🇮🇳 India / National

India’s FY26 Borrowing Plan Remains Unchanged
The Chief Economic Adviser, Anantha Nageswaran, said that the government’s market borrowing plan for the second half of FY 26 (October 2025–March 2026) will stay as announced: INR 14.82 lakh crore for the full fiscal, with INR 6.8 lakh crore for the second half. He also expressed confidence about meeting the fiscal-deficit target of 4.4 % of GDP.

“GST 2.0” — New GST Rates Come Into Effect
A major GST reform, called “GST 2.0”, has come into force. The old 4-slab rate structure (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) has been simplified. Many essentials, food items, consumer goods, electronics, vehicles etc. are now taxed at either 5% or 18%. Ultra-luxury items are still taxed heavily (40% + cess), tobacco and related products remain in higher bracket.

Sensex / Market Setback
Indian benchmark stock indices had a down day. The Sensex dropped by 466 points, Nifty closed below the 25,250 mark. Major IT stocks like TCS and Infosys saw ~3% decline.

Government Approvals & Moves

The government approved 25 lakh additional LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme for FY 2025-26.

Core sector growth for August: the eight core industries (steel, coal, cement, fertiliser, electricity, petroleum refinery products, etc.) collectively grew ~3.7%.

Trade Diplomacy: India-US Trade Minister Visit
Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting Washington DC on 22 September for talks aimed at advancing stalled trade negotiations and addressing issues like US tariffs, market access, visa fees etc.

Centre Extends Ban on NSCN (Khaplang)
The Indian government has extended the ban on NSCN (K) and all of its affiliated wings for another five years (starting late September). The justification given is ongoing threats to sovereignty and integrity.

Other Notables

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a GST Reform Awareness Campaign (22-29 Sept) to help traders, shopkeepers & citizens understand new GST structure and to boost Swadeshi / indigenous goods sales.

Significant security arrangements and bans: e.g. in Maihar, non-veg food sale banned during Shardiya Navratri, etc.