States welcome GST reforms, focus on ease of doing business

IANS | October 8, 2026 9:14 PM

New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) States have welcomed the decisions taken at the 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Thursday, describing the latest reforms as an important step towards simplifying the tax regime, easing compliance and addressing the concerns faced by businesses and taxpayers.

Ex-Gujarat CM Vaghela says Congress needs early candidates, stronger grassroot connect

IANS | October 8, 2026 9:01 PM

Gandhinagar, Oct 8 (IANS) Nearly three decades after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) first came to power in Gujarat, veteran politician and former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela said on Thursday that the Congress can come to power in the state only if it starts preparing its candidates and reconnecting with voters much ahead of the 2027 state polls.

Pakistan losing control in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan: Report

IANS | October 8, 2026 8:43 PM

Islamabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Pakistan using artillery and air power against people of its own country in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces - who are holding protests against the present dispensation - indicates that residents in these areas are considered "enemies" and the state is losing control in these areas, a report has detailed.