TLDR;
Here's a quick look at today's news: Europe is stocking up on Indian diesel before sanctions hit, and Trump has cut tariffs on Japanese autos. Anil Ambani's loan accounts are tagged as 'fraud' by BoB, while cos are gearing up for increased demand after GST cuts. Plus, there's a lot happening with GST reforms, from winners and losers to impacts on consumers and businesses.
- Europe is buying more Indian diesel before sanctions.
- Trump reduced tariffs on Japanese autos.
- GST changes are impacting various sectors and consumer prices.
[Europe Rushes to Stock Up on Indian Diesel]
Europe is hurrying to buy Indian diesel before new sanctions come into effect. This suggests a strategic move to secure fuel supplies amidst changing regulations.
[Trump Cuts US Tariffs on Japanese Autos]
Trump has reduced US tariffs on Japanese automobiles to 15%. This could affect trade dynamics and potentially lower car prices for consumers.
[Anil Ambani, RCom Loan a/cs Tagged ‘Fraud’ by BoB]
Bank of Baroda (BoB) has labeled Anil Ambani and Reliance Communications' loan accounts as "fraud." Reliance Communications plans to seek legal advice following this classification.
[Cos Gear Up for Bumper Demand After GST Cuts]
Indian car, two-wheeler, and electronics manufacturers are increasing production by up to 25%. They expect a surge in demand due to recent GST reductions, especially during the festive season. Small car makers are particularly optimistic about sustained demand.
[Film Business Sees Little Relief; Some Spot an Upside]
The GST reduction on film tickets priced up to ₹100 offers limited relief to the film industry, which is struggling with low footfall. The Multiplex Association of India had requested a lower tax slab for higher-priced tickets, which wasn't addressed.
[System Soon to Spot Hurdles in Starting Production at Mines]
The government is creating an online portal to monitor and resolve issues in starting production at auctioned mineral blocks. This aims to speed up clearances, as delays in environmental approvals have hindered the operationalization of many mines.
[Pharma Companies Cheer Lower Drug Prices, API Tax Gap Stirs Worry]
GST reforms are expected to lower medicine prices, benefiting patients. However, the higher tax rate on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) is a concern, potentially increasing working capital pressure for smaller companies.
[Tax Tweak on Coal Yields Net Positive for Discoms]
The GST rationalization on coal, increasing the rate to 18% while eliminating the ₹400/tonne compensation cess, is projected to lower power generation costs by about 17 paise per unit. This benefits coal-based power plants and reduces costs for distribution companies.
[Will GST Revamp Drive Lasting Gains in Markets?]
The recent GST changes are expected to have varying impacts on different sectors of the economy. Analysts are debating whether the GST revamp will lead to lasting gains or just short-term spurts in the markets.
[GST 2.0: Cement Prices Set to Be Cheaper by ₹25-30 a Bag]
Cement prices are expected to decrease by ₹25-30 per bag due to the GST changes.
[Raamdeo Agrawal Advocates for Bold Reforms in India Amid US Tariff Challenges]
Raamdeo Agrawal is calling for bold reforms in India to counter challenges posed by US tariffs.
[Govt’s Gamble on GST Cuts: What Do the Bond and Currency Markets Signal?]
The government's decision to cut GST rates is being analyzed for its impact on bond and currency markets.
[India Playbook 2025: Proposed Tariff Imposition from US Punishes Indian Market Despite Resilient Economy]
Proposed tariff impositions from the US are seen as a punishment for the Indian market, despite its resilient economy.
[Dollar Confidence Shaken: Jobs, Politics and Deficits Test Its Core]
Confidence in the US dollar is being tested by factors such as jobs data, political developments, and deficits.
[India Bonds to Rise as GST Cut Revenue Loss Lower Than Feared]
Indian bonds are expected to increase as the revenue loss from GST cuts is projected to be lower than initially feared.
[Cos May Fire Up Output by 25% to Feed Festive Frenzy]
Car, two-wheeler, and consumer electronics makers in India are increasing production by as much as 25%, anticipating that GST cuts on various products will trigger a surge in demand that will be sustained at least until Christmas.
[D St in No Rush to Celebrate, Awaits Impact on Demand]
India’s stock indices ended marginally higher on Thursday, giving up most of the early gains that were fuelled by the overhaul of the country’s goods and services tax late Wednesday.
[Tax Tweak to Tame CPI by 50-90 bps]
Around one-fourth of items, mostly essential and household goods, in India’s inflation basket will be taxed at 5% following the goods and service tax cuts announced by the Centre on Wednesday, compared with 12% or 18% earlier.
[Trump Questions Tim Cook's Intent to Invest 'Elsewhere' as Apple Deepens Roots in India]
Donald Trump questioned Tim Cook about Apple's expansion plans, particularly regarding investments outside the US. Cook assured Trump of Apple's commitment to US investment. Apple is increasing iPhone production in India and plans to export more to the US, while also opening more retail stores in India.
[London's Double Decker Bus Crash Near Victoria Station Leaves 15 in Hospital]
A double-decker bus crashed near Victoria Station in London, injuring fifteen people. The bus veered onto the sidewalk during rush hour, and authorities are investigating the cause.
[Germany: Car Accidentally Drives into Crowd of People in Berlin, Injures Children]
In Berlin, a car accident injured several people, including children. An adult accompanying the children was severely injured.
[EaseMyTrip Co-Founder Rikant Pitti Discusses Enhanced India-Singapore Tourism Potential with Visiting PM Wong]
EaseMyTrip's Chairman Rikant Pitti discussed tourism opportunities between India and Singapore with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He highlighted the potential for growth in tier-2 and tier-3 Indian cities and proposed initiatives like cruise circuits and a Joint Tourism Investment Fund.
[Indian Students in US Struggle Due to Visa Restrictions and Job Crunch]
Indian students in the US are facing increased hardship due to stricter visa enforcement and fewer job opportunities, making it difficult to manage living costs.
[GST 2.0: Tax Cuts Offer Hope, but Not a Cure for Trump’s 50% Tariff Blow to Exporters]
GST 2.0 tax cuts provide some relief but may not fully offset the impact of Trump’s potential 50% tariff blow to exporters.