THE HEADLINES :
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes rationalization of GST as biggest reform of Independent India; Calls upon teachers to promote Swadeshi and Vocal for Local.
- Teachers’ Day being celebrated across the country today; President Droupadi Murmu to confer National Teachers Awards in New Delhi.
- Keralites across globe celebrating Thiru Onam today; Eid Milad-un-Nabi, marking birth anniversary of prophet Muhammad, also being celebrated today.
- Twenty-six Western allies pledge to deploy troops in Ukraine after conflict with Russia ends.
- India beat Malaysia 4-1 in their second Super 4 stage match of Men’s Asia Cup Hockey at Rajgir in Bihar.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the biggest reform since Independence. Mr Modi said, the move is expected to put money in the pockets of the middle class by slashing tax on multiple items and scrapping it altogether for crucial items including bread and life saving drugs. The Prime Minister was interacting with award winning teachers in New Delhi yesterday.
Mr Modi said, the two-slab tax will come into effect from September 22 – the first day of Navratri. People will start benefiting from the first day of Navratri and this time, Dhanteras will be more vibrant, he said. Mr Modi said, he had promised “double dhamaka” of next-generation GST reforms before Diwali and Chhath from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
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On this Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the Next Generation of GST reforms, by Diwali. The Prime Minister’s vision of creating a more efficient and citizen friendly economy was realised as the GST Council on 3rd September approved rates rationalisation with a focus on the common man. These reforms have reduced tax rates in many sectors easing the life of the citizens. Today we look at the reforms undertaken for electronic appliances.
The Council has simplified the indirect tax system into a two-tier structure of 5 per cent and 18 percent from a four-tier structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent. An additional slab of 40 per cent has been introduced for select items including tobacco and luxury items. The new rates will come into effect from 22nd of this month. To make consumer electronics more affordable, the GST Council has proposed rationalisation of tax slabs on household electronic items. The taxes earlier levied on Monitors and projectors will also get reduced from 28 to 18 percent along with dish washing machines. Addressing a press conference after the GST Council meeting in New Delhi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that these reforms have been carried out with the focus on the common man.
Industry bodies and Economists also welcomed the GST reforms. Economist Akash Jindal said that ahead of the festive season, these rate cuts will fulfil the aspirations of the common man.
This move could record high sales in the consumer electronics market during festive season thereby adding momentum to India’s economic growth. With Shivang, Saklen Akhtar for Akashvani News, Delhi.
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Teachers’ Day is being celebrated throughout the country today. The day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of educationist and former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Awards to Teachers at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. This prestigious annual award recognizes outstanding teachers whose dedication and commitment have elevated the quality of education and profoundly impacted the lives of their students.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that teachers generally give homework to their students but he wants to give one “homework” to teachers for a change, that is to lead campaigns along with their students to promote swadeshi products and give an impetus to “Make in India” and “vocal for local”. In an interaction with National Teacher awardees, Mr Modi asked schools to celebrate such occasions as ‘Swadeshi Day’ or ‘Swadeshi Week’ when students would bring local products from their homes and share their stories.
Mr Modi also encouraged the use of indigenous materials in art and craft classes and school celebrations to nurture a lasting sense of pride in Indian-made goods. He emphasised discussions on the origin, makers, and national importance of swadeshi products to foster deeper awareness.
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Keralites across the globe are celebrating Thiru Onam today. Thiru Onam is the biggest festival in Kerala and the entire state is in a festive mood for the last couple of days.
Onam, celebrated by Keralites as the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, this festival began 11 days ago with the Atham festival. Today marks Thiru Onam, the most significant day of the celebrations. The day started with Pookkalam, the traditional floral carpet, and will be highlighted by the grand feast served on plantain leaves, known as Ona Sadya. Major temples, including Sabarimala, Guruvayur, and Thrikkakkara, are holding special poojas and Ona Sadyas today. Smithy M Palluruthy,Akashvani News, Thiruvananthapuram.
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President Droupadi Murmu has extended greetings and wishes to the citizens, especially the people of Kerala, on the occasion of Onam. In her message, President Murmu said that Onam is a unique example of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and tradition. She added that this festival reminds people of the importance of unity, cooperation, and harmony beyond cultural and religious beliefs.
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Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad, is being celebrated with religious fervour in various parts of the country today. “Milaad Mehfils”and “Seerat Conferences” will be held highlighting the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Milad processions are also being organised to mark the occasion.
President Droupadi Murmu has greeted everyone on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, especially the Muslim people. In her message, she urged people to take inspiration from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and strive in the spirit of love and brotherhood.
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Twenty-six Western allies have officially pledged to deploy troops by land, sea, or air in Ukraine after the conflict with Russia ends. French President Emmanuel Macron made this announcment, after a summit of 35 nations supporting Ukraine, dubbed the ‘Coalition of the Willing.’
Earlier, Macron and other European leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US peace envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss long-term military support and continued American backing after the conflict. Macron added that while there’s no confirmed US troop involvement yet, Washington’s support for the coalition will be finalized soon.
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Punjab is passing through a bad phase due to severe floods as over 1900 villages across the state have been affected, standing crops at over 4 lakh acres of farmland have been inundated and the death toll has increased to 43 in the state.
As overflowing rivers due to earlier rain and forced release of waters from dams are giving jitters to both people and the state administration, general public along with the teams of Indian Army, BSF, NDRF and state police is making all out efforts to evacuate the stranded and strengthen the bundhs on the banks of the rivers. Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Gurmeet Singh Khudian has urged the Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chauhan for an immediate relief and financial package to address the devastating impact of floods. Mr Chauhan has also assured all help to the state.
Appeals are being made by the concerned district administrations to all those living in low lying flood affected areas to reach to safer places. Rajesh Bali/Akashvani News/Jalandhar.
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Heavy rains and landslides have caused widespread damage in Himachal Pradesh. The initial estimate of losses to public property has been put at nearly 3,800 crore rupees.
According to the report of State Emergency Operation Centre, 355 people have lost their lives so far in rain-related incidents across the state, while 49 people are still missing. Nearly 5,200 houses have been damaged continues heavy rains and landslides, out of which more than 1,000 have been completely destroyed. Continuous heavy rainfall has also severely disrupted road connectivity, electricity, and water supply in the state. However, the department has forecast that the monsoon is likely to weaken in the state from 6th September, bringing some relief to the people. Prabha Sharma, Akashvani News, Shimla.
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In the National Capital Delhi, the water level of the Yamuna River continues to remain above the danger level mark. The water level which was recorded at 207.35 metres earlier this morning, has been above the danger mark amidst moderate to heavy rainfall in the national capital for the past few days.
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In hockey, India registered a dominating 4-1 victory over Malaysia in the Super Four stage match of the Asia Cup championship at the Rajgir International Stadium. For India, Manpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Vivek Sagar Prasad scored one goal each.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE,
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed GST 2.0 as a double dose of support and growth of the nation, writes The Pioneer. “New GST reforms a game changer, says PM Modi” headlines The Statesman.
- The Goverment and two Kuki-Zo insurgent groups have signed a pact for peace in Manipur, ahead of the “yet-to-be-confirmed” visit to Manipur of Prime Minister Modi, reports The Asian Age.
- Battered North India logs its rainiest 2-week period in 14 years, writes The Times of India.
- The Supreme Court of India has taken a serious note of videos of logs in Himachal flood waters, and sought response from the Centre and Himalayan states, reports The Indian Express.
- And finally, the death of the iconic Italian designer, Giorgio Armani, has been noted on the front pages of dailies. “Giorgio Armani, designer whose fame transcended high fashion, dies at 91” headlines Hindustan Times.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN,
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with National awardee teachers; Calls upon them to promote Swadeshi and Vocal for Local; Describes rationalization of GST as biggest reform of Independent India.
- Teachers’ Day being celebrated across the country today; President Droupadi Murmu to confer National Teachers Awards in New Delhi.
- Keralites across globe celebrating Thiru Onam today; Eid Milad-un-Nabi, marking birth anniversary of prophet Muhammad, also being celebrated today.
- Twenty-six Western allies pledge to deploy troops in Ukraine after conflict with Russia ends.
- And, India beat Malaysia 4-1 in their second Super 4 stage match of Men’s Asia Cup Hockey at Rajgir in Bihar.
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