Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that GST 2.0 will start on September 22 with a simpler two-slab tax system. Basic goods like salt and sugar will have lower taxes, while luxury and high-sugar products will be taxed higher. Education for regular schools remains tax-free, but commercial coaching centres will pay taxes. Sitharaman urged businesses to pass on tax benefits to consumers and said public sector companies will be monitored. She also hinted at GST 3.0, which aims to make taxes simpler, fairer, and more stable. The reforms are expected to boost consumption and economic growth in India. (PC: India Today)

On September 4, 2025, the Indian Army executed a high-altitude rescue operation to evacuate two South Korean nationals, Hyun Woo Kim and his wife, stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh, situated over 17,000 feet above sea level. The couple had fallen critically ill during a mountaineering expedition. Upon receiving the distress call at 8:05 PM, the Fire and Fury Corps mobilized Army Aviation helicopters by 8:20 PM. Despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, the helicopters performed a precision landing using Night Vision Goggles at an unprepared site around 9:15 PM. The couple was airlifted and transported to SNM Hospital in Leh for medical treatment. Tragically, one of the climbers succumbed to illness during treatment. The operation highlighted the Indian Army's readiness and capability to conduct high-risk evacuations under extreme conditions, showcasing their commitment to humanitarian efforts and international cooperation. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed GST 2.0 will launch on September 22, introducing a simplified two-slab tax structure aimed at easing compliance and reducing burden for businesses and citizens. Basic goods like salt and sugar will be taxed at the lowest rate, while luxury items and sugary products will face higher levies. Regular schooling remains tax-free, but coaching centres lose exemption. Sitharaman emphasized vigilance to ensure benefits reach consumers. Looking ahead, GST 3.0 will focus on stability, fairness, and smoother implementation. The government expects these reforms to boost transparency, consumption, and economic growth, marking a shift from “one nation, one tax” to a more citizen-friendly system. (PC: Mint)

Mumbai Police placed the city on high alert after receiving WhatsApp threats claiming 14 Pakistani terrorists with 400kg RDX planted "human bombs" in 34 vehicles targeting Anant Chaturdashi celebrations. The "Lashkar-e-Jihadi" message warned blasts would "shake the city" and kill "one crore people" during Saturday's Ganesh festival finale. Senior police officials called it likely a hoax but enhanced security citywide. Over 21,000 personnel will deploy for idol immersions, using AI for traffic management. Recent similar hoax incidents include a 43-year-old's arrest for false Thane railway station threats and July airport bombing warnings. Authorities launched investigations while appealing to citizens to report suspicious activities and ignore rumors during the massive religious celebration. (PC: The Financial Express & NDTV)

Mumbai Police placed the city on high alert after receiving terror threats claiming 34 "human bombs" with 400kg RDX will target the city on Anant Chaturdashi. The caller, identifying as Lashkar-e-Jihadi, threatened blasts that would "shake the entire city" and kill "one crore people" using 34 vehicles. Security has been enhanced statewide following the traffic police helpline threat. This follows recent hoax incidents including a Monday arrest of a 43-year-old man for false railway station bomb threats, August ISKCON temple email threats, and July airport bombing warnings at CSMIA Terminal 2. Police investigations revealed previous threats were hoaxes after thorough searches by Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad found nothing suspicious across multiple Mumbai locations. (PC: NDTV & Mid-day)

A recent report from Standard Chartered Global Research estimates that India’s GST rate cuts—implemented mid-year—could boost GDP by 0.10–0.16 percentage points annually and lower CPI inflation by 40–60 basis points. However, given the staggered rollout, the FY26 impact may be halved, with more gains expected in FY27. The combined federal and state revenue loss is estimated around ₹48,000 crore (0.16% of GDP), potentially widening the deficit by 0.15–0.20%. Still, improved tax processes like faster registration and refunds could enhance ease of doing business and boost medium-term growth.  

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram welcomed the recent GST overhaul but called it “a necessary step, not a sufficient step.” In an interview, he said the two-slab structure is positive but deeper reforms are needed to revive the economy. Chidambaram argued the government must simplify GST laws, which are “too complicated” and difficult for small traders to follow. “Every shopkeeper needs professional help to file forms,” he said. He also criticised harsh enforcement, warning against jailing traders for tax violations. Chidambaram stressed GST should be trader-friendly, with civil penalties instead of arrests, to truly boost growth and consumption. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the new GST reforms as a "double dose of support and growth for India." The GST Council, in its 56th meeting, scrapped the 12% and 28% slabs. From September 22, only 5% and 18% rates will remain, with 40% for luxury and sin goods. Modi said, "From paneer to shampoos and soaps, everything will be very cheap now." Everyday items like milk, bread, and medicines will see big cuts. He added, "GST reforms will benefit the poor, middle-class, farmers, women, and youth." Modi also blamed Congress for delaying real reforms before 2014.

Eating out will now cost less as the GST Council has cut taxes on restaurant meals to a flat 5%. Earlier, the rate ranged from 12% to 18% depending on the type of restaurant. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new rules will help families and boost domestic spending. The change takes effect from September 22. Staple foods like chapatis, paneer, and milk are now tax-free. Butter, ghee, nuts, and pastries will attract 5% GST, down from higher rates. Plant-based drinks are also cheaper. The move is expected to revive demand in restaurants across India. (PC: HT)

A video capturing two men lifting and carrying a scooter on their shoulders to circumvent a severe traffic jam in Gurugram has gone viral, generating widespread social media buzz . Recorded amid heavy rainfall-induced gridlock across Delhi-NCR, particularly Gurgaon—where commuters spent six to eight hours stuck on the road—the footage struck a chord online . Commenters playfully dubbed them “the New Bahubali in town,” with remarks like “Deadlift final boss” and quips about bestowing energy upon multi-wheel vehicle owners . The post highlights growing frustrations with the city's infrastructure amid persistent flooding and congestion.