In response to the growing controversy surrounding India’s scheduled Asia Cup clash against Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a clear statement reaffirming the match’s legitimacy under newly revised government policy. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explicitly cited the updated guidelines formulated by the central...
In a landmark disclosure, Canada’s Department of Finance has formally recognised that certain Khalistani extremist groups—including Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation—have been raising funds domestically to support politically motivated violent extremism (PMVE) within the country. The findings appear in the newly released 2025 Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks...
In a landmark reform aimed at enhancing healthcare affordability across India, the GST Council, under the leadership of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved sweeping changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. Beginning September 22, 2025, the revamped GST 2.0 brings significant relief by completely exempting 33 lifesaving medications—previously taxed at 12%—and three...
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday strongly dismissed a Bloomberg report that claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping had sent a “secret letter” to Indian President Droupadi Murmu as part of a covert diplomatic outreach. The Indian government clarified that the report was baseless and no such communication had been received from the Chinese...
In a strikingly candid social media post on September 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced alarm over shifting global alliances, suggesting that the United States may have “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” The post was published amid growing trade friction and diplomatic realignments. Context and Statement Following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation...
In the age of digital convenience, smartphones have become constant companions—even in the bathroom. However, emerging research suggests that this modern habit may come with an unexpected health cost. A new study published in the journal PLOS ONE reveals a strong correlation between smartphone use during bowel movements and an increased incidence of hemorrhoids among...
In a significant policy update, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that from December 1, 2025, Indian nationals residing in India who apply for visas will be required to submit police clearance certificates (PCCs) issued only by Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. The move eliminates the...
Indore’s government-run Maharaja Yeshwantrao (MY) Hospital is under intense scrutiny this week after a second newborn lost her life under disturbing circumstances within the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The infant, admitted with severe congenital health issues, was reportedly bitten by a rat on her finger—though officials insist it contributed only minor abrasions, not...
In its 56th meeting (September 3–4, 2025), the GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, rolled out a dramatic rationalisation of India’s GST structure. The existing four-tier system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) has been condensed into two core slabs — 5% and 18%, alongside a dedicated 40% “sin-and-luxury” tax for select demerit goods. These...
In a landmark move, the 56th GST Council—chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman—has approved a streamlined dual-slab Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure of 5% and 18%, effectively abolishing the existing 12% and 28% tax brackets. The decision, reached during the Council’s two-day meeting from September 3 to 4, has been hailed as one...