In a move to regulate unregistered online platforms, Nepal has ordered the blocking of 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. This decision comes after a Cabinet decision in August and a Supreme Court directive. Companies are required to register and secure a license within three months in order to operate within Nepal's jurisdiction.
After public backlash, Cracker Barrel announced that it would be returning to its old logo. President Donald Trump took the opportunity to mock the situation by posting a video of him and the original "old timer" from the logo dancing to "YMCA" in front of the restaurant's logo. The White House also got in on the jokes, posting a picture of Trump sitting in the "old timer's" chair with a spoofed logo and the caption, "Go woke, go broke." Trump even offered advice to the company, saying they could use the controversy to gain publicity.
In a bold move, Tesla's board has proposed a massive pay package for CEO Elon Musk in order to keep him focused and incentivized. The proposal, which is 18 times larger than a previous controversial pay package, highlights the board's confidence in Musk's ability to steer the company towards a new direction and reignite growth. The decision has sparked criticism from some who argue that Musk, as the company's largest shareholder, already has enough incentive and that the plan could worsen dilution and pose governance risks.
The GST Council's decision to move most items under just two tax slabs of 5% and 18%, starting 22 September 2025, has brought relief to the common man as essentials like roti, hair oil, and televisions turn cheaper. While services are not directly affected, the changes in GST rates have eased cost pressures on the paper and packaging industry. This came after leading enterprises in the sector raised concerns over higher costs and placed a joint request before the government on 24 August. However, with the latest reforms, the industry that had been grappling with rising domestic wood prices, especially for raw materials like wood pulp, can now breathe easy. The changes have brought down the GST rates of paper products such as boxes, pouches and other essentials, while increasing the GST slab for certain varieties of paperboard, uncoated and coated paper, and more.
In an attempt to further strain relations between the US and India, President Donald Trump's administration is considering imposing tariffs on India's IT sector. This includes taxes on remote IT workers and restrictions on the H-1B visa program. The decision, if taken, could significantly impact both countries' economies and could lead to higher costs and slower innovation in the tech industry.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that all teachers, including Shiksha Mitras, instructors, and cooks, will now be eligible for cashless medical treatment. This facility will cover approximately nine lakh teachers, or nine lakh families. The CM also announced the formation of a high-level committee to consider increasing allowances for Shiksha Mitras and instructors, acknowledging their significant contributions to the mission of education. He emphasized that teachers are not only knowledge providers but also builders of the nation's foundation and their respect and welfare remain the government's priority. Initiatives like Operation Kayakalp and Project Alankar have significantly improved the condition of schools in the state under his leadership, disproving the negative propaganda against education in Uttar Pradesh.
Tesla's board has proposed a new compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk that could potentially make him the world's first trillionaire. This plan, which is tied to Musk's ability to transform Tesla into a technology and AI-driven company, would require him to increase the company's market valuation eightfold over the next decade. With this proposal, Musk's leadership and long-term vision for Tesla will be put to the test, as shareholders will need to approve the plan before it can be put into action.
In celebration of Teachers' Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that his government will provide cashless medical treatment to all teachers in the state. This decision will benefit approximately nine lakh families and will include teachers from all levels of education. Adityanath also paid tribute to former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, highlighting his contributions to Indian culture and education. This announcement has been made as a gesture of appreciation and support for the hardworking teachers of Uttar Pradesh.
In an exclusive interview, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reveals that the government is working on a package to support exporters affected by US tariffs. She emphasizes the need to help exporters navigate the challenges of facing new markets and expresses hope that recent tax reforms will mitigate the impact of the tariffs on the country's GDP. The government has also voiced its opposition to the "unfair and unreasonable" tariffs imposed by the US.
GrabFood, a popular food delivery platform in Thailand, has joined forces with Shake Shack to offer a limited-time menu with a Thai twist. Co-created by the "World's Best Female Chef 2025" and featuring classic American dishes, the menu will be available from May 7 to July 6 at all Shake Shack locations in Bangkok and for delivery on the Grab app. This collaboration is part of Grab's efforts to provide exclusive culinary experiences for its users, with the code "SS50" offering 50 baht off for orders from the collaboration menu. Don't miss the chance to try these delicious and unique dishes!
In a recent interview, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the government will stick to its budgetary planning and fiscal glide path despite the latest GST rate rationalisation. The changes in GST rates, which are expected to lead to a revenue loss of Rs 48,000 crore, will not affect the government's capital expenditure plans. Data shows that India's fiscal deficit in April-July 2025 has already reached 29.9%, with a sharp rise in capital spending suggesting strong progress towards achieving the targeted fiscal deficit of 4.4% by 2025-26.