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GST Council approves new compliance scheme for small businesses

GST

New Delhi, Oct 8 (NVI) The GST Council has approved a concept note for an optional compliance scheme aimed at small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹5 crore that supply exclusively to consumers, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday.

Under the proposed scheme, eligible businesses would be required to file only one annual returns while making tax payments on a quarterly basis.

The detailed framework of the proposed scheme will be placed before the GST for consideration at its next meeting, Sitharaman said.

In a post on X, Sitharaman said: “Today, we have distributed a concept note on an optional scheme for businesses with a turnover of up to ₹5 crore, supplying only to consumers. So, this will entail filing only one annual return with quarterly tax payments. The detailed framework will come for a decision before the next Council meeting.”

The decisions were taken at the 57th GST meeting, where the Centre and states approved a series of changes aimed at simplifying GST administration and reducing compliance burdens.

Among the key decisions, the Council approved measures to remove GST officers’ power to arrest taxpayers in cases covered by the reform, raise the threshold for criminal prosecution to ₹5 crore and speed up the processing of most GST refunds.

The Council also approved measures to simplify GST registration for small suppliers seeking to sell through e-commerce platforms. The reforms include an easier procedure for making amendments to GST registration details and a reduction in penalties.

The Council has approved changes aimed at reducing the time taken to process GST refund applications.

Under the revised process, the acknowledgement period will be reduced from 15 days to 10 days, Sitharaman said.

If neither an acknowledgement nor a deficiency memo is issued within 10 days, the refund claim will be treated as acknowledged.

“Based on risk assessment, it is expected that the system will sanction 90 per cent of all the claims within 3 working days of acknowledgement,” Sitharaman added.

The government expects the new framework to enable faster refunds, with most eligible claims targeted for processing within three days under the broader reform package.

The GST Council has also decided to set up a Committee of Officers to examine the transition towards invoice matching for input tax credit claims.

The committee, which is expected to submit its report within three months, will examine how genuine buyers can be protected when they possess a valid invoice, have received the goods and have made full payment to their suppliers.

The move is aimed at addressing concerns faced by businesses that have complied with their obligations but could potentially face difficulties because of issues on the supplier’s side. (NVI)

US targets Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL in anti-immigration drive

Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump (File Pic)

New Delhi, Oct 8 (NVI) The Trump Administration today announced suspension of several major IT companies, including India’s Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL Technologies along with Microsoft, Capgemini and Adobe, from the US Permanent Labour Certification Programme.

Following the decision, the US Department of Labour would stop accepting new applications and processing pending permanent labour certification applications involving the companies.

The decision was announced by US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling alongside Vice President JD Vance and the head of the US Anti-Fraud Task Force at a briefing in Washington.

Sonderling accused these companies of abusing the system used to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency.

“I am hereby suspending from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme some of the largest IT outsourcing firms in the world, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini,” Sonderling said.

He added that Microsoft and Adobe would also be suspended from the programme.

Vance accused the companies of making allegedly illegitimate representations when applying for the labour certification programme.

“The fraud is that they’re making representations when applying for this program that are fundamentally illegitimate and therefore ultimately illegal,” Vance said.

The vice president specifically singled out Microsoft, saying no US company had “abused this system more” than the software giant.

“There has been no company in the United States, unfortunately, that has abused this system more than Microsoft,” Vance said.

He urged the affected companies to change their hiring practices and employ more US workers.

“Stop defrauding the American worker. Stop importing an indentured servant to do a job that an American worker would happily do,” Vance said.

Vance also clarified that the administration did not intend to harm Microsoft.

“Microsoft is a great American company, and we have a great relationship with them, they do a lot of important things,” he said. “Our message to Microsoft is not that we want to harm your company. It’s that we want your company to thrive, but we want it to thrive by employing and empowering your fellow Americans.”

Vance said the suspensions would be indefinite, suggesting that the companies would remain barred from the programme until the administration’s concerns were addressed.

Sonderling also said multiple active federal investigations were underway in connection with the issue.

The Permanent Labour Certification Programme, commonly known as PERM, allows US employers to seek certification to sponsor eligible foreign workers for employment-based permanent residency, including workers who may have entered the country through the H-1B visa programme.

The latest action could therefore affect the ability of the named companies to advance certain green-card applications for foreign employees.

Sonderling said the companies targeted by the administration had collectively sought nearly three million foreign workers since 2009.

“Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost three million foreign workers. They’ve received over 230,000 H-1B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications,” he said.

Sonderling argued that the scale of foreign-worker hiring had come at the expense of American employees.

“That’s hundreds of thousands of jobs that were taken from American workers,” he said.

The companies named by the administration did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The suspension is the latest move by the Trump administration targeting both legal and undocumented immigration pathways. (NVI)

IAF marks 94th Air Force Day with display of operational capabilities at Hindan

File photo

Ghaziabad, Oct 8 (NVI) The Indian Air Force on Thursday celebrated its 94th anniversary at Air Force Station Hindan here, showcasing its operational capabilities, technological advancements and rich heritage.

The ceremonial Air Force Day Parade was reviewed by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh in the presence of the Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, former Air Chiefs and other senior military and civilian officials.

The proceedings began with the marching-in of the President’s Colours, symbolising the IAF’s exceptional service, professional excellence and commitment to the nation.

On his arrival, Air Chief Marshal Singh received an aerial salute from three Mi-17 V5 helicopters in ‘Dhwaj’ formation carrying the National Flag and the IAF flag.

The parade, commanded by Group Captain Manish Sharma, was followed by an investiture ceremony during which Air Warriors were presented medals for gallantry and distinguished service. Five IAF units were also presented Unit Citations for excellence.

The theme of this year’s Air Force Day was “Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise” (भारतीय वायु सेना: अचूक, अभेद्य व सटीक), reflecting the force’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s skies with precision, resilience and operational preparedness.

Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Marshal Singh said air power is the primary means of protecting national interests and asserted that the IAF remains alert, committed and ready to meet any contingency.

“An air force can have the most advanced aircraft in the world, but its true strength is measured by its operational preparedness — how quickly and confidently it can act whenever the call comes,” he said.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Air Chief said the IAF’s swift transition to combat operations demonstrated its destructive power as well as the effectiveness of its air defence operations.

He said the theme “Infallible, Impervious, Precise” was not merely a tagline but a manifestation of the force’s strength and resolve.

The IAF chief also stressed the importance of technological advancement and self-reliance, saying “Atmanirbharta is our guiding principle”.

He said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, would be integrated while keeping human authority at the core.

Emphasising the need for jointness, Singh said success in modern conflict demands deep synergy, with joint planning and integrated combat application involving the Army and Navy being a daily activity.

On the space domain, he described space as a natural extension of the air domain and highlighted the IAF’s growing collaboration with ISRO and the domestic space industry, including its role in the Gaganyaan mission.

A static display of IAF assets gave spectators and media personnel an opportunity to view the force’s operational and combat capabilities.

Fighter aircraft, helicopters, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface guided weapon systems, radars and one-way attack unmanned aerial systems were among the assets showcased at the venue, highlighting the IAF’s focus on indigenous capability development and the “Make in India” initiative.

Five Unit Citations were presented to 24 Squadron ‘The Hawks’, 110 Helicopter Unit ‘The Vanguards’, 200 Squadron ‘Skanda’, 2402 Squadron ‘Vajra’ and the Electronic Warfare Range.

The celebrations also featured a performance by Team Shakti, the IAF’s all-women Air Warrior Drill Team, which showcased synchronised movements and complex formations.

The IAF Drummers Team, comprising 33 young Air Warriors, presented a vibrant performance featuring snare drums, roto drums, bass drums and cymbals, along with dynamic formations and acrobatic movements.

An aerial display by the IAF Heritage Flight showcased the legacy of Indian military aviation. A vintage Tiger Moth aircraft also enthralled the audience during the display.

The Air Force Day aerial display will next be held at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on October 25, according to the IAF.—(NVI)

Gusty Winds, Rain Leave Shikara Stranded in Dal Lake; Tourists Rescued

Srinagar, Oct 8 (NVI) Around 15 tourists were safely rescued after the Shikara they were travelling in got stranded in Dal Lake here amid strong winds and rain, officials said on Thursday.

The tourists were on a Shikara ride when the boat got stranded near Nehru Park due to the inclement weather, they said.

On receiving information, rescue teams, including personnel from the CRPF and SDRF, launched an operation and safely evacuated the tourists, officials said.

The exact number of tourists could not be immediately ascertained, with officials indicating that the number may have been more than 15.

All the rescued tourists were safe, they said.—(NVI)

Coast Guard conducts national maritime search and rescue exercise off Odisha coast

New Delhi, Oct 8 (NVI) The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off the Paradip coast in Odisha to demonstrate preparedness and coordination among various agencies during mass rescue operations at sea.

Conducted under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB), the exercise was held with the theme “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety”.

The exercise was reviewed by Director General of Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani and witnessed participation from the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, fisheries and customs authorities, marine police, Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha administration.

As many as 32 observers from 30 countries also participated in the exercise, aimed at promoting international cooperation, sharing best practices and enhancing interoperability in maritime search and rescue operations.

The exercise involved 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters, a Chetak helicopter, IAF C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft and two Indian Navy ships, besides civil and state resources.

The sea drill simulated a mass rescue operation following a combined aeronautical and maritime distress scenario.

Under the simulated scenario, a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditched at sea near Paradip Port and its fuselage collided with a container vessel, MV Zumba, causing structural damage and fire.

The participating agencies carried out firefighting, helicopter evacuation, deployment of life rafts and air-droppable life rafts, and rescue operations using equipment including Jason Cradle, Gemini boats, rescue baskets and scramble nets.

The exercise also demonstrated the capabilities of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

The Coast Guard said SAREX-2026 reinforced India’s commitment to building a technology-enabled and coordinated maritime search and rescue framework and strengthening cooperation with international partners.

The exercise also reaffirmed the principle that every distress call at sea should receive a coordinated response and all possible efforts should be made to save lives, it said.—(NVI)

J&K waterways to be operationalised for public use in 2026-27: Chief Secretary

Srinagar, Oct 8 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the preparedness for operationalisation of three National Waterways in the Union Territory and directed officials to ensure their readiness for public use during 2026-27.

The three waterways — Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84) — are being developed for river-based tourism, passenger movement and sustainable inland water transport, officials said.

Chairperson of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Sushil Kumar Lohani said the Jhelum National Waterway stretches 110 km from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake, while the Chenab waterway covers 53 km between Reasi and Akhnoor and the Ravi waterway extends 44 km from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.

During the review meeting, Dulloo directed the divisional commissioners to periodically monitor the progress of the projects and undertake on-site visits to facilitate early resolution of bottlenecks.

He said most of the issues affecting the projects were minor and could be resolved promptly through coordination between the divisional administrations and executing agencies.

The Chief Secretary also highlighted the tourism and urban mobility potential of the waterways, saying river cruises could become a major attraction for visitors while providing an alternative mode of transport in congested urban areas.

He directed the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and IWAI to adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines and ensure that the required infrastructure, navigation facilities and river ecosystem were put in place.

On the Jhelum waterway, a 106-km river cruise route from Sangam to Wular Lake has been proposed, covering locations including Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.

A work order has been issued for 10 hybrid electric catamarans, each with a capacity of 20 passengers, at a cost of Rs 66.11 crore. Their designs have been approved and construction is underway, with delivery targeted by March 2027.

All 52 navigational HDPE buoys required for the Jhelum waterway have been delivered, while six of eight concrete pontoons and jetties have been cast and are targeted for completion by December this year.

Construction of eight passenger and tourist terminals along the Jhelum has also commenced and is targeted for completion by June 2027. The terminals will incorporate local Kashmiri architectural features along with modern facilities, officials said.

For the Chenab waterway, the cruise route has been identified between proposed terminal locations, while land for terminals at Reasi and Akhnoor has been handed over to IWAI.

On the Ravi, a cruise route has been identified at Sohar in Jammu, while terminal land at Satwain near Ranjit Sagar Dam is being processed for development.

Civil works for three concrete pontoons across the Chenab and Ravi waterways are underway and targeted for completion by December 2026. Detailed project reports for associated onshore facilities have also been finalised.

IPRCL officials said all 11 identified land parcels for terminal development had been transferred to the Transport Department and formally handed over to IWAI.

The meeting also discussed issues related to modification of overhead power lines to meet navigation safety clearances, removal of coffer dams, shifting of electrical poles, permanent water and power connections, wastewater disposal and widening of approach roads to terminal sites.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, the Chairperson of IWAI, divisional commissioners, Secretary Transport and senior representatives of IPRCL and other concerned departments.—(NVI)

Handicrafts, Handloom Sector Gets Fresh Credit Boost in J&K

Srinagar, Oct 8 (NVI): Loans worth Rs 14.71 crore have been provided to artisans and weavers in Jammu and Kashmir under the Handicrafts and Handloom Department’s Credit Card Scheme during the first two quarters of the current financial year, officials said on Thursday.

Of the 3,885 applications sponsored to banks during the period, 1,332 have been sanctioned and 1,054 disbursed as of September-end, they said.

The scheme is aimed at providing working capital to artisans and weavers to establish independent units and purchase raw materials, tools and other equipment required for production.

The department is coordinating with lead banks and other financial institutions to expand access to formal credit for people associated with the traditional crafts sector, an official spokesperson said.

Beneficiaries are also provided interest subvention of 7 per cent on a tapering basis for five years, aimed at helping new units become financially self-sustaining, the spokesperson said.

Since the credit limit under the scheme was enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh in 2020 in line with the Wool Processing, Handloom and Handicrafts Policy, more than 10,000 artisans have availed loans totalling Rs 151 crore, he said.

During the same period, the department has provided interest subvention of Rs 19 crore to support the beneficiaries, the spokesperson added.

The scheme seeks to reduce artisans’ dependence on informal sources of credit and provide financial support for setting up small production units, purchasing raw material and tools, officials said.

The department said the initiative is also aimed at expanding production, retaining younger people in traditional crafts and strengthening the handloom and handicraft sector in Kashmir.

Artisans and weavers can apply online through the Jammu and Kashmir government’s single-window portal, while Common Service Centres operating across districts can assist applicants with registration, it said.

The department has also urged financial institutions and lead banks to treat the craft sector as a priority lending area and ensure timely and hassle-free credit to small unit-holders.—(NVI)

Two killed, seven injured as Tata Sumo falls into accident in J&K’s Ramban

Jalgaon

Shivam Bakshi

Ramban, Oct 8 (NVI): Two people were killed and seven others injured when a Tata Sumo carrying nine passengers met with an accident in Senabathi village of Ramban district on Thursday, officials said.

The injured were shifted to hospitals in Ukhral, Ramban, Anantnag and Jammu for treatment, they said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke to Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and assured all possible assistance to the affected families and the injured.

Further details about the accident and the condition of the injured are awaited.—(NVI)

Veteran actor Nana Patekar passes away, had participated in Kargil War

Iconic shot of Nana Patekar in 'Krantiveer' movie

Mumbai, Oct 8 (NVI) Veteran and powerful actor Nana Patekar passed away today due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.

The sudden demise of the 75-year-old actor sent shock waves across the country.

Known for his powerful acting, Nana Patekar gave several hit movies, with ‘Prahar’, ‘Tiranga’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Shagird’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’ being among the most popular ones.

Significantly, he briefly particpated in the Kargil War in 1999 as a soldier of Maratha Light Infantry of the Indian Army for two weeks.

The man from Bollywood chose to leave the comforts of the film world and shouldered responsibilities as a real soldier of the country.

He had undergone extensive military training with the Maratha Light Infantry in 1988 in connection with his 1990 movie ‘Prahar’ which came handy during the war.

He sought special permission from the then Defence Minister George Fernandes to join the troops and it was given.

He was associated with a Quick Reaction Team and lived with the soldiers, experienced their hardships and stood with them in a real war zone.

He even volunteered at a military hospital. (NVI)

J&K to witness light rain, snow over higher reaches during next week: MeT

Srinagar, October 8 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain at scattered places over the next few days, while light snowfall is expected over higher reaches, the Meteorological Centre here said on Thursday.

According to the latest weather forecast, partly to generally cloudy conditions with light rain and light snowfall over higher reaches are likely at scattered places from October 8 to 10.

The weather is expected to remain generally dry on October 9, with a brief spell of light rain possible at a few places towards the evening, the MeT centre said.

Generally dry weather is likely to continue till the evening of October 13, with a brief spell of rain expected towards October 13 evening or night.

On October 14 and 15, generally cloudy weather with light rain and light snowfall over higher reaches is likely at many places, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, it said.

The MeT centre has forecast generally dry weather from October 16 to 18.

The weather office has advised farmers to continue harvesting and ensure safe storage of harvested apples and paddy in view of the expected weather conditions.—(NVI)

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