Letters to Editor - The Hindu BusinessLineSENSEX 82,186.81 -13.53NIFTY 25,060.90 -29.80CRUDEOIL 5,620.00 -77.00GOLD 100,275.00+ 947.00SILVER 115,649.00+ 603.00SENSEX 82,186.81 -13.53NIFTY 25,060.90 -29.80NIFTY 25,060.90 -29.80CRUDEOIL 5,620.00 -77.00CRUDEOIL 5,620.00 -77.00GOLD 100,275.00+ 947.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Updated - July 22, 2025 at 09:24 PM.GST on ‘sin’ goodsThis is with reference to ‘Sin taxes and GST’ (July 22). There is an indication that a new GST slab will be introduced, in addition to the existing four GST rates. The Group of Ministers in the GST Council has proposed increasing the tax rates for tobacco and related products, as well as aerated beverages, to 35 per cent. There are also suggestions to increase the GST on luxury items, such as shoes costing above ₹15,000 and wristwatches priced above ₹25,000. However, our duties on products such as tobacco and alcohol are still much below the World Health Organization’s recommended level of 75 per cent.P Sundara PandianVirudhunagar, TNRelentless crusaderWith his relentless fight against social injustice, corruption, and land mafias in a political career spanning over several decades, VS Achuthanandan, fondly called VS Comrade, has left an indelible legacy in public life. He strode like a colossus in the political landscape of Kerala and endeared himself to the masses, particularly the marginalised and underprivileged sections, by tirelessly taking up the issues afflicting their lives and livelihoods.M JeyaramMahe, PuducherryCo-op bank NPAs ignoredApropos ‘Private banks see sharp rise in bad loans, provisions Q1’ (July 22), it may not be judicious to blame it on NPAs in the agri sector, as the latter is entirely dependent on external factors for its fiscal viability.However, there must be a forensic audit to ascertain frauds and the reckless rise in NPAs in co-operative banks, which are collapsing like winter leaves. The regulatory authorities are doing precious little to control it.Rajiv MagalHalekere Village, KarnatakaInflation expectationsThis refers to ‘Paying a price’ (July 22). The concerns of the stakeholders on the impact of fluctuating inflation on multiple income groups from different geographical areas are real and have to be addressed sooner than later. Perhaps, while revising the CPI basket, weightage could be given to the ultimate impact of the revision on the budgets of various income and age groups.MG WarrierMumbaiPublished on July 22, 2025Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }