India experienced a dynamic 24-hour period with several crucial policy implementations and economic announcements. A major highlight is the nationwide rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST 2.0) reforms, effective from September 22, 2025, coinciding with the beginning of the Navratri festival. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this as a "GST Bachat Utsav" (savings festival) and a significant step towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and inclusive growth.
Under the new two-slab structure, most goods and services will now be taxed at either 5% or 18%, replacing the previous four-tier system. This reform is expected to make numerous daily essentials, cars, and electronics cheaper, offering a considerable bonanza for consumers. For instance, hotel rooms with tariffs up to ā¹7,500 will see reduced GST, leading to savings of up to ā¹525 per night. Ultra-luxury and "sin" goods will face a 40% tax, while tobacco products remain at 28% plus an additional cess. The Prime Minister also emphasized promoting 'Swadeshi' (indigenous) goods, stating that the reforms would accelerate India's growth story, enhance ease of doing business, and attract more investors.
In a significant move concerning national security, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), along with its various factions and front organizations, as an unlawful association for a period of five years, effective September 28, 2025.
On the economic front, India received a positive boost as Japan's credit rating agency, R&I Information, upgraded India's long-term sovereign rating to BBB+ from BBB, maintaining a stable outlook. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects India's GDP growth rate at 6.4% for the financial year 2025-26, further solidifying its position as the world's fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan.
Globally, the US introduced a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, to be a one-time payment for new applicants starting March 2026. This development has garnered attention in India, particularly within the IT sector.
Further national developments include the laying of the foundation for India's first PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) also reported the successful deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) based audits to detect widespread fraud in state beneficiary schemes, leading to significant savings of public funds. The government also approved the release of an additional 25 lakh LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for the financial year 2025-26, emphasizing women's empowerment. Additionally, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) assumed security command of the Noida International Airport, marking its deployment at the 17th airport in India.