Month: September 2025

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Thursday (local time) lambasted US President Donald Trump for pushing Prime Minister Narendra Modi closer to Russia and China in the backdrop of 50% tariffs imposed on India, ruining decades of hard work by the previous US administration.

In a post on X, Bolton stated, “The White House has set US-India relations back decades, pushing Modi closer to Russia and China. Beijing has cast itself as an alternative to the US and Donald Trump.”

He slammed Trump’s tariff policy, asserting that it has “shredded” decades of Western efforts to align India away from its Cold War ties with the then Soviet Union (Russia) and address the growing threat from China.

In a series of posts on X on Monday (local time), Bolton accused Trump of jeopardising strategic gains with his economic approach, while also suggesting that the policy has handed Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to reshape the geopolitical landscape in the East.

“The West has spent decades trying to wean India away from its Cold War attachment to the Soviet Union/ Russia, and cautioning India on the threat posed by China. Donald Trump has shredded decades of efforts with his disastrous tariff policy,” Bolton stated in one of his posts.

“Donald Trump’s unwillingness to consider diplomatic moves in a larger strategic context has given Xi Jinping an opportunity to reset the East,” another post read.

John Bolton is a former American government official who served as national security adviser (2018-19) to Donald Trump in his first stint as US President. He later resigned from his position over differences with Trump on the administration’s foreign policy at that time.

His remarks come at a time when New Delhi is facing global uncertainties due to heightened economic tensions following the US imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, which was supplemented by an additional 25 per cent due to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian crude oil.

The comments also followed the conclusion of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council summit in Tianjin, China, during which Prime Minister Modi held bilateral engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

PM Modi and Xi Jinping, during their bilateral meeting, recognised the role of India and China’s economies in stabilising global trade, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement on Sunday.

Meanwhile, during his engagement with Putin, PM Modi emphasised the strong relationship between India and Russia, stating that both nations have always stood shoulder to shoulder, even in the most challenging situations.

The Prime Minister affirmed that cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow is vital for global peace, stability and prosperity.

Putin also noted that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the India-Russia ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers on Thursday led protests in Bihar’s Gaya and Danapur as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) observes a five-hour Bihar Bandh over the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Bihar.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Bihar state president, Dilip Jaiswal, said the five-hour bandh will be observed from 7 am to 12 noon. However, essential services, including emergency facilities and rail operations, will remain unaffected during the shutdown. Also, the BJP Mahila Morcha will be leading the protest.

The state-wide bandh is in protest against objectionable comments made by Congress workers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother last week in Darbhanga during the Voter Adhikar Yatra.

Following the announcement, Janata Dal (United) leader Umesh Kushwaha said, “During the opposition’s rally in Darbhanga, abusive words were used against Prime Minister Modi and his mother. This is wrong, both morally and politically.”

“Using such language is highly inappropriate, and so far, the Mahagathbandhan leaders have not apologised. This shows how arrogant they are. They have insulted our mothers and sisters, and now we will retaliate. Therefore, the NDA has called for a Bihar bandh, and the women’s wing will hold protests across Bihar,” he said.

Earlier RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in a post on X said that a Mother is a Mother but took a jibe at the Prime Minister alleging that he had used similar words for others.

“A mother is a mother. The word “mother” brings so much peace the moment it comes to the tongue. Even for the speechless, a mother exists. No one should ever use abusive words against anyone’s mother, sister, or daughter. Every human being, living creature, animal, and bird in this world is born of a mother. If Prime Minister Modi campaigns for and appeals to elect Prajwal Revanna, who rapes women and girls, then that is Modi’s masterstroke. If Modi calls someone’s mother a 50-crore girlfriend, then wow Modi ji, wow! If Modi refers to the wife of a brave former Prime Minister who sacrificed for the country and the mother of the Leader of the Opposition as a widow and a Jersey cow, then shameless people will say that Modi gave a brilliant speech,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condemned the abusive remarks directed at his late mother, saying they were an insult to all mothers, sisters, and daughters in India. “Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused from the stage of RJD-Congress in Bihar… These abuses are not just an insult to my mother. These are insults to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country,” he said.

He added that his mother had separated him from her so he could serve the country’s women. “My mother, who has nothing to do with politics, who is no more, was abused from the stage of the RJD, Congress. Sisters and mothers, I can see your faces; I can only imagine the pain you must have felt. I can see tears in the eyes of some mothers. This is very sad, painful,” PM Modi said. (ANI)

The rally returned to Indian equity markets on Thursday as the government’s move to rationalize Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates boosted investor sentiment.

The positive momentum raised hopes for a strong pre-Diwali rally, with major indices opening sharply higher.

The Nifty 50 index opened at 24,980.75, gaining 265.70 points or 1.08 per cent, marking a strong surge in the benchmark. The BSE Sensex also jumped 882 points to open at 81,450.55, registering a gain of more than 1 per cent.

Experts said the present conditions are favourable for a bull run, and any further reduction in tariffs could help markets scale new all-time highs soon.

Banking and market expert Ajay Bagga told ANI that Indian markets are well positioned for a pre-Diwali rally.

“We may take out the September 2024 all-time highs on the back of these positive triggers. The strong macro support of a multi-quarter high GDP, strong PMI readings, income tax cuts, government expenditure, rural demand backed by a robust monsoon, and underperforming markets with low expectations–all meet at the same time. On top of all of this, the GST cut will boost consumption, formalisation and unleash festive cheer. If Trump drops the punitive 25 per cent tariffs in addition, we may be setting up for a very remarkable Santa Claus rally for the Indian markets,” Bagga said.

On Wednesday, India’s Composite PMI rose to a 17-year high of 63.2 in August, reflecting strong output growth across both manufacturing and services sectors.

Broader market indices on the NSE also reflected the positive mood. The Nifty 100 gained more than 1 per cent, the Nifty Midcap 100 surged by over 1.09 per cent, and the Nifty Smallcap index rallied more than 1 per cent.

Among sectoral indices, Nifty Auto stocks jumped more than 3 per cent as GST on cars below 1200 cc was reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.

The FMCG index climbed 2.66 per cent after GST was slashed to nil on several essential food items. Realty stocks also gained over 1 per cent, with all major sectors trading in the green.

Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra AMC, said the rationalisation of GST slabs and rates was a step in the right direction. “The Diwali gift of Rs 48,000 crore is fiscally manageable. Completing two days GST Council meeting in one day shows urgency. While leakages and fraud in GST must be dealt with firmly, process improvement should remain continuous. This step lowers inflation, increases growth, boosts consumer sentiment, does not disturb fiscal consolidation, improves ease of doing business, and partially offsets adverse effects of tariffs,” Shah said.

In other Asian markets, most indices were also trading higher. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.32 per cent, Singapore’s Straits Times was up 0.18 per cent, Taiwan’s Weighted index rose 0.70 per cent, and South Korea’s KOSPI advanced 0.37 per cent. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was down by more than 1 per cent at the time of filing this report. (ANI)

Delhi continues to grapple with waterlogging and signs of possible flooding. Today, early morning visuals from Loha Pul and nearby areas showed the expanded Yamuna River that continues to wreak havoc following heavy and continuous rainfall.

Severe waterlogging was witnessed as the water from the overflowing Yamuna River entered parts of the national capital. Visuals show the waterlogged roads of Delhi’s Monastery Market area.

Parts of the Kashmere Gate area were flooded as the water level of the River Yamuna rose.

In Delhi’s Civil Lines area, vehicles were submerged, and buildings were flooded on Bela Road as water from the overflowing Yamuna River entered the area.

The Yamuna River is flowing above the danger level following incessant rainfall.

Those living in low-lying areas near the Yamuna River were relocated to safer sites, anticipating the flood emergency.

Some of the relief camps set up near Mayur Vihar-Phase 1 were flooded as the Yamuna River continues to swell due to continuous rainfall.

Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi and the NCR, causing traffic congestion and waterlogging in low-lying areas, and leading to the Yamuna once again flowing above the danger mark.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast for Delhi, a “thunderstorm with rain” has been predicted for today (September 4), followed by “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” on September 5.

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

Amid rising water levels of the Yamuna due to continuous monsoon rains, shopkeepers in Delhi’s Monastery market removed their goods from their shops as a preventive measure against possible flooding.

A shopkeeper told ANI, ” I am emptying out my shop as the Administration has given us a warning (regarding rising water level in the river). The market will now remain shut for the next 4-5 days.”

On Tuesday, the old Yamuna Bridge, or the Loha Pul, was also closed for vehicular traffic as a flood warning had been issued in the Yamuna River.

Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the flood-affected areas near New Delhi’s Loha Pul on Tuesday after traffic and public movement around the bridge were halted due to the Yamuna river rising above the danger mark of 205.33 meters. (ANI)

The sweeping changes have been made under the next-generation GST (Goods and Services Tax) rationalisation just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced it from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day.

This is aimed at reducing the tax burden on citizens while stimulating economic growth.

The GST Council, on Wednesday, after a threadbare discussion, approved significant rate cuts across multiple sectors, which the government has described as a Diwali gift for the nation. The announcements were made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

On the essential items front, items of daily household use will now cost less. Products such as hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soap bars, toothbrushes, and shaving cream, which earlier attracted 18 per cent GST, will now fall under the 5 per cent bracket.

Similarly, butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujiya, and mixtures have all seen their GST rate reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

Utensils, feeding bottles, baby napkins, and clinical diapers have also become cheaper with the rate cut to 5 per cent.

Sewing machines and their parts, previously taxed at 12 per cent, will now attract only 5 per cent GST.

Farmers and the agriculture sector stand to gain significantly from these reforms as tractor tyres and parts, earlier under 18 per cent GST, will now be taxed at just 5 per cent, while tractors themselves will also see their rate reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

The government has further slashed GST on specified bio-pesticides, micro-nutrients, drip irrigation systems, and sprinklers from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

As expected, the healthcare sector has received crucial relief as well, with individual health and life insurance policies being fully exempted from GST, from 18 per cent earlier.

The tax on thermometers has been reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, while medical-grade oxygen, diagnostic kits, reagents, glucometers, and test strips will also now fall under the 5 per cent category instead of 12 per cent.

Corrective spectacles see their GST reduced to 5 per cent.

Education-related items, too, will now be cheaper as maps, charts, globes, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, and pastels, which previously attracted a 12 per cent GST, will now be fully exempt.

Exercise books, notebooks, and erasers have also been moved to the nil tax slab, making basic educational tools more affordable for students and parents.

The automobile sector, one of the largest contributors to the Indian economy, will also benefit from the reforms. Petrol and petrol hybrid cars, along with LPG and CNG variants not exceeding 1200 cc and 4000 mm in length, will now be taxed at 18 per cent instead of 28 per cent.

Diesel and diesel hybrid cars of up to 1500 cc and 4000 mm will see the same reduction.

Three-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 350 cc, and motor vehicles used for goods transport will also see their GST rates reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.

Electronic appliances, which had long remained in the highest tax slab, have now been brought down to a more reasonable level. Air conditioners, televisions above 32 inches, including LED and LCD models, monitors, projectors, and dishwashing machines will all now attract 18 per cent GST instead of the earlier 28 per cent.

Alongside these rate reductions, the GST Council has also introduced important process reforms. Applicants will now receive automatic registration within three working days, based on system-driven data analysis. (ANI)

President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that the United States has not yet rolled out “Phase-2” and “Phase-3” tariffs against countries continuing trade ties with Russia. He called secondary sanctions on India a direct action against Russia, as “that cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia”.

He said this when being asked about why he has taken no action against Russia after he assumed the Oval Office in January this year.

He also called India the largest buyer of Russian oil after China, indicating that New Delhi could face further penalties if it continues energy imports from Moscow.

While the US has temporarily suspended additional tariffs on China until November, India has been hit with steep levies. A 25 per cent tariff was imposed earlier this month, and an additional 25 per cent secondary sanction took effect on August 27, bringing the total to 50 per cent on Indian goods.

Trump further mentioned that these steps amounted to direct action against Russia, as they target its oil exports through major buyers.

“Would you say that putting secondary sanctions on India, the largest purchaser outside China, they are almost equal. Would you say there was no action? That cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia, you call that no action? I haven’t done Phase-2 yet or Phase-3,” Trump told reporters during a joint press conference with the Polish President at the White House.

The US president recalled his earlier warning that India would face “big problems” if it continued Russian oil purchases. “Two weeks ago, I said if India buys, India has got big problems, and that’s what happens,” Trump added.

Earlier, in a separate interview, Trump claimed that New Delhi has offered him a “no tariff” deal following Washington’s decision to raise duties on Indian goods. Speaking on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, he said, “India was the most highly tariffed nation in the world, and you know what, they’ve offered me no tariffs in India anymore. If I didn’t have tariffs, they would never make that offer.”

Trump also repeated his belief that tariffs were essential in rebalancing trade. “China kills us with tariffs, India kills us with tariffs, Brazil kills us with tariffs. I’ve understood tariffs better than any human beings in the world,” he said.

On Monday, Trump described the bilateral trade relationship as a “one-sided disaster,” claiming that India had benefitted disproportionately over the decades. He argued that while India sells a “tremendous amount of goods” to the US, American companies have struggled to enter the Indian market due to high duties.

“They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. Until now, it was a totally one-sided relationship for many decades,” he said. (ANI)

Actor Deepika Padukone has made history by becoming the first Indian jury member for the Louis Vuitton Prize 2025. And once again, her husband Ranveer Singh, who never misses a chance to hype her up, showed why he’s her biggest cheerleader.

Deepika shared a series of pictures from the global event on her social media. The actress looked stunning in a striking Louis Vuitton outfit that included a silk shirt with bold yellow and brown prints, paired with a golden mini skirt featuring floor-length fringe details. She completed her look with golden stud earrings, sleek high heels, and a black handbag. With her hair tied up in a bun and her makeup kept elegant, the actress gave off perfect Parisian vibes.

Along with the pictures, she added a caption that read, “Congratulations to all the winners! I cannot wait for the world to witness your magic!”

Ranveer, who never misses a chance to cheer her on, left an adorable yet playful comment on her post. He wrote, “Hot Mama.”

Fans quickly noticed his comment, praising the actor for always standing by Deepika and celebrating her achievements.

On the work front, Deepika will next appear in director Atlee’s sci-fi film with actor Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA22 x A6, produced by Sun Pictures. (ANI)

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Wednesday said that 343 people have died in rain-related incidents since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, continuing through September 3, 2025.

Out of the total casualties, 183 deaths were directly linked to rain-related disasters such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and accidents caused by falling trees or steep slopes. The remaining 160 fatalities occurred in road accidents, many triggered by slippery roads, falling debris, and low visibility during heavy rains.

According to SDMA’s cumulative loss report, 24 people were killed in landslides, 9 in flash floods, 17 in cloudbursts, and 33 due to drowning incidents across different districts. Another 14 deaths were attributed to electrocution, while 40 people lost their lives in falls from trees or steep rock faces. Other causes, such as lightning, fire, and snake bites, accounted for the rest.

Mandi district recorded the highest monsoon-related toll with 29 deaths, followed by Kangra (31), Chamba (20), Shimla (19), and Kullu (17). Remote districts like Lahaul-Spiti (6) and Kinnaur (14) also reported multiple casualties, mostly due to landslides and flash floods.

In addition to the human loss, the report highlighted widespread damage to public and private property. Over 2,700 houses were damaged (409 fully, 566 partially pucca, and 1,128 partially kuccha houses), while infrastructure losses in roads, power, irrigation, and education sectors have crossed ₹3,69,041 lakh (₹3,690 crore approx.).

Livestock and agriculture also suffered extensively, with over 27,000 poultry birds and nearly 2,000 other animals perishing in the rains.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, as the monsoon remains active in parts of the hill state. Relief and restoration efforts are continuing, with ex-gratia payments being disbursed to affected families. (ANI)

TV actor Gauahar Khan has embraced motherhood for the second time, welcoming a baby boy with her husband, Zaid Darbar.

In a joint post, the couple announced their son’s arrival on Wednesday, further revealing that the baby was born on Monday, September 1.

“Zehaan is overjoyed to graciously share his kingdom with his new baby brother born on September 1, 2025. Seeking everyone’s continued love and blessings for our elated family. Grateful and giggling parents Zaid and Gauahar,” their note read.

The heartwarming announcement sparked a wave of joy among their fans and friends, who showered the couple with love and their child with blessings.

Dia Mirza shared heart emojis in the comments, while Sameera Reddy wrote, “Congratulations wishing so much joy and love to your family!”

Swara Bhasker added, “SO many congratulations Gau!”

Actor Karan V Grover commented, “Blessings all the way.”

Others to react were Soundarya Sharma, Sophie Choudry, Tannaz Irani, Neeti Mohan, and Sana Khan, among others.

Earlier in April, the couple announced that they were expecting their second child through a playful Instagram post.

They shared a video of a dance performance on Jessie J’s popular song, ‘Price Tag.’ Amid the couple’s cheerful moments, the reel closes with Gauahar’s cute baby bump revelation.

Since then, the ‘Begum Jaan’ star has been quite active on social media, documenting her pregnancy journey for her followers.

Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar got married in December 2020 after dating for a brief period. They welcomed their first child, son Zehaan, in May 2023.

On the work front, Gauahar Khan was last seen in the TV series, ‘Fauji 2,’ a reimagination of Shah Rukh Khan’s 1989 original show. (ANI)

Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani, along with Reliance Foundation Founder-Chairperson Nita Ambani paid a visit to the Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai on Wednesday evening to offer prayers at the famous Ganesh pandal.

The Ambanis arrived amid tight security, as thousands of devotees thronged the venue to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Their visit came just a day after Anant Ambani was also seen at Lalbaugcha Raja. Anant bowed before Lord Ganesha, touched Bappa’s feet, and prayed for blessings.

Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai’s most iconic Ganesh idols, has been a central part of the city’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations for decades. Hosted by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal at Putlabai Chawl, the pandal draws lakhs of devotees each year.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the God of new beginnings and remover of obstacles.

This year’s festivities will conclude on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with the Ganesh Visarjan ceremony, where idols will be immersed in water, marking the end of the grand celebration. (ANI)