Archives September 2025

Khazaen Economic City Organizes Investment Event in New Delhi

New Delhi – 18 September 2025:  The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in India hosted an economic event in New Delhi, attended by distinguished dignitaries and senior representatives from both Oman and India. The event aimed to promote the wide range of investment opportunities offered by Khazaen Economic City. Event was addressed by H.E. Mr. Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Alshibani.Ambassador of Embassy of Sultanate of Oman to India, Mohamed Ahmed Al Siyabi, Commercial Affairs Manager, Mohammed Abdullah Al Salmi,Businesses Development Manage .  The event was supported by Optimax Access and the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.

Investment Event in New Delhi

Oman’s Ambassador to India Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Alshibani invited Indian businesses to invest in the nation, particularly in the Khazaen Economic City.   He said, our investment environment is designed for clarity and confidence. For Indian companies, Oman is a natural extension strategy.  The Ambassador also extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the Oman Government and the people of Oman, to strengthen the relationship between the two countries with his guidance.

The program highlighted Khazaen’s unique advantages as an integrated economic gateway, with a particular focus on investment opportunities in pharmaceutical industries, food processing, light manufacturing, and logistics-related activities that the city is well-positioned to support efficiently.

Khazaen offers a comprehensive package of investment incentives through public-private partnerships, positioning it as an ideal platform for production and a gateway for exports and re-exports to regional and global markets.

This gathering took place as part of the year marking the 70th anniversary of Oman–India diplomatic relations, reflecting the depth of a centuries-old partnership built on maritime, trade, and cultural ties that continue to unite the two nations.

National Festival Sammohan 2025 to Celebrate Artistic Excellence of Persons with Disabilities

Thiruvananthapuram, 18th September 2025: The second edition of Sammohan, a national festival where individuals with disabilities showcase their talents in various performing arts including music, dance and theatre, will be held on September 27 and 28 in Kerala. Nearly 200 participants from across India and Kerala will take part in the festival. Hosted by the Different Art Centre (DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram, the festival will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

Brochure- Sammohan 2025 The event will host participants and representatives from esteemed institutions such as the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata; the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC–Nagpur); the neurodivergent music group Chayanit – The Chosen Ones from Delhi; and differently-abled individuals from SATYA Art & Culture Dance Studio, Jajapur, Odisha. A highlight of this year’s festival will be the performance by Chayanit – The Chosen Ones, a five-member neurodivergent band co-founded by Chayan Taneja, 22, a drummer from Delhi, and Devanga Bidrum Kalita, 29, a pianist from Assam. The group has earned acclaim for breaking barriers through music.

Alendra Tripathi, in-charge of Socio-Economic Rehabilitation at NILD, Kolkata, noted: “Sammohan is not just a cultural event; it is a national platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their abilities. Events like these inspire confidence, build skills, and present their talents before the country.”

The festival is part of DAC’s broader mission to build an inclusive cultural and social ecosystem. This vision extends to the upcoming International Institute for People with Disability (IIPD) in Kasaragod, designed to integrate healthcare, education, therapies, arts, sports, and livelihood opportunities under one roof.

“At DAC, we believe in empowering individuals with disabilities through dignified artistic platforms. Sammohan is a call to society to embrace diversity and celebrate every individual’s potential,” said Gopinath Muthukad, Founder and Executive Director, DAC.

Yashoda Medicity Advances Women’s Health with Cervical Cancer Awareness Session

An initiative to educate women on prevention, early detection, and care in support of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Swaasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan

Yashoda Medicity

Ghaziabad, September 18, 2025: In support of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s Swaasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, launched on his 75th birthday to strengthen preventive healthcare for women, encourage early detection, and raise awareness about nutrition, menstrual hygiene, and mental wellbeing, Yashoda Medicity has launched a two-week long program dedicated to women’s health and family wellness.

To mark the beginning of this initiative, the Yashoda Institute of Cancer Care’s Women’s Cancer Center, in association with the Khora Makanpur Obstetrics & Gynaecological Society (KMOGS), organized an awareness session titled “Preventing Cervical Cancer: Scenarios to Solutions.”

The event was graced by Ms. Sunita Dayal, Hon’ble Mayor of Ghaziabad, who addressed the gathering on women’s journeys through cancer and the importance of timely screenings. The session featured leading oncologists and gynaecologists sharing perspectives on HPV vaccination, Pap smear testing, and solutions for improving awareness and access to care.

Dr. Upasana Arora, Managing Director, Yashoda Medicity, said, “Our vision is to create a healthcare ecosystem where prevention is as important as treatment. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer if diagnosed early. Through such initiatives, we are working to spread awareness so that every woman has the chance to live a healthier, longer life.”

Ms. Sunita Dayal, Hon’ble Mayor of Ghaziabad, said, “On the occasion of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s birthday, it is inspiring to see the Yashoda Institute of Cancer Care’s Women’s Cancer Center lead efforts in women’s cancer care and preventive health. Such initiatives support healthier families and inclusive global growth.”

Dr. Satinder Kaur, Senior Director & Head of Gynecologic Oncology & Robotic Surgery, added, “Early detection is critical in saving lives. This programme encouraged women to prioritize their health and access screening services without hesitation.”

The two-week campaign will continue with health camps, free screenings, and awareness drives across specialties, reinforcing Yashoda Medicity’s commitment to advancing women’s health.

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa Offers Prayers at Chitradurga Shiva Temple on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Birthday

NBSS National Deputy Chairman extends wishes, praises Prime Minister’s leadership in welfare, development, and cultural revival

Mallapa

September 17, 2025: On the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Deputy Chairman of the People Forum of India (NBSS), visited the Shiva Temple in Chitradurga to offer prayers where he performed special pooja for the Prime Minister’s long life, good health, and continued service to the nation.

Extending greetings on behalf of 140 crore countrymen, Dr. Mallappa said, “Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has transformed public service into visible action—whether in ensuring food on the plate of the poor, clean drinking water to every household, healthcare for every family, or a permanent roof over the heads of millions. His journey is an inspiration for every Indian, showing that real power lies in the resolve to serve the people.”

Dr. Mallappa noted that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, programmes like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT Scheme have reshaped India’s cities, providing cleaner, safer, and more modern living. Projects such as the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and Ujjain’s Mahakal Lok have revived India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, instilling pride among citizens.

He also acknowledged the government’s decisive steps in safeguarding national security through bold measures such as the Air Strike and Surgical Strike, which sent a strong message to the world about India’s resolve to defend its integrity.

Highlighting economic reforms, Dr. Mallappa said that campaigns like Make in India, Startup India, and Vocal for Local have accelerated industrial growth, created opportunities for the youth, and paved the way for India to emerge as a global economic power. The Prime Minister’s efforts in securing global partnerships and investment agreements have further strengthened India’s position on the world stage.

Concluding his message, Dr. Mallappa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to India’s growth under the Prime Minister’s guidance. He extended his best wishes on behalf of the People Forum of India and the people of Chitradurga, expressing confidence that the Prime Minister’s vision will continue to lead India toward greater progress, prosperity, and pride.

From Green Goals to Regenerative Action, A New Chapter for Indian Hotels

By Reema Diwan

For decades, the sustainability conversation in India’s hospitality sector revolved around doing less harm. Energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction became standard talking points. But a deeper shift is underway, one that moves beyond preservation into active restoration. Today, the focus is not only on minimising impact but on regenerating ecosystems, cultures and communities.

Completing the Circle of Care

Regeneration is more than sustainability; it is the completion of a circle. Where sustainability seeks to maintain, regeneration seeks to rebuild economies, ecosystems, cultural heritage and human experiences. In the context of Indian hospitality, this means integrating climate-conscious operations with community revival, cultural storytelling and ecological repair.

A Shift from Global to Local

The design philosophy has evolved from global mimicry to local immersion. For years, hotel architecture was heavily influenced by Western aesthetics, overlooking the depth of India’s cultural and environmental narratives. Now, regeneration positions hotels as gateways to authentic local experiences. Guests arriving in a city like Varanasi or a heritage town in Rajasthan or Gujarat are greeted not just by international luxury but by the textures, stories and craftsmanship that belong to the land itself.

Reviving Craft and Heritage

One of the cornerstones of regenerative hospitality is the revival of indigenous strategies and materials. Traditional craftsmanship, once sidelined during globalisation, is being revived and adapted for modern use. However, this revival is not without challenges. Many artisanal skills have faded after decades of neglect, making it difficult to find craftspeople capable of intricate heritage work. When done well, these efforts create deeply immersive environments. Restored heritage properties can immerse guests in the spirit of their location, with every corridor, courtyard and detail of the mahal or haveli telling a story rooted in place. This approach benefits not only guests but also local economies and pride, turning hotels into cultural custodians.

Innovation Meets Ecology

Regeneration is also finding expression through technological innovation. Emerging building technologies, such as advanced facades capable of reducing energy use by up to 40 per cent, are now part of luxury hotel planning. These solutions, once successful in the hospitality sector, have the potential to influence other industries. Water management offers another field for regenerative action, from rainwater-fed lily ponds that double as aesthetic features to on-site wastewater recycling. Similarly, biodiversity-conscious planning, such as preserving mature trees, creating green roofs and protecting gardens, ensures that natural habitats are not sacrificed for construction.

Hotels as Community Assets

The new measure of success is whether a hotel actively benefits its surroundings. Properties are increasingly seen as assets for their local communities, supporting livelihoods, preserving culture and fostering resilience. This shift is as much about mindset as it is about architecture. Established hotel developers, familiar with the long-term value of regenerative design, are often more receptive than emerging players who may still view hotels as status symbols. In urban hotels, where space and function are tightly constrained, there is still hesitancy to integrate eco-sensitive materials, though designers are finding creative ways to bring natural textures and conscious choices into business properties.

Blending Global Benchmarks with Local Realities

Global hospitality brands bring established green benchmarks, but these must adapt to India’s diverse climates and cultural contexts. The best results come from aligning international frameworks with local environmental conditions, prioritising Indian ecological truths first, then integrating broader global standards where relevant.

Bridging Gaps in Policy and Finance

Despite the growing interest, financial and policy support for regenerative hospitality in India remains limited. Certification systems such as LEED are still rare, and more robust incentives are needed to make eco-sensitive design the norm rather than the exception. Regenerative hotels must evolve into a standard, i.e., places where operations, design and guest experience are part of a seamless ecosystem. Here, guests will understand the purpose behind design choices, staff will balance comfort with ecological care, and properties will aim for net-zero or net-positive impact.

Towards a Regenerative Future

Indian hotels can lead this transformation by protecting biodiversity, managing water responsibly, embracing adaptive reuse, engaging with communities and choosing non-toxic materials. In this vision, hotels are no longer just places to stay, but active participants in restoring land, reviving culture and regenerating community well-being. From heritage mansions reborn as immersive experiences to modern city hotels with green roofs and zero-waste kitchens, the shift is already ongoing. The challenge now is scaling it from inspiring examples to an industry-wide standard.

Reema Diwan, Vice President of Design & Technical Services at Accor India & South Asia, is a seasoned hospitality design leader with over two decades of experience and a proven track record of delivering award-winning hotels.

BAPL Group Strengthens Position as a Leader in Warehousing and Logistics with Pan India Expansion

17th September 2025Baweja Automotives Pvt. Ltd. (BAPL), a Group Company of Ahmedabad Roadlines Pvt Ltd), is a diversified enterprise with expertise in warehousing, logistics, and automotive distribution, announced its continued growth and expansion across India with state-of-the-art facilities and robust service capabilities. With operations spanning warehousing, full truck load (FTL) logistics, and specialized distribution solutions, the group has rapidly established itself as a trusted partner for leading brands in white goods and the automotive sector.

rohit

Over the past two years, BAPL Group has expanded its warehousing footprint to over 4,50,000 sq. ft., covering major hubs such as Palwal, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The company’s latest warehouse in Palwal, launched in September 2024, provides end-to-end supply chain solutions that include primary transportation, hub handling, and last-mile delivery. With this, the group manages an average inventory worth ₹1,800 crore while ensuring efficiency and accuracy through advanced operations such as daily physical inventory counts and advanced inventory categorization, SKU-level tracking, and daily physical inventory counts.

Since the launch of its first warehouse in Kolkata in February 2023, BAPL Group has consistently delivered measurable value for clients. Turnaround times have reduced by more than 60%, on-time delivery rates have exceeded 99%, and damages and shortages have been significantly minimized. The Mumbai warehouse, started in March 2024, has further enhanced service reach, enabling deliveries to the last destination within 48 hours.

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Rohiet Baweja,Director who has over 24 years of experience in logistics and spearheaded the group’s warehousing business, said:
“Our focus has always been on efficiency, reliability, and customer delight. With each new facility, we have strengthened our ability to provide integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients in white goods, automotive, and beyond.”

The group also operates through its associate company Ahmedabad Roadlines Pvt. Ltd. (ARL), further strengthening its logistics backbone and nationwide service coverage.

BAPL Group’s journey reflects its commitment to building a future-ready logistics ecosystem that enables faster, safer, and smarter supply chains. With a focus on continual expansion, process innovation, and maintaining the highest service standards, the company is well positioned to become a frontrunner in India’s warehousing and logistics industry.

Comau Highlights the Potential of AI to Promote the Development of the Industrial System at ETFA 2025

Porto, September 17, 2025 – Comau presented its vision on the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing sector at ETFA 2025, the 30th edition of the IEEE International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, held from September 9 to 12 in Porto, Portugal. This internationally renowned event brought together experts, companies, and industrial operators to share innovative solutions and challenging projects in the field of factory automation, with a strong focus on enabling technologies.

As part of a packed program of events, Giovanni Di Stefano, Head of Advanced Robotics at Comau, spoke at the event on September 12, giving a presentation on “Industrial Heritage For Training Advanced Robotics Neural Networks,” in which he outlined Comau’s commitment to developing intelligent applications based on machine learning to optimize the efficiency of robotic plants and automation systems.

As Di Stefano explained, in an industrial landscape characterized by the large-scale use of Artificial Neural Networks aimed at multiplying human skills and optimizing processes, Comau’s strength lies in its ability to leverage unique skills and knowledge to develop customized AI models tailored to the specific technical needs of its customers, both old and new, across all sectors, not just the automotive industry. This is possible thanks to Comau’s more than 50 years of experience in industrial automation, an experience that has already been largely digitized thanks to many years of experience in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, and the resulting availability of a large archive of industrial data that has enabled it to train neural networks on real use cases to manage complex industrial applications.

Comau is currently experimenting with the use of AI to enhance innovative technologies and applications in various sectors. In particular, the company has developed proprietary intelligent tools to calculate the actual stiffness of robot joints in order to ensure better movement quality. AI algorithms have also been used to automatically design robotic welding gripper arms more quickly and accurately, reducing design costs and time. Another successful example is the MI.RA (Machine Inspection Recognition Archetypes) family of intelligent vision systems, specifically MI. RA/OnePicker, an AI-based solution that allows robots to autonomously pick up generic and heterogeneous objects in the environment, increasing productivity and efficiency. Added to this is MI.RA/Thermography, an innovative in-line quality verification and control system that uses AI to verify the quality of welding processes in the assembly of new-generation batteries.

“It was an honor to participate as a speaker at ETFA 2025, an event of great importance in the global debate on technological innovation and the use of intelligent solutions for industry,” explained Giovanni Di Stefano, Head of Engineering Advanced Robotics at Comau. “Thanks to customized AI tools, automation companies such as Comau can gain significant competitive advantages in the market, improving productivity and processes without having to resort to developing new and expensive algorithms. We believe that the use of AI is not a risk for the future of the industrial system but a decisive business opportunity. It allows us to leverage a wealth of data, acquired over many years of activity, to train proprietary AI models through specific and consolidated skills, which are essential for making our technologies increasingly advanced and improving customer productivity in a variety of applications”.

Oberoi Mall Unites Mumbaikars in 8th Monsoon Walkathon to Promote First Aid Awareness

Mumbai, September 17, 2025- Oberoi Mall, in collaboration with Swayamsiddh Yog, successfully hosted the 8th Monsoon Walkathon on September 14, 2025, uniting over 150 enthusiastic participants, families, and wellness advocates. This year’s event focused on the vital theme of “First Aid Awareness” and aimed to raise funds for the treatment of a critically ailing child.

Oberoi Mall,

The event was graced by Amarjeet Singh Chawla, a 100% blind, 69-year-old athlete and adventurer who has completed 160+ half marathons and achieved numerous records, including the 19,830 ft. Kailash Parikrama, bungee jumps, and paramotoring. Fondly known as the “Sporty Sikh,” Chawla is the only blind Indian (60+) to hold this record and has been honoured with over 10 national and community awards, including the Star Sports Believe Award. His presence and journey inspired participants to embrace resilience, health, and community action.

The Walkathon featured 3K, 5K, and 10K walk categories, drawing participants of all ages and abilities, transforming Oberoi Mall into a hub of fitness and purpose. SwayamsiddhYog, a wellness institution with decades of experience in yoga and holistic health, co-hosted the event, enriching it with their philosophy of self-perfection and community well-being.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sameep Pathak, CEO, Malls, Oberoi Realty Limited said, “At Oberoi Mall, we are committed to building experiences that extend beyond retail, fostering wellness and community connection. The success of the 8th Monsoon Walkathon reflects our vision to create purposeful platforms that inspire change and encourage a healthier, more informed society. This initiative reinforces Oberoi Mall’s role as a destination that not only offers exceptional retail experiences but also champions meaningful causes.”

Over the years, Oberoi Mall’s Monsoon Walkathon has become a signature annual community event, proving that a mall can be more than a retail space it can be a hub for positive action and wellness.

Infidigit And Dun & Bradstreet Pioneer AI-Powered Search Revolution

Mumbai, September 17, 2025 – In a disruptive collaboration that exemplifies innovation in digital marketing, Dun & Bradstreet India, the nation’s premier business decisioning data and analytics leader with over 42 million business records, has partnered with Infidigit, one of the most award-winning digital marketing agencies, to spearhead the transformation of AI-powered search at an exclusive executive workshop.

Infidigit And Dun & Bradstreet

This strategic alliance represents a pivotal moment in search marketing evolution, as AI Overviews now appear in 47% of Google searches and 60% of searches complete without clicks, fundamentally reshaping how brands connect with their audiences. The workshop at Dun & Bradstreet’s Mumbai headquarters brought together senior marketing leaders to address the most pressing challenge facing businesses today: maintaining visibility in an AI-first search landscape.

Revolutionary Results Define Industry Leadership

Infidigit’s transformative impact on Dun & Bradstreet India has set new industry benchmarks:

  • 1,500+ keyword placements secured in Google’s AI Overview
  • 57-fold increase in traffic from LLM platforms within just three months
  • Complete strategic realignment for AI-driven search environments

These extraordinary results position both organisations at the forefront of the $17.6 billion AI content marketing industry that’s projected to grow at a 25.68% CAGR through 2033.

Addressing Critical Industry Transformation

The workshop tackled the seismic shifts revolutionising search behaviour:

Traditional Search Disruption: With Google’s Search Engine Results Pages evolving from basic listings to AI-generated summaries, traditional organic strategies face unprecedented challenges. Recent studies show a 34.5% drop in position 1 click-through rates when AI Overviews appear.

Emergent Platform Dominance: LLM-powered platforms, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, are establishing themselves as primary search destinations, with ChatGPT reaching 10 million monthly mobile downloads and 31% of Gen Z searches now occurring on AI platforms.

Measurement Revolution: Organisations are abandoning traditional rank-and-traffic models for sophisticated metrics, including brand presence within AI answers and conversational search outcomes – capabilities that Infidigit’s proprietary Infigrowth platform delivers with unprecedented precision.

Strategic Framework for Future Dominance

The session concluded with actionable strategies for maintaining competitive advantage:

  • Structured content development optimised for AI interpretation
  • AI-focused SEO frameworks that anticipate algorithm evolution
  • Real-time optimisation platforms like Infigrowth for emerging search environments
  • Brand presence strategies within AI-generated responses

Industry Leadership Voices

Vipul Oberoi, Director – Marketing, CSR & Learning Solutions, Dun & Bradstreet India, emphasised the transformative impact: “Infidigit’s AI workshop connected critical dots between AI’s influence on Google SERPs and our adaptive SEO strategies. Their Infigrowth insights on AI Overviews proved invaluable, positioning us to make confident, data-driven decisions in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

Kaushal Thakkar, Founder and CEO of Infidigit, positioned the collaboration within broader industry transformation: “We’re witnessing search’s most significant evolution in decades. AI Overviews and LLMs are fundamentally rewriting discovery rules, and brands moving decisively now will capture disproportionate benefits. Our partnership with Dun & Bradstreet exemplifies both immediate measurable impact and strategic preparation for AI-first search futures.”

Market Leadership Through Innovation

This collaboration underscores both organisations’ market-leading positions:

Dun & Bradstreet India celebrates 30 years of business intelligence leadership, generating ₹14.7 billion economic impact in FY24 alone and supporting over 10,600 jobs nationwide.

Infidigit maintains its position as India’s premier digital marketing innovator with 70+ award-winning campaigns recognised by SMX, APAC Search Awards, ET BrandEquity Shark Awards, and E4M IDMA. Recent accolades include dual wins at the BW Merit Awards 2025 and recognition by Forbes ‘India’s Promising Brands 2025.

Industry Transformation Imperative

Industry analysis confirms the urgency driving this partnership. With AI searches reducing organic web traffic by 15-25% and 58% of informational queries triggering AI overviews, businesses across sectors are fundamentally rethinking digital strategies. Consumer expectations have shifted toward instantaneous, conversational answers, making visibility within AI-driven results critical for sustainable brand growth.

How GST Revolutionized the Cooking and Food Industry in India

COOKING

Pic Credit: pEXEL

Introduction: What is GST

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, indirect tax that was introduced in India on July 1, 2017. It replaced a complex system of multiple taxes like excise duty, service tax, and Value Added Tax (VAT) with a single unified tax structure. GST is levied on the supply of goods and services, making taxation simpler, more transparent, and efficient across the entire country. Its main objective is to create a common national market by removing the cascading effect of taxes—meaning, no tax on tax—thus reducing the overall tax burden on consumers and businesses.

GST is classified into different slabs—0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—based on the type of goods or services, with essential items generally taxed lower or exempted to ensure affordability.

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was a game-changer for India’s economy, but its ripple effects have been especially transformative for the cooking and food industry—from kitchen appliances to packaged food, and even the small vendors at your local market.

Simplifying Taxes, Empowering Kitchens

Before GST, kitchen appliances and food products were taxed under multiple indirect tax regimes like excise duty, VAT, and service tax, each with its own rates and compliance hassles. This complexity often pushed up costs and made pricing unpredictable.

GST unified these into a single tax system, making the process seamless. For consumers, this means clearer pricing on everything from induction cooktops to packaged spices. For manufacturers and retailers, GST reduced compliance burdens and lowered the cascading effect of taxes (tax on tax), which in turn reduced final costs.

Making Healthy Cooking More Affordable

One of the major impacts of GST has been on essential food ingredients and kitchen appliances:

Essential Food Items: Staple ingredients such as pulses, flour, and edible oils are either exempt or taxed at minimal rates (0%-5%). This helps keep the cost of home cooking affordable, supporting millions of households across India.

Kitchen Appliances: GST rates on essential kitchen appliances like mixers, grinders, and gas stoves have been rationalized, mostly kept around 18%. This encourages more households to upgrade their kitchens, leading to healthier and more efficient cooking practices.

Boosting the Packaged Food and Restaurant Sector

GST helped integrate the fragmented tax structures across states, which was a boon for the packaged food and restaurant industries. Previously, different states levied different taxes, complicating interstate sales.

Packaged food brands can now distribute products nationwide without worrying about multiple tax compliances, reducing costs and increasing availability.

For restaurants, GST rates were standardized, leading to transparency in billing and pricing, which benefits consumers and businesses alike.

Encouraging Formalization and Growth of Small Food Businesses

GST has brought many small food vendors and home-based kitchen entrepreneurs into the formal economy. The threshold exemption for small businesses (up to ₹40 lakh turnover) and simplified compliance through online filing means that even small-scale players can thrive and grow, contributing to local economies.

This formalization also improves quality control and food safety standards, benefiting consumers.

Impact on Inflation and Consumer Spending

By eliminating multiple tax layers and reducing tax rates on essential food items and kitchen appliances, GST has helped contain inflation in the food sector. Lower prices on staple ingredients and cooking equipment mean families have more disposable income to spend on other essentials, boosting overall demand and economic growth.

GST and the Supply Chain Efficiency

GST has streamlined supply chains by allowing seamless movement of goods across states without the previous burden of multiple checkpoints and taxes. For food producers and kitchen appliance manufacturers, this has translated to faster delivery times and lower logistics costs, making products more affordable and readily available in remote areas.

Challenges and Way Forward

While GST has been largely successful, some challenges remain—such as the complexity in classifying certain food items and appliances under appropriate tax slabs, occasional compliance issues for small vendors, and the need for continuous simplification.

Ongoing reforms and technology-driven solutions promise to address these hurdles, making the system more user-friendly and inclusive.

Conclusion: GST as a Catalyst for a Modern Indian Kitchen

GST is not just a tax reform; it is a catalyst that has modernized India’s cooking and food ecosystem. By simplifying taxes, lowering costs, and promoting formalization, it empowers households to cook healthier meals, supports small businesses, and drives growth in the food industry.

As India marches toward a self-reliant economy, GST will continue to play a crucial role in making everyday essentials affordable, ensuring transparency, and boosting economic prosperity—from the kitchen to the marketplace.