GST council meeting today
The Centre is set to propose a major GST overhaul during the September 3–4 Council meeting, aiming to simplify the tax structure by reducing four slabs (5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, 28 per cent) to two (5 per cent and 18 per cent), with a special 40 per cent rate for luxury and demerit goods. This move could lower prices of essentials and electronics. The Centre supports a 5 per cent GST on electric vehicles, though a ministerial group had suggested 18 per cent for EVs priced below `40 lakh. Opposition-led states demand compensation for potential revenue loss, arguing the rejig may reduce collections.
MP judge recuses after MLA call
In a dramatic development at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Justice Vishal Mishra recused himself from hearing a case on illegal mining after revealing BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak attempted to contact him about the matter. The judge termed the attempt serious and referred the case to the Chief Justice for reassignment. The petition, filed by Ashutosh Dixit, alleged delays in an EOW probe. Pathak, not an original party, had filed an intervention, triggering controversy. The incident sparked political uproar, with Congress accusing BJP of judicial interference. The fallout is expected to impact both legal proceedings and political discourse in the state.
Imam, Khalid to stay behind bars
The Delhi High Court denied bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and seven others accused under UAPA for allegedly conspiring in the February 2020 Delhi riots. The court dismissed all appeals against a trial court's earlier bail rejection. The prosecution argued the riots were pre-planned with a conspiracy to defame India globally, while the defence cited long incarceration and lack of direct involvement. Khalid, Imam, and others have been jailed since 2020, facing charges under UAPA and IPC. The police claimed their speeches incited violence, while the court reserved its detailed reasoning. The trial proceedings continue under strict scrutiny.
India Faces Korea in Super 4
India enters the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup with confidence after an unbeaten run in Pool A, capping it with a dominant 15-0 win over Kazakhstan. However, coach Craig Fulton cautions against reading too much into that result, as stronger challenges await—starting with defending champions Korea. While India's forward line, led by Abhishek and Sukhjeet, impressed, Dilpreet Singh remains inconsistent.