Month: September 2025

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and his spouse Aum Tashi Doma on Friday visited the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

During their visit, the Bhutanese dignitaries offered prayers at the temple and took part in rituals. They also inspected the temple premises.

Their engagements in Ayodhya followed their arrival earlier in the morning, when they were received at the airport by Uttar Pradesh minister Surya Pratap Shahi, who welcomed them on behalf of the state government.

The visit comes as part of Tobgay’s ongoing India tour, which underscores the close cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan.

His spiritual engagements in Ayodhya are also aligned with the broader themes of his visit, where he has highlighted the enduring value of ancient learning and shared traditions.

Earlier, while addressing an event streamed live on Nalanda University’s YouTube channel, Tobgay emphasised that the “Nalanda spirit,” rooted in the ancient centre of learning in Bihar, must continue to thrive, while assuring that Bhutan will play its part in spreading and nurturing it.

Speaking at the event, Tobgay said, “I would like to thank the government of India for continuing the tradition of Nalanda Mahavira and continuing to spread the Nalanda spirit. And, in that spirit, for giving Bhutan the opportunity to build a temple in Rajgir.”

He further expressed his appreciation, adding, “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to visit this historic city, Rajgir.” Elaborating on the role of the institution, the Bhutanese Prime Minister stated, “Today, you have the Nalanda University continuing to carry on the Nalanda spirit…. Learn and grow in oneness with Nalanda. The Nalanda spirit must grow and we in Bhutan will do our part to propagate, to nurture this spirit.”

During an interaction with the audience, Tobgay was asked about Bhutan’s ties with Nalanda. In response, he said, “A lot is happening between Bhutan and Nalanda, especially when we have a temple now.”

Reflecting further on the connection, he added, “Nalanda is not just a university of the past — it is a timeless beacon of peace, unity and spirituality that continues to inspire the world. As only Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan deeply cherishes Nalanda’s role in shaping our spiritual and cultural traditions. Our future collaborations with Nalanda will be an extension of this historic bond.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, along with his spouse Aum Tashi Doma, will be on an official visit to India from September 3 to 6. (ANI)

A coalition of 147 Tibet-focused organisations and members of the International Tibet Network has strongly denounced China’s intensifying crackdown on Tibetan environmental defenders, cultural advocates, and community leaders, Phayul reported.

According to Phayul, the statement released on Wednesday was issued in response to the arbitrary extension of the prison sentence of prominent Tibetan activist A-Nya Sengdra. Rights groups argue that the decision reflects Beijing’s determination to stifle dissent and intimidate Tibetan civil society.

Sengdra, a well-known community leader from Gade County, Golog in eastern Tibet’s Amdo province, was detained on September 4, 2018, and later sentenced to seven years in prison on December 6, 2019. His work to combat corruption and protect Tibet’s fragile ecosystems had earned him both respect and recognition, including the 2022 Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Medal of Courage. He was expected to be released this month; however, authorities extended his sentence until February 2026 without explanation, Phayul stated.

During his detention, Sengdra’s physical and mental health reportedly worsened, prompting multiple UN human rights experts to call for his immediate release. They described his imprisonment as an example of “the criminalisation of the legitimate work of a minority community member and human rights defender.”

“This extension is a calculated attempt to crush Tibetan civil society,” read the joint statement, which also noted a broader campaign targeting Tibetan intellectuals and activists.

In August, monk-scholar Shersang Gyatso reportedly died by suicide at his monastery in Ba County after raids and strict measures ahead of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. That same month, Gonpo Kyi, the sister of jailed businessman Dorjee Tashi, attempted suicide by jumping from a hotel building in Lhasa following repeated refusals to meet her brother, as highlighted by Phayul.

Other activists, including environmentalist Tsongon Tsering and singer Asang, have also faced detention, harassment, or surveillance, alongside cultural defenders like Go Sherab Gyatso and Tashi Wangchuk.

According to Phayul, the coalition urged international governments and institutions to demand the release of Sengdra, Dorjee Tashi, Tsongon Tsering, and other Tibetan prisoners of conscience. “Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. The world must act now,” the statement urged. (ANI)

Actor Anupam Kher met Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Friday. The actor called his meeting “inspirational” as they conversed on success, early life struggles, meditation and India.

In a post on X, Anupam Kher shared a photo with Gautam Adani expressing his happiness of meeting the Adani Group Chairman.

The actor called the success story of Gautam Adani “inspirational” as they conversed about the latter’s early struggles and success.

He wrote, “It was an absolute pleasure to meet the legendary and self-made Indian billionaire and philanthropist Mr. #GautamAdani. Had a long conversation with him about his early life struggles, his success, meditation and our beloved Bharat! Coming from a small village in Gujarat. Starting work at the age of 17 to build his empire is an amazingly inspirational story! Thank you, Mr Adani, for your hospitality, appreciation and delicious breakfast! Jai Ho!”

On the work front, actor Anupam Kher’s latest release includes The Bengal Files, which was released in the theatres today.

It was directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and stars Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, Darshan Kumar and Anupam Kher in the lead roles.

The ‘Bengal Files’ explores the communal violence that took place in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, including the events of the Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots of 1946.

Anupam Kher is playing the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the film. (ANI)

On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, President Droupadi Murmu greeted several teachers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi, on Friday.

Speaking on the ocassion she said, “I extend my congratulations to all the award winners of today. I feel proud to see the progress and success being reflected in education and schools. Village schools and teachers today are moving ahead of urban teachers. As a teacher, the time I spent with children was one of the best phases of my life.”

“Teachers play the most crucial role in giving wings to children’s dreams. A good teacher possesses both sensitivity and intellect. It is the smart teachers who, with sensitivity, are able to deliver meaningful education to society. We must promote the education of daughters. In modern India, Savitribai Phule made a significant contribution in advancing education, and I pay her my respect and regard. In this education policy, Kasturba Gandhi residential schools are playing a key role. The more you support the education of daughters, the greater will be the nation’s progress, ” she added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes to the people on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.

He said that the dedication of teachers to nurturing minds is the foundation of a stronger and brighter future.

“Wishing everyone, particularly all hardworking teachers, a very happy Teachers’ Day! The dedication of teachers to nurturing minds is the foundation of a stronger and brighter future,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“Their commitment and compassion are noteworthy. We also remember the life and thoughts of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a distinguished scholar and teacher, on his birth anniversary,” he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended wishes on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, remembering former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

While addressing a gathering in Gorakhpur, CM Yogi said that the life of Radhakrishnan was dedicated to education.

“Today is a very important day. Today is also the birthday of former President of India, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The whole of India celebrates this day as Teachers’ Day. His entire life was dedicated to education…Today is also a day to honour teachers and gurus,” CM Yogi said.

Every year, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5 September. It’s a day dedicated to teachers and the role they play in shaping their students’ lives.

The day commemorates the birth anniversary of scholar and Bharat Ratna recipient Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888. He was the first Vice President of independent India (1952-1962). He was also the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. (ANI)

Following incessant heavy rainfall over the past few days, the River Yamuna overflowed and entered Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Civil Lines. Several parts of the city are facing a flood-like situation.

Delhi’s Nigam Bodh Ghat area still faces acute waterlogging following a rise in the water level of the River Yamuna. Machines have been installed to pump out the water that entered the area.

Meanwhile, areas in Delhi continue to struggle with waterlogging and signs of possible flooding. Monastery Market in Delhi’s Civil Lines area continues to remain flooded due to the overflowing Yamuna River entering parts of the city.

This morning, drone visuals from Loha Pul showed the Yamuna River flowing above the danger level following incessant rainfall.

Delhi’s Monastery Market, Yamuna Bazaar, Vasudev Ghat and nearby residential areas were inundated amid a rise in the water levels of the Yamuna River.

Machines were installed in the areas around Vasudev Ghat to pump out the floodwater.

Anticipating the possible flood situation, people residing in the low-lying areas were shifted to safer locations as a preventive measure.

People were shifted to relief camps set up near Mayur Vihar Phase-1 as the Yamuna River continued to swell.

Drone visuals shot at 7 a.m. today from Signature Bridge also showed the expanded Yamuna River, which is flowing above the danger level mark.

Parts of the Kalindi Kunj area, located near the banks of the River Yamuna, were also flooded. Visuals from Kalindi Kunj showed flooded areas around the Yamuna, as the swollen river entered the residential areas.

The Yamuna River is continuously flowing above the danger level mark of 205.33m following incessant rainfall.

The warning mark of the Yamuna for the city is 204.5 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres. Evacuation of people starts at 206 metres.

Due to heavy rain, the Yamuna water level had recorded an all-time high of 208.66 metres on Wednesday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast for Delhi, a “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” was predicted for today (September 5).

IMD has also predicted a “thunderstorm with rain” for September 6, followed by a “generally cloudy sky” on September 7 and 8. (ANI)

The monsoon fury in Himachal Pradesh has left a trail of destruction, claiming 355 lives so far this season, including 194 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, drowning, lightning strikes, and other weather-triggered causes, and 161 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA’s cumulative report from June 20 to September 4 indicated that torrential rains injured 416 people and left 49 missing. The scale of devastation spans across all 12 districts, with Mandi (58 deaths), Kangra (50), Chamba (43), Shimla (38), and Kullu (31) among the worst-hit.

Rain-related fatalities included 35 in landslides, 33 due to drowning, 17 in cloudbursts, 15 in falls from steep slopes or trees, and several others from electrocution, snake bites, fires, and avalanches.

In addition to weather disasters, monsoon-season road accidents claimed 22 lives each in Chamba and Mandi, 19 in Kangra, 18 each in Shimla and Solan, 14 in Kinnaur, and 13 in Kullu.

The cumulative loss to public property is pegged at over Rs 3,787 crores with major damage to Public Works Department (PWD) infrastructure, Jal Shakti water supply systems, and power distribution networks.

Private property losses included 415 fully damaged houses, 597 partially damaged houses, and 1,212 cowsheds and huts destroyed. A total of 28 shops, factories, and commercial structures have been damaged, along with widespread destruction to animal shelters and rural infrastructure.

The SDMA has urged district administrations to continue prioritising rescue and relief measures, with a focus on restoring connectivity, power, and drinking water supply.

The public has been advised to remain alert, avoid travel to high-risk areas, and pay attention to weather advisories. (ANI)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced that the foremost priority of the government is to ensure that the benefits of the GST tax reforms reach all the common people of the country.

In an interview with India Today TV and Aaaj Tak, the minister mentioned that the government has a lot of work after September 22 and expressed confidence that the benefits of the GST reforms will reach the common people.

“Our main focus will be on ensuring that rate cuts are passed on to the janta. We have a lot of work post-22nd September. It is a big vigilance exercise and we are confident the benefits will reach the common man,” Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman emphasised that the new GST reforms are designed to keep the basic necessities and aspirations of the middle class and the common man of the country. She stressed that 90 per cent of the items fall under the five per cent or below tax slab, whereas only one per cent of the items touch the 40 per cent tax rate.

“Common man and middle class, their basic necessities and aspirations are the main focus for GST reforms. Ninety-nine percent of items are now either in the 5% category or below. Only one percent has gone to the 40% bracket,” Sitharaman said.

The Union Finance Minister noted that the industry representatives, including public sector companies and insurers, have assured the government of full support in implementing the GST reforms.

“If any company says otherwise, we will talk to them. Consumption will increase, and so will incomes,” she said.

Taking a dig at the Congress and opposition parties, Sitharaman mentioned that they are trying to take credit for the GST 2.0 reforms, which they had once termed the “Gabbar Singh Tax”.

“Those who once mocked the Goods and Services Tax as a ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ are now trying to take credit for the government’s GST 2.0 reforms,” Sitharaman said.

The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates.

5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits.

While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts.

Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters.

Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI)

Parts of the NCR (National Capital Region) remain flooded as the Yamuna’s rising water levels, following heavy rainfall, submerge roads, farms, and low-lying areas in Noida and Delhi.

The Yamuna River at Signature Bridge flowed above the danger level at 7 am on Friday after incessant rainfall. The warning mark for the Yamuna in Delhi is 204.5 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres. Evacuations are carried out once the level reaches 206 metres.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the forecast in Noida for today and tomorrow says “Partly cloudy sky”. It futher depicts “Partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers” for September 7, “Partly cloudy sky” for September 8-9, and “Partly cloudy sky with possibility of rain or Thunderstorm” for September 10.

As a preventive measure, people residing in the low-lying areas have been shifted to relief camps set up near Mayur Vihar Phase-1.

Pumps have also been installed around Vasudev Ghat to drain floodwater.

Monastery Market in Civil Lines continues to remain waterlogged as the Yamuna overflows and enters parts of the city.

Meanwhile, Yamuna’s water level at Old Railway Bridge was recorded at 207.47 metres at 10 am on Thursday. The level has remained steady for the past two hours, with the same reading recorded at 8 and 9 a.m. yesterday. The river is continuously flowing above the danger level mark of 205.33 m following incessant rainfall.

Earlier in the day, the water level stood at 207.48 metres between 6 and 7 am. Despite a slight decline, the Yamuna continues to flow above the danger level.

Severe waterlogging has been reported in several areas as water entered parts of the national capital. Visuals showed waterlogged roads in Monastery Market and Civil Lines, where vehicles were submerged and buildings flooded on Bela Road.

Authorities have shifted people from low-lying areas near the Yamuna to safer locations as a precaution against a possible flood emergency. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Vikramjit Singh Sahney has committed Rs 5 crore towards Punjab flood relief, drawing from both his MPLAD funds and personal philanthropy, a press release said.

Sahney announced that he is extending financial support to the State Disaster Relief Force for the procurement of advanced boats for flood rescue operations and modern machinery for river desilting. He further committed funds for the creation of robust flood protection bandhs and embankments to safeguard vulnerable areas from future calamities.

Sahney also said that his NGO, Sun Foundation, is actively engaged in ground-level relief operations. With an expenditure of over Rs 1 crore so far, Sun Foundation has provided motorboats and ambulances while also distributing dry rations, medical kits, hygiene supplies, and Fodder for livestock to families severely affected by the floods, the press release said.

MP Sahney stated that he will be providing Agri Inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, etc. to the marginal farmers for sowing of wheat.

He also demanded a Rs 10,000 crore flood relief package from the Centre. He proposed that each farmer be compensated Rs 50,000 per acre for crop loss, and that daily wage earners and livestock owners also receive adequate compensation. In addition to these funds, funds are required for infrastructure development as well, which has been damaged, the release said.

Sharing an X post, he wrote, “I have committed Rs 5 Cr for flood relief & farmer support in Punjab — from my MPLAD & Own funds Support to SDRF for Motorboats & desilting machinery. Bandhs/embankments for protection. Relief via Sun Foundation (boats, ambulances, rations, medical kits, Fodder). Agri inputs (fertilisers, seeds, pesticides) for marginal farmers. I urge the Centre to announce a Rs 10,000 Cr package — with Rs 50,000/acre for crop loss compensation.”

The AAP MP also visited the flood-hit areas in Punjab on September 3. (ANI)

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has assured that the benefits of the reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates will be fully passed on to the common man, with industries across all sectors committing to implement the reforms in letter and spirit.

In an interview with ANI, Goyal said that industries of different levels, both big and small, had given their assurance to transfer the benefit to consumers.

“We have received assurance from all sectors of industry, different levels, big and small, have committed that we will pass on the entire benefit to the common man. We are very confident that they will meet our expectations,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that the Modi government trusted its stakeholders just as people of India trusted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“So I think they will certainly pass it on, and we have sought a commitment from everybody, which we have received. Obviously, there are also mechanisms in place to monitor it, and the Consumer Affairs Department and Finance will certainly be involved in this process,” he added.

Goyal expressed confidence that industry would not let the government down, as lower duties and lower rates would mean a pick-up in demand, greater business, and the benefit of economies of scale.

Responding to concerns about possible revenue shortfall due to the reduction in GST slabs, Goyal dismissed apprehensions.

“I don’t think anyone needs to have any apprehensions. In a collection of over Rs 22 lakh crores in a year, it’s a very small amount. Attractive pricing and lower costs normally automatically help in increasing demand, and therefore, I personally think that the tax collection will actually go up. It may be a few months here or there, but it’ll go up very significantly,” he explained.

On questions regarding GST continuing as a three-slab system, the minister strongly defended the structure.

“I think the naysayers or the people who raise this question are very uninformed about the needs of Indian society. We have a large section of people who need to receive goods at a very low price. So we have kept the 5 per cent GST rate, and all the goods of the common man are at 5 per cent. Then there is a set of goods that can afford to have an 18 per cent rate. There aren’t too many now. Those help to subsidise the poor people’s goods. And the ones at 40 per cent are those that I’m certain you or anybody else will not want to make cheaper,” he said.

Highlighting relief measures in healthcare, Goyal pointed out that many life-saving drugs had been brought down to zero duty, several medical devices had seen duty reductions, and many medicines were now at lower rates.

“Health insurance has come down to zero per cent on insurance policies, and life insurance policies are at zero per cent from 18 per cent. So there are a lot of good moves in this,” he said. (ANI)