India can expect hotter-than-usual temperatures this summer with more heatwave days taking a toll on lives and livelihoods, the weather office warned. "Up to 10 heatwave days or even more can be expected, especially over east India", leading to heat stress, weather bureau boss Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told reporters.
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The re-elected government initiated a revamp of the Income-Tax Act to simplify and ease compliance with TDS provisions. With Budget 2025 approaching, businesses anticipate further rationalisation of TDS rates and reduction of the administrative burden on taxpayers. Technological advancements could also lead to the removal of redundant TDS provisions.
On World Rare Diseases Day, India's focus is on the high cost of treatments for rare diseases due to monopoly drug pricing. The National Policy for Rare Diseases aims to lower costs and promote local drug manufacturing. A patient's court battle for affordable SMA treatment highlights the need for policy implementation and transparent drug pricing.
Union urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that positive news regarding the memorial for former PM Manmohan Singh will emerge within the next two days. Singh's family was expected to visit potential sites at Rajghat, though this remains unconfirmed. This follows the government's recent decision on a site for former President Pranab Mukherjee's memorial.
The CBI has lodged a case against a former deputy secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and six ex-officials of Prasar Bharati in a corruption case. The FIR, registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act, comes on the referral of the Lokpal.
The Times of India's Right to Excellence Online School Summit, held in New Delhi, gathered education stakeholders to discuss the future of online education. Key topics included improving digital infrastructure, enhancing learning experiences, and addressing parental concerns.
The US's increased tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada could benefit Indian exporters in sectors like agriculture, engineering, and textiles. Experts highlight opportunities to source key commodities from Canada at competitive prices. India may propose a "Zero-for-Zero Tariff" arrangement to bolster trade with the US while avoiding comprehensive Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed a bilateral trade agreement discussion with US Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in the US. This follows President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs, citing unfair high tariffs from India and other nations. Trump emphasized equivalent tariffs to level the playing field.
The Telangana assembly passed two significant bills increasing reservations in education, government jobs, and self-governance from 50% to 70%. Proposing 42% for BCs, 18% for SCs, and 10% for STs, the legislation showcases political unity and aims for a constitutional amendment. Empirical data from a state-conducted survey backs this move, challenging the Supreme Court’s existing reservation cap.
Asian refiners, tanker operators, traders, and port executives are facing significant disruptions after the US imposed stricter sanctions on Russia's oil industry. China and India's refiners, major importers of discounted Russian crude, are particularly affected, with China’s teapots considering alternative mechanisms to manage the impact.
The Parliament standing committee on communications and IT has requested a brief note on potential changes to media laws by Feb 17. Following YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's controversial remarks, the committee discussed amending laws to regulate social media and OTT content, aiming to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.