The Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation has endorsed the Centre’s bold plan to eliminate the 12% and 28% tax slabs, consolidating the structure into two main rates: 5% and 18%, with a 40% levy retained for luxury and sin goods. Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary confirmed widespread state support, though some ministers flagged potential revenue implications, urging clarity over compensation. The proposal now advances to the upcoming GST Council for final approval, marking a critical stride in modernising India’s indirect tax framework. (PC: X)  

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed IPS officer Satish Golcha (AGMUT, 1992 batch) as the new Commissioner of Police, Delhi, effective immediately, replacing SBK Singh . This move comes just a day after an attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta at her Civil Lines residence, prompting urgent reforms in security protocols . Previously serving as Director General (Prisons) since May, Golcha brings extensive experience, including key roles as Special Commissioner (Law and Order, Intelligence), Deputy Commissioner, and stints managing law and order during the northeast Delhi riots. His appointment aims to restore public confidence and strengthen security oversight in the capital. (PC: The Hindu)

A Class 9 student shot his physics teacher at Shri Gurunanak Senior Secondary School on Wednesday after being slapped and scolded two days earlier. The student smuggled a country-made pistol inside his lunch box and shot Gagandeep Singh Kohli from behind, hitting him under the right shoulder. Staff caught the boy as he tried to flee. The injured teacher was admitted to a private hospital ICU. In protest, CBSE and private schools in the district closed Thursday, and teachers held a silent march demanding stronger safety measures. Police have taken the student into custody. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai’s richest Ganesh mandal, GSB Seva Mandal in King’s Circle, has arranged a historic ₹474.46 crore insurance package for the upcoming Ganeshotsav—significantly above last year’s ₹400 crore cover . Underwritten by New India Assurance, it includes ₹375 crore in personal accident protection for volunteers, priests, cooks and security staff; ₹67 crore covering gold, silver and jewellery; ₹30 crore public liability; ₹2 crore for fire and natural calamities; and ₹43 lakh specifically for venue premises . The increase reflects soaring bullion valuations and expanded personnel involved in the festival. 

A 26-year-old woman from Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, married in March 2025, filed a police complaint accusing her husband—a government physical education teacher—and in-laws of severe mental and physical abuse. She alleges he forced her into rigorous three-hour daily gym workouts to resemble Bollywood star Nora Fatehi, and denied her food if she failed to comply. The woman says she was body-shamed, abused over unmet dowry demands despite lavish gifts worth around ₹75–76 lakh, given an abortion pill without consent causing miscarriage, and later barred from returning home. An FIR has been registered; investigation is ongoing.

Security was increased in Jammu after a pigeon carrying a threat note was caught near the India-Pakistan border. BSF officials found the bird in RS Pura, about 40 km from Jammu city. A note tied to the pigeon warned of an IED blast at Jammu Tawi Railway Station. The message was written in Urdu and English. Urdu part said, “Kashmir is ours, the time has come,” and English part read, “JAMMU STATION IED BLAST THE END.” Police and BSF beefed up security at the station and other sensitive areas. Officials suspect it may be a prank. (PC: India Today)

A Class 10 student of Seventh Day Adventist School was stabbed to death by his junior after an argument on Tuesday. The victim died during treatment at night. Police later found a chilling chat where the accused admitted, “Yes, I stabbed him,” and told his friend, “Whatever happened has happened.” The boy even asked his friend to inform others that he had killed the victim. In the chat, the friend scolded him, saying he could have just fought instead of killing. On Wednesday, massive protests broke out at the school. Parents vandalized property and demanded strict action. Investigation continues. (PC: India Today)

Doctors and veterinarians have written to the Chief Justice of India asking for a stay on the Supreme Court’s 11 August order to capture and confine stray dogs in Delhi-NCR shelters. They warned that overcrowded shelters could spread zoonotic diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and brucellosis, harming both humans and animals. Doctors said removing dogs from streets creates a “vacuum effect,” allowing unvaccinated dogs to return. Experts and NGOs urged vaccination, waste control, and enforcement of Animal Birth Control Rules 2023. A University of Edinburgh study also found removing street dogs could worsen public health risks. (PC: The Print)

Three leading industry bodies—the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and E-Gaming Federation (EGF)—have written to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking urgent intervention against the proposed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. They warn that a blanket prohibition on real-money games could decimate a ₹2-trillion industry, jeopardizing over 200,000 jobs, shuttering 400 companies, and costing ₹20,000 crore in annual tax revenue . The sector also faces concerns that users may migrate to unregulated offshore platforms, increasing risks of fraud and data security breaches .  

The Lok Sabha has swiftly passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, introducing sweeping prohibitions on real-money online gaming—covering both games of skill and chance—enforced with hefty fines (up to ₹1 crore) and prison terms (up to three years) for operators, and penalties for influencers. The law also bans advertisements and bars banks from facilitating such platforms. It permits warrantless digital and physical searches to curb threats like money laundering, addiction, and national security risks. While e-sports and social games remain permissible, real-money gaming faces a dramatic crackdown. (PC: File)