A magnitude 6 earthquake struck Afghanistan, killing 812 people and injuring 2,800. The Taliban administration, already facing crises, called for international aid. Rescue efforts were hindered by rough terrain, inclement weather, and heavy rain, and casualties could rise. Donor frustration and cuts in funding have left the country in a forgotten crisis, with little foreign support.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's new GST reforms have caused controversy with a steep tax increase on IPL tickets. While industrialist Harsh Goenka supports the reforms, he questions the 40% tax on IPL tickets, which may discourage fans from attending matches. However, cinema-goers have received some relief with lower GST rates for tickets.
Barron Trump, the son of Donald and Melania Trump, has been absent from NYU for seven months despite enrolling in September 2024. His whereabouts and involvement on campus have been questioned, with rumors of conspiracy theories and concerns from his mother, Melania. A NYU professor believes Barron may have dropped out.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb cautions US President Donald Trump that his aggressive approach towards India and the Global South may result in losing influence to China and Russia. Stubb emphasizes the importance of viewing India as a strategic partner and not alienating them with tariffs and sanctions.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, a defence PSU, has declared a final dividend of Rs 2.71 per share for the financial year 2024-25. The record date for eligibility is September 19, 2025, and the AGM is scheduled for September 26. The company has a history of regular dividends, with a 17% return in the past year. The market capitalisation is Rs 1.08 lakh crore.
TVS Motor Company has launched its latest scooter, the NTORQ 150, at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1,19,000. With this, TVS has entered the above-125cc scooter category, aiming to strengthen its position in the premium scooter segment. The company has invested Rs 100 crore in this product and is tapping into the growing sporty scooter segment, which has seen a 11% growth.
Elon Musk's Starlink is set to bring satellite broadband services to India after obtaining provisional spectrum for trials. The company will establish ground infrastructure at 10 sites, with Mumbai as its hub, and must comply with Indian security norms before launching. Officials predict affordable monthly charges, making it a viable option for underserved areas.
Kettleborough VC, a solo general partner (GP) venture capital firm, has launched Fund II with a target corpus of Rs 60-80 crore and plans to invest in 10-12 startups. Nisarg Shah, founder of Kettleborough VC, discusses the rise of solo GP firms in India, his standout investments, and the sectors he is bullish about.
Experts believe that the recent GST rate cuts, including a special rate for sin goods, could increase GDP growth by 10-60 bps annually. This will be driven by higher consumption, improved compliance, and lower inflation. However, the government should not tighten fiscal policy to counter the consumption boost.
CBIC chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal predicts that GST revenues will stabilize and increase in the coming months. He addresses concerns about industries like automobiles facing losses due to new GST rates and states seeking revenue compensation. He believes that compliance will improve, leading to better tax collections.
The GST exemption on life and health insurance is being evaluated by insurance companies, leading to the loss of input tax credit. Premiums may not immediately increase, but companies will have to cover some costs and may raise prices by 2-4% for new sales. In the future, the exemption could attract more customers and improve the industry, but short-term margin pressure may occur.
The decrease in GST rates has made premium cars more accessible, causing a shift towards higher-end options. Small cars will see price cuts of up to 8.5%, while larger sedans and SUVs will see cuts of 3.5% to 6.7%. This will boost demand in both rural and urban areas, including the luxury car segment.
The Yamuna River in Delhi has reached its peak due to heavy rainfall, leading to warnings and relief camps being set up. Ghaziabad is also facing evacuation and the risk of diseases. Businesses in the Tibetan Colony have been forced to close. More rain is expected and 24 river monitoring stations are at risk.
President Trump plans to sign an executive order to rename the Department of Defense to the "Department of War," allowing for the use of secondary titles like "Secretary of War." The move, which will require congressional approval, is part of Trump's efforts to rename institutions and places.
President Trump hosted a dinner for top technology leaders, including Indian Americans, at the White House. The dinner followed a meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force, chaired by First Lady Melania Trump, which aims to develop AI education programs for young Americans. The dinner is expected to become a regular feature.
President Trump plans to impose tariffs on semiconductor imports from companies that don't move production to the U.S. During a dinner with tech CEOs, he stated that non-compliant companies will face a "substantial" tariff, while those investing in the U.S. will be exempt. This move has caused tension with trading partners and created economic uncertainty.
President Trump signs order to implement lower tariffs on Japanese auto imports, reducing uncertainty for Japanese auto sector and confirming $550 billion Japanese investment in U.S. projects. Tariffs set to take effect in 7 days, with some retroactive to August 7.
On September 5th, India celebrates Teacher's Day to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a philosopher and the second President of India. Let's show our appreciation to the teachers who have played a significant role in shaping our lives by sharing Happy Teacher's Day 2025 wishes, quotes, messages, and greetings.
Eid Milad un Nabi 2025 celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, with Muslims worldwide honoring his life and teachings of peace, compassion, and kindness. The festival is marked by prayers, acts of charity, and spending time with loved ones. Let us embrace the Prophet's teachings and spread love and positivity on this day of reflection and celebration.
CBIC chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal announced that there will be no refund of compensation cess paid on stocks of automobiles, aerated drinks, and coal as of September 22, resulting in the lapse of input tax credit. This decision has raised concerns among automobile dealers, who estimate losses of Rs 2,500 crore.
The government has lowered GST rates on medicines and medical devices, aiming to help patients and boost demand for healthcare products. Reforms have also been implemented to address working capital problems and speed up refunds. However, concerns remain about the government's evaluation of refund claims and the need for further rate rationalization, especially for APIs.
The reduction in GST on construction materials, including cement, is predicted to have a positive impact on the struggling affordable housing sector. This move is expected to lower costs and prices of apartments, especially those priced below Rs 40 lakh. It is also expected to benefit developers, consumers, and may even drive demand for cement in rural housing.
Tax cuts on fertilisers, agro-chemicals, and farm machinery will reduce input costs and promote sustainable farming. This move is expected to boost farmers' income, stabilize food supply, and enhance affordability for both farmers and consumers. Lower taxes on critical chemicals and unprocessed agricultural products will also provide relief to farmers and consumers.
Food companies are choosing to make smaller packs bigger instead of lowering prices because of new GST rates. This avoids coinage problems and possible anti-profiteering actions. FMCG firms will likely experience a 6-8% rise in smaller pack sizes and a 5% decrease in larger packs, resulting in higher consumption and better deals for consumers in categories with lower taxes.
The rollout of GST 2.0 has left dealers and distributors in the FMCG and cement industries uncertain. FMCG distributors are seeking clarity on how to use input tax credit, while cement dealers are preparing for negotiations on higher discounts. Concerns about trade de-stocking and a decrease in demand are also rising.
Indian students are opting for alternative higher education destinations like Germany and the UAE due to increasing costs, stricter visa rules, and uncertain post-study work opportunities in the US. Affordability and career prospects are now top priorities, leading to a preference for shorter and job-oriented courses. Canada and the UK have seen a decrease in student visas.
Investors took advantage of the GST rate rationalisation announced by Nirmala Sitharaman, causing benchmark indices to give up early gains. Sensex and Nifty closed with marginal gains due to a "sell-on-news" strategy. The simplified tax structure is expected to increase festive demand and revive consumption, potentially adding 100-120 basis points to GDP growth and unlocking strong economic wave.
E-commerce platforms are rushing to update their systems to comply with the newly announced GST rate slabs before the start of their biggest sales season. The reforms, effective September 22, have landed right before Flipkart and Amazon's annual sales events, leaving them with little time to adjust. While the companies remain optimistic, there are concerns about potential challenges.
The GST rejig will impose a 40% tax rate on sin goods, with additional levies to maintain high tax incidence. These measures will be implemented after the compensation cess ends in October-November, according to CBIC chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal. Luxury items like cars and bikes will be exempt, while the tax hike on sin goods is projected to generate an extra Rs 45,000 crore in annual revenue.
Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have secured the top three positions in the overall National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for 2025. IIT Madras maintained its top spot and also topped in other categories such as engineering and sustainable development goals.
The recent tax cuts by the GST Council have been well-received by Corporate India, as it is expected to boost domestic demand and provide relief to households. These reforms, after eight years of GST's introduction, are seen as a game-changing move that will accelerate growth and empower consumers. The reduction of GST rates in essential categories is expected to increase accessibility.
Kaynes Semicon, the semiconductor subsidiary of Kaynes Technology, is set to deliver its first chip from its outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, by October. The company expects to break even within 18 months and is eyeing a public listing once revenues cross $100 million.
The recent reduction in GST rates before state elections is being exaggerated for political gain. However, India's rates are already low compared to other countries and the tax-GDP ratio is lower. The previous tax system was more complex, and rate cuts have mostly benefited top corporations. The belief that lower prices will increase demand and offset revenue loss is unlikely in the economy.
Several states and cities in India will have bank closures on September 5 for Eid-e-Milad un-Nabi and Onam festivals, and on September 8 in Maharashtra. The Reserve Bank of India has declared no transactions and settlements on September 8, with postponed settlements on September 9. Other bank holidays in September include September 6, 12, 22, 23, 29, and 30, varying by state and region.
The recent GST rate cuts are projected to cause a yearly deficit of Rs 10,664 crore in IGST on imports, as per GTRI. While certain products will have higher IGST rates, the overall aim is to reduce costs, control inflation, and promote local production and investments. The government is hopeful that the move will have positive effects on the economy.
The Indian government's plan to reduce GST on renewable energy devices and equipment from 12% to 5% is expected to have significant benefits. It will decrease project costs, speed up clean energy capacity growth, and lead to lower tariffs for discoms. This change is also expected to make solar and wind power projects more appealing to discoms and end users.
Millionaires may have different morning routines, but they all prioritize their physical and mental well-being. From early morning workouts to setting daily goals and practicing mindfulness, these intentional habits control their productivity and motivation. While some wake up as early as 3:45 AM, others start their day at 6:30 AM.
The recent increase in GST on oil and gas EDP contracts is expected to negatively affect upstream operations and increase production costs. However, the removal of compensation cess on coal will benefit the thermal power sector and potentially lead to lower tariffs for consumers. This could pose a challenge to the government's efforts to boost domestic oil production.
Maruti Suzuki India chairman RC Bhargava believes that the recent GST reduction on small cars will have a major impact on the industry. Popular models like Alto and Wagon R are expected to see a drop in prices, leading to significant savings for buyers. This, along with other factors like lower income tax and inflation, is expected to boost demand and revive the struggling small car market.
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance's CEO, Tapan Singhel, expects policyholders to benefit from the complete passing on of GST rationalisation, resulting in an 18% decrease in premiums. This will make insurance more accessible, potentially increasing demand. While there may be initial hesitation, the long-term impact is expected to be positive, with improved affordability.
HMIL has launched the Hyundai CRETA Electric Knight, i20 Knight, and ALCAZAR Knight as part of their Knight lineup for the upcoming festive season. These models boast striking black designs and luxurious features such as black alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and brass color inserts in the black interiors. The CRETA Electric Knight offers two battery pack options.
TVS Motor Company has launched the Ntorq 150 in India, available in two variants with a starting price of Rs 1.19 lakh. It offers a sleek design inspired by a stealth aircraft, with advanced connectivity and safety features. The scooter also boasts a full-TFT instrument panel and over 50 connected features. It is powered by a 149.7cc engine and can reach a top speed of 104 kmph.
India Post Payments Bank, launched 8 years ago, has revolutionized financial inclusion in the country. With over 1.65 lakh post offices and services in 13 languages, it has reached 12 crore customers, mostly from rural India. The bank offers digital savings accounts and cross-border remittances, and has been praised by India's leadership for empowering rural communities.
The recent GST rate overhaul in India is set to stimulate consumption and drive economic reforms. The upcoming festive season is expected to witness increased buying due to lower tax slabs for everyday goods, automobiles, and household essentials. The auto sector, FMCG, consumer durables, and retail sectors are expected to benefit from this change.
The recent reduction in GST rates for solar modules and cells is expected to drive growth in the renewable power sector in India. This move will make solar power more affordable and competitive, leading to an increase in demand for solar players and developers. While there may be some initial challenges, this policy change is crucial for India's efforts towards achieving its green energy targets.
After a decade, The Great Indian Kapil Show returns on Netflix with Kiku Sharda still on the team despite rumours of quitting. He has also finished shooting for upcoming episodes and will appear on a new reality series, competing with the show. Archana Puran Singh is also confirmed to stay on the show.
Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn, an Austrian economist and activist, caused controversy by suggesting the breakup of India into smaller parts, including a separate Sikh homeland. He also referred to Prime Minister Modi as a "Russian man" and shared a map depicting northern Indian states as part of Khalistan.
Mercedes-Benz dominates the Indian luxury car market with a diverse range of vehicles. Their AMG division, known for their experience in Formula One, has added the AMG CLE 53 Coupe to their lineup. This performance grand tourer boasts a stunning design, luxurious interior, and impressive adaptive dynamics that provide both comfort and agility on the road.
The Singhola Flyover on NH-44 in Delhi was closed due to a pothole caused by heavy rain. Commuters are advised to take alternate routes and use the Metro to avoid delays. The Yamuna river is at a dangerous level and expected to rise. This event emphasizes the need for repairs to Delhi's road infrastructure.
India's new consumer tax reform has lowered levies on items under $29, but raised them to 18% for luxury apparel. This has caused concern for global fashion brands like Zara and Levi Strauss, as well as domestic garment makers. The tax hike could also impact the wedding industry and lead to decreased sales for premium brands.
Shahid Kapoor's debut film, Ishq Vishk, brought fame to all its characters, including Vishal Malhotra's Mambo. However, a fallout with the producer left Malhotra unemployed for two years. He turned to business for financial stability but remains recognized for his on-screen roles and as the face of Harpic's ad campaign, providing him with economic security.