Saturday, October 17, 2026
Home Blog Page 80

Police Open Fire after Suspicious Vehicle Doesn’t Stop at Checkpost in J&K

Shivam Bakshi

Ramban, Aug 7 (NVI): Police fired at an SUV after it allegedly didn’t stop at a checkpoint in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district today.

The vehicle was traced soon after, but its occupants had fled, officials said.

The incident occurred in the early hours near the Chanderkote checkpoint on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway when the vehicle, travelling from Srinagar towards Jammu, was signalled to stop.

According to officials, the driver ignored repeated signals to halt, prompting police personnel to fire three rounds as a precautionary measure.

The vehicle then sped away towards the Nashri area.

The abandoned Scorpio was later traced by security forces, but the occupants had escaped before they could be apprehended.

A joint search operation involving the police, CRPF and the Army has been launched to trace the suspects, officials said.

An investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.(NVI)

Agni-4 Ballistic Missile Successfully Test-Fired from Odisha

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NVI): India on Thursday successfully test-fired the medium-range ballistic missile Agni-4 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha, the Defence Ministry said.

The ministry said the launch validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

The test was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, it said.(NVI)

Srinagar Police Summon Iltija Mufti After FIR in Protest Scuffle

Srinagar, Aug 6 (NVI): Srinagar Police have summoned People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti for questioning in connection with an FIR registered over the alleged assault of a police officer during a protest in Srinagar earlier this week, official sources said on Thursday.

According to the sources, the protest, led by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija Mufti at S.K. Park on August 4, turned tense after some protesters allegedly attempted to march towards Lal Chowk in violation of restrictions, prompting police to intervene.

During the ensuing scuffle, Iltija Mufti allegedly assaulted a police officer who was on law and order duty. Police have alleged that she grabbed the officer and bit his forearm, causing a bleeding injury.

The injured officer was shifted to a hospital, where he received medical treatment.

Following the incident, police registered an FIR under relevant provisions of law and launched an investigation.

As part of the probe, Iltija Mufti has been asked to appear before the investigating officer on August 7 to join the investigation, the sources said.

They said investigators are examining eyewitness accounts and other evidence to ascertain the sequence of events.

There was no immediate response from Iltija Mufti or the PDP over the police allegations.

Police said the investigation is underway and appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the probe.(NVI)

Union Cabinet approves GOBARdhan scheme to generate energy from cow dung

Cabinet meeting
File photo

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NVI) The Union Cabinet today approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, named ‘GOBARdhan’, which entails generation of energy from agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste and other biomass resources.

With a total outlay of Rs.23,731 crore, the Scheme is to be implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 and establish Compressed Biogas as a major pillar of India’s future energy mix.

The Scheme aims to increase domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) production nearly ten-fold, mobilize large-scale private investment and create a vibrant circular bioeconomy across the country,” an official spokesman said.

Administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Scheme creates one integrated platform across the entire CBG value chain, he said.

“CBG is chemically equivalent to natural gas and can be seamlessly integrated into the existing gas ecosystem. It therefore combines the benefits of a renewable fuel with the reach and utility of India’s expanding gas infrastructure,” the spokesman said.

The Scheme supports both cluster-based and standalone pipeline infrastructure connecting CBG plants with trunk pipelines and City Gas Distribution networks.

Greater pipeline connectivity will reduce evacuation costs, improve reliability, expand market reach and enable higher utilization of domestically produced CBG.

A dedicated Credit Guarantee mechanism will strengthen lender confidence and expand the flow of institutional credit to eligible MSME-based CBG projects.

By sharing a portion of lending risk, the mechanism will improve access to affordable finance, reduce collateral requirements and support faster project development. (NVI)

Lok Sabha passes bill to amend tax and regulatory norms

Lok Sabha of Parliament (File Pic)

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NVI) A bill providing for a series of tax and regulatory changes was passed by the Lok Sabha today.

According to the government, the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 aims at attracting foreign investment, strengthening domestic manufacturing, improving tax certainty and supporting India’s digital economy.

The legislation replaces the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, while incorporating additional measures following stakeholder consultations.

The Bill amends the Income-tax Act, 2025, the Finance Act, 2026 and the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

The Bill now has to be approved by the Rajya Sabha before becoming law.

According to the government, the objective is to shield the domestic economy from external shocks, improve ease of doing business and make India a more predictable destination for global capital and manufacturing investments, according to the government.

One of the key provisions simplifies the tax framework for eligible offshore investment funds and fund managers.

The proposed legislation also grants tax exemptions on interest income and capital gains earned from government securities by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), subject to prescribed reporting conditions.

To support India’s electronics manufacturing ambitions, the Bill extends the tax exemption available to foreign companies supplying capital goods, equipment and tooling to Indian contract manufacturers of specified electronic products until the tax year ending March 31, 2041, instead of the earlier sunset date of 2030-31.

The list of eligible products has also been expanded to include laptops, tablets, servers, hearables, wearables and related accessories.

In another push for the sector, foreign companies storing electronic components in customs-bonded warehouses for supply to Indian contract manufacturers will receive a 15-year income tax exemption, a measure intended to strengthen India’s electronics supply chain.

The Bill also seeks to support digital infrastructure by removing approval requirements for foreign cloud service providers using Indian data centres.

It further allows data centres to operate on leased infrastructure instead of requiring direct ownership, a move expected to lower entry barriers for global cloud companies.

To reinforce India’s role in the global diamond trade, the legislation extends tax exemptions until March 31, 2041, for eligible foreign diamond mining companies, brokers, aggregators, sightholders and auction entities selling rough diamonds through notified special zones.

For REITs and InvITs, the Bill removes a restriction that denied tax exemption on dividends received by unit holders when the underlying special purpose vehicle (SPV) opted for the new tax regime. To maintain revenue neutrality, it introduces a corresponding tax levy at the SPV level.

The legislation also amends the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, empowering the Centre to notify electronic payment modes on which banks or payment system providers cannot levy charges. The amendment removes references to the Income-tax Act from these provisions and broadens the scope of payment modes that may be notified in future.

FAQs on Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

1. Why has CBDT released an FAQ on the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026?

CBDT has issued a detailed FAQ to help taxpayers, businesses, professionals and other stakeholders understand the key proposals in the Bill and how the amendments are expected to work.

2. What is the main objective of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026?

The Bill aims to promote manufacturing, attract foreign investment, strengthen India’s electronics and data centre ecosystems, support the diamond trade, simplify tax rules for investment funds and improve ease of doing business.

3. What change has been proposed for electronics manufacturing?

The Bill proposes extending the tax exemption available to foreign companies supplying capital goods, equipment or tooling to Indian contract manufacturers of specified electronic goods by another 10 years, up to Tax Year 2040-41.

4. Which products qualify as “specified electronic goods”?

The Bill proposes to define specified electronic goods to include products such as laptops, tablets, servers, hearables, wearables and related accessories, among others.

5. How does the Bill support India’s data centre industry?

The proposed amendments relax certain conditions applicable to foreign companies procuring data centre services from Indian facilities, making it easier for them to use India’s data centre infrastructure.

6. What tax benefit has been proposed for foreign cloud and data centre companies?

The proposal seeks to improve ease of doing business by relaxing compliance requirements for foreign companies using Indian data centres, encouraging greater investment in digital infrastructure.

7. What is the new tax proposal for the diamond sector?

Foreign mining companies selling rough diamonds through Special Notified Zones (SNZs) in Mumbai and Surat will be eligible for a tax exemption, subject to prescribed reporting requirements. The exemption is proposed until March 31, 2041.

8. How does the Bill strengthen the electronics supply chain?

It proposes a 15-year tax exemption for foreign companies that store electronic components in customs-bonded warehouses and supply them to Indian contract manufacturers producing specified electronic goods.

9. What changes have been proposed for business trusts such as REITs and InvITs?

The Bill proposes extending dividend tax exemption to unit holders even when the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has opted for the new tax regime. To maintain revenue neutrality, a 15% additional surcharge is proposed on such SPVs.

10. How will foreign investment funds benefit from the Bill?

The Bill proposes simplifying eligibility conditions for foreign investment funds whose managers relocate to India by reducing the number of qualifying conditions from 13 to 5, making the framework more investor-friendly.

11. Why is the government simplifying tax rules for foreign fund managers?

The objective is to provide greater tax certainty, reduce compliance burden and encourage more global investment funds to establish fund management operations in India. (NVI)

Two Booked for Violating Firecracker Ban During Wedding Celebrations in J&K’s Shopian

Firecrackers banned in Telangana

Srinagar, Aug 6 (NVI): Police have registered two FIRs against organisers of separate wedding functions in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district for allegedly violating the District Magistrate’s prohibitory orders by bursting firecrackers, officials said on Thursday.

The cases were registered after firecrackers were allegedly used during marriage celebrations despite an existing ban imposed by the district administration, they said.

According to officials, the FIRs have been registered at Shopian Police Station and an investigation has been initiated into the incidents.

Police said the prohibitory orders banning the use of firecrackers remain in force and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the restrictions.

They also appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and ensure that all social and public events are conducted in accordance with the law.(NVI)

Two Rusted Mortar Shells Found, Safely Destroyed in J&K’s Poonch

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 6 (NVI): Two old and rusted mortar shells were found in a forest area of Choki Sagra in the Mankote sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

The shells were recovered from Ward No. 2 under the jurisdiction of Police Post Balnoi, they said.

An Army Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) later destroyed the unexploded shells at the site following standard safety procedures.

No loss of life or damage to property was reported during the disposal operation, the officials added.(NVI)

Rajnath Chairs Defence Panel Meet, Stresses Stronger Role for Territorial Army

New Delhi 6 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, during which members discussed the role, mandate and future strengthening of the Territorial Army.

According to an official statement, senior defence officials briefed the committee on the Territorial Army’s responsibilities and achievements, while members offered suggestions to enhance its effectiveness.

Addressing the meeting, Singh described the Territorial Army as a “living embodiment” of the citizen-soldier concept, saying its personnel balance civilian careers with military responsibilities to safeguard the nation’s borders and assist in maintaining internal security.

He said the Territorial Army plays a crucial role in creating a reserve of trained soldiers who can be mobilised whenever required, while also serving as a bridge between the armed forces and society after returning to civilian life.

Highlighting the force’s contribution beyond military duties, the defence minister said the Territorial Army has played a key role in disaster relief operations during floods in Kerala and Assam and the Odisha cyclone, besides undertaking rescue operations and providing medical assistance.

Singh also praised the Ecological Task Forces of the Territorial Army for planting nearly 10 crore saplings with a survival rate of 80-85 per cent, saying the initiative supports the government’s environmental and climate goals. He further lauded the force’s role in promoting the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Territorial Army currently comprises around 44,400 personnel organised into 59 units.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials attended the meeting, the statement said.(NVI)

J&K CM Omar visits flood-hit Rajouri, assures relief and rehabilitation

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, Aug 6 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited flash flood-affected areas of Rajouri district and assured residents that the government would ensure relief, rehabilitation and compensation for all those affected.

The chief minister visited Bella Colony and Behrote Aitti, where he met families impacted by the July 19 flash floods and reviewed the ongoing rescue, restoration and rehabilitation efforts.

Addressing reporters, Abdullah said the government’s immediate priority during the flash floods was to minimise the loss of human lives.

Expressing grief over the loss of four lives in the district, he said the prompt response of the district administration helped avert a bigger tragedy.

“Had the administration not acted swiftly that night, the number of casualties could have been much higher,” he said.

The chief minister said restoration work across the district was being carried out on a war footing. He said electricity supply had been restored almost completely, while efforts were underway to restore damaged drinking water supply schemes.

Abdullah said families whose houses were damaged in the floods would receive compensation as per norms, while those who lost their land would be provided alternate plots for rebuilding their homes.

He also assured assistance to farmers whose agricultural land and crops were damaged, and said free ration would be provided to affected families for up to six months to one year.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to the affected people, Abdullah said all necessary measures would be taken to ensure timely relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the flood-hit areas.(NVI)

Rain Spell to Continue Across J&K Till Aug 15; Heavy Showers Likely Aug 9-11

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, Aug 6 (NVI): The Meteorological Department has forecast continued spells of rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir till August 15, with heavy rainfall likely at a few places and a risk of flash floods, landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas between August 9 and 11.

According to the MeT Department, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at many places across the Union Territory from August 6 to 8, with brief intense showers likely at isolated locations.

The weather is expected to remain active from August 9 to 11, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers forecast at most places. Heavy rainfall accompanied by brief intense showers is likely in a few districts during this period, the department said.

From August 12 to 15, light rain or thundershowers are likely at many places, while brief intense showers may occur at isolated locations.

The MeT Department has advised people to remain cautious, warning that heavy rainfall between August 9 and 11 could trigger flash floods, landslides and shooting stones, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Residents, especially those living near rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas, have been urged to stay alert and follow advisories issued by the authorities.(NVI)

1...798081...1,776Page 80 of 1,776

MUST READ