Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his government to implement measures aimed at reducing the trade imbalance with India.
This decision comes in response to India’s significant imports of heavy crude oil from Russia. The directive highlights the importance of balancing trade relations between the two countries to ensure mutual economic benefits.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/putin-orders-steps-to-soften-russia-india-trade-imbalance/story
Country List
United States of America
US Virgin Islands
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Canada
Mexico, United Mexican States
Bahamas, Commonwealth of the
Cuba, Republic of
Dominican Republic
Haiti, Republic of
Jamaica
Afghanistan
Albania, People’s Socialist Republic of
Algeria, People’s Democratic Republic of
American Samoa
Andorra, Principality of
Angola, Republic of
Anguilla
Antarctica (the territory South of 60° S)
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina, Argentine Republic
Armenia
Aruba
Australia, Commonwealth of
Austria, Republic of
Azerbaijan, Republic of
Bahrain, Kingdom of
Bangladesh, People’s Republic of
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium, Kingdom of
Belize
Benin, People’s Republic of
Bermuda
Bhutan, Kingdom of
Bolivia, Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana, Republic of
Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya)
Brazil, Federative Republic of
British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago)
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria, People’s Republic of
Burkina Faso
Burundi, Republic of
Cambodia, Kingdom of
Cameroon, United Republic of
Cape Verde, Republic of
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad, Republic of
Chile, Republic of
China, People’s Republic of
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia, Republic of
Comoros, Union of the
Congo, Democratic Republic of
Congo, People’s Republic of
Cook Islands
Costa Rica, Republic of
Cote D’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the
Cyprus, Republic of
Czech Republic
Denmark, Kingdom of
Djibouti, Republic of
Dominica, Commonwealth of
Ecuador, Republic of
Egypt, Arab Republic of
El Salvador, Republic of
Equatorial Guinea, Republic of
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Faeroe Islands
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands
Finland, Republic of
France, French Republic
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon, Gabonese Republic
Gambia, Republic of the
Georgia
Germany
Ghana, Republic of
Gibraltar
Greece, Hellenic Republic
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala, Republic of
Guinea, Revolutionary People’s Republic of
Guinea-Bissau, Republic of
Guyana, Republic of
Heard and McDonald Islands
Holy See (Vatican City State)
Honduras, Republic of
Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
Hrvatska (Croatia)
Hungary, Hungarian People’s Republic of
Iceland, Republic of
India, Republic of
Indonesia, Republic of
Iran, Islamic Republic of
Iraq, Republic of
Ireland
Israel, State of
Italy, Italian Republic
Japan
Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of
Kazakhstan, Republic of
Kenya, Republic of
Kiribati, Republic of
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea, Republic of
Kuwait, State of
Kyrgyz Republic
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lebanon, Lebanese Republic
Lesotho, Kingdom of
Liberia, Republic of
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Liechtenstein, Principality of
Lithuania
Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of
Macao, Special Administrative Region of China
Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of
Madagascar, Republic of
Malawi, Republic of
Malaysia
Maldives, Republic of
Mali, Republic of
Malta, Republic of
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania, Islamic Republic of
Mauritius
Mayotte
Micronesia, Federated States of
Moldova, Republic of
Monaco, Principality of
Mongolia, Mongolian People’s Republic
Montserrat
Morocco, Kingdom of
Mozambique, People’s Republic of
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru, Republic of
Nepal, Kingdom of
Netherlands Antilles
Netherlands, Kingdom of the
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua, Republic of
Niger, Republic of the
Nigeria, Federal Republic of
Niue, Republic of
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway, Kingdom of
Oman, Sultanate of
Pakistan, Islamic Republic of
Palau
Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Panama, Republic of
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay, Republic of
Peru, Republic of
Philippines, Republic of the
Pitcairn Island
Poland, Polish People’s Republic
Portugal, Portuguese Republic
Puerto Rico
Qatar, State of
Reunion
Romania, Socialist Republic of
Russian Federation
Rwanda, Rwandese Republic
Samoa, Independent State of
San Marino, Republic of
Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
Senegal, Republic of
Serbia and Montenegro
Seychelles, Republic of
Sierra Leone, Republic of
Singapore, Republic of
Slovakia (Slovak Republic)
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia, Somali Republic
South Africa, Republic of
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Spain, Spanish State
Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of
St. Helena
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Pierre and Miquelon
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sudan, Democratic Republic of the
Suriname, Republic of
Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands
Swaziland, Kingdom of
Sweden, Kingdom of
Switzerland, Swiss Confederation
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan, Province of China
Tajikistan
Tanzania, United Republic of
Thailand, Kingdom of
Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of
Togo, Togolese Republic
Tokelau (Tokelau Islands)
Tonga, Kingdom of
Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of
Tunisia, Republic of
Turkey, Republic of
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda, Republic of
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Uruguay, Eastern Republic of
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of
Wallis and Futuna Islands
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia, Republic of
Zimbabwe
https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/dr-arlene-mitchell/article_20508e7f-6a4d-4a75-9fb8-0ead59702794.html
While large organisations focus on identifying gaps within their ecosystems and metrics, Devika Das—a coach from India now based in Hong Kong—is supporting leaders in emotional intelligence, awareness, and influence through her unique author’s technique.
—
**The Role of Leadership in Business Success**
The success of a company directly depends on who is in charge. According to McKinsey, the business world will transform again in 2025. Increasingly, we hear that traditional leadership models are outdated. Control and KPIs are no longer the prime indicators of a strong leader.
This shift is further supported by Harvard Business Review, which emphasizes that modern “executive presence” is no longer about wearing a suit or having a loud voice. Instead, it is grounded in deep self-reflection, calmness amidst instability, and empathy in negotiations.
By 2026, Gartner estimates that more than half of leadership development programs will have evolved to incorporate strategies based on coaching, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety.
—
**A New Leadership Approach: Integrating Psychology and Eastern Philosophy**
As leadership styles are reconsidered globally, a novel method has emerged combining foundational psychology with Eastern philosophy. Where simple psychoanalysis may fall short, Eastern wisdom offers effective insights. Leading this innovation is Indian expert Devika Das.
Devika is the founder of The Soul Soup Limited and has built a reputation working with senior managers and top executives worldwide. Her work demonstrates how organizational change can begin by transforming one person from the inside out.
To make her coaching more effective, Devika combined diverse approaches and tools, creating a method that has proven successful over twenty years.
—
**Techniques for Becoming a Leader “From the Inside”**
Many people think of leadership in terms of external attributes like position, charisma, appearance, and rhetoric. For Devika Das, true leadership starts within.
She developed the **CORE Executive Presence** methodology, a framework refined through years of work with senior managers, founders, and leaders of multinational teams. The method draws on psychodynamic psychology, which Devika studied at INSEAD, along with Eastern philosophical practices found in the Yoga Sutras and Ashtavakra Gita.
While most leadership models focus on external behaviors, CORE delves into internal operating systems that underpin behavior, reactions, and influence.
Devika explains the three core elements of the process:
– **Self-awareness:** Understanding your unconscious drives and triggers beyond surface strengths.
– **Reading others:** Developing fluency in the unspoken human dynamics and tensions that shape every interaction.
– **Adapting with power:** Translating insights into conscious leadership choices that create conditions for others to thrive.
—
**Why CORE Executive Presence is Unique**
The CORE method helps leaders uncover unconscious drivers, internal tensions, and habitual responses—such as fear of abandonment, the urge to control, or a desire for approval—that often impair clarity and freedom.
The program guides leaders to look beyond language and key performance indicators, enhancing emotional intelligence, cultural attunement, and the ability to read group dynamics. Leaders learn to identify disengagement, rising tensions, unspoken concerns, and individual needs within their teams.
This “tuning in” allows leaders to act with precision rather than blunt force—to build trust, avoid unnecessary conflict, and respond thoughtfully to changing circumstances.
At the highest level, leaders use their understanding of themselves and others not to manipulate, but to make conscious choices about how to communicate and act.
—
**Balancing Leadership with Eastern Philosophy**
Eastern philosophy plays a vital role in Devika’s approach. It emphasizes stability and comfort as two essential aspects of leadership—whether physical posture or strategic direction.
In coaching, this translates to maintaining firmness and flexibility simultaneously: staying the course without rigid stubbornness.
This integration of mindfulness and presence from Eastern practice complements Western tools that uncover motivations and interpersonal dynamics, resulting in a practical and deeply personalized leadership development approach.
Devika shares, “This is not about adding another technique to your toolkit. It’s about fundamentally changing how you show up. Through practices that cultivate emotional steadiness, genuine presence, and resilience under pressure, leaders develop the capacity to observe events without being overwhelmed and to act from clarity rather than fear.”
—
**Transforming Organizations One Leader at a Time**
For a leader to succeed and inspire confidence, self-assurance is critical—something Devika actively cultivates in her training.
Her coaching journey includes work in Sri Lanka, Egypt, and Indonesia before moving to China, where she worked as an independent coach with clients primarily from Europe and Asia. Later, she established her own company focused on international executive presence training and coaching.
Today, Devika works from Hong Kong, coaching C-suite leaders and aspiring executives across global corporations.
—
**A Case Study: Changing Sales Strategy Through Internal Transformation**
One of Devika’s significant projects involved a senior leader from a fast-growing IT consulting firm in Asia. The goal was ambitious: double revenues by 2028.
This required shifting from a slow, “farmer” sales approach—which focuses on building long-term, trusting customer relationships—to a fast-paced, “hunter” strategy targeting new large customers in unfamiliar markets.
However, the team resisted this change. Long-standing values of care and trust were seen as outdated, causing decreased productivity and risking the loss of key employees.
Devika began working with the internal leader, advocating for an “internal transformation” rather than applying pressure or brute force. This transformation emphasized presence, conversation, and reinvention over orders.
Practical steps included workshops to redefine KPIs, raising awareness about identity and complexity, rebranding sales roles, valuing cross-selling, and developing joint career paths.
This approach preserved the company’s identity while steering it toward its growth targets—a true example of transformation from within.
—
**Recognition and Influence in Global Leadership Development**
The CORE Executive Presence approach signals a profound change sweeping through global organizations. Devika Das’s pioneering work has garnered international attention.
Since 2021, she has been a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, where she contributes to shaping trends in management.
Her contributions to fostering informed leadership earned her the **Global Woman of Influence 2024** award, recognizing her impact not only on individual leaders but also the broader business environment.
Additionally, Devika is a member of the **World Economic Forum Expert Network**, a community of nearly 3,000 experts working to address global challenges through system leadership and collaboration.
—
**Devika’s Ongoing Work and Legacy**
Alongside coaching, Devika actively shares her insights through her book and blog posts. She serves as a learning coach at INSEAD Executive Education—one of the world’s leading international business schools—helping to train responsible leaders capable of transforming business and society.
Her role at INSEAD involves mentoring senior managers and assessing leaders who apply conscious leadership principles within their organizations.
This is not theoretical work—it is a proven system that has already catalyzed a paradigm shift in corporate cultures worldwide. Many companies now look to Devika to help develop their leaders.
—
**The Growing Need for Skilled Leadership Coaches**
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the demand for highly skilled coaches to train and develop leaders and managers is stronger than ever.
Coaches who can expand departmental effectiveness and enhance overall company performance are in high demand—and Devika Das stands out as a leading figure in this vital field.
—
By blending deep psychology, Eastern philosophy, and practical leadership techniques, Devika Das’s CORE Executive Presence method offers a transformative path for leaders ready to evolve—from the inside out.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/latest-news/leadership-from-within-how-one-indian-coachs-method-helped-it-giant-double-revenue-without-losing-key-talent-2
**Tragic Lift Mishap Claims Life of 11-Year-Old Boy in Pimpri-Chinchwad**
An 11-year-old boy lost his life in a tragic lift accident in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Chovisawadi area on Thursday evening. The young boy became trapped in a lift between the third and fourth floors of a residential building, where he remained stuck for over three hours before the rescue team could reach him. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained led to his death.
The deceased has been identified as Amey Sahebrao Phadtare, a resident of Ramsmruti Housing Society, Chovisawadi. An Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been registered at the Dighi Police Station, confirmed Senior Police Inspector Pramod Wagh, the officer in charge of the station.
According to Fire Brigade officials, the incident was reported at 5:05 pm. However, residents of the society stated that Amey had been trapped since around 3 pm, but no one realized the situation initially.
A fire brigade official described the critical nature of the rescue operation: “It was observed at the scene that an 11-year-old boy was trapped between the 3rd and 4th floors. Both his legs were on the third floor while the lift was struggling to move upwards. We broke the lock of the lift room door and turned off the electric supply.”
Following this, the fire brigade personnel together with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Disaster Management team acted swiftly. They carefully brought the lift down and successfully rescued the boy.
Amey was immediately admitted to the nearby KK Hospital, where doctors commenced treatment. Despite their best efforts, the boy was declared dead shortly after arrival.
Local residents shared that Amey had been stuck in the lift for hours and his cries for help were heard, but it took time before anyone understood that someone was trapped inside.
This heartbreaking incident, occurring on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, has sent shockwaves of grief throughout the city. The community mourns the tragic loss of a young life under such unfortunate circumstances.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-11-year-old-boy-dies-in-tragic-lift-mishap-at-housing-society-in-pimpri-chinchwads-chovisawadi-videos
New Delhi: The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has been receiving complaints related to the implementation of GST 2.0 by retailers and e-commerce platforms. According to the government, a major share of these grievances pertain to milk pricing, followed by electronics goods, LPG, and petrol.
A significant number of consumers approached the NCH with the belief that, following the GST reform, milk companies were required to reduce the prices of fresh milk. Consumers complained that milk companies were continuing to charge pre-reform prices, thereby denying them the benefits of the reduced GST rate. However, after examining the issue, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) clarified that fresh milk is already exempt from GST. The recent GST rate reforms have also exempted ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk.
Another substantial category of complaints related to electronic goods purchased through e-commerce websites. Consumers raised grievances stating that laptops, refrigerators, washing machines, and other consumer durables bought online were still being charged at pre-reform GST rates, with no benefit from the tax reduction passed on to them. Upon analysis, the CCPA revealed that the GST rate was reduced from 28% to 18% on TVs, monitors, dishwashing machines, and air conditioners as part of the recent reforms. Goods such as laptops, refrigerators, and washing machines were already taxed at 18%.
A third cluster of grievances concerned domestic LPG cylinders. Consumers reported that the prices of LPG had not decreased following the reforms. CCPA clarified that domestic LPG continues to attract a GST rate of 5%, and there has been no change in the applicable GST rate for household domestic consumers.
Additionally, some complaints emerged related to petrol prices. Many consumers alleged that petrol prices had not fallen post-reform. The CCPA categorically clarified that petrol is outside the purview of GST. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs stated, “Consumers’ expectation of lower petrol prices reflects a misunderstanding of the scope of GST reforms, rather than any non-compliance by retailers or oil companies.”
Since the launch of the Next-Generation GST Reforms 2025, the NCH has received a total of 3,981 GST-related cases, comprising 31% queries and 69% grievances. These grievances have been escalated to the concerned brand owners and e-commerce entities for prompt action. Furthermore, the CCPA has initiated a detailed review of these grievances to consider initiating class action whenever necessary.
Out of the total complaints, 1,992 GST-related grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for appropriate action, while 761 grievances have been referred in real-time to the concerned companies for resolution.
The broader message emerging from this initial week of GST-related grievance reporting is that consumers are actively and enthusiastically participating in the grievance redressal system. This reflects growing awareness and trust in the institutional mechanisms established by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/national-consumer-helpline-receives-gst-related-complaints-about-milk-pricing-electronic-goods-lpg-petrol
UFC 320 is shaping up to be a marquee event filled with high-stakes matchups and championship bouts. The main event features a highly anticipated rematch for the light heavyweight title between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. This fight card includes both established champions and rising contenders, promising fans an exciting night of action.
### UFC 320: Main Event Walkout Songs – Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira
The main event sees UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev face off against former champion Alex Pereira. Pereira, a former two-division champion, is looking for redemption as he aims to reclaim the belt. Tension and clear dislike between the two fighters have built throughout their preparations, adding an extra layer of drama to this intense rivalry.
Both fighters are known to choose walkout songs that reflect their heritage and personal energy. Ankalaev often favors **”My Nanak” by Tamila Sagaipova**, a track that resonates with his cultural roots and mindset going into battle. Pereira has been seen entering the octagon to the powerful sounds of **Sepultura’s “Itsari,”** which complements his fierce and aggressive fighting style.
—
### UFC 320: Co-Main Event Walkout Songs – Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen
The co-main event highlights bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against the versatile Cory Sandhagen. Known for his relentless pressure and wrestling dominance, Dvalishvili contrasts sharply with Sandhagen’s sharp striking and tactical versatility, setting the stage for a fast-paced showdown.
Dvalishvili has previously chosen **”Midi, Midi, Movidvar” by Nicolshow** for his walkouts, a song that pays homage to his cultural heritage. Sandhagen opts for the classic hip-hop anthem **”Gimme The Loot” by The Notorious B.I.G.,** a track that energizes both him and the arena as he makes his way to the cage.
—
### UFC 320: Walkout Songs of Other Key Fighters
The event card also features several other exciting matchups, including:
– **Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.**
Prochazka, a former UFC light heavyweight champion known for his unorthodox striking, often selects intense orchestral or rock tracks for his entrances. Notable tracks include **”Black Adam” theme by Lorne Balfe** and **”Legends Are Made” by Sam Tinnesz**.
Khalil Rountree Jr. prefers aggressive music to pump himself up, frequently choosing **DMX’s “Let Me Fly.”**
– **Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal**
Emmett, recognized for his powerful hands, walks out to **Rebelution’s “Sky is the Limit.”**
Zalal energizes the crowd with **50 Cent’s “I Get Money.”**
– **Abusupiyan Magomedov vs. Joe Pyfer**
Magomedov sets an intense mood with **Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise.”**
Pyfer brings the energy with **”What You Gon’ Do” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz feat. Lil Scrappy.**
—
### UFC 320 Walkout Songs for Other Fighters
Here’s a look at walkout songs for several other fighters featured on the UFC 320 card:
– **Edmen Shahbazyan:** “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
– **Andre Muniz:** “Till I Collapse” and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
– **Chris Gutierrez:** “Bandolero” by Don Omar feat. Tego Calderon
– **Farid Basharat:** “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” by Johnny Cash
– **Punahele Soriano:** “Trinity (Titoli)” by Annibale E I Cantori Moderni from *Django Unchained* soundtrack
– **Ramiz Brahimaj:** “Favor for a Favor” by Nas feat. Scarface
– **Austin Vanderford:** “Middle Child” by J. Cole
– **Veronica Hardy:** “Baddadan” by Chase & Status
– **Brogan Walker:** “The Rev3nge” by Joey Badass
—
With such a diverse and carefully curated selection of walkout songs, UFC 320 promises not only thrilling fights inside the octagon but also electrifying moments as fighters set the tone with their entrances. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable night of competition and spectacle!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-ufc-320-walkout-songs-tracks-alex-pereira-magomed-ankalaev-merab-dvalishvili-others-used
**Grand Yagyopaveet Sanskar Ceremony Conducted for 21 Students at Kapishwar Vedic Gurukul on Vijaya Dashami**
*Lucknow:*
On the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, a grand collective Yagyopaveet Sanskar (Sacred Thread Ceremony) was conducted for 21 Batuks (students) of the Kapishwar Vedic Gurukul. The ceremony, performed with full Vedic rituals, took place at the ancient Shri Lete Hue Hanuman Ji Temple in Lucknow. This significant event aimed to preserve and connect the new generation with the timeless Sanatan traditions.
**Family Participation and Bhiksha Ritual**
The ceremony saw a large gathering, including the families of the students and the chief guru, Dr. Vivek Tangri. A key highlight was the Bhiksha ritual, where each family offered Bhiksha (alms) to their boys. This act symbolized granting permission for the students to pursue Brahmacharya and Vedic education, marking a crucial step in their spiritual journey.
**Emphasis on Discipline and Spirituality**
Guru Dr. Vivek Tangri emphasized the importance of the Yagyopaveet Sanskar, describing it as one of life’s 16 most vital sanskars. He explained that the Brahmacharya Ashram (stage of life) is regarded as the supreme phase. The ceremony serves to instill discipline, Vedic conduct, and spirituality in the lives of the young boys, laying a strong foundation for their personal and spiritual growth.
**Vedic Chanting and Guidance**
The Vedic chanting and Hawan were conducted by Vedic Acharya Ankit Dixit, who also imparted lessons on ideals of conduct and education to the students. His guidance helped deepen the students’ understanding of Vedic principles and practices.
**Community Support and Cultural Preservation**
The event was further supported by Gurukul Board member Dr. Pankaj Singh Bhadauria along with other community leaders, reaffirming the collective commitment to preserving cultural heritage and nurturing the spiritual education of future generations.
This Yagyopaveet Sanskar ceremony stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Sanatan traditions and the dedicated efforts to pass them on to the youth.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/up-news-grand-yagyopaveet-sanskar-conducted-for-21-students-at-kapishwar-vedic-gurukul-on-vijaya-dashami
**National Consumer Helpline Receives Complaints on GST 2.0 Implementation; Major Grievances on Milk Pricing and Electronics**
New Delhi: As the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) addresses complaints related to the implementation of GST 2.0 by retailers and e-commerce platforms, the government reports that a significant portion of grievances concern milk pricing, followed by electronic goods, LPG, and petrol.
A large number of consumers approached the NCH believing that, following the GST reform, milk companies were required to reduce the prices of fresh milk. They complained that companies were still charging pre-reform prices, thereby denying consumers the benefits of the reduced GST rate. However, after a thorough examination, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) clarified that fresh milk is already exempt from GST. Additionally, the recent GST reforms have extended exemption to ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk as well.
Another prominent category of complaints involved electronic goods purchased through e-commerce websites. Consumers raised concerns that items such as laptops, refrigerators, washing machines, and other consumer durables were still being charged at pre-reform GST rates, and that the tax reduction benefits were not being passed on to them. The CCPA’s analysis revealed that the GST rate on TVs, monitors, dishwashing machines, and air conditioners was reduced from 28% to 18% under the GST reforms. Meanwhile, goods such as laptops, refrigerators, and washing machines have already been taxed at 18%.
A third set of grievances related to domestic LPG cylinders. Consumers reported that LPG prices had not decreased following the reforms. The CCPA clarified that the GST rate on domestic LPG remains unchanged at 5%, with no reductions applicable for household consumers.
Further complaints emerged regarding petrol prices, with many consumers alleging that petrol costs had not fallen after the reforms. The CCPA categorically clarified that petrol is outside the GST framework. “Consumers’ expectation of lower petrol prices reflects a misunderstanding of the scope of GST reforms, rather than any non-compliance by retailers or oil companies,” stated the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Since the rollout of the Next-Generation GST Reforms 2025, the NCH has received a total of 3,981 GST-related dockets, comprising 31% queries and 69% grievances. These grievances have been escalated to the pertinent brand owners and e-commerce entities for prompt resolution. Furthermore, the CCPA has initiated a detailed review of these complaints to consider class action suits where necessary.
Out of the total complaints, 1,992 GST-related grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for further action. Meanwhile, 761 grievances have been referred in real-time to the relevant companies for resolution.
The broad takeaway from this initial week of GST-related complaints is that consumers are actively engaging with the grievance redressal system. This engagement reflects growing consumer awareness and trust in the institutional mechanisms established by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. No changes have been made except to the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/national-consumer-helpline-receives-gst-related-complaints-about-milk-pricing-electronic-goods-lpg-petrol
Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited film, *Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1*, has opened with a storm at the Indian box office. Directed by Rishab and produced by Hombale Films, the movie was released on October 2, coinciding with the festive occasions of Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti. It earned a staggering Rs 60 crore across India (all languages) on its very first day, marking one of the biggest openings ever for a Kannada film.
The pan-India release benefited from massive hype, strong advance bookings, and glowing early reviews. In Karnataka, the film registered an extraordinary 88.13% occupancy on Thursday, clearly reflecting its home-ground dominance. According to Sacnilk data, the film maintained a solid 75.34% occupancy in the Telugu states, while Tamil Nadu recorded 71.42%. The Hindi version, though relatively lower, still managed 29.84% occupancy, contributing an estimated Rs 19-21 crore from the North Indian market alone—a strong figure for a Kannada-origin film.
The cast, led by Rishab Shetty himself alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram, played a key role in attracting audiences nationwide. With word-of-mouth spreading rapidly, trade experts predict the film will witness growth over the weekend, particularly in Hindi-speaking regions.
The difference compared to its predecessor is striking. The original *Kantara* opened modestly at around Rs 1.27 crore and relied on positive word-of-mouth to achieve a lifetime total of Rs 81.1 crore. In contrast, *Kantara: Chapter 1* has delivered an opening figure that is over 1400% higher, setting the stage for a historic box office run.
With its first-day collection, *Kantara: Chapter 1* is already being counted among the frontrunners for the biggest blockbuster of 2025. If the film sustains its momentum, it could even challenge the opening records set by recent pan-India giants like *RRR* and *KGF: Chapter 2*.
All eyes are now on the weekend collections, which will determine just how far Rishab Shetty’s mythological epic can go. One thing is certain — *Kantara: Chapter 1* has arrived with a roar.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/kantara-chapter-1-box-office-collection-day-1-rishab-shettys-film-opens-to-a-thunderous-60-crore-hindi-share-nearly-one-third
Week 6 of CHSAA prep football showcased some exciting matchups and impressive performances across high schools in Colorado. Fans were treated to intense competition and standout plays as teams battled for important conference standings.
Below is a summary of the scores and key highlights from this week’s games, reflecting the ongoing passion and talent in Colorado high school football.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses and teams vie for playoff positions in the coming weeks.
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/02/colorado-high-school-football-scores-week-6-2025/
