As January 13, 2025 approaches, the northern states of India gear up to celebrate Lohri, a popular Punjabi folk festival. The festival marks the end of winter solstice and is celebrated with bonfires, traditional dances, and delicious food. Indiaexpress.com has curated a list of wishes and greetings to spread the joy of the festival with loved ones. So, let the Lohri bonfire bring you everlasting joy and may your life be filled with the sweetness of gur and the crunch of popcorn.
In the 55th GST Council meeting, the latest changes to GST rates were announced for various items. Ready-to-eat popcorn will now have varying GST rates depending on how it is prepared and sold. Pre-packaged popcorn will have a higher GST rate of 12%, while popcorn sold loose will have a lower rate of 5%. In the automotive sector, the GST rate for used cars sold by businesses will be increased from 12% to 18%. Additionally, vouchers will not be considered goods or services, and hence, will not be subject to GST.
During the 55th GST Council meeting, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax on rice kernels has been reduced from 18% to 5%, while life-saving gene therapy will now be exempt from tax. Additionally, parts used in manufacturing surface-to-air missiles will continue to be exempt from GST. However, the tax rate on caramelised popcorn has been increased to 18%, citing its harmful effects on health. The Finance Minister also clarified that payment aggregators will be eligible for exemptions, but this does not apply to payment gateways and fintech services.
Get your popcorn ready because SonyLIV is all set to premiere its latest show, Million Dollar Listing India, on October 25, 2024. This unscripted series follows six top real estate agents as they buy and sell multi-million dollar properties in India. With jaw-dropping properties and high-pressure negotiations, this show promises to be a hit among fans of luxury real estate and reality TV. So don't forget to tune in to SonyLIV every Friday at 8 PM for some exclusive insider looks into India's elite property market.
Google's interactive Doodle game celebrates popcorn, a popular movie snack that has been enjoyed for over 4,000 years. The game challenges players to protect their popcorn kernel from being popped by a relentless barrage of butter and compete against 59 players worldwide. As a nod to its connection with movies, Google's Doodle highlights the history of popcorn in cinema, from its popularity during the Great Depression to its global appeal in countries like India, Japan, and Europe. This Doodle not only offers entertainment, but also brings back fond memories of movie nights with loved ones.
Chris Hemsworth, known for his role as Thor in MCU, shared his memories of the viral video where Indian fans threw popcorn during his dramatic entrance in the climax of 2018's Avengers film 'Infinity War'. He expressed his love for India and the unmatched craze of Indian fans for Marvel. The video went viral and even caught the attention of the film's directors, the Russo Brothers. Even after six years, Chris fondly remembers the moment and the strong bond he shares with Indian fans.
Google is celebrating one of the world's most beloved snacks, popcorn, with an interactive Doodle game that has set a record for the highest number of players in a single match. Spanning centuries, the history of popcorn is rich and varied, with its roots in Mesoamerican civilizations and its evolution into a popular snack in the United States and around the world. With its versatility and cultural significance, popcorn has become a favourite for all occasions, making it the perfect inspiration for today's record-breaking Doodle.
Google’s latest Doodle is popping off with excitement as it pays homage to the beloved snack’s global appeal and invites users to an addictive game centred around avoiding the ultimate fate – getting popped. The Doodle marks a historic event in popcorn’s history and celebrates its evolution into a versatile treat enjoyed across cultures. With its record-breaking number of simultaneous players and playful graphics, the game is a fun way to indulge in the joy of popcorn.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's time to snuggle up with your loved one and binge-watch some romantic K-Dramas. From classic love stories to heart-fluttering rom-coms, this list has it all. So, grab your popcorn and click the play button on these top 10 K-Dramas that are guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat.
After two successful seasons, the much-awaited third season of 'Panchayat' is now streaming on Amazon's Prime Video. This comedy-drama series follows an engineering graduate who ends up working in a panchayat in a rural setting. With Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, and Raghubir Yadav in the lead, this season is set to entertain and charm audiences once again.