In a move that aims to usher in next-generation GST reforms for a self-reliant India, the Central government is proposing to make the GST rate nil on health and life insurance premiums. This proposal was discussed in a meeting of the Group of Ministers constituted by the GST Council, where Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the government's vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat. While all members of the GoM agreed with the proposal, some expressed concerns about the impact on state government health insurance schemes and whether the benefits will be passed on to consumers. The proposal will now be presented in the next GST Council meeting in September.
Images and videos of protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tamil Nadu have gone viral on social media, with the caption claiming that the people of Tamil Nadu are reacting to his recent visit. However, a fact check reveals that the images and videos are not from the current visit, with one of them being from 2023. The original image was found to be from a photo essay showcasing India's "longest train" and was manipulated to include the anti-Modi slogan.
The Supreme Court has reprimanded political parties in Bihar for their lack of action in helping voters affected by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which resulted in the removal of 65 lakh names from the draft list. Despite the Election Commission's efforts to comply with previous orders and make the process voter-friendly, the court expressed concern that only two objections were filed by 1.6 lakh Booth Level Agents appointed by 12 recognised parties in Bihar. The bench has issued multiple directions to be followed in order to ensure a fair and accessible revision exercise for all voters.
Following the announcement of NEET PG 2025 results, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has decided to release the answer keys, raw scores, and normalisation formula as per Supreme Court's directions. On the other hand, the Election Commission of India is facing backlash for its rushed and strict Special Intensive Revision of Bihar's electoral rolls, contradicting their previous inclusive approach. Despite defending the 2003 cut-off in the Supreme Court, the poll panel is overlooking key contrasts with the ongoing revision of rolls.
The Supreme Court has overturned its previous order that prohibited the release of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, instead ruling that they must be returned to their original locations after being sterilized and immunized. This comes after criticism from animal activists who deemed the original order of rounding up stray dogs as inhumane. The larger bench's decision has sparked discussion and debate among the public.
Actor-turned-politician and TVK Chief Vijay announces his intention to contest in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections from the Madurai East constituency. He also declares that TVK will stand alone in the state polls, citing BJP as his ideological enemy and the ruling DMK as his only political enemy. In his second party conference, he predicts a major political change in Tamil Nadu's history similar to the victories of DMK in 1967 and AIADMK in 1977. Despite criticism from adversaries, Vijay confidently states that TVK's politics is for the betterment of people and will prove them wrong through their achievements.
In a strong and pointed response to the Trump administration, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticised the US for imposing a 25% tariff on India for its energy imports from Russia. He pointed out that it was the Americans who had encouraged countries to stabilise the world's energy markets by buying oil from Russia. The statement came during Jaishankar's visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian officials to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, including in the energy sector. The minister also expressed the need to address non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments to enhance Indian exports to Russia.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow to discuss enhancing the special strategic partnership between the two countries. They reaffirmed their shared ambition to expand bilateral trade and discussed solutions for addressing non-tariff barriers. Both parties also expressed their commitment to maintaining a strong political relationship, especially in the face of complex geopolitical challenges and the shifting economic and trade landscape.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has heavily criticized the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and their allies for opposing the legislation that aims to ban criminals from holding high ministerial posts. Speaking on the death anniversary of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh and the third Hindu Gaurav Day, Pradhan questioned the morality of the Opposition, citing examples of Kalyan Singh's resignation during the Ram Mandir movement and Kejriwal's refusal to step down even after facing corruption charges. He stated that with the enactment of this legislation, the Congress and other Opposition parties will find themselves in the dock.
The health condition of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, who was admitted to SGPGI in Lucknow, is steadily improving. Senior faculty members from various departments are supervising his treatment, with daily check-ins from the director. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders have offered their support and prayers for his speedy recovery.
The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Kalyan Singh, who was admitted to the hospital last week, is showing consistent improvement and is said to be in a better condition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Singh's son to ensure the best medical care for him. BJP president JP Nadda also paid a visit to the hospital and assured that Singh is responding well to treatment. Other senior leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP CM Yogi Adityanath, have also visited the veteran leader.