Digest for 15 September, 2025
Government Simplifies GST, Merges Slabs to Boost Economy
The Union government has announced major reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), simplifying the structure into two main slabs of 5% and 18%. According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the move will significantly reduce the tax burden on citizens and is expected to lower prices of essential goods. The reform, effective September 22, aims to spur consumption and boost economic activity ahead of the festive season. Items previously taxed at 12% have largely been moved to the 5% bracket.
US Commerce Secretary Warns India Over High Tariffs, Threatens Action
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has issued a stern warning to India, criticizing its high tariffs and lack of market access for American goods, particularly agricultural products like corn. Lutnick stated that the trade relationship is "one way" and asserted that New Delhi must lower its tariffs or face a "tough time" doing business with the U.S. The comments signal escalating trade tensions between the two nations, with the Trump administration threatening reciprocal tariffs to address what it calls an unfair dynamic.
Defence Ministry Revises Procurement Rules to Boost Domestic Industry
The Ministry of Defence has approved a new Defence Procurement Manual aimed at bolstering self-reliance ('aatmanirbharta') in the sector. The revised rules will expedite the procurement of ammunition, spares, and other supplies for the armed forces, with a budget of ₹1,00,000 crore. Key changes include removing the need for a 'no objection certificate' from defence PSUs for open bidding, allowing private firms to compete for contracts previously dominated by public sector companies, and providing technical support to new domestic manufacturers.
India's First Bamboo-Based Bioethanol Plant Inaugurated in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the country's first bioethanol plant using bamboo as feedstock in Golaghat, Assam. The ₹5,000-crore "zero-waste" facility is a joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Limited and Finnish firms. It aims to promote clean energy, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and boost the rural economy by sourcing five lakh tonnes of green bamboo annually from local farmers. The project is a major step towards India's goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency and promoting green technology.
Top Maoist Commander with ₹1 Crore Bounty Killed in Jharkhand
Security forces in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district killed three senior Maoists in a gunfight, including Central Committee member Sahdev Soren, who carried a bounty of ₹1 crore. The encounter took place in the Pantitri forest early Monday morning. The other two slain commanders were Raghunath Hembram and Birsen Ganjhu, carrying rewards of ₹25 lakh and ₹10 lakh, respectively. This operation is being hailed as a major success in India's anti-Maoist efforts, neutralizing a key figure in the banned CPI (Maoist) organization.