economy 27 - The Latremie Post

Stocks Decline as Bond Yields Push Higher

The S&P 500 Index (PX) (SPY) on Thursday closed down 0.50%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index (OWI) (DIA) closed down 0.38%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index (UXX) (QQQ) closed down 0.43%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) fell 0.48%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) fell 0.47%.

Stock indexes were under pressure on Thursday, with the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrials, and the Nasdaq 100 all falling to one-week lows. Stocks retreated for the third consecutive session as rising bond yields undercut stock prices.

Signs that the US economy is stronger than expected pushed Treasury note yields higher following the release of better-than-expected US GDP, jobless claims, and core capital goods orders reports. The 10-year Treasury note yield posted a three-week high, finishing up 2 basis points at 4.17%.

—

**Economic Data Highlights**

– The US Q2 GDP was revised upward to +3.8% (quarter-over-quarter annualized), stronger than the initial estimate of +3.3%.
– Q2 personal consumption was revised upward to +2.5%, exceeding expectations of +1.7%.
– The Q2 core PCE price index was unexpectedly revised upward to +2.6%, versus prior expectations of 2.5%.
– US weekly initial unemployment claims fell by 14,000 to a two-month low of 218,000, showing a stronger labor market than the expected increase to 233,000.
– August core capital goods new orders (excluding defense and aircraft), a proxy for capital spending, rose 0.6% month-over-month, beating expectations of no change.
– August existing home sales fell 0.2% month-over-month to 4.00 million, slightly better than the expected 3.95 million.

—

**Fed Comments and Market Implications**

Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid signaled that the Federal Reserve may not need to lower interest rates again soon. He remarked that the current stance of Fed policy is “slightly restrictive,” which he believes is appropriate as inflation remains too high while the labor market, though cooling, still remains largely balanced.

—

**Cryptocurrency and Market Risks**

The price of Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) fell more than 3% to a three-week low ahead of the expiration of monthly options. More than $17 billion in notional open interest tied to Bitcoin is set to expire on Friday, according to derivatives exchange Deribit.

Another potential bearish factor for stocks is the looming possibility of a US government shutdown on October 1 if lawmakers fail to pass a spending bill. The White House issued a memo on Wednesday warning that a shutdown would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don’t align with President Trump’s priorities.

—

**Corporate Earnings Outlook**

On a more positive note, rising corporate earnings expectations provide a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, more than 22% of S&P 500 companies have provided guidance indicating that their Q3 earnings results are expected to beat analysts’ estimates—the highest percentage in a year.

S&P companies are projected to post 6.9% earnings growth in Q3, up slightly from 6.7% as of the end of May.

—

**Upcoming Market Focus**

This week, markets will be paying close attention to any fresh trade or tariff news. On Friday, August personal spending is expected to increase by 0.5% month-over-month and personal income by 0.3% month-over-month.

Additionally, the August core PCE price index—the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—is expected to rise 0.2% month-over-month and 2.9% year-over-year. The University of Michigan’s September US consumer sentiment index is forecasted to remain unchanged at 55.4.

Markets currently price in an 86% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for October 28-29.

—

**Overseas Markets and Interest Rates**

Overseas stock markets on Thursday settled mixed:

– The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down 0.36%.
– China’s Shanghai Composite closed down 0.01%.
– Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up 0.27%.

In the bond market, December 10-year Treasury notes (ZNZ5) closed down 10 ticks. The 10-year Treasury note yield rose 2.1 basis points to 4.168%, climbing to a three-week high of 4.199% earlier in the session.

Stronger-than-expected US economic reports were hawkish for Fed policy and bearish for T-notes. Hawkish comments from Kansas City Fed President Schmid also weighed on T-notes, signaling that further rate cuts may not be imminent.

Demand was weak at the $44 billion auction of 7-year T-notes, which had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.40—the lowest in 2.5 years and below the 10-auction average of 2.63.

European government bond yields also moved higher. The 10-year German bund yield rose 2.6 basis points to 2.773%, a three-week high. The 10-year UK gilt yield climbed 8.8 basis points to 4.757%, also a three-week high.

—

**Eurozone Economic Data**

– August new car registrations rose 5.3% year-over-year to 678,000 units.
– August M3 money supply rose 2.9% year-over-year, weaker than the expected 3.3%, marking the slowest pace of increase on a year.
– The German October GfK consumer confidence survey improved by 1.2 points to -22.3, better than expectations of -23.3.

Swaps are discounting only a 1% chance for a 25 basis point rate cut by the European Central Bank (ECB) at its October 30 policy meeting.

—

**US Stock Movers**

The weakness in chip stocks on Thursday weighed on the overall market:

– Micron Technology (MU) closed down more than 3%.
– ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) and ON Semiconductor (ON) both closed down more than 2%.
– Microchip Technology (MCHP), Broadcom (AVGO), Qualcomm (QCOM), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), and Texas Instruments (TXN) all declined more than 1%.

Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks also faced pressure amid Bitcoin’s decline. Strategy (MSTR) led the Nasdaq 100 losers, down more than 7%. Other cryptocurrency-linked stocks like Coinbase Global (COIN), Bit Digital (BTBT), Galaxy Digital (GLXY), MARA Holdings (MARA), and Riot Platforms (RIOT) closed down more than 4%.

CarMax (KMX) was the biggest loser in the S&P 500, closing down more than 20% after reporting Q2 net sales and operating revenue of $6.59 billion—well below consensus estimates of $7.01 billion.

Oklo Inc (OKLO) dropped more than 8% after Goldman Sachs initiated coverage with a neutral rating and a price target of $117.

Jabil (JBL) fell more than 6% despite posting better-than-expected Q4 net revenue, as Vital Knowledge highlighted margin pressures in its AI-exposed Intelligent Infrastructure segment.

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) declined more than 6%, adding to Wednesday’s 16% plunge after declaring force majeure on contracted copper supplies and suspending operations at its Grasberg mine in Indonesia following a deadly mudslide.

Oracle (ORCL) closed down more than 5% after Rothschild & Co Redburn initiated coverage with a sell recommendation and a price target of $175.

Tesla (TSLA) fell more than 4% after reporting European August car sales down 22%, giving it a market share of only 1.9%.

—

**Notable Gainers**

Lithium Americas (LAC) surged more than 22%, adding to Wednesday’s 96% jump following reports that the Trump administration is pursuing a stake in the company. Lithium producer Albemarle (ALB) also gained more than 4% on the news.

Intel (INTC) rose more than 8%, leading gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reports that the company approached Apple about securing an investment.

International Business Machines (IBM) climbed more than 5%, leading gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials, after HSBC Holdings Plc announced a breakthrough in deploying quantum computing in financial markets using IBM’s Heron quantum processor to improve bond price predictions.

Marvell Technology (MRVL) rose more than 4% on insider buying, with CEO Murphy purchasing $1.05 million of shares on Thursday.

United Natural Foods (UNFI) increased more than 3% after BMO Capital Markets upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform with a price target of $36.

CME Group (CME) gained more than 1% following an upgrade to buy from neutral by Citigroup, with a price target of $300.

—

**Earnings Reports (September 26, 2025)**

– Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI)
– Immersion Corp (IMMR)
– Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc (MFH)
– Triller Group Inc (ILLR)
– XCF Global Inc (SAFX)

—

**Disclosure**

On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not hold (directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data are for informational purposes only. For more details, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy.

—

**More from Barchart**

– The 2 Best Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years
– How I Used Barchart’s Stock Tools to Test a 70-Year-Old Wall Street Slogan
– Warren Buffett Just Dumped the Last of His BYD Stock. Should You Give Up, Too?
– This Quantum Computing Stock Just Got a New Street-High Price Target

—

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/stocks-decline-bond-yields-push-higher

Why Japan Trails the US in Hectocorns

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will revise its investment contract guidelines by the end of September to explicitly allow mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as an exit option alongside initial public offerings (IPOs). This marks a significant shift from the traditional approach in Japan, where venture capital firms have primarily required startups to pursue IPOs, shaping the country’s startup ecosystem.

Akiyo Iriyama, a professor at Waseda University specializing in corporate strategy, explained that while startups worldwide generally exit through either IPOs or M&A, Japan has long relied almost exclusively on IPOs. In contrast, more than 90 percent of U.S. startups are acquired through M&A, with IPOs accounting for less than 10 percent.

As a result, Japanese startups often go public at much smaller valuations—sometimes as low as a few billion yen in market capitalization—long before reaching unicorn scale. This partly explains why Japan has so few unicorns compared with the U.S., where startups often raise multiple funding rounds and delay IPOs until valuations reach 1 trillion yen or more.

One structural reason for this difference is the relative ease of listing in Japan. The Tokyo Stock Exchange has historically maintained lenient conditions, allowing relatively young startups with modest valuations to go public. While this system has provided early returns to founders and investors, it has also led to the phenomenon known as “IPO goal”—startups going public early and then stalling in growth.

Many founders, after securing wealth through IPOs, lose the incentive to aggressively scale their companies. Iriyama stressed that while IPOs are not inherently negative—having produced visible role models for aspiring entrepreneurs—Japan needs more pathways to sustain growth beyond early listing. If listing requirements remain too easy, startups tend to stop growing at an early stage. He argued for stricter standards and more diversified exit strategies.

Another factor influencing this dynamic is the scale of funding. Japanese venture capital tends to offer smaller amounts with shorter investment horizons, often pushing startups to list quickly. By contrast, in the U.S., startups may raise round after round—sometimes even through Series H—without listing.

To compete globally, Japanese startups require not only longer-term domestic capital but also greater inflows of overseas investment. Iriyama expressed cautious optimism, noting that foreign venture capital funds have previously invested in Japan at a much larger scale, often with one extra zero compared with domestic firms. Such capital could enable the growth of deep-tech companies requiring years of development.

However, he also warned that overseas funds can be quick to pull back when markets turn. “Foreign investors can bring in large amounts of capital, but their exit can be just as fast,” he said, recalling a period when international funds rapidly withdrew from Japan.

As the government pushes reforms and venture capital practices evolve, the central question remains whether Japan can foster startups that not only go public but also scale into the kind of global giants increasingly defining the modern economy.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147018.php

India’s journey toward becoming a $35 trillion powerhouse by 2047 hinges on our ability to scale manufacturing sector: Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar

The 20th CII Manufacturing Summit convened top industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts to redefine India’s manufacturing roadmap. With the sector contributing 17% to GDP, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) reaffirmed its commitment to help achieve the long-standing 25% GDP target—a crucial step toward India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, shared in his address, “The remarkable achievement of ₹14 lakh crore in production and ₹5.3 lakh crore in exports has created over 11.5 lakh jobs. This is not just a number; it represents the livelihoods, aspirations, and economic momentum that drives our nation forward. The expansion of our manufacturing portfolio and the rise of mobile phone exports—crossing ₹1.29 lakh crore since 2014—demonstrate India’s capability to compete globally. However, while our manufacturing exports are growing, they still lag behind services exports, signalling an opportunity for transformation.”

Jamshyd N Godrej, Past President, CII; Chairman, CII Manufacturing Summit 2025; and Chairman & Managing Director, Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd, underscored the urgency of India’s manufacturing evolution:
“The global landscape will not wait for India to catch up. For decades, we have spoken of a 25% GDP share for manufacturing, yet the goalpost continues to shift. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are launching products in six months, setting benchmarks we must aspire to meet and surpass.”

Beyond competitiveness, Godrej emphasized the need for inclusivity, particularly women’s leadership in manufacturing:
“True transformation will come when more women step into decision-making roles, shaping the future of this industry. While government support remains crucial, the real driving force will be the bold vision of MSMEs, startups, and corporate leaders who push boundaries and challenge conventions.”

Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & Managing Director, Kirloskar System Ltd, framed the economic stakes:
“Manufacturing is the backbone of any great economy, and India’s journey toward becoming a $35 trillion powerhouse by 2047 hinges on our ability to scale this sector. Today, at $600 billion, our manufacturing industry represents immense potential—one that must expand beyond 25% of GDP to truly drive national growth.”

Kirloskar also highlighted the critical importance of supply chain and logistics infrastructure:
“In the pursuit of making India a global manufacturing powerhouse, we must recognize that our strength is only as strong as the backbone that supports it—our supply chain and logistics infrastructure. A robust, agile, and resilient supply chain is not just a facilitator; it is a fundamental driver of disruptive innovation and competitiveness in manufacturing.”

Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), shared a powerful vision:
“India stands at the crossroads of an industrial revolution—one that will define our economic destiny for generations to come. While we celebrate our progress, we must also confront the challenges ahead with unwavering resolve. To transform India from a $3.7 trillion economy to a $30–35 trillion powerhouse by 2047, manufacturing must claim its rightful place—contributing at least 25% to our GDP. This is not just an economic necessity; it is a national imperative.”

He also emphasized that achieving this vision will require more than just rapid growth:
“It will demand bold policy reforms, relentless innovation, and an industry-wide commitment to excellence. The future belongs to those who dare to build it—let this summit be the catalyst that shapes India’s journey to becoming a global manufacturing leader.”

Swati Salgaocar, Chairperson, CII Western Region & President, V M Salgaocar and Brothers Pvt Ltd, highlighted India’s strategic shift:
“India is not an emerging player in manufacturing; it is an evolving powerhouse. We have a strong foundation, and our trajectory is clear: from 17% to 25% of GDP in manufacturing. This gap is not a deficit—it is an open field of opportunity. The question is not just how much we manufacture, but how we do it. Our success will be defined by our ability to embrace intelligent, sustainable, and technologically advanced production models.”

Abheek Singhi, Chair of Practices, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG, outlined the need for a fundamental transformation in manufacturing:
“In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but an imperative, manufacturing must evolve to integrate cutting-edge technology. The fusion of geopolitical realities, digital transformation, and sustainability will define the next industrial revolution. Our ability to scale manufacturing while remaining environmentally conscious is the challenge of our time.”

Summing up the Inaugural Session, Sunil Chordia, Past Chairman, CII Western Region & Chairman, CII WR Sub-Committee on Manufacturing and Chairman & Managing Director, Rajratan Global Wire Ltd, emphasized:
“Progress is not driven by conversations alone; it is propelled by action. As we stand at this turning point, let’s seize the moment—collaborate, innovate, and build a manufacturing ecosystem that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready. Together, we will establish India as a global manufacturing leader.”

As India moves towards its $35 trillion economy vision by 2047, manufacturing will be at its core. The 20th CII Manufacturing Summit reinforced the need for bold leadership, strategic investment, and policy-driven innovation to establish India as a global manufacturing leader.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/indias-journey-toward-becoming-a-35-trillion-powerhouse-by-2047-hinges-on-our-ability-to-scale-manufacturing-sector-geetanjali-vikram-kirloskar

AI Boom By 2030: $2 Trillion In Annual Revenue Needed To Power Global Computing Demand

New Delhi: A new report by Bain & Company reveals that at least $2 trillion in annual revenue will be required to fund the computing power needed to meet the anticipated global AI demand by 2030. Despite potential AI-related savings, the world still faces an $800 billion shortfall to keep pace with this growing demand.

According to the report, global incremental AI compute requirements could reach 200 gigawatts by 2030, with the United States accounting for half of this power consumption. Even if US companies redirected all their on-premise IT budgets to the cloud and reinvested AI-generated savings from sales, marketing, customer support, and R&D into capital spending on new data centers, the funds would still be insufficient to cover the full investment needed. This is because AI’s compute demand is increasing at more than twice the rate of Moore’s Law, Bain noted.

“By 2030, technology executives will face the challenge of deploying about $500 billion in capital expenditures and securing roughly $2 trillion in new revenue to profitably meet demand,” explained David Crawford, chairman of Bain’s Global Technology Practice. He added that since AI compute demand is outpacing semiconductor efficiency, there will be dramatic increases in power supply requirements on grids that have not expanded capacity for decades.

The report also highlights the complexities created by the competitive arms race among nations and leading technology providers. This dynamic brings risks of both overbuilding and underbuilding infrastructure, making strategic planning more challenging than ever. Navigating potential innovations, infrastructure constraints, supply shortages, and algorithmic improvements will be critical in the coming years, Crawford emphasized.

While computational demand surges, many leading companies have transitioned from piloting AI capabilities to profiting from AI at scale. Organizations applying AI across core workflows have achieved earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) gains ranging from 10% to 25% over the past two years. However, the report notes that most companies remain in experimental stages with AI and are content with modest productivity improvements.

Bain also found that tariffs, export controls, and government efforts worldwide to develop sovereign AI capabilities are accelerating the fragmentation of global technology supply chains. Cutting-edge fields like AI have evolved beyond being mere catalysts for economic growth to becoming essential instruments of political power and national security.

“Sovereign AI capabilities are increasingly regarded as a strategic advantage comparable to economic and military strength,” said Anne Hoecker, head of Bain’s Global Technology Practice.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Only the headline has been modified.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/ai-boom-by-2030-2-trillion-in-annual-revenue-needed-to-power-global-computing-demand

Bitcoin ETF Surge Prompts Warning From $20B Asset Manager

South African asset manager Sygnia Ltd., which oversees around $20 billion, is riding the wave of interest in digital assets. However, its leadership is warning investors not to get carried away.

Speaking to Bloomberg, CEO Magda Wierzycka acknowledged the strong inflows into Sygnia’s recently launched Bitcoin ETF, yet stressed that the fund should not be treated as a core holding. She advised that crypto exposure remain limited to no more than 5% of discretionary or retirement portfolios, emphasizing that the messaging around such products must be realistic.

### Balancing Growth and Risk

Wierzycka argued that while Bitcoin has potential as a long-term investment, its volatility makes it dangerous for households in developing economies. In markets like South Africa, where average incomes are far lower than in wealthier countries, she warned that sudden price swings could wipe out life savings if investors allocate too aggressively.

Her comments highlight the delicate balance asset managers face: encouraging adoption of innovative products while shielding clients from extreme downside risk.

### More ETFs on the Horizon

Despite its cautious tone, Sygnia is not turning away from the sector. The firm is preparing to file for additional crypto ETFs on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, pending regulatory clearance. This move underscores the rising appetite for regulated exposure to digital assets among South African investors.

### A Rapidly Growing Market

South Africa is emerging as one of Africa’s most active crypto hubs. Local exchanges are proliferating, adoption among businesses and individuals is accelerating, and forecasts suggest that over 10% of the population will be engaged with crypto by 2025.

Unlike some governments that have restricted or banned digital assets, South African regulators are integrating them into the financial system by classifying them as financial products.

For Wierzycka, the message remains consistent: innovation is welcome, but responsibility is essential. “Bitcoin can play a role,” she said, “as long as investors understand its risks and keep it in proportion.”

—

*Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.*

—

**Author**
Alex is a reporter at Coindoo and an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. Alex’s approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
https://coindoo.com/bitcoin-etf-surge-prompts-warning-from-20b-asset-manager/

Long-Term Interest Rates in Japan Rise to 17-Year High

Long-term interest rates in Japan, which influence fixed mortgage rates, rose to their highest level in 17 years. The yield on 10-year government bonds briefly reached 1.665 percent during trading on September 22nd, marking the highest level since 2008.

In an innovative approach to electricity demand control, frozen tuna stored at minus 60 degrees Celsius are now being used as a cooling agent. By temporarily shutting down refrigeration units and utilizing the fish itself to maintain storage temperatures, companies are beginning to reduce power consumption effectively.

The Consumer Affairs Agency has announced that Ajinomoto and Inglewood are suspected of engaging in stealth marketing practices related to their frozen home-delivery meal brand, “Aete.” The companies allegedly asked individuals to post on social media in exchange for free products and later republished those posts on their sales sites.

Seven-Eleven Japan has completed a large-scale overhaul of the store system used by approximately 21,000 outlets nationwide. This milestone comes five years after the project was first conceived. The new system marks a significant step in digital transformation, replacing the company’s traditional infrastructure with a cloud-based model designed to enhance efficiency and service.

On September 19th, the Bank of Japan decided to maintain its policy interest rate at 0.5 percent, marking the fifth consecutive meeting without a rate change. This decision, supported by a majority of the Policy Board, comes as the central bank closely monitors the impact of U.S. tariffs, commonly referred to as the Trump tariffs.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146971.php

Breadfruit: A superfood worth trying

**Breadfruit: A Superfood Worth Trying**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 22, 2025, 04:42 pm*

—

**What’s the story?**
African breadfruit is making waves as a sustainable superfood, celebrated for its impressive nutritional benefits and positive environmental impact. This versatile fruit can be incorporated into a variety of dishes and serves as a rich source of essential nutrients. As more people seek eco-friendly food options, African breadfruit is emerging as a promising and sustainable solution.

—

### Nutritional Benefits of African Breadfruit

African breadfruit is packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health. It is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and aids in collagen production. The fruit also provides potassium, essential for heart health and muscle function. Additionally, its dietary fiber content promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Thanks to this nutrient profile, African breadfruit makes a valuable addition to any balanced diet.

—

### Environmental Impact of Cultivation

The cultivation of African breadfruit has a relatively low environmental footprint compared to many other crops. It thrives in poor soil conditions and requires less water, making it well-suited for regions prone to drought. Its growth doesn’t rely heavily on fertilizers or pesticides, which supports soil health and biodiversity. Encouraging the growth of this fruit offers farmers a way to engage in more sustainable agricultural practices.

—

### Economic Opportunities for Communities

Growing African breadfruit creates promising economic opportunities for local communities. The fruit can be processed into various products such as flour and snacks that appeal to both local and international markets. This diversification not only boosts income but also creates jobs in processing and distribution. Investing in African breadfruit cultivation and processing can thus enhance economic stability for many communities.

—

### Culinary Versatility of African Breadfruit

African breadfruit is celebrated for its culinary versatility. When cooked, its texture is similar to that of a potato, making it perfect for soups, stews, or roasting. Its mild flavor easily absorbs spices, enhancing the overall taste of dishes without overpowering other ingredients. This adaptability makes it a favorite among chefs who are eager to incorporate sustainable and innovative ingredients into their menus.

—

In summary, African breadfruit stands out as a nutritious, eco-friendly, and economically valuable superfood. Its ability to support sustainable farming, boost community incomes, and enrich culinary experiences makes it a food worth trying and promoting worldwide.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/african-breadfruit-a-sustainable-superfood/story

India`s GST reforms ignite clash between PM Modi and Congress

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari on Monday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent speech on Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms implementation, suggesting that the PM should have issued an apology to the nation.

Accusing the Narendra Modi-led central government of “looting” poor and middle-class citizens, Tiwari stated that Congress and the opposition had been demanding a single GST slab based on the concept of ‘One Nation, One Tax’.

“The question that needs to be asked is who increased the GST? Who put a burden on the country by increasing it for eight years? You (PM Modi) should have apologised to the nation yesterday. Congress and the Opposition had been demanding only one slab on the basis of ‘one nation, one tax’. However, you looted the poor and middle-class citizens,” Tiwari told ANI.

The Congress MP further criticized PM Modi for referring to the GST rate rationalisation as a “festival,” pointing out that it was the government who had imposed GST at midnight.

“Yesterday, the Prime Minister said that this is a festival. He said that we should celebrate because GST has been reduced. You imposed GST at 12:00 in the night in Parliament. You spoke similarly then. People of this country have paid over Rs 50 lakh crore in GST. The MSMEs have almost shut down,” Tiwari added.

“Now, you (PM Modi) have the courage to ask people to celebrate the ‘Utsav’. Only you could have shown this courage. Your face was telling that your words lacked self-confidence and courage,” he further remarked.

Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri commented on the GST reforms, saying they have brought a wave of happiness and celebration among people and could potentially boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.8%.

The new GST reforms came into force from Monday. Puri stated, “Apart from Navratri, the budget utsav has begun. There is a wave of happiness and celebration among people wherever you see. GST rates have been reduced, which will benefit all sections of society. But we are celebrating something else. These reforms can boost the GDP by 0.8%.”

He emphasized that the country’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat (developed India) depends on self-reliance.

“It has been welcomed by all sections of society,” Puri added. He noted that all groups, particularly the lower middle class and economically weaker sections, will benefit as GST rates on various consumption items have been reduced.

From the very first day of Navratri, the nation is taking a significant step forward in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the implementation of Next Generation GST reforms marks the beginning of a “GST Bachat Utsav” (Savings Festival) across India. He emphasized that this celebration will enhance savings and make it easier for people to purchase their preferred items.

PM Modi noted that the benefits of this savings festival will reach the poor, middle class, neo middle class, youth, farmers, women, shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs alike.

*This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or the data in the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/indias-gst-sparks-political-row-as-congress-pramod-tiwari-says-pm-modi-should-have-apologised-23595243

‘Give up…foreign jet’: Kejriwal jabs Modi on buy Swadeshi call

**‘Give up foreign jet’: Kejriwal jabs Modi on Buy Swadeshi call**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 22, 2025, 02:11 pm*

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call to buy indigenous products. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader questioned why PM Modi does not follow his own advice by using Swadeshi products himself.

Writing in Hindi, Kejriwal said, “The foreign aircraft you travel on daily, why not give it up?” He further challenged the Prime Minister, saying people expect concrete action rather than just sermons.

Kejriwal pressed Modi on why, if he is serious about promoting Swadeshi, he has not taken steps to shut down American companies operating in India. “Why don’t you take some action too? People expect action from their prime minister, not sermons,” he added.

This critique comes shortly after PM Modi’s address to the nation on Sunday, where he urged citizens to embrace self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign goods.

### GST 2.0 Announcement

During his address, PM Modi announced a significant overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, dubbed ‘GST 2.0.’ The new framework introduces two primary tax rates of 5% and 18%. Meanwhile, ultra-luxury and sin goods will attract a higher tax rate of 40%.

Describing the rollout as a “GST saving festival,” Modi emphasized that the reforms aim to ease consumer burdens while boosting domestic consumption and production.

### Navratri Message: Linking Festival with Self-Reliance

On Monday, PM Modi took to X once more to share his Navratri message, connecting the festival’s spirit to the theme of self-reliance. He wrote:

_”This time, the auspicious occasion of Navratri is very special. Along with the GST savings festival, the mantra of self-reliance will gain new energy during this period.”_

He called upon citizens to come together for the collective goal of building a developed and self-reliant India.

—

*Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding political exchange and the implications of the new GST framework.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/give-up-foreign-jet-kejriwal-targets-pm-after-swadeshi-call/story

‘Give up…foreign jet’: Kejriwal jabs Modi on buy Swadeshi call

**‘Give up foreign jet’: Kejriwal Jabs Modi on Swadeshi Call**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 22, 2025 | 02:11 PM*

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for citizens to buy indigenous products. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader questioned why the Prime Minister does not lead by example by using Swadeshi products himself.

“Why don’t you give up the foreign aircraft you travel on daily?” Kejriwal wrote in Hindi, challenging Modi to practice what he preaches.

### Criticism: “People Expect Action, Not Sermons”

Kejriwal further urged PM Modi to back up his Swadeshi push with concrete actions. He questioned why the government hasn’t taken steps to shut down American companies operating in India if it is truly serious about promoting domestic products.

“Why don’t you take some action too? People expect action from their Prime Minister, not sermons,” Kejriwal added.

### Background: Modi’s Push for Self-Reliance

This critique comes in the wake of PM Modi’s recent address to the nation, in which he urged citizens to embrace self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign goods. Modi’s call is part of a broader vision to make India more self-sufficient and promote domestic industries.

### GST 2.0 Announcement

During his address, PM Modi also announced a major overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), branded as “GST 2.0.” The new tax framework will have two main rates: 5% and 18%. Additionally, ultra-luxury and sin goods will attract a higher tax rate of 40%. The Prime Minister described this rollout as a “GST savings festival,” aimed at easing consumer burdens while boosting domestic consumption and production.

### Navratri Message: Linking Festival to Self-Reliance

On Monday, PM Modi took to X to share a special Navratri message that connected the festival’s spirit with the mantra of self-reliance. He wrote:

*”This time, the auspicious occasion of Navratri is very special. Along with the GST savings festival, the mantra of self-reliance will gain new energy during this period.”*

The Prime Minister called for collective efforts towards building a developed and self-reliant India during this festive season.

—

*Stay tuned for more updates on the GST reforms and the Swadeshi movement.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/give-up-foreign-jet-kejriwal-targets-pm-after-swadeshi-call/story