Parliament street shuts down for much of the day; opposition parties step up protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, leaders held

Most GST refunds may be processed within 17 days

The GST Council intends to shorten the refund processing period to around 17 days for businesses. It will also work to automate registering for a GST number to speed up the process. For small businesses operating in multiple states, avoiding repetitive registrations will be considered. Additionally, the proposal includes eliminating physical verification for registration cancellations. Changes will allow input tax credit on various business-related expenses to facilitate smoother operations.

Chasing illicit liquor traders, cops land in Bihar village. 50 locals jump into river, 2 drown

As Andhra Pradesh declares drought in 21 districts, Opposition YSRCP asks ‘why so late’

Meet Monarchs: ‘Endangered’ traveller butterflies that survive on poisonous milkweed

The extraordinary migration of monarch butterflies stretches across thousands of miles, connecting North America and Mexico. Sadly, their population has sharply declined, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature to mark them as endangered. Key threats include habitat loss, pesticide usage, and climate change, which disproportionately impact their crucial milkweed supply. To aid these delicate creatures, conservation efforts are imperative, with U.S. federal protection still pending.