The GST Council has largely accepted the recommendations of the Group of Ministers constituted to look into extending the ambit of GST concessions on COVID treatment-related medical devices and drugs. Briefing media in New Delhi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed that the Council has agreed to completely exempt antifungal drug Amphotericin – B and antiviral drug Tocilizumab from any kind of GST.

The Minister added that GST on another critical drug Remdesivir, used in treatment of COVID patients has been reduced from 12 per cent to five per cent. Additionally, GST on anticoagulant Heparin and any other specified drug recommended by the Health Ministry for COVID-related treatment will stand reduced at five per cent.

Ms. Sitharaman said that the GST Council agreed to reduce GST from existing 12 per cent to five per cent on medical grade Oxygen, Oxygen generation equipment and related medical devices in order to extend relief to the people. In addition to this, COVID testing kits, Pulse Oximeters, Temperature checking equipment and Hand Sanitisers would also now cost cheaper as GST on them have been reduced to five per cent.

The Council also agreed to cut down GST on Ambulances from existing 28 per cent to 12 per cent and on electric and gas furnaces for crematoriums from 18 per cent to five per cent. The GST Council also extended the timeline of exemptions and GST reductions on COVID-related equipment and drugs till September this year.

These decisions were taken in the 44th GST Council Meeting which was convened on a single-agenda to deliberate on the report submitted by the Group of Ministers on tax relief for COVID-19 essentials. The Group of Ministers, GoM was constituted after the previous GST Council meet held last month. The GoM submitted it’s report in less than eight days after its constitution.

(EW News Desk)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for global unity, leadership and solidarity to prevent future pandemics and emphasized the special responsibility of democratic and transparent societies. Participating in the first Outreach Session of the G7 Summit via virtual mode, Mr Modi said the meeting should send out the message of ‘One Earth One Health’ for the whole world. He highlighted India’s ‘whole of society’ approach to fight the pandemic, synergising the efforts of all levels of the government, industry and civil society. 

The Prime Minister also explained India’s successful use of open source digital tools for contact tracing and vaccine management. He conveyed India’s willingness to share its experience and expertise with other developing countries.

Prime Minister Modi committed India’s support for collective endeavours to improve global health governance. He sought the G7’s support for the proposal moved at the WTO by India and South Africa, for a TRIPS waiver on COVID related technologies.  Sources said Australia and others came out strongly in support of this.

The session, titled ‘Building Back Stronger – Health’, focused on global recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and on strengthening resilience against future pandemics. The Prime Minister will participate in the final day of the G7 Summit today and will speak in two Sessions.

New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the budgetary support of Rs 498.8 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) – Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) for the next five years.
The scheme is aimed at providing financial support to nearly 300 start-ups/MSMEs/individual innovators and 20 partner incubators under the DIO framework, a statement by Defence Ministry said.
The budgetary support will provide a big boost to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as iDEX–DIO has the primary objective of self-reliance and indigenisation in defence & aerospace sector of the country.
The Department of Defence Production (DDP) will release funds to DIO for setting up and managing the iDEX network in the form of Partner Incubators (PIs); communicating with innovators/start-ups/technology centres of MSMEs through the PIs, as per the statement.
The DIO, with its team, will enable the creation of channels for innovators to engage and interact with the Indian Defence production industry.

New Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced further relaxations in the National Capital from June 14 onward as the COVID-19 graph continued to show a declining trend.

‘Tomorrow, after 5 am, all activities will be allowed except some activities which are completely prohibited while some activities are being allowed in a restricted manner (partially allowed),’ the Chief Minister announced in a digital press conference.

All markets, market complexes and malls, which were allowed to reopen on odd-even basis last week, will be fully open from tomorrow between 10 am and 8 pm and restaurants will also open at 50 per cent seating capacity. ‘Only one weekly market is allowed in one Zone,’ Mr Kejriwal said.

Meanwhile, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutes, cultural, social, political, sports, religious gatherings, stadiums, sports complexes, entertainment, spa and gyms, swimming pools, cinema theaters, multiplexes will continue to remain shut as they pose risk of spreading the pandemic.

Capital’s lifeline — Delhi Metro — will operate on 50 per cent capacity while Taxis and Autos will be allowed to commute only two passengers at one time. Mr Kejriwal further informed that the religious places are being opened but visitors will not be allowed.