FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 16 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR | SPORTS WORLD EDITORIAL PAGE Positive Momentum Page 8 BRIEFLY Trump takes tariff fight to US Supreme Court Setback for NDA in Tamil Nadu as AMMK walks out Page 11 Page 10 SC refuses interim bail to Kashmiri separatist leader: New Delhi: The SC on Thursday declined to grant interim bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in an alleged terror funding case, rejecting the plea made on the grounds of his poor health. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, while hearing Shah’s appeal against the Delhi HC’s June 12 order, issued notice to the NIA & sought its response. From the first day of Navratri new rates of GST will come into force. There are reforms even in GST in India's growth. P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the next generation GST re f o r m s u nve i l e d o n We d n e s d ay we re a g a m e - ch a n g e r for manufacturers as lower input costs, with simplified slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, faster digital compliance, and rising demand will give a big boost to Made in India products. In a series of posts shared on X, he said: “Now GST will become even more simple. There are now only two rates of GST 5 per cent and 18 per cent. From 22nd September .... From the first day of Navratri new rates of GST will come into force. There are reforms even in GST in India's growth. GST 2.0... a double dose of support and growth for the nation." “With GST reforms, 5 jewels NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the National Awardee teachers at his residence, in New Delhi on Thursday. ANI have been added to India's economic growth: firstly the tax system has been made much simpler. Secondly, there will be an improvement in the quality of life of the people of India. Thirdly, consumption and growth both will get a big boost. Fourthly, ease of doing business will get a big support in terms of investment and employment. Fifth, for the Viksit Bharat cooperative federalism will strengthen," he said. India has key role in ending Russia’s war, says EU Commission President STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 4 September The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has said that India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace. The statement came after her joint telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Council Antonio Costa, today. In a post on X, following the conversation, Ms von der Leyen wrote that they warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. “India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace. This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world. Looking ahead, we plan to agree on a joint strategic agenda at the next EU–India summit, as early as possible in 2026. We also remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. To achieve this, progress is needed now,” NIRF 2025: 6 Delhi colleges in Top 10 as IIT Madras, IISc continue reign STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 4 September The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, continue to retain their top spots in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), consecutively for the fifth and seventh time respectively. Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, today released the India Rankings 2025, which implements the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) drafted for this purpose by the Ministry of Education in 2015. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras cemented its position at the top in the NIRF 2025, retaining the 1st rank in the Overall Page 16 New GST reforms a game changer, says PM Modi New Delhi, 4 September New Delhi: Ex-cricketer Shikhar Dhawan on Thursday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate here for questioning with regard to the illegal online betting app-linked money laundering case, sources said. He reached the probe agency’s office at 11 am for recording his statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of the investigation linked to an "illegal" betting app namely 1xBet, they said. His connection to the App is said to be over certain endorsements related to the app, while agency is said to be exploring as to what was his arrangement with platform during questioning. The summons are part of a broader crackdown by federal agency on the illegal online platforms and apps. (P2) US Open: Jannik Sinner reaches semifinal NATION SHAHID K ABBAS ED quizzes Shikhar Dhawan in betting app case: Friday, 05 September 2025 category for the seventh consecutive year (2019–2025) and in Engineering for the tenth consecutive year (2016–2025). In the Universities category, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, maintained its dominance. Among Medical institutes, AIIMS New Delhi retained the top rank for the eighth consecutive year (2018–2025). In the Colleges category, Hindu College secured the 1st position for the second consecutive year. Notably, six of the top 10 colleges in the Colleges category are from Delhi, underlining the capital’s dominance. These include: Hindu College, Miranda House, Hans Raj College, Kirori Mal College, St. Stephens's College, & Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm College. IIT Roorkee topped the Architecture & Planning discipline for the fifth year in a row and National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, remained the leader in Law. the post said. In a statement issued here, the Prime Minister’s Office said that as the world’s largest democratic forces, India and EU share a strong and close relationship built on trust, shared values, and a common vision for the future. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability. Giving details of the joint conversation, the PMO said that the leaders underlined the role of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in jointly addressing global issues, fostering stability, and promoting a rules-based order for mutual prosperity. Mr Modi said significant reforms have been done to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, aiming to simplify the tax structure and boost economic growth. The new system will feature two primary GST rates: 5 per cent and 18 per cent, effective from 22 September, coinciding with the first day of Navratri. Highlighting that now there will be easier compliance and reduced tax rates, he said it will lead to reduced prices for essentials and high-value products and will increase affordability and demand. Also it will be a support for inve stment and employment and enhance cooperation between the Centre and states. The GST Council's decision aims to stimulate domestic consumption, reduce the impact of US trade tariffs on Indian exports, and promote economic growth. The simplified tax structure is expected to benefit consumers and businesses alike, with many essentials and high-value products becoming more affordable. The GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Wednesday approved the simplified dual-rate system, replacing the earlier four-slab structure. The reforms aim to ease living for the common man, support farmers, MSMEs, the middle class, women, and youth, while fostering growth across key sectors of the economy. Chaos in Bengal House, Mamata attacks BJP STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 4 September In a dramatic and unprecedented day at the West Bengal Assembly, five BJP MLAs were suspended amid chaotic scenes, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launching a scathing attack on the Opposition BJP, calling it a thoroughly anti-Bengali political force, as the saffron party MLAs disrupted proceedings in protest over the suspension of the Leader of the Opposition from the House. The House was scheduled to discuss a resolution condemning attacks on Bengali-speaking migrant workers across the country. The Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, had been suspended for the entire session, which concluded today. ‘Singapore vital pillar of India’s Act East Policy’ NIKHIL VYAS New Delhi, 4 September Describing Singapore as a vital pillar of India's Act East Policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said both the nations will continue to work together with ASEAN (photo) to advance their Joint Vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries also signed an agreement on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors which will give significant momentum to the green fuel supply chain and digital port clearance in the maritime sector. Making a joint press statement after his official talks with visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Hyderabad House here, PM Modi said, "Singapore is a vital pillar of our Act East Policy. Together, we will continue to advance cooperation with ASEAN and carry forward our Joint Vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." He termed technology and innovation "strong pillars" of the partnership between India and Singapore and announced that both nations have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies. PM Modi called UPI and PayNow "successful examples" of digital connectivity. He announced that India and Singapore have decided to review the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN in a time-bound manner. "Technology and innovation are the strong pillars of our partnership. We have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies. The agreement in the space sector today is adding a new chapter to cooperation in the field of space science. We have decided to hold the next round of the India-Singapore Hackathon later this year to connect our youth with their talent. UPI and PayNow are successful examplesofourdigitalconnectivity, and it is a matter of pleasure that 13 new Indian banks have joined them today," he said. "Today’s agreement on Green & Digital Shipping Corridors will give significant momentum to the green fuel supply chain and digital port clearance in the maritime sector. India is working at great speed to strengthen its port infrastructure, and Singapore’s expertise in this field is of immense value. Earlier today, we inaugurated Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase-2, developed by Singapore’s SPA International. This milestone will further enhance our container handling capacity," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister further said India and Singapore share common concerns regarding terrorism. "We firmly believe that it is the duty of all nations that value humanity to unite in the fight against this menace," he said. "In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I express my deep gratitude to Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their condolences to the people of India and for their steadfast support in our fight against terrorism," PM Modi said. Concerned over floods in the Himalayan states, SC points to illegal felling of trees PARMOD KUMAR New Delhi, 4 September The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed grave concern over the devastation caused by floods and landslides in the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab, and pointed to prima facie evidence of illegal felling of trees in the hills. A bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, while referring to media footage showing timber logs being swept down by floodwaters in Himachal Pradesh, remarked: “It is a serious matter. From the media reports, it is also noticed that in the flood, huge numbers of wooden logs were flowing around. Prima facie, it appears that there has been illegal felling of the trees which has been going on up hills.” The bench issued notices to the Centre through the Ministries of Environment and Jal Shakti, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and to the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, seeking their responses within two weeks. The matter has been posted for further hearing thereafter. The Chief Justice, expressing anguish over the situation, observed: “We have seen unprecedented landslides and floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. We are seeing the pictures of Punjab, the entire fields and villages are eradicated. Development has to be balanced.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was asked by the bench to take note of the issue, and acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. “SG, please take note of this. It appears to be a serious issue. A large number of wooden logs were seen to be falling around, and it shows illegal felling of trees,” the bench told him. Mehta assured the court that he would immediately speak to the secretary of the environment ministry and the chief secretaries concerned. “We have interfered with nature so much that now nature is giving back,” he observed candidly. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by petitioner Anamika Rana, who sought directions for preventive and remedial measures in view of recurring disasters in the Himalayan belt.