Category: Policy & Rules

In the GST Council meeting held in the year 2024, different taxes were talked about on different popcorns. The decision triggered a buzz on social media. But do you know that after the decision on the GST rate, the government has reduced the GST rates on many things. Along with this, changes have also been made in the GST slab. The long-running dispute over GST on popcorn has finally ended. The GST Council has clarified in its recent decision that whether it is caramel flavored popcorn or salty popcorn, the same tax rate will be applicable on all. Consumers will benefit from the decision to reduce popcorn prices. What was the controversy? There was a dilemma between companies and tax officials regarding the tax on popcorn. Some companies were considering popcorn as an unprocessed food grain and keeping it in the 5% or tax free category, while the tax department was considering it as a processed and ready-to-eat item and demanding 12% GST. This debate was especially more on caramel popcorn, because sugar, butter, flavoring ingredients are added to it, due to which it is considered a ‘ready to eat’ food. GST Council decision In this year’s GST Council meeting, it was decided that the same tax rate will now be applicable on all types of popcorn. Whether it is simple salted popcorn, caramel popcorn or other flavored ones, 5% GST will be levied on all. This decision will simplify tax compliance and will also provide relief to consumers. How much did the prices fall? Due to the reduction in GST rate, a fall of 8-10% can be seen in the prices of popcorn. For example, a 100 gram pack of caramel popcorn which was earlier available for ₹ 120, will now be available for ₹ 110-₹ 112. Also, the price of simple or salty popcorn has also come down by ₹ 5 to ₹ 8. On the other hand, with this decision, food processing companies say that this clarity of GST will help them make their products more affordable. Reaction of companies and consumers Popcorn manufacturers have accepted this decision. They say that the business was being affected due to the dilemma going on with the tax officials for a long time. Now they will get clarity and there will be no dispute. Along with popcorn manufacturers, consumers are also happy with this change, especially people going to cinemas who consider popcorn an essential snack. The new prices will make their experience affordable. Overall, now customers will be able to enjoy their favorite popcorn without tax complications. Conclusion This decision of the GST Council is being considered a positive step in the interest of consumers. Because this will not only reduce the price of popcorn but will also increase transparency and stability in the tax system.

In the 56th meeting of the GST Council, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has decided to end 4 slabs of GST and make a new system of only 2 slabs. Now these items will fall under just 5% and 18% GST slabs. The revised GST rates will be implemented starting September 22. After changing the rates, the central government has also answered all the questions related to the general public and the industry. Let us know what changes have been made, who will benefit, who will suffer, on which things this tax will be applicable, as well as what will become cheaper and what will become expensive… Big reversal in GST From September 22, clothes, shoes, and medicines will become cheaper in the new tax slab, but heavy tax will be levied on luxury vehicles and sin goods. According to the decision, the things which are under the 12% slab have now been shifted to the 5% slab. At the same time, the things which are in the 28% slab have now been shifted to the 18% slab. Apart from this, now 40% GST will have to be paid on luxury items and sin goods. Let us tell you that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked about ‘GST 2.0’ on the occasion of Independence Day 2025, in view of that a big step has been taken in this direction. With the 12% and 28% GST slabs removed, the structure now has three categories — 5% for essentials, 18% for the majority of goods and services, and 40% for luxury and sin items. What is cheap, what is expensive?

The month of September 2025 is bringing many big changes for you. Many important changes related to money are going to happen from September 1, which includes changes related to credit card, LPG, FD, home loan, credit card, speed post. Let us tell you that this change can have a direct impact on your pocket and everyday life. Not only this, changes have also been made in re-KYC of Jan Dhan accounts and PNB’s ‘Monsoon Bonanza’ loan offer. Let us know the complete list of these important changes to be implemented from September 2025 and how they will affect you. Credit card rules SBI, the country’s largest public sector bank, is changing its credit card rules from September 1. Some select SBI credit cards like Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card, Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card Select and Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card Prime will no longer get reward points on digital gaming platforms, some merchants and government transactions. Apart from this, from September 16, 2025, all existing credit card protection plans will be shifted to the new plan at the time of policy renewal. The company has clearly stated that customers will be informed about this change at least 24 hours before their renewal due date through SMS or email. Re-KYC of Jan Dhan accounts According to the RBI governor, many Jan Dhan accounts have completed 10 years and their re-KYC is necessary by 30 September 2025. For this, the bank is providing doorstep facility by setting up camps in every village. LPG cylinder cheaper On the first day of the month, LPG cylinder prices have been slashed again, with a reduction of up to ₹51.50. From September 1, the price of cylinder in New Delhi has come down from Rs 1631.50 to Rs 1580. Similarly, in Kolkata it has come down from Rs 1734.50 to Rs 1684, in Mumbai from Rs 1582.50 to Rs 1531.50 and in Chennai from Rs 1789 to Rs 1738. But there has been no change in the price of 14 kg domestic LPG cylinder. Post Office Rule Change From September 1, 2025, the Indian Postal Department has implemented a new change, in which domestic postal services have been merged with Speed Post. This means that registered posts will now be delivered in the same manner as speed post. Meaning, now registered postal speed post will be delivered from India Post within the country. Deadline for special FD schemes Many banks including Indian Bank, IDBI Bank are offering attractive interest rates on their special FD schemes. The last date for investment in Indian Bank’s 444 and 555 day special FD has been fixed as 30 September 2025. Similarly, the last date for investment in IDBI Bank’s 444, 555 and 700 day special FD scheme is also 30 September 2025.