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World Rhino Day 2025: The conservation miracle in Assam’s Kaziranga, as the national park boasts 70% of the world’s one-horned rhinos after starting with just 12

Shriti Sagar
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World Rhino Day 2025: The conservation miracle in Assam’s Kaziranga, as the national park boasts 70% of the world’s one-horned rhinos after starting with just 12

Every year, 22nd September is marked as World Rhino Day. It is a day to make people aware of how crucial it is to preserve one of the world’s oldest and most iconic animals, the rhinoceros.

The day also highlights the significance of retaining the rhino population for environmental balance, cultural enrichment, and forest preservation. It is an appeal to join hands in the struggle for rhino protection globally.

The concept of World Rhino Day was initially conceived in 2010, when WWF-South Africa announced it as an action day. A year later, it became recognized globally, courtesy of wildlife conservationists Lisa Jane Campbell and Rhishja, who ensured that it spread around the world.

Black, White, Greater One-Horned (Indian), Javan, and Sumatran are the five last remaining species of rhinos. All of them are facing extinction. Their greatest challenges are poaching of horns, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss due to deforestation and human settlements.

Five species of Rhinoceros of the world (Image via Baby Rhino rescue)

By commemorating World Rhino Day, the world shines the light on these dangers and urges more action, be it anti-poaching drives, habitat protection, or strict implementation of laws.

Amidst all these stories in the international rhino saga, there is a different page which is written in India, Kaziranga National Park, where the rhinos have achieved one of the most amazing turnarounds in wildlife history.

Kaziranga National Park: 12 rhinos to over 3,000

The state of affairs in Assam’s Kaziranga at the turn of the 20th century was alarming. In 1908, the greater one-horned rhino population in the park had dwindled to just 12. Sport hunting, poaching, and destruction of habitat had preyed on the species for centuries and pushed it to the brink of extinction.

Image via Kaziranga National Park

The danger was so imminent that by 1986, Indian rhinos were declared endangered. Their distinctive single horn, which was largely seen as a status symbol on the black market, and their prehistoric appearance made them perpetually in danger. As per the reports, under colonial times, particularly in the late 1800s and early 1900s, British military officers in Assam slaughtered more than 200 rhinos for sport.

But now, Kaziranga has a different tale to tell. As a result of decades-long focused conservation efforts of Indian and Assam government, the park now has a headcount of about 3000 rhinos, which accounts for nearly 70% of the global population of the greater one-horned rhino. Across Assam, the rhino headcount has now hit more than 4,000 as of 2024, a dramatic turnaround from the couple of hundred a century ago.

The CM of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma also highlighted the success story of Kaziranga National Park. He shared a post on his X account marking the achievement of increased rhino population from 600 to over 4,000 in Assam. He said, “On #Worldrhinoday, we reaffirm our commitment to the conservation of Rhino. Through initiatives such as Op Falcon, habitat expansion, and advanced monitoring, Assam has successfully increased rhino population from 600 to over 4,000 and is committed to do more in this direction.”

This makeover is one of the biggest conservation successes in the world. Rhinos are no longer on the brink of extinction in Kaziranga, they are thriving. Assam is now a global stronghold for the species.

In an emotional and strong statement against global rhino poaching, the Assam government in 2022 performed the ritualistic ‘Daha Sanskar’ or cremation of fallen rhinos with full Hindu rites and customs. Sending an emotive message that rhinos are ‘family’ in Assam, the government authorities then cremated 2479 seized rhino horns kept through decades of legal pursuit of poaching cases. The cremation was performed to send a message that the rhino horns have no “medicinal value”, but they are remains of Assam’s children, who would have lived a longer live had the poachers not cut it short.

Why rhinos almost went extinct

Sport hunting was the primary reason behind the decline in the rhino population in Assam. Royals and British officers hunted rhinos relentlessly, making them trophies. By 1908, Kaziranga had just a few left. Rhino horn poaching has been an ongoing scourge, too. 

Even in the early 20th century, poachers found different ways to kill rhinos for their horns, which are sold in illegal black markets under false beliefs that they have medicinal or aesthetic worth. 

Graph via PIB

Up to 692 rhinos were poached alone during the years 1980-1993 in India. Even in recent years, despite stricter laws, instances of poaching continue to surface. 102 rhinos were poached in India between 2008 and 2019, most of them in Assam.

Habitat loss was also a major issue. As human populations increased, grasslands used by rhinos started to reduce. Rhinos strayed into villages during their search for food, and this resulted in confrontation with villagers. Many were killed in the process.

Population density was also a problem. As rhino numbers began rising in small areas like Kaziranga and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, it became resource-intensive and affected the breeding ratio. This was one of the reasons conservationists later relocated rhinos to other parks so that they would have larger spaces to live in.

How India set an example globally

India is now globally hailed as the most successful conservation story for rhinos, but it did not happen overnight. Laws, enforcement, people’s involvement, and global cooperation are the major efforts to bring about core changes.

The Assam Forest Protection Act of 1891 and the Bengal Rhinoceros Preservation Act of 1932 were the first legislative actions. These initial regulations were the start of official protection for rhinos. These early laws established different forest-related crimes, including trespassing, setting fires, or destroying vegetation, and had penalties associated with them. Most notably, they banned the killing, wounding, or capture of rhinos, except in self-defense or with special permits.

Government’s efforts to save Rhino (Image via PIB)

The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 was the most effective one, which provided a firm legal framework to fight poaching. An amendment in Assam in 2009 made the law even stricter, with life imprisonment for repeat offenders. These laws sent a clear signal, poaching would no longer be tolerated.

But laws alone were not enough. The Assam government also had to work closely with local communities, who live near rhino habitats. Over the years, awareness campaigns and benefits from tourism helped build local support. People began to see rhinos not as a threat but as a symbol of pride and livelihood.

Indian Rhino Vision 2020: A turning point

This initiative was introduced in 2005, It was an ambitious project to ensure the long-term existence of the one-horned rhinoceros. The project was undertaken by the Assam government, Bodoland Territorial Council, International Rhino Foundation (IRF), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

The plan was to double India’s rhino population and make it up to 3,000 by the year 2020 and relocate them to seven sanctuaries in Assam. The plan was to see that rhinos are not overcrowded in a single park. Spread them out in other protected parks like Manas National Park, Laokhowa-Burachapori-Kochmora, and Dibru-Saikhowa so they can breed in security.

18 rhinos were shifted from Kaziranga and Pobitora to Manas National Park between 2008 and 2012, and another 8 followed. This had been a success because Manas soon after saw the birth of new calves.

This was not only a relocation mission. It involved building patrol roads, guard posts, as well as monitoring systems to keep poaching under control.

National Rhino conservation strategy and IRV 2.0

India launched the National Rhino Conservation Strategy after the success of IRV 2020, a comprehensive policy for the conservation of India’s endangered greater one-horned rhinoceros. Its major programs involve developing DNA profiles for all the rhinos in India for effective protection and monitoring.

After the success of earlier conservation initiatives such as the Indian Rhino Vision 2020, this policy lays out a future-oriented framework to help ensure the survival of the species in the long run. It is India’s first standalone, umbrella policy for rhino conservation. This path-breaking initiative represents a major leap in India’s efforts to conserve its wildlife, with a focused and integrated strategy to protect one of its most emblematic species.

Now, the campaign has entered a second phase, known as Indian Rhino Vision 2.0. The aim is to secure and maintain at least three meta-populations of 4,500–5,000 greater one-horned rhinos in Assam by 2030.

IRV 2.0 lays stress on habitat enhancement, rhino range extension, community involvement, crime surveillance, and hands-on conservation action. Kaziranga: A global model for conservation

The fame of Kaziranga today is global. Essentially, it’s the backbone of the global rhino conservation project, hosting nearly 70% of the greater one-horned rhinos in the world. Kaziranga had a staggering 2,613 rhinos reported in the 2022 census alone.

The park has also become a symbol of what conservation with perseverance can achieve. From just 12 rhinos in 1908, Kaziranga now easily crossed 3,000+ rhinos in Assam and is one of the most successful wildlife revivals anywhere globally.

Increase In Assam Rhino Population 1966-2022 (Based on actual census records) (Graph via PIB)

Despite this much initiatives for the population of Rhinos, they continue to be under threat from poaching, with almost 10,000 rhinos being poached in the last ten years to satisfy demand for their horns, which are valued in traditional medicine as well as status symbols, especially in China and Vietnam. Rhino products represent 29% of internationally trafficked illegal wildlife commodities, says the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

That is why World Rhino Day is significant. It’s a reminder that conservation is never complete. Rhinos are not just animals, they’re a part of India’s ecological and cultural heritage. Preserving them is preserving the balance of nature itself.

The history of the greater one-horned rhino in India, from the brink of extinction in the early 1900s and back to today’s prosperous population of over 4,000, is nothing short of a miracle. And centring this tale is Kaziranga National Park, now the globe’s strongest rhino fortress. Kaziranga has evolved into a world-renowned wildlife tourism hotspot, drawing both domestic and international visitors and further fueling awareness and support for rhino conservation.

Madras High Court prevents mosque from encroaching upon 1100 acres of land by claiming it ‘Waqf property’: Here is everything you need to know about the case

Dibakar Dutta
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Madras High Court prevents mosque from encroaching upon 1100 acres of land by claiming it ‘Waqf property’: Here is everything you need to know about the case

In a major development, the Madras High Court shot down the nefarious objective of a mosque to encroach upon 1100 acres of land in Kandiyaperi village in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

For the unversed, the Kanmiya Pallivasal (mosque) had filed a civil suit before the Waqf Tribunal (Tiruneveli Principal Sub Court) in 2011, staking its claim on the large tract of land.

Interestingly, the tribunal had passed an order favouring the mosque in August 2016, declaring that the 1100 acres of land belonged to the Muthawalli (trustee) of Kanmiya Pallivasal.

The AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu had challenged the decision of the Waqf Tribunal (Tiruneveli Principal Sub Court) in 2018 by filing a civil revision petition before the Madras High Court.

madras-high-court-orderDownload

The government pointed out that the Kanmiya Pallivasal was not entitled to any land. It stated that the survey numbers listed by the mosque in its 2011 civil suit were notified as ‘ryotwari lands’ in 1966.

The categorisation of the said parcel of land was done under the Tamil Nadu Inam (Abolition & Conversion into Ryotwari) Act of 1963. As such, it could not be redesignated as Waqf land.

The Additional Advocate General (AAG) had highlighted that some of the land was even given to landless poor and that about 362 people are currently engaged in agriculture on the pattas.

Page 15 of the order copy read –

“It is the further submission of the learned Addl. Advocate General that the subject lands are around 1100 acres falling in three hamlets in the revenue village of Urumankulam and during patta proceedings, several parcels of lands were given on assignment to landless poor and 362 persons are doing agricultural operations based on assignment pattas and, therefore, the claim of the 1st respondent for issuance of ryotwari patta is not acceptable, moreso, on the basis of the declaratory decree passed in O.S. No.299/2011 which is not based on proper appreciation of materials and, therefore, the said judgment and decree requires interference at the hands of this Court.“

What did the Madras High Court say

The matter came up for hearing before a Bench of Justice M Dhandapani. The court awarded roughly 2.34 acres of land to the Kanmiya Pallivasal but dismissed its unsubstantiated claim to 1100 acres of land.

The Judge noted that a grant of 75 Kottahs was given to the mosque by the ruler of Madurai Samasthanam in 1712. A copper plate inscription in Telugu, which read, “Sarva Manyam for Masjid Dharmam”, was provided to the mosque.

The tax-free grant was also registered in the Inam Fair Register for the years 1865-1866. The copper plate was transcribed in 1925 and was established in a judgment in by the Tinnevelly Subordinate Court in 1952.

The Madras High Court converted the grant of 75 Kottahs to its modern equivalent of 2.3430 acres. It noted that the mosque’s claim to over 1,000 acres in the 2011 civil suit was based on modern survey numbers.

None of these survey were were mentioned in the 1712 grant or in the 1952 judgment. The court found no evidence of when these lands were surveyed and officially linked to the original grant of of Madurai Samasthanam.

Page 69 of the order read –

“There is no whisper in the entire plaints relating to O.S. No.49/1952, O.S. No.65/1961 and also in O.S. No.299/2011 that any survey of the said lands were undertaken at any point of time.“

“In fact, even the 2nd respondent, the Wakf Board, has not whispered about any survey having been undertaken of the said lands, which were given as grant.”

“Further, the proforma filed u/s 5 of the Wakf Act with regard to the survey conducted by the Wakf also does not disclose the survey numbers of the lands. Such being the case, this Court is at a loss to understand as to how the survey numbers were identified and culled out to claim declaration of title and recovery of possession while filing O.S. No.299/2011.“

Page 70 of the order stated –

“…The list of survey numbers given and the extent of lands, which are claimed to be the lands that were granted through the copper plate works to a vast extent of more than 1000 acres of land, this Court is at a loss to understand as to how the said identification of the lands was made and by which authority it was made.“

The Madras High Court stated that the judgment in the 1952 case, which established the grant of 75 Kottahs (~2.34 acres), was binding on both the Tamil Nadu government and the Kanmiya Pallivasal.

Since the mosque had also accepted the findings of that case, it had no right to expand its claim beyond the specified 75 Kottahs.

Page 65 of the order read –

“As has already been held by this Court, the judgment and decree passed in O.S. No.49/1952 has since attained finality and it stands undisturbed by the passing of Act, 1963 as also Act, 1908 and Act 30/1947. Therefore, both the parties to the present lis are bound by the judgment and decree passed in O.S. No.49/1952.“

Page 68 of the order stated –

“It is an admitted fact, as is also revealed through the findings in O.S. No.49/1952 that the extent of land given as grant through the copper plate is 75 Kathas/Kottahs. Therefore, the entitlement of the Pallivasal could only be to the extent of 75 Kottahs and not any more…”

After thwarting attempts to encroach upon 1100 acres of land, it directed the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board to identify 2.34 acres of land to be given to the mosque as per the 1712 copper plate inscription.

Page 72 of the order read –

“The Wakf Board is directed to take up a fresh exercise to identify the lands, which have been granted under the copper plate and prepare a fresh proforma which would be relatable only to the extent of 75 Kathas/Kottahs, which works out to 2.3430 acres (Two Acre Thirty Four Cents and One Thirty Square Feet) after calling for necessary objections from persons interested in the said lands and after considering the said objections prepare the proforma.“

Page 73 of the order stated –

“The aforesaid exercise of identification of lands so granted under the copper plate and forwarding of the proforma
shall be undertaken by the Wakf Board/2nd respondent and completed as early as possible.“

Although the Maras High Court upheld the 1712 historical grant by the ruler of Madurai Samasthanam (as established in the 1952 judgment), it prevented the encroachment of 1100 acres of land.

While the mosque was given75 Kottahs (~2.34 acres) of land, its nefarious claim to vast track of lands was shot down.

Mamata govt’s war against private industry: Bengal govt removes all incentives given to save money for ‘welfare schemes’, job creators move HC

Anurag
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Mamata govt’s war against private industry: Bengal govt removes all incentives given to save money for ‘welfare schemes’, job creators move HC

Several of India’s biggest industrial houses have approached the Calcutta High Court to challenge the West Bengal government’s controversial move to revoke all industry incentives granted since 1993. Companies including UltraTech Cement, Electrosteel Casting, Grasim Industries, Nuvoco Vistas and Dalmia Cement have filed petitions in the court in which they called the government’s legislation “unconstitutional”. The High Court has fixed 7th November as the date for a combined hearing of the appeals.

Notably, in March 2025, the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal passed The Revocation of West Bengal Incentive Schemes and Obligations in the Nature of Grants and Incentives Bill, 2025, which was notified in April. The bill retrospectively withdraws all benefits provided under industrial policies since 1993. Subsidies on land, tax refunds, electricity, interest repayments, and other state-supported measures have been scrapped. The government justified the move by arguing that funds should be diverted towards “socio-economically disadvantaged and marginalised” groups.

In its petition, Electrosteel Casting sought a declaration that the Act is “ultra vires and unconstitutional and the provisions contained therein are null and void and of no effect.” Industry department officials admitted that several companies complained they could no longer operate profitably after the announcement, but the government only promised that a “new industrial policy” was being drafted.

A familiar story – Bengal’s hostility to industry

This clash between the West Bengal government and industry is not an isolated development. For decades, industries operating in the state have seen a similar pattern that has dismantled the base for industrial growth. From the Left Front era that drove out major business houses with militant trade unionism and anti-capital rhetoric, to Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress government that rode to power on the back of anti-land acquisition movements in Singur and Nandigram, the state’s ruling establishments have consistently prioritised populism and ideological appeasement over industrial growth.

In July 2025, the Union Government of India revealed that over 6,600 companies have left West Bengal since 2011, when Banerjee came to power. Over 2,200 departed in just the last five years. Many of these companies have shifted their base to Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi. In 2024, Britannia shut down its decades-old factory in Kolkata. Earlier, Tata was driven out of Singur. Jute mills in the state continue to collapse.

The politics of welfare over growth

For the Mamata Banerjee-led government, the withdrawal of incentives is not about economics but about politics. Assembly elections are scheduled for 2026 and welfare subsidies are at the centre of her strategy.

Critics, however, have argued that such policies condemn Bengal to stagnation. While other states lure investors with land at nominal prices and pro-business policies, Bengal keeps driving them out. The state’s share in India’s industrial output has slipped from over 10% to around 3.5% since the 1960s. West Bengal was once known as the “Manchester of the East”. However, now the state exports labour instead of goods. Lakhs of youth have been forced to migrate to Delhi, Kerala, or Maharashtra for survival.

From industrial hub to socialist swamp

The trajectory is unmistakable. The Left destroyed the industrial culture of West Bengal with their hostility to private enterprise. Then, after them, Banerjee finished the job with her politics of “Ma-Mati-Manush” that translated into mob resistance to factories and appeasement of vote banks. Today, the state is reduced to a dilapidated, poverty-stricken swamp of socialism, where mafias control contracts, infiltrators are courted, and genuine investors are shunned.

The petitions filed by the industry giants in the High Court are not just about incentives. It is about whether West Bengal still has a future as a destination for investment. For the people of Bengal, this should be a reminder that their once-proud industrial heartland continues to be sacrificed at the altar of political populism.

Modi govt rolls out GST 2.0: Read significant changes made and how they promise relief for Indian consumers

Rukma Rathore
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Modi govt rolls out GST 2.0: Read significant changes made and how they promise relief for Indian consumers

On 22nd September, the new GST (Goods and Services Tax) rates will be implemented to welcome the festive season, providing significant relief to Indian taxpayers and enhancing the spirit of celebration. Ultra-luxury and sinful items will now be subject to a 40% tax under the new structure which imposed two crucial tax rates of 5% and 18%.

The lower GST rates on around 375 products will lower the cost of a number of goods and services, including medications, kitchen necessities, electronics, equipment and automobiles. Many household products such as TVs, vehicles and bikes will be more accessible which will benefit the middle class.

Customers can also accomplish their dream of buying a four-wheeler because several car models have now become affordable. Furthermore, multiple food items, including paneer, roti, parantha and khakra among others are now exempt from taxes. Education will also be financially cheaper for the citizens. The tax reduction on a variety of farm products will greatly assist  India’s agriculture industry as well.

On 21st September Prime Minister Narendra Modi had informed the country that the next generation of GST reforms would take effect on the first day of Navratri. He added that the fresh system which he called the “GST Bachat Utsav” will guarantee savings for all citizens and advance India’s economic development.

PM Modi promised that cost of everyday necessities for the populace will be decreased. His address transpired after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presided over the 56th meeting of the GST Council. The government anticipates that GST 2.0 would lower the cost of products and services for households, reduce disagreements and make compliance easier.

Main features of GST 2.0

The previous four-tier structure with rates of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% is to two wide slabs by GST 2.0:

  • 5% goes towards essentials and everyday staples such food grains, medications, basic dairy products and instructional materials.
  • 18% for the majority of common goods and services, including consumer services, transportation and manufacturing.
  • Sin and luxury items like tobacco, pan masala, aerated beverages, high-end cars, gambling, casinos, internet gaming and race clubs would now be subject to a 40% tax.

State governments are releasing their respective State GST (SGST) notifications to implement the updated Central GST (CGST) rates which were announced by the Union Finance Ministry last week.

Singnificiant points of the major development

Life insurance policy exemption from GST: Individual life insurance policies are no longer covered by GST. This comprises unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs), endowment policies, and term insurance plans. The waiver has also been applied to reinsurance of these individual life plans.

Health insurance exclusion from GST: Individual health insurance policies, such as family plans and policies tailored to the needs of senior citizens are spared from GST under the fresh rules.

Transportation service tax rates: Road passenger transportation will be charged a 5% tax rate in the absence of an input tax credit (ITC). However, if they so desire, transport companies might opt to pay 18% with ITC. Business and other premium classes will continue to be liable to an 18% tax, while economy class tickets will continue to be subjected to a 5% tax.

GST on local delivery services: The e-commerce operator (ECO) becomes liable for GST if an unregistered service provider uses them to perform local delivery services. The delivery provider will be responsible for paying the tax if they are registered under the GST.

GST rate for local delivery services: The standard rate for local delivery services is set at 18%.

GST on medicines: Drugs that were previously subject to a 12% tax will now be at a 5% tax. The Finance Ministry stated that medications will be taxed at 5% tax rather than being completely exempt. It explained that manufacturers would no longer be able to claim ITC on inputs like raw materials and packaging if medications were fully excluded. Their production expenses would increase as a result. However, 36 crucial life-saving medications for heart problems, uncommon diseases, cancer and genetic disorders are now completely tax-free.

GST on leasing and renting: When items are leased or rented without an operator, the tax rate is the same as that of the actual goods. For instance, leasing an automobile without a driver will also be subject to 18% GST if the sale of the vehicle carries this charge. This also holds true for other products.

GST rates on imports: The revised rates under GST 2.0 will also apply to imports. Integrated GST (IGST) will be levied at the new rates starting from 22nd September, unless a specific exemption has been notified.

Difference between plant-based and UHT milk exemptions: Dairy-based Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processed milk is completely exempt. However, plant-based milk is not covered by the waiver. Almond milk and similar beverages were subject to 18% GST up to this point, but soy milk was only subject to 12%. All plant-based milk beverages, including soy milk will henceforth be subject to a unified 5% tax.

GST reduction for face powders and shampoos: The rate has been lowered for face powders and shampoos. The Finance Ministry clarified that the drop was intended to streamline the GST system rather than to benefit big businesses.

GST 2.0 serves the interests of the Indian consumers

Taxes on an array of basic necessities and consumer goods will now be reduced.

  • There would be no taxes on UHT milk, chapati, paratha and parotta. Products such as cheese, paneer, ghee, and butter will be taxed 5%. Packaged items such as bhujia, pasta, biscuits, chocolates, cornflakes, and namkeens will also be subject to a similar rate.
  • Dates, cashews, pistachios, and almonds which were formerly subject to a 12% taxwill now only be prone to a 5% tax. Confectionery and refined sugar will also be moved to the 5% range.
  • Books, medical equipment, and life-saving medications will either be tax-free or have a 5% tax.
  • The 0% GST category will also apply to products including notebooks, graph books, exercise books, pencil sharpeners, erasers, uncoated pape, and paperboard. Additionally, globes, atlases, wall maps and maps will all be free of GST.
  • TVs, dishwashers, and washing machines fall from 28% to 18%. Toothpaste, dental floss, hair oil, and shampoo will drop to 5%.
  • Instead of 28% tax, small cars and motorcycles with engines up to 350cc will only pay 18%.
  • Health and life insurance policies will no longer be impacted by taxes.
  • Construction materials, seeds, fertilisers, and crop inputs will drop from 12% to 5%.
  • The rate for hotel rates under ₹7,500 will now be 5% rather than 12%.
  • There will be a 5% tax on economy tickets.

The government has undertaken a crucial action to augment savings and improve the financial situation of the public. However, some things are likely to see a price increase as a result of the new GST guidelines.

  • A 40% tax will now be applied on cigarettes, gutkha, zarda, pan masala and aerated liquids that include added sugar.
  • Costs for coal-based sectors will rise as tax on coal went from 5% to 18%.
  • Luxury cars and bikes larger than 350cc will be subject to 40% tax.
  • The 40% threshold will also apply to gambling and leisure activities like casinos, horse racing, lotteries and IPL tickets.

PM Modi’s crucial address to the nation

“From tomorrow, with the sunrise of Navratri, next generation GST reforms will come into force. In a way, the nation will celebrate a GST Bachat Utsav, where every family’s savings will grow,” PM Modi mentioned while talking about the vital decision taken by his government. He conveyed that the poor, middle class, neo-middle class, farmers, shopkeepers, traders, and women would all profit from this move as it would bring joy to homes.

The prime minister highlighted that the 2017 GST revisions fulfilled the goal of “One Nation, One Tax” by releasing the country from decades of tax difficulties and now the lowered slabs will help with compliance and encourage investment. He emphasised that MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), cottage industries and small traders will gain from lower GST rates and streamlined processes since they will boost sales and lessen the tax burden.

This is the largest overhaul of India’s consumption tax since the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017. It is expected that the reforms will increase demand in important areas. Reduced vehicle costs could draw in new customers and promote improvements, increasing demand for parts manufacturing, and finance. Likewise, sales across FMCG networks, retail chains and e-commerce platforms are projected to surge when discounted prices on appliances and household products coincide with the festive season.

PM Modi pointed out that MSMEs were the backbone of India’s economic might during its thriving era and pushed them to produce top-notch goods with pride using the phrase “Made in India.” He emphasised that citizens are now enjoying a “double bonanza” because to lower GST rates and income tax relief of up to ₹12 lakh. He further stated that the public would save more than ₹2.5 lakh crore a year as a result of this joint relief.

Was Trump’s big H1B announcement just another big talk to appease the MAGA fanbase? Read how it went through climbdowns and clarifications

Anurag
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Was Trump’s big H1B announcement just another big talk to appease the MAGA fanbase? Read how it went through climbdowns and clarifications

On 19th September (local time), President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed a proclamation titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Non-immigrant Workers which sent shockwaves immediately. The new rule requires a US $1,00,000 payment on new H-1B visa petitions submitted by aliens outside the US. The order came into force on 21st September 2025 at 12:01 AM EDT. The justification offered was two-fold. First, it was said that the rule was brought to curb abuses of the H-1B system, and second, to protect American workers from being undercut by lower-paid foreign labour.

However, the proclamation’s wording left several doorways to confusion and questions. Would the new fee apply only to new applicants or also to existing visa holders? Would travel or re-entry be affected? And what about renewals or change of employer petitions? Uncertainty spread quickly among tech companies, foreign nationals, and immigration attorneys.

The effect was immediate. As there was very little time between the signing of the proclamation and the time when the rule came into force, companies asked employees planning to travel to postpone their plans, those who were already out of the country to come back immediately within 24 hours, and more such instructions followed. Reports suggest that those who had boarded planes deboarded following the proclamation reports going viral to avoid any problems in re-entering the US.

Clarifications offered – easing panic, but not everything fixed

The panic was widespread with industry experts criticising the Trump administration. Within hours, the White House and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) moved to clarify the policy and softened some of the more alarming interpretations. The USCIS FAQ confirmed that the $1,00,000 payment is a one-time fee on new H-1B petitions submitted after the specified deadline. It explicitly does not apply to any petition submitted before 12:01 AM EDT on 21st September 2025.

Furthermore, current H-1B visa holders, including those who were not in the US, were spared the fee for re-entry, renewals, and travel tied to their existing status. The policy does not affect them, as per the clarifications. This specific distinction was enough to calm some nerves among those who feared they would be forced out or made to pay simply to re-enter the US.

However, not every point was completely resolved. Some statements from officials had earlier implied that renewals or re-entries might be affected, leading to confusion. Major employers advised employees abroad to return before the deadline, and several dependents, travel plans, and HR advisories reflected panic.

The political dimension – staging toughness or policy clarity?

The framing of the announcement suggested strong political motives. It sounded tough on immigration, providing protection to American workers which appeals to the MAGA base. This is not new in US politics. What is new is how fast the backpedalling began once reactions from businesses, foreign governments, and foreign-born workers amplified.

There are signs that the broad brush of the original announcement was less about precise regulation and more about signalling. The policy, once perceived to affect all H-1B holders, caused reputational risk and possible economic fallout as companies started to scramble to advise staff, flights were booked in haste, and international relations began to unsettle. The clarification that followed gave room for damage control.

In 2016, Trump explicitly framed the H-1B visa programme as a tool that employers were using to “substitute for American workers at lower pay.” He had promised to “end forever the use of the H-1B as a cheap labour programme” and to impose “an absolute requirement to hire American workers first for every visa and immigration programme.” Not to forget, in his first term in the White House, his administration had restricted H-1B visas stating that it was used by empplyers to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign workers.

This is the kind of language that has recurred throughout his political career and mirrored the current justification for the hike. Interestingly, following the 2024 US election that brought Trump back to power, he continued to emphasise protecting American jobs over outside talent. However, in December last year, he sided with Elon Musk in defending aspects of the H-1B visa programme, despite hard-liners in his base pushing for stricter limits.

Reuters reported that while Trump said he is “always been a believer in the visas,” it was pointed out that his administration’s wider immigration rhetoric and policy proposals repeatedly stressed putting American workers first. With the new rule, the fear among H-1B visa holders or aspirants has finally started to come true.

Who really pays – and who breathes easier

In terms of the impact of the new rule, the clearest burden falls on future applicants. Anyone filing new petitions after 21st September 2025, especially those outside the US, will be required to pay the $1,00,000 fee. This will raise the cost of applying and will hugely impact the budgeting for firms. This may discourage smaller companies or less highly paid positions from sponsoring H-1B visas.

Meanwhile, those who have current H-1B status, who have already filed petitions, or whose visas were issued before the deadline, can relax for the time being as their rights to re-entry, renewal, and continued stay are protected under the clarified guidelines. However, even among them, the initial panic will likely leave some distrust, especially if enforcement or further guidance is vague. Also, the way the Trump administration has been behaving, there is always a chance that the rule may apply to existing H-1B visa holders in the future, in case the US President wants to make everyone dance to his will.

Conclusion – big talk first, subtler effect afterwards

It is now publicly known that the Trump administration is more of a classic case of “big talk” followed by moderation. The original proclamation forced attention, stirred fear and made headlines. However, when push came to shove, much of the real effect was narrowed, clarified, and exemptions introduced.

Does this mean the policy is insignificant? No. It is not. The barrier has just been raised for incoming H-1B applications. The precedent of imposing steep fees may change how employers and foreign workers plan. But for many, especially those currently holding H-1Bs, the worst fear seems to have been averted, for now, thanks to the climbdowns.

In the end, the announcement seems to have been engineered more to satisfy political expectations than to immediately disrupt the workforce landscape in the US. Whether future legal challenges and implementation will bring further revisions remains to be seen.

Assam: Zubeen Garg’s cremation to take place on Tuesday at Guwahati’s Kamarkuchi with full state honours, Jorhat to get second memorial

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: Zubeen Garg’s cremation to take place on Tuesday at Guwahati’s Kamarkuchi with full state honours, Jorhat to get second memorial

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that cremation of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg will take place on September 23 with full state honours. The cremation will take place at Kamarkuchi near Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati, which will be developed as a memorial after the last rites. The location and the time were finalised in a cabinet meeting on Sunday evening.

The CM said that a plot of 10 bigha owned by the state government near Dichang resort on the National Highway has been selected by the government. Locals are using the place to run a nursery and a crematorium, and they have agreed to vacate the entire site for Zubeen Garg. The CM also said that a nearby private plot has also been offered by the owner who owns a hotel in Guwahati.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that state govt had initially planned to hold the cremation in Jorhat, which is being demanded by the people of Jorhat, where Zubeen Garg spent his childhood, but his family preferred Guwahati. He said, ‘We thought Tezpur has Jyoti-Bishnu (memorials of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Bishnu Rabha), Guwahati has memorial of Bhupen Hazarika, therefore Jorhat can have Zubeen Garg.

But Zubeen’s family said that as they are currently located in Guwahati, they will need to travel to Jorhat every time they want to visit the cremation site. Moreover, Zubeen’s 85-year-old ailing father won’t be able to travel for 6-7 hours to Jorhat. Three ministers of the govt met with the family today afternoon for final discussion, but the family including Zubeen’s wife Garima reiterated their preference for Guwahati. Therefore, the Sonapur site has been finalised, the CM said. He said that the family has the final say on the matter, and the govt can’t impose its decision.

The CM said that there is another difficulty in selecting Jorhat; Zubeen Garg’s body has already started to swell as he died three days ago, and the cremation can’t be extended much. The 25 km journey from Airport to his Kahilipara residence took around 6 hours, therefore, the 300 km journey to Jorhat may take days, as people everywhere on the route will want to pay their last respects by stopping the vehicle.

Therefore, ashes of Zubeen Garg will be taken to Jorhat, and a second memorial will be built there, the CM said.

Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the site today morning and then again in the evening after the cabinet meeting. He surveyed the site and give instructions to officials to prepare everything for cremation on 23rd September, including installation of giant LED screens. The highway will be close for heavy vehicles till 2 PM, so that the entire road can be occupied by people witnessing the cremation.

He said that after the cremation, engineers and designers will work on the proposed memorial, and the design should be finalised in 2-3 months.

The mortal remains of the late singer are currently kept at the Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex (Sarusajai Stadium) for his fans and well-wishers to pay their tributes before his funeral. The CM announced that the place will be remain open round-the-clock, allowing lakhs of fans to pay their last respects to the legendary singer.

As per latest reports, around 15 lakh people gathered in Guwahati to have a glimpse of their beloved singer. Thousands of people spent the whole night near the airport and Zubeen’s house, and lakhs joined the vehicle carrying the mortal remains from airport. As a result, the journey took around 6 hours.

People from across the state have arrived and are arriving in Guwahati to pay their last respect, and massive sea of humanity will continue tonight, tomorrow and then Monday night before the final journey to the cremation ground begins at 8 am on Tuesday.

The state government had declared a three-day mourning till September 22, but it has been extended by another day for his cremation on 23, the Chief Minister added. Govt offices and educational institutions will remain closed on that day. CM Sarma also said the Singapore government has issued the singer’s death certificate, which states that he died due to drowning. However, the actual reason will be mentioned in the postmortem report, which have not been issued yet.

Professor’s anti-Hindu tweet goes viral, Surat’s VNSG university clarifies he is no longer associated with them, legal options being examined

OpIndia Staff
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Professor’s anti-Hindu tweet goes viral, Surat’s VNSG university clarifies he is no longer associated with them, legal options being examined

Surat-based Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) has issued a clarification after social media outrage over a professor’s alleged Hinduphobic posts. Users on X circulated screenshots of several tweets by the professor Madhusudan Raj and demanded strict action, even tagging Gujarat Police. The VNSGU has said that although he used to work in the university, he left in 2021.

One of the tweets that triggered anger was about a Hanuman statue in Texas. An American account had suggested removing the statue linking with the hiked fee for H1B visa, and Madhusudan Raj had retweeted it adding the words “Smash it.” Social media users accused him of openly spreading hatred against Hindu beliefs.

The American’s tweet had said, ” Now that we are kicking out all of the H1B Indians it shouldn’t be too hard to get the government to take down this hindu demon monkey statue in Fort Bend County, Texas.” And professor Madhusudan Raj supported the comment, asking the statue to smashed.

After the controversy, many people began tagging VNSGU, claiming that Madhusudan Raj was serving as an Assistant Professor there. In response, the university clarified through its Human Resources department that while he was once a faculty member at VNSGU, he had resigned back in 2021. The university confirmed that he has had no association with them since then.

Officials also said that the university is reviewing the matter and will issue a detailed statement. They stressed that VNSGU has nothing to do with his personal views or his current activities.

Reports suggest that Madhusudan Raj is now living abroad. His X profile describes him as a “Born again Christian.”

The controversy has grown because this is not the first time his posts have attracted attention. He has previously made several remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hindus, and Gujaratis. In some past posts, he called PM Modi a “clown” and compared India’s condition under him to that of a dictatorship. He also ridiculed religious practices, temples, and faith, which many online users called deeply offensive.

Given the seriousness of these repeated posts, the university has said that legal options are under consideration, though it underlined that Raj is no longer part of their faculty.

Ex-IAS Amitabh Thakur goes to court for source based news by ANI, claims news agency published ‘false news’ about ECI; says can’t trust police

OpIndia Staff
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Ex-IAS Amitabh Thakur goes to court for source based news by ANI, claims news agency published ‘false news’ about ECI; says can’t trust police

On 11th September, a Lucknow Court registered a complaint against news agency ANI’s Editor Smita Prakash on a petition claiming that the agency circulated false news attributed to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The petition was filed by ex-IAS officer Amitabh Thakur. Judicial Magistrate-III passed the order and the next hearing is scheduled for 26th September. According to a statement issued by Thakur on social media platform X, the court has called him to record his statement.

Court registers complaint

In its order, the court said it is passing the order without entering into the merits and said, “Heard and perused the complaint and written submissions. At this stage, without entering into the merits of territorial jurisdiction or sufficiency of grounds, the complaint is found to be in order procedurally. In view of the provisions of Chapter XV BNSS, the complaint is liable to be registered as a complaint case…Let this case be registered as a Complaint Case. The Complainant is directed to appear on 26.09.2025 for recording of his statement under oath.”

Thakur’s allegations against ANI

In his complaint, Thakur claimed that ANI repeatedly attributed statements to the ECI which were not available on its official website or verified social media handles. Thakur argued that this amounted to ANI publishing unverified and misleading reports in the Commission’s name. Notably, news agencies like ANI often publish reports based on statements given by sources (named and unnamed) from different departments, including the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Thakur specifically cited a post made by ANI on 1st August 2025 at 3:08 PM that carried a statement citing the Election Commission countering Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of vote theft. According to him, this was one of several examples where ANI published news without any official press note, press conference or verified release from the ECI.

In his written submission, he stated, “…best of the applicant’s knowledge, many news have been relayed by ANI, being run by the OP Ms Smita Prakash, as being that of the ECI, without any official fact or evidence to back it up, completely on its own.”

Why he avoided the police route

In his appeal, Thakur claimed that he did not approach the police to file an FIR as he feared the police might be influenced in such a matter. Hence, he preferred to move the court directly and sought cognisance of his complaint against Prakash for alleged criminal malfeasance.

Who is Amitabh Thakur?

Amitabh Thakur, National President of Azad Adhikar Sena, is a retired 1992-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, a B-Tech graduate and an IIM Lucknow alumnus. Earlier, he accused Mulayam Singh Yadav of threatening him in 2015. Thakur is not new to controversies. In 2021, he was arrested on abetment to suicide charges.

In August 2021, a woman and a man self-immolated outside the Supreme Court of India. The woman, who later died, said in a statement that former BSP MP Atul Rai had sexually harassed her and that officials including Thakur supported Rai in the matter. She accused Thakur of taking money from Rai to support him in the case. Thakur had also announced his intention to contest elections against UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Unnikrishnan is the name given to people who indulge in immoral activities: Kerala Congress spokesperson Jinto John insults Lord Krishna, triggers outrage

OpIndia Staff
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Unnikrishnan is the name given to people who indulge in immoral activities: Kerala Congress spokesperson Jinto John insults Lord Krishna, triggers outrage

The Youth Congress could lead to further embarrassment for the grand old party owing to an abject display of Hindu hatred by one of its leaders and spokespersons, during a discussion on a TV channel. Consistent with the party’s history of Hindumesia and attacks on the beliefs of the majority population in the country, its spokesperson from Kerala, Dr Jinto John, recently exposed his bigoted ideology and animosity towards the Hindu community and its faith.

The conversation concerned the alleged cyberbullying directed at K J Shine, the leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Unnikrishnan, a party MLA. However, John made a highly offensive remark about Lord Krishna which provoked a significant backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party. he maliciously claimed, “In Kerala, Unnikrishnan is the name given to people who indulge in immoral activities.”

However, the statement soon led to a political storm in the state. “The word ‘Unnikrishnan’ has great sentimental value in the hearts of Hindus. It involves reverence and love. It is natural for people who lead a low life to think of immoral activities when they hear the word Unnikrishnan. Do not think that Hindus will keep silent if anyone defames their deity,” retaliated BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan and demanded a public apology from John and his party.

However, sensing that his outrageous comments could potentially lead to further trouble, John expressed regret and insisted that it was merely a slip of the tongue. “It occurred in the middle of an argument with the channel anchor,” he added. Meanwhile, Sunny Joseph, the president of the KPCC (Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee) informed that he had not yet been contacted about disciplinary action regarding the issue.

John’s defamatory post against K J Shine had already prompted the CPM leaders to boycott him in channel debates. There is reportedly dissatisfaction inside the Congress with the actions of some Youth Congress leaders which are believed to have placed the leadership in a difficult situation.

Nemom Shajeer, the leader of the Youth Congress escorted MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to the assembly session, despite the fact that the former was suspended from the party’s core membership. The leaders are yet to take any action in this matter. A KPCC leader also voiced, “There is no control over the youth leaders who are on a rampage in Kerala politics.”

‘Nagrik Devo Bhav’ – GST ‘Bachat Utsav’ reforms to begin from 22 September, first day of Navratri: PM Modi

OpIndia Staff
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‘Nagrik Devo Bhav’ – GST ‘Bachat Utsav’ reforms to begin from 22 September, first day of Navratri: PM Modi

On 21st September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation announcing that next generation GST reforms will come into effect from 22nd September, the first day of Navratri. PM Modi said that the new structure, which he termed as “GST Bachat Utsav”, will ensure savings for every citizen and boost India’s growth story.

He said, “From tomorrow, with the sunrise of Navratri, next generation GST reforms will come into force. In a way, the nation will celebrate a GST Bachat Utsav, where every family’s savings will grow.”

Relief for families and middle class

PM Modi highlighted that daily essentials including food items, medicines, soaps, toothpaste, health and life insurance, and many services will either be tax-free or taxed only at 5%. Products earlier falling under the 12% slab have now largely been moved to 5%. He said this would directly benefit the poor, middle class, neo-middle class, farmers, shopkeepers, traders and women, bringing festive cheer to households.

Simplified tax structure

PM Modi recalled how before GST, India was trapped in a maze of multiple taxes including octroi, entry tax, sales tax, excise, VAT and service tax. Transporting goods across cities involved multiple check-posts and paperwork, often leading to higher costs for consumers. He said GST reforms introduced in 2017 freed the nation from decades of tax complications, realising the dream of “One Nation, One Tax”. The new reforms will now reduce slabs to primarily 5% and 18%, making compliance easier and boosting investment.

PM Modi recalled an instance reported in a foreign newspaper where a company found it easier to send goods from Bengaluru to Europe and then back to Hyderabad, rather than directly transporting them within India. He said this example illustrated the heavy burden of multiple taxes and tolls before GST, when businesses struggled daily with delays, paperwork and rising costs that were ultimately passed on to ordinary citizens.

Boost for MSMEs and Atmanirbhar Bharat

PM Modi stressed that reduced GST rates and simplified procedures will benefit MSMEs, cottage industries and small traders as it will increase sales and reduce tax burden. He added that India’s economic strength during its prosperous times rested on MSMEs and urged them to manufacture world-class products with pride in ‘Made in India’.

He stressed that Atmanirbhar Bharat is not just a slogan but a collective responsibility, with MSMEs playing a central role in shaping India’s manufacturing strength. PM Modi said, “Just as our freedom was strengthened by the mantra of swadeshi, our prosperity too will come from swadeshi. Let every household and every shop become a symbol of it.”

Double benefit for citizens

PM Modi underlined that citizens are now receiving a “double bonanza” with relief in income tax up to Rs 12 lakh and reduced GST rates. He said this combined relief will lead to savings of over Rs 2.5 lakh crore annually for the people. Stressing the mantra of “Nagrik Devo Bhav”, he said, “This is why I am calling it a Bachat Utsav,” and urged citizens to take pride in purchasing Indian-made goods.

Call to states for cooperation

PM Modi also appealed to the state governments and asked them to join hands with the Centre in accelerating manufacturing, creating a conducive environment for investment, and taking forward the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He concluded his address by extending Navratri greetings and wishing the nation prosperity through the GST Bachat Utsav.

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