PM Modi Unveils ‘GST Bachat Utsav,’ Calls It Next-Gen Reform to Boost Savings and Growth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced sweeping cuts in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, calling the move a “next-generation reform” aimed at easing the financial burden on India’s middle class, boosting youth opportunities and accelerating economic growth. In a nationally televised address at 5 p.m., Modi described the reform as a “GST Bachat Utsav,” or “GST Saving Festival,” that will take effect Monday, Sept. 22. The revised rates apply to a wide range of goods, from automobiles to daily consumer products, in what the government says is the most significant indirect tax change since GST was launched in 2017. “This reform is not only about reducing prices but about creating new opportunities,” Modi said. “The savings of our middle class will increase, our youth will benefit, and the entire economy will gain momentum.” He emphasized that cheaper essentials and consumer goods would encourage higher household spending, giving a boost to industries from agriculture to services. “When the purchasing power of people rises, it benefits every sector,” he said, linking the reform to his broader goal of a self-reliant India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had unveiled the rate cuts earlier this month, saying they were designed to spur consumption-driven growth amid global economic uncertainty. Analysts view the tax relief as a timely measure to stimulate demand before the festive season. The announcement also came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees to $100,000, a move expected to hit Indian IT professionals hard. Opposition parties had pressed Modi to respond to Trump’s comments on India-Pakistan and the concerns of visa holders, but the prime minister kept his focus on domestic economic policy. The Congress party accused Modi of sidestepping pressing diplomatic issues. “The government is silent on matters affecting millions of Indians abroad,” a party spokesperson said. Still, Modi underscored that the GST reform was meant to benefit “every household” and provide lasting economic relief. “This is more than a tax cut,” he said. “It is a celebration of savings and growth for every Indian.”
Nepal Airlines to Launch First Direct Kathmandu-Guangzhou Flights Sept. 25
Nepal’s national carrier will launch its first-ever direct flights between Kathmandu and Guangzhou, China, later this week, expanding connectivity between the Himalayan nation and one of China’s largest commercial hubs. Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) announced Sunday that the Kathmandu-Guangzhou-Kathmandu service will begin Thursday, Sept. 25. The airline will operate three flights a week on the route — every Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday — following the inaugural flight. “All necessary preparations have been completed, and we are ready to commence the Kathmandu-Guangzhou flights,” Manoj Kumar Shah, spokesperson for NAC, said in a statement. The initial two flights are scheduled for Sept. 25 and Sept. 28 before the regular thrice-weekly service begins. The state-run carrier has set one-way fares from Kathmandu to Guangzhou at 30,000 Nepalese rupees (about $225) and round-trip tickets at 50,000 rupees (about $375). The new route places NAC in direct competition with Himalaya Airlines, a private Nepali carrier that already operates regular flights between Kathmandu and Guangzhou, and China Southern Airlines, which connects Guangzhou and Kathmandu. Aviation analysts say the addition of NAC flights will provide passengers more options and may help reduce airfare on the busy China-Nepal route, which has grown in demand due to trade, tourism and educational exchanges. With Guangzhou added to its network, Nepal Airlines now operates regular flights to 11 destinations across nine countries, including India, Malaysia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The flag carrier has long sought to expand its international footprint, but competition from private airlines and operational challenges have limited its growth. The Kathmandu-Guangzhou service is being launched at a time when Nepal is working to attract more Chinese tourists and strengthen economic ties with Beijing. China is Nepal’s second-largest source of foreign visitors after India. NAC officials said they are optimistic the route will help boost tourism, especially ahead of the upcoming holiday season, and improve Nepal’s access to southern China’s thriving commercial and industrial region. “This is a milestone for Nepal Airlines and for the country’s aviation sector,” Shah said. “We believe the service will benefit travelers, traders and the tourism industry alike.”
Mamata Inaugurates Puja Pandals, Voices Concern Over Humiliation of Bengalis Outside the State
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday inaugurated three major Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, but pointedly refrained from entering the marquees to view the idols. “I have come here to inaugurate the pandals, not the idols. From Mahalaya, I will begin inaugurating the idols of the Goddess,” she told reporters. The Chief Minister inaugurated the Hatibagan Sarbojanin, Tala Pratyay, and the crowd-pulling Sreebhumi Sporting Club puja, marking the start of the festive season in the city. While the organisers had hoped she would tour the elaborately decorated pandals, Ms. Banerjee kept her visit brief, limiting herself to lighting lamps and cutting ceremonial ribbons. Her remarks, however, were not confined to the rituals of Durga Puja. Ms. Banerjee used the occasion to highlight what she described as the humiliation faced by Bengalis in other parts of India. “Wherever Bengalis go, they face harassment. We must not forget that Bengalis have made enormous contributions to the country’s culture, politics, economy, and education,” she said. Ms. Banerjee urged puja committees to play Bengali songs during the festival and ensure the state’s cultural identity remained strong. “This is our biggest festival. Let it showcase Bengal’s art, music, and literature. Let the world see our tradition and creativity,” she said, underlining her call for unity around language and culture. The Chief Minister’s comments come at a time when the state government has been promoting Durga Puja as a symbol of Bengal’s cultural pride, especially after UNESCO accorded the festival recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. Officials said this year’s celebrations are expected to draw record crowds, both domestic and international. Observers noted that Ms. Banerjee’s remarks also carried a political undertone, aimed at countering both the BJP and other critics who have often accused her government of neglecting cultural identity. With elections still more than a year away, she appeared keen to reinforce her image as both custodian of Bengal’s traditions and defender of its people’s dignity. Even as the city prepared for the onrush of pandal-hoppers, police and civic authorities were working to manage crowds and traffic. State officials said more than 10,000 additional personnel would be deployed across districts from Mahalaya onwards. For Ms. Banerjee, the day’s message was clear: Durga Puja is not only about lights, pandals, and festivities, but also about asserting Bengal’s identity in the face of perceived slights.
Nearly 1,000 Join Congress in Murshidabad Under Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s Leadership
Close to 1,000 people joined the Indian National Congress in Murshidabad on Saturday, in a show of support for party veteran and Congress Working Committee member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The mass joining took place in front of the district Congress office in Berhampore and drew social workers from Farakka along with leaders and workers who had crossed over from other parties. Addressing the gathering, Chowdhury said the event reflected growing disillusionment with both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). “It is becoming clear to people that only the Congress party under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi can defeat the BJP-RSS,” Chowdhury said. “That is why people are extending their support and joining us. We will launch ‘Voter Adhikar Sammelan’ in every block and subdivision to create a movement against vote theft by the BJP as well as the TMC.” Murshidabad District Congress president and former state minister Manoj Chakraborty welcomed the new entrants, saying the development would strengthen the organisation at the grassroots. “This mass joining gives us renewed energy and support. It will help us fight more effectively in Murshidabad and beyond,” he said. The Congress, which once dominated Murshidabad, has faced erosion of its support base in recent years due to the rise of both the TMC and the BJP in Bengal. Party leaders said the latest wave of new members marks a step in rebuilding its presence in the district ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections.
