Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India’s latest tax overhaul, dubbed GST 2.0, is expected to unlock a wave of domestic consumption and provide a cushion against tariff headwinds emerging from the United States, according to industry leaders. The GST Council’s approval of sweeping changes on Wednesday reduces the rate slabs to 5% and 18%, with the new structure taking effect on September 22, coinciding with the start of Navratri. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group of Companies, called the move a timely catalyst for spurring demand across sectors. He said the rate rationalization would not only stabilize India’s macroeconomic environment but also help counter…

In a landmark move, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, during its 56th meeting that stretched over 10 hours, approved sweeping reforms to India’s indirect tax system. The Council endorsed a simplified two-rate structure of 5% and 18%, while reserving a 40% levy solely for luxury, sin, and demerit goods such as cigarettes and pan masala. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who chaired the meeting with ministers from 31 states and Union Territories, announced that most changes will be effective from September 22, coinciding with the start of Navratri. The reforms aim to reduce the tax burden on households,…

India and Russia are exploring the possibility of expanding their defense partnership with fresh deliveries of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems. The update emerged soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. According to Russian news agency TASS, Dmitry Shugayev, who heads Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, confirmed that discussions are underway. He noted that India already operates the advanced air defense platform and that both countries see potential for further cooperation. While the talks are at an early stage, the proposal signals strengthening defense…

At the Semicon India 2025 summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India’s recent economic performance, pointing to the country’s strong GDP figures as evidence of resilience and growth. Referring to the first-quarter data, he stressed that India has once again surpassed all predictions and expectations. “The results show that India cannot be stopped now,” he said, setting an optimistic tone for the event. Despite global economic turbulence and the United States under Donald Trump imposing tariffs as high as 50% on Indian goods and oil imports, India recorded an impressive growth rate of 7.8%. The Prime Minister dismissed…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin showcased their longstanding camaraderie during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday. The two leaders were seen walking hand in hand before meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, exchanging smiles and words through translators. Putin, addressing Modi warmly as his “dear friend,” later offered him a ride in his armoured Aurus limousine, a symbolic gesture that drew global attention. Modi, sharing pictures from the ride on X, said that India and Russia have always stood side by side, even during the most challenging times. He emphasized that this enduring…

US President Donald Trump will deliver his first address of his second term at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 22, the White House confirmed. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump plans to reassert his “America First” vision, with particular emphasis on tariffs and trade policies that he argues protect US industries. Trump’s UN appearances in the past have often drawn global headlines. In 2017, he threatened to “totally destroy North Korea” while ridiculing Kim Jong-un as “Rocket Man.” His subsequent speeches attacked global institutions, defended tariffs on China, and condemned the Iran nuclear deal.…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties ahead of a key summit. The discussions come at a time of rising global trade frictions, particularly due to new US tariffs. According to reports, India and Japan are preparing to finalize a landmark agreement valued at $68 billion. The deal, which may be signed on August 29, 2025, will focus on ramping up Japanese private sector investments in India. Over the next decade, Tokyo aims to channel 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) into India’s growing economy while also enhancing human…

Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Shigeru Ishiba, has announced a plan to invest approximately US$ 68 billion in India over the next decade, aiming to strengthen economic and technological ties between the two nations. The proposal is expected to be highlighted during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 29–30. This long-term investment will span eight priority sectors, including mobility, environmental technologies, healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductor manufacturing, while also supporting Indian startups and promoting collaborative technology initiatives. The move reflects Japan’s strategy to deepen its presence in India by leveraging its own…

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on August 27 underscored the significance of India-Australia relations at a time when the global and regional order is undergoing a major transformation. Speaking in Canberra with a group of Indian journalists, Wong emphasized that both nations share clear objectives for a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific, making their partnership more crucial than ever. Responding to questions about the United States’ recent tariffs on India, Wong avoided direct comments on bilateral relations but stressed Australia’s firm position against tariffs. “We don’t support tariffs. Australia’s economy has advanced because we embraced openness and global trade. Openness has…

Bollywood’s much-loved courtroom drama series is returning with a bang as Akshay Kumar once again dons the black coat in Jolly LLB 3. Following the success of Jolly LLB 2 and his impactful role in Kesari Chapter 2, the superstar is ready to take audiences back into the world of sharp arguments, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments. Akshay has built a reputation for seamlessly blending gravitas with entertainment. In the courtroom, he can shift from a fiery, emotional plea to a perfectly timed quip that eases the tension, making his portrayals memorable and relatable. This unique ability is set to…