Month: July 2024

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam.

The apex court said that it realises that giving direction for a fresh NEET-UG for the present year would be replete with serious consequences for over 24 lakh students who appeared in this exam.

The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas seeking direction to recall NEET-UG 2024 results and to conduct the examination afresh, alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the test held.

Aspirants had approached the top court and raised the issue of leakage of question paper, awarding compensatory marks and anomaly in question of NEET-UG.

NEET-UG examination, conducted by NTA, is the pathway for admissions into MBBS, BDS and AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

The NEET-UG, 2024 was held across 4,750 centres on May 5 and around 24 lakh candidates appeared in it.

Further details awaited.(ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Union Budget 2024-25, presented on Tuesday, will give new impetus to economic development in the country.

The Prime Minister said that the budget would empower all sections of society.

“This is a budget that will take the country’s villages, poor and farmers on the path of prosperity. In the last 10 years, 25 crore people have come out of poverty. This budget is a budget for the continuation of the empowerment of the newly emerged, Neo Middle Class,” PM Modi said in his remarks on the budget.

“This will give new strength to the middle class. It has come up with strong plans to empower the tribal society, Dalits and backward classes,” he said.

PM Modi also highlighted the announcements regarding tax and TDS rules and said, “Many provisions have been made in this budget to make the defence sector self-reliant. The focus is also laid on the tourism sector in this budget. A decision has also been taken on the reduction of tax and TDS rules are also simplified. We are speeding development in the eastern region by the way of construction of highways and water and power projects.”

On announcements regarding MSMEs, the Prime Minister said that it would provide a new path of progress for small traders and MSMEs.

“A new scheme to increase ease of credit has been announced in the budget. Announcements have been made to take the export and manufacturing ecosystem to every district in this budget. This budget will bring new opportunities for startups and the space economy,” he said.

He said that there is a lot of focus on manufacturing and infrastructure in the budget.

“We will together make India a global manufacturing hub. The MSME sector of the country is connected to the middle class. This sector provides maximum employment to the poor. This budget will give a new scale to education and skills,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi said that this budget would facilitate the economic participation of women.

“This is a budget that will provide countless new opportunities to the youth,” PM Modi said congratulating the people of the country on the “landmark” budget.

He said that this is poised to propel the nation to unprecedented heights of progress.

“In this Budget, the government has announced ‘Employment Linked Incentive scheme. This will help generate many employment opportunities. Under this scheme, the government will give the first salary to those who are newly entering the workforce. Youth from villages will be able to work in the country’s top companies under the apprenticeship program,” he added.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team for their tireless efforts.

Earlier, the Union Budget 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, identified nine priorities for generating ample opportunities including productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling and manufacturing and services. (ANI)

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday proposed to reduce customs duties on gold and silver to six per cent and on platinum to 6.4 per cent to enhance value addition in precious metal jewellery.

“To enhance domestic value addition in gold and precious metal jewellery in the country, I propose to reduce customs duties on gold and silver to 6 per cent and that on platinum to 6.4 per cent,” Sitharaman said while presenting Union Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha.

Referring to other metals, she said steel and copper are important raw materials.

“To reduce their cost of production, I propose to remove the BCD (Basic Customs Duty) on ferro nickel and blister copper. I am also continuing with nil BCD on ferrous scrap and nickel cathode and concessional BCD of 2.5 per cent on copper scrap,” she said.

In the beginning of her budget speech, Sitharaman said that the people of India have reposed their faith in the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and re-elected it for a historic third term under his leadership.

“We are grateful for their support, faith and trust in our policies. We are determined to ensure that all Indians, regardless of religion, caste, gender and age, make substantial progress in realising their life goals and aspirations,” she said.

The minister said that the global economy, while performing better than expected, is still in the grip of policy uncertainties.

“Elevated asset prices, political uncertainties and shipping disruptions continue to pose significant downside risks for growth and upside risks to inflation.”

She said India’s economic growth continues to be the shining exception and will remain so in the years ahead.

“India’s inflation continues to be low, stable and moving towards the 4 per cent target. Core inflation (non-food, non-fuel) currently is 3.1 per cent. Steps are being taken to ensure supplies of perishable goods reach market adequately,” she said.

The minister said that the government will undertake a comprehensive review of the agriculture research setup to bring focus on raising productivity and developing climate resilient varieties.

“Funding will be provided in challenge mode, including to the private sector. Domain experts both from the government and outside will oversee the conduct of such research,” she said. (ANI)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a reduction of 15 per cent in the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on mobile phones while presenting the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Parliament on Tuesday.

Along with mobile phones, the BCD on mobile Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), and mobile chargers will be lowered to 15 per cent.

Sitharaman said, “With a threefold increase in domestic production and almost a 100-fold jump in exports of mobile phones over the last 6 years, the Indian mobile industry has matured. In the interest of consumers I now propose to reduce the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on mobile phones, mobile Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) and mobile charger to 15 per cent.”

The reduction in BCD is expected to make mobile phones and related accessories more affordable for consumers.

By lowering the cost of imported components and finished products, the government aims to pass on the benefits to end-users, potentially leading to reduced retail prices.

This move is anticipated to stimulate demand and increase the accessibility of mobile technology across different segments of the population.

For the domestic mobile phone industry, the reduced BCD is likely to enhance competitiveness and encourage further investments.

Manufacturers can benefit from lower import costs for essential components, thereby improving their production efficiency and profit margins.

According to the Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker by International Data Corporation, India’s smartphone market shipped 34 million units in the first quarter of 2024.

This represented a year-over-year growth of 11.5 per cent, marking the third consecutive quarter of increased shipments.

Earlier, to bolster the Indian start-up eco-system, boost the entrepreneurial spirit and support innovation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to abolish the so-called angel tax for all classes of investors.

This was a proposal from the industry for a long time, and this announcement will drive more investments towards startups in particular. Startups function as engines of economic growth, playing a crucial role in generating new jobs, ideas, products, and services. (ANI)

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a significant set of income-tax reforms for the fiscal year 2024-25, aimed at simplifying tax laws, promoting compliance, and fostering economic growth.

The finance minister highlighted the strong adoption of the simplified corporate tax regime, which now accounts for 58 per cent of corporate tax revenue in 2022-23.

And two-thirds of the personal tax filers are choosing the new tax regime. The government is working on a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act, which will be completed in the next six months.

The FM has given some relief to taxpayers by hiking tax slabs for personal income tax. The new tax slab will now have nil tax up to an income of Rs 3 lakh, like the previous year.

But now income between Rs 3-7 lakh will attract a tax rate of 5 per cent, earlier 5 per cent tax was applied on income of between Rs 3-6 lakhs.

Income of between Rs 7-10 lakh will now be taxed at 10 per cent earlier it was for income of between Rs 6-9 lakhs.

Income between Rs 10-12 lakh will now be taxed at 15 per cent, earlier it was for income between 9-12 lakhs.

Tax on income between 12-15 lakh will remain same at 20 percent and income above Rs 15 lakh will also remain constant at 30 per cent.

The finance minister has also given relief on standard deduction which has been hiked from Rs 50,000 currently to Rs 75,000 now. Deduction from family pension of Rs 15,000 is increased to Rs 25,000 under the new tax regime.

The FM has also announced to increase the amount of deduction by an employer in respect of his contribution to the pension scheme under section 80CCD, from 10 per cent to the extent of 14 per cent of the salary of the employee.

This means a non-government employee in the new tax regime will now be allowed a deduction of an amount not exceeding 14 per cent of the employee’s salary in place of 10 per cent earlier.

Additional measures announced to ease the tax burden on individuals and businesses include merging the existing tax exemption regimes for charities, reducing the TDS rate for e-commerce operators to 0.1 per cent from the erstwhile 1 per cent, and allowing TCS credit against TDS deducted on salaries.

To streamline tax administration and reduce litigation, the FM has announced simplification of reopening and reassessment procedures. The standard operating procedures (SOPs) for TDS defaults are rationalized and compounding guidelines are issued.

A simpler tax regime is introduced for foreign shipping companies operating domestic cruises in the country. Income generated from buybacks will now be taxed, and the penalty for non-reporting of movable assets valued at Rs 20 lakhs is being removed.

Furthermore, the equalization levy, a tax on digital transactions is withdrawn. (ANI)

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In a troubling recurrence of targeted attacks on Hindu places of worship across Canada, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton fell victim once more to vandalism.

Member of Parliament for Nepean, Chandra Arya, voiced deep concern over the escalating incidents of hate-fueled violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities.

“The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalised again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalised with hateful graffiti,” Arya said in a post on X on Tuesday.

The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance. Last year, a Hindu temple in Windsor suffered defacement with anti-India graffiti, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for action from both Canadian and Indian officials. Earlier incidents in Mississauga and Brampton saw temples similarly targeted, drawing strong reactions from the Indian community in Canada.

Arya, a Liberal member of Parliament known for his advocacy on multicultural issues, pointed to the impunity enjoyed by Khalistani extremists in Canada, citing instances where their rhetoric has openly incited hatred and violence.

“As I have always been saying, Khalistani extremists seem to get away with ease with their public rhetoric of hate and violence. Again, let me put it on record. Hindu Canadians are legitimately concerned. Like a broken record, I again call on Canadian law enforcement agencies to take this issue seriously before these rhetorics get translated into physical action against Hindu Canadians,” Arya reiterated.

“Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice last year publicly called for Hindus to go back to India. Khalistan supporters publicly celebrated in Brampton and Vancouver the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and brandishing images of deadly weapons,” Arya further said.

The incident was also raised on social media by another Canadian political leader, who termed the incident a display of “hateful rhetoric”.

“Earlier today, the Edmonton BAPS Mandir was vandalised with paint, displaying hateful rhetoric on the walls of what should be a place of refuge. Hate has no part in Canada – much less in places of worship & prayer. This incident is wrong & goes against the values of our city,” Randy Boissonnault, Member of the House of Commons of Canada, said in a post on X.

Canadian law enforcement agencies have been urged to take proactive measures to address these threats and ensure the safety and security of all religious communities in Canada. The incidents have prompted renewed discussions on bolstering security measures around Hindu temples and enhancing efforts to combat extremist propaganda.

Meanwhile, several global reports have highlighted the growing concerns over Khalistani sympathisers operating within Canada, with incidents often linked to calls for an independent Khalistan state in India’s Punjab region. (ANI)

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Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough Democratic delegates to clinch the party’s nomination for president, as per CNN’s latest delegate estimate.

Her momentum towards the nomination has been bolstered by widespread support from key factions within the Democratic Party, eager to see her challenge former President Donald Trump.

While endorsements from delegates continue to come in, the vice president has now been backed by well more than the 1,976 pledged delegates she’ll need to win the nomination on the first ballot, CNN reported.

Harris achieved this milestone amidst a surge of endorsements from state delegations on Monday evening. These endorsements, though not binding, signal significant unity behind Harris now that President Joe Biden is no longer in the race.

CNN’s count relies on public statements of support from delegates, state delegations, and conversations with key figures. Endorsements from state delegations are considered unanimous for Harris unless specified otherwise.

According to a plan outlined by Democratic officials, delegates are set to confirm Harris as the nominee by August 7.

Adding to Harris’s momentum, over 300 former staffers penned a letter endorsing her for president. Rachel Palermo, who served as associate counsel and deputy communications director for Harris, initiated the endorsement effort among former staffers following Biden’s endorsement, as reported by CNN.

As of Monday evening, more than 300 former Harris staffers from various roles including the White House, her campaign, California Attorney General’s office, and San Francisco District Attorney’s office have signed on, Palermo informed CNN. She noted a high level of enthusiasm among signatories, many eager to contribute to the campaign.

State delegations have also rallied behind Harris across the country, providing crucial support ahead of the Democratic National Convention scheduled from August 19 to August 22 in Chicago, Illinois.

Here’s a roundup of some notable endorsements Harris has received:

California’s Democratic delegation unanimously endorsed Harris, underscoring her deep ties to the state as a native Californian.

New York’s delegates also unanimously backed Harris, with State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs praising her leadership and alignment with Democratic values.

In Louisiana, Harris received a strong majority endorsement, with Party Chair Randal Gaines emphasising the need to defeat Donald Trump and uphold Joe Biden’s legacy.

Maryland’s delegation joined in unanimously endorsing Harris, citing her unique qualifications and experience.

Kentucky’s delegation overwhelmingly supported Harris, highlighting her readiness to assume the presidency from day one.

Tennessee and North Carolina similarly expressed unanimous support for Harris, with their state parties affirming her candidacy.

South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maine, Massachusetts, Utah, Iowa, and South Dakota delegates all endorsed Harris, each highlighting her preparedness and capabilities for the presidency.

Nevada’s entire Democratic delegation of 49 delegates backed Harris, reinforcing her broad support within the party.

New Jersey and Texas also threw their support behind Harris, with Texas Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett indicating his support despite procedural objections.

The endorsements underscore Harris’s growing momentum within the Democratic Party as she moves closer to securing the nomination.

The broad-based support for Harris reflects a strategic alignment among Democrats to consolidate around a candidate capable of challenging Trump in the upcoming election cycle.

The Democratic National Convention promises to be a pivotal event where Harris is expected to be formally endorsed as the party’s nominee, further solidifying her position heading into the general election.

Harris’s campaign has emphasised unity and shared values among Democrats, focusing on building a coalition capable of addressing the country’s challenges and aspirations.

President Biden has confirmed he intends to complete his term and will deliver a national address this week. Harris, if chosen as the Democratic nominee, would make history as the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party’s presidential ticket.

Following Biden’s decision not to seek re-election, no significant challengers have emerged. Harris’s campaign reported a record-breaking USD 81 million raised within the first 24 hours, emphasising widespread support.

In a preview of her potential campaign against Trump, Harris highlighted her background as California’s attorney general and a prosecutor in remarks to campaign staff. “I know Donald Trump’s type,” she said, CNN reported. (ANI)

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Parliament to present the Union Budget for 2024-25.

Earlier, Sitharaman met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, ahead of the Budget presentation at 11 am.

The Finance Minister left the North Block offices of the Finance Ministry with a copy of the Union Budget 2024-25 which as has been tradition, is in a digital format.

The Finance Minister along with her team posed for a photo opportunity along with the red ‘Bahi Khatha’ digital tablet before they left for Rashtrapati Bhavan.

This would mark Sitharaman’s seventh consecutive budget and eclipsing the late Moraji Desai’s record of six consecutive budgets, which is likely to focus on changes in the income tax structure and improving the ease of doing business in India.

Speaking to the media, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary earlier said that the first Union Budget of the third Modi government will be based on his mantra of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”.

The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12.

On Monday, The economic survey presented in the Parliament by finance minsiter Nirmala Sithraman says in the medium term Indian economy can grow at a rate of 7 per cent. The economic survey stated, “In the medium term, the Indian economy can grow at a rate of 7 per cent plus on a sustained basis if we build on the structural reforms undertaken over the last decade. This requires a tripartite compact between the Union Government, State Governments and the private sector.”

The survey further added that India faces a unique blend of opportunities and challenges amid global trends such as geo-economic fragmentation, a push for self-reliance, looming climate change, the rise of technology, and limited policy space.

It suggested that the government’s focus must shift to bottom-up reforms and strengthening governance to ensure that the structural reforms of the past decade result in strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth.

According to the Survey, the growth strategy for the medium term, termed “Amrit Kaal,” hinges on six critical areas. First, there must be a deliberate focus on boosting private investment. Second, the growth and expansion of India’s MSMEs (Mittelstand) should be a strategic priority. Third, the potential of agriculture as an engine of future growth must be recognized, with policy impediments removed. Fourth, securing the financing of India’s green transition is essential. Fifth, bridging the education-employment gap is necessary. Finally, focused building of state capacity and capability is required to sustain and accelerate India’s progress. (ANI)

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Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Parliament on Tuesday to approve the Union Budget ahead of its presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Parliament this morning to attend the cabinet meeting.

On Monday, Prime Minister said the Economic Survey highlighted the prevailing strengths of the economy and identifies areas for further growth and progress as the government “moves towards building a Viksit Bharat”.

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Pralhad Joshi were also seen arriving in the Parliament earlier for the Cabinet meeting today.

At 11 am, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2024-25.

Earlier today, Sitharaman met with President Droupadi Murmu before leaving for Parliament. This would mark Sitharaman’s seventh consecutive budget and eclipses the late Moraji Desai’s record of six consecutive budgets, which is likely to focus on changes in the income tax structure and improving the ease of doing business in India.

Addressing the media, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary earlier said that the first Union Budget of the third Modi government will be based on his mantra of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that this budget would accelerate the country’s economic growth.

“The economic growth that happened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this budget and this Budget will further accelerate it. The budget that will be presented today by Nirmala ji will also help our country, which is the fastest-growing economy,” Pralhad Joshi said while speaking to the media on the Parliament premises on Tuesday.

The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12.

On Monday, the economic survey presented in Parliament by finance minister Sithraman stated that in the medium term, the Indian economy can grow at a rate of 7 per cent. The economic survey stated, “In the medium term, the Indian economy can grow at a rate of 7 per cent plus on a sustained basis if we build on the structural reforms undertaken over the last decade. This requires a tripartite compact between the Union Government, State Governments and the private sector.

“The survey further added that India faces a unique blend of opportunities and challenges amid global trends such as geo-economic fragmentation, a push for self-reliance, looming climate change, the rise of technology, and limited policy space. (ANI)

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