Shetland wool is one of the most cherished natural fibers in the world, originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, a remote archipelago located in the North Atlantic. The harsh climate and rugged landscape of these islands shaped the Shetland sheep into a hardy breed, producing fine, soft, and warm wool that has been admired for centuries. Origins and Characteristics The Shetland sheep is a small, resilient breed known for its ability to thrive in tough environments. Its wool is celebrated for being soft, lightweight, and warm, with an average fiber diameter of 20–30 microns. Unlike coarser wools, Shetland wool strikes a balance between durability and comfort, making it suitable for both everyday wear and high-quality knitwear. It is available in a wide variety of natural colors—from pure white and moorit (reddish-brown) to grey, black, and fawn—offering artisans an extensive palette without the need for synthetic dyes. Historical Importance Knitting and weaving with Shetland w...
Major GST Overhaul & Its Automotive Impact On September 22, 2025, India’s GST Council implemented a sweeping tax reform that simplified GST rates and trimmed tax burdens across key sectors. Notably, automobiles saw major adjustments: small cars (petrol/LPG/CNG vehicles up to 1,200 cc and under 4 m, plus diesel up to 1,500 cc/4 m) now attract a flat 18% GST, down from the previous 28% plus cess, effectively reducing total tax from roughly 30–31% to 18% Reuters The Economic Times CARS24 OpIndia www.ndtv.com . For larger vehicles, GST has been standardized to 40%, replacing the earlier combined load of 28% GST and 17–22% cess (up to 50%) Reuters The Times of India Smartprix CARS24 . Maruti Suzuki: Steering Through the GST Change Maruti Suzuki’s leadership, including Chairman RC Bhargava, has lauded the reform as a transformative, pro-consumer measure that will boost competitiveness and stimulate demand, especially for their core small car lineup The Economic Times The Economic Times B...