Evening news wrap: Tripartite pact signed in violence-hit Manipur; Mamata takes aim at Centre over tariffs, & more

Ministry of Home Affairs, Manipur government and Kuki-Zo groups signed a fresh peace pact to restore normalcy in the violence-hit state ahead of PM Modi’s likely visit. The GST Council unveiled the biggest tax overhaul since 2017 with new slabs effective September 22. Meanwhile, West Bengal Assembly witnessed uproar as CM Mamata Banerjee branded the BJP “anti-Bengali,” leading to the suspension of BJP chief whip Shankar Ghosh for creating a ruckus.


Here are the top 5 stories:

Centre, Manipur govt & Kuki-Zo groups ink peace pact

The Centre, Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo groups signed a fresh Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement on Thursday to restore peace in the violence-hit state. The pact ensures Manipur’s territorial integrity, reopening of NH-2, and relocation of militant camps. The move comes ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Manipur on September 12–13, his first since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023. Read full story

Know about the latest tax rates on cars, gold, mobile phones, EVs, cigarettes

The GST Council on Wednesday approved the biggest overhaul of the indirect tax regime since 2017, introducing a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, along with a new 40% rate for luxury and sin goods. The revised rates, excluding tobacco where cess continues, will come into effect from September 22, coinciding with Navratri. Revenue secretary Arvind Shrivastava said the revamp, with a net fiscal impact of Rs 48,000 crore, aims to boost consumption and strengthen compliance. Read full story

Kim Jong Un to meet Xi Jinping in China

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China, the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday. While the timing remains undisclosed, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the talks will focus on bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern. Kim’s participation in the parade was described as “carrying great significance,” with China stressing its intent to boost strategic communication and deepen governance exchanges with North Korea. Read full story

Ruckus in Bengal assembly as Mamata Banerjee raises 'vote chor' slogans

The West Bengal Assembly witnessed heated scenes on Thursday as CM Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of being “anti-Bengali,” calling it a party of “corrupt vote thieves” that harassed Trinamool MPs in Parliament. Her remarks came during a discussion on a government resolution against “atrocities” on Bengali migrants. BJP chief whip Shankar Ghosh was suspended for the day after creating a ruckus in the House, Speaker Biman Banerjee announced. Read full story

Yuki Bhambri enters maiden Grand Slam doubles semifinal with partner Michael Venus

Yuki Bhambri and his New Zealand partner Michael Venus stormed into the men’s doubles semifinals at the US Open 2025, defeating 11th seeds Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 in New York on Wednesday. This marks 33-year-old Bhambri’s maiden Grand Slam doubles semifinal, cementing his status as India’s top-ranked doubles player at world No. 32. Read full story

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