government 16 - The Latremie Post

GST rate cuts take effect tomorrow: What’s getting cheaper

**GST Rate Cuts Take Effect Tomorrow: What’s Getting Cheaper**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 03:39 PM*

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council’s decision to cut rates on nearly 375 items will come into effect from tomorrow, September 22. This move is set to make a wide range of products—including kitchen staples, electronics, medicines, and automobiles—more affordable for consumers across the country.

### Sectoral Impact: Price Cuts Expected Across Consumer Goods

The GST rate cut will benefit multiple sectors. Daily-use food items such as butter, namkeen, ketchup, jam, dry fruits, coffee, and ice cream are expected to become cheaper. Electronics like TVs, air conditioners, and washing machines will also see price reductions. Several FMCG companies have already begun revising their prices in anticipation of the lower tax burden on these products.

### Healthcare: Medicines to Become More Affordable

The healthcare sector stands to gain significantly. Most medicines, formulations, and medical devices—such as glucometers and diagnostic kits—will now attract a GST rate of 5%. This reduction is expected to ease medicine costs for households. Pharmacies have been directed to either revise maximum retail prices or sell medicines at rates reflecting the new lower tax.

### Construction, Automotive Sectors to Benefit

Builders and homebuyers will also benefit from the GST rate cut, with cement’s tax rate reduced from 28% to 18%. The automobile sector is among the biggest beneficiaries: buyers of small cars will now pay 18% GST, while bigger models will attract 28%, a notable reduction from previous rates. This move is expected to boost demand in the automotive market.

### Services: Tax Cuts for Everyday Services and Household Staples

The services sector will also see benefits. Salons, beauty parlors, yoga studios, gyms, and health clubs will now be taxed at 5% without input credit, down from the earlier 18% with credit. Household staples such as hair oil, soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are also expected to become more affordable due to the lowered tax rate.

### Simplified GST Structure: Moving to a Two-Rate System

Alongside the rate cuts, the GST Council has simplified the tax structure into a largely two-rate system — 5% and 18%. Ultra-luxury goods will continue to attract a higher tax of 40%, while tobacco and related products will remain in the 28% slab with an additional cess. This marks a shift from the current four-slab system of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, simplifying compliance and rate management.

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Overall, the GST rate cuts coming into effect tomorrow aim to lighten the tax burden on consumers and businesses alike, promoting affordability and stimulating demand across various sectors. Stay tuned for more updates on pricing changes as companies revise their rates in line with the new GST norms.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/new-gst-rates-on-375-items-come-into-effect-tomorrow/story

Leaving Hamas in power would be a cowardly betrayal of the Israeli people – opinion

**Leaving Hamas in Power Would Be a Cowardly Betrayal of the Israeli People**

As the Israel-Hamas war drags on, those who have sacrificed in the conflict are growing increasingly frustrated with both Israeli and US officials. Many believe that allowing Hamas to remain in power is not only unacceptable but also a betrayal of the Israeli people who have endured tremendous hardship.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue their operations in the Gaza Strip, aiming to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities and protect Israeli civilians. For example, on September 19, 2025, the IDF intensified their efforts as part of this ongoing campaign. *(Photo credit: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)*

This prolonged conflict highlights the urgent need for decisive action. Leaving Hamas unchecked could empower a group responsible for consistent attacks against Israel, undermining the safety and future of its citizens.

— Jonathan Pollard
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868170

Leaving Hamas in power would be a cowardly betrayal of the Israeli people – opinion

**Leaving Hamas in Power Would Be a Cowardly Betrayal of the Israeli People – Opinion**

As the Israel-Hamas war drags on, those who have sacrificed in this conflict are growing increasingly frustrated with both Israeli and US officials. The ongoing hostilities continue to take a heavy toll on the Israeli population, leading many to question the current strategies and approaches.

On September 19, 2025, the IDF conducted operations in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the intense military engagements taking place. (Photo credit: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)

By Jonathan Pollard
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868170

SC Clears New AIFF Constitution, Calls It A ‘New Beginning’ For Indian Football

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday approved the draft constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with certain modifications and directed the federation to adopt it within four weeks.

The top court described this development as a “new beginning for Indian football,” poised to take the sport to greater heights. It also ordered the AIFF to convene a special general body meeting to adopt the draft constitution, which was prepared by former Supreme Court judge L Nageswara Rao.

### Supreme Court’s Observations

A bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi stated, “We have approved the provisions of the constitution in the said terms. We direct the AIFF administration to call for a special general body meeting and adopt the draft constitution with the modifications in this judgment. This shall be done at the earliest, preferably within four weeks.”

The 78-page verdict, authored by Justice Narasimha, addressed 12 key issues including membership, suspension, age restrictions, and conflict of interest concerning both the AIFF and state football associations.

### Applicability to State Associations

The Supreme Court clarified that the draft constitution is applicable to state associations as well, despite their resistance. The bench emphasized, “The inclusion of eminent players, coaches, referees, and club representatives in the general body, with only further good governance, heralds transparency and fair play.”

The court further remarked that continuous monitoring of a sports federation by any external forum — including the Supreme Court — is inappropriate. “Having taken up the matter and ensured that the Constitution is brought to this stage, it is necessary to take it to its logical end. Our monitoring will only be that far and no further,” the bench said.

### Current Executive Committee Tenure

The court declined to interfere with the tenure of the current AIFF executive committee led by President Kalyan Chaubey. It noted that the committee was elected for a four-year term, set to expire in September 2026.

“The current executive committee can be treated as a permanent body which shall discharge its function in accordance with the relevant laws as well as the AIFF constitution,” the verdict added.

### Governance and Structure

On the issue of extending the AIFF constitution to state associations, the bench stressed the importance of maintaining the hierarchical pyramidical structure of Indian football. All constituent units and associations lower in hierarchy must observe the same discipline, transparency, fairness, and governance standards applied at the top level.

Referring to the FIFA statute and insights from Justice L N Rao, the court stated, “We are not inclined to accept the argument that the AIFF Constitution ought not to be extended to the state associations and local bodies.”

### Modifications to Eligibility Criteria

The Supreme Court modified the criteria for an “eminent player” eligible to be a member of the AIFF executive committee. The player must be retired for at least two years and have represented India’s senior national team in at least seven competitive matches for men or three for women sanctioned by FIFA/AFC.

However, the court proposed reducing these criteria to five matches for men and two for women to ensure a wider pool of participation by retired players who can serve as efficient administrators and mentors for Indian football.

### Definition of Office Bearers and Vice Presidents

The bench clarified that the term “office bearers” should be understood in the context of AIFF’s functioning and the reforms to be introduced. This definition directly affects the applicability of cooling-off periods, tenure, and age limits, aligning with the federation’s drive for vibrant governance.

Further, the court accepted AIFF’s proposal to increase the number of vice presidents to three, including at least one woman. “Such an amendment will enable women’s representation and, at the same time, confine the number of the executive committee to fifteen members,” the verdict noted.

### Disqualification Norms

Regarding disqualification criteria, the verdict incorporated provisions on criminal charges and convictions of AIFF and state association members. It aligned these norms with those applied in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) case.

The court modified the disqualification provision to focus on “conviction followed by a sentence of imprisonment,” rather than merely the framing of charges.

The bench also stated that public servants with necessary government approval should face no obstacles in becoming members of the football body.

### Other Modifications

Several other amendments were made to the draft constitution to align it with the National Sports Code, ensuring uniformity and compliance with national standards.

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*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/sc-clears-new-aiff-constitution-calls-it-a-new-beginning-for-indian-football

SC Clears New AIFF Constitution, Calls It A ‘New Beginning’ For Indian Football

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday approved the draft constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with certain changes and directed the federation to adopt it within four weeks. The top court termed this development a “new beginning for Indian football,” poised to take the sport to greater heights.

The court directed the national football body to convene a special general body meeting for adopting the draft constitution prepared by its former judge, L Nageswara Rao.

### Observations Made by the Bench

“We have approved the provisions of the constitution in the said terms. We direct the AIFF administration to call for a special general body meeting and adopt the draft constitution with the modifications in this judgment. This shall be done at the earliest, preferably within four weeks,” stated a bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi.

The 78-page verdict, authored by Justice Narasimha, addressed 12 critical issues including membership, suspension, age bar, and conflict of interest related to AIFF and state football associations.

### Applicability to State Associations

The Supreme Court clarified that the draft constitution will also apply to state associations, despite their resistance. The bench emphasized that the inclusion of eminent players, coaches, referees, and club representatives in the general body will usher in greater transparency and fair play.

It observed, “The inclusion of eminent players, coaches, referees, and club representatives in the general body, with only further good governance, heralds transparency and fair play.”

The bench further noted that continuous monitoring of a sports federation by any forum, including the Supreme Court, is not appropriate. “Having taken up the matter and ensured that the Constitution is brought to this stage, it is necessary to take it to its logical end. Our monitoring will only be that far and no further,” it added.

### Tenure of Current Executive Committee

The court refused to interfere with the tenure of the current AIFF executive committee headed by President Kalyan Chaubey. It stated that since the committee was elected for a four-year term, their tenure will expire in September 2026—less than a year from now.

“The current executive committee can be treated as a permanent body which shall discharge its function in accordance with the relevant laws as well as the AIFF constitution,” the bench observed.

### Enforcing Discipline Across All Levels

Addressing the contentious issue of applicability of the AIFF constitution to state associations, the bench stressed the importance of maintaining a pyramidal structure of Indian football. It said constituent units and lower-level associations must implement the same discipline, fairness, transparency, and good governance standards applied at the top.

“In view of the FIFA statute, the relevant comments of Justice L N Rao and on analysis of the far-reaching implications of this provision, we are not inclined to accept the argument that the AIFF Constitution ought not be extended to the state associations and local bodies,” the court stated.

### Modifications to Criteria for “Eminent Player”

The Supreme Court modified the criteria for the “eminent player” who is a member of the AIFF executive committee. The revised criteria specify that the player should be retired for at least two years and must have represented India (senior team) in at least seven competitive matches for men and three for women, sanctioned by FIFA/AFC.

However, the bench proposed a reasonable reduction: five matches for men and two for women, to ensure a wider pool of retired players actively participating as efficient administrators and guiding lights for Indian football.

### Definition of “Office Bearers” and Governance Reforms

The bench emphasized that the term “office bearers” must be understood in the context of AIFF’s functioning and necessary reforms. This definition will impact the applicability of cooling-off periods, terms, tenure, and age limits, aligning with reforms introduced for vibrant federation governance.

### Women’s Representation and Vice Presidents

Accepted AIFF’s proposal to increase the number of vice presidents to three, including one woman representative. This amendment aims to strengthen women’s representation while keeping the executive committee size to fifteen members.

### Disqualification Norms and Other Modifications

On disqualification issues, including criminal charges and convictions of AIFF and state association members, the bench adopted standards similar to those in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) case. It modified disqualification provisions to apply only upon conviction followed by imprisonment, not merely on framing of charges.

The Supreme Court also stated that public servants with necessary government approvals can become members of the football body without issues.

Several other modifications were incorporated into the draft constitution to align it with the National Sports Code.

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“Donald Trump made the deal with the Taliban” – Martina Navratilova criticizes US President over airfield move in Afghanistan

Martina Navratilova has responded to Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the United States’ efforts to negotiate a takeover of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

The former tennis champion shared her thoughts on the development, highlighting the potential implications of U.S. involvement in the region. Navratilova’s reaction adds a unique perspective to the ongoing discussions about Afghanistan’s strategic sites and international relations.

As the situation unfolds, public figures like Navratilova continue to voice their opinions, shedding light on the broader impact of such political decisions.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-donald-trump-made-deal-taliban-martina-navratilova-criticizes-us-president-airfield-move-afghanistan

Pune RTO Parking Turns Liquor Den As Alcohol Bottles & Cigarette Packets Shock Citizens (PHOTOS & VIDEOS)

**Pune RTO Parking Area Found Littered with Alcohol Bottles, Raising Concerns Over Official Negligence**

In a shocking revelation, residents discovered the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) parking area and its corners strewn with empty alcohol bottles on Friday. This alarming situation has raised serious questions about the functioning and oversight of officials at the government office.

The RTO premises were not only littered with alcohol bottles but also cigarette packets and other waste, leading citizens to question whether the location was a government office or a liquor shop.

An anonymous RTO employee revealed that some agents regularly consume alcohol and even narcotics within the parking area. Furthermore, due to a lack of adequate security and CCTV surveillance, some outsiders reportedly visit the premises to carry out illegal activities.

Rakesh Pandurang, a regular visitor to the RTO, told the Free Press Journal, “This is the condition of a government building; what message is being sent to the public?”

The presence of alcohol bottles inside a government facility raises serious doubts about the vigilance exercised by senior officials. Residents are left wondering if the authorities are unaware of these happenings or if such misconduct is occurring with their tacit approval.

Responding to the issue, Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, said to the Free Press Journal, “We have submitted written applications to senior officials requesting security staff, but the sanction is still pending. However, we will now file a written complaint with the police to investigate the matter. RTO staff will also conduct checks and take the necessary action.”

The situation highlights an urgent need for increased security measures and stricter monitoring to restore order and public trust within the Pune RTO premises.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-rto-parking-turns-liquor-den-as-alcohol-bottles-cigarette-packets-shock-citizens-photos-videos

Westports, iPay88, RCX Group leaders to speak at Entrepreneurs Summit VI

The Entrepreneurs Summit VI is set to return on 2 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia’s leading one-day platform that brings together entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and government representatives to accelerate collaboration, capital, and growth.

### Spotlight on Founder Journeys and Growth Strategies

The summit will highlight founder journeys, practical growth strategies, and high-level networking opportunities designed to drive innovation across industries. Supported by media partner *The Rakyat Post* and community partner Next Up Asia, the event features keynote addresses and interactive panel discussions focused on the real challenges and opportunities involved in building high-growth businesses.

### Key Sessions and Topics

Sessions will explore a range of insightful topics, including:

– Founder journeys to global scale
– A Solarvest case study
– The hidden truths of entrepreneurship
– Data-backed failure vs. scale analysis
– Innovation versus execution
– Government partnership strategies
– Corporate co-founding models
– 2025 investor trends
– Sector forecasts for biotech, fintech, and digital commerce

### Esteemed Speaker Line-Up

This year’s speaker line-up includes prominent business leaders and ecosystem builders such as:

– Ruben Emir Gnanalingam, Executive Chairman, Westports Holdings
– Kent Chua, CEO, RCX Group
– Chan Kok Long, Co-founder of iPay88 & Group CEO, Carehaus Sdn Bhd
– Arieff Aaron Abudullah, Director, Invest Selangor Berhad
– Ben Lim, CEO & Founder, NEXEA

### Insights from Industry Leaders

Kent Chua, CEO of RCX Group, emphasizes the abundant talent, capital, and ideas already present in Malaysia:
“Too often we hear founders complain about the ecosystem—funding, policy, competition. The truth is, Malaysia already has the talent, capital, and ideas. What matters now is whether founders stop making excuses and start making moves. Entrepreneurs Summit VI gives you the tools, but what you build with it is on you. Winners turn insights into action; losers just keep talking.”

Chan Kok Long, co-founder of iPay88 and Group CEO of Carehaus Sdn Bhd, adds:
“This summit brings together all the right players—startups, corporates, investors, and policymakers—under one roof. This is where collaborations are born and future industries are shaped. We believe Malaysia has all the ingredients to produce world-class entrepreneurs, and gatherings like this give founders the momentum, resources, and confidence to turn big ideas into global businesses.”

Ben Lim, CEO & founder of NEXEA, notes:
“NEXEA backs founders with capital and operational support; Entrepreneurs Summit VI multiplies that effect by creating focused opportunities to meet corporates, investors, and policy influencers. The panels deliver practical insights from leaders who’ve scaled businesses, and the networking is engineered to produce measurable outcomes—pilot conversations, advisory relationships, or investor follow-ups.”

### Anticipated Impact and Attendance

The Entrepreneurs Summit VI expects over 1,000 leaders to attend, representing organizations with a combined revenue of up to US$2.2 billion (RM10 billion). This scale significantly increases the potential for meaningful commercial partnerships.

More than just a conference, the Entrepreneurs Summit VI serves as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and collaboration across Malaysia’s startup ecosystem. With its strong focus on founder stories, actionable growth strategies, and curated networking, the summit aims to accelerate entrepreneurs from idea to impact while positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for innovation.

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Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to join a thriving community that is shaping the future of business in Malaysia and beyond.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/startups/westports-ipay88-rcx-group-leaders-speak-entrepreneurs-summit-vi

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.

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### 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.

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### 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

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### 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.

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### 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.

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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