NEW GST RETURN FORMS RELEASED; COMPLIANCE PROCESS SIMPLIFIED
FROM APRIL 1
The goods and services tax
(GST) network released the revised return forms which businesses would need to
comply with from this year. The new forms would be operated on a pilot basis
from April 1, 2019, and would be mandated across the country from July,
according to the decisions of the GST Council. The new and revised return
format would obviate the need to furnish returns under the family of GSTR-1,
GSTR-2 and GSTR-3, but the annual return GSTR-9 might continue, experts said. The
GST Council had suspended GSTR-2, a purchase return, and GSTR-3, input-output
return, because of the complex form structure. On the other hand, GSTR-1, a
sale return, and GSTR-3B, summary input-output return, remain. The new forms
are uploaded following an exercise to simplify the returns under GST. The new
return formats — named normal, sahaj and sugam — would make the compliance
process simpler for the smallest of businesses wherein taxpayers up to a
turnover of Rs 5 crore would have an option to file any of the three forms. For
the revenue department, the new format would help in matching the invoices of
the seller and the purchaser, and would help the department check evasion to a
great extent. But at the same time, it is likely to increase clerical and
administrative work for businesses. The HSN-wise details need to be provided at
the invoice level rather than the summary level. In addition, while details at
4-digit HSN codes are required in the current format, the new format would need
those details at the 6-digit HSN level. Under the new format, invoices can be
reported on a continuous basis.
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COMPANIES WITH HIGH INPUT TAX CLAIMS UNDER LENS
Indian businesses that
paid most of their goods and services tax (GST) liability using input tax
credit or reported asignificant variation in turnover are being queried by
taxmen, a move that has irked industry and prompted it to petition the
authorities against such tactics. Tax officials have sent emails seeking
information from businesses that paid over 95% of their dues using input tax
credit to ascertain the key factors responsible for subdued GST collections.
These queries relate to a large variation in turnover reported, negative growth
in central GST liability & a wide divergence in input tax credit between
GSTR 2A and GSTR3B. In some centres, businesses have been even asked to furnish
tax payment challans. GSTR 2A and GSTR3B are return forms. The first includes
all information related to purchases, the second is a simplified return form
aimed at making life easier for filers. GST was rolled out on July 1, 2017. Tax
experts said revenue pressure appears to be driving the inquiries. It will be
good if the government looks into this issue and comes up with clear guidelines
in terms of information which should be sought from businesses and the manner
in which it would be used, said Pratik Jain. In the revised budget estimate for
FY19, the government pegged GST revenue at Rs 6.43 lakh crore, Rs 1 lakh crore
less than initially projected. GST collections in February stood at Rs 92,247
crore. Collections in February are typically lower because of fewer days, and
March is expected to see a pick up. Companies are peeved because tax
authorities are said to be giving them too little time to respond to queries,
apart from the high frequency of such emails seeking information. There is an
increasing trend by the department to conduct such enquiries over an email,
more so with revenue pressures at the end of the financial year, said Bipin
Sapra. This needs to be avoided as there are proper mechanisms in law like
annual returns and GST audit reports which are yet to be filed and which will
provide the complete details being sought by the department. The Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) western regional council has written to
tax authorities questioning the practice The authorities have been relying on multiple
sources to verify information and ascertain whether there’s been any deliberate
move to suppress tax payments. There have been multiple cases of companies
trying to evade payments by submitting fake invoices to claim input tax credit.
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SUPPLIER OF SERVICES UNDER COMPOSITION SCHEME ALLOWED TO ISSUE
BILL OF SUPPLY INSTEAD OF TAX INVOICE
Whereas, clause (c) of
sub-section (3) of section 31 the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (12
of 2017) (hereinafter referred to as the said Act) provides that a registered
person supplying exempted goods or services or both or paying tax under the
provisions of section 10 shall issue, instead of a tax invoice, a bill of
supply and therefore any person not covered by the said clause has to issue a
tax invoice; Now, Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 172
of the said Act, the Central Government, on recommendations of the Council,
hereby makes the following Order, to remove the difficulties namely: ––
1.
Short title
This Order may be called the Central Goods and Services Tax
(Third Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019.
2. For the removal of
difficulties, it is hereby clarified that provisions of clause (c) of
subsection (3) of section 31 of the said Act shall apply to a person paying tax
under Notification No. 2/2019- Central Tax (Rate) dated 07.03.2019 published in
the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, vide number G.S.R. No.189 (E), dated the
7th March, 2019.
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I-T DEPARTMENT SEEKS TO VACATE STAY ORDERS BY TRIBUNALS
Some taxpayers may be in
for a nasty surprise in the next few weeks if the taxman has his way. The
income tax (I-T) department is stepping in to lift some of the stay orders
obtained by taxpayers from appellate tribunals which function as quasi judicial
authority. The rationale behind the department’s action is a Supreme Court
ruling that stay orders, irrespective of whether a case is criminal or civil,
will not extend beyond six months except in exceptional cases Thus, the
department is focusing on cases where I-T Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has
extended stay orders beyond six months. The move is aimed to shore up revenue
before March 31: if a stay can be vacated in the next few weeks, the taxpayer
would come under immediate pressure to pay up before fiscal closing. But the
SC’s decision may not apply to proceedings before ITAT as ITAT is not a court
and tax proceedings cannot be equated with trials, said senior chartered
accountant Dilip Lakhani. A few applications (to vacate stay orders) have
already been filed in ITAT and more are expected by March 15, sources told. It
is learnt that the decision to move ITAT was endorsed by PC Mody, chairman,
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), during a recent video conference with
senior tax officials. The tax department’s desperation stems from a stiff
target of Rs 12 lakh crore fixed in the Interim Budget. Total net collection as
on March 7, 2019, was a little over Rs 8.45 lakh crore — up from Rs 7.79 lakh
crore till February 20. Tax professionals, who are familiar with the
department’s high-pitched demands, delayed refunds, and aggressive recovery of
tax deducted at source (TDS) are somewhat taken aback by the recent development.
Considering the facts of a case, the ITAT judiciously grants extension beyond 6
months. in case where Tribunal has given ruling in favour of the assessee after
interpreting the law in a particular manner, and on the same law point there is
a subsequent SC decision overruling the earlier position, then it can be
construed that there was mistake apparent from record; but, when ITAT has
stayed the demand based on facts the above principle of law cannot apply, said
Lakhani. In the case Asian Resurfacing of Road Agency & others versus
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which the I-T department is relying on,
the apex court on March 28, 2018, said: Delay in trials affects the faith in
Rule of Law and efficacy of the legal system. It affects social welfare and development.
Even in civil or tax cases it has been laid down that power to grant stay has
to be exercised with restraint. In cases where stay is granted in future, the
same will end on expiry of six months from the date of such order unless
similar extension is granted by a speaking order. The speaking order must show
that the case was of such exceptional nature. Having received the assessment
order, a taxpayer can first challenge the order before Commissioner of I-T
Appeals and is required to deposit 20% of the amount on obtaining a stay; if
the appeal is dismissed, the assessee can move the ITAT. The Tribunal may grant
a stay for six months and even extend it for another six months but rarely
beyond a year. This means assessees would now need to approach high court for
reinstatement of stay after 6 months. The department’s stance is purely aimed
at augmenting collection. A stay pending justice is a right which assessees
enjoy Such applications by the department may not carry the right message,
particularly for high-pitch assessments, said Mitil Chokshi.
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GOVT AMENDS SEZ RULES TO INCLUDE VALUE ADDITION, TIGHTER NORMS
FOR RENEWAL, WORK FROM HOME
The government has amended
the rules governing special economic zones (SEZ) to include value addition
earning norms along with the existing positive net foreign exchange earning
requirement to setup a unit, and prescribed criteria while renewing its
validity. As per the updated rules, the prescribed value addition earning
requirement will apply in the proposal to setup a unit in an SEZ besides the
positive net foreign exchange earning requirement. The government also said
that in case an application is submitted after a period of two months,
reasonableness of the delay shall be examined on the merits and circumstances
of the case. The new norms come after the Union Cabinet approved the
promulgation of an ordinance that will allow trusts to setup units in these
zones. Further, the export performance, employment generated and any instance
of violation norms by the unit would be considered when its letter of approval
is to be renewed. For the purpose of work from home, the SEZ unit will have to
provide laptop or desktop and secured connectivity such as virtual private
network and virtual desktop infrastructure to establish a connection between
the employee and work related to the project. As per the new norms, the SEZ
unit also has to ensure that the work from home employee is not involved in the
export of services from outside the unit.
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GSTN RELEASES REVISED RETURN FORMS TO MAKE THE COMPLIANCE
PROCESS SIMPLER
The Goods and Service Tax
Network (GSTN) has released the revised return forms, which would be made
effective on trial basis from April 1, 2019 and would be mandated across the
country from July, according to the decisions of the GST Council. The new
return formats named Normal, Sahaj and Sugam, would make the compliance process
simpler for the smallest of businesses wherein taxpayers up to a turnover of Rs
5 crore would have an option to file any of the three forms. This is to enable
various stakeholders in adapting their systems to make them compatible with the
proposed return format and business processes.
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NO GST ON TAX COLLECTED AT SOURCE LEVIED ON GOODS: FINANCE
MINISTRY
The finance ministry on
Friday provided relief to traders by withdrawing a rule that required them to
charge goods and services tax (GST) on the compulsory income tax to be
collected at source (TCS) from consumers who make high value purchases such as
premium cars. A circular issued in December had said that the value of the
product on which GST is to be levied is inclusive of TCS, leading to confusion
among traders as it amounted to a tax on tax. The Income Tax Act mandates a
marginal tax to be collected at source on certain high-value transactions to
ensure that those who make large purchases do not under-report their income.
This tax is available as a credit at the time of making the income tax payment.
However, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a
circular on Friday clarifying that such income tax collected at source by
dealers—over and above the value of the goods sold—and paid to the government
on behalf of the consumer is not subject to GST CBIC said that the income tax
department has clarified that the TCS was just an interim levy on the possible
income of the buyer. There is a TCS of 1% on automobiles with an ex-showroom
price of above ₹10 lakh. For the purpose of determination of value of supply
under GST, tax collected at source under the provisions of the Income Tax Act,
1961, would not be includible as it is an interim levy not having the character
of tax, Friday’s circular said. The clarification comes as a relief for
businesses, especially the automobile sector, according to experts. While most
industry players already believed that GST should not be levied on the income
tax’s TCS component, the earlier clarification to the contrary made them quite
apprehensive of litigation on this aspect, said Abhishek Jain. The government
on Thursday issued a clarification on another vexed tax problem faced by
traders. It said that traders will not be denied credits for taxes paid while
sourcing goods that are eventually given away free under discount schemes such
as ‘buy one, get one free’.
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RELIEF FOR AUTO SECTOR: NO GST ON TAX COLLECTED AT SOURCE,
GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES
In a relief for the
automobile sector, the government has clarified that no goods and services tax
needs to be paid on tax collected at source (TCS) under the Income Tax Act. The
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs had earlier said that GST is
payable on the invoice value plus TCS and not just on the value of the goods,
implying that consumers had to cough up GST on the value of tax collected by an
auto dealer. TCS is applicable on automobiles priced above Rs 10 lakh at the
rate of 1% and is levied on the ex-showroom price, which includes the
applicable GST. This directive had the sector worried over increase in prices.
It also affected the telecom sector, especially the tower segment, which faces
GST and TCS levies on the sale of scrap, besides the mineral and coal sectors.
The directive was issued in the form of a corrigendum to the circular issued on
December 31, following representations from the industry. In the light of the
representations received from the stakeholders, the matter has been re-examined
in consultation with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The CBDT has
clarified that TCS is not a tax on goods but an interim levy on the possible
‘income’ arising from the sale of goods by the buyer and to be adjusted against
the final income-tax liability of the buyer, it said.
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ANGEL TAX: FINMIN OFFICIAL TOO AGAINST ‘INCOME’ TAG FOR
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION
The Finance Ministry is
clearly in the camp that believes that capital contribution to start-ups should
not be characterised as income and therefore, should not be charged to income
tax But the real challenge is, it has to walk a fine policy line as it needs to
ensure that the capital contribution route is not misused to launder money
according to a top Finance Ministry official. Prima facie, contribution
received by a company as part of share sale is certainly not income. However,
similar structures have been misused for money laundering, Subhash Garg, told. Garg
highlighted that the main challenge before a policymaker is balancing the
concerns of inconvenience to Alternate Investment Funds and misuse of such
vehicles for money laundering. He said there is a need for a solution that met
both these objectives and that the government is working on such a solution. I
certainly know that the misuse cannot be blocked 100 percent. But we can find a
reasonable solution, he added. Garg also made it clear that there was no
deliberate effort on the part of the tax department to put start-ups through
difficulties. On Angel Tax, there is a bit of conflict that the government has
to resolve. However, I did not notice any intention on the part of any
government department involved with the so-called ‘angel taxation’ that such
and such industry should be taxed unnecessarily for capital contribution
received by them, he said. Garg also said that more infrastructure investment
trusts (InviTs) will come into the Indian market in the coming days. We had
seen quite a few InvITs coming in. We are also waiting for the first REIT to
come into play. Hopefully, it will come soon and that would set the stage for
the scaling up of more such vehicles, Garg said.
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CHANDAMAMA MAGAZINE OWNERS IN DOCK FOR ALLEGED BLACK MONEY IN
SWISS BANK
It enthralled children
with stories of Indian mythology for decades while narrating virtues of good
deeds, but the 'Chandamama' magazine's new owners are now in the dock for
allegedly stashing illicit funds in Swiss banks Mumbai-based Geodesic Ltd,
which acquired the iconic magazine in 2007, and its three directors are being
probed by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and other
financial irregularities and Switzerland has agreed to provide administrative
assistance regarding their accounts in Swiss banks, which broadly means sharing
of information with India. Switzerland was widely known as an alleged safe
haven for black money before it bowed down before the global pressure and
agreed to bring down the famed secrecy walls that had historically surrounded
the Swiss banks, provided the requesting country gave proof for financial
irregularities done by the concerned person or the company. Along with several
other countries, India has also been making use of this change in stance of
Switzerland by seeking details of suspected black money hoarders in Swiss banks
and it has already got back information in a large number of cases in the last
few years. In a decision dated March 5, Switzerland's Federal Tax
Administration (FTA) has decided to grant administrative assistance to India in
respect of Geodesic Ltd and its three directors -- Prashant Sharad Mulekar,
Pankajkumar Onkar Srivastava and Kiran Kulkarni, according to the official
documents. As per the Swiss law, the FTA decision can be appealed within 30
days, provided the appellant is able to give sufficient ground to challenge it.
While the Swiss government documents did not disclose specific details related
to the information and assistance sought by the Indian authorities regarding
the two companies and the three individuals, such an 'administrative
assistance' follows submission of proof about financial and tax-related
wrongdoings and typically involves sharing of information relating to bank
account details and other financial data.
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MAHARASHTRA AUTHORITY CALLS MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS A SERVICE
Giving clarity on goods
and services tax (GST) to those providing annual maintenance contracts (AMCs)
for several items, including white goods and electronic products, the
Maharashtra Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has said that AMCs are a
composite supply and classified them as service The issue, raised by Cummins
India — which provided AMCs for diesel and natural gas engines sold by it — was
the tax classification of the maintenance contract as it entailed provision of
service and supply of parts, which are goods. The ruling will help get clarity
on the tax rate for goods that may be supplied under the contract. This is an
important ruling, which clearly and rightly states that the predominant
intention of an AMC contract is to receive upkeep services and not replacement
of any faulty parts, thus the tax rate of service being provided should be
applied, said Harpreet Singh. He added the ruling will provide relief and
clarity on taxation of AMCs for air-conditioners, washing machines, handsets,
imaging machines and several other sectors. The AAR held that AMCs are a
composite supply like booking a hotel room along with meals, as the customer is
paying the price for only one item. The GST law states that multiple supplies
qualify as a composite supply, as only one price is being recovered and tax
rate of the principal supply should be applied. In this case, the AAR said that
principal supply was a service. It is submitted that the main object of the
contract is to supply services and making available of parts/ components is
ancillary to the same. Consequently, the principal supply of the transaction is
‘service’, it said. The ruling will be applicable to all states unless the AAR
in another state interprets it differently.
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DO NOT TAKE CALLS FROM UNKNOWN NUMBERS, J&K GOVERNMENT TO
OFFICIALS
The Jammu and Kashmir
government has cautioned all magistrate-level officials especially those posted
in south Kashmir and border areas not to receive phone calls from unknown
numbers. The suspected callers identify themselves as senior Army and
Intelligence officials seeking critical security and administrative details of
the particular area. The government was alerted after at least two magistrates
in south Kashmir received phone calls earlier this month from unknown numbers
seeking critical details. The officials, not sensing any foul play, gave out
the details of the work they were doing and other assignments and projects
going on in their areas. However, the surveillance teams from the security
establishment were alerted after witnessing a series of calls coming in from
across the border through various calling platforms. One of the officials was
asked about the deployment of personnel in the area, security arrangement for
VIPs and other ongoing projects and assignments. He gave all the details on
phone, a senior administrative official, privy to the matter told. The
administration later called all tahsildars and naib tahsildars of various areas
and directed them not to receive any calls or give out any information. Many of
them have now switched off their official mobile numbers.
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GST DEPT UNEARTHS EVASION USING FAKE FIRMS
The State Taxes Department
has unearthed fake GST Firms racket operating simultaneously in New Delhi and
Jammu and Kashmir and seized Rs. 40 lakhs On the basis of specific inputs the
enforcement team of State Taxes Department, Jammu detained vehicle carrying
goods worth Rs 40 lakh to the state, an official statement said. On physical
inspection of the vehicle, the documents produced by the transporters were put
to online scrutiny. It was found that the racket is operational since April
2018 and is deeply involved in the issuance of fake GST invoices along with
fake e-way bills, said the statement. The statement issued by the department
further said that the principal racket master operated under the name and style
of Mahima Enterprises, AR Electricals and Mahima Garments Export under the
proprietorship of Rajeev Bhatia from Delhi and in connivance with fake GST
number holders were trading goods illegally for quite some time into the state
from Delhi. The fake racket firms in league with Blue Dot Couriers have till
date successfully evaded the GST using their ulterior practices. The State
Taxes Department has shared the information of the racket with Principal Director
General, Central Excise (Intelligence), New Delhi requesting a thorough enquiry
on all the transactions/actions of the above-mentioned fake GST firms, the
statement added. On scrutiny of all the firms it was found that aforementioned
are fake and have not filed GST returns from October onwards while nil returns
have been filed till October 2018 despite having traded goods worth
approximately Rs 15 crore, Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Administration
& Enforcement), Jammu Mohammad Shahid Saleem said. The firms also operate
from an address being used by P.K. Pal Traders, a fake firm under scrutiny in
the case. He mentioned that this case is first of its kind busted by the State
Taxes Department, Jammu and it will be taken to the logical conclusion as per
GST law soon, he added.
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CLOUDTAIL INDIA FINED RS 11 LAKH BY GST ANTI-PROFITEERING
AUTHORITY
The National
Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) has imposed a fine of Rs 1,079,000 on
Cloudtail India, a joint venture between Amazon.com and N R Narayana Murthy’s
family office Catamaran Ventures, for alleged profiteering The case relates to
the sale of printing cartridges after the goods and services tax (GST) was cut
from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. An 18 per cent interest was also imposed on
the fine. The complaint against Cloudtail was that it increased the base price
after the GST was cut with effect from November 1, 2017. According to the
complainant, there was no reduction in price post-GST rate cut. Cloudtail had
contended that complaint against it cannot be raised against it as it was only
a retailer, while the brand owner — HP India — controlled maximum retail price
and the former had no say on it. However, NAA rejected the plea, pointing out
that the relevant invoice was issued by Cloudtail on an e-commerce platform. It
was held that the e-commerce retailer was obliged to pass on benefit of rate
reduction. NAA gave this observation while imposing a fine on a Hindustan
Unilever distributor and also on a Flipkart case.
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TAX DEFAULTERS BEWARE: AMC SEALS 17K PROPERTIES
To achieve the pre-decided
target of receiving income over property tax, the tax department is now sealing
the properties of defaulters For the current financial year, the civic body has
a target of Rs 850 crore as property tax income. The civic body has started the
drive on February 1, 2019, and in five weeks they have managed to recover Rs
96.59 crore and has sealed more than 17,000 commercial properties. Every year
we seal the properties of tax defaulters who fail to pay their tax within the
stipulated time. We serve them two notices, and if they still fail to pay the
tax or ignore, we seal their property, said a senior tax official. During the
drive time, we have sealed 17,985 commercial properties, and have managed to
recover Rs 96.59 crore of dues, added the official. Maximum number of
properties have been sealed in the West Zone (3932) followed by North (3489),
South (2707), central (2473), north west (2350), south-west (1894) and in east
zone 1167 properties were sealed. In the current financial year, AMC has
received Rs 763.50 crore as property tax. Last year AMC generated Rs 805.54
crore in form of property tax.
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MUMBAI: MAHA GOVT WAIVES PROPERTY TAX FOR HOMES UPTO 500 SQ
FT, OFFERS SOPS FOR SELF DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETIES
Owners of 17 lakh
residential units with 500 sq ft carpet area in Greater Mumbai have been
exempted from the payment of property tax to the Brihan Mumbai Municipal
Corporation (BMC). Days before the announcement of model code of conduct for
the ensuing Lok Sabha election, the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis at its meeting on Friday gave its approval. The waiver will
come into effect from January 1, 2019. At the same time, the state cabinet also
approved proposal to give 60 per cent concession in property tax for owners of
houses between 501 sq ft and 700 sq ft will be given a 60% concession in their
property tax. BMC officer said the civic body is expected to take a hit of
about Rs 350 crore in its total annual property tax collection of Rs 5,000
crore following cabinet decision.
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JAMMU AND KASHMIR EXTENDS AMNESTY SCHEME TO SETTLE TAX ARREARS
TILL MAR 31
The Jammu and Kashmir
administration extended the date of depositing the second instalment of arrears
of the old tax regime under an amnesty scheme till March end, an official
spokesperson said on Saturday. Satya Pal Malik, decided on Friday to extend the
date of depositing the second instalment up to March 31, so that the
inconvenience faced by the dealers in depositing their instalment is addressed.
The due date for depositing the second instalment expired on January 31. The
amnesty scheme announced by the government in February last year provides for
100-per cent remission of penalty and interest on arrears of tax for dealers
under the provisions of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Value Added Tax Act,
2005, and J&K Sales Tax Act, 1962.
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UK HOME SECRETARY SENT NIRAV MODI'S EXTRADITION REQUEST TO
COURT: ED SOURCES
The United Kingdom's home
secretary has recently referred India's request for extraditing bank-fraud
accused Nirav Modi to a court for initiating legal proceedings against the
diamantaire, official sources said Saturday. A British daily reported that
Modi, accused in the USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, is living
in a swanky 8-million pound apartment in London's West End and is now involved
in a new diamond business. Sources in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said
they had been officially informed about UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid's move to
forward the case to a London court about two days back. This move takes the
process of extraditing and bringing back Modi to face the law in India to the
next stage, the sources said. Soon, they said, a joint team of the ED and the
CBI would travel to the UK to apprise the lawyers about the Indian case and
evidence against Modi, in a similar fashion that was done in the case of
another absconding bank-fraud accused, Vijay Mallya. Modi, 48, is currently
living in a three-bedroom flat occupying half of a floor of the landmark Centre
Point tower block, where rent is estimated to cost 17,000 pounds a month.
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NIRAV MODI'S NEW BUSINESS IN UK LISTED AS ‘WHOLESALE TRADER IN
JEWELLERY’
Wanted diamantaire Nirav
Modi is running a new business from an office in Soho that he registered in May
2018, according to Companies House. The 48-year-old was brazen when confronted
by a reporter from the ‘Daily Telegraph’. Dressed in a £12,000 black ostrich
hide jacket and black trousers, he answered No comment to every question, often
with a smirk and then hailed a black cab. Nirav Modi was startled like a rabbit
in headlights on seeing them. A journalist said they could not ascertain if the
police and authorities knew he was there or not. He was not trying to live in
hiding or disguise himself. He was living openly. Nirav’s new business is
listed as a wholesale trader in watches and jewellery and a retailer of watches
and jewellery in specialised stores. It is a few hundred yards walk from his
luxury flat. He walks a small dog every day between the flat and company’s Soho
office. His former shop, Nirav Modi, in Old Bond Street, Mayfair, London, was
closed down and seized in July 2018 on the authority of the landlord. His
three-bedroom £8 million apartment occupies half a floor within the 34-storey
luxury skyscraper Centre Point, the West End’s tallest residential tower.
Three-bedroom flats in the landmark currently rent for £10,000 a month.
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INX MEDIA CASE: HC ALLOWS CBI TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
IN CHIDAMBARAM'S ANTICIPATORY BAIL PLEA
The Delhi High Court
Monday allowed a plea by the CBI for taking on record additional submissions in
the anticipatory bail plea of former Union minister P Chidambaram in connection
with the INX media case. Justice Sunil Gaur took the submissions on record and
again reserved the order on the anticipatory bail of the senior Congress
leader. In its application filed through central government standing counsel
Ripu Daman Bhardwaj, the CBI said it wanted to file additional submission
regarding ongoing investigation in larger interest of justice. He was also
granted protection from arrest in the Aircel-Maxis case, in which he and his
son Karti have been named in the charge sheet filed by the CBI. The interim
protection has been extended from time to time.
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KOCHHARS MAY HAVE DIVERTED 'KICKBACKS' TO TAX HAVEN: ENFORCEMENT
DIRECTORATE
The Enforcement
Directorate (ED), which is investigating the money laundering case against
former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak, is focusing on the
trail of kickbacks allegedly paid by two companies and the possibility of their
diversion abroad to a tax haven said people with knowledge of the matter. We
have interrogated the couple, their relatives and a few of their associates on
the diversion of funds, said a senior agency official. From the interrogation
and a few incriminating documents seized during the raids, we now have some
workable leads which indicate that the monies received as kickbacks were
diverted to a tax haven. The person said the name of the tax haven couldn't be
divulged. We are trying to ascertain authenticity of the information. Revealing
the name would hamper the probe, he said. By now we have ascertained that the
loans received by Deepak Kochhar's NuPower Renewables (NRL) from Videocon and
Firstland Holdings were nothing but kickbacks paid to the couple for helping
their group companies avail loan from ICICI Bank when Chanda Kochhar was at the
helm, said the official. The ED is studying documents provided by the income
tax department, especially in connection with Firstland Holdings and Matix Group,
both Mauritius-based entities, and a few other firms to see if the money was
laundered through a web of transactions. Firstland Holdings and Matix are both
owned by Nishant Kanodia, son-in-law of Essar Group vice chairman Ravi Ruia.
The agency has zeroed in on two instances of alleged quid pro quo. The first
pertains to transactions between Videocon and NRL. According to sources, one
day after a term loan of Rs 300 crore was sanctioned by ICICI Bank, an amount
of Rs 64 crore was transferred by Dhoot to NRL through his company Supreme
Energy Pvt Ltd (SEPL). The second is a similar transaction between NRL and
Firstland Holdings. According to sources, the Essar Group had invested Rs 163
crore in Firstland, which in turn invested Rs 324.37 crore in NuPower between
December 2010 and March 2012. Separately, in August 2015, Essar Projects India
invested another Rs 250 crore in the cumulative redeemable preference shares of
Matix. During the same period, ICICI Bank lent to Essar's now bankrupt US steel
project in Minnesota and its UK project at Stanlow. These two instances are
clear cut cases of kickbacks received for the loan sanctioned to group
companies, said the official. On September 7, 2009, RTL (rupee term loan) of Rs
300 crore was transferred to Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and
the very next day, Dhoot transferred Rs 64 crore to NRL, managed by Deepak
Kochhar. As also in the case of Firstland Holdings, these loans were then
laundered and brought back into the system through a maze of complex web of
transactions. The Central Bureau of Investigation, examining a case of criminal
conspiracy and misuse of office against Kochhar, also mentions the transfer of
Rs 64 crore as illegal gratification.
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ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE TO OPPOSE PRIVATE PARTIES' CLAIMS TO
ACCESS VIJAY MALLYA ASSETS
The Enforcement
Directorate (ED) will oppose any claims of first right of access to the assets
of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya by any private entity, said people with
knowledge of the matter. It will only make an exception for state-run lenders.
British spirits maker Diageo, the majority owner of United Spirits, is seeking
first right of access to Mallya's assets. Similar claims have been made by other
borrowers in their responses to the application filed by State Bank of India
(SBI) in January. The agency is likely to convey its stand to a local court in
Mumbai on March 13, said the people. It needs to be appreciated that it is the
consortium of public banks (led by State Bank of India) which is the
complainant in the case registered against Mallya under the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA), said one of them. How can a private entity which is not
even a complainant in the instant case claim first access to the assets seized
by the agency? Money that goes to the state-run banks can be recovered later,
this person said. Public banks have the backing of the state and carry with
themselves a sovereign guarantee, he said. If Mallya succeeds in future in the
trial, the agency (ED) can recover the proceeds of sale of Mallya's assets from
public banks using the sovereign guarantee. But the same (sovereign guarantee)
is not applicable in the case of private entities. Thus, any recovery would
entail cumbersome legal procedure(s), the person added. Since public money is
involved, it is in public interest that the proceeds of the sale of Mallya's
assets are realised by public banks, said the official cited above.
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TAXMEN DETAIN AAP MLA AFTER RS 2-CR CASH 'LINKED' TO HIM IS
RECOVERED
An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
MLA has been detained by the Income Tax Department sleuths for questioning
after their team surveying a builder in New Delhi on Friday found over Rs 2
crore cash allegedly linked to the legislator and his associates, officials
said. They said Uttam Nagar MLA Naresh Balyan, a property dealer and 2 others
are being questioned by the tax officials in Dwarka to ascertain if the
recovered cash was illegal and unaccounted. Balyan has been detained for
questioning after it emerged that the recovered cash had purported links with
him. The tax officials are questioning the MLA and others present with him
about the source of the money, a senior official said. The incident took place
shortly after 1 PM on Friday when an I-T team reached the office of a real
estate dealer to conduct a routine survey on a tip-off about some cash changing
hands. After the recovery of the cash, the department has converted its limited
action of survey into a full-fledged 'search and raid operation' and few more
premises of the people linked in the case are being covered now, the official
said.
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RAFALE FILES NOT STOLEN, BUT PHOTOCOPIED, SAYS AG
Attorney-General KK
Venugopal Friday claimed the Rafale documents were not stolen from the Defence
Ministry and that what he meant in his submission before the Supreme Court was
that petitioners in the application used photocopies of the original papers,
deemed secret by the government. I am told that the Opposition has alleged what
was argued (in the SC) was that files had been stolen from the Defence
Ministry. This is wholly incorrect. Venugopal said the application filed by
Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and Prashant Bhushant, seeking from the court a
review of its verdict dismissing pleas for a probe into the Rafale deal, had
annexed three documents which were photocopies of the original.
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PRESS STATEMENT
The Chief of Army Staff
(COAS), General Bipin Rawat visited Western Command Headquarters and reviewed
the operational preparedness along our western borders. During his visit, the
Western Army Commander, Lieutenant General Surender Singh briefed and updated
the Army Chief on the current operational situation, prevailing security
environment and preparedness of the formations, specially in Amritsar and Samba
Sectors.:The COAS interacted with officers of the Command Headquarters and
complimented them for maintaining highest standards of training, operational
readiness and exemplary synergy with the Indian Air Force. The Army Chief
directed the formations to ensure continued state of vigilance and alertness
and be prepared to decisively deal with emerging challenges that may develop.
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'NAYA' PAKISTAN MUST ACT AGAINST TERRORISTS OPERATING FROM ITS
SOIL: INDIA
Pakistan will be judged
not by words but on basis of the action it takes to dismantle terror
infrastructure on its soil, India said Saturday, asserting that its
non-military strike on the JeM terrorist training camp in Balakot achieved its
desired objective. Raveesh Kumar said if Pakistan claims to be a 'naya Pakistan'
(New Pakistan) with a 'nayi soch' (new thinking), then it should demonstrate
'naya' action (new action) against terror groups operating with impunity from
its soil. The MEA's comments came a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran
Khan said he will not allow Pakistani soil to be used for terror directed at
other countries. Khan has been saying that a 'Naya Pakistan' is embarking on a
new journey under his leadership. Kumar said Pakistan has been making identical
statements after separate terror attacks and now Islamabad will have to take up
the concrete action the international community expected it to take and must
rein in terror groups operating from its soil. We remain resolute in our
determination to persuade the international community of the necessity of
compelling Pakistan to move beyond mere words and to show credible, verifiable
and sustained actions. We have and we will continue to act with responsibility
and maturity, he said at a media briefing. Kumar said the widespread presence
of terrorist camps in Pakistan is public knowledge and repeated requests by
India and the international community for Pakistan to take action against such
groups has been met with denial. In 2004, the then President of Pakistan had
made a solemn public commitment that they would not allow any territory under
their control to be used for terrorist activity in any manner, he said. But
till today, however, Pakistan has failed to take any credible action against
Jaish-e-Mohammed and other terrorist organisations, which continue to operate
with impunity from Pakistan, he said, adding Pakistan will be judged not by its
words but on the basis of action it takes to dismantle terror infrastructure. Kumar
said the fact that Pakistan refused access to journalists from visiting the site
of the strike in Balakot meant that they have plenty to hide. So the initial
bravado that everything is open please come and visit has disappeared. We are
absolutely confident that strikes on Balakot has been successful and achieved
the desired objectives, he asserted. On Pakistan's retaliatory strike, he said
instead of taking action against terrorist groups on its soil, Islamabad chose
to escalate through an act of aggression by violating Indian airspace and
attempting, unsuccessfully, to target military facilities. Kumar also accused
Pakistan of propagating a false narrative of the events of the day when
Pakistani jets unsuccessfully attempted to target Indian military
installations. Only one aircraft was lost by us. If, as Pakistan claims, they
have a video recording of the downing of a second Indian aircraft, why have
they not shown it to the international media even after more than one week?
Questions should be asked to them as to where the fuselage of the aircraft is
and what has happened to the pilots? As we have already said, there are
eyewitness accounts and electronic evidence that Pakistan deployed F-16
aircraft and that one F-16 was shot down by Wing Commander Abhinandan, Kumar
said. He said Pakistan should explain why it continues to deny that its F-16
aircraft has been shot down. We have asked the United States to also examine
whether the use of F16 against India is in accordance with the terms and
conditions of sale, he added. Kumar said India's armed forces continue to
maintain strict vigil and will remain determined in the defence of the nation
and its citizens. Hitting out at Pakistan for remaining in a state of denial,
he said, It is regrettable that Pakistan still continues to deny
Jaish-e-Mohammed's own claim of taking ownership of the Pulwama attack. The MEA
spokesperson referred to the Pakistan foreign minister's interview to BBC on
March where he talked about some confusion about JeM's claim on the Pulwama
attack. Is Pakistan defending the Jaish-e-Mohammed and acting as its spokesperson?
Does Pakistan's claim have any credibility, Kumar asked. He said despite the
media interviews by Pakistan's foreign minister and former president Musharraf
acknowledging the presence of JeM in Pakistan, the spokesperson of the Pakistan
armed forces openly denied the presence of the terror group in the country.
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JAVADEKAR SAYS MODI HAS GIVEN FREE HAND TO FORCES TO ACT
AGAINST TERRORISTS
Prakash Javadekar on
Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given free hands to forces to
give befitting reply to terrorists He said similarly scientists of the country
were ready way long back to conduct nuclear tests but the then prime ministers
did not give permission. Later, Nuclear tests were done in 1999 under the
farsighted leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
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I SUPPOSE THIEF RETURNED DOCUMENTS: P CHIDAMBARAM ON RAFALE
REMARKS
K K Venugopal's fresh
remark on Rafale documents, senior Congress leader P Chidambram Saturday said
that from stolen documents they became photocopied documents as the thief may
have returned them. On Wednesday, it was 'stolen documents'. On Friday, it was
'photocopied documents'. I suppose the thief returned the documents in between
on Thursday, Chidambaram said in a series of tweets. On Wednesday, the Official
Secrets Act was shown to the newspaper. On Friday, the 'Olive Branches Act' was
shown. We salute common sense, the former finance minister said.
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MODI HAI TOH MUMKIN HAI, SAYS PM STRESSING ON AIR STRIKES
& DEVELOPMENT
Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai
(with Modi, everything is possible) – the Prime Minister gave out this slogan
during his tour of Uttar Pradesh on Friday, stressing on the action he ordered
against Pakistan and his development record. In Kanpur, PM said 'people in
jail, about to go to jail and on those on bail' have got together to fight him.
They want to capture power in Delhi to avoid going to jail, Modi said. The air
strikes in Pakistan dominated Modi’s speeches on Monday as he asked the crowd
whether he too should have sit quietly after Pulwama, like the Congress
government did after the 26/11 attack. If things had to be like the previous
government, why did people vote me to power? Doesn’t every Indian want to teach
a lesson to Pakistan? Shouldn’t terrorists be answered in their own language?
Do I have your blessings if I act like this in the future too? Modi asked the
big crowd in Ghaziabad, amidst roars of approval.
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A ‘UNITED INDIA’ GOVT WILL END TERRORISM AND BRING PEACE IN
KASHMIR: MAMATA
A new ‘United India’
government will put an end to terrorism and bring peace back in Kashmir, Mamata
Banerjee said. The United India government will be people’s government, she
said. We will have new policies to bring peace back in Kashmir. We will put an
end to terrorism. This is my promise to the nation. Banerjee said its expiry
date has come. Nothing was done in last five years, she alleged. Before
elections, Modi babu is showing new missiles and trying to play war games. But
these tactics will not help you win election. You are here for a month.
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CHINA SAYS WORKING WITH US DAY AND NIGHT TO GET TRADE DEAL
China and the United
States are still working day and night to achieve a trade deal that matches the
interests of both sides and the hopes of the world, including eliminating
tit-for-tat tariffs, a senior Chinese official said on Saturday. Wang Shouwen
said he was optimistic about negotiations with Washington, but added any trade
mechanism achieved must be equal and fair. The governments of the world's two
largest economies have been locked in a tariff battle for months as Washington
presses Beijing to address long-standing concerns over Chinese practices and
policies around industrial subsidies, technology transfers, market access and
intellectual property rights. Advances in talks drove the White House to
indefinitely delay hikes in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports
that were set to kick in on March 2. Now, the economic and trade teams of the
two sides are making full efforts to communicate and negotiate in order to
reach an agreement in line with the principles and directions decided by the
two heads of states, he added. It is unclear when or where senior negotiators
from both sides will next meet.
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INDIA, PAKISTAN SHOULD TURN THE PAGE, TRANSFORM CRISIS INTO
OPPORTUNITY: CHINA
India and Pakistan should
quickly turn the page following the Pulwama terror attack and convert the
present tensions into opportunity for long term improvement in their relations,
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday. Wang also said post-Wuhan
summit between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China
wants to develop closer ties with India and forge ahead like the Yangtze and
Ganges rivers despite Beijing's all weather ties with Pakistan. China hopes
Pakistan and India will transform the crisis into opportunity and meet each
other halfway, Wang said. He was replying to questions on the present
India-Pakistan tensions following the Pulwama terror attack and how China plans
to carry forward the spirit of last year's Wuhan summit between Prime Minister
and President Xi. Recent events focussed international attention on the
India-Pakistan relations, he said stating that China played a constructive role
to resolve the tensions between the two neighbours. Both countries face
important opportunities to realise stability, development and prosperity. China
hopes the two countries will get along and progress together, he said. China
will work with India to comprehensively strengthen sectoral cooperation and
people-to-people ties which are vital importance in the current context so that
our friendship and cooperation will forge ahead like the Yangtze and Ganges
giving strong and sustained impetus to our relationship, he said.
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PAK WILL FACE GLOBAL ISOLATION IF IT DOESN'T REIN IN TERRORIST
GROUPS: INDIAN-AMERICAN CONGRESSMAN
An influential
Indian-American Congressman has warned that Pakistan will continue to slide
into international isolation if it does not take actions against terrorist
groups operating from its soil. Ami Bera, also urged China to play a
constructive role by lifting its veto over UN Security Council resolution to
designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global
terrorist. The United States' Congress stands ready to support Pakistan should
Prime Minister (Imran) Khan begin cracking down on terrorist groups in earnest.
This will only help improve his nation's economy, Bera wrote in an op-ed. In
his op-ed titled 'Time For Pakistan to Chart a New Course', the four-time
Indian-American Congressman from California said that Pakistan did the right
thing by releasing Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Prime Minister
Khan can help Pakistan earn enormous goodwill by tracking down and bringing to
justice Azhar, whom the Pakistani Foreign Minister indicated was alive, with
his whereabouts known. They can further that goodwill by dismantling the
terrorist networks that operate within Pakistan. These actions are in
accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267. If Khan does not take
these steps, I'm afraid Pakistan will continue to slide into international
isolation, which will only serve to increase economic hardship on the Pakistani
people, the Indian-American Congressman said. I also call on China to play a
constructive role in India and Pakistan relations. A good first step would be
for China to cease blocking a UN Security Council resolution designating Masood
Azhar a global terrorist, Bera said.
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TRADE DEAL WITH CHINA ONLY IF IT IS GOOD FOR US: DONALD TRUMP
Amidst reports of
negotiations for a deal with china hitting a bump President Donald Trump has
said that he will enter into a trade deal with Beijing only if he is confident
that it is good for the US. But he also told reporters at the White House on
Friday that he is confident of entering into a trade deal with China. The
world's two largest economies are locked in a trade war since Trump imposed
heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items from China in March last
year, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war. Trump imposed tariff
hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. In response,
China, the world's second largest economy after the US, imposed tit-for-tat
tariffs on USD 110 billion of American goods. Top trade officials from America
and China are holding talks to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal I am
confident. But if we don't make a very good deal for our country, I wouldn't
make a deal, Trump told reporters. If this isn't a great deal, I won't make a
deal. According to report on Friday, a US-China trade accord is facing a new
roadblock, as Chinese officials balk at committing to a presidential summit
until the two countries have a firm deal in hand. What Chinese minister wants
to say, 'Yes, Xi Jinping. Go to the US for a visit, which isn't a state visit,
and hope that Trump doesn't embarrass you' Evan Medeiros, a Georgetown
University scholar who was a senior China adviser to President Barack Obama was
quoted as saying by The Wall Street Journal. Republican Senator Marco Rubio on
Friday doubted recent reports that China will end the forced transfer of
technology and begin allowing wholly foreign-owned enterprises in more fields
as a way to lure back foreign investors. For decades, China fooled the world
into thinking they would be a responsible international partner. We must not
let them fool us into thinking this new 'law' is anything other than a shiny
object that will do nothing to stop Chinese state-directed actors' continued
assault on US companies' intellectual property and trade secrets, Rubio said.
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INDIA, AUSTRALIA LOCKED IN SUGAR TRADE DISPUTE AT WTO
India has to enter into
consultations and answer all the specific issues within 30 days after Australia
told the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the minimum support prices (MSP)
and export subsidies provided to sugarcane and sugar producers by the Narendra
Modi government and several state governments violate global trade rules. If
Australia and India fail to settle the dispute during the consultations, which
is the first step towards resolving the trade dispute on sugar, Canberra can
call for establishing a dispute settlement panel experts said. Australia’s 1
March allegation comes even as the centre faces accusations of failing to spend
enough to resolve the woes of farmers. Over the past two years, a group of
industrialized countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and the European
Union, have launched a sustained campaign against agricultural support
programmes of the centre and several state governments for cotton, cereals,
pulses and sugar. India has provided domestic subsidies to its sugarcane
growers through the minimum support price (MSP) mechanism and other measures
well above 10% of the value of sugar production, according to Australia, which
has spearheaded the legal challenge to the subsidies. Under global trade
regulations, India is allowed to provide up to 10% as domestic subsidies. India
has also violated trade regulations by providing export subsidies to enable
sugar producers to sell sugar below its cost price in the international market,
Australia contended. New Delhi had already dismissed the charge about sugar
subsidies when the issue was raised at the meetings of the WTO’s committee on
agriculture, saying India’s sugar exports are insignificant and will not cause
any ripple in the international sugar market.
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DRDO DEVELOPS 'COMBAT DRUGS' TO REDUCE CASUALTIES IN PULWAMA
TYPE ATTACKS, WARFARE
With 90 per cent of
gravely wounded security personnel succumbing to injuries within a few hours,
DRDO's medical laboratory has come up with a range of 'combat casualty drugs'
that can extend the golden hour till the trooper is shifted to hospital. The
spectrum includes bleeding wound sealants, super absorptive dressings and
glycerated salines, all of which can save lives in the event of warfare in
jungle and high altitude areas as well as in terror attacks, scientists said.
Citing the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama where 40 CRPF soldiers were
killed, they said the medicines could have brought down the death toll.
According to developers of the drugs at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and
Allied Sciences, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development
Organisation, chances of survival and minimum disability are highest when
effective first aid care is given within the golden hour. Scientists at INMAS,
entrusted with research and development in a number of areas concerning the
defence sector, said the main battlefield emergencies are excess bleeding, sepsis,
shock, hypovolemia (decreased blood volume) and pain. These medicines will
ensure that our brave soldiers do not suffer from unwanted blood loss while
being taken to a better healthcare from war zones, he told PTI.
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PATRIOTISM NOT ANY PARTY'S MONOPOLY: SHIV SENA
The Shiv Sena on Monday
said patriotism is not the monopoly of a single party and falsely calling
people anti-national just because they are political opponents is nothing but
suppression of freedom of expression. Patriotism is not the monopoly of a
single party we wonder when politicians will understand that the action (air
strike) was part of duty (of soldiers) and not a task asked to be carried out,
the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said. Those demanding proof of the air strike
and the ones seeking votes donning military fatigues are equally wrong, the
Sena said, referring to Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari who wore military fatigues
at a recent rally. The Sena said it was an insult to the soldiers and their
courage. Why act frivolously by wearing soldiers' uniforms which they have
obtained after rigorous training and hard work? It supports the allegations of
the Opposition that the BJP is politicising the air strike, said the Sena, an
ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. The Sena lauded the real
courage shown by wives of slain Army officers Colonel Santosh Mahadik and Major
Prasad Mahadik, Swati Mahadik and Gauri Mahadik respectively, for decision to
undergo rigorous training and join the armed forces to serve the country.
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HASMUKH ADHIA APPOINTED CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF GUJARAT
CHANCELLOR
Retired IAS officer
Hasmukh Adhia was on Friday appointed as the chancellor of Central University
of Gujarat (CUG), Gandhinagar, by President Ramnath Kovind, who is also the
visitor of the central university. The appointment will be for a tenure of five
years. Name of the retired Gujarat cadre IAS was proposed for the post by the
human resources development ministry. Adhia, who retired at the end of
November, was appointed as non-executive chairman of Bank of Baroda by the
central government last week.
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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, THE WORLD BANK AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF
FIVE STATES SIGN THE LOAN AGREEMENT
The World Bank, the
Government of India and representatives of 5 States of Government of India and
Implementing Agencies signed the Loan Agreement for Additional Financing of
$137 Million for the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) that
will help rehabilitate and modernize over 220 selected large dams in the States
of Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. This
Ongoing Project has so far benefitted 25 Million Primary Beneficiaries from
urban and rural communities providing them water and livelihood opportunities.
Sameer Kumar Khare, said that Fostering rapid and sustained agricultural growth
is a key priority for the Government of India. Due to erratic rainfall
patterns, dams play a key role in storing water for irrigation and other uses.
He further said that this Project will help improve safety and operational
performance of large and small dams in India leading to sustained rural development.
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INDIA AND ADB SIGN $26 MILLION LOAN AGREEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL
FINANCING TO ASSAM URBAN PROJECT
The Government of India
and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed in New Delhi a $26 Million Loan
Agreement to provide additional financing for improving drainage infrastructure
in Dibrugarh town of Assam under the ongoing Assam Urban Infrastructure
Investment Program. The ongoing Loan of $51 Million under the Program is
helping to improve water supply infrastructure in Guwahati, and solid waste
management and drainage infrastructure in Guwahati and Dibrugarh cities of
Assam. The additional financing will further support in improving drainage
system in Dibrugarh, and also support project management activities.
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PAKISTAN WANTS ICC ACTION AGAINST INDIAN TEAM FOR WEARING ARMY
CAPS
Pakistan Minister Fawad
Chaudhry has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take action against
the Indian cricket team for politicising the game by donning army caps during
their third One-Day International (ODI) match against Australia. The Board of
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced on Friday that the Indian
team would be wearing camouflage caps during their third ODI match against
Australia in Ranchi as (a) mark of tribute to the loss of lives in Pulwama
terror attack and the armed forces. The BCCI has in fact also said that every
year during any ODI game, the Indian team would be donning the army caps as a
mark of respect for the armed forces. It's just not cricket, Chaudhry tweeted
late on Friday. By wearing the caps, the Indian team has politicised the
Gentleman's Game, Dawn quoted the Information Minister as saying. The minister
urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to lodge a formal protest against India
with the sport's world governing body ICC. And if the Indian team does not stop
wearing the caps, the Pakistan team 'should (also) wear black bands to remind
the World about Indian atrocities in (occupied) Kashmir, Chaudhry said.
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AS LULL PREVAILS ALONG LOC, ARMY ANTICIPATES 'SHALLOW
INFILTRATION' BY TERROR GROUPS
As a lull prevails along
the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan after a fortnight-long exchange of
heavy fire, the army is on high alert anticipating shallow infiltration by
terror groups to target troops and military installations, officials said on
Sunday. The officials, who are keeping an eye on developments along the 740-km
LoC stretching from Poonch in Jammu region to Kupwara in north Kashmir, claimed
that Pakistan, having faced severe reverses during the recent heightened
tension, might resort to its age-old shoot-and-scoot warfare technique by sending
terrorists into the Indian side and cause some damage. In the past, shallow
infiltration has been carried out by terror groups, in which either some army
men were killed or damage was caused to an army installation, the officials
said. They feel that terrorists were very much present along with the border
populace in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and could be used for carrying out
such attacks. Many a time, they come barely a few hundred metres into the
Indian side, fire at a patrol party and run back to their side, the officials
said, adding Pakistani troops provide them cover by firing at Indian posts.
There are instances of jawans being killed from a close range using various
methods, including knife attack or planting an improvised explosive device
(IED) on routes taken by Indian Army patrol teams. There is a lull now, but
intelligence inputs suggest that Pakistan Army may push terrorists to carry out
shoot-and-scoot attacks, the officials said.
#For Source of Information copy and paste the heading in google.
Thanks & Regards,
CS Meetesh Shiroya
Thanks & Regards,
CS Meetesh Shiroya
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