Month: September 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Sunday at 5 pm.

This comes on the eve of Navaratri that begins on Monday and coincides with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.

Earlier this month, the GST Council brought the GST reforms that slashed the 12 and 28 per cent slabs. The decision was announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 3, after she chaired the GST council meeting.

Additionally, there is also a 40 per cent 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.

Earlier today, PM took to X to wish the nation on the occasion of Mahayala

“Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy and wonderful health,” PM Modi wrote.

Meanwhile, PM Modi will visit Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura tomorrow.

According to a press release by PMO, he will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore at Itanagar. He will also address a public function.

He will visit Tripura and perform Pooja and Darshan, and inaugurate the development work of ‘Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex’ at Matabari.

Promoting sustainable energy generation in the region, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of two major hydropower projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore in Itanagar.

The Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW) will be developed in the Siyom sub-basin of Arunachal Pradesh, the press release stated.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art Convention Centre at Tawang. Located at over 9,820 feet in the frontier district of Tawang, the centre will serve as a landmark facility to host national and international conferences, cultural festivals, and exhibitions.

Prime Minister will also launch multiple key infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,290 crore, catering to various sectors including connectivity, health, fire safety, working women hostels, among others, the press release said. (ANI)

Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwara has said that the data from the caste survey to be conducted in the state from September 22 to October 7 will not be used for any reservation, but can be used for governmental programmes for those in need.

“It is not the question of any particular caste. It is only to enumerate the numbers of each particular caste. This is not going to be used for any reservations,” Parmeshwara told ANI.

“It is to see whether educationally or in terms of progress, how far these communities have come after Independence. So after this, I think the data can be used for governmental programmes or to make any special programmes for those who have been deprived. This is the basic idea of this enumeration of the data,” he added.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to conduct a caste survey in the state, describing it as an essential step to ensure equal opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

Speaking to reporters in Gadag, CM Siddaramaiah clarified that the exercise was not merely a caste count but a comprehensive assessment of the state’s social fabric.

“The survey proposed to be conducted in the state is not just a caste survey, but an economic, social and educational survey. This survey is being conducted to provide equal opportunities to the disadvantaged by obtaining details of the caste of the people, as well as their economic, social and educational conditions,” Siddaramaiah said.

Rejecting criticisms and conspiracy theories surrounding the survey, the Chief Minister said, “The Central government will also conduct a caste survey, and will there be a conspiracy in that too? No minister has expressed opposition to the survey. To bring equality in society, the poor should be given priority in government schemes.”

Responding to the BJP’s request to the Governor to instruct him to reconsider the survey decision, he said, “The BJP is doing politics in the survey issue. There is no question of dividing caste in the survey issue.”

On the inclusion of the Kuruba community in the Schedule Tribe category, he said that the previous BJP government had made the recommendation to include the Kuruba community in ST. But the Central government has returned this proposal, and the government will give an explanation for it. The decision to include any community in ST will be made by the Central government. (ANI)

The US Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern over the Trump Administration’s H-1B Executive Order, warning of its impact on employees, their families and employers.

“We’re concerned about the impact on employees, their families, and employers. We’re working with the Administration and our members to understand the full implications and the best path forward,” the Chamber said in a statement on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) signed an Executive Order raising the fee for companies sponsoring H-1B applicants to USD 100,000.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the fee will only apply to new applications filed after September 21, and not to petitions already submitted.

“This proclamation only applies prospectively to petitions that have not yet been filed. The proclamation does not apply to aliens who: are the beneficiaries of petitions that were filed prior to the effective date of the proclamation, are the beneficiaries of currently approved petitions, or are in possession of validly issued H-1B non-immigrant visas,” USCIS Director Joseph B Edlow said in a memorandum on Saturday.

House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the same, adding that the fee is a one-time charge, not an annual levy.

“To be clear: This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders,” Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X.

She also informed that the fee will not be charged on H-1B visa holders who are currently outside of the country.

“Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter. H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would; whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted by yesterday’s proclamation,” she said.

She further said that the fee hike on H-1B visas will be applied in the upcoming lottery cycle.

With 71-72 per cent of H-1B visas going to Indians, the move has sparked concerns about its effects on Indian tech professionals and remittances.

The Indian government has advised all its Missions/ Posts to extend all possible help to Indian nationals who are travelling back to the US in the next 24 hours or so.

The government said on Saturday that the full implications of the US decision to impose a USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications are being studied by all concerned, including the Indian industry, and that the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families.

In a statement regarding restrictions to the US H1B visa programme, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said the industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward.

“The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program,” the statement said. (ANI)

Actor and model Shehnaaz Gill treated her fans with the boss lady looks in her latest Instagram post. Dressed in a razor sharp fitting black corporate blazer and pants, the Punjabi actor slayed the internet with her power dressing.

“Elegance is the real attitude,” read the caption with the latest post.

The post was instantly liked by over three lakh followers who felt smitten with the “Queen of hearts Naazo”. It seems the dressing was part of her appearnce at the Global India Couture Week on Friday.

Gill was last seen in the music video Sajna Ve Sajna, sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Divya Kumar. In the video, she presented her glamorous avatar with scintilating dance moves.

Shehnaaz Gill rose to fame with her stint on the reality series Bigg Boss 13. In the current season, which is 19 years into running, she also introduced her brother into the reality show, with blessings from Salman Khan.

Gill made her Bollywood debut in Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023).

Amul on Saturday announced a revised price list of over 700 products offering the full benefit of GST reduction to its customers, effective September 22, the date the revised GST rates come into effect.

This revision is across the range of product categories including butter, ghee, UHT milk, ice-cream, cheese, paneer, chocolates, bakery range, frozen dairy and potato snacks, condensed milk, peanut spread and malt-based drink.

After the revision, butter (100 gram) will cost Rs 58 instead of Rs 62. Maximum Retail Price (MRP) Amul Taaza Toned Milk 1L TP will be Rs 75, Rs 2 less. Amul Gold Standardised Milk 1L TP has been reduced to Rs 80.

In the ice cream segment, Tub Vanilla Magic 1L will be priced at Rs 180, less by Rs 15.

Amul processed cheese block 1 kg will be priced at Rs 545 which was previously priced Rs 575. The new price of Amul Peanut spread 900 gram will be Rs 300, instead of Rs 325.

“As a cooperative owned by 36 lakh farmers, Amul believes the reduction in prices will spur consumption of a wide range of dairy product,s particularly Ice cream, cheese and butter as the per capita consumption remains very low in India, creating a large growth opportunity,” Amul said in a statement.

The dairy co-operative further added that the reduction in GST will help to increase Amul’s share of the consumers’ revenue to the producer in a much larger way, so it benefits both producers and consumers.

“Through this initiative, Amul continues to strengthen its legacy of serving consumers while sustaining the growth and welfare of farmers, ensuring that quality, affordability, and trust remain at the forefront of its operations,” the statement added.

Amul has already taken the initiative to communicate the changes in prices to its trade partners including distributors, Amul Parlours and retailers across India, the statement added. (ANI)

Security tightened in Udhampur district, especially along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, after an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Seoj Dhar area, officials said on Saturday.

The Seoj Dhar region, located on the Doda-Udhampur border, was the site of an encounter between security forces and terrorists that had been underway from yesterday evening. A day earlier, an encounter broke out in the Seoj Dhar area, located on the boundary between Bhaderwah and Udhampur districts in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to officials, the encounter broke out around 8 p.m. when alert troops of the White Knight Corps established contact with a group of terrorists in the region.

In a post on X, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Jammu, Anand Jain, said, “On actionable intelligence, contact established with terrorists at Seoj Dhar. Encounter in progress. Joint teams of SOG-JKP and the Indian Army on the ground.”

Police confirmed that terrorists were spotted in the Seoj Dhar area, following which the Special Operations Group joined the Army to flush them out.

The Army spokesperson said an exchange of fire took place with the hiding terrorists, leaving one soldier injured.

Meanwhile, additional reinforcements have been rushed to the spot, while choppers and drones have been deployed to maintain aerial surveillance.

Intelligence inputs suggest that two to three Pakistani terrorists may be trapped in the area. The operations are still underway, said officials.

Further details are awaited.

Earlier on September 9, Security forces concluded ‘Operation Gudder’ in Kulgam with the elimination of two hardcore Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists.

The slain militants have been identified as Rahman, a Pakistani national, and Amir Ahmed Dar, a resident of Daramdora, Shopian.

According to officials, security forces also recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and other warlike stores from the encounter site.

“The Operation culminated with the neutralisation of two hardcore LeT terrorists identified as Rahman, a Pakistani national and Amir Ahmed Dar, r/o Daramdora, Shopian, alongwith the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other warlike stores,” said the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army in a post on X. (ANI)

Actor Mohanlal has expressed deep honour and pride on being selected for Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country’s highest cinematic honour.

Taking to his X, Mohanlal extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that his words and blessings filled me with encouragement and joy.

“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for your kind words and blessings, they fill me with encouragement and joy. I remain ever indebted to the art of cinema and to all those whose inspiration and support illuminate my journey,” Mohanlal said in a post on X.

Prior to this, PM Modi penned a heartfelt note for the veteran actor, celebrating his “excellence and versatility.”

“With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema, theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala. He has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. His cinematic and theatrical brilliance across mediums is truly inspiring. Congratulations to him on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. May his accomplishments continue to inspire generations to come,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Meanwhile, congratulatory messages and tributes have been pouring in from across the country, with his fans also celebrating the milestone.

In a career spanning over four decades, Mohanlal worked in a number of films across various genres. Known for primarily working in Malayalam films, Mohanlal has also featured in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films.

He also received numerous accolades, including National Awards and the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. In another feather to his cap, Mohanlal will be presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, set to be held on September 23, 2025. (ANI)

Climate change experts and civil society members have called for the urgent restoration and clearing of Karachi’s natural waterways, warning that continued negligence could lead to more frequent and severe urban flooding, Dawn reported.

The concerns were raised during a session titled “Obstacles to Karachi’s Natural Waterways and Potential Threats” held at the Karachi Press Club. Speakers noted that housing societies such as Saadi Town and Saadi Garden, along with projects near the Malir Expressway, also known as Shahrah-i-Bhutto, were built on natural waterways and posed serious environmental risks.

According to Dawn, participants pointed out that hill torrents from the Kirthar range often swell the Lyari and Malir rivers, making it critical to remove blockages and encroachments to ensure smooth water flow.

Urban planner Muhammad Toheed said climate change was now an undeniable reality and stressed that while other countries had upgraded their drainage and infrastructure, Karachi remained far behind.

“Environmental and climate-related issues are nowhere on our list of priorities,” he said. “Despite Pakistan being among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, the issue is still not treated with the urgency it deserves.”

Toheed criticised the absence of proper planning and coordination among civic bodies, adding that contractors often build roads without engineering oversight. “This results in poorly designed surfaces that cause water accumulation and the formation of low-lying flood-prone areas,” he noted, as reported by Dawn.

He also condemned the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation for discharging sewage into stormwater drains. “This is a disaster. Now we can’t even tell the difference between a sewerage line and a storm water drain,” he said. “The city’s sewerage system has collapsed, with sewage stagnating in several areas even in the absence of rainfall.”

Agriculturist Azeem Dehqan reminded residents of Karachi’s history and said Malir and its surrounding areas were once fertile lands producing crops, fruits and vegetables. He said this agricultural productivity had collapsed due to poor urban planning and unchecked housing projects.

Similarly, author Ramzan Baloch recalled that Malir was once known for clean drinking water and high-quality crops. “Over the years, the area has suffered severe degradation of its natural resources,” he said, lamenting the lack of public interest in environmental issues.

Social activist Bashir Baloch underlined that large volumes of rainwater from the Kirthar range flowed into the Lyari and Malir rivers and stressed the need to clear obstructions to prevent future disasters. Referring to a past incident, he said, “The British had once constructed a railway bridge over the Malir River, which was later washed away by heavy rains due to the large volume of water flowing through the river. Something similar had happened during the current rains.”

He also criticised the Karachi mayor, saying he “lacked a proper understanding of the city’s geography and its natural water channels, as evident from his recent media briefings.”

Climate activist Yasir Darya warned that climate change had made weather patterns increasingly unpredictable. “Even weather experts are now struggling to accurately forecast conditions beyond a few days. In such a situation, better urban planning is urgently needed in Karachi to prepare for and adapt to these changes,” he said.

A resolution passed during the session demanded the restoration of Karachi’s natural waterways and sewerage system, the protection of agricultural land, sewage treatment for farming use, and safeguards for villages within city limits. Lawyers Abeera Ashfaque, Kazim Mahesar and others also addressed the gathering, Dawn reported. (ANI)

More than 1,800 flights were delayed and hundreds were canceled at the two Dallas-area airports on Friday, after a telecom outage prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue ground stops.

The FAA said it was slowing traffic due to a reported local telephone company equipment issue that does not involve FAA equipment. “The FAA is working with the telephone company to determine the cause,” the agency said.

The FAA said it had halted departures to Dallas-Fort Worth until 11 pm ET and to Dallas Love Field until at least 8:45 pm. FlightAware said airlines have cancelled 20 per cent of their flights at Dallas.

American Airlines cancelled more than 200 flights and delayed more than 500, nearly all tied to the Dallas telecom outage — impacting a quarter of its schedule. Southwest Airlines had delayed more than 1,100 flights, or 27 percent of its schedule, according to FlightAware, which tracks flights. (ANI/WAM)

Addressing a press conference, Akhilesh Yadav questioned the central government’s preparation to deal with the US’ move as it is likely to affect the IT and technology sector.

He said, “Investment was raised in Uttar Pradesh; Infosys, Samsung and other companies came (to UP). It is not the first time America has behaved in such a manner. Our foreign policy is weak. What is the preparation if other nations do the same?”

Further, he claimed that India is dependent on other nations for goods, including oil, and alleged several mistakes in handling the economy.

“After the WTO, other mistakes are being made due to which we are not looking economically strengthened. We are dependent on other countries for everything, including oil. The list is long. We are still doing business with a country that has taken away our land many times,” he said.

Akhilesh’s criticism comes after the US president on Friday (local time) issued a new presidential proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” that introduces a major overhaul to the H-1B visa programme, imposing a steep USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, raising fresh questions about whether this is a much-needed correction or a potentially crippling blow to America’s tech talent pipeline.

The move is likely to affect the Indians looking for jobs in the technology and IT sectors in the US, and has led to strong criticism from the Opposition.

Earlier, Congress leader Pawan Khera criticised PM Modi’s silence on the issue and claimed that US President Donald Trump insults India every day.

The Congress leader also claimed that if the Prime Minister had announced on the floor that Trump is a liar, the whole country would have supported him.

“Trump is insulting us every day. But the PM is silent. Rahul Gandhi gave him an opportunity to say on the Floor of the House that Trump is a liar. Had he said that, the country would have stood with him. Today, the entire country is questioning the PM.” Khera told ANI.

He stated that Rahul Gandhi warned PM Modi in 2017 about a potential H-1B-like order, but PM Modi did nothing.

“This is not a new development. On 5th July 2017, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted and alerted PM Modi that this was going to happen and do something. But he was a weak PM back then and even today. You have the result today…Crores of youth of this country are going to face a loss,” said Khera.

Meanwhile, the revised visa fee is set to take effect on September 21. The proclamation represents one of the Trump administration’s most aggressive efforts yet to overhaul the H-1B visa programme. (ANI)