Digest for 03 June, 2025
US Commerce Secretary Signals Imminent India-US Trade Deal
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed strong optimism for an India-US trade deal in the near future, stating both nations have found a "very good place" for agreement. He highlighted ongoing discussions to reduce India's high tariffs in exchange for market access for US businesses. Lutnick noted India's positive steps, such as shifting military purchases towards the US and addressing concerns over initiatives like a BRICS currency, fostering a stronger bilateral relationship.
Punjab Man Arrested for Sharing Army Secrets with Pakistan's ISI
Punjab Police arrested Gagandeep Singh from Tarn Taran for allegedly sharing sensitive information about Indian Army movements during "Operation Sindoor" with Pakistan's ISI. He was reportedly in contact with Pakistan-based Khalistani supporter Gopal Singh Chawla and received payments for espionage. A mobile phone containing classified data and details of over 20 ISI contacts was recovered. An FIR under the Official Secrets Act has been registered as investigations continue into the espionage network.
PM Modi Assures Full Central Support for Flood-Ravaged Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to assess the severe flood situation in the state, assuring complete support from the Central government for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Continuous rainfall has inundated large areas, impacting over 5.35 lakh people across more than 20 districts and claiming 11 lives due to floods and landslides. Sarma briefed the PM on the ongoing relief operations undertaken by the state government.
Allahabad High Court Upholds Rs 273.5 Crore GST Penalty on Patanjali Ayurved
The Allahabad High Court dismissed Patanjali Ayurved Limited's petition challenging a Rs 273.5 crore GST penalty. The court affirmed that tax authorities can impose penalties under Section 122 of the GST Act through civil proceedings, without requiring criminal trials. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) had accused Patanjali of "circular trading of tax invoices only on paper without actual supply of goods," leading to the substantial penalty.
Ayodhya's Ram Temple Aglow for Ram Darbar Pran Pratishtha
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi temple in Ayodhya has been vibrantly illuminated ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the Ram Darbar, scheduled from June 3 to June 5. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to attend the Saryu Jayanti Janmotsav celebrations in Ayodhya on June 5. Concurrently, local authorities have initiated measures to ban meat sales along key religious routes like Ram Path, with discussions on a liquor ban also underway.