New GST rates apply from today: What's costlier, what's cheaper

The new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates go into effect on Monday. According to the GST Council's order, unbranded but pre-packaged curd, lassi, buttermilk, food products, cereals, and other items formerly excluded from GST have been brought into the GST net. The GST rate for medical equipment such as ostomy and orthopedic appliances is now 5%. Earlier it was 12% in these items.