Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation at 5 PM today, Sunday, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office on social media platform X. The address comes just one day before a significant change in India’s taxation system takes effect — a major cut in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, announced earlier by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The new GST rates, aimed at reducing the prices of a wide range of goods — from automobiles to everyday consumer products — will come into force starting Monday, September 22. This tax reform is being called the most significant update to India’s indirect tax system since GST was first implemented in July 2017.

As part of the reform, the GST structure has been simplified. The earlier four-tier tax system, which included 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% slabs, has now been streamlined into just two main rates — 5% and 18%. The move is intended to make the tax system easier to navigate for businesses and consumers alike, while also boosting demand through lower prices.

Earlier today, PM Modi also took to X to extend his greetings on the occasion of Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of the festive season leading up to Durga Puja. “Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy and wonderful health,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Following his address to the nation, Modi is scheduled to visit Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on Monday. In Itanagar, he will lay the foundation stone for a series of development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore, including two major hydropower initiatives and a modern convention centre in Tawang. Later in Tripura, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the development work at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex in Matabari, highlighting the government’s focus on both infrastructure and cultural heritage.