<h1>GST Council Cuts Rates on Vehicles, Confectionery, Bio-Pesticides; Increases Cigarette Filter Rods Tax Effective Jan 25, 2018.</h1> The 25th GST Council Meeting, chaired by the Union Finance Minister, recommended changes to GST and IGST rates on various goods. Key reductions include lowering GST on old and used motor vehicles, buses running on bio-fuels, sugar boiled confectionery, and bio-pesticides. Some rates were reduced from 28% to 18%, 18% to 12%, and 12% to 5%. The rate on cigarette filter rods increased from 12% to 18%. Additionally, the IGST on satellites and related equipment was reduced from 18% to 5%. These changes are to be implemented through official notifications effective January 25, 2018.