02 May 2026
New Delhi: At least six people were killed in two attacks at the heart of the London in which armed Scotland Yard officers shot dead three suspects. At least 48 injured were being treated in hospitals across UK’s capital. The attacks that took place at London Bridge and Borough Market come just days ahead of the general election on Thursday.
New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the possibility of hacking the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was hopefully put to rest on Saturday, with the two participating parties -- the NCP and the CPM, giving it a clean chit.
The Election Commission on Saturday held the EVM hacking challenge, starting with a detailed demonstration on the various security checks in the machine.
Finance Minister ArunJaitley on Saturday said the GST Council has fixed the tax on commodities like gold, footwear and textile, with all the states agreeing to July 1 roll out of the GST. Briefing media in New Delhi after the 15th GST Council meeting on Saturday evening, Jaitley said, GST Council will set up committee to look into complaints regarding anti-profiteering clause.
He said, Gold will be taxed at 3 per cent and biscuits at 18 per cent under GST. Diamonds will also attract 3 percent GST, while rough diamonds will have a tax levy of 0.25 per cent. The Minister said, the Council has decided to tax footwear below 500 rupees at 5 per cent and rest at 18 per cent. Silk and Jute are at nil category, whereas cotton and natural fiber will be taxed at 5 per cent and man-made at 18 percent.
Solar panels will be taxed at 5 per cent,Bidis will be taxed at 28 percent and will not attract any cess while tendu leaves will be taxed at 18 percent. Packaged food items will be taxed at 5 percent.
Jaitley said, the next meeting of the GST council will be held on 11th of this month to discuss other pending items. The GST Council had last month fitted over 1,200 goodsand 500 services in the tax brackets of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent.
New Delhi: India and France have decided to work together to fight against terrorism and climate change. Addressing a joint press conference with France President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday evening, Prime Minister NarendraModi said terrorism and climate change were big challenges before the world. He said, Paris accord on climate change was an article of faith for India. Modi said, New Delhi was committed to save nature and Mother Earth for the future generations.
New Delhi: With the Uttarakhand High Court on Friday dismissing a PIL against the move,the Election Commission's EVM challenge will take place on Saturday as scheduled. The PIL had sought a stay on the hackathon challenge being organised by the poll panel after several parties had alleged EVM tampering. The challenge will be held from 10 am to 2 pm.
The challenge takes place with the parties like the AAP, BahujanSamaj Party and the Trinamool Congress, who raised maximum hue and cry about the machines being manipulated; deciding to keep away from the challenge.
