GST 2.0 Revolution: PM Modi Delivers Diwali Promise to Simplify Tax Structure
The Modi government dropped a major bombshell this week, proposing a dramatic overhaul of India's Goods and Services Tax structure ahead of Diwali. The revamped system will slash the current four tax slabs down to just two primary rates—5% and 18%—with luxury and sin goods facing a special 40% rate. This represents one of the most significant tax reforms since GST's 2017 launch, potentially making everyday essentials dramatically cheaper for the common man. Industry experts predict this "next-generation GST reform" could boost consumption while maintaining revenue neutrality through increased compliance and sales volumes.
Key players: Ministry of Finance and GST Council are set to finalize the proposal in September, with implementation targeted before the festive season.
Infrastructure Mega Launch: PM Modi Unveils ₹11,000 Crore Delhi Highway Revolution
Sunday marks a historic day for Delhi-NCR as Prime Minister Modi inaugurated two game-changing infrastructure projects—the Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway (10.1km) and Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II, 76km)—at a ceremony in Rohini. These projects, costing nearly ₹11,000 crore, represent India's bold vision to transform urban mobility and decongest the capital's notorious traffic bottlenecks. The UER-II serves as Delhi's third ring road, connecting Alipur to Mahipalpur via Mundka and Najafgarh, while directly linking to NH-44, NH-9, and NH-48. Industry experts predict this infrastructure boost will trigger a massive real estate revival across NCR, potentially increasing property values by 15-20% along the corridor.
Key beneficiaries: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) spearheaded this engineering marvel, while Delhi Metro Rail Corporation gains enhanced connectivity through multi-modal integration at key stations
USA's Top Market Stories
Buffett's Billion-Dollar Bet: UnitedHealth Gets Oracle's Seal of Approval
Wall Street was jolted in Q2 2025 as Warren Buffett made a bold move, purchasing 5 million shares of UnitedHealth—an investment worth a staggering $1.6 billion. The move ignited a 13% surge in the insurer’s stock price, showcasing renewed investor optimism. This contrarian move comes as UnitedHealth faces its darkest chapter—down 46% year-to-date amid federal investigations into Medicare billing practices, escalating medical costs, and the shocking murder of former executive Brian Thompson. With this acquisition, UnitedHealth has become the 18th-largest holding in Berkshire Hathaway’s expansive portfolio, reflecting Buffett’s strategic confidence in the company’s long-term outlook, even amid current industry challenges. Market analysts view this as classic Buffett strategy—swooping into quality companies during crisis periods when valuations become attractive.
Key players: Berkshire Hathaway demonstrates institutional faith in UnitedHealth's recovery prospects, while UnitedHealth Group gains crucial credibility boost from America's most respected investor during its operational turmoil
Intel Surges as Trump Administration Considers Direct Investment
Intel shares jumped over 7% following reports that the Trump administration is in active discussions to acquire a direct equity stake in the embattled chipmaker. The proposed lifeline marks a significant shift in government support for domestic semiconductor production and could represent a major turning point in Intel's recovery strategy. This unprecedented move would mark a dramatic shift in U.S. industrial policy, potentially utilizing CHIPS Act funds to acquire ownership rather than just providing grants or subsidies. The timing is particularly significant, coming just days after Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan met with President Trump at the White House following criticism over his alleged China connections. Industry analysts interpret this as Trump's strategic push to accelerate domestic chip manufacturing and reduce dependence on Taiwan's TSMC for critical semiconductor production. The potential deal aims to revitalize Intel's delayed Ohio manufacturing facility while positioning the company as America's semiconductor champion in the global AI race.
Key entities: Intel Corporation could receive vital government backing and funding injection, while the Trump Administration advances its reshoring agenda through direct industrial intervention
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