Sun Aug 31 12:10:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text, tailored for The Hindu:

**The Hindu: News Briefs – August 31, 2025**

**GST Reform Urged: Advocate Calls for Simplified Tax Structure and Insurance Premium Relief**

Following Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day announcement regarding GST reductions, calls for further simplification of the tax structure are growing. An advocate, writing in The Hindu, applauded the potential for GST reform but argued for a two-tiered system of 5% and 10% levies, replacing the current four categories. The advocate highlighted concerns that the current GST burden disproportionately affects middle-class and low-income individuals, contributing to rising prices of essential commodities. The advocate also criticized India as the only country that imposes GST on insurance premiums, and requested that Prime Minister Modi scrap GST on insurance premium in the public interest.

**Ramanathapuram Residents Raise Alarm Over Decaying Tree**

Residents of Thivan Narayanasamy Ayyer East Street in Ramanathapuram are urging local authorities to take immediate action regarding a decaying tree posing a significant safety hazard. The letter writer in The Hindu said that the tree is a threat to residents, children and pedestrians. The residents appeal for its prompt removal to prevent potential accidents.

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