News for '-central-and-state'

Budget: CII wants govt to decriminalise GST, slash I-T rates

Budget: CII wants govt to decriminalise GST, slash I-T rates

Rediff.com20 Nov 2022

Industry body CII has pitched for a reduction in personal income tax rates, decriminalisation of the goods and services tax and a relook at the capital gains tax rates as part of its agenda presented to the government for the forthcoming Budget. Arguing that the GST law already contains adequate penal provisions for deterrence against evasion of taxes, CII has suggested decriminalisation of GST law. Also, the applicability of prosecution provisions should not be based on the absolute amount of tax evasion but should be based on real intent to evade the taxes and a certain percentage of the tax payable, it stated.

'Fear continues across Joshimath'

'Fear continues across Joshimath'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2023

'Cracks continue to appear in more and more houses.' 'We believe the government is not going to tell us the truth.'

Air India seeks help for selling securities of its PF trusts

Air India seeks help for selling securities of its PF trusts

Rediff.com6 Oct 2021

Divestment-bound Air India is looking to sell securities of its two provident trusts AIEPF and IAEPF, and has sought applications for transaction advisors to help with the proposed sale of the securities. The Air India Employees Provident Fund (AIEPF) trust and Indian Airlines Employees Provident Fund (IAEPF) trust are governed by the Provident Fund Trust Act, 1925. The two trusts' investments together amounted to Rs 4,500 crore as of August 31, 2021, according to the tender document, seeking RFPs for the appointment of the transaction advisors.

Will petrol, diesel come under the ambit of GST?

Will petrol, diesel come under the ambit of GST?

Rediff.com14 Sep 2021

The GST Council might on Friday consider taxing petrol, diesel and other petroleum products under the single national GST regime, a move that may require huge compromises by both central and state governments on the revenues they collect from taxing these products. The Council, which comprises central and state finance ministers, in its meeting scheduled in Lucknow on Friday, is also likely to consider extending the time for duty relief on COVID-19 essentials, according to sources in the know of the development. GST is being thought to be a solution for the problem of near-record high petrol and diesel rates in the country, as it would end the cascading effect of tax on tax (state VAT being levied not just on the cost of production but also on the excise duty charged by the Centre on such output).

BJP steps up reach out to UP's Pasmanda Muslims for a clean sweep in LS polls

BJP steps up reach out to UP's Pasmanda Muslims for a clean sweep in LS polls

Rediff.com23 Oct 2022

In Pasmanda Muslim meets, the BJP leaders are highlighting that the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress always used Muslims as a "vote bank" and did not give them their due.

Govt to amend 114-year-old the Indian Ports Act, bring in reforms

Govt to amend 114-year-old the Indian Ports Act, bring in reforms

Rediff.com19 Aug 2022

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has released a draft to amend the Indian Ports Act, 1908, which aims to bring in sweeping reforms in the sector by bringing non-major ports into the national fold, creating a new mechanism for resolution of disputes, and empowering maritime state development council (MSDC). The draft bill will see comments from stakeholders before being tabled in Parliament. "The Indian Ports Act, 1908 is more than 110 years old. It has become imperative that the Act is revamped to reflect the present-day frameworks, incorporate India's international obligations, address emerging environmental concerns, and aid the consultative development of the ports sector in the national interest," the shipping ministry said.

Infant deaths in Kerala spur demand for NHRC probe

Infant deaths in Kerala spur demand for NHRC probe

Rediff.com1 Dec 2021

Days after three infant deaths were reported in Kerala's backward tribal Attapady, the National Human Rights Commission has been petitioned about the issue seeking its urgent intervention and detailed probe.

26/11 survivor and key eyewitness moves HC seeking house from govt

26/11 survivor and key eyewitness moves HC seeking house from govt

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

This is the second time that Rotawan, now 23 years old, has approached the court.

PFI's Kerala module planned attacks on Jews visiting TN, says NIA

PFI's Kerala module planned attacks on Jews visiting TN, says NIA

Rediff.com29 Sep 2022

The Popular Front of India (PFI) has been extensively using social media for recruiting youths for anti-national activities and one of the modules of the now-banned outfit even had prepared to attack foreigners, especially Jews visiting Vattakkanal, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, officials said.

939 police medals awarded for R-Day; J-K bags 115

939 police medals awarded for R-Day; J-K bags 115

Rediff.com25 Jan 2022

A total of 939 service medals, including 189 for gallantry, was announced by the Union government on Tuesday for personnel of various central and state police forces on the eve of Republic Day.

'Why is my leave encashment not exempt from tax?'

'Why is my leave encashment not exempt from tax?'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2022

Anil Rego, CEO, Right Horizons, answers your personal income tax queries.

Freebie culture made into art for fighting polls, will lead to disaster: Govt to SC

Freebie culture made into art for fighting polls, will lead to disaster: Govt to SC

Rediff.com11 Aug 2022

In a response to the August 3 order, the Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, said till the time either the legislature or the poll panel steps in, the top court must lay down "dos and don'ts" for political parties in the 'larger national interest.'

1 more person linked to Bangladeshi terror group Ansarul Islam held in Assam

1 more person linked to Bangladeshi terror group Ansarul Islam held in Assam

Rediff.com29 Jul 2022

Eight people, including madrasa teachers, were taken into custody for allegedly being associated with the same terror group, also known as Ansarul Bangla Team, in the past two days in the district.

Shah reviews security situation; threats from global terror groups

Shah reviews security situation; threats from global terror groups

Rediff.com3 Jan 2022

This was the first such high-level meeting, chaired by Shah and attended by the top brass of the country's security and intelligence apparatus, in the new year.

FM defends GST hike on essentials

FM defends GST hike on essentials

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the mass consumption items such as pulses, wheat, rice, flour, and curd will not attract the 5 per cent goods and services tax (GST) when sold loose, and not pre-packed or pre-labelled. The clarification came amid protests and widespread criticism by Opposition Members of Parliament over foisting GST on daily-use essentials and subsequent price rise. The all-powerful GST Council, chaired by the Union minister, had last month decided to impose GST on some mass consumption items to simplify the rate structure, which came into effect on Monday.

4 In Race To Be BJP CM In Rajasthan

4 In Race To Be BJP CM In Rajasthan

Rediff.com26 Sep 2022

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Vasundhara Raje, Satish Poonia, Kailash Choudhary: Who will it be if the BJP comes to power in Rajasthan next year?

Naxalism with guns or pens must be uprooted: Modi tells state home ministers

Naxalism with guns or pens must be uprooted: Modi tells state home ministers

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mooted the idea of "One Nation, One Uniform" for the police, saying it is just a suggestion for consideration and he is not trying to impose it on the states.

'Money and power, nothing worked'

'Money and power, nothing worked'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2022

'There's no point making grand plans all our lives when life itself is so fragile.'

Bandhan Bank gets empanelled as agency bank of RBI

Bandhan Bank gets empanelled as agency bank of RBI

Rediff.com1 Nov 2021

Bandhan Bank said on Monday that it has been empanelled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to act as an agency bank to facilitate transactions related to government businesses. The RBI's decision will help Bandhan Bank in contributing to nation-building, its MD and CEO Chandra Sekhar Ghosh said. The announcement comes months after a RBI guideline that authorised scheduled private sector banks as agency banks of the regulator for the conduct of government business.

New academic session in varsities by Oct 1: UGC

New academic session in varsities by Oct 1: UGC

Rediff.com17 Jul 2021

Universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) have been asked to ensure that the admission process for undergraduate courses begins only after the declaration of results by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and all state boards.

PFI, its activities were under radar of govt agencies for long

PFI, its activities were under radar of govt agencies for long

Rediff.com28 Sep 2022

Officials said PFI has been under the radar of security agencies for its alleged role in violent protests in different parts of the country.

HC orders regular hearing in Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque case

HC orders regular hearing in Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque case

Rediff.com24 Mar 2022

The order was passed by Justice Prakash Padia, who was hearing a petition filed by Anjuman Intazamia Masazid, Varanasi.

Bindra to help Delhi HC-appointed committee run IOA

Bindra to help Delhi HC-appointed committee run IOA

Rediff.com16 Aug 2022

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the setting up of a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to take over the affairs of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Mamata very close to me: Ganguly after hosting Shah

Mamata very close to me: Ganguly after hosting Shah

Rediff.com7 May 2022

Shah's visit to Ganguly's home had fuelled speculation that the he would join politics soon.

Ludhiana blast: Dead man was Punjab cop, say sources

Ludhiana blast: Dead man was Punjab cop, say sources

Rediff.com25 Dec 2021

The SIM card of the deceased is believed to have helped identify him.

18% GST on grants, non-philanthropic donations received by trusts: AAR

18% GST on grants, non-philanthropic donations received by trusts: AAR

Rediff.com17 Nov 2021

Charitable trusts are liable to pay 18 per cent GST on grants and non-philanthropic donations received by them, the Maharashtra AAR has ruled. Jayshankar Gramin Va Adivasi Vikas Sanstha Sangamner, a Charitable trust registered under Maharashtra Public Charitable Trust Act 1950, had approached the Maharashtra bench of the Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR), seeking clarity on whether it is liable to pay GST on the amounts received in the form of donations/grants from various entities, including the central and state governments. The trust is also registered under the I-T Act as a charitable trust.

MP's Tamil query gets Hindi reply from govt; HC steps in

MP's Tamil query gets Hindi reply from govt; HC steps in

Rediff.com20 Aug 2021

Citing the Official Languages Act, the Madras high court has directed the Centre to give a reply in English if the representation is made in the said language, saying it was the "duty" of the Union government to do so.

GST collection reaches Rs 129,780 cr in December 2021

GST collection reaches Rs 129,780 cr in December 2021

Rediff.com2 Jan 2022

The gross GST revenue collected in the month of December 2021 is Rs 1,29,780 crore of which CGST is Rs 22,578 crore, SGST is Rs 28,658 crore, IGST is Rs 69,155 crore (including Rs 37,527 crore collected on import of goods) and cess is Rs 9,389 crore (including Rs 614 crore collected on import of goods), informed the ministry of finance on Saturday. The government has settled Rs 25,568 crore to CGST and Rs 21,102 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. The total revenue of the Centre and the states in the month of December 2021 after settlements is Rs 48,146 crore for CGST and Rs 49,760 crore for the SGST.

HC junks plea to suspend Satyendar Jain, says it is for CM to decide

HC junks plea to suspend Satyendar Jain, says it is for CM to decide

Rediff.com27 Jul 2022

The high court held it is not for the court to direct the governor or chief minister for the removal of a person who has committed a breach of oath.

EC makes it mandatory for parties to explain selection of criminals

EC makes it mandatory for parties to explain selection of criminals

Rediff.com8 Jan 2022

Political parties fielding candidates with criminal cases will have to mandatorily upload on their website details of such persons as also reasons for selecting them to contest the polls, the Election Commission said on Saturday.

SC puts sedition law on hold until review, says no new FIRs

SC puts sedition law on hold until review, says no new FIRs

Rediff.com11 May 2022

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the operation of sedition law, and ruled that all pending cases, appeals and proceedings with respect to charges framed for sedition should be kept in abeyance.

Protests rock Punjab varsity over leaked videos of female students; 3 held

Protests rock Punjab varsity over leaked videos of female students; 3 held

Rediff.com19 Sep 2022

The protest was held on the university campus located at Ludhiana-Chandigarh road past midnight.

CAPF companies sent to Kashmir in wake of civilian killings

CAPF companies sent to Kashmir in wake of civilian killings

Rediff.com9 Nov 2021

The fresh companies were moved into the valley as part of the strategy of 'enhancing security and visibility' of the forces on the ground following the killings, they said.

Bihar doctors die of COVID, govt looks away

Bihar doctors die of COVID, govt looks away

Rediff.com19 May 2021

116 doctors treating COVID patients in Bihar have succumbed to the disease. The family of only one doctor has received compensation.

Kashmiri Pandits protest teacher's killing, demand arms licence

Kashmiri Pandits protest teacher's killing, demand arms licence

Rediff.com1 Jun 2022

Terming the killing a "cowardly act", the protesters said assurances given by the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure the safety of minorities in the Valley have proved to be false.

Five years of GST: Recovery of input tax credit still a struggle

Five years of GST: Recovery of input tax credit still a struggle

Rediff.com27 Jun 2022

Agra has long been known for the Taj Mahal, but it is also a manufacturing hub filled with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that make everything from electronic components to metal products, from paints and chemicals to footwear. And five years after the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the MSMEs here complain that while the indirect tax regime has been transformative, cutting out the need to file multiple taxes, its biggest drawback has been the delay in credit refunds. Whoever you speak to - MSME owners, tax lawyers, or industry bodies like the National Chambers of Industries and Commerce (NCIC), Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC) and Agra Shoe Manufacturers Association (ASMA) - they all emphasise that the GST continues to face some key challenges.

Hardik Patel quits Cong, says its leaders hate Gujarat

Hardik Patel quits Cong, says its leaders hate Gujarat

Rediff.com19 May 2022

'Today, after mustering courage, I am resigning from the party post and primary membership of the Congress'

A big challenge to EPFO returns

A big challenge to EPFO returns

Rediff.com18 Mar 2022

There is widening gap between what the government's premier retirement fund makes on its investments and what it offers to employees. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) makes the bulk of its investments in government-related securities. In other words, it lends to central and state governments and related entities. The interest it gets from these instruments is largely what it uses to pay interest to its subscribers.

Govt issues SOPs for seeking nod to probe officials

Govt issues SOPs for seeking nod to probe officials

Rediff.com7 Sep 2021

An amendment carried out in the over 30-year-old Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988 in July 2018 bars a police officer from conducting 'any enquiry or inquiry or investigation into any offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant' without 'the previous approval' of the authorities.

SKM threatens to resume stir if govt doesn't form MSP panel, withdraw cases

SKM threatens to resume stir if govt doesn't form MSP panel, withdraw cases

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

In a statement, the SKM alleged that the government had not fulfilled any of the promises, including setting up a committee on minimum support price and withdrawal of cases against protesters, made to the farmers.