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India Implements New Two-Tier GST Regime Amidst Political Debate
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India Implements New Two-Tier GST Regime Amidst Political Debate

India's new two-tier Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, featuring rates of 5% and 18% (with 40% for ultra-luxury items), became effective on September 22, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a "GST savings festival" and a step towards economic self-reliance, anticipating ₹2.5 lakh crore in household savings. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted its benefits for the poor, middle class, and MSMEs. The BJP plans a nationwide campaign to promote these reforms. However, opposition parties, including the Congress, deemed the reforms inadequate, criticizing Modi for claiming sole ownership and demanding a more comprehensive "GST 2.0" to address unresolved sectoral issues and extend state compensation.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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Election Commission Directs States to Prepare for Voter List Revision
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Election Commission Directs States to Prepare for Voter List Revision

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed State election officers to prepare for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists by September 30, 2025, foreshadowing a potential nationwide clean-up operation in October-November. State Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) were ordered to make previous SIR voter lists available, following a successful revision conducted in Bihar. The primary objective of this exercise is to identify and remove foreign illegal migrants by thoroughly checking birthplaces, a move that is gaining significance amidst intensified crackdowns across various states. Assembly elections are scheduled for several states in 2026, including Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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IAF to Retire Iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jet After Six Decades
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IAF to Retire Iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jet After Six Decades

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to officially retire its venerable MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26, 2025, concluding nearly six decades of distinguished service. Inducted in 1963 as India's first supersonic fighter, the MiG-21 served as the IAF's backbone until the mid-2000s, with over 700 variants. It played pivotal roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and notably in the 2019 Balakot air strikes, where Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman famously downed a Pakistani F-16. The decommissioning, marked by a Chandigarh ceremony, will temporarily reduce IAF combat strength, with the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A slated as its successor.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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Indian Embassy Concerned Over Illegal Migration via Central America
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Indian Embassy Concerned Over Illegal Migration via Central America

The Indian Embassy in Guatemala has voiced significant concern regarding Indian nationals illegally entering Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, as a route to reach Mexico and the United States. Responding to an RTI query, the Embassy described the situation as a "complex issue," confirming assistance provided to arrested migrants, such as interpretation and welfare support. While specific deportation figures were not released, the Embassy cited instances of repatriating individuals, including one held for eight years on human trafficking charges, and facilitating the return of remains for a migrant who died during an illegal entry attempt.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Negative
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PIB Clarifies MIB Did Not Issue Notices on Urdu Use in Hindi Channels
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PIB Clarifies MIB Did Not Issue Notices on Urdu Use in Hindi Channels

The government clarified on September 21, 2025, that reports claiming the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued "notices" to Hindi news channels regarding excessive use of Urdu words were "misleading." The PIB Fact Check Unit stated that the MIB had merely forwarded a viewer's complaint to the channels, a standard procedure under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act for handling public grievances. This action was a request for channels to inform the complainant of their response and keep the MIB updated, countering media claims that channels were ordered to appoint language experts.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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Education Minister Pradhan Reaffirms No Language Imposition by Centre
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Education Minister Pradhan Reaffirms No Language Imposition by Centre

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated on September 21, 2025, that the Centre is not imposing any language on any state, dismissing claims to the contrary as "politically motivated." He clarified that the National Education Policy (NEP) employs a two-language formula for primary classes, including the mother tongue and one language of choice, and a three-language formula for higher classes (6-10), allowing states to choose the additional languages. Pradhan emphasized that the Centre would not impose any language, highlighting that most Indians prefer their mother tongue over English and citing Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu's view on promoting multilingualism for global competitiveness, asserting that efforts to create language divisions are failing.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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Congress Criticizes Environment Minister on Great Nicobar Project Transparency
EnvironmentNicobar projectJairam rameshBhupender yadavEcologyTribal rightsNational security

Congress Criticizes Environment Minister on Great Nicobar Project Transparency

On September 21, 2025, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh sharply criticized Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, accusing him of being "unable to answer basic questions" regarding the Great Nicobar infrastructure project. Ramesh countered Yadav's claim of "negative politics," asserting that highlighting an "imminent ecological and humanitarian disaster" is a legitimate concern. He questioned whether the project violates the National Forest Policy and deemed the compensatory afforestation in Haryana "farcical." Ramesh also raised serious concerns about the lack of consultation with the National Commission on Scheduled Tribes, the disregard for the Shompen Policy, and the project's potential impact on endangered species and fragile ecosystems, demanding transparency on critical documents for the ₹72,000 crore project, which Yadav defended as vital for national security.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Negative
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India Responds to US H-1B Visa Fee Hike Amidst Criticism
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India Responds to US H-1B Visa Fee Hike Amidst Criticism

The U.S. government's recent unilateral hike of H-1B visa fees to $100,000 for new petitions has drawn sharp criticism and concern from India. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan asserted confidence in Indian youth, indirectly addressing "brain drain" concerns by stating India doesn't "need anybody's visa." U.S. Democrat lawmaker Ami Bera, leading a Congressional delegation, slammed the policy as "poorly thought out," warning it could harm American tech companies and impact Indian H-1B recipients, signaling a "low point" in Indo-U.S. relations. Indian opposition parties also lambasted Prime Minister Modi for an "escapist approach" and failing to confront U.S. "strong-arm tactics" regarding the visa hike, tariffs, and Iran sanctions.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Negative
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Is it feasible to blend isobutanol and diesel? | Explained
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Is it feasible to blend isobutanol and diesel? | Explained

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced ARAI is exploring blending isobutanol with diesel after ethanol blending failed. Isobutanol blends better and has a higher flash point than ethanol, addressing safety concerns. It can be produced from the same feedstock as ethanol, offering an avenue for surplus ethanol production. However, concerns exist regarding isobutanol's lower cetane number and miscibility with diesel, which may require additives and biodiesel. Experts advise limiting blending to 10% to prevent engine damage. If successful after the 18-month pilot, India would be the first to blend isobutanol with diesel. The government is urged to revise ethanol procurement prices due to increased sugarcane costs.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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PM Modi lays foundation for three projects for Chennai and Kamarajar Ports
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PM Modi lays foundation for three projects for Chennai and Kamarajar Ports

PM Narendra Modi virtually laid foundation stones for three crucial port projects in Tamil Nadu from Bhavnagar, Gujarat. These include a ₹33 crore coastal protection work at Chennai Port to repair and strengthen an 850-meter revetment, crucial for safeguarding the harbor against storm surges and cyclones. Additionally, two projects for Kamarajar Port were initiated: upgrading firefighting facilities at eight new potential fire threat locations for ₹25 crore, and developing a concrete road and reconstructing two bridges for ₹58 crore to enhance connectivity and coal handling efficiency. These projects aim to improve port stability, safety, and operational efficiency, with completion expected by 2027 for the road project.

September 20, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Positive
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)