<h1>Exchange rate monitoring intensifies as rupee weakens against dollar; GST overhaul aims to cut consumer taxes and ensure price pass-through.</h1> The government is conducting exchange rate monitoring as the rupee has depreciated against the US dollar amid global dollar strength and recent US trade tariffs; RBI interventions through state-run banks have helped limit losses. Concurrently, a major GST overhaul simplifies slab structure, lowers rates for most daily-use goods with specified exemptions for staples, creates a higher slab for certain sin and ultra luxury items, and includes tax-free treatment for individual health and life insurance premiums, with the finance minister committing to monitor price pass-through.