School Assembly News Headlines: 5 September 2025

1. GST Council introduces two-tier tax structure; insurance premiums exempt, tobacco and cigarettes taxed at 40 per cent.
The Council will implement 5 per cent and 18 per cent GST slabs from September 22. Life and health insurance are exempt, while tobacco products face a higher 40 per cent levy.

2. IIT-Madras tops NIRF 2025 rankings, followed by IISc Bengaluru at second position; IIT-Mumbai secures third place.
NIRF 2025 rankings announced in New Delhi place IIT-Madras first, IISc Bengaluru second, and IIT-Mumbai third. The rankings reflect academic excellence, research output, and overall institutional performance nationwide.

3. NITI Aayog CEO emphasises technology ownership, hails 2D Materials as key to India’s semiconductor leadership.
BVR Subrahmanyam highlighted the potential of 2D Materials in Frontier Tech report. He stressed India must own technology, as these atom-thick materials could reduce silicon dependency and boost productivity.

4. India and Singapore sign five agreements on aviation, space, skills, digital assets, and green shipping collaboration.
The MoUs were exchanged after PM Modi and Singapore PM Lawrence Wong’s talks. Both leaders emphasised advancing ASEAN cooperation and promoting peace, stability, and innovation in the Indo-Pacific region.

5. Floods damage over 110 km of India-Pakistan border fence, inundate 90 BSF posts in Jammu and Punjab.
Heavy floods in Jammu and Punjab have damaged more than 110 km of the IB fence and submerged around 90 BSF posts. The border force continues to assess the situation.

6. India’s infant mortality rate drops to record low of 25, showing significant improvement since 2013.
The Sample Registration System 2023 report shows IMR fell from 40 in 2013 to 25. This decline reflects better healthcare access and improvements in child health and survival across India.

1. Maharashtra shifts Eid-e-Milad public holiday in Mumbai to September 8 to avoid clash with Ganesh festivities.
The holiday change follows the Muslim community’s decision to hold Eid-e-Milad processions on September 8. This avoids overlap with Anant Chaturdashi on September 6, ensuring harmony during public celebrations.

2. Centre, Manipur, and Kuki-Zo groups sign fresh agreement to maintain territorial integrity and reopen National Highway-2.
The tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement ensures relocation of militant camps, free movement on National Highway-2, and reaffirms commitment to maintain Manipur’s territorial integrity and peace in the region.

3. Over 2,000 volunteers and officials work tirelessly to protect Ferozepur embankment from Sutlej river flooding.
Villagers from Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan join army engineers to reinforce the embankment with sandbags, ropes, and other measures. Efforts continue day and night to prevent river breach.

4. Jammu-Katra shuttle trains suspended, New Delhi-Katra services short-terminated due to heavy rain and flooding in J&K.
Four shuttle trains between Jammu and Katra were stopped after heavy rains flooded tracks. Scheduled New Delhi-Katra trains were also short-terminated, affecting travel for locals and stranded passengers.

1. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin reportedly discuss immortality, organ transplants, and aging during Beijing military parade broadcast.
During China’s largest military parade, Xi and Putin were heard discussing organ transplants and longevity. Xi noted that while 70 was rare in the past, people today remain youthful even at that age.

2. European countries meet in Paris to discuss security guarantees and military support for a postwar Ukraine.
A coalition of nations convened in Paris to plan postwar security for Ukraine. Discussions include potential military aid and American involvement to deter future Russian aggression after a ceasefire.

3. UAE warns Israeli West Bank annexation would break Abraham Accords, following Finance Minister Smotrich’s annexation proposal.
The UAE stated that any annexation of West Bank territory would cross a red line and harm bilateral relations. The warning follows Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich urging Netanyahu to support annexation plans.

4. Putin calls Ukraine conflict a “pretext” for Western powers to impose trade restrictions on Russia allies.
Following his China visit, Putin said the Ukraine situation is being used to justify tariffs and trade restrictions. He claimed the narrative masks broader political and economic motives by Western countries.

1. Veteran Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra announces retirement from all forms of cricket after more than two decades.
Amit Mishra, 42, last played for India in 2017 and continued in the IPL until 2024. He confirmed his retirement to PTI, ending a celebrated cricketing career.

2. GST Council raises tax on IPL and sporting event tickets to 40%, offers relief for low-value cinema tickets.
Admission to IPL matches and other sporting events will now have 40% GST with ITC, up from 28%. The change increases costs for fans while easing charges on small cinema tickets.

3. New Delhi to host BWF World Badminton Championship 2026; Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty win bronze.
India will organize the BWF World Badminton Championship 2026 in New Delhi. Meanwhile, doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured their second World Championship medal, winning bronze in Paris.

1. GST hikes impact coal, power, and beverage stocks; Coal India stable, Tata Power and Varun Beverages decline.
Coal GST increased to 18%, affecting power companies. Aerated and energy drinks now face 40% GST. Stocks like NLC India, Tata Power, JSW Energy, and Varun Beverages fell in response.

2. Karnataka attracts over Rs 12 trillion in investment proposals between 2021-22 and 2024-25, says MSME Council.
The MSME Export Promotion Council highlights Karnataka’s vibrant investment climate, strong FDI support, strategic infrastructure projects, progressive policies, and a thriving talent and innovation ecosystem driving proposals worth over Rs 12 trillion.

3. FMCG companies plan to pass GST benefits to consumers as daily essentials attract lower taxes or become exempt.
GST on soaps, toothbrushes, hair oil, namkeen, chocolates, and instant noodles reduced to 5%, while bread, paneer, and UHT milk are exempt. Companies may adjust pack sizes and prices accordingly.