Excise hike lights up margin, illicit trade risks for cigarette stocks
  • 11 Feb 2026 06:44 PM
  • New

Excise hike lights up margin, illicit trade risks for cigarette stocks

Source: https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/cigarette-prices-excise-duty-hike-tobacco-stocks-11770783181323.html

Analysts warn that higher taxes could squeeze margins, dent volumes and fuel illegal trade, even as demand remains resilient.

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HUL Q3 preview: Results may reveal key consumption trends
  • 11 Feb 2026 06:49 PM
  • New

HUL Q3 preview: Results may reveal key consumption trends

Source: https://www.livemint.com/companies/hul-q3-preview-consumption-trends-urban-inflation-winter-effect-monsoon-demand-11770789493521.html

Investors are keenly watching Hindustan Unilever's third-quarter earnings to gauge the true picture of consumption in India, factoring in recent GST rate changes, monsoon impact, and economic recovery.

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No Proposal to Remove 40% GST on State-Run Lotteries, Govt Tells Rajya Sabha
  • 11 Feb 2026 06:55 PM
  • New

No Proposal to Remove 40% GST on State-Run Lotteries, Govt Tells Rajya Sabha

Source: https://taxguru.in/goods-and-service-tax/proposal-remove-40-percent-gst-state-run-lotteries-govt-tells-rajya-sabha.html

The Ministry of Finance informed the Rajya Sabha that there is currently no proposal to exclude State-run lottery schemes from the 40% GST rate. GST rates and exemptions are determined based on the recommendations of the GST Council, a constitutional body comprising Union and State representatives.

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Mint Quick Edit | January auto sales ease anxiety over India’s K-shaped recovery from the pandemic
  • 11 Feb 2026 05:51 PM

Mint Quick Edit | January auto sales ease anxiety over India’s K-shaped recovery from the pandemic

Source: https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/mint-quick-edit-january-auto-sales-india-k-shaped-recovery-pandemic-two-wheelers-cars-11770733020195.html

January’s retail auto sales numbers show impressive growth across vehicle segments. The star showing was by two-wheelers, which recorded a belated surge after the GST reset of 2025.

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GST Collections Show Steady Growth as Rates Are Simplified
  • 10 Feb 2026 06:51 PM

GST Collections Show Steady Growth as Rates Are Simplified

Source: https://taxguru.in/goods-and-service-tax/gst-collections-show-steady-growth-rates-simplified.html

In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Finance presented GST collection trends and compliance measures. Gross GST collections rose from ₹13.76 lakh crore in 2021–22 to ₹20.56 lakh crore in 2024–25, with year-on-year growth moderating from 22% in 2022–23 to 10% in 2024–25; collections up to January 2026 stood at ₹18.43 lakh crore (8% growth). The Government clarified that district-wise GST data is not maintained; however, tax devolution to West Bengal increased steadily since 2019–20 in line with Finance Commission recommendations.

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Government Rejects Claims of Excessive Multi-Layered Tax Burden
  • 10 Feb 2026 06:35 PM

Government Rejects Claims of Excessive Multi-Layered Tax Burden

Source: https://taxguru.in/goods-and-service-tax/government-rejects-claims-excessive-multi-layered-tax-burden.html

In response to a starred question in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Finance rejected concerns that India’s tax system is excessively multi-layered or driving taxpayer migration. The Government stated that India’s tax-to-GDP ratio for 2025–26 is 18.4%, among the lowest in comparable G20 developing economies, and denied that high taxation is eroding real incomes or forcing citizens to move abroad. It clarified that income tax is levied

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Printed Educational and Medical Books Already Exempt From GST: Government
  • 10 Feb 2026 06:44 PM

Printed Educational and Medical Books Already Exempt From GST: Government

Source: https://taxguru.in/goods-and-service-tax/printed-educational-medical-books-exempt-gst-government.html

In response to a Lok Sabha question on whether GST on medical and educational books is adding to the financial burden on students and learners, the Ministry of Finance clarified the current legal position. The Government stated that GST rates and exemptions are determined on the recommendations of the GST Council, a constitutional body comprising representatives of the Centre and States/UTs. Addressing the concern directly, it was clarified that printed books, including Braille books, are presently exempt from GST.

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No Compensation Planned for States After Recent GST Rate Restructuring
  • 10 Feb 2026 06:41 PM

No Compensation Planned for States After Recent GST Rate Restructuring

Source: https://taxguru.in/goods-and-service-tax/compensation-planned-states-gst-rate-restructuring.html

Summary: In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Finance addressed concerns over the fiscal impact of recent GST restructuring on States. The Government stated that GST rate changes were recommended by a Group of Ministers on rate rationalisation and approved by the GST Council in its 56th meeting held on 3 September 2025.

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GST Registration Threshold Limit
  • 10 Feb 2026 06:47 PM

GST Registration Threshold Limit

Source: https://taxguru.in/goods-and-service-tax/gst-registration-threshold-limit.html

In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Finance clarified that GST registration thresholds are determined solely on the recommendations of the GST Council. At GST’s launch, the threshold was ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh for special category States).

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Consumer watchdog orders Barbeque Nation to discontinue service charge
  • 09 Feb 2026 05:52 PM

Consumer watchdog orders Barbeque Nation to discontinue service charge

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/barbeque-nation-service-charge-ccpa-service-charge-11770608909507.html

New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed Barbeque Nation Hospitality Ltd to stop levying a service charge at its restaurants, reinforcing the government’s tightening stance on billing practices that regulators and courts have repeatedly flagged as unfair to consumers.

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