Top News: GST Revamp, ‘Made in India’ Boost, Qualcomm’s Wearables & More

India’s economic and policy landscape saw major developments this week — from a potential overhaul of the GST regime and global recognition for ‘Made in India’ products, to a renewed push for MSME integration into world markets, Qualcomm’s breakthrough in wearable technology, and the Lok Sabha’s legislative outcomes. Here’s your roundup of the key updates shaping India’s growth story.

GoM Endorses Two-Slab GST Proposal; GST Council to Take Final Call

• GST may shift to 5% and 18% two-slab system, replacing four-tier structure.
• 40% GST proposed for ultra-luxury and sin goods.
• Final decision to be taken by the GST Council.

The Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation has backed the Centre’s proposal to simplify GST into two slabs — 5% and 18% — replacing the existing four-tier system. Bihar Deputy CM and GoM convenor Samrat Choudhary confirmed that both Centre’s proposals, including scrapping the 12% and 28% slabs, were accepted.

As part of the framework, a 40% GST rate is proposed for ultra-luxury and sin goods. Some states, including West Bengal, flagged revenue concerns and suggested additional levies to maintain the current tax burden.

The recommendations now move to the GST Council, which will take the final decision in line with PM Narendra Modi’s Independence Day call for a simplified GST regime.

‘Made in India’ Gains Global Edge as Häfele Expands Manufacturing

• Häfele to expand sourcing & manufacturing in India.
• Local sourcing to rise from 10% → 30% by 2025, target 50% later.
• Boosts Make in India & Viksit Bharat vision, says Piyush Goyal.

‘Made in India’ products are increasingly making their mark globally, with Häfele announcing expanded sourcing and manufacturing in India. The German home solutions giant plans to raise local sourcing to 30% by 2025 and 50% thereafter, while setting up manufacturing units and collaborating with Indian suppliers.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said this reflects the success of India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and the Make in India, Viksit Bharat vision. Häfele India MD Frank Schloeder stressed that compliance with QCOs is enabling Indian firms to deliver world-class products for global markets.

This expansion underscores rising confidence in India as a trusted global manufacturing hub.

Govt Pushes Global Integration of MSMEs for Competitiveness

• Govt aims to link MSMEs with global value chains.
• Support through IC Scheme, Export Facilitation Centres & RAMP Scheme.
• Credit guarantee limit raised to ₹10 Cr under CGTMSE.

Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi told the Lok Sabha that the government is aggressively pursuing integration of MSMEs into global value chains to drive growth, jobs, and competitiveness.

Key initiatives include the International Cooperation Scheme, 65 Export Facilitation Centres, the MSME Champions Scheme, and the RAMP Scheme for technology upgradation and market linkages. Green initiatives like GIFT and SPICE promote eco-friendly practices, while digitalisation through Udyam Registration is formalising micro-enterprises.

Collateral-free credit via CGTMSE has been enhanced to ₹10 crore, further easing access to finance. Manjhi emphasised that MSMEs remain a backbone of GDP and employment, with reforms aimed at making them globally competitive.

Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2, W5 Gen 2 with Satellite Messaging

• New chips bring two-way satellite messaging to smartwatches.
• Location ML 3.0 improves GPS accuracy by 50%.
• Pixel Watch 4 first device with Snapdragon W5 Gen 2.

Qualcomm Technologies has unveiled its latest wearable platforms — Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 — featuring two-way satellite messaging, Location ML 3.0 GPS accuracy boost, and sleeker, power-efficient designs.

The innovation allows smartwatch users to send/receive emergency messages beyond cellular and Wi-Fi coverage via Skylo’s NB-NTN network — a lifeline for trekkers and remote users. The new chips, built on 4nm architecture, offer 20% smaller designs, longer battery life, and Wear OS 6 compatibility, with Google Pixel Watch 4 debuting as the first device.

Industry leaders hailed the move as a game-changer in wearable safety and connectivity, positioning Qualcomm at the forefront of next-gen wearables.

Fifth Session of 18th Lok Sabha Concludes with 21 Sittings

• 14 govt bills introduced, 12 passed.
• House lost 84 hours to disruptions, sat extra 10 hours.
• Key bills: Income-Tax Bill, Online Gaming Bill, National Sport Governance Bill.

The Fifth Session of the 18th Lok Sabha ended on August 21 after 21 sittings, during which 14 government bills were introduced and 12 passed. Despite disruptions causing a record 84 hours lost, the House sat extra hours to complete business.

Key legislations passed included the National Sport Governance Bill, 2025, Income-Tax Bill, 2025, and the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Over 5,000 parliamentary questions were addressed, alongside 124 committee reports and 53 ministerial statements.

The session adjourned sine die, capping a busy but contentious monsoon session.

India This Week: Key Policy, Business & Tech Shifts

From tax reforms and parliamentary productivity to cutting-edge wearable tech and the global ascent of Indian manufacturing, the week reflects India’s dual focus on domestic policy clarity and global competitiveness. As reforms in GST, MSMEs, and digital innovation advance, India continues to reinforce its position as one of the fastest-evolving economies in the world.