The Centre is considering a major overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, replacing the current four-tier system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) with just two main slabs: 5% for daily-use and essential items, and 18% for most other goods and services. Nearly 99% of products currently in the 12% bracket could be shifted to 5%, while around 90% in the 28% slab may move to 18%. Additionally, a new 40% rate may apply to a select few “sin” or luxury items like tobacco and pan masala. The proposal is under review ahead of possible implementation by Diwali. (PC: Mint)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his longest-ever Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, warned of a “deliberate conspiracy” to alter India’s demographic fabric, particularly in border regions. In response, he announced the launch of a High-Powered Demography Mission to address population-related security challenges—highlighting the threat to tribal communities, women's safety, and youth livelihoods. This initiative aims to preserve national unity, integrity, and citizens' rights. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Tamil superstar Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in cinema. Modi posted a photo with Rajinikanth on X, calling his journey “iconic” and praising his impact on generations. He wished him success and good health. Rajinikanth replied, thanking Modi for the warm wishes and calling it an honour. Rajinikanth made his debut in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal and remains a top star at 74. His latest film Coolie, released on August 14, collected ₹150 crore worldwide on its opening day, the highest-ever opener for Tamil cinema, and crossed ₹100 crore in India in two days. (PC: HT)

6 people, including an 80-year-old man, died after the roof of a dargah collapsed in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area on Friday evening. The incident happened during Friday prayers at the Dargah Sharif Patte Shah, located near Humayun’s Tomb. At least five people were injured and taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre. Officials said the roof, part of a 25-30-year-old building, fell while 15-20 people, including the imam, were inside. Rescue teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, NDRF, and DDMA reached the site. The building has been cordoned off as authorities investigate the cause of the collapse. (PC: NDTV)

Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, 80, passed away on Friday night while undergoing treatment at a Chennai hospital, officials confirmed. He had been in the ICU since August 8 after collapsing at home and sustaining a head injury. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, remembering him as “a devout nationalist” passionate about Tamil culture and committed to nation-building. Nagaland Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton hailed his dignity and dedication to public service. Appointed as Nagaland’s 21st governor on February 12, 2023, Ganesan assumed office on February 20. Tributes from political leaders and citizens poured in for the veteran leader’s decades-long contribution to public life. (PC: HT)

A tragic incident unfolded at Delhi’s historic Humayun’s Tomb on Friday when a portion of the dome collapsed around 4:30 PM in the Nizamuddin area. According to Delhi Fire Services, 5 dead and at least 7 people are feared trapped beneath the debris. Emergency teams responded swiftly following an alert call, and rescue operations are underway. The collapse raises serious concerns about the structural integrity and maintenance of heritage monuments. Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts thousands of visitors daily. Authorities have yet to confirm the identities or conditions of those trapped. The incident is under investigation, and updates are expected as the situation develops. (PC: Instagram)

The government has proposed reducing GST to two slabs—5% and 18%—with sin goods like tobacco and pan masala taxed at 40%. The plan, sent to the GST Council, will be discussed in a two-day September meeting, aiming for implementation before Diwali. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “next-generation GST reform” and a Diwali gift, promising lower taxes on essentials such as farm products, health services, handicrafts, and insurance. The reform will remove the 12% slab, redistributing items into lower or higher categories. Officials believe it will boost consumption and economic growth, despite potential short-term revenue impacts. (PC: India Today)

A portion of the roof of a dargah inside Delhi’s Humayun’s Tomb complex in Nizamuddin collapsed on Friday afternoon, trapping several people. Authorities received the alert around 4:30 PM, and Delhi Fire Service (DFS) teams quickly reached the site with five fire tenders. Locals rescued some individuals, while DFS personnel pulled out three more. Officials estimate 8–9 people may still be trapped. No fatalities have been reported yet. Eyewitness Vishal Kumar said a loud noise preceded the collapse, prompting immediate rescue efforts. Visuals from the site showed ongoing operations to clear debris and free those still stuck inside. (PC: News18)

At least 60 people have died and dozens remain missing after flash floods struck Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, a key stop for Hindu pilgrims visiting the Machail Mata shrine. More than 100 people were injured. Survivors recalled a blast-like sound before water, mud, and debris swept through homes and facilities. Rescue work is slowed by limited equipment, with the National Disaster Response Force warning up to 200 may be trapped. Families remain separated, with heartbroken relatives searching for loved ones. Officials suspect a cloudburst triggered the disaster, though the meteorological department has yet to confirm. (PC: BBC)

A new report revisits the controversial 1947 Radcliffe Award, suggesting Jawaharlal Nehru and Lord Mountbatten influenced the decision to assign Gurdaspur to India, securing a vital road link to Kashmir. Initially marked for Pakistan due to its Muslim majority, Gurdaspur’s final allocation enabled India’s military access to the princely state. Historians Stanley Wolpert and Alastair Lamb argue strategic motives shaped the boundary revision, citing canal headworks and railway lines. Pakistan views this as the root of the Kashmir conflict. Nehru’s intervention and Mountbatten’s delay in publishing the award allegedly pressured Maharaja Hari Singh to accede to India. India denies prior knowledge or interference, while sealed documents leave the full truth unresolved.