11:11 | GST 2.0 implementation, India's four-pronged strategy to beat Trump tariffs and more

It's a brand-new Monday, and here we are with a brand-new set of stories.

From the GST 2.0 rollout, India’s four-pronged counter to Trump tariffs, and tighter H-1B visa norms poised to reshape a $60 bn industry — We have you covered for all the big stories driving the next big economic shifts.

We also look at 16 states in revenue surplus and deficits, AHPI and Star Health gearing up to resume cashless services, triggers are powering India's shipping stocks, while our editors analyse if India’s gig economy boom can solve the jobs crisis.

New GST rates LIVE updates: Two-slab GST system takes effect today; key changes

India’s GST 2.0, a major overhaul of the country’s indirect tax system, came into effect on Monday, September 22, simplifying the structure and rationalising rates across goods and services. The reform, timed with the first day of Navratri, has been termed a “GST Bachat Utsav” (Savings Festival), aimed at boosting consumption and making products cheaper for consumers nationwide.

Track LIVE UPDATES HERE 

From medicines to milk: Items that get cheaper after GST rate cuts from today

Starting today, changes in India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates come into effect, following decisions by the GST Council. The revised structure reduces tax rates on several essential goods and services, aiming to simplify compliance and make products more affordable for consumers.

Here’s a closer look at the items that will cost less under the new GST regime:

Assam tea workers to get 20% bonus across 90 estates ahead of Durga Puja

The Assam cabinet has approved a 20% bonus for employees and workers of the Assam Tea Corporation ahead of Durga Puja. The move will benefit thousands of tea workers across 90 tea estates in the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision, according to news agency ANI. Earlier this month, the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) union confirmed that seven major tea groups — including McLeod Russel, Andrew Yule, Dhunseri, Goodricke and the Luxmi Group — had already agreed to give workers the same bonus.

16 states in revenue surplus, UP tops list, Andhra posts biggest deficit, says CAG

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India released a report on state finances on Friday. The report stated that 16 states recorded a revenue surplus while 12 reported a revenue deficit in 2022-23. Uttar Pradesh posted the highest revenue surplus of ₹37,000 crore, followed by Gujarat (₹19,865 crore) and Odisha (₹19,456 crore).

Andhra Pradesh recorded the largest revenue deficit at ₹43,488 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu (₹36,215 crore) and Rajasthan (₹31,491 crore).

AHPI, Star Health to resume cashless services at member hospitals from October 10

The Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) and Star Health and Allied Insurance (Star Health) announced that cashless services at AHPI member hospitals will resume from October 10. that cashless services at AHPI member hospitals will resume from October 10.

This comes after both parties engaged in discussions to address ongoing concerns.

The earlier advisory issued by AHPI to stop cashless services from September 22, will be revoked.

India's four-pronged strategy to beat Trump tariffs

The Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM) Chairman, Mahendra Dev, has outlined a four-part plan to help Indian industry manage the impact of US tariffs.

Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM) Chairman, Mahendra Dev expects India’s economy to grow 6.5% in FY26, supported by GST reforms, higher capex, tax cuts and monetary stimulus in the second half of the year. He said the government is also pushing new reforms on deregulation and ease of doing business through two high-level committees.

These triggers are powering India's shipping stocks GRSE, SCI on Monday

India's shipping companies, Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI), Garden Reach Shipbuilders Ltd. (GRSE), Cochin Shipyard Ltd. have gained up to 5% on Monday, based on multiple triggers for the industry, as well as for specific stocks.

In a glimpse



Festive sale offers: How shoppers can get the best deals

Flipkart’s annual Big Billion Day Sale, one of India’s largest online shopping events, is set to return this year with deals across categories ranging from electronics and fashion to home essentials. While shoppers anticipate deep discounts, experts stress that careful planning is key to maximising savings. 

CNBC-TV18 ACCESS | Trump choking H-1B visas may just be what a $60 billion industry in India needed

The US imposing a $100,000 one-time fee for new H-1B visas is likely to force a change in how Indian companies deliver services beyond software. It's just not the change President Donald Trump may be looking for.

New applicants for the H-1B visa may shrink, but it's possible that the bulk of the work may move to the global capability centres (GCC) in India, unless Trump decides to block that path with the HIRE Act, which proposes a 25% tax on payments to foreign firms for services consumed in America.

CNBC TV18 ACCESS | Editors' Playbook | India’s Gig Economy Boom: Can It Solve the Jobs Crisis?

India’s gig economy is booming with platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Urban Company. Is gig work the answer to India’s rising unemployment, or just a temporary fix?

Watch Editors’ Playbook with Shereen Bhan, Prashant Nair, Nigel D’Souza, Nimesh Shah, Sriram Iyer, and Surabhi Upadhyay.

WATCH HERE