General Affairs
Army jawan, wife killed as Pakistan continue to fire shells in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir
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Pakistan Army today violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir killing an Army soldier and his wife.
The Pakistan Army resorted to heavy mortar shelling and targeted Indian posts and villages in Chakka da bagh and Kharri Karmara areas.
Indian troops are giving a befitting reply to the indiscriminate firing. Army sources said that Pakistani troops are using 82 mm and 120 mm mortar shells.
According to reports, even the ambulance is unable to reach the village to collect the bodies due to heavy firing from the Pakistan side. The soldier has been identified as Mohammad Showkat and his wife as Safiya Bi from Khaari border village.
Pakistan wants to send terrorists to the other side of the border using cover fire, according to intelligence sources.
Defence spokesman, Lt Col Manish Mehta said that the Pakistan Army initiated the unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars at 6:30 am.
Pakistan Army today violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir killing an Army soldier and his wife.
The Pakistan Army resorted to heavy mortar shelling and targeted Indian posts and villages in Chakka da bagh and Kharri Karmara areas.
Indian troops are giving a befitting reply to the indiscriminate firing. Army sources said that Pakistani troops are using 82 mm and 120 mm mortar shells.
According to reports, even the ambulance is unable to reach the village to collect the bodies due to heavy firing from the Pakistan side. The soldier has been identified as Mohammad Showkat and his wife as Safiya Bi from Khaari border village.
Pakistan wants to send terrorists to the other side of the border using cover fire, according to intelligence sources.
Defence spokesman, Lt Col Manish Mehta said that the Pakistan Army initiated the unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars at 6:30 am.
On G20 sidelines, PM Modi holds bilaterals with Justin Trudeau, Shinzo Abe
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Japan, Shinzo Abe, and Canada, Justin Trudeau, along with informal interactions with a number of world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here.
Also, during an informal meeting of the five BRICS countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two praised the roles of China and India respectively in the international matters. The leaders also had a "conversation" on a "range of issues", Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.
Modi also had a brief chat with many top world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.
At the BRICS leaders gathering here, Modi held informal meetings with Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma.
PM Modi later met Abe and Trudeau and discussed a host of issues. "Today in Hamburg, PM Justin Trudeau and PM Narendra Modi affirmed the strength of the bond between Canada and India," the office of the Canadian premier tweeted.
Also, Gopal Bagley, spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted a picture of the press release of the Modi-Abe meeting in Hamburg.
Press release on the meeting of PM @narendramodi with PM of 🇯🇵@AbeShinzo in Hamburg pic.twitter.com/mKMB0KqAZs
- Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 7, 2017
Regarding Modi's meeting with Abe, the Ministry of External Affairs said the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations, including in important projects, since their last meeting in Japan during the Indian prime ministers visit in November 2016. Modi expressed satisfaction at developments in bilateral ties. He said that he looked forward to Abe's forthcoming visit to India for the next annual summit and hoped it would further strengthen their cooperation. A family photo of the BRICS leaders was taken earlier.
Today, Modi will have bilateral meetings with head of the governments of South Korea, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, the UK and Vietnam. He will also participate in G20 sessions on - Partnership with Africa; Migration and Health; and Digitalisation, Women Empowerment and Employment.
After attending the concluding session in evening, the Indian prime minister will leave for New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Japan, Shinzo Abe, and Canada, Justin Trudeau, along with informal interactions with a number of world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here.
Also, during an informal meeting of the five BRICS countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two praised the roles of China and India respectively in the international matters. The leaders also had a "conversation" on a "range of issues", Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.
Modi also had a brief chat with many top world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.
At the BRICS leaders gathering here, Modi held informal meetings with Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma.
PM Modi later met Abe and Trudeau and discussed a host of issues. "Today in Hamburg, PM Justin Trudeau and PM Narendra Modi affirmed the strength of the bond between Canada and India," the office of the Canadian premier tweeted.
Also, Gopal Bagley, spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted a picture of the press release of the Modi-Abe meeting in Hamburg.
Press release on the meeting of PM @narendramodi with PM of 🇯🇵@AbeShinzo in Hamburg pic.twitter.com/mKMB0KqAZs- Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 7, 2017
Regarding Modi's meeting with Abe, the Ministry of External Affairs said the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations, including in important projects, since their last meeting in Japan during the Indian prime ministers visit in November 2016. Modi expressed satisfaction at developments in bilateral ties. He said that he looked forward to Abe's forthcoming visit to India for the next annual summit and hoped it would further strengthen their cooperation. A family photo of the BRICS leaders was taken earlier.
Today, Modi will have bilateral meetings with head of the governments of South Korea, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, the UK and Vietnam. He will also participate in G20 sessions on - Partnership with Africa; Migration and Health; and Digitalisation, Women Empowerment and Employment.
After attending the concluding session in evening, the Indian prime minister will leave for New Delhi.
UP govt planning forced retirement for non-performing officers above 50
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The UP government is contemplating forced retirement for those above 50 years in various government departments who have been neglecting their duty.
Its significant to note that immediately after taking oath of office, Yogi Adityanath has been strict on the timings in various government departments and has been asking officials to be punctual. He had even hinted earlier that those authorities who can't follow a rigorous routine of 18 to 20 hours should seek jobs outside the state.
In the latest move which has already generated a heated debate, the chief secretary has already ordered all the government departments to prepare a detailed list of such employees who have been not delivering. A screening process is presently on in the state in all state government departments. The screening process would be completed by 31st July and the cutoff date for age determination for the same would be 31.3.2017.
It is expected that over 4 lakh such employees working in various state government departments would qualify for such screening and a detailed report of their work and performance would be submitted by 31st of July.
When asked by India Today on the issue cabinet minister Sidharth Nath Singh said, "The process would be initiated soon and that the, tax payers' money can't be allowed to be plundered." He added that a proper work culture has to be in place in UP and as such actions were being planned.
On the other hand, various associations in the state are condemning the move of the present government.
Harikishan Tiwari, the president of State Karmchari sanyukt Parishad UP, said, " This is dictatorial in nature. The state government has to follow the principal of equality. Even the higher ups should fall in the ambit of this law including the IAS, IPS, and even the ministers."
The UP government is contemplating forced retirement for those above 50 years in various government departments who have been neglecting their duty.
Its significant to note that immediately after taking oath of office, Yogi Adityanath has been strict on the timings in various government departments and has been asking officials to be punctual. He had even hinted earlier that those authorities who can't follow a rigorous routine of 18 to 20 hours should seek jobs outside the state.
In the latest move which has already generated a heated debate, the chief secretary has already ordered all the government departments to prepare a detailed list of such employees who have been not delivering. A screening process is presently on in the state in all state government departments. The screening process would be completed by 31st July and the cutoff date for age determination for the same would be 31.3.2017.
It is expected that over 4 lakh such employees working in various state government departments would qualify for such screening and a detailed report of their work and performance would be submitted by 31st of July.
When asked by India Today on the issue cabinet minister Sidharth Nath Singh said, "The process would be initiated soon and that the, tax payers' money can't be allowed to be plundered." He added that a proper work culture has to be in place in UP and as such actions were being planned.
On the other hand, various associations in the state are condemning the move of the present government.
Harikishan Tiwari, the president of State Karmchari sanyukt Parishad UP, said, " This is dictatorial in nature. The state government has to follow the principal of equality. Even the higher ups should fall in the ambit of this law including the IAS, IPS, and even the ministers."
Why don't Agra farmers grow other crops instead of potatoes, asks UP agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi
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It is said that when the French Empress Mary Antoinette was told that people in the streets did not have bread to eat, she had innocently questioned back that why don't the people eat cake?
Visiting Agra, which accounts for 8 per cent of the total potato produce of India and is called the potato belt of Uttar Pradesh, state Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi expressed similar sentiments when he told the Agra farmers to stop growing potatoes and instead grow some other crops if potatoes are not bringing income to their households.
Addressing the media, Shahi, who has also served as the BJP state president, said that the farmers of UP are committing suicides because they are sticking to growing potato and the crop is not bringing in enough money for them to survive and as a result, they were getting mired in loans. The best option for these farmers would be to leave potato and start growing some other crop which is profitable, instead of taking steps like suicide.
Talking to India Today, Shahi said, "The farmers should take advantage of the various schemes that the Union government has started to assist them, instead of demanding relief from loans. " He also said that the Yogi government has waived off loan worth Rs 36 thousand crore of 86 lakh farmers in Uttar Pradesh and the sugarcane farmers have been paid Rs 23 thousand crore in arrears. He said that the remaining loans will be waived off as soon as the budgetary provisions are made for it.
Commenting on the Akhilesh Yadav government, he said, " Earlier, only the VIP areas used to get electricity and now the entire state is getting evenly distributed power. The government has given grants for digging community ponds and so far, 384 ponds have been dug with the cost of Rs 27 crore. 43 districts will soon get Soil Testing Laboratories and 15 will start functioning by 15th August."
He said that the industrial policy has provisions for developing food parks in the state and to prevent the reprisal of incidents like Jawaharbagh in Mathura, the government lands are being cleared of encroachments in the entire state. An Anti-Land Mafia Task Force has been formed to mark the people who were involved in encroaching and squatting on government land and action will be taken against them.
He also said, "A name of BJP leader's brother had come up in a mining scam and action is being taken against him as the government believes that law is equal for everyone and nobody deserves privileged treatment when it concerns law and order."
It is said that when the French Empress Mary Antoinette was told that people in the streets did not have bread to eat, she had innocently questioned back that why don't the people eat cake?
Visiting Agra, which accounts for 8 per cent of the total potato produce of India and is called the potato belt of Uttar Pradesh, state Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi expressed similar sentiments when he told the Agra farmers to stop growing potatoes and instead grow some other crops if potatoes are not bringing income to their households.
Addressing the media, Shahi, who has also served as the BJP state president, said that the farmers of UP are committing suicides because they are sticking to growing potato and the crop is not bringing in enough money for them to survive and as a result, they were getting mired in loans. The best option for these farmers would be to leave potato and start growing some other crop which is profitable, instead of taking steps like suicide.
Talking to India Today, Shahi said, "The farmers should take advantage of the various schemes that the Union government has started to assist them, instead of demanding relief from loans. " He also said that the Yogi government has waived off loan worth Rs 36 thousand crore of 86 lakh farmers in Uttar Pradesh and the sugarcane farmers have been paid Rs 23 thousand crore in arrears. He said that the remaining loans will be waived off as soon as the budgetary provisions are made for it.
Commenting on the Akhilesh Yadav government, he said, " Earlier, only the VIP areas used to get electricity and now the entire state is getting evenly distributed power. The government has given grants for digging community ponds and so far, 384 ponds have been dug with the cost of Rs 27 crore. 43 districts will soon get Soil Testing Laboratories and 15 will start functioning by 15th August."
He said that the industrial policy has provisions for developing food parks in the state and to prevent the reprisal of incidents like Jawaharbagh in Mathura, the government lands are being cleared of encroachments in the entire state. An Anti-Land Mafia Task Force has been formed to mark the people who were involved in encroaching and squatting on government land and action will be taken against them.
He also said, "A name of BJP leader's brother had come up in a mining scam and action is being taken against him as the government believes that law is equal for everyone and nobody deserves privileged treatment when it concerns law and order."
Supreme Court stays Uttarakhand High Court's order declaring rivers Ganga, Yamuna as human entities
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The Supreme Court today stayed the Uttarakhand High Court declaration of rivers Ganga and Yamuna as juristic persons and living entities. The apex court issued notice to petitioner Md Salim and others and sought response.
On March 20, the Uttarakhand High Court passed an order saying rivers Ganga and Yamuna are living entities. It also said the Chief Secretary and Advocate General were legal face to protect the rivers. The two were tasked with upholding the preservation and cleaning of Ganga.The Uttarakhand High Court judgement came days after a similar order was passed in New Zealand.
The state government had appealed in the Supreme Court challenging the order. It said the rivers flow through four states and, hence, the Uttarakhand High Court alone could not pass such an order.
The state government also said in its petition that if the rivers were declared as living entities or deities, then people will not be able to wash and bathe in the rivers.Hearing on the matter, the apex court today stayed the Uttarakhand High Court's order order and issued notice to the petitioner.
The Supreme Court today stayed the Uttarakhand High Court declaration of rivers Ganga and Yamuna as juristic persons and living entities. The apex court issued notice to petitioner Md Salim and others and sought response.
On March 20, the Uttarakhand High Court passed an order saying rivers Ganga and Yamuna are living entities. It also said the Chief Secretary and Advocate General were legal face to protect the rivers. The two were tasked with upholding the preservation and cleaning of Ganga.The Uttarakhand High Court judgement came days after a similar order was passed in New Zealand.
The state government had appealed in the Supreme Court challenging the order. It said the rivers flow through four states and, hence, the Uttarakhand High Court alone could not pass such an order.
The state government also said in its petition that if the rivers were declared as living entities or deities, then people will not be able to wash and bathe in the rivers.Hearing on the matter, the apex court today stayed the Uttarakhand High Court's order order and issued notice to the petitioner.
Business Affairs
Government asks traders to issue advertisements about price hike post GST
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The government today asked traders and businesses to immediately issue advertisements informing the public about increase in maximum retail price (MRP) on mass consumption products post implementation of GST.
To clear pre-GST stocks, the government had earlier this week allowed use of dual stickers reflecting the new rate along side the old printed price of a product for three months.
Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said the law provides for indicating the maximum retail price (MRP) of a product clearly on every product.
With rates of some products undergoing change because of alteration in incidence of taxation involving over a dozen central and state levies unifying into the Goods and Services Tax, there is a requirement as per law to indicate the new rate clearly.
Adhia said that to tide over the problem of changing printed MRP on unsold pre-GST stock, the government has allowed pastable stickers with new rates.
"I would appeal to traders that it is not a very difficult job to paste stickers. The sooner they do it, the better it is for them," he said at the second GST Master Class here.
For items of mass consumption, the revised MRP has to be advertised in two local newspapers.
"Supposing it (the commodity) is an item of mass consumption, then immediately the revised MRP should be advertised in newspapers. Inform the people through advertisements. And sooner they paste the revised MRP on the product (the better it is)," he said.
He, however, stopped short of stating the legal provisions that would apply in case of non-compliance.
Besides, to help businesses find the HSN code applicable for various commodities under the GST regime, the CBEC has launched on its website a search option by which they can find out the code by just typing the name of the product.
Harmonized System Nomenclature (HSN) code is used to classify goods for taxation purpose.
Adhia said that there are over 11,000 commodities and all of them have specific HSN codes which may run up to 8 digits in some cases.
"To make it easy for businesses, the CBEC has launched on its website a search option wherein businesses can just type the product they are searching for and get the HSN code," Adhia said.
Businesses with turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore need not quote HSN code in the invoices GST, but those above the limit will have to do so.
Adhia said there is no prescribed format that businesses have to follow while raising an invoice in the GST regime.
However, details like GSTIN of the trader and the amount of the bill would have to be clearly specified.
In a relief to traders, there is no compulsion on issuing a digitised bill, as a manual invoice will also hold good.
Adhia said that issuing an invoice is not necessary if the transaction is below Rs 200.
However, the trader needs to furnish an invoice in case the consumer insists on it or the transaction is B2B (Business to Business).
Further, if a business does not have GSTIN or provisional id, then it can transact business using the 'bill of supply'.
The government today asked traders and businesses to immediately issue advertisements informing the public about increase in maximum retail price (MRP) on mass consumption products post implementation of GST.
To clear pre-GST stocks, the government had earlier this week allowed use of dual stickers reflecting the new rate along side the old printed price of a product for three months.
Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said the law provides for indicating the maximum retail price (MRP) of a product clearly on every product.
With rates of some products undergoing change because of alteration in incidence of taxation involving over a dozen central and state levies unifying into the Goods and Services Tax, there is a requirement as per law to indicate the new rate clearly.
Adhia said that to tide over the problem of changing printed MRP on unsold pre-GST stock, the government has allowed pastable stickers with new rates.
"I would appeal to traders that it is not a very difficult job to paste stickers. The sooner they do it, the better it is for them," he said at the second GST Master Class here.
For items of mass consumption, the revised MRP has to be advertised in two local newspapers.
"Supposing it (the commodity) is an item of mass consumption, then immediately the revised MRP should be advertised in newspapers. Inform the people through advertisements. And sooner they paste the revised MRP on the product (the better it is)," he said.
He, however, stopped short of stating the legal provisions that would apply in case of non-compliance.
Besides, to help businesses find the HSN code applicable for various commodities under the GST regime, the CBEC has launched on its website a search option by which they can find out the code by just typing the name of the product.
Harmonized System Nomenclature (HSN) code is used to classify goods for taxation purpose.
Adhia said that there are over 11,000 commodities and all of them have specific HSN codes which may run up to 8 digits in some cases.
"To make it easy for businesses, the CBEC has launched on its website a search option wherein businesses can just type the product they are searching for and get the HSN code," Adhia said.
Businesses with turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore need not quote HSN code in the invoices GST, but those above the limit will have to do so.
Adhia said there is no prescribed format that businesses have to follow while raising an invoice in the GST regime.
However, details like GSTIN of the trader and the amount of the bill would have to be clearly specified.
In a relief to traders, there is no compulsion on issuing a digitised bill, as a manual invoice will also hold good.
Adhia said that issuing an invoice is not necessary if the transaction is below Rs 200.
However, the trader needs to furnish an invoice in case the consumer insists on it or the transaction is B2B (Business to Business).
Further, if a business does not have GSTIN or provisional id, then it can transact business using the 'bill of supply'.
7th Pay Commission proposal on allowances notified by Centre, salary revision effective from July
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Around 48 lakh central government employees will see their salaries for July rise as Ministry of Finance has notified the allowances under Seventh Central Pay Commission with 34 modifications. Around 34 lakh civilian employees and 14 lakh defence personnel will be receive their salaries with modified allowance rates.
Union Cabinet approved the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission on allowances with 34 modifications on June 28, 2017. Finance Ministry instructed other ministries to come up with their Orders on Allowances governed by them so that the revised salaries reflect in the salaries for month of July of their employees.
The recommendations on allowances by 7th Pay Commission would have put an additional burden of Rs 29,300 crores on the exchequer. In its new form, however, the Pay Commission allowance will translate into additional burden of Rs 30,748 crore on the exchequer every year.
House Rent Allowance shall not be less than 5,400 per month, 3,600 per month and 1,800 per month calculated at 30 per cent of minimum pay for X (population of 50 lakh & above), 20 per cent for Y (5 to 50 lakh) and 10 per cent for Z (below 5 lakh) category of cities.
In the official notification in Gazetter of India, HRA shall be revised to 27 per cent, 18 per cent & 9 per cent of Basic Pay in X, Y and Z cities when Dearness Allowance (DA) crosses 25 per cent and further to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent of Basic Pay in X, Y and Z cities when DA crosses 50 per cent.
HRA has been one of the talking points since 7th Pay Commission was formed as it makes up a substantial share in salaries of central government employees.
The Union government has also decided to do away with the provision of free ration to be discontinued for defence force personnel in peaceful areas. However, Ration Money Allowance (RMA) will be credited directly to their bank accounts.
Fixed Medical Allowance for central government allowance has also been bumped up to Rs 1000 from Rs 500. Ministerial staff will continue to get Hospital Patient Care Allowance/ Patient Care Allowance at Rs 4100 for level 8 and below and Rs 5300 for level 9 and above.
Coming under pressure from central government employees over drastic chnages in the allowance structure under 7th Pay Commission, the Cabinet formed a Committee on Allowances under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa last year in June. The Committee was tasked to appraise the extensive changes suggested by the 7th Pay Commission.
The Lavasa Committee handed over its review report to the Finance Minister in April after consulting representations from various government departments. The report, post approval, was forwarded to Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) for their consideration and consolidation.
After receiving the final proposals from the Empowered Committee on June 1, the Cabinet approved the recommendations on allowance on June 28.
Around 48 lakh central government employees will see their salaries for July rise as Ministry of Finance has notified the allowances under Seventh Central Pay Commission with 34 modifications. Around 34 lakh civilian employees and 14 lakh defence personnel will be receive their salaries with modified allowance rates.
Union Cabinet approved the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission on allowances with 34 modifications on June 28, 2017. Finance Ministry instructed other ministries to come up with their Orders on Allowances governed by them so that the revised salaries reflect in the salaries for month of July of their employees.
The recommendations on allowances by 7th Pay Commission would have put an additional burden of Rs 29,300 crores on the exchequer. In its new form, however, the Pay Commission allowance will translate into additional burden of Rs 30,748 crore on the exchequer every year.
House Rent Allowance shall not be less than 5,400 per month, 3,600 per month and 1,800 per month calculated at 30 per cent of minimum pay for X (population of 50 lakh & above), 20 per cent for Y (5 to 50 lakh) and 10 per cent for Z (below 5 lakh) category of cities.
In the official notification in Gazetter of India, HRA shall be revised to 27 per cent, 18 per cent & 9 per cent of Basic Pay in X, Y and Z cities when Dearness Allowance (DA) crosses 25 per cent and further to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent of Basic Pay in X, Y and Z cities when DA crosses 50 per cent.
HRA has been one of the talking points since 7th Pay Commission was formed as it makes up a substantial share in salaries of central government employees.
The Union government has also decided to do away with the provision of free ration to be discontinued for defence force personnel in peaceful areas. However, Ration Money Allowance (RMA) will be credited directly to their bank accounts.
Fixed Medical Allowance for central government allowance has also been bumped up to Rs 1000 from Rs 500. Ministerial staff will continue to get Hospital Patient Care Allowance/ Patient Care Allowance at Rs 4100 for level 8 and below and Rs 5300 for level 9 and above.
Coming under pressure from central government employees over drastic chnages in the allowance structure under 7th Pay Commission, the Cabinet formed a Committee on Allowances under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa last year in June. The Committee was tasked to appraise the extensive changes suggested by the 7th Pay Commission.
The Lavasa Committee handed over its review report to the Finance Minister in April after consulting representations from various government departments. The report, post approval, was forwarded to Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) for their consideration and consolidation.
After receiving the final proposals from the Empowered Committee on June 1, the Cabinet approved the recommendations on allowance on June 28.
Service consumed in June, billed in July to attract GST
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Consumers will have to cough up GST on bill payment for credit card, telephone or any other service consumed in June if the invoice for the same has been generated or payment made in July.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been rolled out from July 1, and most of the services attract a higher tax slab of 18 per cent compared to around 15 per cent service tax charged earlier.
GST replaces service tax, excise, VAT and over a dozen local levies. All goods and services are now classified under four tax slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent.
However, a government official clarified GST would be levied on any bill that is generated from July 1 even if the service has been consumed prior to that, provided that no advance payment was made by the consumer.
"Supposing your billing cycle ended on June 25, invoice was generated on July 10 and payment was not made in advance... So when you issue invoice the liability is of GST because under law the date of providing of service is the date of issue of invoice," a senior tax official said.
Under existing rules, service tax is levied on the date of issue of invoice or date of making of payment, whichever is earlier. Invoice for services has to be generated within 30 days of providing the service
In case a consumer pays the bill in advance, then the rule says tax liability arises on that day.
For goods, the law states that the day an invoice is issued will be considered as the date of goods sold and tax would be charged.
Consumers will have to cough up GST on bill payment for credit card, telephone or any other service consumed in June if the invoice for the same has been generated or payment made in July.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been rolled out from July 1, and most of the services attract a higher tax slab of 18 per cent compared to around 15 per cent service tax charged earlier.
GST replaces service tax, excise, VAT and over a dozen local levies. All goods and services are now classified under four tax slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent.
However, a government official clarified GST would be levied on any bill that is generated from July 1 even if the service has been consumed prior to that, provided that no advance payment was made by the consumer.
"Supposing your billing cycle ended on June 25, invoice was generated on July 10 and payment was not made in advance... So when you issue invoice the liability is of GST because under law the date of providing of service is the date of issue of invoice," a senior tax official said.
Under existing rules, service tax is levied on the date of issue of invoice or date of making of payment, whichever is earlier. Invoice for services has to be generated within 30 days of providing the service
In case a consumer pays the bill in advance, then the rule says tax liability arises on that day.
For goods, the law states that the day an invoice is issued will be considered as the date of goods sold and tax would be charged.
India all set to become the No.1 ice cream destination in the world
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India is the fastest growing ice-cream consumption market in the world followed by Vietnam and Indonesia. According to a report released by market research agency Mintel, India's ice-cream market has registered a compounded annual growth rate of 13 per cent in the last five years.
In 2017, volume sales in India are set to overtake those of more established markets, including the UK. Ice cream sales in India, according to the report, is expected to reach 381.8 million litres in 2017 and as much as 657.2 million litres in 2021.
The action in the ice-cream market has clearly shifted to Asia. India's strong CAGR is closely followed by Indonesia (11 per cent), Vietnam (9 per cent, Turkey (9 per cent) and Malaysia (8 per cent). Volume sales of ice cream in countries such as Switzerland has dipped to -3 per cent over the past five years, followed by Thailand (- 2 per cent), Denmark (-2 per cent), UK (-2 per cent) and the US (-1 per cent).
China is currently the world's biggest ice cream market, with estimated sales of 4.3 billion litres in 2016, followed by the US (2.7 billion litres) and Japan (756 million litres). However, in terms of individual ice cream consumption, the Norwegians are the biggest ice cream eaters, consuming 9.8 litres per capita in 2016, followed by Australia (9.4 litres) and Sweden (8.9 litres).
As per Mintel's report, one in three (32 per cent) ice cream products were launched in the Asia Pacific in 2016, up from 26 per cent in 2013. The share of ice cream products launched in North America fell from 19 to 14 per cent in the same time period.
India is the fastest growing ice-cream consumption market in the world followed by Vietnam and Indonesia. According to a report released by market research agency Mintel, India's ice-cream market has registered a compounded annual growth rate of 13 per cent in the last five years.
In 2017, volume sales in India are set to overtake those of more established markets, including the UK. Ice cream sales in India, according to the report, is expected to reach 381.8 million litres in 2017 and as much as 657.2 million litres in 2021.
The action in the ice-cream market has clearly shifted to Asia. India's strong CAGR is closely followed by Indonesia (11 per cent), Vietnam (9 per cent, Turkey (9 per cent) and Malaysia (8 per cent). Volume sales of ice cream in countries such as Switzerland has dipped to -3 per cent over the past five years, followed by Thailand (- 2 per cent), Denmark (-2 per cent), UK (-2 per cent) and the US (-1 per cent).
China is currently the world's biggest ice cream market, with estimated sales of 4.3 billion litres in 2016, followed by the US (2.7 billion litres) and Japan (756 million litres). However, in terms of individual ice cream consumption, the Norwegians are the biggest ice cream eaters, consuming 9.8 litres per capita in 2016, followed by Australia (9.4 litres) and Sweden (8.9 litres).
As per Mintel's report, one in three (32 per cent) ice cream products were launched in the Asia Pacific in 2016, up from 26 per cent in 2013. The share of ice cream products launched in North America fell from 19 to 14 per cent in the same time period.
GST may lead to price increase in agri-inputs: ICFA survey
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A survey on the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on agri-inputs has found that retail prices of agri-inputs like irrigation systems will increase in several key states including BJP ruled Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat.
The survey based analysis carried out by Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA), Delhi, says that the government decision to fix different rate for different categories of inputs like seeds (exempted), fertilizers (12 per cent), tractors (12 per cent), crop protection (18 per cent) etc. will deprive some of these sectors of equal treatment vis-a-vis other agricultural inputs.
According to ICFA, the most common worry among the respondents who feared a negative impact was that GST will increase the input cost for agricultural products as well as agricultural machinery price by 4 - 6 per cent as according to the current tax system only 6 per cent VAT was applicable. "This will be a significant negative for farmers as cost of their input either in terms of investment in machines or in terms of hiring the machine will rise significantly, thereby making their costs higher than current price", it said.
Thus, 45 per cent of the respondents who think that the retail price would increase after the implementation of GST articulated that the rise in the retail price would be 3-5 per cent as inputs or associated activities that are taxable or will come under tax, in effect agri - input products, will incur some amount of tax which will be passed on to the consumer. Also, some had a view that retail price may go up for shorter period of time as earlier most of agri - inputs were out of tax bracket, while under this new tax regime few inputs will be taxed.
Those opposed to this view said that one time taxation on the manufactured / value added inputs and direct exemption of many of the inputs related to agriculture production shall lower the cost. Moreover, transparent tax system and better tax compliance will lead to reduction in unit manufacturing cost and in turn will enable the retailer to sell agri - inputs at low price, they argued. The total number of respondents for the study were 300.
A survey on the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on agri-inputs has found that retail prices of agri-inputs like irrigation systems will increase in several key states including BJP ruled Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat.
The survey based analysis carried out by Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA), Delhi, says that the government decision to fix different rate for different categories of inputs like seeds (exempted), fertilizers (12 per cent), tractors (12 per cent), crop protection (18 per cent) etc. will deprive some of these sectors of equal treatment vis-a-vis other agricultural inputs.
According to ICFA, the most common worry among the respondents who feared a negative impact was that GST will increase the input cost for agricultural products as well as agricultural machinery price by 4 - 6 per cent as according to the current tax system only 6 per cent VAT was applicable. "This will be a significant negative for farmers as cost of their input either in terms of investment in machines or in terms of hiring the machine will rise significantly, thereby making their costs higher than current price", it said.
Thus, 45 per cent of the respondents who think that the retail price would increase after the implementation of GST articulated that the rise in the retail price would be 3-5 per cent as inputs or associated activities that are taxable or will come under tax, in effect agri - input products, will incur some amount of tax which will be passed on to the consumer. Also, some had a view that retail price may go up for shorter period of time as earlier most of agri - inputs were out of tax bracket, while under this new tax regime few inputs will be taxed.
Those opposed to this view said that one time taxation on the manufactured / value added inputs and direct exemption of many of the inputs related to agriculture production shall lower the cost. Moreover, transparent tax system and better tax compliance will lead to reduction in unit manufacturing cost and in turn will enable the retailer to sell agri - inputs at low price, they argued. The total number of respondents for the study were 300.
General Awareness
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel – Overview
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Israel from 4th to 6th July 2017.
- PM Modis’s visit is aimed at commemorating 25 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Israel.
- During the course of this visit, PM Modi held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on all matters of mutual interest.
- He also called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.
- India and Israel signed several agreements for cooperation in diverse areas.
New Israeli Flower Named After PM Modi
During his Israel visit, PM Modi visited the Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Mishmar Hashiva where they were briefed about the latest technologies being used for floriculture.
- Commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, Danziger Flower Farm named the flower Crysanthumun as ‘Modi’, on the name of Prime Minister.
- Crysanthumun is a new fast-growing Israeli flower.
- The Danziger flower farm, founded in 1953 is one of Israel’s leading floriculture companies with approximately 80,000 square meters of state-of-the-art greenhouses specialising in reproduction of plants.
Narendra Modi becomes first Indian PM to visit Israel
PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel from 4th – 6th July, 2017 was the first ever visit of an incumbent Indian prime minister.
- PM Modi was given the red carpet treatment during his trip to Israel.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu accompanied him for almost the entire duration of his visit – an honour usually reserved for visiting US presidents.
- It is to be noted that India has gradually built up counter-terror and trade relations with Israel since diplomatic ties were restored 25 years ago. Currently, India is Israel’s biggest arms market, worth $1bn a year.
Mahindra Telephonics inks pact with Israeli firm
On July 4, 2017, India’s Mahindra Telephonics and Israeli firm Shachaf Engineering signed a MoU to collaborate on design, development and manufacture of strategic electronics for military use.
More Details about MoU between Mahindra Telephonics – Shachaf Engineering:
- The MoU was signed in Tel Aviv on the day when PM Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on official visit.
- Under the deal, Mahindra Telephonics would look to jointly develop strategic electronics and systems for use in aerospace and marine domains with Shachaf Engineering.
- Technology transfer and organisation of training in specific areas, as jointly identified by both the companies, would also be part of the collaboration.
India, Israel resolve to fight menace of terrorism and radicalism
India and Israel have agreed to cooperate to protect their strategic interests and called for strong measures against terror groups and their sponsors.
- As per a joint statement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minsiter Benjamin Netanyahu have recognised that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace and stability and reiterated their strong commitment to combat it in all its forms and manifestations.
- The leaders asserted that strong measures should be taken against terrorists, terror organisations, their networks and all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism, or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups.
- Both leaders also committed to cooperate for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism (CCIT)
PM Modi gifts 2 sets of relics from Kerala to Israeli PM
On July 4, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala, regarded as key artefacts of the long Jewish history in India. The gift comprise two different sets of copper plates that are believed to have been inscribed in 9-10th Century.
Details about PM Modi’s Gifts to Israeli PM:
- The first set of copper plates is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. It is regarded as a charter describing the grant of hereditary royal privileges and prerogatives by the Hindu King, Cheraman Perumal (often identified as Bhaskara Ravi Varma) to the Jewish leader Joseph Rabban.
- According to traditional Jewish accounts, Joseph Rabban was later crowned as the Prince of Shingli, a place in or equated with Cranganore. Cranganore is where Jews enjoyed religious and cultural autonomy for centuries, before they moved to Cochin and other places in Malabar.
- The second set of copper plates is believed to be the earliest documentation of the history of Jewish trade with India. These plates describe the grant of land and tax privileges by the local Hindu ruler to a church.
- The replica of these plates was made possible with the cooperation of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Thiruvalla, Kerala.
India, Israel sign seven agreements, to cooperate in fight against terror
On July 5, 2017, India and Israel signed following Seven Agreements:
- An MoU was signed between the Department of Science and Technology, India, and the National Technological Innovation Authority, Israel, for setting up an India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F).
- India’s Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation signed a MoU with Israel’s Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources on a national campaign for water conservation in India.
- An MoU on state water utility reform was signed between the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources of Israel.
- India-Israel Development Cooperation on a three-year work programme in agriculture from 2018 to 2020.
- A Plan of Cooperation was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in atomic clocks.
- ISRO and ISA signed a MoU on cooperation in GEO-LEO Optical Link.
- ISRO and ISA signed another MoU on cooperation in electric propulsion for small satellites.
India and Israel elevated their ties to the “strategic partnership” level with a vow to do much more together to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism and pitched for strong measures against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.
PM Modi announces launching of flight services from Delhi, Mumbai to Tel Aviv
While addressing the Indian Diaspora in Tel Aviv’s Convention Center, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to start a new flight service connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv and invited youth of Israel to visit India.
- Air India had earlier announced to start direct flight between Delhi and Tel Aviv. The flight service was to start in May 2017 but the launch was delayed as several countries, which fall in the selected route, denied the over flight permission.
- Air India used to operate directs flights to Israel from Delhi until mid-1990s and Mumbai until early 2000. The flights were withdrawn for commercial reasons.
- PM Modi also promised to ease the process of acquiring Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards by Israelis of Indian origin. People of Indian community who have done compulsory army service in Israel will be eligible for OCI cards.
India to open cultural centre in Jewish nation
In a bid to enhance people-to-people contacts between India and Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the setting up of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel.
- PM Modi appreciated the contribution of the Jewish community in India and the Jews of Indian origin in Israel in bringing the two societies closer.
- Earlier, Noah Massil, the founder-president of Central Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel, had said that an announcement to establish an Indian cultural centre in Israel like the one in Cairo (Egypt) would fulfil a long-time dream of the Indian community.
- Massil added that there are about 47 synagogues of the Indian Jewish community and they all can also pitch in with financial support if such a proposal comes up and the government allocates land for an Indian cultural centre.
Quick Facts about Israel:
- Capital: Jerusalem
- Currency: Israeli new shekel
- Current Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
- Current President: Reuven Rivlin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Israel from 4th to 6th July 2017.
- PM Modis’s visit is aimed at commemorating 25 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Israel.
- During the course of this visit, PM Modi held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on all matters of mutual interest.
- He also called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.
- India and Israel signed several agreements for cooperation in diverse areas.
New Israeli Flower Named After PM Modi
During his Israel visit, PM Modi visited the Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Mishmar Hashiva where they were briefed about the latest technologies being used for floriculture.
- Commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, Danziger Flower Farm named the flower Crysanthumun as ‘Modi’, on the name of Prime Minister.
- Crysanthumun is a new fast-growing Israeli flower.
- The Danziger flower farm, founded in 1953 is one of Israel’s leading floriculture companies with approximately 80,000 square meters of state-of-the-art greenhouses specialising in reproduction of plants.
Narendra Modi becomes first Indian PM to visit Israel
PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel from 4th – 6th July, 2017 was the first ever visit of an incumbent Indian prime minister.
- PM Modi was given the red carpet treatment during his trip to Israel.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu accompanied him for almost the entire duration of his visit – an honour usually reserved for visiting US presidents.
- It is to be noted that India has gradually built up counter-terror and trade relations with Israel since diplomatic ties were restored 25 years ago. Currently, India is Israel’s biggest arms market, worth $1bn a year.
Mahindra Telephonics inks pact with Israeli firm
On July 4, 2017, India’s Mahindra Telephonics and Israeli firm Shachaf Engineering signed a MoU to collaborate on design, development and manufacture of strategic electronics for military use.
More Details about MoU between Mahindra Telephonics – Shachaf Engineering:
- The MoU was signed in Tel Aviv on the day when PM Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on official visit.
- Under the deal, Mahindra Telephonics would look to jointly develop strategic electronics and systems for use in aerospace and marine domains with Shachaf Engineering.
- Technology transfer and organisation of training in specific areas, as jointly identified by both the companies, would also be part of the collaboration.
India, Israel resolve to fight menace of terrorism and radicalism
India and Israel have agreed to cooperate to protect their strategic interests and called for strong measures against terror groups and their sponsors.
- As per a joint statement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minsiter Benjamin Netanyahu have recognised that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace and stability and reiterated their strong commitment to combat it in all its forms and manifestations.
- The leaders asserted that strong measures should be taken against terrorists, terror organisations, their networks and all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism, or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups.
- Both leaders also committed to cooperate for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism (CCIT)
PM Modi gifts 2 sets of relics from Kerala to Israeli PM
On July 4, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala, regarded as key artefacts of the long Jewish history in India. The gift comprise two different sets of copper plates that are believed to have been inscribed in 9-10th Century.
Details about PM Modi’s Gifts to Israeli PM:
- The first set of copper plates is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. It is regarded as a charter describing the grant of hereditary royal privileges and prerogatives by the Hindu King, Cheraman Perumal (often identified as Bhaskara Ravi Varma) to the Jewish leader Joseph Rabban.
- According to traditional Jewish accounts, Joseph Rabban was later crowned as the Prince of Shingli, a place in or equated with Cranganore. Cranganore is where Jews enjoyed religious and cultural autonomy for centuries, before they moved to Cochin and other places in Malabar.
- The second set of copper plates is believed to be the earliest documentation of the history of Jewish trade with India. These plates describe the grant of land and tax privileges by the local Hindu ruler to a church.
- The replica of these plates was made possible with the cooperation of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Thiruvalla, Kerala.
India, Israel sign seven agreements, to cooperate in fight against terror
On July 5, 2017, India and Israel signed following Seven Agreements:
- An MoU was signed between the Department of Science and Technology, India, and the National Technological Innovation Authority, Israel, for setting up an India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F).
- India’s Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation signed a MoU with Israel’s Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources on a national campaign for water conservation in India.
- An MoU on state water utility reform was signed between the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources of Israel.
- India-Israel Development Cooperation on a three-year work programme in agriculture from 2018 to 2020.
- A Plan of Cooperation was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in atomic clocks.
- ISRO and ISA signed a MoU on cooperation in GEO-LEO Optical Link.
- ISRO and ISA signed another MoU on cooperation in electric propulsion for small satellites.
India and Israel elevated their ties to the “strategic partnership” level with a vow to do much more together to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism and pitched for strong measures against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.
PM Modi announces launching of flight services from Delhi, Mumbai to Tel Aviv
While addressing the Indian Diaspora in Tel Aviv’s Convention Center, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to start a new flight service connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv and invited youth of Israel to visit India.
- Air India had earlier announced to start direct flight between Delhi and Tel Aviv. The flight service was to start in May 2017 but the launch was delayed as several countries, which fall in the selected route, denied the over flight permission.
- Air India used to operate directs flights to Israel from Delhi until mid-1990s and Mumbai until early 2000. The flights were withdrawn for commercial reasons.
- PM Modi also promised to ease the process of acquiring Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards by Israelis of Indian origin. People of Indian community who have done compulsory army service in Israel will be eligible for OCI cards.
India to open cultural centre in Jewish nation
In a bid to enhance people-to-people contacts between India and Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the setting up of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel.
- PM Modi appreciated the contribution of the Jewish community in India and the Jews of Indian origin in Israel in bringing the two societies closer.
- Earlier, Noah Massil, the founder-president of Central Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel, had said that an announcement to establish an Indian cultural centre in Israel like the one in Cairo (Egypt) would fulfil a long-time dream of the Indian community.
- Massil added that there are about 47 synagogues of the Indian Jewish community and they all can also pitch in with financial support if such a proposal comes up and the government allocates land for an Indian cultural centre.
Quick Facts about Israel:
- Capital: Jerusalem
- Currency: Israeli new shekel
- Current Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
- Current President: Reuven Rivlin
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