English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Congress says US President Donald Trump threatening existence of GST, questions PM Modi’s stance

“As India integrates further into the global economy, there is growing recognition that import duties on alcohol need to be reduced to align with international standards,” Giri said.

Published

on

The Congress party on Wednesday raised concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on reciprocal tariffs, questioning whether the move could undermine India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.

In a pointed statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wondered if Prime Minister Narendra Modi, often referred to as a “Vishwaguru” (global leader), would stand up to protect India’s national sovereignty in the face of such challenges.

Ramesh emphasized that the Congress has long advocated for a revamped GST 2.0, aimed at simplifying the tax structure and making it truly “Good and Simple,” as originally intended. He called for minimizing tax rates and reforming compliance rules to ease the burden on businesses and consumers.

“By its very design, GST applies to imports but not exports, a principle that has never been disputed,” Ramesh said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Now, President Trump’s talk of reciprocal tariffs is calling into question the very existence of a consumption tax like GST. Beyond the WTO, this is a matter of national sovereignty. Will President Trump’s good friend in New Delhi, who often boasts of being a Vishwaguru, stand up to this?”

Ramesh also shared an article highlighting that Trump’s proposed tariffs are partly a response to what the U.S. describes as “unfair” taxes, including value-added taxes like Australia’s Goods and Services Tax. This has sparked fears that India’s GST system could face similar scrutiny.

The Congress leader’s remarks come amid recent developments in India-U.S. trade relations. Earlier this month, India reduced tariffs on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100%, a move seen as a gesture to address U.S. concerns over high import duties. The decision, dated February 13 but gaining media attention on February 14, 2025, benefits American brands like Suntory’s Jim Beam.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the White House, President Trump criticized what he called “unfair” trade practices in India and outlined plans for reciprocal tariffs on countries imposing duties on U.S. imports. The tariff reduction on bourbon is viewed as a strategic step to ease tensions and pre-empt potential retaliatory measures.

Pratik Jain, a partner at PwC India, noted that the move signals India’s willingness to adjust tariffs for strategic partners. “It reflects the government’s intent to align its trade policies with global expectations,” he said.

However, India’s high tariffs on alcohol imports have long been a point of contention for foreign liquor companies, including Diageo and Pernod Ricard, which operate in the country’s $35 billion spirits market. Vinod Giri, director general of the Brewers Association of India, described the tariff reduction as a symbolic gesture to reassure the U.S. of India’s commitment to fair trade practices.

“As India integrates further into the global economy, there is growing recognition that import duties on alcohol need to be reduced to align with international standards,” Giri said.

The Congress’s critique of the government’s handling of the GST issue and its response to U.S. trade pressures underscores the broader debate over India’s economic policies and its stance on global trade. As the Modi administration navigates these challenges, the opposition’s call for a more robust and simplified GST system adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on India’s economic future.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

on

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

on

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

Published

on

Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com