{"id":13770,"date":"2025-08-21T16:10:07","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T10:40:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.torusdigital.com\/toruscope\/?p=13770"},"modified":"2025-08-21T17:04:47","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T11:34:47","slug":"gst-slab-shake-up-new-5-18-rates-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.torusdigital.com\/toruscope\/news\/gst-slab-shake-up-new-5-18-rates-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Massive GST Shake-Up: Essentials Get Cheaper, Luxury Items Hit Hard \u2013 What It Means for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section el_id=&#8221;blog-inner-layout&#8221;][vc_row overlay_dotted=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;blog_primary&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]India is rolling out the most dramatic change to its Goods and Services Tax (GST) system since it launched in 2017. In a major step toward simplification, the Group of Ministers (GoM) has officially accepted the Centre\u2019s proposal to scrap the current 12% and 28% GST slabs, moving to a much leaner two-slab structure: 5% for essentials and 18% for most other goods and services.<\/p>\n<p>This revamp is being pitched as a \u201cnext-generation\u201d GST, designed not just to simplify taxes, but also to boost consumption, reduce compliance headaches, and bring more transparency into India\u2019s indirect tax system.<\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Now_in_the_5_Bracket\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">What\u2019s Now in the 5% Bracket?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 5% GST slab will cover essential and mass-consumption goods, many of which were previously taxed at 12%. These include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Butter, cheese, ghee, and edible oils<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fruit juices, dry fruits, packaged snacks<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Toothpaste, soaps, hair oil, and other personal care items<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mobile phones and basic electronic accessories<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bicycles, stationery, school bags, solar water heaters<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Health diagnostics and some over-the-counter medicines<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This move is expected to make everyday household expenses lighter on the wallet, particularly for middle-class families and small businesses. Economists suggest this could boost demand in semi-urban and rural areas, where price sensitivity is high.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Moves_to_18\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Moves to 18%?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Items that were earlier taxed at 28, considered the \u201cluxury\u201d or \u201cnon-essential\u201d category, are now largely being brought under the 18% slab. These include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">White goods like air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cement, which has long been a high-tax item impacting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.torusdigital.com\/stocks\/sectors\/realty\">real estate<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.torusdigital.com\/stocks\/sectors\/infrastructure-developers-operators\">infrastructure sectors<\/a><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Small cars and two-wheelers, which may see a noticeable dip in prices<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hotel stays, restaurants, and other services<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With this shift, around 90% of items previously under the 28% slab will now be cheaper, which could be a huge win for consumer sentiment, especially ahead of the festive season.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/torusdigital.go.link\/hgQeE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"responsive-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.torusdigital.com\/toruscope\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Desktop-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_About_the_Remaining_28_and_Beyond\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">What About the Remaining 28% and Beyond?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While the 28% slab is being mostly dismantled, a few \u201csin\u201d and ultra-luxury items will move to a new special 40% slab, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tobacco products<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pan masala<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Online gaming involving betting or gambling<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This higher tax rate is intended to discourage consumption of these items while also ensuring states don\u2019t lose out on significant revenue.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_There_a_Catch\"><\/span><strong>Is There a Catch?\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes, there is a trade-off. Tax revenues are expected to dip initially, as lower GST rates naturally reduce collections. But the government is banking on higher consumption, better compliance, and a broader tax base to balance out the shortfall over time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Analysts also point out that with GST compensation to states ending in 2026, this simplification could be a strategic step to ensure long-term sustainability of tax revenues, even without the additional cess burden.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Next\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">What\u2019s Next?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The GoM has submitted its recommendation to the GST Council, which is expected to take it up for final approval in the upcoming meetings. If cleared, the rollout is expected as early as Diwali 2025, perfect timing for retailers and consumers alike.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are also ongoing discussions around removing GST on life and health insurance premiums, which could further ease the financial burden on the middle class. However, that\u2019s still under consideration and will need detailed revenue impact analysis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Big_Takeaway\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Big Takeaway<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This GST overhaul could be game-changing. It simplifies the tax system, reduces consumer costs, helps small businesses, and may even spur a mini consumption boom. While challenges remain, especially around revenue neutrality, the direction is clear: a simpler, smarter GST is coming.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If approved and executed well, this could go down as one of the most pro-consumer economic reforms in recent years.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;share_rating&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h6>Rate this article<\/h6>\n<!-- FeedbackWP Plugin --><div  class=\"rmp-widgets-container rmp-wp-plugin rmp-main-container js-rmp-widgets-container js-rmp-widgets-container--13770 \"  data-post-id=\"13770\">    <!-- Rating widget -->  <div class=\"rmp-rating-widget js-rmp-rating-widget\">            <div class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons\">      <ul class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list js-rmp-rating-icons-list\">                  <li class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\" data-descriptive-rating=\"Terrible!\" data-value=\"1\">              <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--full-highlight\"><\/i>          <\/li>                  <li class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\" data-descriptive-rating=\"Bad!\" data-value=\"2\">              <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--full-highlight\"><\/i>          <\/li>                  <li class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\" data-descriptive-rating=\"Okay!\" data-value=\"3\">              <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--full-highlight\"><\/i>          <\/li>                  <li class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\" data-descriptive-rating=\"Good!\" data-value=\"4\">              <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--full-highlight\"><\/i>          <\/li>                  <li class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\" data-descriptive-rating=\"Great!\" data-value=\"5\">              <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star \"><\/i>          <\/li>              <\/ul>    <\/div>    <p class=\"rmp-rating-widget__hover-text js-rmp-hover-text\"><\/p>    <button class=\"rmp-rating-widget__submit-btn rmp-btn js-submit-rating-btn\">      Submit Rating    <\/button>    <p class=\"rmp-rating-widget__results js-rmp-results \">       <span class=\"rmp-rating-widget__results__rating js-rmp-avg-rating\">4<\/span> \/ 5.  <span class=\"rmp-rating-widget__results__votes js-rmp-vote-count\">2<\/span>    <\/p>    <p class=\"rmp-rating-widget__not-rated js-rmp-not-rated rmp-rating-widget__not-rated--hidden\">          <\/p>    <p class=\"rmp-rating-widget__msg js-rmp-msg\"><\/p>  <\/div>  <!--Structured data -->        <\/div>\n<div id=\"emoji-overlay\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div id=\"overlay-emoji\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"overlay-description\" class=\"emoji-text\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"rating-popup\">\n<p><span id=\"popup-close\">\u00d7<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"popup_message\">\n<div id=\"popup-emoji\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"popup_innermsg\">\n<h5>Thank You for Rating Our Article!<\/h5>\n<p>Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we&#8217;re thrilled to hear your thoughts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<div class=\"cscra-social square cscra-socials-679c8a1122c00\">\n        <a href=\"\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.torusdigital.com%2Ftoruscope%2Fnews%2Fgst-slab-shake-up-new-5-18-rates-explained%2F&t=Massive+GST+Shake-Up%3A+Essentials+Get+Cheaper%2C+Luxury+Items+Hit+Hard+%E2%80%93+What+It+Means+for+You%3F\" class=\"facebook\" data-toggle=\"tooltip\" data-placement=\"top\" title=\"Share On Facebook\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-facebook\"><\/i><\/a>\n        <a href=\"\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=Massive+GST+Shake-Up%3A+Essentials+Get+Cheaper%2C+Luxury+Items+Hit+Hard+%E2%80%93+What+It+Means+for+You%3F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.torusdigital.com%2Ftoruscope%2Fnews%2Fgst-slab-shake-up-new-5-18-rates-explained%2F\" class=\"twitter\" data-toggle=\"tooltip\" data-placement=\"top\" title=\"Share On Twitter\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-x-twitter\"><\/i><\/a>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Massive+GST+Shake-Up%3A+Essentials+Get+Cheaper%2C+Luxury+Items+Hit+Hard+%E2%80%93+What+It+Means+for+You%3F - 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In a major step toward simplification, the Group of Ministers (GoM) has officially accepted the Centre\u2019s proposal to scrap the current 12% and 28% GST slabs, moving to a much","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13771,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[169,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-tax"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>GST Slab Shake-Up: New 5% &amp; 18% Rates Explained<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"India scraps 12% &amp; 28% GST slabs! Essentials now at 5%, luxury items shift to 18%. 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