‘Congress Considered Impossible To Implement GST During Their Time,’ Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

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New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hit out at the Congress party, stating that while the Congress once considered the Goods and Services Tax (GST) impossible to implement, the Modi government not only rolled it out successfully but is now advancing it with second-phase reforms to ease the burden on common people.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Sitharaman said, “Is the Congress Party demanding five per cent tax on tobacco and gutkha? Congress Party wants us to give it at 5%. Congress Party considered it impossible to implement GST during their time. We have implemented it and are also undertaking second-generation reforms under the leadership of Modi ji so that people get relief on their day-to-day items.”

Sitharaman highlighted that the ongoing GST reforms are benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and labour-intensive industries by simplifying compliance. She urged the Congress to clarify its stance on measures that benefit the people.

“MSMEs and labour-intensive units also get relief, due to which there will be easy compliance. Congress should decide whether it wants to oppose or support issues that are in the interest of the people. People will expose you,” she added.

In a significant announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed a sweeping reduction in GST rates on a wide range of essential items, automobiles, agricultural inputs, and electronic appliances.

The 56th GST Council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates into two slabs: 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the previous 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates.

On the essential items front, products of daily household use will now cost less. Items such as hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soap bars, toothbrushes, and shaving cream, which previously attracted an 18 per cent GST, will now fall under the 5 per cent bracket.

Furthermore, Sitharaman announced a complete removal of GST on individual health and life insurance.

The reforms also bring significant benefits to farmers and the agricultural sector. Tractor tyres and parts, which were earlier taxed at 18 per cent GST, will now be taxed at just 5 per cent. Tractors themselves will see their rate reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/congress-considered-impossible-to-implement-gst-during-their-time-says-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin To Unveil E V Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ Portrait At Oxford University Today

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**Chennai:** Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will unveil a portrait of social reformer E.V. Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ at Oxford University’s St. Antony’s College in London on Thursday. This event marks the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement.

### About The Unveiling

The unveiling will take place during an international conference titled *The Self-Respect Movement and its Legacies 2025*, where Stalin has been invited as a special guest. The Chief Minister will also deliver a keynote address highlighting Periyar’s legacy and the enduring influence of Dravidian thought on social reforms and modern governance.

As part of the event, Stalin will release two books, *The Dravidian Pathway* and *The Cambridge Companion to Periyar*, underlining Tamil Nadu’s contribution to progressive and reformist ideologies.

This cultural milestone coincides with Stalin’s broader mission to attract global investments to Tamil Nadu, as his government pursues the ambitious goal of transforming the state into a $1 trillion economy.

### Investment Diplomacy and Overseas Engagements

Over the past few years, the DMK government has actively courted foreign investors through international summits and meetings. CM Stalin has undertaken four overseas visits so far, signing agreements worth Rs 18,500 crore.

After concluding his tour of Germany, where he engaged with industrial leaders, Stalin arrived in London to continue investment-focused discussions. On Wednesday, he witnessed the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with business groups, inviting them to set up operations in Tamil Nadu.

He emphasised the state’s industrial growth, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly environment as compelling reasons for investment in sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology.

### Engagement with the Tamil Diaspora

The CM’s itinerary also includes a visit to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London on Friday. There, he will interact with about 30 Tamil students and graduates. This session aims to strengthen ties with the Tamil diaspora and encourage their participation in Tamil Nadu’s growth story.

### Conclusion

Through this blend of cultural assertion and investment diplomacy, CM Stalin is projecting Tamil Nadu as both a progressive state proud of its reformist heritage and a rising global economic hub.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/tamil-nadu-cm-m-k-stalin-to-unveil-e-v-ramasamy-periyar-portrait-at-oxford-university-today

Punjab Floods: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan Assures Full Support From Centre – VIDEO

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**Punjab Battles Severe Floods: Centre Assures Full Support as Over 4 Lakh Acres Submerged**

Chandigarh: Punjab continues to reel under the fury of devastating floods. On Thursday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan visited the worst-affected areas in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts to assess the situation firsthand. Demonstrating solidarity with the flood-hit population, Chouhan even rode a tractor to reach inundated fields.

During his visit, Chouhan interacted closely with the farmers and local residents affected by the floods, assuring them of the Centre’s full support in this challenging time. Accompanied by senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and State BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar, he praised the resilience of Punjabis. “Punjabis have always been at the forefront when it came to serving the country and humanity, but today the state is facing difficult times due to floods,” he said. “The Centre fully stands with the people of Punjab in this difficult hour.”

**Over 4 Lakh Acres of Agricultural Land Submerged**

Meanwhile, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who accompanied Chouhan during the visit, urged the Union Minister to sanction immediate relief and a massive financial package to mitigate the devastating impact of the floods. With more than four lakh acres of agricultural land submerged, the situation poses a serious threat to both state and national food security.

Khudian highlighted that paddy fields have been the worst affected, just weeks ahead of the harvesting season. “This devastation has resulted in significant losses for farmers and has adversely impacted the state’s agricultural economy,” he stated, calling for enhanced compensation to support the affected farming community.

**Dams Continue to Release Water Amid Ongoing Rains**

The flood crisis is further aggravated by continuous rainfall and increased water discharge from key dams in the region. A controlled outflow from the Bhakra Dam was necessary, as its water level on Thursday reached approximately 1,679 feet — just one foot below the maximum capacity level.

Similarly, the Pong Dam’s water level rose to 1,394.51 feet, exceeding its maximum permissible limit by about four feet. The water discharge from the Ranjit Sagar Dam was also increased following a rise in its reservoir level, signaling potential worsening of the flood situation in Punjab.

**Chief Minister Mann Falls Ill, Cancels Flood Relief Visits**

In a related update, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reportedly fell ill on Thursday due to a viral infection, resulting in fever. Consequently, his scheduled visits to flood-affected areas alongside Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal were cancelled. His health condition is being closely monitored as flood relief efforts continue.

**Rivers Ghaggar and Markanda Trigger Panic in Haryana**

The flooding threat is not confined to Punjab alone. The Ghaggar and Markanda rivers, flowing above the danger mark, have caused panic in various parts of Haryana including Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Sirsa districts. Authorities in these areas have issued evacuation orders, urging residents to move to safer locations as precautionary measures against further flooding.

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As Punjab and neighboring states grapple with the ongoing flood crisis, efforts from the Centre and local authorities aim to provide immediate relief and long-term support for affected communities. The situation remains dynamic, and updates will follow as relief operations progress.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/punjab-floods-union-agriculture-minister-shivraj-chouhan-assures-full-support-from-centre-video

Alan Walker Mourns Loss Of His Pet Dog Happy, Shares Emotional Tribute: ‘He Was Perfect Part Of Our Family’

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Norwegian DJ and record producer Alan Walker is mourning the loss of his beloved pet dog, Happy.

The musician, best known for global hits like “Faded” and “Alone,” took to social media on Thursday (September 4) to share the heartbreaking news with his fans. He posted a series of pictures alongside an emotional note.

“Today we said goodbye to our beloved Happy 🐾 For almost 13 years he’s been by my side from the very beginning of my journey. Always spreading love and the purest energy to everyone he met,” Walker wrote. He added, “He was the most perfect dog, and the perfect part of our family. Now he’ll continue to share that same happiness and love from heaven. Rest easy, Happy ❤️.”

Happy had been a constant presence in Walker’s life and was often seen in his personal posts, becoming a familiar name among his fanbase. For the artist, who started his career as a teenager and went on to achieve international fame, Happy symbolized unconditional love and companionship through the highs and lows of his musical journey.

Fans and followers flooded the comment section with heartfelt condolences, sending strength and love to Walker during this difficult time. Many shared their own stories of losing pets, resonating with the strong bond between the artist and his furry companion.

“Rest in peace, one of the legends who always made the Walker community happy,” one fan commented.

“RIP, yesterday only I was re-watching your vlog, where Happy was running on your skateboard Ring,” wrote another.

Another fan added, “And to stop and think Happy has been with @alanwalkermusic through all these years, ups and downs 😕😕 It’s just so sad, but rest in peace Happy ♥️♥️ I had a same race dog and I had to send it to my sister’s home after bad comments thinking I had her because of Alan.”

“So sorry to see this @alanwalkermusic. May the Lord give you strength in these moments,” read another message.

Alan Walker’s heartfelt tribute and the outpouring of support from fans highlight the special place Happy held not only in his life but also in the hearts of his followers around the world.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/alan-walker-mourns-loss-of-his-pet-dog-happy-shares-emotional-tribute-he-was-perfect-part-of-our-family

Micah Parsons takes center stage as his Packers visit the Cowboys a month after trade

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ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Micah Parsons says he has never needed extra motivation going into a football game. The star pass rusher insists that will be no different when his Green Bay Packers visit Dallas on Sunday night, exactly a month after the Cowboys traded Parsons in a blockbuster deal that ended a long and acrimonious stalemate over a contract extension.

“I just feel like my fuel’s always been trying to be the best player,” Parsons said. “When you’ve got a good team and you’ve got to beat them, you’ve got to show up in the prime-time games — that you’ve got to be your best player for yourself, for your team, and everyone there.”

Parsons has recorded 1.5 sacks for the Packers (2-1), while the Cowboys (1-2) have unsurprisingly been left with one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL. Dallas also has the 32nd-ranked pass defense as it prepares to face Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love.

Earlier in the week, Parsons told The Associated Press it would be painful to sack his mentor, Dak Prescott. Surely, that pain will turn to glee if he manages to bring down the franchise quarterback.

“I hope it’s not [painful] for me,” Prescott said. “And I hope he doesn’t get me for one.”

It could be a painful day for Dallas fans who had urged owner Jerry Jones to pay Parsons as the contract issue lingered through training camp and preseason. The trade was contingent upon Parsons agreeing to a $188 million, four-year extension — a $47 million annual average, the highest ever for a non-quarterback in NFL history.

Jones said he believed he had a deal in place with Parsons at $40.5 million per season, which at the time would have made Parsons the first defensive player to surpass $40 million annually. According to Jones, the agreement came during a conversation between the two, and he never engaged Parsons’ agent despite the 2021 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year’s insistence that David Mulugheta be the final negotiator.

There will surely be plenty of Parsons’ No. 11 Cowboys jerseys at AT&T Stadium, including some doctored in protest against Jones. There will also be a fair share of No. 1 Packers jerseys, with many Green Bay fans anticipating a dominant win — the Packers are favored by a touchdown on the road, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

Parsons is confident he will receive a warm reception in Dallas and isn’t bothered by Jones’ comment that a video tribute after four seasons with the club isn’t appropriate. Parsons was a two-time All-Pro during his time with the Cowboys.

“I think the world of Micah as an individual and, of course, know him well,” Jones said on his radio show during the week. “I might say, ‘Wish him well,’ except it’s obvious I don’t this weekend in terms of Green Bay winning the game.”
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/micah-parsons-takes-center-stage-145913500.html

WeWork India to launch ₹3,000cr IPO on October 3

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**WeWork India to Launch ₹3,000 Crore IPO on October 3**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 28, 2025, 03:12 PM*

WeWork India, a leading player in the co-working space sector, is gearing up to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on October 3, 2025. The issue size is estimated to be around ₹3,000 crore. According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), bidding for anchor investors will open for a day on October 1, with the IPO set to close on October 7.

### IPO Details

The upcoming IPO from WeWork India will be an Offer for Sale (OFS) featuring up to 4.63 crore equity shares. Embassy Buildcon LLP, a promoter group firm, and Ariel Way Tenant Ltd, a subsidiary of WeWork Global, will be selling their shares as part of this offering.

Since it is an OFS, WeWork India will not receive any proceeds from the listing itself. Instead, the offering provides an opportunity for existing shareholders to liquidate a part of their holdings.

### Company Profile

Established in 2017, WeWork India operates under an exclusive license of the ‘WeWork’ brand in India. The company is promoted by Bengaluru-based real estate major Embassy Group. Currently, Embassy Group holds approximately 76.21% stake in WeWork India, while WeWork Global owns 23.45%.

The company has a strong presence across major Tier-1 Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, among others.

### Business Scale and Operations

WeWork India manages a substantial 77 lakh square feet of space, out of which around 70 lakh square feet is operational. The company offers a desk capacity exceeding 1.03 lakh and employs more than 500 people.

In January 2024, WeWork India raised ₹500 crore through a rights issue, primarily aimed at reducing debt and supporting its growth plans.

### Market Entry and Future Outlook

The upcoming IPO is expected to not only provide liquidity to existing shareholders but also enhance the company’s visibility in the market. WeWork India aims to create a public market for its shares in India and strengthen its position in the evolving co-working industry.

With the IPO set to close on October 7, WeWork India is likely to make its stock market debut around October 10, 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates on this much-anticipated market entry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/everything-we-know-about-wework-india-s-ipo/story

1,869% rally in 5 years! Do you own this stock?

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**1,869% Rally in 5 Years! Do You Own This Stock?**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:49 PM*

Cupid Limited has been making waves in the market, delivering stellar returns of over **244% in just six months** and an astounding **1,869% over five years**. This remarkable performance is expected to attract heightened interest in Monday’s trading session.

### What’s Driving Cupid Limited’s Growth?

The company’s Chairman and Managing Director, **Aditya Kumar Halwasiya**, recently announced that **Q2 FY26 is poised to be the best quarter in Cupid’s history**. This optimistic forecast is fueled by several key factors:

– New product launches
– Accelerating momentum in the FMCG vertical
– A strong pipeline of institutional orders

### Strong Financial Performance

Cupid Limited reported impressive financial results for the year, with a **total income of ₹203.18 crore** and a **net profit of ₹40.89 crore**. The company has also experienced rapid growth in its B2C FMCG segment, generating over **₹50 crore in revenue within just one year**.

This success is supported by a vast distribution network of **1.2 lakh retail outlets across India**, enabling strong consumer connect and an expanding market presence.

### A Strategic Shift Towards Wellness and Health-Tech

Halwasiya emphasized Cupid’s transformation from being primarily a contraceptive company to establishing itself as a leader in **consumer wellness and health-tech**.

He highlighted the company’s focus on:

– Sustainable growth
– Global expansion
– Innovation

while ensuring **personal care and preventive healthcare remain accessible to all**.

Cupid Limited’s strong fundamentals and visionary leadership position it well for continued growth and market success. Investors may want to keep a close watch on this evolving company.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/cupid-limited-to-report-best-ever-quarter-stock-up-244/story

Global, Domestic Firms To Invest ₹1.02 Lakh Crore In Indian Food Processing Sector: Govt

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New Delhi: The government has signed agreements with 26 overseas and domestic firms during the ‘World Food India’ summit, securing investments worth Rs 1.02 lakh crore in India’s food processing sector.

The summit, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, was held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital from September 25 to 28. In an official statement on Sunday, the ministry said that World Food India 2025 concluded on a historic note with investment commitments of unprecedented scale.

“Over the course of the four-day event, 26 leading domestic and global companies signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth a total of Rs 1,02,046.89 crore, marking one of the largest investment announcements in India’s food processing sector,” the ministry added.

On the first day of the summit, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan had asserted that MoUs worth over Rs 1 lakh crore would be signed during the event. “These MoUs are projected to generate direct employment for over 64,000 people and create indirect opportunities for more than 10 lakh individuals,” the statement said.

Among the companies that signed MoUs are Reliance Consumer Products, The Coca-Cola System in India, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul), Fair Exports (India) Pvt Ltd (Lulu Group), Nestlé India, Tata Consumer Products Ltd, and Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd.

Other signatories include BL Agro Industries, ABIS Foods & Proteins, ACE International, Patanjali Foods, Godrej Agrovet, Agristo Masa, Tiwana Nutrition Global, Haldiram Snacks Food, Indian Poultry Alliance, Mrs Bectors Food Specialities Ltd, Dabur India Ltd, Allana Consumer Products, Olam Food Ingredients, AB InBev, Cremica Food Park, Dairy Craft, Sundex Biotech, Naso Industries, and Bluepine Foods.

The investment commitments span diverse segments such as dairy, meat and poultry, packaged foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, spices and condiments, confectionery, edible oils, fruits and vegetables, and ready-to-eat products.

These proposed investments will be spread across multiple states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and the north-eastern region.

Notably, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd has signed a Rs 40,000-crore agreement with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to establish integrated food manufacturing facilities across the country. Additionally, three Coca-Cola bottlers in India will jointly invest Rs 25,760 crore (USD 2.96 billion) to expand the country’s food processing infrastructure through greenfield and brownfield projects.

Invest India, the national investment promotion and facilitation partner, assisted the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in signing these MoUs.

Beyond attracting substantial investments, the World Food India 2025 summit reaffirmed India’s position as a trusted global destination for food processing. “The event has laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and international collaboration, further consolidating India’s leadership in shaping the future of global food systems,” the government stated.

The ministry, in partnership with Invest India, will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to facilitate these investments and ensure their effective implementation.

*(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/global-domestic-firms-to-invest-102-lakh-crore-in-indian-food-processing-sector-govt

China ‘nanoseconds behind’ US in chip technology: Jensen Huang

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**China ‘Nanoseconds Behind’ US in Chip Technology: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025*

Jensen Huang, CEO and founder of US-based chipmaker NVIDIA, recently stated that China is “nanoseconds behind” the United States in chip technology. He shared these insights during a podcast hosted by tech investors Brad Gerstner and Bill Gurley, highlighting China’s rapid progress and impressive manufacturing capabilities in the semiconductor sector.

### Global Competition and Market Access

Huang advocated for allowing US companies like NVIDIA to operate and compete in China. According to him, this approach benefits both Beijing and Washington by proliferating technology worldwide, thus maximizing America’s economic success and geopolitical influence. He emphasized China’s vast talent pool, strong work ethic, and healthy internal competition among its provinces as key drivers of its tech advancement.

### Investment Prospects and Openness

The NVIDIA CEO expressed hope that China continues to welcome foreign investment. He pointed out that Beijing has committed to maintaining an open market, stating, “What’s in the best interest of China is for foreign companies to invest in China, compete in China, and for them to also have vibrant competition themselves.”

### Market Challenges Amid Geopolitical Tensions

NVIDIA’s graphics processing units (GPUs) are widely recognized as the backbone for artificial intelligence (AI) model training and operations, propelling the company’s market capitalization to record highs. However, geopolitical tensions have complicated sales to China — one of the world’s largest markets.

Earlier this year, the US government abruptly banned exports of H20, a downgraded chip NVIDIA had designed to comply with existing restrictions. The company later resumed shipments after a negotiated 15% levy was agreed upon, highlighting ongoing challenges in the global tech trade landscape.

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*Jensen Huang’s remarks underscore both the intense competition in semiconductor technology and the critical importance of maintaining open, collaborative markets for innovation and growth.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/here-s-what-jensen-huang-thinks-about-china-s-chip-industry/story

Ben-Gvir pushes Israel terrorist death penatly law despite PMO objection

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Ben-Gvir Pushes Israel Terrorist Death Penalty Law Despite PMO Objection

Despite objections from officials and hostage families, the Knesset panel has pushed forward a bill that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says is key to deterring terrorism.

Ben-Gvir attended a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, on September 28, 2025, where the controversial legislation was discussed.

The bill, which aims to implement the death penalty for terrorists, has sparked significant debate, with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressing strong objections. Nevertheless, the proposal moved ahead in the Knesset panel, highlighting a divided stance within Israel’s leadership on the issue.

Photo Credit: NOAM MOSKOWITZ / KNESSSET SPOKESMAN UNIT

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868839