Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath accuses Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav of conspiring against Sanatan Dharma amid allegations of underreporting Maha Kumbh stampede casualties. Adityanath defends the government's actions while opposition demands transparency over the incident's death toll.
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The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a new guidance note on the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) for claiming tax treaty benefits, which will be applied prospectively. The grandfathering provisions under the India-Cyprus, India-Mauritius, and India-Singapore DTAAs remain unaffected by this new PPT provision and will continue to be governed by the specific provisions in their respective treaties.
The Supreme Court has called for a CBI probe into the alleged builder-bank nexus causing distress to homebuyers due to delayed projects. SC wants a detailed proposal from the agency to investigate, stressing the need for quick and effective measures to address the issue.
Kannada actor Ranya Rao was caught smuggling 14.2 kg gold at Bengaluru airport. Her father, DGP Ramachandra Rao, has been sent on 'compulsory leave' to avoid embarrassment. Three central agencies are investigating, with Rao's involvement denied by Ranya, who claims she was coerced into signing documents. The central agencies might summon Rao for questioning.
Rahul Gandhi faces criticism from BJP over his "merit a flawed concept" remark regarding caste census and the Karnataka government's decision to approve a 4% minority quota for Muslim contractors. BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Sambit Patra accuse Gandhi of undermining the value of merit and promoting appeasement politics for personal gain.
The Karnataka cabinet approved amendments to strengthen penalties against cooperative societies and pawnbrokers charging excessive interest rates, following concerns by the state governor. The changes, related to a recent microfinance regulatory ordinance, increase imprisonment terms and fines. The cabinet also discussed the transfer of development rights dispute involving the Mysuru royal family, after a Supreme Court ruling.
Two female Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. A CoBRA commando suffered minor injuries and was transported to Raipur for treatment. The joint operation involved Chhattisgarh and Odisha's security forces and resulted in the recovery of the Naxalites' bodies.
Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala, faces execution in Yemen after being convicted of murdering a Yemeni man. Her family and supporters are desperately seeking a pardon through blood-money negotiations. Despite raising $40,000, Yemen's president has approved her death sentence. Her family and supporters are calling for urgent intervention from the Union Government.
Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 14 fishermen from Rameswaram for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters, raising the total number of detained Indian fishermen to 88 this year. The apprehended fishermen were handed over to Kilinochchi district's fisheries officials and will likely be produced in court.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the Union Budget 2025-26 will be pro-people, pro-poor, and pro-middle class under PM Narendra Modi's leadership. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her eighth consecutive Budget, focusing on fiscal policies, taxation reforms, and significant announcements. The Economic Survey predicts India's economy to grow between 6.3% and 6.8% in the next financial year.
India's International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has become an official inter-governmental organisation aimed at conserving seven big cat species globally. Launched by Prime Minister Modi, the IBCA is now operational with 27 countries consenting to join, including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia.