RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said India must chart its own path to face global challenges, including tensions with the US over trade and H-1B visa rules. Speaking at a book launch in Delhi, he warned, “We can’t proceed blindly.” Bhagwat argued that the world has long followed a fragmented system based on self-interest, but India should rely on its “sanatana” philosophy, which leaves no one behind. Without naming US leaders, he recalled past talks where American interests dominated. He urged India to act quickly, fix “unfavourable currents,” and prepare for global shifts. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of GST Bachat Utsav starting day one of Navratri, coinciding with the rollout of GST 2.0 reforms. He stated that the reforms will benefit a broad cross-section including the poor, middle class, women, youth, and traders by increasing savings and simplifying access to goods. GST 2.0 reduces tax slabs from multiple rates to just 5% and 18% for most items—except luxury and sin goods. Daily essentials, new cars, and medical insurance premiums are expected to become cheaper. Combined with prior income tax exemptions, these reforms are projected to save Indians around ₹2.5 lakh crore collectively. (PC: NDTV)  

From Monday, September 22, prices of many daily items will fall after the new GST reforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “GST bachat utsav”. Most goods will now attract 5% or 18% tax instead of the earlier four slabs. Essential items like medicines, ghee, butter, milk, ice cream, soap, toothpaste, and small electronics will be cheaper. Amul has already cut prices of over 700 products, including butter, paneer, cheese, ice cream, chocolates, and bakery items. Mother Dairy announced similar cuts. The move aims to boost consumption and make everyday products more affordable for citizens. (PC: HT)

Assam singer Zubeen Garg’s death has paralyzed Guwahati. Thousands lined the 25-km route from the airport to his home in Kahilipara on Sunday. Shops, restaurants, and services closed as people paid tribute. Garg, who drowned in Singapore after a seizure, was draped in an Assamese gamosa and placed in a glass casket for a final farewell. Fans showered flowers, lit incense, and sang his songs. Zubeen Garg sang over 38,000 songs in 40 languages and became a cultural icon of Assam. The state government is considering setting up a memorial in his honour to mark his lasting legacy.

An exceptional photograph of a black tiger from Similipal National Park in Odisha has been chosen as the cover image for National Geographic’s October 2025 edition. Taken by Indian wildlife photographer and National Geographic Explorer Prasenjeet Yadav, the image captures one of the world’s rare pseudo-melanistic tigers—a genetic mutation causing unusually dark stripes. Similipal is unique in hosting about 30 tigers, nearly half of which are reported to have this rare colouring. Yadav spent over three months tracking the elusive cat, describing the process as “intense and humbling.” He also praised the Odisha Forest Department for its conservation work in protecting these rare creatures. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India’s “only real enemy” is its dependence on other countries, urging a push for self-reliance. Speaking in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Modi emphasized Atmanirbharta as essential for national pride, global peace, and safeguarding the future of 1.4 billion citizens. His remarks come amid rising concerns over U.S. policies, a $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike effective September 21 and ongoing 50% tariffs on Indian imports. India, which holds 71% of H-1B visas, faces significant impact. Modi warned that foreign dependence risks national failure and self-respect. He concluded, “There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India.”

An encounter erupted on Friday night between security forces and terrorists in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, based on intelligence inputs, was conducted by the White Knight Corps troops. Contact with the terrorists was established around 8 pm in the general area of Kishtwar. An exchange of fire ensued, and the operation is currently ongoing. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

On Friday evening in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, a convoy of the 33 Assam Rifles was ambushed by “unidentified terrorists” on National Highway 2 near Nambol Sabal Leikai, about 8 km from Imphal airport. The attack occurred around 5:50 pm; two personnel—Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap—were killed, while five others were injured and rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, where their condition is stable. Search operations are underway to track down the assailants. The incident follows recent violence in the state amid ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. 

Two Assam Rifles jawans were killed and 5 others injured when gunmen ambushed their vehicle in Bishnupur district, Manipur. The attack took place around 6 pm Friday along National Highway-150 near Nambol Sabal Leikai. The soldiers, travelling from Patsoi to Nambol, came under sudden fire from 4-5 insurgents positioned on both sides of the road. The deceased were identified as Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Injured personnel were taken to RIMS hospital and are stable. No group has claimed responsibility. Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act of violence.” (PC: X)

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said singer Zubeen Garg died while swimming without a life jacket in Singapore. The 52-year-old singer was on a cruise with friends when he fell into the sea during scuba diving. He was rushed to a hospital but suffered a heart attack and died at 1:10 pm IST on Friday. Garg was in Singapore for the North East India Festival and was to perform on September 20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death, calling it a “huge loss to music.” His post-mortem will be conducted on Saturday, officials confirmed. (PC: HT)