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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that India’s new GST reforms have no link to the tariffs imposed by the United States. He said the Centre had been working on the plan for 1.5 years. The new GST structure will start on September 22 with a two-tier rate of 5% and 18%, and 40% on luxury and sin goods. Modi said the reforms aim to make life easier for the common man, farmers, MSMEs, women and youth. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said MSMEs will benefit as compliance becomes simpler and rates on daily use items drop. (PC: HT)

A day after being suspended from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on September 2, 2025 for alleged anti-party activities, K. Kavitha — daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao — tendered her resignation from both the party and her position as an MLC on September 3, 2025 . Her ousting followed public criticism of senior party leader and cousin, T. Harish Rao, viewed by the party as a refusal to reconcile, which led to her suspension . She has alleged a conspiracy within the BRS and expressed disappointment over a lack of support from party leadership . This dramatic exit highlights growing factionalism within the BRS and may impact its leadership dynamics and electoral prospects in Telangana. (PC: The Hindu)

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved steps to ease compliance for businesses. Registration time for MSMEs and start-ups will be reduced from 30 days to just three. Exporters will also get automated refunds. The council is considering a major tax overhaul by cutting four slabs to two. Many goods from the 28% slab may shift to 18%, while several from 12% could move to 5%. This aims to lower prices of daily-use items and boost demand. However, states like Tamil Nadu and Bengal fear revenue losses of Rs 50,000 crore and may seek compensation. (PC: NDTV)

The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is meeting today to discuss big changes in the tax system. The council may move from four slabs to just two – 5% and 18%. Many daily-use items could become cheaper as goods in the 12% slab may shift to 5%. Items in the 28% slab could move to 18%. A “sin tax” of 40% will stay on luxury cars and tobacco. The government says cheaper goods will boost spending, especially among the middle class. Opposition states, however, have raised concerns about revenue loss and are asking for compensation. (PC: NDTV)

Actor-director Anirban Bhattacharya has gone viral with his new satirical song “Tumi Mosti Korbe Jaani” (I know you’ll have fun), performed with his band Hooliganism. The track humorously roasts Bengal’s “three Ghoshs” — Kunal Ghosh of Trinamool Congress, Dilip Ghosh of BJP, and Shatarup Ghosh of CPM. Blending sharp wit with music, Bhattacharya highlights contentious political issues, including the RG Kar case and the special intensive voter list revision. The performance, widely shared on social media, has struck a chord with audiences while stirring debate in political circles, underlining Bengal’s unique blend of politics, satire, and popular culture. (PC: News 18)  

Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange Patil ended his 5-day hunger strike in Mumbai after the Maharashtra government agreed to key demands. A cabinet panel assured him it will implement the Hyderabad Gazette, which records Marathas from Marathwada as Kunbis, making them eligible for OBC reservation. The state also promised to withdraw all cases filed against protesters. Patil, who was fasting at Azad Maidan since August 29, declared, “We have won,” after drinking water offered by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Earlier, the Bombay High Court warned the agitation was illegal and must end as protests had disrupted normal life. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Mizoram and Manipur on September 13, officials said. In Mizoram, he will inaugurate the new Bairabi-Sairang railway line, a 51 km project that connects Aizawl with Assam’s Silchar under the Act East Policy. From there, the PM is expected to fly to Manipur, marking his first visit since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023. Preparations are underway in Mizoram, with meetings on security, traffic, and public participation. The railway is seen as a major boost for connectivity and trade in the Northeast. Manipur officials have yet to confirm the visit. (PC: India Today)