GST Reforms Will Pump ₹2 Lakh Crore Into The Economy, Boosting Demand Across Sectors: Union Finance Minister Sitharaman

Kolkata: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced that the latest round of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will inject around Rs 2 lakh crore into the economy, significantly boosting demand across various sectors.

Sitharaman described the “new generation GST reforms” as measures designed to cut tax rates, ease compliance, and eliminate ambiguities. These changes are expected to benefit the poor, middle class, farmers, MSMEs, and several industries in West Bengal.

“The (GST) Council’s decision to reduce rates was possible only because states came together in the spirit of cooperation. There is no donor-donee model in GST. If revenues fall, the Centre bears it equally, and after devolution, our share is even smaller,” she said during an event in Kolkata.

The reforms will directly benefit key sectors in Bengal such as handicrafts, garments, tea, jute, and agro-products, thereby aiding festive season sales, the Finance Minister added.

Products including ‘Nakshi Kantha’, Malda mangoes, Darjeeling tea, hosiery, and jute bags will see lower tax rates. The new GST slabs, mainly set at 5% and 18%, will take effect from September 22, coinciding with the first day of ‘Navratri’. Sitharaman explained that this timing was deliberately chosen to align with the Durga Puja festivities.

“Durga Puja is Bengal’s biggest festival. People make major purchases during this period. The timing ensures they benefit from the reduced tax burden,” she said.

Elaborating on the reform trajectory, Sitharaman noted that India has moved from four GST slabs to largely two but added, “We are not yet ready for a single rate. Maybe sometime in the future.”

She also highlighted efforts to curb past revenue leakages caused by misclassification and loopholes — citing examples such as differential tax treatment on various popcorn types — which have now been plugged.

Calling GST “one of India’s biggest reforms,” the Finance Minister expressed confidence that these changes would spur economic growth, especially benefiting Bengal’s small-scale and craft-based industries, while boosting consumption nationwide.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/gst-reforms-will-pump-2-lakh-crore-into-the-economy-boosting-demand-across-sectors-union-finance-minister-sitharaman

DUSU Elections 2025: Vote Counting Today Amid Tight Security In DU North Campus; Voter Turnout Recorded At 39.45%

**DUSU Election 2025: Vote Counting Begins Today**

The highly awaited vote counting for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Elections 2025 will commence today, September 19, at 8:00 AM. The counting will take place at the Multipurpose Hall, University Sports Stadium, North Campus.

Voting for the elections was conducted in two shifts on September 18. The morning shift ran from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM for day colleges, while the evening shift took place from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM for evening colleges.

### DUSU Election 2025: Voting Turnout

According to media reports, by 2:30 PM on polling day, voter turnout had already reached 35%, reflecting strong student participation. By the end of polling, over 1,55,000 students had cast their votes, leading to an overall turnout of 39.45% across 195 booths in 52 centers.

As of 5:45 PM, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 43 polling booths recorded 1,33,412 votes, out of which 52,635 votes had been counted.

### DUSU Election 2025: Key Candidates for President

The contest for the DUSU President post features prominent candidates including:

– Joslyn Nandita Choudhary from NSUI
– Aryan Maan from ABVP
– Anjali representing the SFI-AISA alliance

### Modernising Student Voting: A Dual Voting System

This year’s DUSU elections have embraced modernisation through a dual voting system. Central panel votes are being cast using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) while college-level voting continues with paper ballots. This approach balances technological advancement with traditional practices.

In addition to the voting system updates, the administration has implemented increased security measures, rigorous surveillance, and controlled campaigning. These efforts aim to ensure a transparent, secure, and malpractice-free electoral process.

### Restrictions on Celebratory Processions

The Delhi High Court has imposed restrictions on candidates and student groups, prohibiting victory processions after results are declared. The court has directed the Delhi Police, Delhi University administration, and the city government to take necessary steps to prevent any untoward incidents.

Furthermore, the University has strictly enforced the Lyngdoh Committee’s anti-defacement regulations for this election cycle. As a result, hostel and college walls remain free from graffiti and posters—a sight not seen in years.

Stay tuned for further updates on the DUSU Election 2025 results and post-election developments.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/dusu-elections-2025-vote-counting-today-amid-tight-security-in-du-north-campus-voter-turnout-recorded-at-3945

Alas Pilipinas loss not enough to shade rise of PH men’s volleyball

To reach the threshold of perhaps one of the biggest victories in Philippine sports, Alas Pilipinas needed grit, determination, and an incredible show of fighting heart.

To push the Filipinos off that edge, all Iran needed was a challenge.

**LIVE:** Alas Pilipinas vs Egypt – FIVB Men’s World Championship

In what could be one…
https://sports.inquirer.net/640770/alas-pilipinas-loss-not-enough-to-shade-rise-of-ph-mens-volleyball

‘Canes fans excited about UM-UF game ahead of ‘College GameDay’ live coverage on Coral Gables campus

CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) — Miami Hurricanes fans are gearing up for a Sunshine State showdown against a longtime rival, in more ways than one. In this case, game day doesn’t just mean Saturday; it’s also one of the biggest traveling shows in all of sports.

Prime time will once again belong to the U on Saturday night, as the university turns into the epicenter of the college football universe. What promises to be a clash between two of Florida’s most historic programs: the No. 4 undefeated Canes and the University of Florida Gators.

“Prepare, get ready. Kings of Florida, we’ll see who it is,” said a University of Miami student.

“I’m very excited,” said another UM student.

Will the Gators be able to swim outside the Swamp surrounded by orange and green? The fans who spoke with 7News on Thursday are confident.

“[Orange and green] runs through my veins. It looks like we’re gonna run through the Gators defense,” said UM student Ashton Weisman. “I mean, have we seen how we have been doing all football season?”

The big game will bring the eyes of the nation to the U, as ESPN’s College GameDay returns to South Florida, and the anticipation is electric.

“I’m a junior right now, I’ve been waiting two years. It’s finally time. The setup looks sick,” said Weisman. “I’m waking up at 4:30 in the morning, I’ll be in line, I’ll be the first one there. It’s honestly unreal.”

“I mean, I study out here and have my food, my lunch and my dinner, out in this area, so seeing it all closed off and these big screens is kind of awesome. I can’t wait to do it on Saturday,” said UM student Luke Miles.

GameDay will take center stage live from the Lakeside Patio, across from the Shalala Student Center, from 9 a.m. to noon. Setup started Thursday, as crews built out the iconic GameDay stage.

“I have yet to see this in person, and I’m a huge fan of Pat McAfee and all of them,” said a UM student. “You’ve got Pat McAfee, you know what I mean? You got a kick here going for hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

“It’s a crazy experience, it really is. I saw this; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I don’t know if it will ever come back, so I’m taking it, like, by the horns,” said UM student Kallia Siderakis.

This is the ninth time Miami has hosted College GameDay, but it’s the second time the show will be on campus. The last time the show came to Coral Gables, the Canes stunned Notre Dame in a 41-8 victory.

College GameDay host Desmond Howard is expecting another showstopper.

“It’s always good when we have the traditional bluebloods, like the Miamis, like the Florida States, when they’re relevant again in college football,” he said. “So we’re very happy to be here, GameDay is excited to be here, and obviously, it’s a big rivalry, Florida versus Miami, so what more can you ask for?”

These Canes are ready to rally.

“Go Canes. Gators suck,” said Miles.

“I feel like if you aren’t there, then, like, where else would you be?” said another UM student.

College GameDay also announced Florida Panthers player Matthew Tkachuk will be their celebrity guest speaker.

You can catch this Sunshine State showdown on ABC Miami, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. You can also tune in to the We Got U Covered pregame special, also on ABC Miami, starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
https://wsvn.com/sports/college/miami-hurricanes/canes-fans-excited-about-um-uf-game-ahead-of-college-gameday-live-coverage-on-coral-gables-campus/

Map shows spread of ‘biblical’ infection on the rise in Liverpool

Over the past decade, cases have increased significantly in Liverpool and across the country. This upward trend highlights a growing concern that demands attention from both local authorities and the wider community.

Understanding the factors contributing to this rise is crucial for developing effective strategies to address the issue. Continued monitoring and proactive measures will be essential to manage and hopefully reduce these cases in the years ahead.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/map-shows-spread-biblical-infection-32506619

Batican dazzles with 62 at Binitin to near Vis-Min sweep

Ralph Batican—all 13 years old of him—put on an impressive scoring display on Wednesday, carding an eight-under-par 62. His remarkable performance gave him a commanding 22-shot lead over Miguel Mesina in the 11-14 division of the ICTSI Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao Series.

The tournament is being held at the tree-lined Binitin course in Murcia town, Bacolod.

The prodigious talent from Bukidnon is now just one round away from continuing his dominance and potentially securing the title.
https://sports.inquirer.net/640740/batican-dazzles-with-62-at-binitin-to-near-vis-min-sweep

Bombay HC Raps State On Pothole Deaths, Seeks Policy For Victim Compensation

Mumbai: Taking a serious view of accidents occurring due to potholes, the Bombay High Court on Thursday urged the state government to consider framing a policy to compensate victims or their kin. The court emphasized that contractors should be held accountable and penalties should be recovered from the salaries of the concerned civic officers.

### Court Pulls Up BMC and Other Authorities

A bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Sandesh Patil expressed severe displeasure over the passing of the buck by various agencies and authorities regarding road maintenance and pothole repairs.

“Each one of you is passing the buck,” the court chided the counsels representing these agencies.

### BMC’s Pothole Claim Questioned

BMC counsel Anil Sakhare informed the bench that only 688 potholes remain to be repaired under its jurisdiction. He claimed the BMC receives pothole complaints and fixes them within 48 hours.

Sakhare added that the BMC had received 15,526 complaints from citizens, and junior engineers had detected 11,808 potholes across Mumbai and its suburbs.

However, the court was unsatisfied with this explanation and questioned the BMC over the recurrence of potholes on newly constructed roads, which often lead to accidents.

“If a pothole fills with water, a person may not see it,” the bench observed.

### Deaths Highlight Gravity of the Issue

The court was informed that six deaths due to potholes had occurred in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) during this monsoon season — three in Bhiwandi-Nizampur, and one each in Thane, Kalyan, and Mumbai.

The judges criticized the respective civic bodies’ counsels when they claimed that the deaths were due to negligence of truck drivers or bikers and not the potholes.

“To avoid a pothole, one may take a detour. That is the main cause,” the judges emphasized.

### ‘Why Potholes at All?’ Asks the Bench

When the BMC claimed that pothole complaints had decreased over the years, the judges questioned why potholes should exist at all.

“Why should roads constructed by you develop potholes in one rain? What action have you taken against the contractors?” the bench asked pointedly.

In response to the court’s observation that there were no potholes outside the High Court for years, Sakhare replied, “Yes, outside the High Court.”

### Accountability and Compensation

The civic counsel argued that other agencies — the MMRDA, MSRDC, PWD, MHADA, and Port Trust — were also responsible for maintaining roads under their jurisdiction.

To this, the bench responded, “We are on a larger issue. If a person sustains injury or dies due to a pothole, who is to be held responsible? There has to be accountability.”

The court further suggested that civic officers found to be corrupt or in collusion with contractors should be held accountable and face consequences.

### State Told to Frame Policy

When the counsels for the corporations of Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander, and Thane, along with other authorities, claimed their roads were well maintained, the court again chided them for passing the buck.

“Each one of you, see how you are passing the buck. We don’t know who it is. We will direct the state,” the bench said, asking government pleader OS Chandurkar to take instructions on whether the government was willing to formulate a policy for awarding compensation to victims and their kin.

“Can the state come up with a policy for pothole-related injury and death? Making corporations accountable for their actions. Recovering compensation from the salaries of civic officials. It should not be a small penalty. They should feel the pinch,” the bench added.

### Directives for Quick Repair

The bench then directed municipal officers present in court to make contractors accountable for shoddy work and ensure that potholes in their jurisdiction are repaired within a week.

For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [Budget Properties](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-raps-state-on-pothole-deaths-seeks-policy-for-victim-compensation

Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage loses father during Asia Cup match

**Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage Loses Father During Asia Cup Match**

*By Rajdeep Saha | September 19, 2025, 02:25 AM*

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage endured a heartbreaking personal loss on Thursday, September 18, when his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away due to a heart attack. The tragic news came while Dunith was representing Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Dunith learned of his father’s death after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets with eight balls to spare. Former cricketer and broadcaster Russell Arnold confirmed the news on air following Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan.

Reports from Sri Lankan media indicate that Dunith was informed about Suranga’s passing shortly after the successful chase of 170 runs. A photo shared by journalist Damith Weerasinghe showed the team manager consoling a visibly shaken Dunith by putting an arm around him.

### A Legacy Remembered

Suranga Wellalage was remembered fondly by Russell Arnold, who recalled Suranga as a talented cricketer and captain of one of Sri Lanka’s top school teams, Prince of Wales College. Arnold himself captained St Peter’s College during the same era.

Suranga’s sudden passing has understandably cast a shadow over Dunith’s participation in the remaining Asia Cup matches. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three more games: against Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26.

### Dunith Wellalage’s International Career

Thursday’s match against Afghanistan marked only Dunith’s fifth T20 International and his first appearance in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. He holds seven T20I wickets at an average of 20.

In the ODI format, Dunith has played 31 matches and taken 39 wickets with an average of 29.10. His best bowling figures in ODIs came in August 2024, when he took 5/27 against India in Colombo. During the 2023 Asia Cup (ODI format), he also made headlines by claiming five wickets for 40 runs against India.

Wellalage has appeared in one Test match but is yet to take a wicket in that format.

### Performance Against Afghanistan

During the match against Afghanistan, Dunith bowled well initially, reducing the opposition to 114/7 in the 17th over. Afghanistan stood at 137/7 after 19 overs, with Rashid Khan dismissed for 24.

However, the final over proved costly as Mohammad Nabi hit Dunith for five sixes, helping Afghanistan score a staggering 32 runs in that over, which included a no-ball and a single run on the last delivery. Afghanistan’s final total was 169/8.

Dunith finished with figures of 1/49 from his four overs, making a valuable contribution to Sri Lanka’s successful chase.

The cricketing community and fans alike extend their condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family during this difficult time, while supporting him as he continues to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-allrounder-dunith-wellalage-s-father-passes-away/story

Nikki Bella on the death of Brie’s high school boyfriend and their parents’ “bad” divorce

Nikki Bella was the latest guest on Stephanie McMahon’s WWE podcast series. During the episode, the Hall of Famer opened up about her and Brie Bella’s difficult few years in the early 2000s.

She shared candid insights into the challenges they faced during that time, shedding light on the struggles behind their rise to fame. The conversation provided fans with a deeper understanding of the Bella Twins’ journey and resilience in the wrestling industry.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-nikki-bella-death-brie-s-high-school-boyfriend-their-parents-bad-divorce

After training camp injury scare, Alex Ovechkin speaks out on his Capitals future amid retirement rumors

Alex Ovechkin joined the Washington Capitals training camp this week after recovering from a minor injury scare.

The hockey star recently celebrated a major milestone, turning 40 years old on Wednesday.

Last season marked Ovechkin’s 20th year playing in the NHL, highlighting his impressive and enduring career.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-after-training-camp-injury-scare-alex-ovechkin-speaks-capitals-future-amid-retirement-rumors

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