GST on Li-ion batteries used in mobile phones reduced to 18%

The GST rate on lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and mobile phones has been reduced from 28% to 18% on Saturday. The GST Council has also reduced the tax rate on ethanol used to blend petrol and diesel to 5% from 18%. Furthermore, the GST on e-books has been reduced from 18% to 5% as a "green initiative."