The GST Council has approved a significant tax hike on sin and luxury goods, introducing a new 40% slab for items like tobacco, aerated drinks, and premium vehicles. This restructuring aims to simplify the indirect tax system by reducing the number of tax slabs.
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President Trump defended his administration's actions against Russia, citing secondary sanctions on India as a significant measure costing Russia "hundreds of billions of dollars." He rebuked a Polish reporter questioning the lack of punitive actions against Putin, highlighting India's oil purchases and hinting at further sanctions. Trump also suggested the reporter should seek new employment due to their perceived lack of understanding.
At SIIMA 2025 in Dubai, Telugu films 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' and 'Kalki 2898 AD' won major awards. Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna received top acting honors. Kannada films like Gowri also won. Malayalam and Tamil winners will be announced Saturday, led by The Goat Life with 10 nominations.
Due to landslides blocking road access to Munsyari in Uttarakhand, four BEd students from Rajasthan chartered a helicopter from Haldwani to ensure they could take their examination.
During the SCO Summit in Tianjin, PM Modi and President Putin displayed camaraderie, while PM Modi and President Xi discussed border peace and resuming flights. India's S-400 missile defense system, dubbed "Sudarshan Chakra," played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor, successfully intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles aimed at Indian cities, bolstering India's air defense capabilities.
Ahead of Bihar's assembly elections, liquor smuggling attempts are escalating. Railway Protection Force seized a 'pickle' shipment at Varanasi Junction, uncovering 283 whisky bottles destined for Patna. This follows previous incidents, including the discovery of 316 bottles on the Lucknow-Barauni Express and arrests in Gorakhpur, highlighting intensified efforts to smuggle alcohol into the dry state.
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR's 'War 2' continues its box office run, earning Rs 235.1 crore in India by its 19th day, with Monday collections at Rs 0.60 crore. Rajinikanth’s 'Coolie', also in its third week, made Rs 1.10 crore on the same day, totaling Rs 280.20 crore.
Consumers are facing a double blow as ethanol-blended petrol (E20), despite its higher price, reduces vehicle mileage by 2-6%. Delhi-based engineer Surender Pal Singh experienced a significant drop in his car's mileage, prompting concerns shared by other users on social media.
Stricter visa enforcement and dwindling job opportunities are creating significant hardships for Indian students in the US. Many are facing financial strain due to revoked visas, workplace inspections, and limited work hours, forcing them to cut expenses drastically and seek family support.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan refuted Donald Trump's "dead economy" remark, citing India's 7.8% GDP growth in April-June. BJP leaders criticized Rahul Gandhi for supporting Trump's statement, highlighting the strong economic figures as evidence of India's progress under Prime Minister Modi's leadership towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.
Veteran Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressing his desire to explore opportunities in other global leagues. Ashwin, who previously retired from international cricket, thanked the IPL and BCCI for their support.