Business

GST Council Approves Two-Slab System, Major Tax Reform to Roll Out by September 22

GST Council Approves Two-Slab System, Major Tax Reform to Roll Out by September 22

NEW DELHI, September 3, 2025 — In a landmark move to simplify India’s indirect tax framework, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, approved a sweeping reform on Wednesday that will replace the existing four-tier GST structure with a streamlined two-slab system.The new regime, set to take effect on September 22, introduces two primary slabs 5% and 18% while reserving a special 40% rate for luxury and sin goods such as premium vehicles, tobacco, pan masala, and online gaming. Officials estimate that the rationalisation will result in a revenue loss exceeding ₹47,000 crore, but…
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Punjab Floods – Punjab Universities, Colleges, and Polytechnics Remain Closed Until September 3

Punjab Floods – Punjab Universities, Colleges, and Polytechnics Remain Closed Until September 3

National Times Bureau :- The Punjab government has ordered all universities, colleges, and polytechnic institutes across the state to remain closed until September 3, 2025, in view of the ongoing heavy rainfall. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the directive, emphasizing that student safety remains the top priority amidst worsening weather conditions. https://twitter.com/harjotbains/status/1962370672984039462?t=Bul1xDVdYvYVCy_FRZkhuQ&s=19 Minister Bains directed educational authorities to ensure proper care and security of students residing in hostels during the closure. He also urged citizens and students to follow the advisories issued by district administrations and avoid unnecessary travel in rain-affected areas. This measure follows earlier orders suspending classes…
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LPG Rates Slashed Again: Commercial Cylinder Sees Fresh Price Drop

LPG Rates Slashed Again: Commercial Cylinder Sees Fresh Price Drop

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Oil companies have announced a fresh reduction in commercial LPG prices, marking the fifth consecutive monthly cut and bringing cheer to restaurants, eateries, and businesses ahead of the festive season. In Delhi, the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder is now priced at Rs 1,580, down from Rs 1,631.50, offering savings of Rs 51.50 per unit. Similar adjustments have been made across metros — the new price in Kolkata is Rs 1,684, in Mumbai Rs 1,531.50, and in Chennai Rs 1,738. The revision took effect today. While commercial consumers benefit from the continued reductions, domestic LPG rates remain…
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India Overtakes China as the World’s Fastest-Growing Private Jet Market

India Overtakes China as the World’s Fastest-Growing Private Jet Market

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India has surpassed China to become the world's fastest-growing private jet market, marking a significant shift in the Asia Pacific aviation sector. Between 2021 and 2024, India's private jet fleet expanded by nearly 25%, while China's fleet contracted by over 30% during the same period. while China saw a drop of nearly one-third. Today, India operates more than 490 private aircraft, a figure expected to cross 700 by 2029.Industry experts attribute India's growth to several key factors, including robust economic expansion and rapid economic growth, which have led to an increase in high-net-worth individuals and corporate…
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Keyways Mortgage Surrey Office Offers Customized Homebuyer Solutions

Keyways Mortgage Surrey Office Offers Customized Homebuyer Solutions

Surrey, (Richa Walia): Keyways Mortgage has officially launched its new office in Surrey, providing a comprehensive range of mortgage solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of the city’s growing community.While conversing with National Times, Vinay Sharma and Shubha Chaudhury stated that they are committed to guiding clients through every step of their homeownership journey, offering expert advice and support. From first-time homebuyer programs to refinancing and specialized mortgage products, the office will serve as a one-stop destination. Vinay Sharma stated that the services offered include Pre-Approval to help clients determine their comfortable budget before shopping, Construction Loans with lenders…
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E20 Petrol May Lower Mileage Slightly, But National Gains Far Greater: Industry Experts

E20 Petrol May Lower Mileage Slightly, But National Gains Far Greater: Industry Experts

New Delhi, August 30 – The adoption of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) may cause a marginal 2–4% dip in vehicle fuel efficiency, but industry leaders and testing agencies emphasized on Saturday that the wider economic and environmental benefits far outweigh this cost.At a joint press briefing, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and petroleum industry representatives dismissed exaggerated claims of 20–50% mileage losses as “misinformation.”“The intrinsic nature of the fuel does lead to a small reduction in mileage, but the benefits to society, farmers, the economy, and the environment are immense,” said…
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PM Modi Begins Japan Visit, Bilateral Talks with PM Ishiba on Agenda

PM Modi Begins Japan Visit, Bilateral Talks with PM Ishiba on Agenda

Tokyo (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tokyo on Friday, beginning a two-day official visit during which he will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional, and global issues. The Ministry of External Affairs announced Modi’s arrival, stating that the discussions scheduled later today would focus on advancing the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, a relationship that has expanded significantly over the past eleven years. Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, Modi emphasized that the visit would provide an important opportunity to strengthen cultural bonds between the two nations and open…
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Akali Leader Bikram Majithia’s Judicial Custody Extended Till September 6 in Drug-Linked Money Laundering Case

Akali Leader Bikram Majithia’s Judicial Custody Extended Till September 6 in Drug-Linked Money Laundering Case

National Times Bureau :- In a significant setback for senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, a local court on Thursday extended his judicial custody until September 6 in connection with disproportionate assets and alleged money laundering cases tied to the drug trade. Majithia, currently lodged in New Nabha Jail near Patiala, had his bail plea rejected earlier, with the court citing the serious nature of the charges and the ongoing investigation by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau. Sources indicate that the bureau is still scrutinizing financial transactions and property records allegedly linked to Majithia, and more evidence is expected…
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Make in Steel, Make in Bharat: Metalogic Sparks Dialogue on Steel-Driven Nation Building

Make in Steel, Make in Bharat: Metalogic Sparks Dialogue on Steel-Driven Nation Building

Metalogic PMS successfully hosted its 8th Annual Conference today at Le Meridien, New Delhi, bringing together industry stalwarts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to deliberate on the theme 'Make in Steel, Make in Bharat'. The event focused on the pivotal role of steel in fuelling India's economic growth and strengthening its position as a global manufacturing hub. Industry experts deliberate on the future, and role of Indian steel at Metalogic PMS' 8th annual conference Steel plays a vital role in construction, infrastructure, automotive, and defence, together accounting for over 90% of India's steel consumption. As these sectors are rapidly evolving, demanding…
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US Slaps 50% Tariff on Indian Goods, Exporters Warn of Severe Job Losses

US Slaps 50% Tariff on Indian Goods, Exporters Warn of Severe Job Losses

New Delhi — India’s export sector faces a major blow after the United States imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, a move exporters fear will cripple industries and trigger massive job losses.The penalty effectively doubles the existing 25 per cent duty by adding an additional 25 per cent levy on Indian imports. Shrimp, apparel, leather, and gems and jewellery sectors heavily dependent on the US market are expected to be the worst hit.The US is India’s largest export destination, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the country’s $437.42 billion in goods exports in 2024–25. Bilateral…
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