PM Modi participates in Sansad Karyashala event, oversees relief efforts in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, alongside other English news updates at today's school assembly.
In a significant move for the Indian economy, the GST Council has rationalized rates, benefiting sectors such as MSMEs, e-commerce, and logistics with lower taxes. The Federation of Trade and Commerce Chambers of India (FTCCI) has hailed this decision as a landmark step, citing potential boosts to sectors like construction and agriculture. Meanwhile, the tax on daily essentials has been reduced to 5% or exempted, easing the household burden. However, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has assured that the new GST will not affect capital expenditure.
In other news, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall over Gujarat and West Rajasthan, as well as heavy rain over Rajasthan and Gujarat today. These weather updates come as relief operations continue in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh despite the flood situation subsiding.
The stock market saw a downturn today, with the Sensex and Nifty being down in the afternoon session. The auto sector, however, outperformed.
Internationally, Norwegians voted in the first round of a tight parliamentary election. In Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul took office as the new Prime Minister of the country. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia, India, and China are strengthening cooperation on common interests.
On the sports front, Nikhat Zareen won the opening round in the women's 51kg weight category at the World Championships. India also clinched the historic men's compound archery gold at the same event. In the US Open tennis, Aryna Sabalenka retained the women's singles title, while Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are set for a blockbuster title clash in the men's final.
In political news, the Supreme Court will hear pleas tomorrow against the Election Commission's electoral roll revision in Bihar. In Ukraine, a pipeline was struck, and in China, a level-IV typhoon warning was issued.
In domestic politics, PM Modi attended the Sansad Karyashala in New Delhi, and Shivraj Singh expressed optimism that the next generation GST will benefit the agriculture sector and farmers. The Central Zone entered the Duleep Trophy final on a first-innings lead against the West Zone.
In a positive development for the environment, Sundays on Cycle have become a movement in the country. Meanwhile, the CBIC dismissed a fake social media message on GST transition benefits.
Lastly, Japan clinched 5th place with a 6-1 win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup hockey, and India thrashed China 7-0 to reach the final of the same tournament in Rajgir.
In other news, relief operations continue in the affected regions, and Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina's Awami League staged a defiant protest march near the parliament.
In the world of table tennis, Union Minister Jitendra Singh felicitated the Indian team at the 18th IESO, China. The US Open final is set to take place, and a level-IV typhoon warning was issued in China.
In geopolitics, U.S. President Donald Trump is ready to impose a second phase of sanctions on Russia, and Iran and the IAEA are nearing a nuclear oversight agreement, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi.
Lastly, skywatchers witnessed a total lunar eclipse, referred to as a 'Blood Moon'. Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba resigned after an election defeat.
Stay tuned for more updates.
