties on farm inputs, fish feeds, fish oils, and processed fish will not only decrease production costs but also lower market prices, thereby encouraging higher consumption. K.N. Raghavan, Secretary General of SEAI, emphasized that the tax cuts on services related to seafood processing will further reduce production costs, benefiting the entire industry. Additionally, the council's focus on environmental protection and sustainable practices through duty incentives for eco-friendly ponds has been welcomed as a positive step for the sector. This comprehensive approach aims to bolster India's seafood exports amid challenging international trade conditions.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to enhance healthcare affordability, the Indian government has announced a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on medicines from 12% to 5%, alongside exempting 36 lifesaving drugs and lowering GST on medical equipment and job work to 5%. Experts, including Priyanka Chigurupati of Granules India, have hailed this restructuring as a vital step towards balancing patient affordability with industry competitiveness. Suresh Nair, a tax partner at EY India, emphasized that this transformative change will significantly lower patient expenses and improve access to essential therapies, particularly for critical conditions like cancer and rare diseases. The reduction in GST on medical equipment and job work services is expected to further bolster the pharmaceutical ecosystem, enabling contract developers to scale operations more effectively. This initiative is seen as a pivotal advancement in making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe installation of smart meters under India's ₹3.03 lakh crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is advancing without sufficient regulatory oversight, raising concerns about cost management and consumer impact, according to Prayas (Energy Group). The RDSS aims to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 12-15% by FY28, with smart meters playing a crucial role in this digital transition. However, Prayas highlights the need for transparent reporting and a robust regulatory framework to monitor costs and benefits, as current reliance on data submitted by Distribution Companies (Discoms) may lack consistency. The commentary warns that without stringent oversight, the financial burden of smart metering could be unfairly passed on to consumers through tariffs, complicating cost recovery and obscuring the benefits of the initiative. Prayas calls for clear benchmarks and accountability measures to ensure that the transition to smart metering is both effective and equitable for electricity consumers.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's rooftop solar capacity surged to 1.6 GW in the second quarter of 2025, marking a 33% increase from the previous quarter and a remarkable 121% year-on-year rise, according to Mercom India. The residential sector dominated this growth, contributing nearly two-thirds of the installations, driven by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna and a favorable policy environment. In the first half of 2025, total rooftop solar capacity reached 2.8 GW, a 158% increase compared to the same period in 2024, bringing cumulative installations to 16.5 GW. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Rajasthan led the charge, accounting for 64% of new installations. However, challenges such as module shortages and regulatory issues could hinder future growth. Mercom's CEO emphasized the need for policy clarity and reliable supply to maintain momentum in this burgeoning market.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inExperts predict a significant increase in dairy product consumption in India following a recent reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST). The government has cut GST rates on various dairy items, including ice cream, paneer, and ghee, with reductions ranging from 5% to zero, making these products 5-10% cheaper for consumers. Jayen Mehta, managing director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), noted that lower prices will likely boost demand, while also discouraging adulteration and tax evasion. The Indian Ice-cream Manufacturers’ Association anticipates a 10% price cut on ice creams due to the reduced GST from 18% to 5%. With the per capita consumption of dairy products still low in India, this tax cut is expected to enhance market penetration and sales, with GCMMF projecting higher double-digit growth this year. Mother Dairy's managing director also highlighted the potential for increased demand for packaged dairy products, benefiting both consumers and farmers.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inExporters have welcomed the GST council's recent decisions aimed at easing trade and improving liquidity, particularly in light of the US's 50% import tariffs. The council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, approved the issuance of export refunds within seven days based on risk analysis, a move praised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) for its potential to alleviate working capital issues. The reforms also include provisional refunds for sectors affected by inverted duty structures, such as textiles and pharmaceuticals. These measures, effective from November 1, 2025, are expected to provide timely relief as exporters seek to maintain their foothold in the US and explore new markets. Additionally, the council has removed the threshold limit for refunds for small exporters using courier services, further supporting this segment. Exporters are also in talks with the government for a broader support package, including credit guarantees and marketing assistance.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe GST Council has announced a significant reduction in the Goods and Services Tax on key renewable energy components, lowering the rate from 12% to 5% for silicon wafers, solar-power devices, windmills, and photovoltaic cells. This decision, made on Wednesday, is expected to substantially decrease input costs for project development and module manufacturing, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of solar products in the market. Industry leaders, including Amit Paithankar, CEO of Waaree Energies, emphasized that this tax rationalization will lead to lower solar module prices, promoting greater adoption of solar energy. Siddharth Bhatia, MD of Oyster Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd, highlighted that the move addresses the inverted duty structure and will improve liquidity for manufacturers, facilitating faster capacity expansion in the renewable sector. This initiative marks a crucial step in India's transition towards clean energy, fostering a more financially viable environment for hybrid independent power producers.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe GST Council has proposed an amendment to the IGST Act, recommending the removal of Section 13(8)(b), which has long classified many Indian firms as "intermediaries." This change aims to redefine the place of supply for services based on the recipient's location, allowing service exporters to finally be recognized as genuine exporters. Experts view this as a significant development, potentially enhancing India's competitiveness in global markets, particularly for IT, consulting, and digital service sectors. However, the amendment will apply prospectively, meaning it will not address past liabilities or disputes stemming from the previous classification. The decision follows ongoing challenges faced by exporters due to differing interpretations of "intermediary" services, which had previously denied them export benefits. The Council's move is seen as a crucial step towards aligning India's service sector with international standards and fostering a more favorable business environment.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 10 am
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