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Govt Sanctions Rs 1,170 Crore For Road Projects In Ladakh: Gadkari

editor December 29, 2023

NEW DELHI, Dec 29: The government has approved Rs 1,170.16 crore for 29 road projects in Ladakh, according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari announced on social media platform X that 29 road projects, including state highways and other important roads in the Union Territory, have received approval for a total of Rs 1,170.16 crore. Furthermore, the Road Transport and Highways Minister announced that 8 bridges will receive Rs 181.71 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) programme for the fiscal year 2023–2024. He said that the approved initiatives will improve connectivity to its remote villages in Ladakh, the largest Union Territory in terms of area and the second least populated in the country.According to him, the improvement in road connectivity is anticipated to boost economic activity, especially in the tourism and agriculture sectors, and thereby aid in Ladakh's overall infrastructure development. [caption id="attachment_7966" align="alignnone" width="300"] Govt Sanctions Rs 1,170 Crore For Road Projects In Ladakh: Gadkari[/caption]

Business header National

Government Extends Deadlines For GST Officers To Issue Demand Notices For FY 2019, 2020

editor December 29, 2023

NEW DELHI, Dec 29: Demand notices for discrepancies in annual returns for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 financial years will now have more time to be issued by GST officers. The deadline for the 2018–19 fiscal year was extended by the government on December 28 to April 30, 2024, and for the 2019–20 fiscal year to August 31, 2024. The Finance Ministry has released a notification regarding this. The deadline is currently set for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 fiscal years, respectively, on March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively. The extension, according to Rajat Mohan, Senior Partner at AMRG & Associates, relates to the issuance of orders for the recovery of tax liabilities for the financial years 2018–19 and 2019–20, regardless of whether they are the result of underpayment, nonpayment, or an incorrect claim of input tax credit. The government had changed these deadlines in the past. The deadline for the fiscal year 2018–19 was moved from December 31, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Similarly, the deadline for the fiscal year 2019–20 was moved from its original March 31, 2023 deadline to June 30, 2024. [caption id="attachment_7963" align="alignnone" width="300"] Government Extends Deadlines For GST Officers To Issue Demand Notices For FY 2019, 2020[/caption]

Coronavirus header National

India Records 797 New Covid Cases

editor December 29, 2023

New Delhi, Dec 29: The health ministry reported on Friday that there are currently 4,091 active COVID-19 cases in India, which is the highest number of new cases in 225 days. The ministry's data, updated at 8 am, shows that five new Covid-related fatalities have been reported in the last 24 hours, two from Kerala and one each from Maharashtra, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. On May 19, there were 865 new cases reported nationwide. Before December 5, the number of cases per day had fallen to double digits; however, with the emergence of a new variant and the cold weather, the number of cases has increased once more.At the height of the pandemic, which started in early 2020 and has resulted in over 4.5 crore infections and over 5.3 lakh deaths in roughly four years nationwide, the daily figures were expressed in lakhs. According to the ministry's website, over 4.4 crore people have recovered from the illness, meaning that the country's recovery rate is 98.81 percent. As per the website, the nation has administered 220.67 crore doses of the Covid vaccine so far. [caption id="attachment_7960" align="alignnone" width="300"] India Records 797 New Covid Cases[/caption]

Breaking News header National

Ayodhya being decked up ahead of PM Modi’s visit, workers making floral patterns on Lord Ram theme

editor December 29, 2023

AYODHYA: The temple town of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is getting a flowery makeover to give the city a "divine look" ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit there on December 30. On Thursday, ornamental lamp posts on the median of a redeveloped road stretch called Ram Path were being wrapped with strings of orange and yellow marigolds. The tops of these lampposts have decorative elements that portray religious symbols. Numerous labourers from across the nation laboured at Ram Katha Park to painstakingly arrange the flowers into beautiful formations in preparation for Friday's decoration.Among other patterns, the images of Lord Ram, his bow and arrow, Lord Hanuman, and religious tilaks served as inspiration for the designs used to make these decorations. Ayodhya will have a "divine look" on December 30, according to Lalit Kumar Singh, a Sitapur labourer who has been working on the floral decorations that will be used in different parts of the city. "Among the many ornamental designs I have created is a floral depiction of Lord Ram grasping his bow and arrow. About 7-8 kg of flowers and 40–45 minutes were needed, he told. These objects will be used as decorations in a variety of locations, including the airport, railway station, Dharm Path, and Ram Path.A group of labourers was busy creating floral patterns to be hung on wooden frames on a dais in Ram Katha Park. A marigold and leaf "bow and arrow" was shown in one design, while other designs featured various facets of Lord Ram's life. According to another worker, the most common flowers used are marigold, chrysanthemum, as well as orchid and anthurium. On December 30, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to officially open the renovated Ayodhya railway station and an international airport. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement on Thursday that he will also officially open four newly redeveloped, widened, and beautified roads in Ayodhya, including Ram Path, to improve accessibility to the future Ram temple. The prime minister will be present at the consecration ceremony of the grand Ram temple that is presently being built in Ayodhya on January 22. Ayodhya is preparing for the big day as a sizable throng is anticipated to descend on the city near the consecration ceremony on January 22. Along a major thoroughfare in the holy city, a series of commanding columns known as "Surya Stambhs," representing the sun, are being built. Large posters praising Ayodhya as a city of "Maryada, Dharm and Sanskriti" along with pictures of the new airport and the planned Ram temple have been displayed in the Uttar Pradesh temple town. [caption id="attachment_7957" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ayodhya being decked up ahead of PM Modi's visit, workers making floral patterns on…

header Jammu and Kashmir National

Rehearsals for 75th Republic Day parade kick off

editor December 29, 2023

NEW DELHI: Here in the nation's capital, Republic Day parade rehearsals began on Friday. This morning, in the misty and chilly winter air, security personnel rehearsed the Republic Day parade in the vicinity of India Gate and Kartavya Path. Meanwhile, in order to strengthen anti-terrorism measures and raise public awareness of the need to remain vigilant, Delhi Police and security agencies are holding mock drills in front of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations at significant installations as well as in market areas. In order to be ready for security, Delhi Police East District conducted a simulated drill at V3S Mall Nirman Vihar earlier on Thursday.There were also SWAT Cammondos, Bomb Squad, Dog Squad, Cats Ambulance, Delhi Fire Service, and Delhi Traffic Police teams. On January 26, 2024, India will commemorate its 75th Republic Day, marking the historic day when the nation finished transforming into an independent republic following the ratification of the Constitution. The main guest to visit India will be French President Emmanuel Macron. [caption id="attachment_7954" align="alignnone" width="300"] Rehearsals for 75th Republic Day parade kick off[/caption]

Breaking News Business header International National

Tax Collection On Course To Grow 3 Times To Over Rs 19 Lac Cr In 10 Yrs Of Modi Govt

editor December 29, 2023

New Delhi, Dec 29: Over the course of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, personal income and corporate tax collections are expected to surpass Rs 19 lakh crore, giving the government greater flexibility to implement tax policies that benefit the general public. Net direct tax collections, adjusted for refunds, rose from Rs 6.38 lakh crore in FY 2013–14 to Rs 16.61 lakh crore in FY 2022–23, driven by individuals' rising incomes. The net direct tax collections from personal income tax and corporate tax have increased by 20% so far in the current fiscal year. If this growth continues, the mop-up is expected to reach approximately Rs 19 lakh crore in the fiscal year that ends on March 31, 2024.The anticipated sum will be higher than the Budget for 2023–24's estimate of Rs 18.23 lakh crore. The government has worked to simplify the tax code over time by lowering rates and reducing exemptions. Corporates that choose not to claim exemptions in 2019 can opt for a reduced tax rate from the government. A similar programme was made available to private citizens in April 2020. The budget for 2023–24 increased the basic exemption limit to Rs. 3 lakh, rationalised the tax slabs, and included a standard deduction of Rs. 50,000 to make the new income tax regime for individuals more alluring. Additionally, the income tax return form now has it set as the default tax regime.But there was a lot of opposition to the government's plan during the year to allow credit card purchases in foreign currency up to the USD 2.50 lakh annual limit under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for each individual. Tax Collected at Source (TCS) would have needed to be withheld at the time of payment in order for foreign credit card spends to fall under LRS. Additionally, banks communicated that there would be problems with compliance when deducting the TCS, so the government was forced to postpone putting the plan into action.Following the implementation of several reform measures by the Income Tax Department, the number of Individual Tax Returns (ITRs) filed by taxpayers increased from 3.36 crore in 2013–14 to 6.37 crore in 2021–22, indicating a 90% increase in overall tax base. Up until October 26, 2023, 7.41 crore returns were filed in 2023–2024, 53 lakh of which were from first-time filers. The government will hold a vote on account on February 1 in anticipation of the April–May general elections. The newly formed government following the elections is expected to present the entire budget in July 2024.The government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. Higher tax compliance rates, according to Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co Partner (Direct Tax) Gouri Puri, are a result of ongoing efforts to formalise the economy and digitise tax administrations. The government should have some leeway to rationalise tax rates as a result. Ensuring ease of doing business in India will depend on the certainty surrounding the application of tax treaties. Puri continued, "The government is expected to keep streamlining direct tax laws in order to improve tax certainty in 2024.The entire budget, according to Deloitte India Partner (Direct Tax) Rohinton Sidhwa, is probably going to be centred around continuing efforts to get ready for the World Bank B-READY ranking as well as efforts to leverage the China+1 strategy to boost investment and innovation. With direct tax collections increasing by roughly 20% thus far in the current fiscal year (April–March) and the GST mop-up reaching new heights each year, it is anticipated that the trend will continue in 2024 due to the robust economic environment. In April 2023, the monthly collection of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reached a peak of Rs 1.87 lakh crore. At Rs 1.66 lakh crore, the average gross monthly GST collection for 2023–24 is 11% higher than for the same period in the previous fiscal year. The clarification regarding the levy of a 28 percent tax on online gaming is the main takeaway from this year's GST Council meetings, which are attended by the finance ministers of the states and the federal government. After two meetings, the council decided to make it clear that a 28% tax would be applied to the entire amount paid at the time of entry into the online gaming platform. The council also decided to mandate GST authorities' registration for all foreign online gaming companies.In response to allegations that online gaming companies evaded taxes totaling more than Rs 1.12 lakh crore in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, the GST authorities have sent 71 show cause notices to these companies. Numerous businesses have petitioned higher courts to get the demand halted. The application of the highest tax rate, according to INDUSLAW Partner (Indirect Tax) Shashi Mathews, has stopped the online gaming industry's "meteoric rise." One could anticipate that the government will revisit a few of these issues. There may be some relief in the form of court rulings because some of these issues have also been pending before the courts. [caption id="attachment_7951" align="alignnone" width="300"]…

header National Political

SC Nod To Art 370 Abrogation, Key G20 Meet In Valley

editor December 29, 2023

Srinagar, Dec 29: The revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and the division of the former state into two union territories were approved by the Supreme Court, making it a historic year for the region. Additionally, the government led by Narendra Modi achieved a diplomatic coup by hosting the G20 summit in Kashmir Valley. Nevertheless, another year has gone by without the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections taking place, and the panchayat and urban local body elections that were scheduled for this winter have been postponed for the time being.The government's decision to grant Jammu and Kashmir special status under Article 370 of the Constitution was upheld by a five-judge Supreme Court bench in August 2019, which dealt a massive blow to the BJP-ruled Centre. Regional parties have pledged to continue the fight for the restoration of special status, including the PDP and the National Conference, which was one of the petitioners against the Article 370 abrogation before the Supreme Court. "We don't have to give up hope. We're going to keep fighting. The Chief Justice is not God.The Supreme Court had previously ruled that the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir must recommend any changes to Article 370. They were also intelligent judges. Today, the decision was made by a few more judges. Following the Supreme Court's decision on December 11, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti declared, "We cannot treat it as God's verdict." "An illegal and unconstitutional act that occurred in Parliament was made lawful. Not only is it a death sentence for Jammu and Kashmir, but it is also a death sentence for the idea of India, according to Mufti.Omar Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference, stated that his party is ready for the long run. "I am not discouraged, but I am disappointed. The battle will go on. Regarding the Supreme Court ruling, Abdullah stated, "We are also ready for the long haul." The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairperson and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad called the Supreme Court decision "sad and unfortunate," but he added that everyone must accept it "with a heavy heart." "We weren't prepared for this choice. We were under the impression that the Supreme Court would take into account both the historical context in which Article 370 was added to the Constitution and the feelings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That was our hope, but regrettably it did not materialise, according to Azad.The general public, surprisingly, did not respond to the Supreme Court's decision; instead, they carried on with their lives as usual. The BJP naturally rejoiced over the decision, but it also gained some points for hosting a significant G20 summit on tourism in Srinagar, where representatives from the majority of the member states were present. The G20 event's hosting proved to be a significant boost for Kashmir's development efforts as well, as Srinagar underwent significant changes and gained a number of new landmarks. Lal Chowk's historic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) underwent a significant renovation as the town square grew in popularity as a tourist destination. In an effort to reduce pollution and improve accessibility, electric buses and e-rickshaws have been introduced, and the Jhelum Bund walkway has given city dwellers more options for an evening outing. Although there were many benefits, such as a significant improvement in Kashmir's overall security situation, opposition parties have criticised the delays in holding elections for various bodies.The last assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014, and they are long overdue given that the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was passed by Parliament four years ago. The local body and panchayat elections, which were scheduled for November and December of this year, were last held in 2018. But the administration hasn't provided an explanation for the postponement of these elections either. Throughout the year, terrorists targeted members of minority communities and security personnel, both on and off duty, despite the valley's security situation improving. On January 1, terrorists killed four civilians in the Rajouri neighbourhood of Dhangri, and the same day, an IED explosion in the same area claimed the lives of two more civilians.This year, there were several significant terrorist attacks in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, resulting in the deaths of over 15 soldiers and 6 civilians. The attacks happened on April 20, at Bhatta Durain; on May 5, at Kesari Hills; and on December 21, at Dera Ki Gali. Terrorist strikes also occurred in the Kashmir Valley. An encounter with terrorists in the Kokernag area of the Anantnag district resulted in the deaths of a Colonel, a Major, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police. At Srinagar's Eidgah ground, Police Inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani lost his life after being attacked by a terrorist while playing cricket.This month, terrorists shot and killed a retired senior superintendent of police while he was reciting the "azaan" inside a mosque in the Baramulla district. [caption…

header Jammu and Kashmir National

Centuries-old Masjid in Ganberbal crumbling, locals demand renovation

editor December 29, 2023

SRINAGAR, Dec 28: The Malshahi Bagh area of Ganderbal district is home to a 17th-century Mughal-era Masjid. Due to its current state of disrepair, locals are calling for immediate renovations to protect this priceless historical asset. The Masjid's condition has not improved and it is still deteriorating even after it was declared a protected monument in 2021 because of its cultural and historical significance. Built by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, for his spiritual mentor and saint Mullah Shah Badakhshi, it is known locally as the Jinn Masjid.Nevertheless, after being exposed to rain and snow for centuries, the monument now needs immediate repair. Although the Jammu and Kashmir Wakf Board is responsible for the Masjid, locals claim that antisocial elements have found sanctuary there due to inadequate supervision. The locals claimed that the condition of the Masjid is getting worse every day and that the Muslim community has failed to maintain this architectural masterpiece. Local resident Noor Mohammad said, "We urge the Government to preserve this culturally significant mosque."According to him, the Wakf seems unconcerned with maintaining this historic site, even though it gladly accepts returns from the 360-kanal apple, plum, and walnut orchard that surrounds the Masjid. He said, "We have discussed the matter with the Wakf Board multiple times, but nothing has been done as of yet." Locals blame the Waqf Board's lax attitude for the mosque's delayed renovations. "We learned that the Masjid is governed by a different department when we visited the Waqf Board. The Awqaf is still occupying the property despite their officials having visited it and having issued tenders for the renovation project, a local stated.Darakshan Andrabi, the Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Wakf Board, explained that the Masjid is under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India and has been designated as a protected monument. "We are unable to carry out the renovation on our own; otherwise, we would have finished it already. We share the community's desire to preserve the Masjid despite our awareness of its current state," she said. [caption id="attachment_7945" align="alignnone" width="300"] Centuries-old Masjid in Ganberbal crumbling, locals demand renovation[/caption]

header Jammu and Kashmir National

Dense fog continues to envelop Kashmir

editor December 29, 2023

SRINAGAR: The majority of the Kashmir Valley was still covered in dense fog on Friday, and three locations—including Ganderbal—recorded their coldest nights of the year as the region's nighttime low continued to drop. The Valley's temperature remained below freezing today, and the coldest night of the season—minus 6.7 degrees Celsius—was recorded in Ganderbal, Budgam, Central Kashmir, and Bandipora, North Kashmir. South Kashmir's Pahalgam recorded a low of -5.4 degrees Celsius. Qazigund in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, shivered at minus 3.3 degrees. A low of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius has been recorded at the well-known ski resort of Gulmarg. Kokernag recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.0 degrees Celsius. [caption id="attachment_7942" align="alignnone" width="300"] Dense fog continues to envelop Kashmir[/caption]

Breaking News header Jammu and Kashmir National

SDRF rescues man trapped in 35-foot-deep well in Baramulla

editor December 29, 2023

BARAMULLA: In Tangmarg village here, on Thursday, 45-year-old man who was stuck in a 35-foot-deep well was freed by State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) officials. The man was stuck in the well for more than nine hours, according to officials. "A rescue operation was carried out by the SDRF team to save a 45-year-old man who was trapped for 9 hours in a 35-foot-deep well in north Kashmir's Tangmarg village in Baramulla district," said officials from the SDRF. The SDRF team rescued seven labourers who were stranded in the flooded Ujh river in the Kathua district earlier in June of this year. According to an SDRF official, the labourers were left stranded in the Ujh River after hilly areas were flooded by intense rainfall. He continued, saying that the labourers got stuck after going fishing in the river and needed help from the locals to be rescued. [caption id="attachment_7939" align="alignnone" width="300"] SDRF rescues man trapped in 35-foot-deep well in Baramulla[/caption]

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