The moment of reckoning is approaching for Google for its monopoly across several of its tech businesses. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) this week formally requested that Alphabet Inc’s Google break up key parts of its digital advertising business. Meanwhile, Google has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court seeking to pause an injunction related to the Epic Games lawsuit, which poses a potential threat to its control over the Play Store and Android ecosystem. One piece of good news for Google came from an unlikely corner, as China quietly dropped its antitrust investigation into the tech giant. Here is a roundup of key recent developments.<h2>DOJ pushes for 'structural remedies' in Google's ad tech monopoly</h2>The US Department of Justice has launched a multi-week trial in the Eastern District of Virginia focused on Google’s alleged monopoly in the open-web digital advertising market. The case stems from an April 2025 liability ruling that found Google guilty of monopolising critical components of the online ad ecosystem, including its Ad Exchange (AdX) and Google Ad Manager platforms.The DOJ is seeking a structural breakup of Google’s ad tech stack. Specifically, it wants Google to divest certain advertising products to restore competition among publisher tools and digital ad auctions. If implemented, such a remedy could lead to a 10–20 per cent reduction in digital advertising costs, benefiting both consumers and advertisers.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-zoho-ashwini-vaishnaw-is-moving-from-microsoft-google-to-this-indian-platform-for-office-work-1758686698238">What is Zoho? Ashwini Vaishnaw is moving from Microsoft/Google to THIS Indian platform for Office Work</a>Google is strongly opposing this move, arguing that divesting core ad assets would harm innovation and market efficiency. The company warned that such “extreme” measures could destabilise the rapidly evolving AI and digital technology landscape. The trial is expected to conclude in October, with a final ruling likely before the end of 2025.<h2>Google’s search case appeal and legal manoeuvres continue</h2>In the related search monopoly case, Google already faces ‘behavioural remedies’ imposed by a court ruling on 2 September. These include a 10-year ban on exclusive search deals with partners and mandates to share key data with rival platforms.However, the court did not order a breakup of Google’s Chrome browser or its Android operating system, as was widely expected. The court's decision was viewed as lenient, labelled a “slap on the wrist” by critics. Google has signalled its intention to appeal the ruling, which could extend the litigation through to 2027.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amid-beijing-washington-talks-over-tiktok-china-to-discontinue-probe-against-google-report-1758199420980">Amid Beijing-Washington talks over TikTok, China to discontinue probe against Google: Report</a><h2>Google moves Supreme Court in Epic Games case that could disrupt its Play Store and Android app distribution dominance</h2>Google has also been entangled in a legal battle with Epic Games, which challenged the tech giant’s control over app distribution on Android. Epic alleged that Google’s policies around the Play Store, including its mandatory in-app billing system and restrictions on alternative app stores, violated antitrust laws.On Thursday (Sep 25) Google filed a request with the US Supreme Court to stay an injunction issued in the Epic case, which could force it to allow greater competition in Android app distribution. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for Google’s mobile software dominance.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-adds-gemini-to-chrome-browser-after-avoiding-antitrust-breakup-1758293439110/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-adds-gemini-to-chrome-browser-after-avoiding-antitrust-breakup-1758293439110/embed</a><h2>A sigh of relief for Google in China antitrust case</h2>Though Google exited mainland China’s consumer search market in 2010, it continues to operate parts of its Android ecosystem through partnerships with local phone makers. In this context, Chinese regulators had launched an antitrust probe examining Google’s influence over Android devices and related services.But this week, &nbsp;China quietly ended that investigation, likely reflecting its shifting regulatory priorities. The move is seen as part of broader US-China trade diplomacy, with China reportedly turning its focus to other American tech firms such as Nvidia.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-talent-poaching-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-responds-to-global-ai-talent-war-1758102311889">AI talent poaching: Google CEO Sundar Pichai responds to global AI talent war</a><h2>What is the prognosis for Google?</h2>The US Justice Department is aggressively pursuing the breakup of Google’s ad tech business at a time when artificial intelligence and digital advertising are increasingly converging. A forced divestment of Google's advertising assets would mark one of the most significant antitrust structural remedies imposed on a major tech company in decades.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-fined-3-5-billion-by-eu-but-will-it-lead-to-breakup-of-the-advertising-monopoly-of-tech-giant-1757315687776">Google fined $3.5 billion by EU, but will it lead to breakup of the advertising monopoly of tech giant?</a>&nbsp;Google’s simultaneous legal strategies—including appealing the search case ruling and challenging the Epic Games injunction—highlight its multi-front defence of its core platforms. The company is fighting to avoid structural damage that could reshape its business model and reduce its dominance in search, advertising, and mobile ecosystems. &nbsp;

Google monopoly news: DOJ seeks breakup of Google’s ad tech business, while Google appeals Epic Games injunction over Play Store. The only relief came from China, which ended an antitrust probe against Google, which still has major legal battles ahead



The moment of reckoning is approaching for Google for its monopoly across several of its tech businesses. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) this week formally requested that Alphabet Inc’s Google break up key parts of its digital advertising business. Meanwhile, Google has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court seeking to pause an injunction related to the Epic Games lawsuit, which poses a potential threat to its control over the Play Store and Android ecosystem. One piece of good news for Google came from an unlikely corner, as China quietly dropped its antitrust investigation into the tech giant. Here is a roundup of key recent developments. DOJ pushes for 'structural remedies' in Google's ad tech monopoly The US Department of Justice has launched a multi-week trial in the Eastern District of Virginia focused on Google’s alleged monopoly in the open-web digital advertising market. The case stems from an April 2025 liability ruling that found Google guilty of monopolising critical components of the online ad ecosystem, including its Ad Exchange (AdX) and Google Ad Manager platforms. The DOJ is seeking a structural breakup of Google’s ad tech stack. Specifically, it wants Google to divest certain advertising products to restore competition among publisher tools and digital ad auctions. If implemented, such a remedy could lead to a 10–20 per cent reduction in digital advertising costs, benefiting both consumers and advertisers. Also read: What is Zoho? Ashwini Vaishnaw is moving from Microsoft/Google to THIS Indian platform for Office Work Google is strongly opposing this move, arguing that divesting core ad assets would harm innovation and market efficiency. The company warned that such “extreme” measures could destabilise the rapidly evolving AI and digital technology landscape. The trial is expected to conclude in October, with a final ruling likely before the end of 2025. Google’s search case appeal and legal manoeuvres continue In the related search monopoly case, Google already faces ‘behavioural remedies’ imposed by a court ruling on 2 September. These include a 10-year ban on exclusive search deals with partners and mandates to share key data with rival platforms. However, the court did not order a breakup of Google’s Chrome browser or its Android operating system, as was widely expected. The court's decision was viewed as lenient, labelled a “slap on the wrist” by critics. Google has signalled its intention to appeal the ruling, which could extend the litigation through to 2027. Also read: Amid Beijing-Washington talks over TikTok, China to discontinue probe against Google: Report Google moves Supreme Court in Epic Games case that could disrupt its Play Store and Android app distribution dominance Google has also been entangled in a legal battle with Epic Games, which challenged the tech giant’s control over app distribution on Android. Epic alleged that Google’s policies around the Play Store, including its mandatory in-app billing system and restrictions on alternative app stores, violated antitrust laws. On Thursday (Sep 25) Google filed a request with the US Supreme Court to stay an injunction issued in the Epic case, which could force it to allow greater competition in Android app distribution. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for Google’s mobile software dominance. https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-adds-gemini-to-chrome-browser-after-avoiding-antitrust-breakup-1758293439110/embed A sigh of relief for Google in China antitrust case Though Google exited mainland China’s consumer search market in 2010, it continues to operate parts of its Android ecosystem through partnerships with local phone makers. In this context, Chinese regulators had launched an antitrust probe examining Google’s influence over Android devices and related services. But this week, China quietly ended that investigation, likely reflecting its shifting regulatory priorities. The move is seen as part of broader US-China trade diplomacy, with China reportedly turning its focus to other American tech firms such as Nvidia. Also read: AI talent poaching: Google CEO Sundar Pichai responds to global AI talent war What is the prognosis for Google? The US Justice Department is aggressively pursuing the breakup of Google’s ad tech business at a time when artificial intelligence and digital advertising are increasingly converging. A forced divestment of Google's advertising assets would mark one of the most significant antitrust structural remedies imposed on a major tech company in decades. Also read: Google fined $3.5 billion by EU, but will it lead to breakup of the advertising monopoly of tech giant? Google’s simultaneous legal strategies—including appealing the search case ruling and challenging the Epic Games injunction—highlight its multi-front defence of its core platforms. The company is fighting to avoid structural damage that could reshape its business model and reduce its dominance in search, advertising, and mobile ecosystems.

Google monopoly news: DOJ seeks breakup of Google’s ad tech business, while Google appeals Epic Games injunction over Play Store. The only relief came from China, which ended an antitrust probe against Google, which still has major legal battles ahead&nbsp;

Google monopoly news: DOJ seeks to split its ad business; firm moves SC to avert Epic Games injunction that can hurt Play Store and Android dominance

Car dealers across the country witnessed a bumper increase in their sales on September 22, as the GST reform implementation coincided with the start of the festive season with Navratri. However, many dealerships are reportedly facing a loss of Rs 2500 crore as they had already paid the cess, which the government eliminated with its GST reforms.&nbsp;Dealers have written to the original equipment makers (OEMs) to find a way out, an industry source told Business Standard. The industry source said that calculations show that the cess amount has gone void after the GST 2.0 reforms were implemented.&nbsp;This is around Rs 3-5 crore per dealer. Car dealerships are now waiting for the response from OEMs on how this financial burden could be shared.&nbsp;OEMs are themselves&nbsp;seeking clarity before a call can be taken.&nbsp;The central government has reduced the GST on small cars from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. Bigger cars now attract 40 per cent tax. Earlier, the tax levy was higher because of the cess. The government has eliminated the cess, effectively making even SUVs cheaper.&nbsp;Some of the major OEMs have said that they would bear the difference in GST, reported BS.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gst-new-rates-2025-how-much-maruti-hyundai-sales-increased-amid-navratri-1758623885792">Also read: GST new rates 2025: How much Maruti, Hyundai sales increased amid Navratri</a><h2>Car companies and dealers log record sales</h2>Due to the festive season and the GST 2.0 implementation, Maruti Suzuki recorded 80,000 enquiries and delivered 25,000 cars on September&nbsp;22, recording the highest-ever sales figure in a day in 35 years.&nbsp;A similar trend was also witnessed by Hyundai. 11,000 cars were booked on a single day, its best performance in five years. Tata Motors also recorded 10,000 car deliveries and over 25,000 enquiries on the first day of Navaratri.

GST rate cut 2025: The central government has reduced the GST on small cars from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. It has placed bigger cars in the 40 per cent tax slab.

Car dealers across the country witnessed a bumper increase in their sales on September 22, as the GST reform implementation coincided with the start of the festive season with Navratri. However, many dealerships are reportedly facing a loss of Rs 2500 crore as they had already paid the cess, which the government eliminated with its GST reforms. Dealers have written to the original equipment makers (OEMs) to find a way out, an industry source told Business Standard. The industry source said that calculations show that the cess amount has gone void after the GST 2.0 reforms were implemented. This is around Rs 3-5 crore per dealer. Car dealerships are now waiting for the response from OEMs on how this financial burden could be shared. OEMs are themselves seeking clarity before a call can be taken. The central government has reduced the GST on small cars from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. Bigger cars now attract 40 per cent tax. Earlier, the tax levy was higher because of the cess. The government has eliminated the cess, effectively making even SUVs cheaper. Some of the major OEMs have said that they would bear the difference in GST, reported BS. Also read: GST new rates 2025: How much Maruti, Hyundai sales increased amid Navratri Car companies and dealers log record sales Due to the festive season and the GST 2.0 implementation, Maruti Suzuki recorded 80,000 enquiries and delivered 25,000 cars on September 22, recording the highest-ever sales figure in a day in 35 years. A similar trend was also witnessed by Hyundai. 11,000 cars were booked on a single day, its best performance in five years. Tata Motors also recorded 10,000 car deliveries and over 25,000 enquiries on the first day of Navaratri.

GST rate cut 2025: The central government has reduced the GST on small cars from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. It has placed bigger cars in the 40 per cent tax slab.

GST rate cut 2025: Car dealers grapple with Rs 2500 crore cess hit

Nitin Gadkari, the minister of road transport and highways, said on Wednesday that India should start exporting ethanol because the country is in surplus production. He also reiterated that the country needs to reduce its imports and increase exports. Ethanol, an alcohol derivative, is being mixed with petrol. Some sections of social media users claim it is detrimental to engine longevity. The government, however, says that the substance is safe for use.&nbsp;"It is the time for India's futuristic development. We need to reduce our imports and increase our exports. As far as the surplus of ethanol, it is now the requirement of the country that we need to export ethanol," he said.&nbsp;India's ethanol production capacity reached an annual production of approximately 1,822 crore liters by June 30, 2025, with the government's Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Program actively promoting increased production to meet its 20 per cent blending target for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26.&nbsp;In the ongoing ESY 2024-25, 19.05 per cent ethanol blending was achieved by the end of July.&nbsp;Nitin Gadkari said that India can rapidly scale up its ethanol production. He said farmers are earning Rs 45000 crore more every year because of the government's ethanol policies.&nbsp;"Farmers now earn Rs 45,000 crore more annually because of ethanol policies. Diversifying agriculture towards energy is the need of the hour," he added.&nbsp;He said rice straw will soon be converted into ethanol and bio-CNG, which could help ease Delhi's pollution and stubble-burning issue.<h2>What Nitin Gadkari said on clean fuel innovation</h2>On innovation, Gadkari spoke about successful trials of bio-bitumen roads, ethanol-powered generators, and flex-fuel vehicles. He said automakers, including Toyota, Tata, Mahindra, Suzuki, and Hyundai, are adopting flex-fuel technology, while tractor makers and construction equipment manufacturers are also shifting to biofuels and hydrogen.

Nitin Gadkari, the minister of road transport and highways, said on Wednesday that India should start exporting ethanol because the country is in surplus production. 

Nitin Gadkari, the minister of road transport and highways, said on Wednesday that India should start exporting ethanol because the country is in surplus production. He also reiterated that the country needs to reduce its imports and increase exports. Ethanol, an alcohol derivative, is being mixed with petrol. Some sections of social media users claim it is detrimental to engine longevity. The government, however, says that the substance is safe for use. "It is the time for India's futuristic development. We need to reduce our imports and increase our exports. As far as the surplus of ethanol, it is now the requirement of the country that we need to export ethanol," he said. India's ethanol production capacity reached an annual production of approximately 1,822 crore liters by June 30, 2025, with the government's Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Program actively promoting increased production to meet its 20 per cent blending target for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. In the ongoing ESY 2024-25, 19.05 per cent ethanol blending was achieved by the end of July. Nitin Gadkari said that India can rapidly scale up its ethanol production. He said farmers are earning Rs 45000 crore more every year because of the government's ethanol policies. "Farmers now earn Rs 45,000 crore more annually because of ethanol policies. Diversifying agriculture towards energy is the need of the hour," he added. He said rice straw will soon be converted into ethanol and bio-CNG, which could help ease Delhi's pollution and stubble-burning issue. What Nitin Gadkari said on clean fuel innovation On innovation, Gadkari spoke about successful trials of bio-bitumen roads, ethanol-powered generators, and flex-fuel vehicles. He said automakers, including Toyota, Tata, Mahindra, Suzuki, and Hyundai, are adopting flex-fuel technology, while tractor makers and construction equipment manufacturers are also shifting to biofuels and hydrogen.

Nitin Gadkari on ethanol-blending programme: India's ethanol production capacity reached an annual production of approximately 1,822 crore liters by June 30, 2025

Nitin Gadkari calls for Ethanol export, lauds petrol-blending program

In a Diwali bonanza for the railway staff, the Union Cabinet, chaired&nbsp;by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved Productivity Linked Bonus for the 10,91,146 railway employees. The government said in a statement that the bonus will be 78 days' salary.&nbsp;"In recognition of the excellent performance by the railway staff, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved payment of&nbsp;Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of 78 days for Rs 1865.68 crore to 10,91,146 railway employees," said the statement.<h2>All you need to know about Productivity Linked Bonus&nbsp;</h2>All eligible employees will get the payments before the Dussehra holidays.&nbsp;The government said that the PLB will be equivalent to 78 days' wages. It said the bonus is being paid to the employees to motivate&nbsp;them&nbsp;to continue working towards improving their performance.&nbsp;"This year also, PLB amount equivalent to 78 days’ wages is being paid to about 10.91 lakh non-gazetted railway employees. The payment of PLB acts as an incentive to motivate the railway employees to work towards improvement in the performance of the Railway," it added.&nbsp;The maximum amount a person can get is Rs 17,951.&nbsp;"The maximum payable amount of PLB, equivalent to 78 days’ wages for each eligible railway employee, is Rs 17,951/-.&nbsp; The above amount will be paid to various categories of railway staff like Track maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers (Guard), Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Technician Helpers, Pointsman, Ministerial Staff, and other Group ‘C’ staff," it added.&nbsp;The government also lauded the performance of the Railways.&nbsp;"The performance of Railways in the year 2024-25 was very good. Railways loaded a record cargo of 1614.90 Million Tonnes and carried nearly 7.3 billion passengers," it added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya single railway line section (104 km) in Bihar at a total cost of Rs 2192 crore.&nbsp;The project covering four districts in the state of Bihar will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 104 km.

In a Diwali bonanza for the railway staff, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved Productivity Linked Bonus for the 10,91,146 railway employees.

In a Diwali bonanza for the railway staff, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved Productivity Linked Bonus for the 10,91,146 railway employees. The government said in a statement that the bonus will be 78 days' salary. "In recognition of the excellent performance by the railway staff, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of 78 days for Rs 1865.68 crore to 10,91,146 railway employees," said the statement. All you need to know about Productivity Linked Bonus All eligible employees will get the payments before the Dussehra holidays. The government said that the PLB will be equivalent to 78 days' wages. It said the bonus is being paid to the employees to motivate them to continue working towards improving their performance. "This year also, PLB amount equivalent to 78 days’ wages is being paid to about 10.91 lakh non-gazetted railway employees. The payment of PLB acts as an incentive to motivate the railway employees to work towards improvement in the performance of the Railway," it added. The maximum amount a person can get is Rs 17,951. "The maximum payable amount of PLB, equivalent to 78 days’ wages for each eligible railway employee, is Rs 17,951/-. The above amount will be paid to various categories of railway staff like Track maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers (Guard), Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Technician Helpers, Pointsman, Ministerial Staff, and other Group ‘C’ staff," it added. The government also lauded the performance of the Railways. "The performance of Railways in the year 2024-25 was very good. Railways loaded a record cargo of 1614.90 Million Tonnes and carried nearly 7.3 billion passengers," it added. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya single railway line section (104 km) in Bihar at a total cost of Rs 2192 crore. The project covering four districts in the state of Bihar will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 104 km.

Productivity Linked Bonus 2025: The government said that the PLB will be equivalent to 78 days' wages. It said the bonus is being paid to the employees to motivate&nbsp;them&nbsp;to continue working towards improving their performance.

Productivity Linked Bonus announced for railway employees; maximum amount to be...

Sometimes, it takes an insult to spark innovation. India and its tech workforce are at such an inflexion point, with the unjustified H-1B visa fee hike proposal and Trump tariffs meant to break the back of key sectors of the Indian economy. A US-based entrepreneur made a social media post that should make every policymaker in India sit up and take note. Balaji Vishwanathan's bold proposals are not yet in existence, but are uniquely innovative. What can be done by India, for India, to emerge as a global technology hub? Based on Vishwanathan’s post, here is an expanded vision document that includes what he calls BharatOS mandate, SSRI and swadeshi social networks.<h2>Can the Reserve Bank of India help the nation build tech sovereignty?</h2>The LinkedIn post said it’s time for the Indian tech sector to reinvent itself to utilise the returning expats “in a GI Joe kind of programme” as well as build its long-term tech sovereignty.It suggested that India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, send ‘₹12 trillion surplus’ to build India’s full tech stack from the ground up. While this amount is not rooted in reality, the RBI does transfer a surplus, or “dividend,” to the central government. For instance, in FY 2023-24, the RBI approved a transfer of ₹2.1 trillion to the Union Government, and in FY 2024-25, a record surplus transfer of ₹2.69 trillion was approved. The post raises a key question: Can this surplus transfer of RBI be used to help India’s tech sovereignty?Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-afraid-of-our-talent-says-piyush-goyal-after-us-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-urges-indians-to-return-innovate-in-india-1758458036830"> ‘Afraid of our talent,’ says Piyush Goyal after US H-1B visa fee hike, urges Indians to return, innovate in India</a><h2>BharatOS: Can India ‘fork’ Android (AOSP) and make it the default for all devices sold in India?</h2>A key suggestion made in the post is the forking of AOSP, or the Android Open Source Project. AOSP is the publicly available and modifiable source code for the Android operating system, developed and maintained by Google. Developers and device manufacturers can customise the code — also known as forking — to create their own Android-based products, such as custom mobile devices.The post raises a crucial question: Can India develop an AOSP-based operating system for all devices, like TVs, phones and laptops?Vishwanathan wants such an OS to be made a public good like UPI — India’s ubiquitous digital payments architecture. He urged using the HarmonyOS playbook, referring to the proprietary operating system developed by Chinese tech giant Huawei from the ground up.Vishwanathan suggested that local device manufacturers using BharatOS should get subsidies, while those clinging to Android/iOS should pay heavy duties. “Let the iPhone 17 crowd pay luxury prices,” he added in the post.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-s-new-h-1b-visa-process-lottery-system-to-be-scrapped-1758696631993/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-s-new-h-1b-visa-process-lottery-system-to-be-scrapped-1758696631993/embed</a><h2>A ₹100 billion fund for developers and a Desi code depository,to get away from Google Play Store and GitHub</h2>The post suggested an architecture backed by a ₹100 billion fund for developers, to help migrate out of the Google Play Store, with built-in UPI/Aadhaar integration. The post also mooted the idea of a Sovereign Source Repository of India, or SSRI, to replace dependency on the software development hosting platform GitHub.It calls for building a “massive Open Source foundation” that supports Indian languages and problems better, operating under Indian law with no DMCA takedowns or Western IP restrictions. (DMCA is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and IP stands for Intellectual Property.)The post suggested that government contracts should mandate SSRI usage, and that startups should get tax breaks for hosting critical code in SSRI.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-s-100-000-h-1-b-visa-fee-what-it-means-and-what-it-doesn-t-explained-1758415588544">Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1 B visa fee: What it means and what it doesn’t</a><h2>Hindustani Flow and Swadeshi Network: Time for ‘Desi’ Artificial Intelligence models&nbsp;</h2>The post also suggested what Vishwanathan called ‘Hindustani Flow.’ The idea is to make AI “Indian,” to address the content shortage in Indian languages.The Swadeshi Network, mentioned in the post, envisions social media, video, and streaming platforms that Vishwanathan termed ‘BharatConnect, BharatVideo, and BharatTube.’It also asked for a creator fund of ₹1.5 billion to make top influencers to migrate to Indian platforms.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-proposes-to-scrap-h-1b-lottery-system-proposes-visa-process-favoring-better-paid-workers-1758651587890">Trump proposes to scrap H-1B lottery system, proposes visa process favouring better-paid workers</a>&nbsp;“Start it like AIR/Doordarshan kind of model with public-funded top-notch content [like we did in the 1980s–90s],” said the post. “Eventually, the private sector can take it and fly it.” &nbsp;AIR, or All India Radio, and Doordarshan are India’s public broadcasters for radio and TV.&nbsp;The post highlighted that India has the capital, labour that includes returning high-tech talent, and a market of 1.4 billion users.“Time to stop weak-minded responses and completely rebuild our tech foundation. This isn’t about fighting America — it’s about building an India that doesn’t need anyone’s permission to innovate,” it concluded.

In a social media post, an Indian entrepreneur proposed a bold vision for India's tech sovereignty, which includes BharatOS, SSRI, Desi Artificial Intelligence, and digital platforms. Could this be the blueprint for India to reduce dependency on foreign tech giants?



Sometimes, it takes an insult to spark innovation. India and its tech workforce are at such an inflexion point, with the unjustified H-1B visa fee hike proposal and Trump tariffs meant to break the back of key sectors of the Indian economy. A US-based entrepreneur made a social media post that should make every policymaker in India sit up and take note. Balaji Vishwanathan's bold proposals are not yet in existence, but are uniquely innovative. What can be done by India, for India, to emerge as a global technology hub? Based on Vishwanathan’s post, here is an expanded vision document that includes what he calls BharatOS mandate, SSRI and swadeshi social networks. Can the Reserve Bank of India help the nation build tech sovereignty? The LinkedIn post said it’s time for the Indian tech sector to reinvent itself to utilise the returning expats “in a GI Joe kind of programme” as well as build its long-term tech sovereignty. It suggested that India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, send ‘₹12 trillion surplus’ to build India’s full tech stack from the ground up. While this amount is not rooted in reality, the RBI does transfer a surplus, or “dividend,” to the central government. For instance, in FY 2023-24, the RBI approved a transfer of ₹2.1 trillion to the Union Government, and in FY 2024-25, a record surplus transfer of ₹2.69 trillion was approved. The post raises a key question: Can this surplus transfer of RBI be used to help India’s tech sovereignty? Also read: ‘Afraid of our talent,’ says Piyush Goyal after US H-1B visa fee hike, urges Indians to return, innovate in India BharatOS: Can India ‘fork’ Android (AOSP) and make it the default for all devices sold in India? A key suggestion made in the post is the forking of AOSP, or the Android Open Source Project. AOSP is the publicly available and modifiable source code for the Android operating system, developed and maintained by Google. Developers and device manufacturers can customise the code — also known as forking — to create their own Android-based products, such as custom mobile devices. The post raises a crucial question: Can India develop an AOSP-based operating system for all devices, like TVs, phones and laptops? Vishwanathan wants such an OS to be made a public good like UPI — India’s ubiquitous digital payments architecture. He urged using the HarmonyOS playbook, referring to the proprietary operating system developed by Chinese tech giant Huawei from the ground up. Vishwanathan suggested that local device manufacturers using BharatOS should get subsidies, while those clinging to Android/iOS should pay heavy duties. “Let the iPhone 17 crowd pay luxury prices,” he added in the post. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-s-new-h-1b-visa-process-lottery-system-to-be-scrapped-1758696631993/embed A ₹100 billion fund for developers and a Desi code depository,to get away from Google Play Store and GitHub The post suggested an architecture backed by a ₹100 billion fund for developers, to help migrate out of the Google Play Store, with built-in UPI/Aadhaar integration. The post also mooted the idea of a Sovereign Source Repository of India, or SSRI, to replace dependency on the software development hosting platform GitHub. It calls for building a “massive Open Source foundation” that supports Indian languages and problems better, operating under Indian law with no DMCA takedowns or Western IP restrictions. (DMCA is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and IP stands for Intellectual Property.) The post suggested that government contracts should mandate SSRI usage, and that startups should get tax breaks for hosting critical code in SSRI. Also read: Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1 B visa fee: What it means and what it doesn’t Hindustani Flow and Swadeshi Network: Time for ‘Desi’ Artificial Intelligence models The post also suggested what Vishwanathan called ‘Hindustani Flow.’ The idea is to make AI “Indian,” to address the content shortage in Indian languages. The Swadeshi Network, mentioned in the post, envisions social media, video, and streaming platforms that Vishwanathan termed ‘BharatConnect, BharatVideo, and BharatTube.’ It also asked for a creator fund of ₹1.5 billion to make top influencers to migrate to Indian platforms. Also read: Trump proposes to scrap H-1B lottery system, proposes visa process favouring better-paid workers “Start it like AIR/Doordarshan kind of model with public-funded top-notch content [like we did in the 1980s–90s],” said the post. “Eventually, the private sector can take it and fly it.” AIR, or All India Radio, and Doordarshan are India’s public broadcasters for radio and TV. The post highlighted that India has the capital, labour that includes returning high-tech talent, and a market of 1.4 billion users. “Time to stop weak-minded responses and completely rebuild our tech foundation. This isn’t about fighting America — it’s about building an India that doesn’t need anyone’s permission to innovate,” it concluded.

In a social media post, an Indian entrepreneur proposed a bold vision for India's tech sovereignty, which includes BharatOS, SSRI, Desi Artificial Intelligence, and digital platforms. Could this be the blueprint for India to reduce dependency on foreign tech giants?&nbsp;

Bharat OS, Bharat Tube, Hindustani Flow, Swadeshi network: You MUST READ this entrepreneur's post amid US H-1B visa backstabbing and Trump tariffs

The Donald Trump administration's move to impose a hefty $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications will likely cut 5,500 jobs every month. Even though it is a small figure compared to the US job market, Indian workers may be the worst-hit, said a report.&nbsp;The US is the biggest market for the Indian IT industry. These companies send several employees&nbsp;every year for on-site projects. This new rule will make sending Indian workers abroad less cost-effective than hiring locals, eliminating the need to secure H-1B approvals.&nbsp;JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.'s economists said that computer-linked job roles constituted&nbsp;two-thirds of H-1B approvals in FY24. Around 71 percent of the applications that were approved were of Indians.&nbsp;65,000 H-1B applications last year were processed abroad. These are the most vulnerable jobs.&nbsp;This rule will reduce work authorization for immigrants by up to 5,500 per month. They can, however, try getting employment through other visa categories.<h2>Donald Trump's $100,000 rule</h2>Loujaina Abdelwahed, senior economist at Revelio Labs, told Business Standard that the fee hike is tantamount to dismantling the H-1B system, which can potentially eliminate around 140,000 new jobs in the long run.&nbsp;The new rule comes amid a downturn in the US job market, with just 29,000 jobs added monthly over the past three months.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Donald Trump's policy also came under criticism in the United States.&nbsp;California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Bloomberg that the move would hurt the US state, which depends on the H-1B programme.&nbsp;He said the state might challenge the rule if it finds it illegal.&nbsp;He said his office is examining whether the visa fee violates the Administrative Procedure Act.

The Donald Trump administration's move to impose a hefty $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications will likely cut 5,500 jobs every month. 

The Donald Trump administration's move to impose a hefty $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications will likely cut 5,500 jobs every month. Even though it is a small figure compared to the US job market, Indian workers may be the worst-hit, said a report. The US is the biggest market for the Indian IT industry. These companies send several employees every year for on-site projects. This new rule will make sending Indian workers abroad less cost-effective than hiring locals, eliminating the need to secure H-1B approvals. JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s economists said that computer-linked job roles constituted two-thirds of H-1B approvals in FY24. Around 71 percent of the applications that were approved were of Indians. 65,000 H-1B applications last year were processed abroad. These are the most vulnerable jobs. This rule will reduce work authorization for immigrants by up to 5,500 per month. They can, however, try getting employment through other visa categories. Donald Trump's $100,000 rule Loujaina Abdelwahed, senior economist at Revelio Labs, told Business Standard that the fee hike is tantamount to dismantling the H-1B system, which can potentially eliminate around 140,000 new jobs in the long run. The new rule comes amid a downturn in the US job market, with just 29,000 jobs added monthly over the past three months. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's policy also came under criticism in the United States. California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Bloomberg that the move would hurt the US state, which depends on the H-1B programme. He said the state might challenge the rule if it finds it illegal. He said his office is examining whether the visa fee violates the Administrative Procedure Act.

Donald Trump H-1B fee rule: The new rule comes amid a downturn in the US job market, with just 29,000 jobs added monthly over the past three months.&nbsp;

Donald Trump H-1B fee rule: How many jobs will be impacted per month? Report reveals

The Central government is monitoring companies to see whether they are passing on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform benefits to the masses. The Consumer Affairs Ministry is planning to monitor complaints about price manipulation using tactics like bringing new models by increasing the prices, changing minor features, and retiring old models.&nbsp;As of now, there is no anti-profiteering body. Hence, the consumer affairs ministry will focus on complaints linked to price manipulation by businesses on the pretext of upgrading the prices, reported Mint.&nbsp;India's packaged food companies are thinking about adding more volume to retain their rounded-off prices, like Rs 1, Rs 5, and Rs 10. Several&nbsp;companies have passed on the GST benefit to consumers by lowering prices.&nbsp;HUL, India’s largest packaged consumer goods company, said it is providing benefits by increasing the weight or volume rather than cutting prices of small packs.&nbsp;"For price-point packs, we’ve opted to increase weight or volume as applicable to avoid odd pricing and coinage-related challenges, which will ensure pricing simplicity," a company spokesperson said in response to a query from Mint.&nbsp;The spokesperson said that consumers will receive more products at the same price, which can be construed as lowering the prices of items.&nbsp;Rishabh Jain, chief financial officer, Bikaji Foods International Ltd, told Mint that the companies can add more grammage to their packs to pass on the GST benefit.&nbsp;Coca-Cola said the company&nbsp;has reduced prices on bottled water and its juice portfolio.&nbsp;The newspaper reported that the ministry is scrutinizing&nbsp;all categories of products, including vehicles, toys, fast-moving consumer goods, etc.<h2>What is the ministry doing?</h2>The ministry has already created a dedicated GST category on its Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal for complaints. It has also asked the National Consumer Helpline to track complaints. These complaints will be forwarded to the department for further action.&nbsp;“Companies are duty-bound to pass on the benefits of GST rate cuts to consumers, and any attempt to manipulate prices in the name of adding new features will be investigated by the concerned technical bodies of the department to verify their claims," an official told the newspaper.

The Central government is monitoring companies to see whether they are passing on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform benefits to the masses. 

The Central government is monitoring companies to see whether they are passing on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform benefits to the masses. The Consumer Affairs Ministry is planning to monitor complaints about price manipulation using tactics like bringing new models by increasing the prices, changing minor features, and retiring old models. As of now, there is no anti-profiteering body. Hence, the consumer affairs ministry will focus on complaints linked to price manipulation by businesses on the pretext of upgrading the prices, reported Mint. India's packaged food companies are thinking about adding more volume to retain their rounded-off prices, like Rs 1, Rs 5, and Rs 10. Several companies have passed on the GST benefit to consumers by lowering prices. HUL, India’s largest packaged consumer goods company, said it is providing benefits by increasing the weight or volume rather than cutting prices of small packs. "For price-point packs, we’ve opted to increase weight or volume as applicable to avoid odd pricing and coinage-related challenges, which will ensure pricing simplicity," a company spokesperson said in response to a query from Mint. The spokesperson said that consumers will receive more products at the same price, which can be construed as lowering the prices of items. Rishabh Jain, chief financial officer, Bikaji Foods International Ltd, told Mint that the companies can add more grammage to their packs to pass on the GST benefit. Coca-Cola said the company has reduced prices on bottled water and its juice portfolio. The newspaper reported that the ministry is scrutinizing all categories of products, including vehicles, toys, fast-moving consumer goods, etc. What is the ministry doing? The ministry has already created a dedicated GST category on its Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal for complaints. It has also asked the National Consumer Helpline to track complaints. These complaints will be forwarded to the department for further action. “Companies are duty-bound to pass on the benefits of GST rate cuts to consumers, and any attempt to manipulate prices in the name of adding new features will be investigated by the concerned technical bodies of the department to verify their claims," an official told the newspaper.

New GST Rates 2025: The ministry has already created a dedicated GST category on its Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal for complaints.

Are manufacturers gaming GST 2.0? Smaller packages, bogus product updates under lens

The Indian rupee recorded its lowest levels on Tuesday, with the currency reaching a record low of 88.75 against the US dollar. According to reports, the pressure on the rupee came amid concerns over the Donald Trump administration's decision to levy a $100,000 fee on every H1B visa application.<h2>What experts said about the Indian rupee's performance</h2>KN Dey, a currency expert, said the volatility may continue over the next few days. However, the rupee's weakness may not increase much.&nbsp;"There were some FII's buying yesterday, later part of trading hours, and today it's the month/half-year end outflows by general importers. Also, some export forward contract cancellations are reported. Next 2/3 days' volatility may continue, but the Rupee's further weakness may not be much," Dey noted.&nbsp;He said the rupee might touch 87.50 in October.&nbsp;"In fact, 88.47/50 are good levels to sell long term, with 1 year forward quoting at 90.52. RBI is actively intervening in the market to avoid any undue volatility. Come October, hopefully the rupee should possibly start strengthening and might touch 87.50/60 in the coming 2 months," Dey added.<h2>Gold prices surge</h2>Meanwhile, amid geopolitical tensions, gold prices surged further.&nbsp;"Gold breached the door of USD 3700 once again, while silver went way past USD 43 on COMEX. Gold at USD 3787/ounce," Modi highlighted.&nbsp;Manav Modi, Analyst - Precious Metal Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said the prices were increased because the gold markets are watching further comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on the US Fed rate cuts.&nbsp;The central bank lowered rates by 25 basis points last week.

The Indian rupee recorded its lowest levels on Tuesday, with the currency reaching a record low of 88.67 against the US dollar.

The Indian rupee recorded its lowest levels on Tuesday, with the currency reaching a record low of 88.75 against the US dollar. According to reports, the pressure on the rupee came amid concerns over the Donald Trump administration's decision to levy a $100,000 fee on every H1B visa application. What experts said about the Indian rupee's performance KN Dey, a currency expert, said the volatility may continue over the next few days. However, the rupee's weakness may not increase much. "There were some FII's buying yesterday, later part of trading hours, and today it's the month/half-year end outflows by general importers. Also, some export forward contract cancellations are reported. Next 2/3 days' volatility may continue, but the Rupee's further weakness may not be much," Dey noted. He said the rupee might touch 87.50 in October. "In fact, 88.47/50 are good levels to sell long term, with 1 year forward quoting at 90.52. RBI is actively intervening in the market to avoid any undue volatility. Come October, hopefully the rupee should possibly start strengthening and might touch 87.50/60 in the coming 2 months," Dey added. Gold prices surge Meanwhile, amid geopolitical tensions, gold prices surged further. "Gold breached the door of USD 3700 once again, while silver went way past USD 43 on COMEX. Gold at USD 3787/ounce," Modi highlighted. Manav Modi, Analyst - Precious Metal Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said the prices were increased because the gold markets are watching further comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on the US Fed rate cuts. The central bank lowered rates by 25 basis points last week.

Why did the Indian rupee drop against the US dollar? KN Dey, a currency expert, said the volatility may continue over the next few days.

Rupee hits lowest-ever level, gold surges on US Fed rate anticipation: What experts said

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect on Monday, fuelling bumper demand across industries. The festive demand was also buoyed&nbsp;by the ongoing festive season. The auto industry&nbsp;and the electronics&nbsp;industry were positively impacted, with companies like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai witnessing enquiries and bookings.&nbsp;The GST reform implementation coincided with the first day of Navratri. The automobile sector registered historic numbers.<h2>How car companies fared</h2>Maruti Suzuki recorded 80,000 enquiries and delivered 25,000 cars. These figures were the company's highest in 35 years. The bookings for small cars increased to 50 per cent.&nbsp;A similar trend was also witnessed by Hyundai. 11,000 cars were booked on a single day, its best performance in five years.&nbsp;Tata Motors also recorded 10,000 car deliveries and over 25,000 enquiries on the first day of Navaratri.&nbsp;The GST slabs of 12 per cent and 28 per cent were abolished. Most of the items in these slabs were moved to the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs, lowering their prices.&nbsp;"The response from customers has been phenomenal--something we haven't seen in the last 35 years. On the very first day, we recorded 80,000 enquiries, and have already delivered over 25,000 cars, with deliveries expected to touch 30,000 shortly," he added.&nbsp;Maruti had reduced the prices of all of its offerings.&nbsp;The company's bookings after the price reduction increased to 75,000, with nearly 15,000 bookings coming in every day. This is 50 per cent more than usual, reported ET.&nbsp;Tata also issued a statement.&nbsp;"With the commencement of the festive season, supported by the benefits announced by Tata Motors and the implementation of GST 2.0 rate cuts, the company has recorded noteworthy performance on the very first day of the reforms taking effect," the company said.&nbsp;Cars24, which sells used cars, witnessed a 400 per cent jump in car deliveries.&nbsp;Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called GST 2.0 "a reform dedicated to the people of India".

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect on Monday, fuelling bumper demand across industries. 

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect on Monday, fuelling bumper demand across industries. The festive demand was also buoyed by the ongoing festive season. The auto industry and the electronics industry were positively impacted, with companies like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai witnessing enquiries and bookings. The GST reform implementation coincided with the first day of Navratri. The automobile sector registered historic numbers. How car companies fared Maruti Suzuki recorded 80,000 enquiries and delivered 25,000 cars. These figures were the company's highest in 35 years. The bookings for small cars increased to 50 per cent. A similar trend was also witnessed by Hyundai. 11,000 cars were booked on a single day, its best performance in five years. Tata Motors also recorded 10,000 car deliveries and over 25,000 enquiries on the first day of Navaratri. The GST slabs of 12 per cent and 28 per cent were abolished. Most of the items in these slabs were moved to the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs, lowering their prices. "The response from customers has been phenomenal--something we haven't seen in the last 35 years. On the very first day, we recorded 80,000 enquiries, and have already delivered over 25,000 cars, with deliveries expected to touch 30,000 shortly," he added. Maruti had reduced the prices of all of its offerings. The company's bookings after the price reduction increased to 75,000, with nearly 15,000 bookings coming in every day. This is 50 per cent more than usual, reported ET. Tata also issued a statement. "With the commencement of the festive season, supported by the benefits announced by Tata Motors and the implementation of GST 2.0 rate cuts, the company has recorded noteworthy performance on the very first day of the reforms taking effect," the company said. Cars24, which sells used cars, witnessed a 400 per cent jump in car deliveries. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called GST 2.0 "a reform dedicated to the people of India".

GST new rates 2025: The GST reform implementation coincided with the first day of Navratri. The automobile sector registered historic numbers.

GST new rates 2025: How much Maruti, Hyundai sales increased amid Navratri

Indian high-skilled professionals are facing a moment of reckoning as the US hiked the much-used H-1B visa fees to $100,000. The anger and frustration have evolved into a call for Indians to return, to build back at home. One country that has succeeded in repatriating its high-tech professionals is China. Over the past decades, it has used incentives as well as punishments to bring back the Chinese from foreign lands to start innovations and businesses in China. Many of the top tech startup CEOs had been abroad at some point in their lives. But now they are building back at home, helping China emerge as a global innovation hub that currently challenges the US and the West.<h2>How China reversed brain drain</h2>China is home to tech giants like Huawei, ByteDance (owner of TikTok), BYD and DJI. In past decades, a meticulous strategy combining generous incentives with subtle, and sometimes coercive, punishments, was used by the Chinese government to bring back its high-skilled tech talent.China wants its brightest minds, especially those educated or working in the West, to return and contribute to building China’s domestic innovation ecosystem.&nbsp;The approach combined financial carrots with legal, social, and political sticks.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed</a><h2>Thousand Talents: How China’s talent repatriation campaign offered world-class incentives</h2>Scientists and entrepreneurs were promised grants of up to ¥200 million, preferential access to housing, healthcare, subsidies, and priority in securing venture capital. Programmes like the Thousand Talents Plan (TTP), the Young Thousand Talents (YTT), and the Qiming Plan aggressively recruited top-tier Chinese professionals abroad, especially in strategic fields like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotech, and electric vehicles.With the state offering rent subsidies, tax breaks, and startup support, cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai became magnets for Chinese returnees. Startup incubators like Zhongguancun in Beijing provided infrastructure and mentorship, while institutions like Tsinghua Holdings fostered deep integration between academia and enterprise.The result? Chinese returnees now make up a reported 70 per cent of Shenzhen’s tech workforce and have founded 80 per cent of the country’s AI startups.China also streamlined its immigration and residency systems to support this return flow of emigrants.High-end talent visas, fast-tracked household registration known as 'hukou', and priority schooling and housing for families made it easier for skilled professionals to resettle in major innovation hubs.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-on-h-1b-visas-come-back-home-as-a-mark-of-protest-and-a-matter-of-pride-time-to-make-india-greater-1758519570677">Indians on H-1B visas, COME BACK HOME, as a mark of protest, and a matter of pride. Time to Make India Greater</a><h2>Disincentives designed to make staying abroad increasingly unattractive</h2>State-sponsored students, particularly those funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), were bound by contracts requiring them to return to China. Failing this would lead to penalties that include repayment of full tuition and living costs that run up to $100,000, or even legal action. This made the price of staying abroad prohibitively high for many Chinese expats.The Chinese Social Credit System also played a role. Those who failed to return or started 'unauthorised ventures' abroad could be blacklisted. This then led to restrictions in their access to credit, travel, or even schooling for their children back in China. Families of non-returnees also faced social stigma, amplified by state media campaigns promoting national service and loyalty.Moreover, returnees who attempted to collaborate with or join foreign tech firms often risked violating Chinese National Security and Cybersecurity laws. Sharing sensitive technology with foreign entities was criminalised, and data localisation was required for Chinese firms.&nbsp;In effect, these curbs created high barriers for overseas engagement for Chinese tech professionals.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-doctors-not-pay-100-000-fee-on-h-1b-visas-report-claims-case-by-case-exemptions-1758561658463">Will doctors not pay $100,000 fee on H-1B visas? Report claims ‘case-by-case exemptions’</a><h2>Losing citizenship and access to startup ecosystem: Hidden cost of not returning for Chinese</h2>Chinese citizens holding foreign passports were further disincentivised by the country's ban on dual citizenship.&nbsp;Choosing to remain abroad meant losing access to China’s domestic startup ecosystem, government funding, and even property rights.&nbsp;This led many to forgo foreign nationality in order to keep their foothold in the Chinese market.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/h1-b-visa-fee-hike-is-a-trade-barrier-legal-argument-for-india-to-sue-the-us-at-the-wto-in-a-world-first-under-mode-4-of-gats-1758608807223">H1-B visa fee hike is a trade barrier: Legal argument for India to sue the US at the WTO in a world-first under Mode 4 of GATS</a><h2>China's strong state control over its startup ecosystem</h2>Companies that did not align with state-defined strategic goals, especially post-2018 tech tensions with the US, faced the withdrawal of subsidies, funding, or market access.&nbsp;Hundreds of ventures that failed to deliver results were excluded from major incubators and denied participation in government contracts.China also ramped up investment in strategic areas, such as the $48 billion Big Fund III.&nbsp;Launched in 2024, this financial initiative funnelled capital into chip manufacturing.&nbsp;Programmes like the Qiming Plan gave semiconductor firms generous funding.<h2>Staggering results: Millions of Chinese return</h2>As per data from 2023, more than one million Chinese students have returned annually. Some global brands emerged from this reverse migration.&nbsp;For instance, DJI now dominates the global drone market with a 70 per cent share.&nbsp;BYD accounts for 20 per cent of global electric vehicle sales.&nbsp;SenseTime, a major AI player, has reached a valuation of $3 billion. China now ranks first globally in patent filings and accounts for 30 per cent of global unicorn value.<h2>Reverse brain drain helped China become innovation hub</h2>China has not only reversed its brain drain. It used its talent as a lever to assert technological sovereignty and economic resilience amid global decoupling trends and protectionism from America.&nbsp;China blended opportunity and obligation, incentives and punishments, in its long march towards self-reliance in the technology sector. It is a controversial, yet powerful model for national innovation.The global tech race is intensifying. For Indian policymakers, China's example underscores a broader truth: attracting talent is no longer just about offering a better salary or lab.&nbsp;It is about building an entire ecosystem that makes leaving the homeland the harder—not the easier—choice, and returning an attractive option.&nbsp;India can avoid the punishment-disincentive part of this system, and concentrate on the incentives and ecosystem-building aspects of the Chinese model.Because it is high time.

As India faces a moment of reckoning amid H-1B fee visa fee hike, it is time to look at how China reversed its brain drain. It combined incentives and disincentives to repatriate high-skilled tech talent. Two decades later, China is an innovation hub full of booming startups



Indian high-skilled professionals are facing a moment of reckoning as the US hiked the much-used H-1B visa fees to $100,000. The anger and frustration have evolved into a call for Indians to return, to build back at home. One country that has succeeded in repatriating its high-tech professionals is China. Over the past decades, it has used incentives as well as punishments to bring back the Chinese from foreign lands to start innovations and businesses in China. Many of the top tech startup CEOs had been abroad at some point in their lives. But now they are building back at home, helping China emerge as a global innovation hub that currently challenges the US and the West. How China reversed brain drain China is home to tech giants like Huawei, ByteDance (owner of TikTok), BYD and DJI. In past decades, a meticulous strategy combining generous incentives with subtle, and sometimes coercive, punishments, was used by the Chinese government to bring back its high-skilled tech talent. China wants its brightest minds, especially those educated or working in the West, to return and contribute to building China’s domestic innovation ecosystem. The approach combined financial carrots with legal, social, and political sticks. https://www.wionews.com/videos/colossal-trump-visa-blunder-likely-to-boomerang-boost-tech-in-india-1758565334027/embed Thousand Talents: How China’s talent repatriation campaign offered world-class incentives Scientists and entrepreneurs were promised grants of up to ¥200 million, preferential access to housing, healthcare, subsidies, and priority in securing venture capital. Programmes like the Thousand Talents Plan (TTP), the Young Thousand Talents (YTT), and the Qiming Plan aggressively recruited top-tier Chinese professionals abroad, especially in strategic fields like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotech, and electric vehicles. With the state offering rent subsidies, tax breaks, and startup support, cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai became magnets for Chinese returnees. Startup incubators like Zhongguancun in Beijing provided infrastructure and mentorship, while institutions like Tsinghua Holdings fostered deep integration between academia and enterprise. The result? Chinese returnees now make up a reported 70 per cent of Shenzhen’s tech workforce and have founded 80 per cent of the country’s AI startups. China also streamlined its immigration and residency systems to support this return flow of emigrants. High-end talent visas, fast-tracked household registration known as 'hukou', and priority schooling and housing for families made it easier for skilled professionals to resettle in major innovation hubs. Also read: Indians on H-1B visas, COME BACK HOME, as a mark of protest, and a matter of pride. Time to Make India Greater Disincentives designed to make staying abroad increasingly unattractive State-sponsored students, particularly those funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), were bound by contracts requiring them to return to China. Failing this would lead to penalties that include repayment of full tuition and living costs that run up to $100,000, or even legal action. This made the price of staying abroad prohibitively high for many Chinese expats. The Chinese Social Credit System also played a role. Those who failed to return or started 'unauthorised ventures' abroad could be blacklisted. This then led to restrictions in their access to credit, travel, or even schooling for their children back in China. Families of non-returnees also faced social stigma, amplified by state media campaigns promoting national service and loyalty. Moreover, returnees who attempted to collaborate with or join foreign tech firms often risked violating Chinese National Security and Cybersecurity laws. Sharing sensitive technology with foreign entities was criminalised, and data localisation was required for Chinese firms. In effect, these curbs created high barriers for overseas engagement for Chinese tech professionals. Also read: Will doctors not pay $100,000 fee on H-1B visas? Report claims ‘case-by-case exemptions’ Losing citizenship and access to startup ecosystem: Hidden cost of not returning for Chinese Chinese citizens holding foreign passports were further disincentivised by the country's ban on dual citizenship. Choosing to remain abroad meant losing access to China’s domestic startup ecosystem, government funding, and even property rights. This led many to forgo foreign nationality in order to keep their foothold in the Chinese market. Also read: H1-B visa fee hike is a trade barrier: Legal argument for India to sue the US at the WTO in a world-first under Mode 4 of GATS China's strong state control over its startup ecosystem Companies that did not align with state-defined strategic goals, especially post-2018 tech tensions with the US, faced the withdrawal of subsidies, funding, or market access. Hundreds of ventures that failed to deliver results were excluded from major incubators and denied participation in government contracts. China also ramped up investment in strategic areas, such as the $48 billion Big Fund III. Launched in 2024, this financial initiative funnelled capital into chip manufacturing. Programmes like the Qiming Plan gave semiconductor firms generous funding. Staggering results: Millions of Chinese return As per data from 2023, more than one million Chinese students have returned annually. Some global brands emerged from this reverse migration. For instance, DJI now dominates the global drone market with a 70 per cent share. BYD accounts for 20 per cent of global electric vehicle sales. SenseTime, a major AI player, has reached a valuation of $3 billion. China now ranks first globally in patent filings and accounts for 30 per cent of global unicorn value. Reverse brain drain helped China become innovation hub China has not only reversed its brain drain. It used its talent as a lever to assert technological sovereignty and economic resilience amid global decoupling trends and protectionism from America. China blended opportunity and obligation, incentives and punishments, in its long march towards self-reliance in the technology sector. It is a controversial, yet powerful model for national innovation. The global tech race is intensifying. For Indian policymakers, China's example underscores a broader truth: attracting talent is no longer just about offering a better salary or lab. It is about building an entire ecosystem that makes leaving the homeland the harder—not the easier—choice, and returning an attractive option. India can avoid the punishment-disincentive part of this system, and concentrate on the incentives and ecosystem-building aspects of the Chinese model. Because it is high time.

As India faces a moment of reckoning amid H-1B fee visa fee hike, it is time to look at how China reversed its brain drain. It combined incentives and disincentives to repatriate high-skilled tech talent. Two decades later, China is an innovation hub full of booming startups&nbsp;

H-1B visa fee hike and call for Indians to return: What India can learn from China's efforts to repatriate its high-skilled talent

The United States government has announced its plans to impose a $100,000 fee on fresh H-1B pleas, potentially hurting the Indian IT industry, which largely relies on American clients. The policy change may force Indian IT giants to hire more expensive local talent, which may push their expenses.<h2>What's the&nbsp;US fee?</h2>Earlier, H-1B applications used to cost the companies between $2,000 and $5,000 per applicant. However, the new rule will now require people to shell out $100,000 per applicant.&nbsp;If an IT giant files for 5000 H-1B applications, this cost will now be $500 million.&nbsp;Motilal Oswal Financial Services told Business Standard that Indian IT companies will likely avoid new H-1B filings and expand hirings abroad.&nbsp;The Indian IT companies earn nearly 60 per cent of their revenues from the US. Over the past 10 years, they have been reducing their reliance on H-1B hirings.&nbsp;Around 20 per cent of employees of the mega IT companies are based in the US. Of these, nearly one-third hold H-1B visas.&nbsp;"With localisation drives in the US and higher local hiring, only about 20 per cent of employees are currently based on-site. Of this, 20-30 per cent are on H-1B visas, implying that H-1B holders represent just 3-5 per cent of the active workforce for a typical vendor," Motilal Oswal noted.&nbsp;Motilal Oswal said that with H-1B hirings dwindling, on-site revenues will decline. However, since offshore delivery is more profitable for these companies, operating margins can still improve.Firms might also hire green card holders and US citizens.&nbsp;American companies also file H-1B applications. Amazon's approval list was 10,044 H-1B visas, TCS had 5,505 approvals., Microsoft (5,189), Meta (5,123), Apple (4,202), and Google (4,181) reported BS.&nbsp;This issue will also hit the global tech giants, not just Indian companies.

The United States government has announced its plans to impose a $100,000 fee on fresh H-1B pleas, potentially hurting the Indian IT industry, which largely relies on American clients. The policy change may force Indian IT giants to hire more expensive local talent, which may push their expenses.

The United States government has announced its plans to impose a $100,000 fee on fresh H-1B pleas, potentially hurting the Indian IT industry, which largely relies on American clients. The policy change may force Indian IT giants to hire more expensive local talent, which may push their expenses. What's the US fee? Earlier, H-1B applications used to cost the companies between $2,000 and $5,000 per applicant. However, the new rule will now require people to shell out $100,000 per applicant. If an IT giant files for 5000 H-1B applications, this cost will now be $500 million. Motilal Oswal Financial Services told Business Standard that Indian IT companies will likely avoid new H-1B filings and expand hirings abroad. The Indian IT companies earn nearly 60 per cent of their revenues from the US. Over the past 10 years, they have been reducing their reliance on H-1B hirings. Around 20 per cent of employees of the mega IT companies are based in the US. Of these, nearly one-third hold H-1B visas. "With localisation drives in the US and higher local hiring, only about 20 per cent of employees are currently based on-site. Of this, 20-30 per cent are on H-1B visas, implying that H-1B holders represent just 3-5 per cent of the active workforce for a typical vendor," Motilal Oswal noted. Motilal Oswal said that with H-1B hirings dwindling, on-site revenues will decline. However, since offshore delivery is more profitable for these companies, operating margins can still improve. Firms might also hire green card holders and US citizens. American companies also file H-1B applications. Amazon's approval list was 10,044 H-1B visas, TCS had 5,505 approvals., Microsoft (5,189), Meta (5,123), Apple (4,202), and Google (4,181) reported BS. This issue will also hit the global tech giants, not just Indian companies.

$100,000 fee on H-1B visas: Around 20 per cent of employees of the mega IT companies are based in the US. Of these, nearly one-third hold H-1B visas.

How will Donald Trump's H-1B fee hit Indian IT firms?

The Trump administration has proposed a hike in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 in a sudden, arbitrary and confusing move that primarily targets Indian high-tech professionals. This constitutes a non-tariff barrier to market access and reflects a form of US trade protectionism. Both the US and India are signatories to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), a key framework under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Mode 4 of GATS deals with the ‘movement of natural persons’. India has been a long-standing advocate of Mode 4, which is crucial to its strength in global trade in services. No country has ever legally challenged another under the WTO specifically over Mode 4. If India were to do so against the US, it would be a world first. But will it? What is the legal argument? What are the pros and cons of a potential India–US dispute at the WTO over arbitrary visa regulations? Let's break it down.<h2>Why Mode 4 of WTO on movement of natural persons is important for India</h2>India is one of the largest exporters of services globally, for which it heavily relies on the temporary movement of natural persons. Mode 4 under the WTO’s GATS ensures this cross-border trade in services, especially in IT, consulting, and professional sectors. The US is a key destination for such movement of people, offering visa categories such as H-1B and L-1, which broadly correspond to its Mode 4 commitments under GATS.An arbitrary and disproportionate increase in visa fees, such as the proposed hike to $100,000 for H-1B visas, would in effect restrict access of the Indian IT industry to the US market, severely impacting Indian service providers and other foreign service suppliers.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-you-have-h-1b-visa-us-official-says-indians-don-t-need-to-rush-here-s-why-1758387383378">Do you have H-1B visa? US official says Indians DON’T NEED to rush. Here’s why</a><h2>Legal basis under WTO/GATS on the movement of persons as part of trade</h2>Under Article XVI, which deals with market access, and Article XVII, which deals with national treatment, GATS prevents WTO members from imposing measures that nullify or impair the commitments made on trade in services, including those related to Mode 4. The US is committed to allowing temporary entry for specific categories of natural persons. However, the arbitrary rise in visa fees and harsh immigration regulations targeting specific countries would make entry into the US prohibitively expensive or impossible for Indian professionals and other service suppliers. This can be construed as quantitative restrictions or non-tariff barriers that violate WTO provisions.Visa fees are not explicitly regulated by GATS, but they are an essential part of immigration and market access conditions. Excessive or arbitrary fee hikes constitute non-tariff barriers by effectively restricting the entry of service providers, undermining the principles of reasonable, transparent, and non-discriminatory access enshrined in WTO commitments.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-floats-k-visa-amid-trump-s-h1-b-chaos-1758559833186/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-floats-k-visa-amid-trump-s-h1-b-chaos-1758559833186/embed</a><h2>US visa fee hikes as de facto quantitative restrictions on trade</h2>A visa fee hike of an extreme magnitude like the $100,000 for H-1B visas can arguably act as a de facto quantitative limitation, as it deters applicants, effectively capping the number of natural persons who can access the American market. This, in spirit, violates GATS’ emphasis on progressive trade liberalisation. This, along with other immigration restriction measures, can be viewed as actions nullifying or impairing expected benefits under Article XXIII (non-violation complaints) of GATS.Visa fees inherently discriminate against foreign nationals, potentially breaching national treatment principles, particularly if fees are arbitrary or disproportionately high compared to the cost of processing visas for domestic or other categories of workers.<h2>But what are the challenges in pursuing a legal case on visa restrictions and high fees?</h2>Mode 4 annexes and provisions explicitly permit WTO members to regulate the entry and stay of natural persons for public order, security, or administrative reasons. The US is likely to invoke these exceptions under Article XIV, arguing immigration sovereignty and administrative cost recovery. However, in the case of H-1B visa fees, the American rationale is to bring jobs back to US citizens, not because visa holders are a threat to public order or security. In simple terms, it is a matter of economic protectionism.The US’s Mode 4 commitments are limited and selective, covering specific categories such as intra-company transferees and certain professionals. Many sectors remain “unbound.” Therefore, it is quite possible for the US to argue that the visa fee changes fall outside its commitments and may be beyond WTO scrutiny.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-doctors-not-pay-100-000-fee-on-h-1b-visas-report-claims-case-by-case-exemptions-1758561658463">Will doctors not pay $100,000 fee on H-1B visas? Report claims ‘case-by-case exemptions’</a><h2>How it could set a precedent if India sues the US at the WTO under Mode 4</h2>That said, a WTO dispute initiated by India against the US over visa fee hikes could set a precedent. If India proceeds, it would be the first-ever case focusing explicitly on visa fees under Mode 4. It could compel the WTO to clarify its role in regulating the balance between immigration control and trade commitments on services, and address artificial barriers to trade.Such a case, if it materialises, would affirm that negative-effect immigration rules constitute non-tariff barriers. It would prompt a determination as to whether such measures are subject to WTO disciplines, particularly when they impair trade commitments—especially for developing countries like India that are dependent on Mode 4 exports.<h2>Practical considerations of a case against the US by India over immigration restrictions</h2>While the argument that visa fee hikes constitute trade barriers violating GATS commitments is legally sound, it would face significant hurdles. For example, proving that visa fees exceed legitimate immigration control and amount to disguised protectionism would be challenging.WTO members generally enjoy broad flexibilities and exceptions regarding immigration, as it is a politically sensitive subject involving national sovereignty and domestic rule-making. Navigating this political sensitivity in an untested legal space would be a challenge for India.As noted, the US has only limited Mode 4 commitments. The key question is whether a WTO dispute panel would defer to sovereign immigration policy, or adopt an objective view based on how such measures affect agreed trade principles under Mode 4.Also read: <a href="UK to scrap visa fee after Trump’s $100,000 hike for H-1B? Report claims Starmer considering reform">UK to scrap visa fee after Trump’s $100,000 hike for H-1B? Report claims Starmer considering reform</a><h2>India has a strong legal foundation for pursuing a case at the WTO over visa fee hikes, despite the challenges involved</h2>It is legally sound for India to argue that sudden visa fee hikes and immigration reforms affecting Indian professionals amount to restricting market access and discriminating against foreign service providers. A WTO panel ruling in India’s favour would set a landmark precedent, making clear that WTO members cannot use protectionist immigration policies or excessive visa fees to bypass their trade commitments. It could strengthen the enforceability of Mode 4 and advance fairer global trade in services.If pursued, this case would not only address a critical trade barrier impacting India’s service exports, but also clarify the relationship between immigration regulations and international trade law under the WTO framework.&nbsp;But will India bite the bullet on this? That’s a 100,000 dollar question. &nbsp;

In theory at least, it is possible for India to approach the WTO over the arbitrary $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike by the US. Such a case has never happened, but would fall under GATS Mode 4 that deals with transnational movement of people. But will India make such a move?



The Trump administration has proposed a hike in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 in a sudden, arbitrary and confusing move that primarily targets Indian high-tech professionals. This constitutes a non-tariff barrier to market access and reflects a form of US trade protectionism. Both the US and India are signatories to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), a key framework under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Mode 4 of GATS deals with the ‘movement of natural persons’. India has been a long-standing advocate of Mode 4, which is crucial to its strength in global trade in services. No country has ever legally challenged another under the WTO specifically over Mode 4. If India were to do so against the US, it would be a world first. But will it? What is the legal argument? What are the pros and cons of a potential India–US dispute at the WTO over arbitrary visa regulations? Let's break it down. Why Mode 4 of WTO on movement of natural persons is important for India India is one of the largest exporters of services globally, for which it heavily relies on the temporary movement of natural persons. Mode 4 under the WTO’s GATS ensures this cross-border trade in services, especially in IT, consulting, and professional sectors. The US is a key destination for such movement of people, offering visa categories such as H-1B and L-1, which broadly correspond to its Mode 4 commitments under GATS. An arbitrary and disproportionate increase in visa fees, such as the proposed hike to $100,000 for H-1B visas, would in effect restrict access of the Indian IT industry to the US market, severely impacting Indian service providers and other foreign service suppliers. Also read: Do you have H-1B visa? US official says Indians DON’T NEED to rush. Here’s why Legal basis under WTO/GATS on the movement of persons as part of trade Under Article XVI, which deals with market access, and Article XVII, which deals with national treatment, GATS prevents WTO members from imposing measures that nullify or impair the commitments made on trade in services, including those related to Mode 4. The US is committed to allowing temporary entry for specific categories of natural persons. However, the arbitrary rise in visa fees and harsh immigration regulations targeting specific countries would make entry into the US prohibitively expensive or impossible for Indian professionals and other service suppliers. This can be construed as quantitative restrictions or non-tariff barriers that violate WTO provisions. Visa fees are not explicitly regulated by GATS, but they are an essential part of immigration and market access conditions. Excessive or arbitrary fee hikes constitute non-tariff barriers by effectively restricting the entry of service providers, undermining the principles of reasonable, transparent, and non-discriminatory access enshrined in WTO commitments. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-floats-k-visa-amid-trump-s-h1-b-chaos-1758559833186/embed US visa fee hikes as de facto quantitative restrictions on trade A visa fee hike of an extreme magnitude like the $100,000 for H-1B visas can arguably act as a de facto quantitative limitation, as it deters applicants, effectively capping the number of natural persons who can access the American market. This, in spirit, violates GATS’ emphasis on progressive trade liberalisation. This, along with other immigration restriction measures, can be viewed as actions nullifying or impairing expected benefits under Article XXIII (non-violation complaints) of GATS. Visa fees inherently discriminate against foreign nationals, potentially breaching national treatment principles, particularly if fees are arbitrary or disproportionately high compared to the cost of processing visas for domestic or other categories of workers. But what are the challenges in pursuing a legal case on visa restrictions and high fees? Mode 4 annexes and provisions explicitly permit WTO members to regulate the entry and stay of natural persons for public order, security, or administrative reasons. The US is likely to invoke these exceptions under Article XIV, arguing immigration sovereignty and administrative cost recovery. However, in the case of H-1B visa fees, the American rationale is to bring jobs back to US citizens, not because visa holders are a threat to public order or security. In simple terms, it is a matter of economic protectionism. The US’s Mode 4 commitments are limited and selective, covering specific categories such as intra-company transferees and certain professionals. Many sectors remain “unbound.” Therefore, it is quite possible for the US to argue that the visa fee changes fall outside its commitments and may be beyond WTO scrutiny. Also read: Will doctors not pay $100,000 fee on H-1B visas? Report claims ‘case-by-case exemptions’ How it could set a precedent if India sues the US at the WTO under Mode 4 That said, a WTO dispute initiated by India against the US over visa fee hikes could set a precedent. If India proceeds, it would be the first-ever case focusing explicitly on visa fees under Mode 4. It could compel the WTO to clarify its role in regulating the balance between immigration control and trade commitments on services, and address artificial barriers to trade. Such a case, if it materialises, would affirm that negative-effect immigration rules constitute non-tariff barriers. It would prompt a determination as to whether such measures are subject to WTO disciplines, particularly when they impair trade commitments—especially for developing countries like India that are dependent on Mode 4 exports. Practical considerations of a case against the US by India over immigration restrictions While the argument that visa fee hikes constitute trade barriers violating GATS commitments is legally sound, it would face significant hurdles. For example, proving that visa fees exceed legitimate immigration control and amount to disguised protectionism would be challenging. WTO members generally enjoy broad flexibilities and exceptions regarding immigration, as it is a politically sensitive subject involving national sovereignty and domestic rule-making. Navigating this political sensitivity in an untested legal space would be a challenge for India. As noted, the US has only limited Mode 4 commitments. The key question is whether a WTO dispute panel would defer to sovereign immigration policy, or adopt an objective view based on how such measures affect agreed trade principles under Mode 4. Also read: UK to scrap visa fee after Trump’s $100,000 hike for H-1B? Report claims Starmer considering reform India has a strong legal foundation for pursuing a case at the WTO over visa fee hikes, despite the challenges involved It is legally sound for India to argue that sudden visa fee hikes and immigration reforms affecting Indian professionals amount to restricting market access and discriminating against foreign service providers. A WTO panel ruling in India’s favour would set a landmark precedent, making clear that WTO members cannot use protectionist immigration policies or excessive visa fees to bypass their trade commitments. It could strengthen the enforceability of Mode 4 and advance fairer global trade in services. If pursued, this case would not only address a critical trade barrier impacting India’s service exports, but also clarify the relationship between immigration regulations and international trade law under the WTO framework. But will India bite the bullet on this? That’s a 100,000 dollar question.

In theory at least, it is possible for India to approach the WTO over the arbitrary $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike by the US. Such a case has never happened, but would fall under GATS Mode 4 that deals with transnational movement of people. But will India make such a move?&nbsp;

H1-B visa fee hike is a trade barrier: Legal argument for India to sue the US at the WTO in a world-first under Mode 4 of GATS

Several states, including West Bengal, Telangana, and Punjab, have asked the central government&nbsp;to provide funds to offset the losses in revenue because of GST rationalisation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the NDA government didn't spend a single penny on bringing about the reforms. She said state governments&nbsp;funded the tax relief.Addressing an event in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee said the state would incur a loss of Rs 20,000 crore due to the GST reforms.&nbsp;"The central government has not spent a single penny on this relief; it has all come from the coffers of state governments. They take the credit, but we have borne the cost...Will they return our money? Funds for 100 days' work, for Awas Yojana, for roads, for Jal Swapno, for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: everything has been stalled. And now, again, a loss of Rs 20,000 crore has been inflicted. How will I run the state in such conditions?" she said.<h2>What Telangana and Kerala said</h2>The Centre has eliminated the Goods and Services Tax's&nbsp;12 per cent and 28 per cent slabs. The items in these slabs are placed in the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs. A separate 40 per cent slab has been retained for luxury and sin goods.&nbsp;Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said on Monday that the state stands to lose Rs 7,000 crore due to GST rationalisation. He demanded that the Centre support states facing losses due to the GST reforms.&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu supported GST 2.0. However, his state will lose an estimated Rs 8,000 crore in revenue.&nbsp;Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal claimed Kerala may lose between Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 2 lakh crore. He said this loss of revenue will impact the state's social programmes.&nbsp;Maharashtra has estimated that it will incur a revenue loss between Rs 10000 crore and Rs 12000 crore due to the GST reforms.&nbsp;Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, lauded the GST reforms.&nbsp;AAP-ruled Punjab is bracing for a 20 per cent shortfall in GST collections due to the rate rationalisation.&nbsp;Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the reforms will leave Rs 2 lakh crore discretionary&nbsp;income in the hands of the people of the country.&nbsp;The Central government expects that new income tax slabs coupled with GST reforms will provide a boost to the Indian economy, as consumers will likely increase domestic spending.

Several states, including West Bengal, Telangana, and Punjab, have asked the central government to provide funds to offset the losses in revenue because of GST rationalisation.

Several states, including West Bengal, Telangana, and Punjab, have asked the central government to provide funds to offset the losses in revenue because of GST rationalisation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the NDA government didn't spend a single penny on bringing about the reforms. She said state governments funded the tax relief. Addressing an event in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee said the state would incur a loss of Rs 20,000 crore due to the GST reforms. "The central government has not spent a single penny on this relief; it has all come from the coffers of state governments. They take the credit, but we have borne the cost...Will they return our money? Funds for 100 days' work, for Awas Yojana, for roads, for Jal Swapno, for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: everything has been stalled. And now, again, a loss of Rs 20,000 crore has been inflicted. How will I run the state in such conditions?" she said. What Telangana and Kerala said The Centre has eliminated the Goods and Services Tax's 12 per cent and 28 per cent slabs. The items in these slabs are placed in the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs. A separate 40 per cent slab has been retained for luxury and sin goods. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said on Monday that the state stands to lose Rs 7,000 crore due to GST rationalisation. He demanded that the Centre support states facing losses due to the GST reforms. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu supported GST 2.0. However, his state will lose an estimated Rs 8,000 crore in revenue. Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal claimed Kerala may lose between Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 2 lakh crore. He said this loss of revenue will impact the state's social programmes. Maharashtra has estimated that it will incur a revenue loss between Rs 10000 crore and Rs 12000 crore due to the GST reforms. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, lauded the GST reforms. AAP-ruled Punjab is bracing for a 20 per cent shortfall in GST collections due to the rate rationalisation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the reforms will leave Rs 2 lakh crore discretionary income in the hands of the people of the country. The Central government expects that new income tax slabs coupled with GST reforms will provide a boost to the Indian economy, as consumers will likely increase domestic spending.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the reforms will leave Rs 2 lakh crore discretionary&nbsp;income in the hands of the people of the country.

GST reforms: West Bengal, Telangana, Kerala demand revenue loss offset

India's Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on Monday said that the recently implemented GST 2.0 reforms, coupled with income tax relief announced in the Union Budget, will have a multiplier effect on the economy, pushing FY26 growth towards the upper end of the 6.3 to 6.8 per cent range.&nbsp;Speaking at the Network18 Reforms Reloaded 2025 summit in Delhi, Nageswaran said, “The GST 2.0 is a very significant landmark reform. I am very confident that it will provide a very significant boost to domestic demand. In addition to the indirect taxes, there are concessions and relief announced as part of the Union Budget. Taking a multiplier effect, these will quite definitely boost the GDP numbers.”&nbsp;Nageshwaran noted that the combined impact of direct tax relief through income tax cuts and indirect tax relief through GST rate reductions will be over Rs 2.5 lakh crore. He, however, added that some other uncertainties may dilute the effect.&nbsp;On concerns over the revenue impact of GST rate cuts on states, the CEA said experience shows that despite rate reductions, collections have risen.&nbsp;"Despite prior rate cuts, the annual revenue collections of these states have gone higher up over the years," he said.&nbsp;The CEA also expressed confidence in achieving a gross fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of GDP in FY26. "We had good non-tax revenue growth. Overall revenue growth has been on track. The festival season will continue till the end of the year. We are confident that the fiscal math will hold very well for the current financial year," he said.&nbsp;On quarterly growth, the CEA indicated that India's Q2 GDP may remain close to 7 per cent, supported by high-frequency indicators. "The impact of US tariffs may be muted in the current year, but that will be compensated by GST rate reductions," he noted.&nbsp;Addressing concerns over US President Donald Trump's tariff measures, Nageswaran said that while India's growth was expected to face a 0.4-0.5 per cent reduction this year and around 1 per cent next year, GST reforms could cushion the blow. "But now due to GST reforms, the impact may be lower," he added.&nbsp;Looking ahead, the CEA underlined that medium-to-long-term foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into India will not be hampered. "In the medium to long term, FDI will not be impacted. GST and deregulation may act as catalysts for higher FDI. Even with additional tariffs, the medium to long-term investment attractiveness of India will not be impacted," noted Nageswaran.

India's Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on Monday said that the recently implemented GST 2.0 reforms, coupled with income tax relief announced in the Union Budget, will have a multiplier effect on the economy.

India's Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on Monday said that the recently implemented GST 2.0 reforms, coupled with income tax relief announced in the Union Budget, will have a multiplier effect on the economy, pushing FY26 growth towards the upper end of the 6.3 to 6.8 per cent range. Speaking at the Network18 Reforms Reloaded 2025 summit in Delhi, Nageswaran said, “The GST 2.0 is a very significant landmark reform. I am very confident that it will provide a very significant boost to domestic demand. In addition to the indirect taxes, there are concessions and relief announced as part of the Union Budget. Taking a multiplier effect, these will quite definitely boost the GDP numbers.” Nageshwaran noted that the combined impact of direct tax relief through income tax cuts and indirect tax relief through GST rate reductions will be over Rs 2.5 lakh crore. He, however, added that some other uncertainties may dilute the effect. On concerns over the revenue impact of GST rate cuts on states, the CEA said experience shows that despite rate reductions, collections have risen. "Despite prior rate cuts, the annual revenue collections of these states have gone higher up over the years," he said. The CEA also expressed confidence in achieving a gross fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of GDP in FY26. "We had good non-tax revenue growth. Overall revenue growth has been on track. The festival season will continue till the end of the year. We are confident that the fiscal math will hold very well for the current financial year," he said. On quarterly growth, the CEA indicated that India's Q2 GDP may remain close to 7 per cent, supported by high-frequency indicators. "The impact of US tariffs may be muted in the current year, but that will be compensated by GST rate reductions," he noted. Addressing concerns over US President Donald Trump's tariff measures, Nageswaran said that while India's growth was expected to face a 0.4-0.5 per cent reduction this year and around 1 per cent next year, GST reforms could cushion the blow. "But now due to GST reforms, the impact may be lower," he added. Looking ahead, the CEA underlined that medium-to-long-term foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into India will not be hampered. "In the medium to long term, FDI will not be impacted. GST and deregulation may act as catalysts for higher FDI. Even with additional tariffs, the medium to long-term investment attractiveness of India will not be impacted," noted Nageswaran.

Nageshwaran noted that the combined impact of direct tax relief through income tax cuts and indirect tax relief through GST rate reductions will be over Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

GST rate cuts, income tax relief to have multiplier effect on GDP numbers: CEA

Patna: Congratulating the Union government over the GST reforms, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.The GST 2.0 reforms, which the Union Government approved on September 4, have been implemented from Monday.&nbsp;Under the revised structure, the previous four-tier GST slabs have been consolidated into two main categories: 5 per cent and 18 per cent. Items that were earlier taxed at 12 per cent have been brought down to 5 per cent, while those in the 28 per cent category have been rationalised to 18 per cent. Essential commodities and daily-use items are now taxed at the lowest rate, making them more affordable for households.&nbsp;"More than 200 commodities will get cheaper. I congratulate PM Modi. His government thinks about 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and the Bihar government does the same," Prasad told reporters.&nbsp;The reform in the Goods and Services Tax structure, which was approved during the 56th meeting of the GST Council earlier this month, is set to come into effect from today. The current four-rate system will be replaced with a streamlined two-slab regime of 5% and 18%. A separate 40 per cent slab has been retained for luxury and sin goods.&nbsp;This new framework is expected to ease compliance, reduce consumer prices, boost manufacturing, and support a wide range of industries, from agriculture to automobiles and from FMCG to renewable energy. It is intended to lower the cost of living, strengthen MSMEs, widen the tax base, and drive inclusive growth.&nbsp;In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and dairy sector, major brands like Amul and Mother Dairy have announced substantial price cuts, reflecting the full benefit of the GST reduction.&nbsp;Items like milk, butter, ghee, paneer, cheese, ice cream, snacks, and frozen foods have been brought under the 5 per cent slab, due to which 100 g of Amul butter will now cost Rs 58 instead of Rs 62, and Ultra High Temperature milk (UHT) has dropped to Rs 75 per litre from Rs 77. Mother Dairy has also slashed prices on milkshakes, paneer, ghee, and frozen products.

Congratulating the Union Government over the GST reforms, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

Patna: Congratulating the Union government over the GST reforms, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. The GST 2.0 reforms, which the Union Government approved on September 4, have been implemented from Monday. Under the revised structure, the previous four-tier GST slabs have been consolidated into two main categories: 5 per cent and 18 per cent. Items that were earlier taxed at 12 per cent have been brought down to 5 per cent, while those in the 28 per cent category have been rationalised to 18 per cent. Essential commodities and daily-use items are now taxed at the lowest rate, making them more affordable for households. "More than 200 commodities will get cheaper. I congratulate PM Modi. His government thinks about 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and the Bihar government does the same," Prasad told reporters. The reform in the Goods and Services Tax structure, which was approved during the 56th meeting of the GST Council earlier this month, is set to come into effect from today. The current four-rate system will be replaced with a streamlined two-slab regime of 5% and 18%. A separate 40 per cent slab has been retained for luxury and sin goods. This new framework is expected to ease compliance, reduce consumer prices, boost manufacturing, and support a wide range of industries, from agriculture to automobiles and from FMCG to renewable energy. It is intended to lower the cost of living, strengthen MSMEs, widen the tax base, and drive inclusive growth. In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and dairy sector, major brands like Amul and Mother Dairy have announced substantial price cuts, reflecting the full benefit of the GST reduction. Items like milk, butter, ghee, paneer, cheese, ice cream, snacks, and frozen foods have been brought under the 5 per cent slab, due to which 100 g of Amul butter will now cost Rs 58 instead of Rs 62, and Ultra High Temperature milk (UHT) has dropped to Rs 75 per litre from Rs 77. Mother Dairy has also slashed prices on milkshakes, paneer, ghee, and frozen products.

Goods and Services Tax: Under the revised structure, the previous four-tier GST slabs have been consolidated into two main categories: 5 per cent and 18 per cent.&nbsp;

More than 200 commodities will get cheaper: BJP MP

Gold prices jumped by Rs 799 in the domestic futures market on Monday, ending the day at a high of Rs 1.11 lakh per 10 grams. The prices surged as investors, tracking strong global cues, anticipate key US inflation data and comments from several Federal Reserve officials this week.&nbsp;On India's Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for December climbed&nbsp;Rs 799, breaching the Rs 1,11,750 mark. Metal futures for October increased by Rs 761 to reach Rs 1,10,608 per 10 grams. Last week, it had peaked as it reached Rs 1,10,666 per 10 grams.&nbsp;Silver also hit record prices on March futures. It rallied Rs 2,446 or 1.86 per cent to hit an all-time high of Rs 1,33,582 per kilogram, reported PTI.&nbsp;Silver futures for December surged by Rs 2,473, hitting a fresh peak of Rs 1,32,311 per kg. Experts said weakness in the rupee and low sentiment in the equity markets also led to a rally in the futures market.&nbsp;Internationally, gold futures increased by $26.82 to reach $3,732.62 per ounce. It was, however, less than the lifetime high of $3,744 per ounce.<h2>Why did gold rally?</h2>Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, told the news agency that gold prices reached record levels because investors looked ahead to key US inflation data and comments from several Federal Reserve officials this week. He said that the investors were looking for policy guidance.&nbsp;The US Federal Reserve cut its policy rates by 25 basis points. The markets are anticipating two more cuts this year, in October and another in December.&nbsp;"Expectations of continued monetary policy easing provided a major boost to bullion's 40 per cent surge so far this year," he said.&nbsp;Gold has also been supported by the demand as investors consider it a safer investment amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

Gold prices jumped by Rs 799 in the domestic futures market on Monday, ending the day at a high of Rs 1.11 lakh per 10 grams. 

Gold prices jumped by Rs 799 in the domestic futures market on Monday, ending the day at a high of Rs 1.11 lakh per 10 grams. The prices surged as investors, tracking strong global cues, anticipate key US inflation data and comments from several Federal Reserve officials this week. On India's Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for December climbed Rs 799, breaching the Rs 1,11,750 mark. Metal futures for October increased by Rs 761 to reach Rs 1,10,608 per 10 grams. Last week, it had peaked as it reached Rs 1,10,666 per 10 grams. Silver also hit record prices on March futures. It rallied Rs 2,446 or 1.86 per cent to hit an all-time high of Rs 1,33,582 per kilogram, reported PTI. Silver futures for December surged by Rs 2,473, hitting a fresh peak of Rs 1,32,311 per kg. Experts said weakness in the rupee and low sentiment in the equity markets also led to a rally in the futures market. Internationally, gold futures increased by $26.82 to reach $3,732.62 per ounce. It was, however, less than the lifetime high of $3,744 per ounce. Why did gold rally? Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, told the news agency that gold prices reached record levels because investors looked ahead to key US inflation data and comments from several Federal Reserve officials this week. He said that the investors were looking for policy guidance. The US Federal Reserve cut its policy rates by 25 basis points. The markets are anticipating two more cuts this year, in October and another in December. "Expectations of continued monetary policy easing provided a major boost to bullion's 40 per cent surge so far this year," he said. Gold has also been supported by the demand as investors consider it a safer investment amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

Gold prices surged today: On India's Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for December climbed&nbsp;Rs 799, breaching the Rs 1,11,750 mark.

Gold breaches Rs 1.11 lakh per 10 gram in futures trade. Here's why

Banking and Market expert Ajay Bagga said on Monday that Donald Trump's $100,000 rule for H-1B visas in the United States might result in extra costs to the tune of $14 billion in sectors like IT, healthcare, doctors, nurses, and other financial services.&nbsp;"There is an impact. Not only IT, but also healthcare, doctors, nurses, and other financial services companies. If from next year the run rate of granting H-1B visas is the same, then there are about 14 billion dollars of extra costs, which the profit pools might not be able to absorb," he said.&nbsp;He pointed out that 16,000 Indian-origin doctors are working in rural areas in the US.&nbsp;"Wide regions in the US are benefiting from H-1B visas...In the IT sector, the big companies have 5000 to 10,000 workers on H-1B. They will try to outsource those works...Beneficiaries of this rule will be offshore centers like Vancouver and other nearby countries," he added.<h2>Stock markets react</h2>The Indian stock&nbsp;markets also reacted to the&nbsp;announcement with despondence as the Nifty lost 0.49% or 125 points to end at 25,202. BSE Sensex dropped 466 points to settle at 82,160.Trump's move is expected to hit the Indian IT sector as it is heavily dependent on the US.&nbsp;The Nifty 50 index opened at 25,238.10, down 88.95 points or 0.35 per cent, while the BSE Sensex started the day at 82,138.99, slipping 487.24 points or 0.59 per cent.&nbsp;The pressure was most visible in IT stocks, with the Nifty IT index declining by more than 3 per cent in early trade. Shares of TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech witnessed sharp selling pressure.&nbsp;Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities, said that Donald Trump's fee will impact the industry as it will make H-1B visas less financially viable for several firms.&nbsp;"A new executive order imposes a USD 100,000 application fee for each new H-1B visa. The fee is applicable only for new applicants and will not affect renewals or current H-1B holders. This sudden fee hike has sparked confusion and panic among tech companies and international workers, particularly those from India, which accounts for over 70 per cent of H-1B beneficiaries. Costs of deploying Indian professionals to US client sites for new projects will surge, making on-site assignments less financially viable for many companies," he added.

Banking and Market expert Ajay Bagga said on Monday that Donald Trump's $100,000 rule for H-1B visas in the United States might result in extra costs to the tune of $14 billion in sectors like IT, healthcare, doctors, nurses, and other financial services.

Banking and Market expert Ajay Bagga said on Monday that Donald Trump's $100,000 rule for H-1B visas in the United States might result in extra costs to the tune of $14 billion in sectors like IT, healthcare, doctors, nurses, and other financial services. "There is an impact. Not only IT, but also healthcare, doctors, nurses, and other financial services companies. If from next year the run rate of granting H-1B visas is the same, then there are about 14 billion dollars of extra costs, which the profit pools might not be able to absorb," he said. He pointed out that 16,000 Indian-origin doctors are working in rural areas in the US. "Wide regions in the US are benefiting from H-1B visas...In the IT sector, the big companies have 5000 to 10,000 workers on H-1B. They will try to outsource those works...Beneficiaries of this rule will be offshore centers like Vancouver and other nearby countries," he added. Stock markets react The Indian stock markets also reacted to the announcement with despondence as the Nifty lost 0.49% or 125 points to end at 25,202. BSE Sensex dropped 466 points to settle at 82,160. Trump's move is expected to hit the Indian IT sector as it is heavily dependent on the US. The Nifty 50 index opened at 25,238.10, down 88.95 points or 0.35 per cent, while the BSE Sensex started the day at 82,138.99, slipping 487.24 points or 0.59 per cent. The pressure was most visible in IT stocks, with the Nifty IT index declining by more than 3 per cent in early trade. Shares of TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech witnessed sharp selling pressure. Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities, said that Donald Trump's fee will impact the industry as it will make H-1B visas less financially viable for several firms. "A new executive order imposes a USD 100,000 application fee for each new H-1B visa. The fee is applicable only for new applicants and will not affect renewals or current H-1B holders. This sudden fee hike has sparked confusion and panic among tech companies and international workers, particularly those from India, which accounts for over 70 per cent of H-1B beneficiaries. Costs of deploying Indian professionals to US client sites for new projects will surge, making on-site assignments less financially viable for many companies," he added.

Donald Trump's H-1B fee: The Indian stock&nbsp;markets also reacted to the&nbsp;announcement with despondence as the Nifty lost 0.49% or 125 points to end at 25, 202. BSE Sensex ended on a low.

Donald Trump's H-1B fee to result in $14 billion in extra cost: Expert

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, which took effect today, will make life for the masses easier as far as expenditure is concerned, experts said on Monday. Experts and industry leaders welcomed GST 2.0, highlighting its impact on essential goods, healthcare, and nutrition. Amaresh Ojha, co-founder and CEO of Trovex.ai, said that GST 2.0 will provide&nbsp;a fillip to traditional industries. He said that the reforms will make way for innovation.&nbsp;"It makes daily life a bit easier on the pocket, while also giving a push to homegrown manufacturing and traditional industries. At the same time, it opens doors for innovation, better healthcare, stronger education, and smoother mobility. Put together, these changes show that India wants a tax system that's simpler, fairer, and focused on growth, with the country's young generation right at the center of this journey," Ojha said.&nbsp;Another&nbsp;expert said that the healthcare sector is among the biggest beneficiaries of the GST reforms.&nbsp;Mithun Majumdar, CEO of 750AD Healthcare Pvt Ltd, said that the government has reduced GST on most medicines and medical devices from 12-18 per cent to 5 per cent. He said that it has also made 33 life-saving drugs tax-free.&nbsp;"The government has taken a bold step toward ensuring affordable healthcare for all. These changes will guarantee wider access to essential care and reinforce India's commitment to health equity. We urge that all stakeholders -- manufacturers, hospitals, pharmacies, insurers -- swiftly translate these policy shifts into real, visible relief at the last mile," Majumdar added.&nbsp;Suresh Garg, MD &amp; Founder of Zeon Lifesciences Ltd., stressed the positive impact on the nutrition and wellness industry.&nbsp;"Now, with simpler and fairer rules, lower taxes, manufacturers and CDMO partners like Zeon Lifesciences can spend more time on research, building modern factories, and creating world-class products. It also makes health and nutrition more approachable and accessible for everyone," he said.<h2>GST 2.0</h2>The central government has eliminated the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs. It has put most of the items in these categories into the lower 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs. Most of these goods and services are expected to get cheaper, as the government has asked companies to pass on the GST benefits to the masses.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, which took effect today, will make life for the masses easier as far as expenditure is concerned, experts said on Monday. 

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, which took effect today, will make life for the masses easier as far as expenditure is concerned, experts said on Monday. Experts and industry leaders welcomed GST 2.0, highlighting its impact on essential goods, healthcare, and nutrition. Amaresh Ojha, co-founder and CEO of Trovex.ai, said that GST 2.0 will provide a fillip to traditional industries. He said that the reforms will make way for innovation. "It makes daily life a bit easier on the pocket, while also giving a push to homegrown manufacturing and traditional industries. At the same time, it opens doors for innovation, better healthcare, stronger education, and smoother mobility. Put together, these changes show that India wants a tax system that's simpler, fairer, and focused on growth, with the country's young generation right at the center of this journey," Ojha said. Another expert said that the healthcare sector is among the biggest beneficiaries of the GST reforms. Mithun Majumdar, CEO of 750AD Healthcare Pvt Ltd, said that the government has reduced GST on most medicines and medical devices from 12-18 per cent to 5 per cent. He said that it has also made 33 life-saving drugs tax-free. "The government has taken a bold step toward ensuring affordable healthcare for all. These changes will guarantee wider access to essential care and reinforce India's commitment to health equity. We urge that all stakeholders -- manufacturers, hospitals, pharmacies, insurers -- swiftly translate these policy shifts into real, visible relief at the last mile," Majumdar added. Suresh Garg, MD & Founder of Zeon Lifesciences Ltd., stressed the positive impact on the nutrition and wellness industry. "Now, with simpler and fairer rules, lower taxes, manufacturers and CDMO partners like Zeon Lifesciences can spend more time on research, building modern factories, and creating world-class products. It also makes health and nutrition more approachable and accessible for everyone," he said. GST 2.0 The central government has eliminated the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs. It has put most of the items in these categories into the lower 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs. Most of these goods and services are expected to get cheaper, as the government has asked companies to pass on the GST benefits to the masses.

Goods and Services Tax reforms implemented: How will the government's move impact the healthcare sector? Experts and industry leaders said that they would make healthcare easier to access.

GST 2.0: What experts and industry leaders said on the impact of healthcare

With the aim to pass on GST benefits to consumers, 'Amul', one of India's largest food brands, has reduced the prices of its more than 700 products, including ghee, butter, ice cream, snacks and many more. The revised prices for a range of products were announced in a statement by Amul's parent, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF).&nbsp;“This revision is across the range of product categories like butter, ghee, UHT milk, ice cream, cheese, paneer, chocolates, bakery range, frozen dairy and potato snacks, condensed milk, peanut spread, malt-based drink, etc,” GCMMF said.<h3>Revised price list of Amul products</h3>Amul has announced a price cut across several dairy and frozen items, effective from 22 September.<ul><li>Butter: Price per 100 gm reduced from Rs 62 to Rs 58.</li><li>Ghee: Now priced at Rs 610 per litre, down by Rs 40 from Rs 650.</li><li>Cheese block: Costs Rs 545 per kg instead of the earlier Rs 575, a Rs 30 drop.</li><li>Paneer: A 200 gm pack will be available at Rs 95, down from Rs 99.</li><li>Ice cream: Prices will now range between Rs 9 and Rs 550, compared to the previous Rs 10 to Rs 600 bracket.</li><li>Frozen snacks: Revised range is Rs 42 to Rs 380, earlier Rs 45 to Rs 400.</li><li>Amul Protein: Products will be sold in the Rs 145 to Rs 3,690 range, reduced from Rs 150 to Rs 4,100.</li><li>Bakery products: Prices will vary between ₹10 and ₹270, lower than the earlier ₹11 to ₹300 range.</li></ul>

Amul reduce prices of more than 700 items.

Amul has notified the price changes to all its trade partners, including distributors, retailers, and Amul parlours across India. "Amul believes the reduction in prices will spur consumption of a wide range of dairy products, particularly ice cream, cheese, and butter, as the per capita consumption remains very low in India, creating a large growth opportunity," the statement noted.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the prices of pouch and packaged milk will remain unchanged, as these items were not part of GST even before the reforms. “There is no change proposed in the prices of fresh pouch milk as there is no reduction in GST. It has always been zero per cent GST on pouch milk,” Jayen Mehta, MD of GCMMF, told ANI on September 11.

Amul has notified the price changes to all its trade partners, including distributors, retailers, and Amul parlours across India. Meanwhile, the prices of pouch and packaged milk will remain unchanged, as these items were not part of GST even before the reforms. 

With the aim to pass on GST benefits to consumers, 'Amul', one of India's largest food brands, has reduced the prices of its more than 700 products, including ghee, butter, ice cream, snacks and many more. The revised prices for a range of products were announced in a statement by Amul's parent, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). “This revision is across the range of product categories like butter, ghee, UHT milk, ice cream, cheese, paneer, chocolates, bakery range, frozen dairy and potato snacks, condensed milk, peanut spread, malt-based drink, etc,” GCMMF said. Revised price list of Amul products Amul has announced a price cut across several dairy and frozen items, effective from 22 September. Butter: Price per 100 gm reduced from Rs 62 to Rs 58. Ghee: Now priced at Rs 610 per litre, down by Rs 40 from Rs 650. Cheese block: Costs Rs 545 per kg instead of the earlier Rs 575, a Rs 30 drop. Paneer: A 200 gm pack will be available at Rs 95, down from Rs 99. Ice cream: Prices will now range between Rs 9 and Rs 550, compared to the previous Rs 10 to Rs 600 bracket. Frozen snacks: Revised range is Rs 42 to Rs 380, earlier Rs 45 to Rs 400. Amul Protein: Products will be sold in the Rs 145 to Rs 3,690 range, reduced from Rs 150 to Rs 4,100. Bakery products: Prices will vary between ₹10 and ₹270, lower than the earlier ₹11 to ₹300 range.

Amul has notified the price changes to all its trade partners, including distributors, retailers, and Amul parlours across India. Meanwhile, the prices of pouch and packaged milk will remain unchanged, as these items were not part of GST even before the reforms.&nbsp;

From ghee and butter to ice-cream: Amul cuts prices on 700+ products as GST reforms kick in – Check full list

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect today, lowering the prices of most items from the now-eliminated 12 per cent and 28 per cent slabs. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the move will lead to savings in households.&nbsp;"I want to wish everyone Navratri. PM Narendra Modi has taken a historic decision to reduce the tax slabs, which will help every household save. Bachat mahotsav has begun. Shopkeepers and customers both are very happy...People will save money on about 99 per cent of the daily use items. I thank PM Modi for this," he said today.&nbsp;Earlier, PM Modi called the implementation of the reforms the GST Bachat Utsav.<h2>Here are items that will be placed in the 40 per cent bracket.</h2>1. All tobacco products, including cigarettes, bidis, pan masala, gutka, and chewing tobacco, will attract a 40 per cent GST.2. Petrol cars with an engine over 1200 cc and diesel cars with an engine over 1500 cc will attract more GST. It will now be taxed at 40 percent. However, the next tax will be slightly&nbsp;lower because of the removal of cess.3. Motorcycles above 350 cc will attract 40 per cent GST. Earlier, it was 31 per cent, including cess.4. Soft drinks&nbsp;and other carbonated drinks will attract a GST of 40 per cent, 12 percentage points more than the previous GST liability of 28 per cent.5. All goods with added sugar or other flavoured substances will also attract more tax.6. Caffeine&nbsp;Beverages. Carbonated beverages with fruit juice.7. Aircraft for personal use. Yachts and other ships meant for pleasure or sports.8. Revolvers and pistols.9. Activities like betting, casinos, gambling, horse racing, and lottery. &nbsp;

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect today, lowering the prices of most items from the now-eliminated 12 per cent and 28 per cent slabs. 

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect today, lowering the prices of most items from the now-eliminated 12 per cent and 28 per cent slabs. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the move will lead to savings in households. "I want to wish everyone Navratri. PM Narendra Modi has taken a historic decision to reduce the tax slabs, which will help every household save. Bachat mahotsav has begun. Shopkeepers and customers both are very happy...People will save money on about 99 per cent of the daily use items. I thank PM Modi for this," he said today. Earlier, PM Modi called the implementation of the reforms the GST Bachat Utsav. Here are items that will be placed in the 40 per cent bracket. 1. All tobacco products, including cigarettes, bidis, pan masala, gutka, and chewing tobacco, will attract a 40 per cent GST. 2. Petrol cars with an engine over 1200 cc and diesel cars with an engine over 1500 cc will attract more GST. It will now be taxed at 40 percent. However, the next tax will be slightly lower because of the removal of cess. 3. Motorcycles above 350 cc will attract 40 per cent GST. Earlier, it was 31 per cent, including cess. 4. Soft drinks and other carbonated drinks will attract a GST of 40 per cent, 12 percentage points more than the previous GST liability of 28 per cent. 5. All goods with added sugar or other flavoured substances will also attract more tax. 6. Caffeine Beverages. Carbonated beverages with fruit juice. 7. Aircraft for personal use. Yachts and other ships meant for pleasure or sports. 8. Revolvers and pistols. 9. Activities like betting, casinos, gambling, horse racing, and lottery.

The Goods and Services Tax reforms: Here are items that will be placed in the 40 per cent bracket. Most of these items will be more expensive, including tobacco products.

Goods and Services Tax reforms implemented: Which items will get expensive?

To ease the burden on everyday consumers and simplify compliance, India has revamped its GST structure and reworked tax slabs, which are effective from 22 September 2025, after recommendations of the GST council. The new framework largely consolidates items into three slabs (0%, 5% and 18%), keeping s special 40% rate for limited luxury and 'son' goods.&nbsp;In the new GST reform, a plethora of household items, cars, TVs, and bikes have become cheaper for the common man and middle class. Several food items have been moved to 0% tax bracket, which include essential items like roti, parantha, paneer, khakra, etc. Importantly, health and life insurance premiums have also been exempted from GST.<h3>Full list of essential items in 0% or NIL GST rate</h3><ul><li>Chena or paneer, pre-packaged and labelled &amp; Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk</li><li>Pizza bread, Khakhra, chapathi or roti, Paratha, parotta and other Indian breads by any name called</li><li>Erasers, Uncoated paper and paperboard used for exercise books, graph books, laboratory notebooks and notebooks, Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed, and Pencil sharpeners.</li></ul><h3>Items in 5% GST rate</h3><ul><li>Condensed milk, Butter and other fats (i.e. ghee, butter oil, etc.), oils derived from milk; dairy spreads and Cheese</li><li>Brazil nuts, dried, Other nuts, dried, whether or not shelled or peeled, such as Almonds, Hazelnuts or filberts (Corylus spp.), Chestnuts (Castanea spp.), Pistachios, Macadamia nuts, Kola nuts (Cola spp.), and Pine nuts</li><li>Dates (soft or hard), figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes (other than mangoes sliced, dried) and mangosteens, dried</li><li>Citrus fruit, such as Oranges, Mandarins (including tangerines and satsumas), clementines, wilkings and similar citrus hybrids, Grapefruit, including pomelos, Lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus limonum) and limes (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus latifolia), dried</li><li>Fruit, dried, other than that of headings 0801 to 0806; mixtures of nuts or dried fruits of Chapter 8 (other than dried tamarind)</li><li>Malt, whether or not roasted</li><li>Indian katha and Rubber bands</li><li>Talcum powder, Face powder, Hair oil, shampoo, Shaving cream, shaving lotion, and aftershave lotion</li><li>Dental floss, toothpaste, Tooth powder</li><li>Toilet Soap (other than industrial soap) in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes</li><li>Candles, tapers and the like, Handcrafted candles</li><li>Refined sugar containing added flavouring or colouring matter, sugar cubes</li><li>Corn flakes, bulgar wheat, prepared foods obtained from cereal flakes, Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK)</li><li>Tender coconut water, pre-packaged and labelled</li><li>Fruit or nut juices (including grape must) and vegetable juices, unfermented and not containing added spirit, with or without added sugar or other sweetening matter</li><li>Ice cream and other edible ice, whether or not containing cocoa</li><li>Namkeens, bhujia, mixture, chabena and similar edible preparations ready for consumption form (other than roasted gram), pre-packaged and labelled</li><li>Waters, including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, nor flavoured</li><li>Plant-based milk drinks, ready for direct consumption as beverages</li><li>Soya milk drinks, Fruit pulp or fruit juice-based drinks (other than Carbonated Beverages of Fruit Drink or Carbonated Beverages with Fruit Juice), and Beverages containing milk</li><li>Cartons, boxes and cases of- Corrugated paper or paper boards; or Non-corrugated paper or paper board</li><li>Rubber thread and cord, textile-covered; textile yarn, and strip and the like of heading 5404 or 5405, coated, impregnated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics</li><li>Mathematical boxes, geometry boxes and colour boxes</li></ul><h3>Items in 18% GST rate</h3><ul><li>Bidis</li><li>Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal</li><li>Air-conditioning machines, containing a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, along with those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated</li><li>Dish washing machines, household [8422 11 00] and other [8422 19 00]</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;

A plethora of household items, cars, TVs, and bikes have become cheaper for the common man and middle class in the new GST reform. Surprisingly, several food items have been moved to 0% tax bracket, easing burden burden on everyday consumers.

To ease the burden on everyday consumers and simplify compliance, India has revamped its GST structure and reworked tax slabs, which are effective from 22 September 2025, after recommendations of the GST council. The new framework largely consolidates items into three slabs (0%, 5% and 18%), keeping s special 40% rate for limited luxury and 'son' goods. In the new GST reform, a plethora of household items, cars, TVs, and bikes have become cheaper for the common man and middle class. Several food items have been moved to 0% tax bracket, which include essential items like roti, parantha, paneer, khakra, etc. Importantly, health and life insurance premiums have also been exempted from GST. Full list of essential items in 0% or NIL GST rate Chena or paneer, pre-packaged and labelled & Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk Pizza bread, Khakhra, chapathi or roti, Paratha, parotta and other Indian breads by any name called Erasers, Uncoated paper and paperboard used for exercise books, graph books, laboratory notebooks and notebooks, Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed, and Pencil sharpeners. Items in 5% GST rate Condensed milk, Butter and other fats (i.e. ghee, butter oil, etc.), oils derived from milk; dairy spreads and Cheese Brazil nuts, dried, Other nuts, dried, whether or not shelled or peeled, such as Almonds, Hazelnuts or filberts (Corylus spp.), Chestnuts (Castanea spp.), Pistachios, Macadamia nuts, Kola nuts (Cola spp.), and Pine nuts Dates (soft or hard), figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes (other than mangoes sliced, dried) and mangosteens, dried Citrus fruit, such as Oranges, Mandarins (including tangerines and satsumas), clementines, wilkings and similar citrus hybrids, Grapefruit, including pomelos, Lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus limonum) and limes (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus latifolia), dried Fruit, dried, other than that of headings 0801 to 0806; mixtures of nuts or dried fruits of Chapter 8 (other than dried tamarind) Malt, whether or not roasted Indian katha and Rubber bands Talcum powder, Face powder, Hair oil, shampoo, Shaving cream, shaving lotion, and aftershave lotion Dental floss, toothpaste, Tooth powder Toilet Soap (other than industrial soap) in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes Candles, tapers and the like, Handcrafted candles Refined sugar containing added flavouring or colouring matter, sugar cubes Corn flakes, bulgar wheat, prepared foods obtained from cereal flakes, Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) Tender coconut water, pre-packaged and labelled Fruit or nut juices (including grape must) and vegetable juices, unfermented and not containing added spirit, with or without added sugar or other sweetening matter Ice cream and other edible ice, whether or not containing cocoa Namkeens, bhujia, mixture, chabena and similar edible preparations ready for consumption form (other than roasted gram), pre-packaged and labelled Waters, including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, nor flavoured Plant-based milk drinks, ready for direct consumption as beverages Soya milk drinks, Fruit pulp or fruit juice-based drinks (other than Carbonated Beverages of Fruit Drink or Carbonated Beverages with Fruit Juice), and Beverages containing milk Cartons, boxes and cases of- Corrugated paper or paper boards; or Non-corrugated paper or paper board Rubber thread and cord, textile-covered; textile yarn, and strip and the like of heading 5404 or 5405, coated, impregnated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics Mathematical boxes, geometry boxes and colour boxes Items in 18% GST rate Bidis Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal Air-conditioning machines, containing a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, along with those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated Dish washing machines, household [8422 11 00] and other [8422 19 00]

A plethora of household items, cars, TVs, and bikes have become cheaper for the common man and middle class in the new GST reform. Surprisingly, several food items have been moved to 0% tax bracket, easing burden burden on everyday consumers.

New GST rates 2025: Milk, butter, paneer and other – List of essential items with revised GST percentage

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect today, potentially making items like cars, milk, ghee, medicines, and several daily-use items cheaper. The central government has eliminated the 12 percent and 28 percent GST slabs and placed items&nbsp;in these categories&nbsp;into 5 percent and 18 percent slabs, effectively handing&nbsp;more disposable income to the masses to boost domestic consumption. The center has also vowed to ensure that the GST benefit is passed on to consumers.&nbsp;Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the reform will provide Rs 2 lakh crore into the hands of consumers. With increased disposable money, the government expects that it will create demand and consumer spending, advancing the economy.<h2>Here's how&nbsp;the reforms impact the masses</h2><h3>Daily bills to get smaller</h3>Daily-use items like kitchen and grocery items will get cheaper. Amul and Mother Dairy have already reduced the prices of several items. Amul has cut prices across 700 products, including ghee. Mother Dairy, one of the biggest milk brands in the country, has reduced the prices of milk by Rs 2 per liter. Patanjali has slashed the prices of Nutrela Soya Chunks by Rs 20 per kilo. Many other items will also attract lesser GST, including medicines and life-saving drugs. Health and life insurance premiums will also attract zero GST, which is expected to be passed on to the customers.&nbsp;Garments and footwear under Rs 1000 will also attract lesser taxes. Home appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions have also been moved from 28 per cent to 18 per cent tax slabs.&nbsp;Small cars will also get cheaper. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hyundai, etc, have announced massive price cuts. SUVs will also get cheaper because the taxes on them have been lowered to a 40 percent flat GST.<h3>Economic Boost</h3>The government has implemented GST reforms during the festive season. In states like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, people tend to spend more because of festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and Navratri. With more money in their hands, the move is expected to provide a fillip to the economy, which is reeling under geopolitical tensions and Donald Trump's tariffs on Indian exports.<h3>Here's how GST will impact several sectors</h3>Grant Thornton Bharat told the Economic Times that the prices of FMCG products will come down by 8-10 per cent.&nbsp;CRISIL said that the GST cuts will directly benefit 11 of the top 30 consumption items. It said milk, medicines, two-wheelers, televisions, and processed foods also carry lower taxes.&nbsp;The ratings agency says that the move will gradually lift demand, especially for middle-class households. The agency also said that it sees a price cut of 8–9 per cent in entry-level cars, 7–8 per cent in standard two-wheelers, and 6-7 per cent in premium SUVs.&nbsp;"If producers pass on the benefits swiftly, it will ease inflationary pressures and provide a durable push to consumption,” the agency told ET.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect today, potentially making items like cars, milk, ghee, medicines, and several daily-use items cheaper.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms took effect today, potentially making items like cars, milk, ghee, medicines, and several daily-use items cheaper. The central government has eliminated the 12 percent and 28 percent GST slabs and placed items in these categories into 5 percent and 18 percent slabs, effectively handing more disposable income to the masses to boost domestic consumption. The center has also vowed to ensure that the GST benefit is passed on to consumers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the reform will provide Rs 2 lakh crore into the hands of consumers. With increased disposable money, the government expects that it will create demand and consumer spending, advancing the economy. Here's how the reforms impact the masses Daily bills to get smaller Daily-use items like kitchen and grocery items will get cheaper. Amul and Mother Dairy have already reduced the prices of several items. Amul has cut prices across 700 products, including ghee. Mother Dairy, one of the biggest milk brands in the country, has reduced the prices of milk by Rs 2 per liter. Patanjali has slashed the prices of Nutrela Soya Chunks by Rs 20 per kilo. Many other items will also attract lesser GST, including medicines and life-saving drugs. Health and life insurance premiums will also attract zero GST, which is expected to be passed on to the customers. Garments and footwear under Rs 1000 will also attract lesser taxes. Home appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions have also been moved from 28 per cent to 18 per cent tax slabs. Small cars will also get cheaper. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hyundai, etc, have announced massive price cuts. SUVs will also get cheaper because the taxes on them have been lowered to a 40 percent flat GST. Economic Boost The government has implemented GST reforms during the festive season. In states like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, people tend to spend more because of festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and Navratri. With more money in their hands, the move is expected to provide a fillip to the economy, which is reeling under geopolitical tensions and Donald Trump's tariffs on Indian exports. Here's how GST will impact several sectors Grant Thornton Bharat told the Economic Times that the prices of FMCG products will come down by 8-10 per cent. CRISIL said that the GST cuts will directly benefit 11 of the top 30 consumption items. It said milk, medicines, two-wheelers, televisions, and processed foods also carry lower taxes. The ratings agency says that the move will gradually lift demand, especially for middle-class households. The agency also said that it sees a price cut of 8–9 per cent in entry-level cars, 7–8 per cent in standard two-wheelers, and 6-7 per cent in premium SUVs. "If producers pass on the benefits swiftly, it will ease inflationary pressures and provide a durable push to consumption,” the agency told ET.

Goods and Services Tax reforms take effect today: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the reform will provide Rs 2 lakh crore into the hands of consumers.

How will Goods and Services Tax reforms impact the Indian economy?

The Trump administration has acted on its threat to target high-skill visas as part of recent punishments of India in the ongoing trade war, with a decision to impose a staggering $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. While it disproportionately hits Indian professionals, who constitute over 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders, this unjustifiable hike would be a financial burden on both the Indian tech firms that pay for these visas, and roil the lives of thousands who went chasing the “American Dream”. But it's time to stop this exploitation, to turn this setback into a &nbsp;historic opportunity for Indian talent abroad to reclaim dignity, pride, and purpose by returning home. If Indians return in large numbers, it could usher in the dawn of a reverse brain drain era. Indian leaders have already made a clarion call, inviting Indians on H-1B visas to return and lead the next wave of innovation from India.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-america-strong-because-of-h1b-to-broken-program-musk-s-flip-flop-on-us-visa-program-resurfaces-on-x-1758452671777">From ‘America strong because of H1B’ to ‘broken program’: Musk’s flip-flop on US visas resurfaces</a><h2>H-1B visa fee hike: Turn this challenge into opportunity, say industry leaders and experts</h2>For decades, Indian IT professionals have powered the American tech ecosystem, often navigating uncertainty, cultural alienation, racism and an exploitative visa system. It is time to stop living in fear, &nbsp;but to embrace the chance to build world-class companies in India.Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho Corporation, is among tech leaders calling this a time to “not live in fear”. He encouraged Indian skilled professionals in the US to view the fee hike move as a chance to contribute to India’s growth without compromising dignity. Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management, said that when one door closes abroad, it opens new pathways to meaningful work and pride in India’s booming economy.Dilip Kumar from Rainmatter said: “America just put a $100,000 price tag on the Indian dream. Never been a better time than now for Indian engineers to build at home… Come back home. Time to build for India and from India.”&nbsp;Returning home might be a reboot to a new life, one without uncertainty clouding one’s best work, and filled with dignity rather than outsider status.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-s-100-000-h-1-b-visa-fee-what-it-means-and-what-it-doesn-t-explained-1758415588544">Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1 B visa fee: What it means and what it doesn’t</a><h2>H-1B visa fee hike: Assessing the economic impact amid industry shifts</h2>The fee hike is more than an individual hurdle, but it would impact entire industries. India’s IT sector, which clocked in some $250 billion in exports, is facing an added immigration cost estimated between $150 million and $550 million due to the fee increase. This financial strain is pushing companies to explore alternative visa strategies, like the L-1 visa (that applies to transfers), or to entirely rethink offshore talent deployment.Recent surveys revealed that nearly half of Indian H-1B holders are considering returning to India amid growing job market uncertainties and deportation fears in the US. The Indian government recognises the humanitarian consequences of the policy, including family disruptions, and is actively encouraging professionals to return and contribute to nation-building.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-afraid-of-our-talent-says-piyush-goyal-after-us-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-urges-indians-to-return-innovate-in-india-1758458036830">‘Afraid of our talent,’ says Piyush Goyal after US H-1B visa fee hike, urges Indians to return, innovate in India</a><h2>Indians on H1-B can help India's emergence as a global innovation hub</h2>Outsourcing of IT work was what once built India's robust tech industry. But today, India is far from the outsourcing hub it was decades ago. Amid Indian government initiatives like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), robust digital infrastructure, and a youthful entrepreneurial spirit, cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have become global tech hubs.Narayan Kulkarni, a digital transformation leader, called this moment a “Reverse Brain Drain”. He asked: “Is this the end of the Indian dream abroad—or the start of India’s greatest tech era at home?”&nbsp;The X handle, Crypto Fundamentalist, echoed this sentiment: “This isn’t 'brain drain'… it’s reverse… Time to build at home.”There is already hope that the influx of returning talent is projected to boost India’s startups, Artificial Intelligence labs, and technology ecosystems. Together, these could potentially generate $50 billion in economic gains by fueling local innovation, job creation, and wealth generation.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasscom-on-h1b-visa-fee-hike-us-will-feel-a-ripple-effect-1758368126063/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasscom-on-h1b-visa-fee-hike-us-will-feel-a-ripple-effect-1758368126063/embed</a><h2>Indians on H1-B visas should return: A call for dignity, pride and progress</h2>This moment is a collective call to action — not in anger but through purposeful choice. By returning, Indian professionals can turn a policy designed to exclude them into a catalyst for national empowerment.&nbsp;CA Hrishikesh Naik said that building in India is “the smarter move,” leveraging a maturing ecosystem over costly and uncertain US pathways.Echoing this sentiment, marketing professional Tee said: “The US just made the Indian dream $100k more expensive… India is the smarter launchpad—cheaper, faster, and full of opportunity.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-do-not-live-in-fear-make-the-bold-move-zoho-founder-urges-indians-on-h1b-visas-to-return-home-1758464534936">‘Do not live in fear. Make the bold move’: Zoho founder urges Indians on H1B visas to return home</a><h2>Indians on H1-B visas, the time to return is NOW</h2>This is not to dismiss the disruptions in personal, professional and family lives of Indians who would be weighing their options. Many of them started families in the US, hoping to stay there and transition into permanent residents and citizens there. But the tide is shifting.&nbsp;Indians on H-1B visas, this is your moment to turn uncertainty into opportunity. The visa fee hike starkly revealed the limits of dependence on foreign systems and underscores the value of self-reliance. As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi put it, the greatest enemy is our dependence on foreign countries.Returning to India is more than a relocation; it is a profound assertion of dignity, pride, and national commitment. It’s a chance to build companies that reflect Indian values, solve local and global problems, and lead the world’s next wave of innovation, from India, for the world.Come back home.&nbsp;Not as a retreat, but as a march forward toward making India greater than ever before. &nbsp;

The $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike by the US is a pivotal moment for Indian skilled professionals. The choice is between staying in US under humiliation, or return home with pride, fueling India’s innovation, startups, and economy through a historic reverse brain drain.



The Trump administration has acted on its threat to target high-skill visas as part of recent punishments of India in the ongoing trade war, with a decision to impose a staggering $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. While it disproportionately hits Indian professionals, who constitute over 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders, this unjustifiable hike would be a financial burden on both the Indian tech firms that pay for these visas, and roil the lives of thousands who went chasing the “American Dream”. But it's time to stop this exploitation, to turn this setback into a historic opportunity for Indian talent abroad to reclaim dignity, pride, and purpose by returning home. If Indians return in large numbers, it could usher in the dawn of a reverse brain drain era. Indian leaders have already made a clarion call, inviting Indians on H-1B visas to return and lead the next wave of innovation from India. Also read: From ‘America strong because of H1B’ to ‘broken program’: Musk’s flip-flop on US visas resurfaces H-1B visa fee hike: Turn this challenge into opportunity, say industry leaders and experts For decades, Indian IT professionals have powered the American tech ecosystem, often navigating uncertainty, cultural alienation, racism and an exploitative visa system. It is time to stop living in fear, but to embrace the chance to build world-class companies in India. Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho Corporation, is among tech leaders calling this a time to “not live in fear”. He encouraged Indian skilled professionals in the US to view the fee hike move as a chance to contribute to India’s growth without compromising dignity. Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management, said that when one door closes abroad, it opens new pathways to meaningful work and pride in India’s booming economy. Dilip Kumar from Rainmatter said: “America just put a $100,000 price tag on the Indian dream. Never been a better time than now for Indian engineers to build at home… Come back home. Time to build for India and from India.” Returning home might be a reboot to a new life, one without uncertainty clouding one’s best work, and filled with dignity rather than outsider status. Also read: Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1 B visa fee: What it means and what it doesn’t H-1B visa fee hike: Assessing the economic impact amid industry shifts The fee hike is more than an individual hurdle, but it would impact entire industries. India’s IT sector, which clocked in some $250 billion in exports, is facing an added immigration cost estimated between $150 million and $550 million due to the fee increase. This financial strain is pushing companies to explore alternative visa strategies, like the L-1 visa (that applies to transfers), or to entirely rethink offshore talent deployment. Recent surveys revealed that nearly half of Indian H-1B holders are considering returning to India amid growing job market uncertainties and deportation fears in the US. The Indian government recognises the humanitarian consequences of the policy, including family disruptions, and is actively encouraging professionals to return and contribute to nation-building. Also read: ‘Afraid of our talent,’ says Piyush Goyal after US H-1B visa fee hike, urges Indians to return, innovate in India Indians on H1-B can help India's emergence as a global innovation hub Outsourcing of IT work was what once built India's robust tech industry. But today, India is far from the outsourcing hub it was decades ago. Amid Indian government initiatives like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), robust digital infrastructure, and a youthful entrepreneurial spirit, cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have become global tech hubs. Narayan Kulkarni, a digital transformation leader, called this moment a “Reverse Brain Drain”. He asked: “Is this the end of the Indian dream abroad—or the start of India’s greatest tech era at home?” The X handle, Crypto Fundamentalist, echoed this sentiment: “This isn’t 'brain drain'… it’s reverse… Time to build at home.” There is already hope that the influx of returning talent is projected to boost India’s startups, Artificial Intelligence labs, and technology ecosystems. Together, these could potentially generate $50 billion in economic gains by fueling local innovation, job creation, and wealth generation. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasscom-on-h1b-visa-fee-hike-us-will-feel-a-ripple-effect-1758368126063/embed Indians on H1-B visas should return: A call for dignity, pride and progress This moment is a collective call to action — not in anger but through purposeful choice. By returning, Indian professionals can turn a policy designed to exclude them into a catalyst for national empowerment. CA Hrishikesh Naik said that building in India is “the smarter move,” leveraging a maturing ecosystem over costly and uncertain US pathways. Echoing this sentiment, marketing professional Tee said: “The US just made the Indian dream $100k more expensive… India is the smarter launchpad—cheaper, faster, and full of opportunity.” Also read: ‘Do not live in fear. Make the bold move’: Zoho founder urges Indians on H1B visas to return home Indians on H1-B visas, the time to return is NOW This is not to dismiss the disruptions in personal, professional and family lives of Indians who would be weighing their options. Many of them started families in the US, hoping to stay there and transition into permanent residents and citizens there. But the tide is shifting. Indians on H-1B visas, this is your moment to turn uncertainty into opportunity. The visa fee hike starkly revealed the limits of dependence on foreign systems and underscores the value of self-reliance. As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi put it, the greatest enemy is our dependence on foreign countries. Returning to India is more than a relocation; it is a profound assertion of dignity, pride, and national commitment. It’s a chance to build companies that reflect Indian values, solve local and global problems, and lead the world’s next wave of innovation, from India, for the world. Come back home. Not as a retreat, but as a march forward toward making India greater than ever before.

The $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike by the US is a pivotal moment for Indian skilled professionals. The choice is between staying in US under humiliation, or return home with pride, fueling India’s innovation, startups, and economy through a historic reverse brain drain.&nbsp;

Indians on H-1B visas, COME BACK HOME, as a mark of protest, and a matter of pride. Time to Make India Greater

India will see a major shift in prices starting today (Monday, Sep 22) as the new GST rates kick in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Sunday (Sep 21), called it nothing less than a “Bachat Utsav” (savings festival), claiming the combined impact of tax reforms and GST cuts will put nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore back into people’s pockets.<h2>Everyone to benefit, says Modi</h2>According to Modi, the recent income tax changes have already helped the middle class, and the new GST revisions will now extend relief to the poor and the neo-middle class. He said that people will now be able to spend money on what they wish for. “From youth, farmers, and women to shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs—everyone will gain from this Bachat Utsav. This festive season, every family will have something to celebrate,” he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-next-gen-gst-reforms-in-his-address-to-nation-extends-navratri-wishes-1758447609162">PM Modi hails 'next gen GST reforms' in his address to nation</a><h2>So, what exactly gets cheaper with the GST reforms? Here’s the lowdown:</h2><h3>Home appliances</h3>Split air conditioners will cost between ₹2,800 and ₹5,900 less, while window units get cheaper by roughly ₹3,400. Dishwashers, once seen as luxury products, will drop by as much as ₹8,000. Big screen TVs, especially premium models above 65 inches (165.1 cm), see price cuts ranging from a few thousand rupees to over ₹85,000 for the largest sets.<h2>Everyday grooming needs</h2>Items like soaps, shampoos, hair oil, toothpaste, and shaving creams move to the 5 per cent tax slab. Baby diapers, nappies and feeding products also become more affordable.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-just-made-it-nearly-impossible-for-indians-to-work-in-the-us-here-s-how-us-hikes-h-1b-fee-to-100-000-or-90-lakh-1758336080621">Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how</a><h3>Everyday household needs</h3>For the kitchen, ghee, butter, paneer, chocolates, sauces, and even instant noodles will see noticeable price drops. Ultra-high temperature milk and Indian breads like chapati, roti, and parantha are now completely tax-free.<h3>Healthcare</h3>Thirty-three lifesaving drugs lose their tax burden entirely, while many others see rates cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. Diagnostic kits, surgical tools, and medical devices also get cheaper. Perhaps the most impactful change in this reform is that life and health insurance policies are now fully exempt from GST, cutting costs for millions of families.<h3>Vehicles</h3>From scooters and commuter bikes to compact SUVs, price reductions stretch from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs. Budget hatchbacks could be ₹40,000-75,000 cheaper, while luxury SUVs may see price cuts exceeding ₹4 lakh. Even commercial vehicles like buses and ambulances benefit, which may ease transport costs more broadly.<h3>Other sectors</h3>Cement prices fall as the GST rate drops to 18 per cent, a big relief for home builders and infrastructure projects. Farmers benefit from cheaper tractors and fertiliser components.<h3>Hotels</h3>Hotel rooms priced below ₹7,500 a night now attract only 5 per cent GST.School supplies: Students will also save on essentials like pencils, crayons, sharpeners, and exercise books, all of which are moved to the tax-free slab.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Effective today, new GST rates will make many products and services cheaper. Calling it a "Bachat Utsav," or savings festival, Prime Minister Modi said that it will put ₹2.5 lakh crore back in people's pockets. Here's what will get cheaper.

India will see a major shift in prices starting today (Monday, Sep 22) as the new GST rates kick in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Sunday (Sep 21), called it nothing less than a “Bachat Utsav” (savings festival), claiming the combined impact of tax reforms and GST cuts will put nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore back into people’s pockets. Everyone to benefit, says Modi According to Modi, the recent income tax changes have already helped the middle class, and the new GST revisions will now extend relief to the poor and the neo-middle class. He said that people will now be able to spend money on what they wish for. “From youth, farmers, and women to shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs—everyone will gain from this Bachat Utsav. This festive season, every family will have something to celebrate,” he said. Also read | PM Modi hails 'next gen GST reforms' in his address to nation So, what exactly gets cheaper with the GST reforms? Here’s the lowdown: Home appliances Split air conditioners will cost between ₹2,800 and ₹5,900 less, while window units get cheaper by roughly ₹3,400. Dishwashers, once seen as luxury products, will drop by as much as ₹8,000. Big screen TVs, especially premium models above 65 inches (165.1 cm), see price cuts ranging from a few thousand rupees to over ₹85,000 for the largest sets. Everyday grooming needs Items like soaps, shampoos, hair oil, toothpaste, and shaving creams move to the 5 per cent tax slab. Baby diapers, nappies and feeding products also become more affordable. Also read | Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how Everyday household needs For the kitchen, ghee, butter, paneer, chocolates, sauces, and even instant noodles will see noticeable price drops. Ultra-high temperature milk and Indian breads like chapati, roti, and parantha are now completely tax-free. Healthcare Thirty-three lifesaving drugs lose their tax burden entirely, while many others see rates cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. Diagnostic kits, surgical tools, and medical devices also get cheaper. Perhaps the most impactful change in this reform is that life and health insurance policies are now fully exempt from GST, cutting costs for millions of families. Vehicles From scooters and commuter bikes to compact SUVs, price reductions stretch from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs. Budget hatchbacks could be ₹40,000-75,000 cheaper, while luxury SUVs may see price cuts exceeding ₹4 lakh. Even commercial vehicles like buses and ambulances benefit, which may ease transport costs more broadly. Other sectors Cement prices fall as the GST rate drops to 18 per cent, a big relief for home builders and infrastructure projects. Farmers benefit from cheaper tractors and fertiliser components. Hotels Hotel rooms priced below ₹7,500 a night now attract only 5 per cent GST. School supplies: Students will also save on essentials like pencils, crayons, sharpeners, and exercise books, all of which are moved to the tax-free slab.

Effective today, new GST rates will make many products and services cheaper. Calling it a "Bachat Utsav," or savings festival, Prime Minister Modi said that it will put ₹2.5 lakh crore back in people's pockets. Here's what will get cheaper.

PM Modi calls GST cuts a ‘Bachat Utsav’: From food to cars, what gets cheaper in India. All you need to know

New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food &amp; Public Distribution, has issued a revised advisory in view of the revision of GST rates effective from September 22, 2025. Using powers under Rule 33 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, the Central Government has granted relaxations to reduce compliance burden on industry while ensuring that the benefit of reduced GST is passed on to consumers, a press release said.&nbsp;As per the advisory, manufacturers, packers, and importers may voluntarily affix additional revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before 22nd September 2025, provided that the original MRP printed on the package is not obscured. It has been clarified that the Rules do not mandate such re-stickering, and it is purely optional for companies that wish to declare revised prices.&nbsp;Further, the requirement under Rule 18(3) to publish revised MRPs in two newspapers has been waived. Instead, manufacturers and importers will now only be required to circulate revised price lists to wholesale dealers and retailers, with copies endorsed to the Director, Legal Metrology in Central Government and Controllers of Legal Metrology in States/UTs. This will simplify compliance and reduce procedural burden for the industry.&nbsp;The advisory also permits the use of old packaging material or wrappers printed before the GST revision, up to March 31, 2026, or until such stock is exhausted, whichever is earlier. Companies can correct the MRP on such packaging by stamping, stickering, or online printing at any suitable place on the package.&nbsp;In addition, the Government has advised the manufacturers, packers, and importers to take proactive steps to inform dealers, retailers, and consumers about the revised GST rates. They have been encouraged to use all possible communication channels, including electronic, print, and social media, to ensure consumer awareness.&nbsp;This step strikes a balance between ease of doing business and consumer protection, ensuring that industries are not overburdened with compliance while consumers receive the intended benefit of GST reduction.

As per the advisory, manufacturers, packers, and importers may voluntarily affix additional revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before 22nd September 2025, provided that the original MRP printed on the package is not obscured. 

New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has issued a revised advisory in view of the revision of GST rates effective from September 22, 2025. Using powers under Rule 33 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, the Central Government has granted relaxations to reduce compliance burden on industry while ensuring that the benefit of reduced GST is passed on to consumers, a press release said. As per the advisory, manufacturers, packers, and importers may voluntarily affix additional revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before 22nd September 2025, provided that the original MRP printed on the package is not obscured. It has been clarified that the Rules do not mandate such re-stickering, and it is purely optional for companies that wish to declare revised prices. Further, the requirement under Rule 18(3) to publish revised MRPs in two newspapers has been waived. Instead, manufacturers and importers will now only be required to circulate revised price lists to wholesale dealers and retailers, with copies endorsed to the Director, Legal Metrology in Central Government and Controllers of Legal Metrology in States/UTs. This will simplify compliance and reduce procedural burden for the industry. The advisory also permits the use of old packaging material or wrappers printed before the GST revision, up to March 31, 2026, or until such stock is exhausted, whichever is earlier. Companies can correct the MRP on such packaging by stamping, stickering, or online printing at any suitable place on the package. In addition, the Government has advised the manufacturers, packers, and importers to take proactive steps to inform dealers, retailers, and consumers about the revised GST rates. They have been encouraged to use all possible communication channels, including electronic, print, and social media, to ensure consumer awareness. This step strikes a balance between ease of doing business and consumer protection, ensuring that industries are not overburdened with compliance while consumers receive the intended benefit of GST reduction.

GST reforms 2025: The advisory also permits the use of old packaging material or wrappers printed before the GST revision, up to March 31, 2026, or until such stock is exhausted, whichever is earlier.&nbsp;

GST rates 2025: Government eases compliance burden on industry. Here's how

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will take effect on September 22. The central government has removed the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and moved the items in these categories to the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs, lowering the tax on a majority of these goods and services. The GST reform will also boost the agriculture&nbsp;center. Here's how.&nbsp;Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday held a meeting with farm equipment manufacturers and urged them to&nbsp;pass the benefits of reduced GST to farmers.&nbsp;GST rates on agricultural machinery have been decreased from 18 per cent and 12 per cent to 5 per cent. It is expected to help farmers who want to buy this equipment.&nbsp;"The GST rates on agricultural machinery, which were earlier 18% and 12%, have now been reduced to 5%, and these significantly reduced rates will come into effect from 22nd September. This reduction will directly benefit the farmers," Chouhan said.<h2>How much will tractor prices be reduced with GST reforms?</h2>The minister said that the prices of tractors will come down with the implementation of the GST reforms.&nbsp;He said that the prices of a&nbsp;35 HP tractor will come down by Rs 41,000, and for a 45 HP tractor, the reduction will be Rs 45,000. Similarly, for a 50 HP tractor, the benefit will be Rs 53,000, and for a 75 HP tractor, the reduction is Rs 63,000.&nbsp;The minister said that the prices of smaller tractors will come down by Rs 3000.&nbsp;So, from the smallest to the largest tractors, the benefit ranges from Rs 3,000 to Rs 63,000.&nbsp;Machines like rice transplanters will be Rs 15,400 cheaper, Threshers (4-ton/hour capacity) will be Rs 14,000 cheaper, while Power weeders (7.5 HP) will be Rs 5,495 cheaper.&nbsp;The minister said that companies and their dealers must pass the price benefit.&nbsp;He said these machines will be sold at the Custom Hiring Centre at reduced prices.&nbsp;"The Prime Minister's focus has been on technology and promoting mechanization in agriculture, and it is likely because of this focus that in the last decade, agricultural production has increased significantly. So can it be said that this has been the main focus, especially with GST reductions, to accelerate mechanisation?" he added.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will take effect on September 22. The central government has removed the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and moved the items in these categories to the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will take effect on September 22. The central government has removed the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and moved the items in these categories to the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs, lowering the tax on a majority of these goods and services. The GST reform will also boost the agriculture center. Here's how. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday held a meeting with farm equipment manufacturers and urged them to pass the benefits of reduced GST to farmers. GST rates on agricultural machinery have been decreased from 18 per cent and 12 per cent to 5 per cent. It is expected to help farmers who want to buy this equipment. "The GST rates on agricultural machinery, which were earlier 18% and 12%, have now been reduced to 5%, and these significantly reduced rates will come into effect from 22nd September. This reduction will directly benefit the farmers," Chouhan said. How much will tractor prices be reduced with GST reforms? The minister said that the prices of tractors will come down with the implementation of the GST reforms. He said that the prices of a 35 HP tractor will come down by Rs 41,000, and for a 45 HP tractor, the reduction will be Rs 45,000. Similarly, for a 50 HP tractor, the benefit will be Rs 53,000, and for a 75 HP tractor, the reduction is Rs 63,000. The minister said that the prices of smaller tractors will come down by Rs 3000. So, from the smallest to the largest tractors, the benefit ranges from Rs 3,000 to Rs 63,000. Machines like rice transplanters will be Rs 15,400 cheaper, Threshers (4-ton/hour capacity) will be Rs 14,000 cheaper, while Power weeders (7.5 HP) will be Rs 5,495 cheaper. The minister said that companies and their dealers must pass the price benefit. He said these machines will be sold at the Custom Hiring Centre at reduced prices. "The Prime Minister's focus has been on technology and promoting mechanization in agriculture, and it is likely because of this focus that in the last decade, agricultural production has increased significantly. So can it be said that this has been the main focus, especially with GST reductions, to accelerate mechanisation?" he added.

Goods and Services Tax new rates 2025: GST rates on agricultural machinery have been decreased from 18 per cent and 12 per cent to 5 per cent.&nbsp;

Goods and Services Tax reforms: How cheaper will tractors get? Minister reveals