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In a significant move during the 55th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, several tax adjustments were announced to alleviate financial burdens for consumers and businesses. Key reductions include a decrease in GST on fortified rice kernels to 5% when supplied through the Public Distribution System and a complete exemption for gene therapy, making treatments more accessible. Additionally, food preparations for free distribution will also see a 5% GST rate. However, certain items will become more expensive, notably old and used vehicles, which will now incur an 18% GST, up from 12%. Ready-to-eat popcorn and autoclaved aerated concrete blocks will also face increased taxes. Other recommendations include exempting vouchers from GST and clarifying that penalties from banks and NBFCs are not subject to GST. The Council also proposed updates to the definition of pre-packaged goods to enhance regulatory clarity. 
Published: Dec 22 2024, 11 ameznews.inA tragic accident involving a Volvo XC90 near Bengaluru has reignited discussions about road safety, highlighting that even the safest cars cannot guarantee protection against reckless driving. The crash claimed the lives of Chandram Yegapagol, CEO of IAST Software Solutions, and five family members when a container truck, attempting to avoid a suddenly braking vehicle, jumped the highway divider and struck their SUV. Eyewitness accounts reveal the truck driver, Arif, swerved to prevent a collision but ended up causing the fatal incident. As investigations continue, social media has seen an outpouring of calls for improved road safety measures, emphasizing that a combination of safe vehicles, responsible drivers, and well-maintained roads is essential. This incident comes amid alarming statistics from the Indian government, which reported over 1.7 lakh road fatalities last year, prompting Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to stress the need for societal change to address this escalating crisis.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 5 pmeznews.inAt least two people have died following the collapse of a four-storey building in Mohali, Punjab, last evening. A video capturing the moments before the disaster has surfaced as rescue operations, involving the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Team (NDRF), continue for those feared trapped under the debris. The victims have been identified as Drishti Verma, who succumbed to injuries after being rescued, and Abhishek from Ambala, whose body was recovered this morning. Initial investigations suggest that unauthorized excavation work on an adjacent site may have contributed to the collapse, leading authorities to file a case of culpable homicide against the building's owners, Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is overseeing the situation and has promised accountability for those responsible, urging public cooperation during this crisis.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 5 pmeznews.inTelugu actor Allu Arjun attended the premiere of his film "Pushpa 2" in Hyderabad on December 4, despite police denying permission, resulting in a tragic stampede that claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman, with her eight-year-old son currently in a coma. Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that the actor's actions, including waving from his car's sunroof, contributed to the chaos, prompting police to forcibly eject him from the theatre after the incident. Jitender, the Telangana Police chief, emphasized that public safety should take precedence over film promotions. In response, Allu Arjun refuted these claims, asserting he complied with police directives and only waved to fans briefly. He maintained that he sought permission from the theatre management and was unaware of any official orders to leave, insisting he is a law-abiding citizen who would have exited if instructed.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA recent incident in Mumbai has raised questions about traffic law enforcement after a police officer was photographed riding pillion on a two-wheeler with two helmetless riders. The image, shared online by a commuter, highlighted the violation of India's mandatory helmet law as stipulated in the Motor Vehicles Act, Section 129. The vehicle, an Activa marked with a "police" sticker, was captured with the number plate "MH47 AE5165." Social media users expressed concerns over the credibility of law enforcement when officers themselves violate traffic regulations, with one user questioning, "When the enforcer is the offender, who will enforce the enforcer?" In response, the Mumbai Traffic Police confirmed that a challan had been issued for the vehicle, emphasizing the need for police adherence to traffic laws. This incident follows previous reports of police personnel also flouting helmet regulations in Mumbai.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 4 pmeznews.inBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Navya Haridas has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court contesting the election of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat by over five lakh votes in a recent bypoll. Haridas claims that Gandhi Vadra failed to accurately disclose her and her family's assets in her nomination papers, alleging this constitutes corrupt practices under the Model Code of Conduct. The petition, filed by advocate Hari Kumar G Nair, seeks to annul Gandhi Vadra's election, stating she misled voters regarding her financial disclosures. Congress leaders have dismissed the petition as a publicity stunt, expressing confidence it will be rejected. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra declared assets worth over Rs 12 crore in her nomination, including significant movable and immovable properties. The case is expected to be heard in January 2024 after the court's holiday.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 3 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait's highest honour, 'The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,' during his two-day visit to the Gulf nation, marking the 20th international accolade he has received. This prestigious knighthood is typically conferred upon heads of state and members of foreign royal families as a gesture of friendship, with past recipients including Bill Clinton and Prince Charles. The honour was presented at the Bayan Palace, where Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, was in attendance. Modi's visit is particularly significant as it is the first by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in 43 years. The Indian community in Kuwait is eagerly anticipating his address at the 'Hala Modi' event, and earlier, he visited a camp for Gulf Spic employees, acknowledging the vital role of Indian workers in Kuwait's development.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 3 pmeznews.inIn a poignant lecture at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna paid tribute to her late father, former Chief Justice ES Venkataramiah, during a centenary celebration of his birth. Justice Nagarathna, who is poised to become India’s first female Chief Justice, reflected on her father's profound influence on her life and career, emphasizing his strength of character and dedication to justice. She also highlighted her mother, Smt Padma's unwavering support for her father's judicial aspirations, describing her as pragmatic and patient. In her address, Nagarathna recounted a touching anecdote about a chance meeting between two lawyers on a train in 1946, one of whom became President R Venkataraman and the other her father, Chief Justice Venkataramiah, illustrating the interconnectedness of their journeys in law and governance.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 2 pmeznews.inAn excavation team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has uncovered a likely 150-year-old stepwell, or 'baoli', in the Chandausi area of Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, following the reopening of a Shiv-Hanuman temple after 46 years. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya confirmed the discovery of a 400-square-meter structure featuring four chambers, with lower floors made of marble and upper floors constructed from bricks. The excavation was initiated after a public meeting highlighted the potential significance of the site. Currently, only 210 square meters of the stepwell are visible, as much of it remains buried under mud, with plans in place to address encroachment issues. Additionally, an ASI team recently conducted a survey of five shrines and 19 wells in the area, with findings expected to be reported soon.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA four-year-old boy, Ayush Laxman Kinvade, was tragically killed in Mumbai after being struck by a speeding Hyundai Creta driven by 19-year-old Sandeep Gole, who has since been arrested. The incident occurred near Ambedkar College in Wadala, where Ayush's family lives on the footpath; his father is a worker. This accident follows a recent incident in Kurla, where a driver lost control of an electric bus, resulting in seven fatalities and 42 injuries. Maharashtra has been highlighted as one of the states with the highest road accident rates, with over 66,000 deaths reported between 2018 and 2022, according to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The alarming statistics place Uttar Pradesh at the top of the list for road accident deaths, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inDelhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena highlighted "hellish living conditions" during his visit to Rangpuri Pahari and Kapashera, sharing images of overflowing sewers and residents' complaints about high electricity bills. Saxena urged Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Atishi to address the issues, noting inadequate power supply, irregular water access, and poor waste management faced by local residents. He announced a cleanliness drive to commence immediately, emphasizing the need for urgent action to improve living conditions. This criticism comes as AAP campaigns for upcoming Assembly polls, showcasing its achievements despite ongoing disputes with Saxena's office over governance. In response, Kejriwal expressed gratitude for Saxena's observations, promising to rectify the identified shortcomings and improve the areas visited. The exchange underscores the political tensions in Delhi as both parties navigate their respective agendas amidst pressing civic issues.
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