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Introduction When most of India marks Dussehra by burning effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, Kanpur offers a unique perspective. The Dashanan Temple, located in the Shivala area, opens its doors only once a year on Vijay Dashmi (Dussehra) — not to condemn Ravana, but to worship him. This rare temple highlights Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva, his scholarly wisdom, and his complex place in Hindu mythology. History of Dashanan Temple The Dashanan Temple was built by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukla, a resident of the neighboring Unnao district. Unlike other temples that commemorate gods and goddesses, this shrine was constructed to honor Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva and his reputation as a great scholar of the Vedas and a veena maestro. Situated within the Kailasha Temple complex in Shivala, the Dashanan Temple remains locked for most of the year. It is only opened during Vijay Dashmi, making it a significant cultural and spiritual landmark of Kanpur. The Dussehra Ritual at Dashanan Temple On Dussehra morning, the temple doors are unlocked, and devotees throng to worship Ravana. The rituals include: By evening, after the symbolic burning of Ravana effigies across the city, the temple doors are closed once again — not to be reopened until the next Dussehra. Why People Worship Ravana Here Although the Ramayana often portrays Ravana as a villain, this temple presents a different perspective: Symbol of Knowledge – The temple honors Ravana for his wisdom, strength, and devotion, rather than focusing on his arrogance or downfall. Great Devotee of Shiva – Ravana showed unmatched devotion to Lord Shiva and composed the revered Shiv Tandav Stotra. Scholar & Musician – He mastered the Vedas and excelled as a veena player. Dashanan Temple: A Symbol of Alternative Belief The Dashanan Temple in Kanpur reminds visitors that Hindu mythology is layered and multifaceted. While most communities see Ravana as a symbol of ego and evil, this temple highlights his virtues, showing that people can interpret history and faith in diverse ways. For Kanpurites and visitors, witnessing the Dashanan Temple open on Dussehra is a cultural and spiritual experience unlike any other. Conclusion The Dashanan Temple in Kanpur is not just a place of worship but a living example of India’s diverse traditions. By honoring Ravana’s devotion, this temple adds depth to the celebration of Dussehra, making Kanpur’s festivities truly unique. If you want to experience an alternative narrative of one of India’s biggest festivals, visiting the Dashanan Temple during Dussehra is a must.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has announced a major GST reform effective from September 22, 2025. This is the biggest change since GST was introduced in 2017. The new system brings a simplified two-tier tax structure with most goods and services falling under 5% and 18% slabs, while luxury and sin goods will attract 40% GST. The reform aims to make essential items cheaper while keeping higher rates on luxury, sin, and non-essential goods. Let’s look at the new GST rate list for 2025 in detail. New GST Rate on Essential Food Items The government has reduced GST on common food items, making daily groceries more affordable. Item New GST Rate Old Rate UHT Milk 0% 5% Paneer/Chhena (packaged) 0% 5% Roti 0% 5% Pizza Bread 0% 5% Khakhra 0% 5% Condensed Milk 5% 12%–18% Butter, Ghee, Cheese, Dairy Spreads 5% 12%–18% Chocolates, Pasta, Baked Goods, Namkeens 5% 12%–18% Impact: Milk, roti, paneer, and daily dairy items will now be cheaper. New GST Rate on Dry Fruits, Spices & Ingredients Item New GST Rate Old Rate Dried Nuts & Fruits 5% 12%–18% Malt, Starches, Vegetable Extracts 5% 12%–18% Sausages, Sugar Products 5% 12%–18% Impact: Popular kitchen essentials like dry fruits and spices will now cost less. New GST Rate on Beverages (Sugary, Aerated & Caffeinated) The government has introduced a 40% GST slab for sweetened and caffeinated drinks. Item New GST Rate Old Rate Packaged Coconut Water 40% 18%–28% Soya Milk Drinks 40% 18%–28% Sugary Non-Alcoholic Beverages 40% 18%–28% Caffeinated Beverages 40% 28% Carbonated Fruit Drinks 40% 28% Impact: Soft drinks, energy drinks, and sugary beverages will become costlier. New GST Rate on Sin Goods Item New GST Rate Old Rate Pan Masala, Tobacco, Cigars, Cigarettes 40% 28% + Cess Bidis 18% 28% + Cess Impact: Smoking and tobacco-related products will be much more expensive. New GST Rate on Industrial Goods Item New GST Rate Old Rate Cement 18% 28% + Cess Coal, Lignite, Peat 18% 5% Impact: Construction materials like cement will become cheaper, benefiting the housing sector. New GST Rate on Healthcare & Medical Supplies Item New GST Rate Old Rate Medical-Grade Oxygen 5% 12% Diagnostic Kits 5% 12% Essential Drugs 5% 12% Surgical Supplies, Reagents 5% 12% Impact: Healthcare essentials will now cost less, supporting patients and hospitals. New GST Rate on Lifestyle & Household Items Item New GST Rate Old Rate Personal Care, Toiletries 5% 12%–18% Furniture, Utensils, Handicrafts 5% 12%–18% Toys, Musical Instruments 5% 12%–18% Impact: Household items and lifestyle goods will be cheaper. New GST Rate on Automobiles & Luxury Vehicles Item New GST Rate Old Rate Motorcycles up to 350cc, Scooters, Small Cars 18% 28% Bicycles 18% 28% Motorcycles above 350cc 40% 28% + Cess Luxury Cars, Aircraft, Yachts, Pistols 40% 28% + Cess Impact: Two-wheelers and small cars will be cheaper, but luxury vehicles will get costlier. New GST Rate on Entertainment & Services Item New GST Rate Old Rate Cinema Tickets (≤ ₹100) 5% 12% Cinema Tickets (> ₹100) 40% 18%–28% Insurance Premiums (life, health, general) 0% 18% Private Tuition, Vocational Courses 0% 18% Charitable Hospital & Education Services 0% 12% Hotels (₹1,001–₹7,500 per night) 5% 12% Beauty & Wellness (Salons, Gyms, Spas) 5% 18% Impact: Basic entertainment and education services will be more affordable, while premium entertainment like expensive cinema tickets will become costlier. Conclusion The New GST Rate List 2025 simplifies India’s tax system by shifting most goods and services into 5% and 18% slabs, while keeping 40% GST for luxury and sin goods. Cheaper Items: Food, healthcare supplies, household products, small vehicles, and essential services.Costlier Items: Sugary beverages, tobacco, luxury cars, yachts, and premium entertainment. This reform will reduce the burden on common households while keeping higher taxes on non-essential and luxury items. Frequently Asked Questions on New GST Rate List 2025 1. When will the new GST rates be effective? The new GST rate structure will be effective from September 22, 2025, as announced by the GST Council. 2. What are the main GST slabs after the 2025 reform? The new GST system has a simplified two-tier structure – most goods and services fall under 5% and 18% slabs, while luxury and sin goods are taxed at 40%. 3. What is the new GST rate on essential food items? Daily essentials like milk, roti, paneer, and khakhra are now tax-free (0%), while butter, ghee, cheese, chocolates, pasta, and namkeens are reduced to 5%. 4. Which goods will get costlier under the new GST rates? Sugary beverages, caffeinated drinks, tobacco, pan masala, luxury cars, yachts, and premium cinema tickets will now attract 40% GST, making them more expensive. 5. What is the new GST rate on automobiles? 6. What is the GST rate on healthcare items in 2025? Essential healthcare supplies like oxygen, diagnostic kits, drugs, and surgical equipment will now attract 5% GST instead of 12%. 7. Are education and insurance services taxable under the new GST? No. Private tuition, vocational courses, charitable education services, health insurance, and life insurance premiums are now 0% GST.

Uttar Pradesh is taking a giant stride towards environmentally friendly public transportation. The state government has approved the introduction of 200 air-conditioned electric buses in Lucknow and Kanpur, marking a landmark step in sustainable mobility. This decision, ratified by the state cabinet on September 2, 2025, aims to revolutionize urban commuting while reducing pollution and traffic noise. Cleaner, Quieter, and Smarter Cities The new electric buses promise a cleaner and quieter travel experience for residents of Lucknow and Kanpur. Unlike traditional diesel buses, these e-buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to better air quality and a healthier urban environment. Commuters can look forward to a smoother ride with modern amenities, making daily travel more comfortable and convenient. Innovative Net Cost Contract (NCC) Model The bus will be introduced under a Net Cost Contract model for a duration of 12 years. Here’s how this model works: This innovative approach is designed to reduce the financial burden on the state while ensuring high-quality service for passengers. Strategic Route Deployment To maximize convenience and coverage, buses will operate on ten designated routes in each city, with at least ten buses per corridor. This ensures frequent and reliable service, encouraging more people to adopt public transportation. UP Leading the Way in Sustainable Mobility Lucknow and Kanpur are now set to become models for sustainable urban transport in India. The deployment of 200 electric buses not only modernizes city commuting but also highlights the state government’s commitment to: What This Means for Residents For citizens of Lucknow and Kanpur, this initiative translates into a more dependable, environmentally conscious, and smarter way to commute within the city. The future of urban travel in UP is not just about convenience; it’s about clean air, less noise, and sustainable living. Conclusion The introduction of electric buses in Lucknow and Kanpur is more than a transportation upgrade—it’s a vision for the future of smart cities in Uttar Pradesh. By adopting modern mobility solutions and encouraging public-private partnerships, the state is setting a benchmark for green, efficient, and commuter-friendly urban transit across India.

Apple is making history: for the first time ever, all four iPhone 17 models—including the Pro variants—will be manufactured in India, marking a significant shift in the tech giant’s global supply chain strategy. Key Details: Why This Matters: 1. Reducing Dependence on China This strategic move is Apple’s response to rising trade tensions and tariffs related to China, helping mitigate risks and diversifying supply chains. 2. U.S. Tariff Exemption While the U.S. administration has proposed 50% tariffs on many Indian imports, iPhones assembled in India remain exempt, helping maintain competitive pricing. 3. Long-Term Planning Underway According to a Wall Street Journal report, Apple elements of this shift were planned years ago in response to geopolitical volatility—now culminating in India producing up to 14% of Apple’s global iPhone output, a figure expected to double by 2025. What This Means for India: For Apple: Final Thoughts This shift in manufacturing marks a new chapter for both Apple and India. With the iPhone 17 models “Made in India” for the U.S. market, the country’s role in global tech manufacturing is ascending.