The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for parts of Delhi and NCR as heavy rain continues. Faridabad and Gurugram are likely to see heavy to very heavy showers with thunderstorms. The NDMA said nearby areas like Jhajjar, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonipat may also get strong rain in the next few hours. South Delhi, South East Delhi, South West Delhi, and New Delhi can expect moderate rain with lightning. A yellow alert is in place for other areas. Continuous rainfall has raised the Yamuna River above the 207-metre danger mark, a level crossed five times since 1963. (PC: HT)

Portugal is mourning after a deadly funicular crash in Lisbon killed 17 people and injured 21 others. Officials said the victims included seven men, eight women, and two more who died overnight. Their details are yet to be confirmed. Among the injured were tourists from at least 10 countries, including Germany, Spain, Korea, Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Morocco, and Cape Verde. Witnesses said the tram appeared to lose its brakes before derailing and crashing into a wall. Authorities confirmed workers had earlier reported brake issues. The Gloria funicular, a famous Lisbon landmark, has been closed as investigations continue. (PC: Sky News)

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)

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said allies are ready to support Ukraine before and after a peace deal. Speaking in Kyiv, he promised help to secure skies, seas, and land once fighting ends. About 30 leaders will join a Paris summit to discuss security guarantees, with the US expected to act as the main backstop. Healey praised Donald Trump for keeping dialogue with Vladimir Putin open, despite criticism. Putin, speaking in China, said talks were possible but repeated demands on Ukraine. Meanwhile, the UK announced £1 billion from seized Russian assets will fund Ukraine’s military aid. (PC: BBC)

The GST Council has cut four tax slabs to two, keeping only 5% and 18%. A higher 40% tax will apply on luxury and sin goods. The government said the move will help the middle class, farmers, health, and education sectors. Congress, however, accused the government of twisting the slogan “one nation, one tax” into “one nation, 9 taxes.” Leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and P Chidambaram said reforms were “eight years too late.” The DMK and Shiv Sena welcomed the change but warned of state revenue loss. The government called it a festive gift for citizens. (PC: NDTV)

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)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned cricketer Shikhar Dhawan in a money laundering case linked to the betting app 1xBet. Officials said Dhawan promoted the platform on social media and has been asked to clarify his role. The 39-year-old former India opener will have his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED is investigating several cases where betting apps allegedly duped people of crores and evaded taxes. Many celebrities, including Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and Vijay Deverakonda, have also been questioned. The government recently banned real-money gaming through new legislation. (PC: PTI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the US against using tariffs and sanctions to pressure India and China. Speaking after the SCO Summit in China, he said Washington’s actions reflect “colonial era” thinking. Putin called India and China powerful economies with their own systems and leaders who cannot be treated with threats. He stressed the colonial past still shapes their political instincts. His comments came as US President Donald Trump announced new sanctions on India for buying Russian oil and hinted at more to come. Putin also praised India’s role in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. (PC: India Today)

Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” has pleaded guilty in the drug case linked to actor Matthew Perry’s death. Perry, best known for Friends, died in October 2023 from a ketamine overdose at his Los Angeles home. Sangha admitted to five charges, including selling the drug that caused his death. She ran a “stash house” in North Hollywood, where police found ketamine, cocaine, meth, and Xanax. Sangha could face up to 65 years in prison when sentenced on December 10. Four others, including two doctors and Perry’s assistant, also pleaded guilty in the case. (PC: Reuters, Jasveen Sangha's social media)