A new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) shows that nearly half of India’s ministers face criminal cases, including serious charges like murder and crimes against women. The study analysed 643 affidavits filed between 2020 and 2025. It found that 47% of ministers have declared criminal cases, while 27% face serious charges. The report also highlights political wealth, with ministers collectively declaring assets worth ₹23,929 crore. Thirty-six ministers are billionaires, led by TDP’s Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani with ₹5,705 crore. Meanwhile, only 10% of ministers are women, showing gender imbalance in India’s power structure. (PC: PTI)

The GST Council meeting on Wednesday stretched beyond 7 pm as states resisted reforms. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed that relief for the poor and middle class could not be delayed. Opposition-ruled states demanded more talks, leading to a deadlock. Finally, a vote was called, breaking the stalemate. The council cleared key tax decisions, including relief on daily-use goods. Officials said the new rules will ease the burden on families while protecting state revenues. The breakthrough ended months of delay and marked a crucial step in India’s tax system reforms. (PC: India Today)

Dasgupta and Co., Kolkata’s oldest surviving bookshop, has opened a free library at its historic College Street premises. Founded in 1886, the heritage store now offers a reading room on its second floor for students and book lovers who cannot afford books. The library attracts 30-40 visitors daily, including foreigners. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen congratulated the owners and took a virtual tour. A generous donor also gifted 500 rare books to the collection. Owned by the Dasgupta family for generations, the bookshop continues to support education and culture, with plans to launch an online library soon. (PC: The Hindu)

India has cut Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on hundreds of items to boost demand and reduce the impact of steep US tariffs. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said GST will now have two slabs—5% and 18%—replacing the earlier four-tier system. Everyday goods like ACs, tea, school supplies and insurance will get cheaper, while luxury cars and imported liquor will cost more. The changes take effect on 22 September, ahead of the festive season. Analysts say the move will boost consumption, which drives 60% of India’s GDP, though states fear revenue losses of up to $6bn. (PC: Getty Images)

The Centre, Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo groups signed a new agreement in New Delhi to restore peace. A key decision is the reopening of National Highway-2, allowing free movement of people and goods. The Kuki National Organisation and United People’s Front agreed to relocate seven camps from conflict zones. The revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) deal also mandates shifting weapons to CRPF or BSF camps and strict verification of cadres to prevent foreign presence. A Joint Monitoring Group will enforce the rules. The agreement reaffirms Manipur’s territorial integrity and aims to reduce tensions ahead of the festive season. (PC: India Today)

The GST Council has ended confusion over popcorn tax. From September 22, all salted and spiced popcorn, whether loose or packed, will be taxed at 5%. Caramel popcorn will remain under the 18% slab as it is classified as confectionery. Cream buns will also attract only 5%, instead of the earlier 18% pastry rate. The 56th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, also announced a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18%. Sin and luxury goods will be taxed at 40%. Health and life insurance premiums have also been exempted from GST. (PC: News18)

The middle class in India will now spend less on daily needs and gadgets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced GST 2.0, the biggest reform in 8 years. The tax slabs are now only 5% and 18%, replacing the old four-slab system. Luxury and sin goods will be taxed at 40%. Items like frozen parathas, chapatis, paneer, and pizza bread are now GST-free. TVs and refrigerators will also cost less. Sitharaman said the changes focus on the “common man” and aim to boost festive season spending. The government hopes this will support farmers, industries, and the middle class. (PC: India Today)

In a landmark reform, the GST Council has approved a new two-slab structure, replacing the earlier four-tier rates of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% with simplified slabs of 5% and 18%, effective September 22. Essential goods like dairy products, dry fruits, soaps, detergents, and small vehicles will now be taxed at the lower 5% rate, while individual life and health insurance policies become GST-free. However, luxury cars, high-end bikes, yachts, energy drinks, and aerated beverages will attract a steep 40% GST. Pan masala and tobacco remain at 28% plus cess until dues are settled. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the new two-tier Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure announced by the GST Council. He said the reform will benefit farmers, MSMEs, the middle class, women, and youth. The Council decided to keep only two slabs, 5% and 18%, while scrapping 12% and 28%. Most items under higher slabs have moved to lower rates. A new 40% slab will apply to luxury cars, tobacco, and cigarettes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the change will help the common man. The revised GST rates will take effect from September 22, the first day of Navratri. (PC: India Today)

The GST Council has introduced a new 40% tax rate for sin and luxury items in India. Cigarettes, tobacco, pan masala, and aerated drinks with added sugar will now attract the higher rate. Big petrol cars above 1,200 cc, diesel cars above 1,500 cc, motorcycles over 350 cc, yachts, aircraft for personal use, and racing cars will also be taxed at 40%. The Council cut the four GST slabs to just 5% and 18%, scrapping 12% and 28%. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new rates, except on tobacco, will apply from September 22. (PC: X)