The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved steps to ease compliance for businesses. Registration time for MSMEs and start-ups will be reduced from 30 days to just three. Exporters will also get automated refunds. The council is considering a major tax overhaul by cutting four slabs to two. Many goods from the 28% slab may shift to 18%, while several from 12% could move to 5%. This aims to lower prices of daily-use items and boost demand. However, states like Tamil Nadu and Bengal fear revenue losses of Rs 50,000 crore and may seek compensation. (PC: NDTV)

The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is meeting today to discuss big changes in the tax system. The council may move from four slabs to just two – 5% and 18%. Many daily-use items could become cheaper as goods in the 12% slab may shift to 5%. Items in the 28% slab could move to 18%. A “sin tax” of 40% will stay on luxury cars and tobacco. The government says cheaper goods will boost spending, especially among the middle class. Opposition states, however, have raised concerns about revenue loss and are asking for compensation. (PC: NDTV)

Actor-director Anirban Bhattacharya has gone viral with his new satirical song “Tumi Mosti Korbe Jaani” (I know you’ll have fun), performed with his band Hooliganism. The track humorously roasts Bengal’s “three Ghoshs” — Kunal Ghosh of Trinamool Congress, Dilip Ghosh of BJP, and Shatarup Ghosh of CPM. Blending sharp wit with music, Bhattacharya highlights contentious political issues, including the RG Kar case and the special intensive voter list revision. The performance, widely shared on social media, has struck a chord with audiences while stirring debate in political circles, underlining Bengal’s unique blend of politics, satire, and popular culture. (PC: News 18)  

Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange Patil ended his 5-day hunger strike in Mumbai after the Maharashtra government agreed to key demands. A cabinet panel assured him it will implement the Hyderabad Gazette, which records Marathas from Marathwada as Kunbis, making them eligible for OBC reservation. The state also promised to withdraw all cases filed against protesters. Patil, who was fasting at Azad Maidan since August 29, declared, “We have won,” after drinking water offered by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Earlier, the Bombay High Court warned the agitation was illegal and must end as protests had disrupted normal life. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Mizoram and Manipur on September 13, officials said. In Mizoram, he will inaugurate the new Bairabi-Sairang railway line, a 51 km project that connects Aizawl with Assam’s Silchar under the Act East Policy. From there, the PM is expected to fly to Manipur, marking his first visit since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023. Preparations are underway in Mizoram, with meetings on security, traffic, and public participation. The railway is seen as a major boost for connectivity and trade in the Northeast. Manipur officials have yet to confirm the visit. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated India's 7.8% Q1 GDP growth, calling it proof that "Bharat has performed beyond every expectation and estimate" despite global economic challenges. Speaking at Semicon India 2025 inauguration, Modi criticized worldwide "economic selfishness" while highlighting India's broad-based growth across all sectors. He expressed confidence in achieving third-largest economy status and emphasized semiconductor sector progress, describing chips as "digital diamonds" compared to oil's "black gold." Modi outlined India's semiconductor journey from 2021 program launch to five additional projects cleared in 2025. The remarks came after his Japan-China visits, with Trump administration simultaneously proposing 200% tariffs on imported medicines, potentially affecting India's pharmaceutical exports worth billions.

An Air India flight from Delhi to Indore made an emergency landing on August 31 after a fire warning in its right engine. Pilots declared a Mayday, and Delhi airport authorities announced a full emergency. Fire and rescue teams were on standby as the A320neo returned safely after 30 minutes in the air. Over 90 passengers and crew were unharmed and later boarded another aircraft. The affected plane has been grounded for checks, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed. Air India confirmed the flight landed safely, following standard safety procedures. (PC: PTI)

The Bombay High Court on Monday directed activist Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters to vacate Mumbai roads by Tuesday. The Maratha quota protest, now in its fourth day at Azad Maidan, has paralysed traffic across south Mumbai. Thousands of protesters blocked key routes near CSMT, Fort, Churchgate, and Mantralaya, causing massive jams and road closures. Jarange is demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas and has vowed not to leave the city until it is granted. The court said only 5,000 protesters can remain at the site and will review compliance with its order on Tuesday. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea challenging the Centre’s Ethanol Blending Programme that mandates E20 petrol. The petitioner argued older vehicles cannot run efficiently on E20 and sought an option for ethanol-free petrol. Senior advocate Shadan Farasat said E20 cuts fuel efficiency by six per cent. Attorney General R Venkataramani opposed the plea, saying, “Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?” He added the policy helps farmers and saves foreign exchange. Road minister Nitin Gadkari also denied claims of mileage loss, blaming misinformation spread by petroleum lobbies. (PC: Pixabay/Representative Image)

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea challenging the rollout of E20 petrol, which has 20% ethanol mixed with petrol. A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai heard the petition that sought an option of ethanol-free petrol for older vehicles. The petitioner argued that E20 lowers fuel efficiency and damages cars made before 2023. However, Attorney General R Venkataramani defended the policy, saying it helps farmers and saves foreign exchange. He asked, “Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?” The court dismissed the case. (PC: HT)