GST collections rise 14.8% to ₹1.99 trillion in August; refunds jump 68%
GST collections in August rose 14.8% to ₹1.99 trillion, although lower than July's ₹2.11 trillion. Refunds surged 68% to ₹31,795 crore, driven by inverted duty structures, prompting calls for reform from experts. The data indicates a strengthening of India's position in global value chains, despite rising imports reflecting ongoing external dependence.