The price of smartphones in India could be set for an important change. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council may consider reducing the current 18% GST rate on mobile phones, potentially making smartphones more affordable for Indian consumers. Reports indicate that the proposal could be discussed at the upcoming GST Council meeting scheduled for…
A devastating flash flood triggered by a glacier collapse has struck the Himalayan border region of Nepal and China’s Tibet, leaving hundreds dead, hundreds of people missing and communities facing the possibility of further flooding. Rescue teams are continuing operations across remote valleys after torrents of water, ice, rock and mud swept through settlements and…
New Delhi, August 24, 2026: India’s national security landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as traditional military threats increasingly overlap with cyberattacks, artificial intelligence, digital fraud and cross-border security challenges. While the armed forces continue to focus on conventional defence preparedness, government agencies are simultaneously strengthening India’s ability to protect critical digital infrastructure and citizens…
New Delhi, August 24, 2026: India’s political landscape is witnessing a fresh confrontation between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition, with women’s political representation and electoral reforms emerging as two major flashpoints. Over the past few days, senior leaders from both sides have intensified their attacks, turning issues that were once largely…
India’s reservation system has once again become the centre of a major public debate. Large numbers of protesters gathered in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in August 2026 as part of the “Reservation Hatao Andolan”, demanding major changes to the country’s reservation policy. The movement has attracted attention because its supporters argue that government benefits and reservation…
India is facing an unusual situation in 2026: a country that has traditionally produced enough sugar for domestic consumption and exports is now moving toward importing sugar. At the same time, India has successfully achieved its ambitious E20 ethanol-blending target, meaning petrol can contain up to 20% ethanol. This has raised an important question: Is…
Maharashtra has taken a major step toward strengthening food safety by banning the sale of loose or unpackaged edible oil across the state. The decision, announced by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, is aimed at addressing concerns such as adulteration, unsafe packaging, improper storage, lack of traceability and repeated…
The sight of men clad in all-black tactical gear, moving with lightning speed and lethal precision, strikes fear into the hearts of terrorists worldwide. These are the “Black Cats,” the elite National Security Guard (NSG) commandos of India. Formed on October 16, 1984, under the Ministry of Home Affairs following Operation Blue Star, the NSG…
The Indian government has opened a new one-time disclosure window for taxpayers who have previously failed to report certain foreign assets or overseas income. The Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers–Disclosure Scheme, 2026 (FAST-DS) came into effect on August 16, 2026, giving eligible taxpayers until December 31 to regularise specified overseas holdings. The scheme is particularly…
India is preparing for another major expansion in coal production as the country faces growing electricity demand. Coal continues to play a central role in India’s power sector, particularly during periods of extreme heat and high demand. The latest developments show how India is trying to balance energy security, economic growth and the transition toward…
