Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the new GST reforms, calling them a “savings festival” aimed at simplifying taxes, boosting ease of doing business, and benefiting all sections of society, including the poor, middle class, farmers, women, and entrepreneurs. Political tensions also dominated headlines, with the BJP accusing RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of insulting PM Modi’s late mother, Heeraben, while RJD denied the claims, calling videos manipulated. The US H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 sparked panic among Indian IT workers and firms, with many considering L-1 visas or moving jobs offshore. Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta criticised Trump for closeness with Pakistan and urged a boycott of American products. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan also recalled a heated exchange with Shahid Afridi during the 2006 Pakistan tour flight.PM Modi hails GST reforms, calls it a ‘savings festival’ for India in national addressThe reforms aim to simplify taxes, boost ease of doing business, and benefit all sections, including the poor, middle class, youth, farmers, women, and entrepreneurs. PM Modi highlighted how previous tax complexities burdened citizens and businesses and said the combined GST and income tax relief will save over Rs 2.5 lakh crore. Read full storyBJP accuses Tejashwi Yadav of insulting PM Modi’s late mother; RJD denies claimsA video shared by Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and Union minister Nityanand Rai went viral, with claims that RJD workers used abusive language while Tejashwi encouraged them. Choudhary said, “The mothers and sisters of Bihar will surely hold him accountable.” RJD hit back, calling the allegations false and saying videos were manipulated. Read full story
$100,000 H-1B visa fee hike sparks panic among Indian IT workers, firms eye L-1 optionThe cost exceeds the annual salaries of many professionals, making sponsorship unaffordable for most firms. Experts say companies may shift to L-1 visas, which allow internal transfers but have restrictions and strict scrutiny. Legal specialists warn the move could push jobs offshore and disrupt US innovation. Read full storyHindu Sena chief disappointed as Trump H-1B fee hike sparks boycott callVishnu Gupta praised Trump’s earlier policies, including support against Pakistan and Islamic terrorism, but now criticises the US president for growing closeness with Pakistan. He urged Indians to boycott American products, including iPhones, as a protest. Despite his frustration, Gupta remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will resolve trade and visa disputes. Read full storyIrfan Pathan recalls heated exchange with Shahid Afridi on 2006 Pakistan tour flight The incident occurred on a flight from Karachi to Lahore, where Afridi ruffled Pathan’s hair and called him a kid, prompting a verbal spat. Pathan later joked about Afridi eating dog meat while chatting with Abdul Razzaq, leaving Afridi speechless. Pathan said Afridi remained silent for the rest of the flight, realising he could not win verbally. Read full story