Government of India rewarded the middle-class. In the new budget income tax slabs remain the same. However surcharge has been imposed on those earning over Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore, by 3% and those earning beyond Rs 5 crore by 7%.

Budget 2019: Government rewards middle-class

Government announces new education policy to bring education to the international level. National Research Foundation will be formed to ensure the strengthening of the research ecosystem in the country. Finance Minister proposes to allocate Rs 400 cr for world-class higher education institutions in FY20.

Budget 2019: Government of India announces new education policy

This segment of WION brings to you latest updates on Indian Union Budget 2019-20 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Watch this video for more information. #Budget2019 #UnionBudget2019 #IndiaBudget2019 #Budget

Modi 2.0, Budget 1.0: Power to all by 2022

In Budget 2019, Nirmala Sitharaman proposes tax rebate to buy electric vehicle. #Budget2019 #UnionBudget2019 #IndiaBudget2019 #Budget

Budget 2019: Nirmala Sitharaman proposes tax rebate to buy electric vehicle

In Budget 2019, Nirmala Sitharaman proposes Aadhaar cards for NRIs on arrival in India. #Budget2019 #UnionBudget2019 #IndiaBudget2019 #Budget

Budget 2019: Nirmala Sitharaman proposes Aadhaar cards for NRIs on arrival in India

In Budget 2019, One woman in every SHG to be eligible for loan upto 1 lakh under Mudra scheme.

Budget 2019: One woman in every SHG to be eligible for loan upto 1 lakh under Mudra scheme

In Budget 2019, Govt will bring New Education Policy at par with international level, says Sitharaman

Budget 2019: Govt will bring New Education Policy at par with international level, says Sitharaman

Budget 2019: 'Time to increase minimum public shareholding in listed companies to 35%'.

Budget 2019: 'Time to increase minimum public shareholding in listed companies to 35%'

Budget 2019: India will become a $3-billion economy this year, says Nirmala Sitharaman.

Budget 2019: India will become a $3-billion economy this year, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman focuses on 'Gaon, Gareeb aur Kisan' in her first Budget in Union Budget 2019-20.

Budget 2019: Nirmala Sitharaman focuses on 'Gaon, Gareeb aur Kisan' in her first Budget

Budget 2019: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sets the 'ball rolling for New India'.

Budget 2019: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sets the 'ball rolling for New India'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2019-20 in Lok Sabha. Watch this video for more in details. #Budget2019 #UnionBudget2019 #IndiaBudget2019 #Budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2019-20 in Lok Sabha

Gross revenue on account of Goods and Services Tax (GST) totalled Rs 99,939 crore in June, up 4.52 per cent from Rs 95,610 crore in the corresponding period of last year, the Central government said on Monday.

Of the GST collection in June, the central GST was Rs 18,366 crore, state GST Rs 25,343 crore, integrated GST Rs 47,772 crore (including Rs 21,980 crore collected on imports) and cess Rs 8,457 crore (including Rs 876 crore collected on imports).

The total number of GSTR 3B returns filed for May up to June 30 was 74.38 lakh.

The government settled Rs 18,169 crore to CGST and Rs 13,613 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement.

The total revenue earned by the Centre and state governments after regular settlement in June is Rs 36,535 crore for CGST and Rs 38,956 crore for the SGST.

The revenue in June 2019 is 1.86 per cent higher than the monthly average of GST revenue in FY 2018-19 which was Rs 98,114 crore, according to an official statement.&nbsp;

Gross revenue on account of Goods and Services Tax (GST) totalled Rs 99,939 crore in June, up 4.52 per cent from Rs 95,610 crore in the corresponding period of last year, the Central government said on Monday.

Gross revenue on account of Goods and Services Tax (GST) totalled Rs 99,939 crore in June, up 4.52 per cent from Rs 95,610 crore in the corresponding period of last year, the Central government said on Monday. Of the GST collection in June, the central GST was Rs 18,366 crore, state GST Rs 25,343 crore, integrated GST Rs 47,772 crore (including Rs 21,980 crore collected on imports) and cess Rs 8,457 crore (including Rs 876 crore collected on imports). The total number of GSTR 3B returns filed for May up to June 30 was 74.38 lakh. The government settled Rs 18,169 crore to CGST and Rs 13,613 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. The total revenue earned by the Centre and state governments after regular settlement in June is Rs 36,535 crore for CGST and Rs 38,956 crore for the SGST. The revenue in June 2019 is 1.86 per cent higher than the monthly average of GST revenue in FY 2018-19 which was Rs 98,114 crore, according to an official statement.

GST revenue collections for June total Rs 99,939 crore

Former finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday that implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime two years ago was a monumental restructuring of one of the world`s clumsiest indirect tax system.

It was not an easy task and challenges to implement it were compounded by outlandish and exaggerated comments of the not so well-informed, he wrote in a blog post.

However, the Centre and states have pooled their fiscal rights in a collective forum to create one common market.

"My own experience of two years while chairing the GST Council was that finance ministers of states, notwithstanding the political position their parties take, have displayed a high level of statesmanship and acted with maturity. The council worked on the principle of consensus. This has added to the credibility of the decision-making process. I am sure this trend will continue in future," wrote Jaitley.

In the pre-GST regime, the states had multiple laws which entitled them to impose taxation at different points. There were twin challenges.

First, to get the states to agree because some of them felt they were losing their fiscal autonomy to tax. Second, to develop a consensus in the Parliament.

Jaitley said the states were scared of the fear of the unknown.

"The critical point which enabled the government to persuade the states was to cushion them with a 14 per cent annual increase from the tax base of 2015-16 for a period of five years."

The GST merged all these 17 different laws and created one single taxation. The pre-GST rate of taxation as a standard rate for the value-added tax was 14.5 per cent, excise at 12.5 per cent and added with the central sales tax and the cascading effect of tax on tax, the tax payable by the consumer was 31 per cent.

Entertainment tax was being levied by states from 35 per cent to 110 per cent.

The assessee had to file multiple returns, entertain multiple inspectors and additionally face the inefficiency with trucks being stranded at state boundaries for days altogether.

"The GST changed this scenario completely. Today, there is only one tax, online returns, no entry tax, no truck queues and no inter-state barriers, said Jaitley. "

After two years, one can confidently argue, without fear of contradiction that GST proved to be both consumer and assessee friendly.

The last two years have seen each of the GST Council meetings reducing the tax burden on consumers as the tax collections improved. An efficient tax system certainly leads to better compliance.

The 31 per cent tax, which was temporarily 28 per cent, has seen the largest single reform.

Most items of consumer use have been brought in the 18 per cent, 12 per cent and even 5 per cent category. Only luxury and sin goods remain in addition to some white goods.

The assessee base in the last two years has increased by 84 per cent. The number of assessees covered by the GST was around 65 lakh. Today, they are at 1.2 crores. This obviously leads to higher revenue collections.

In the eight months of 2017-18 (July to March), the average revenue collected per month was Rs 89,700 crore per month. In the next year (2018-19), the monthly average has increased by about 10 per cent to Rs.97,100 crore.

The fear of the states today is that for the first five years they get a guaranteed 14 per cent increase. The lurking doubt is as to what will happen after five years? Every state has been paid its share of tax as also from the compensation fund if necessary.

"We have just completed two years of GST. Already after the second year, 20 states are independently showing more than a 14 per cent increase in their revenues and the compensation fund in their case is not necessary,"&nbsp;said Jaitley.&nbsp;

Former finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday that implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime two years ago was a monumental restructuring of one of the world`s clumsiest indirect tax system.

Former finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday that implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime two years ago was a monumental restructuring of one of the world`s clumsiest indirect tax system. It was not an easy task and challenges to implement it were compounded by outlandish and exaggerated comments of the not so well-informed, he wrote in a blog post. However, the Centre and states have pooled their fiscal rights in a collective forum to create one common market. "My own experience of two years while chairing the GST Council was that finance ministers of states, notwithstanding the political position their parties take, have displayed a high level of statesmanship and acted with maturity. The council worked on the principle of consensus. This has added to the credibility of the decision-making process. I am sure this trend will continue in future," wrote Jaitley. In the pre-GST regime, the states had multiple laws which entitled them to impose taxation at different points. There were twin challenges. First, to get the states to agree because some of them felt they were losing their fiscal autonomy to tax. Second, to develop a consensus in the Parliament. Jaitley said the states were scared of the fear of the unknown. "The critical point which enabled the government to persuade the states was to cushion them with a 14 per cent annual increase from the tax base of 2015-16 for a period of five years." The GST merged all these 17 different laws and created one single taxation. The pre-GST rate of taxation as a standard rate for the value-added tax was 14.5 per cent, excise at 12.5 per cent and added with the central sales tax and the cascading effect of tax on tax, the tax payable by the consumer was 31 per cent. Entertainment tax was being levied by states from 35 per cent to 110 per cent. The assessee had to file multiple returns, entertain multiple inspectors and additionally face the inefficiency with trucks being stranded at state boundaries for days altogether. "The GST changed this scenario completely. Today, there is only one tax, online returns, no entry tax, no truck queues and no inter-state barriers, said Jaitley. " After two years, one can confidently argue, without fear of contradiction that GST proved to be both consumer and assessee friendly. The last two years have seen each of the GST Council meetings reducing the tax burden on consumers as the tax collections improved. An efficient tax system certainly leads to better compliance. The 31 per cent tax, which was temporarily 28 per cent, has seen the largest single reform. Most items of consumer use have been brought in the 18 per cent, 12 per cent and even 5 per cent category. Only luxury and sin goods remain in addition to some white goods. The assessee base in the last two years has increased by 84 per cent. The number of assessees covered by the GST was around 65 lakh. Today, they are at 1.2 crores. This obviously leads to higher revenue collections. In the eight months of 2017-18 (July to March), the average revenue collected per month was Rs 89,700 crore per month. In the next year (2018-19), the monthly average has increased by about 10 per cent to Rs.97,100 crore. The fear of the states today is that for the first five years they get a guaranteed 14 per cent increase. The lurking doubt is as to what will happen after five years? Every state has been paid its share of tax as also from the compensation fund if necessary. "We have just completed two years of GST. Already after the second year, 20 states are independently showing more than a 14 per cent increase in their revenues and the compensation fund in their case is not necessary," said Jaitley.

GST restructured one of the world's clumsiest indirect tax system: Arun Jaitley

The all-powerful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gst-revenue-collections-cross-rs-1-lakh-crore-in-may-223440">GST</a> Council Friday extended the tenure of the anti-profiteering authority by two years and approved imposing a penalty of up to 10 per cent on entities not passing on benefits of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/impact-of-gst-on-the-formal-sector-179287">GST </a>rate cuts to consumers.

Briefing reporters after the 35th meeting of the Council, Revenue Secretary A B Pandey said it has been decided to allow the use of Aadhaar by businesses to register with GST-Network.

Also, it extended the date for filing annual returns under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime by two months to August 30, he said, adding the one-form new GST return filing system will be applicable from January 1, 2020.

The Council, which is headed by the Union Finance Minister and comprises representatives of all states and UTs, also approved an electronic invoicing system and e-ticketing in multiplexes.

Pandey said the proposal to reduce GST rate on EVs to 5 per cent from the current 12 per cent and that on electric charger to 12 per cent from 18 per cent to the fitment committee for fine-tuning.

The tenure of National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) has been extended by two years till November 30, 2021.

Soon after the GST was rolled out from July 1, 2017, the government had approved setting up the NAA for two years to deal with complaints by consumers against companies for not passing on GST rate cut benefits.

The NAA came into existence on November 30, 2017, after its Chairman B N Sharma assumed charge. So far, the NAA has passed 67 orders in various cases and complaints still keep coming in.

The all-powerful GST Council Friday extended the tenure of the anti-profiteering authority by two years and approved imposing a penalty of up to 10 per cent on entities not passing on benefits of GST rate cuts to consumers.

The all-powerful GST Council Friday extended the tenure of the anti-profiteering authority by two years and approved imposing a penalty of up to 10 per cent on entities not passing on benefits of GST rate cuts to consumers. Briefing reporters after the 35th meeting of the Council, Revenue Secretary A B Pandey said it has been decided to allow the use of Aadhaar by businesses to register with GST-Network. Also, it extended the date for filing annual returns under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime by two months to August 30, he said, adding the one-form new GST return filing system will be applicable from January 1, 2020. The Council, which is headed by the Union Finance Minister and comprises representatives of all states and UTs, also approved an electronic invoicing system and e-ticketing in multiplexes. Pandey said the proposal to reduce GST rate on EVs to 5 per cent from the current 12 per cent and that on electric charger to 12 per cent from 18 per cent to the fitment committee for fine-tuning. The tenure of National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) has been extended by two years till November 30, 2021. Soon after the GST was rolled out from July 1, 2017, the government had approved setting up the NAA for two years to deal with complaints by consumers against companies for not passing on GST rate cut benefits. The NAA came into existence on November 30, 2017, after its Chairman B N Sharma assumed charge. So far, the NAA has passed 67 orders in various cases and complaints still keep coming in.

GST Council extends anti-profiteering authority's tenure, sends rate cut on EVs to fitment panel

Gross revenue on account of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in May totalled Rs 100,289 crore, up by 6.67 per cent from Rs 94,016 crore in the corresponding period of last year, the government said on Saturday.

The revenue in May 2019 is 2.21 per cent higher than the monthly average of GST revenue in fiscal 2018-19, which is Rs 98,114 crore.

Of this, Central GST in May 2019 was Rs 17,811 crore, States GST Rs 24,462 crore and Integrated GST Rs 49,891 crore (including Rs 24,875 crore collected on imports) and cess is Rs 8,125 crore (including Rs 953 crore collected on imports).

The government settled Rs 18,098 crore to CGST and Rs 14,438 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement.

The total revenue earned by the Centre and state governments after regular settlement in May 2019 works out to Rs 35,909 crore for CGST and Rs 38,900 crore for the SGST.

The total number of GSTR 3B returns filed for April up to May 31 is 72.45 lakh, according to an official statement.

An amount of Rs 18,934 crore has been released to the states as GST compensation for February and March.

Gross revenue on account of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in May totalled Rs 100,289 crore, up by 6.67 per cent from Rs 94,016 crore in the corresponding period of last year, the government said on Saturday.

Gross revenue on account of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in May totalled Rs 100,289 crore, up by 6.67 per cent from Rs 94,016 crore in the corresponding period of last year, the government said on Saturday. The revenue in May 2019 is 2.21 per cent higher than the monthly average of GST revenue in fiscal 2018-19, which is Rs 98,114 crore. Of this, Central GST in May 2019 was Rs 17,811 crore, States GST Rs 24,462 crore and Integrated GST Rs 49,891 crore (including Rs 24,875 crore collected on imports) and cess is Rs 8,125 crore (including Rs 953 crore collected on imports). The government settled Rs 18,098 crore to CGST and Rs 14,438 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. The total revenue earned by the Centre and state governments after regular settlement in May 2019 works out to Rs 35,909 crore for CGST and Rs 38,900 crore for the SGST. The total number of GSTR 3B returns filed for April up to May 31 is 72.45 lakh, according to an official statement. An amount of Rs 18,934 crore has been released to the states as GST compensation for February and March.

GST revenue collections cross Rs 1 lakh crore in May

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-will-be-wasting-her-time-campaigning-in-the-national-capital-kejriwal-216999">invoked her Delhi roots</a> during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-will-stop-flow-of-our-share-of-water-to-pakistan-pm-modi-at-kurukshetra-poll-rally-217039">Narendra Modi</a> to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ncpcr-notice-to-priyanka-gandhi-over-use-of-children-in-electioneering-215473">Priyanka Gandhi</a>, 47, said she was born in Delhi and knows the city like the back of her hand.

She held two roadshows in a span of four hours in favour of party candidates from the Northeast Delhi and the South Delhi constituencies -- Sheila Dikshit and Vijender Singh.&nbsp;

During her first roadshow in support of Dikshit, she said the people of the city were tired of Modi's "purposeless talk".

"Being a Delhi girl, I challenge you to fight the last two phases on the issues of demonetisation, GST, women security and the false promises you made to the people of the country," she said, as the crowd clapped, cheered and whistled.

Modi had challenged the Congress to fight the last two phases in the name of Rajiv Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi's father and former prime minister who he has described as "Bhrashtachari No 1" (corrupt no 1).

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Priyanka Gandhi said Modi has been shifting the blame on former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, like a school child trying to escape punishment from teachers.&nbsp;

She also accused Modi of "destroying" institutions and the BJP of "playing politics in the name of religion".

Perched atop a minibus, she said, "I cannot disrespect you (people of Delhi). We are not arrogant like BJP. We know you have made us what we are today."

"Modi ji has been in Delhi for five years. I was born in the city. I have seen every bylane, every nook and cranny of the city. I will tell you (Modi) what the people of Delhi think. They (people) are tired of your purposeless talk. You keep yourself confined to your Race Course Road residence," she said.

The prime minister's officials residence is 7, Race Course Road. The name of the road was changed to Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016.

Priyanka Gandhi accused Modi of indulging in negative politics and said he cannot give a direct answer to questions asked about the work he did in the past five years.

Raking up the issue of GST, she said the new indirect tax regime broke the back of businessmen.

The AICC general secretary also referred to the BJP's 2014 poll promises, including that of providing two&nbsp;crore jobs every year.

"You talk about nationalism. Is securing a better future for the youth of the country, not nationalism?" she asked.

She asked the crowd if they got the jobs to which the people responded in the negative.

"He (Modi) failed to protect soldiers, youths and women but who will hold him accountable and who will seek answers from him," she asked the gathering which replied, "We will."

"You have to vote and strengthen yourself. He (Modi) is destroying all institutions and they (BJP) are playing politics in the name of religion. Delhi is the heart of the nation. Raise your voice...We have had enough," she said.

The roadshow started in Seelampur, a minority-dominated area, and meandered with a sea of people towards the Yamuna Vihar depot, where it culminated.

The Congress leaders waved at the ebullient hordes of supporters who raised slogans "Desh me andhi, Priyanka Gandhi" Gandhi&nbsp;and "Priyanka nahi ye andhi hai dusri Indira Gandhi hai''.&nbsp;

As people jostled with each other to catch a glimpse of Priyanka Gandhi, women in the balconies of the houses lining the streets showered her with bucket loads of rose petals.

Her cavalcade curled through the lanes amid a cacophony of claps, hooting, sloganeering and drum beating.

"Sanitation is the main issue here. Manoj Tiwari (the BJP MP seeking reelection from the seat) was never seen here. (Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal cannot run the government," said Zubair Ahmed, a resident of Seelampur.

Priyanka Gandhi also held another roadshow in support of the party's candidate for the South Delhi seat, Vijender Singh.

The hour-long roadshow began from Virat Cinema and culminated at the Tigri traffic intersection, after winding its way through people-filled streets.

Slogans of "Boxer bhai zindabad, Priyanka Gandhi zindabad" rented the air, as the two leaders waved at the elated crowd that included people of all ages.

"When I see her, she reminds me of Indira Gandhi. And her entering politics has lent fresh energy to Congress. Our party will do well," Om Wati, 54, a former municipal councillor of Delhi, said.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday invoked her Delhi roots during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday invoked her Delhi roots during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people. Priyanka Gandhi, 47, said she was born in Delhi and knows the city like the back of her hand. She held two roadshows in a span of four hours in favour of party candidates from the Northeast Delhi and the South Delhi constituencies -- Sheila Dikshit and Vijender Singh. During her first roadshow in support of Dikshit, she said the people of the city were tired of Modi's "purposeless talk". "Being a Delhi girl, I challenge you to fight the last two phases on the issues of demonetisation, GST, women security and the false promises you made to the people of the country," she said, as the crowd clapped, cheered and whistled. Modi had challenged the Congress to fight the last two phases in the name of Rajiv Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi's father and former prime minister who he has described as "Bhrashtachari No 1" (corrupt no 1). × Priyanka Gandhi said Modi has been shifting the blame on former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, like a school child trying to escape punishment from teachers. She also accused Modi of "destroying" institutions and the BJP of "playing politics in the name of religion". Perched atop a minibus, she said, "I cannot disrespect you (people of Delhi). We are not arrogant like BJP. We know you have made us what we are today." "Modi ji has been in Delhi for five years. I was born in the city. I have seen every bylane, every nook and cranny of the city. I will tell you (Modi) what the people of Delhi think. They (people) are tired of your purposeless talk. You keep yourself confined to your Race Course Road residence," she said. The prime minister's officials residence is 7, Race Course Road. The name of the road was changed to Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016. Priyanka Gandhi accused Modi of indulging in negative politics and said he cannot give a direct answer to questions asked about the work he did in the past five years. Raking up the issue of GST, she said the new indirect tax regime broke the back of businessmen. The AICC general secretary also referred to the BJP's 2014 poll promises, including that of providing two crore jobs every year. "You talk about nationalism. Is securing a better future for the youth of the country, not nationalism?" she asked. She asked the crowd if they got the jobs to which the people responded in the negative. "He (Modi) failed to protect soldiers, youths and women but who will hold him accountable and who will seek answers from him," she asked the gathering which replied, "We will." "You have to vote and strengthen yourself. He (Modi) is destroying all institutions and they (BJP) are playing politics in the name of religion. Delhi is the heart of the nation. Raise your voice...We have had enough," she said. The roadshow started in Seelampur, a minority-dominated area, and meandered with a sea of people towards the Yamuna Vihar depot, where it culminated. The Congress leaders waved at the ebullient hordes of supporters who raised slogans "Desh me andhi, Priyanka Gandhi" Gandhi and "Priyanka nahi ye andhi hai dusri Indira Gandhi hai''. As people jostled with each other to catch a glimpse of Priyanka Gandhi, women in the balconies of the houses lining the streets showered her with bucket loads of rose petals. Her cavalcade curled through the lanes amid a cacophony of claps, hooting, sloganeering and drum beating. "Sanitation is the main issue here. Manoj Tiwari (the BJP MP seeking reelection from the seat) was never seen here. (Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal cannot run the government," said Zubair Ahmed, a resident of Seelampur. Priyanka Gandhi also held another roadshow in support of the party's candidate for the South Delhi seat, Vijender Singh. The hour-long roadshow began from Virat Cinema and culminated at the Tigri traffic intersection, after winding its way through people-filled streets. Slogans of "Boxer bhai zindabad, Priyanka Gandhi zindabad" rented the air, as the two leaders waved at the elated crowd that included people of all ages. "When I see her, she reminds me of Indira Gandhi. And her entering politics has lent fresh energy to Congress. Our party will do well," Om Wati, 54, a former municipal councillor of Delhi, said.

Priyanka Gandhi invokes Delhi roots, challenges PM Modi to fight elections on false promises

Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/poll-scam-money-used-for-naamdars-campaign-pm-modi-targets-rahul-gandhi-213678"> Narendra Modi</a> Friday said opposition leaders are in a race to support Pakistan on the issue of military operations against terror camps in the neighbouring country.

Addressing an election rally in Jabalpur, he said after completion of voting in more than 300 Lok Sabha seats, his opponents have accepted that there is a (Modi) "wave" and have knelt before it.

Modi told the gathering that their votes in favour of the BJP in 2014 made India strong and forced the world to look at the country with a different perspective.

"Your one vote has made the country strong and changed the outlook of the world towards India in the last five years," Modi said.

The PM said the opposition has always stood against India's stance on key issues with other countries.

"They always stood in opposition to the countrys stand. Opposition leaders are in a race to support Pakistan on the issue of surgical strike, air strike or Doklam dispute (with China in 2017)," he said.

Speaking on the issue of terrorism, Modi said military operations against terror camps launched under his watch were just "trailer"".

"India is changing now. We have killed them (terrorists) by entering into their den. And whatever we have done is just a trailer, a sample. We have to wipe out terrorism from its roots," the prime minister said.

Modi said after the end of three phases of Lok Sabha polls, covering 303 seats, it is clear which way people have voted.

"The mandate for 300 seats is in. Those who were saying there was no wave, have now realised (that public opinion in favour of the BJP) and have now knelt before it," the prime minister said.

"A sea of people undeterred by the scorching heat have gathered here...This shows they have joined hands for a building a new India," he said, pointing to the large crowd gathered at the rally.

Modi said his government implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in larger public interest and to boost the nations tax collection.

"The Congress mentioned about implementing the GST regime three times its manifesto but couldn't do so as it lacked (political) will," he added.

The rally was organised in support of BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Jabalpur Rakesh Singh, who is the sitting MP from the seat. Singh is also Madhya Pradesh BJP president.

Madhya Pradesh, which has 29 Lok Sabha seats, will vote in four phases starting from April 29.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said opposition leaders are in a race to support Pakistan on the issue of military operations against terror camps in the neighbouring country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said opposition leaders are in a race to support Pakistan on the issue of military operations against terror camps in the neighbouring country. Addressing an election rally in Jabalpur, he said after completion of voting in more than 300 Lok Sabha seats, his opponents have accepted that there is a (Modi) "wave" and have knelt before it. Modi told the gathering that their votes in favour of the BJP in 2014 made India strong and forced the world to look at the country with a different perspective. "Your one vote has made the country strong and changed the outlook of the world towards India in the last five years," Modi said. The PM said the opposition has always stood against India's stance on key issues with other countries. "They always stood in opposition to the countrys stand. Opposition leaders are in a race to support Pakistan on the issue of surgical strike, air strike or Doklam dispute (with China in 2017)," he said. Speaking on the issue of terrorism, Modi said military operations against terror camps launched under his watch were just "trailer"". "India is changing now. We have killed them (terrorists) by entering into their den. And whatever we have done is just a trailer, a sample. We have to wipe out terrorism from its roots," the prime minister said. Modi said after the end of three phases of Lok Sabha polls, covering 303 seats, it is clear which way people have voted. "The mandate for 300 seats is in. Those who were saying there was no wave, have now realised (that public opinion in favour of the BJP) and have now knelt before it," the prime minister said. "A sea of people undeterred by the scorching heat have gathered here...This shows they have joined hands for a building a new India," he said, pointing to the large crowd gathered at the rally. Modi said his government implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in larger public interest and to boost the nations tax collection. "The Congress mentioned about implementing the GST regime three times its manifesto but couldn't do so as it lacked (political) will," he added. The rally was organised in support of BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Jabalpur Rakesh Singh, who is the sitting MP from the seat. Singh is also Madhya Pradesh BJP president. Madhya Pradesh, which has 29 Lok Sabha seats, will vote in four phases starting from April 29.

Those who said there is no 'wave' have now knelt before it: PM Modi

Congress president <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-nyay-to-undo-the-anyay-of-narendra-modi-govt-rahul-gandhi-209114&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDiu20_9vhAhVMv48KHc-IDGcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0OBhYm2S8hoQBMMlAFOdjc">Rahul Gandhi </a>Friday said his party's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-do-nyay-to-governments-of-the-great-mgr-asks-pm-modi-in-tamil-nadu-210024&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDiu20_9vhAhVMv48KHc-IDGcQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw35HDg1-OkF1few_h-N9NIO">'Nyay'</a> scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government.

Addressing a poll rally in Gujarat, Gandhi repeated his "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman if thief) jibe to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged he has given Rs 30,000 crore to businessman Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

"We have promised to give Rs 72,000 crore (a year) to poor people under the Nyay scheme which will change the economic condition of the poor in the country," he said.

Gandhi said the scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) - a key feature of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls - was devised after consultations within the party.

"I had called all the economists of the Congress party and asked them what is the amount that we can give to the poor people of the country.

"They came up with the figure of Rs 72,000," he said, adding Modi had in 2014 made a false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to people, but the Congress will definitely give Rs 3.60 lakh (estimated cost of `Nyay').

The Congress chief attacked the Modi government over its 2016 note-ban exercise.

"One fine day, Narendra Modi announced that notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 have been scrapped as they do not help me create more black money. So I will introduce a new note of Rs 2,000 as through it we can make more black money," Gandhi said, mocking the demonetisation move.

"They&nbsp;introduced Gabbar Singh Tax. Both the steps were big blows to our economy," he said, criticising the BJP- led government over its implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST).

"Common people had stopped purchasing goods after demonetisation due to cash crunch, so Indian companies producing goods were closed down. Hence, the unemployment rate is highest at 45 per cent in the country now," Gandhi said.

"However, our Nyay scheme will revive the economy and create more jobs. Money that will go to people under the Nyay scheme will help people purchase things, our companies will be revived and people will get a job," he said.

Gandhi said the Modi government is working for a few rich industrialists.

"This government works for rich industrialists only. Do common people require chowkidar? Chowkidar is not required in front of the house of farmers.&nbsp; 
This is Anil Ambani's chowkidar," Gandhi, said targeting Modi.

"The chowkidar gave Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani. Chowkidar chors hai," the Congress said, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal with France.

Anil Ambani has rejected Gandhi's allegations and emphasised that the government had no role in the Rafale- manufacturer French company Dassault picking up his company as a local partner.

"Under the new crop insurance scheme, the government has given districts and states to a few rich industrialists. Modi has given the entire Kashmir to Anil Ambani," he said.

Gandhi said if his party comes to power, it will bring a law to ensure farmers do not go to jail if they default on the payment of loans.

He said the Congress governments, after coming to power, waived loans of farmers in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

"Narendra Modi does not have money to waive farmer loans, but they have money to waive loans taken by big industrialists," Gandhi said.

He was addressing the poll rally at Bajipura in Bardoli district from where Congress candidate Tushar Chaudhary is fighting polls.

The Congress chief had addressed two rallies Thursday in Gujarat - one in Vanthli in Junagadh district and the other at Bhuj in Kutch district.

Speaking to reporters Thursday night, Gandhi had said an undercurrent in favour of the Congress was evident in the entire country and Modi is losing the 2019 elections.

All the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will vote in a single phase on

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said his party's 'Nyay' scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said his party's 'Nyay' scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government. Addressing a poll rally in Gujarat, Gandhi repeated his "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman if thief) jibe to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged he has given Rs 30,000 crore to businessman Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter jet deal. "We have promised to give Rs 72,000 crore (a year) to poor people under the Nyay scheme which will change the economic condition of the poor in the country," he said. Gandhi said the scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) - a key feature of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls - was devised after consultations within the party. "I had called all the economists of the Congress party and asked them what is the amount that we can give to the poor people of the country. "They came up with the figure of Rs 72,000," he said, adding Modi had in 2014 made a false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to people, but the Congress will definitely give Rs 3.60 lakh (estimated cost of `Nyay'). The Congress chief attacked the Modi government over its 2016 note-ban exercise. "One fine day, Narendra Modi announced that notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 have been scrapped as they do not help me create more black money. So I will introduce a new note of Rs 2,000 as through it we can make more black money," Gandhi said, mocking the demonetisation move. "They introduced Gabbar Singh Tax. Both the steps were big blows to our economy," he said, criticising the BJP- led government over its implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST). "Common people had stopped purchasing goods after demonetisation due to cash crunch, so Indian companies producing goods were closed down. Hence, the unemployment rate is highest at 45 per cent in the country now," Gandhi said. "However, our Nyay scheme will revive the economy and create more jobs. Money that will go to people under the Nyay scheme will help people purchase things, our companies will be revived and people will get a job," he said. Gandhi said the Modi government is working for a few rich industrialists. "This government works for rich industrialists only. Do common people require chowkidar? Chowkidar is not required in front of the house of farmers. This is Anil Ambani's chowkidar," Gandhi, said targeting Modi. "The chowkidar gave Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani. Chowkidar chors hai," the Congress said, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal with France. Anil Ambani has rejected Gandhi's allegations and emphasised that the government had no role in the Rafale- manufacturer French company Dassault picking up his company as a local partner. "Under the new crop insurance scheme, the government has given districts and states to a few rich industrialists. Modi has given the entire Kashmir to Anil Ambani," he said. Gandhi said if his party comes to power, it will bring a law to ensure farmers do not go to jail if they default on the payment of loans. He said the Congress governments, after coming to power, waived loans of farmers in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. "Narendra Modi does not have money to waive farmer loans, but they have money to waive loans taken by big industrialists," Gandhi said. He was addressing the poll rally at Bajipura in Bardoli district from where Congress candidate Tushar Chaudhary is fighting polls. The Congress chief had addressed two rallies Thursday in Gujarat - one in Vanthli in Junagadh district and the other at Bhuj in Kutch district. Speaking to reporters Thursday night, Gandhi had said an undercurrent in favour of the Congress was evident in the entire country and Modi is losing the 2019 elections. All the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will vote in a single phase on

'Nyay' will revive economy, create jobs, says Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat rally

National Real Estate Development Council lauded the Goods and Services Tax <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/relief-for-homebuyers-gst-on-under-construction-flats-slashed-to-5-affordable-housing-to-attract-1-199371">rate cut on real estate announced on Sunday</a>.

The council's national president Niranjan Hiranandani said, "Industry lauds the GST rate cut on real estate to 5 per cent on non-affordable and 1 per cent on affordable housing without the input tax credit. This will bring big relief to the home buyers."

However, he added that the rate on cement was expected to get reduced but that did not happen.

Hiranandani added, "The GST rate on cement has not been reduced as was expected, at 28 per cent it remains among the highest taxed inputs for construction."

In an attempt to give a boost to the real estate sector, the GST Council on Sunday decided to reduce the tax on affordable housing properties without input tax credit to one per cent.

The effective GST of 5 per cent shall be applicable without ITC on residential properties outside the affordable segment, which was also decided by the GST Council at its 33rd meeting.

According to a press statement issued after the GST Council meeting, the definition of affordable housing shall be "a residential house/flat of carpet area up to 90 sqm (square meter) in non-metropolitan cities and towns and 60 sqm in metropolitan cities having value up to Rs 45 lakh, both for metropolitan and non-metropolitan cities."

"Metropolitan cities are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR (limited to Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad), Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai (whole of MMR or Mumbai Metropolitan Region,"&nbsp;said the statement.

"Intermediate tax on development right such as TDR (transfer of development rights), JDA (joint development agreements), (lease premium), FSI (floor space index) shall be exempted only for such residential property on which the GST is payable,"&nbsp;further stated the statement.

National Real Estate Development Council lauded the Goods and Services Tax rate cut on real estate announced on Sunday. The council's national president Niranjan Hiranandani said, "Industry lauds the GST rate cut on real estate to 5 per cent on non-affordable and 1 per cent on affordable housing without the input tax credit.

National Real Estate Development Council lauded the Goods and Services Tax rate cut on real estate announced on Sunday. The council's national president Niranjan Hiranandani said, "Industry lauds the GST rate cut on real estate to 5 per cent on non-affordable and 1 per cent on affordable housing without the input tax credit. This will bring big relief to the home buyers." However, he added that the rate on cement was expected to get reduced but that did not happen. Hiranandani added, "The GST rate on cement has not been reduced as was expected, at 28 per cent it remains among the highest taxed inputs for construction." In an attempt to give a boost to the real estate sector, the GST Council on Sunday decided to reduce the tax on affordable housing properties without input tax credit to one per cent. The effective GST of 5 per cent shall be applicable without ITC on residential properties outside the affordable segment, which was also decided by the GST Council at its 33rd meeting. According to a press statement issued after the GST Council meeting, the definition of affordable housing shall be "a residential house/flat of carpet area up to 90 sqm (square meter) in non-metropolitan cities and towns and 60 sqm in metropolitan cities having value up to Rs 45 lakh, both for metropolitan and non-metropolitan cities." "Metropolitan cities are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR (limited to Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad), Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai (whole of MMR or Mumbai Metropolitan Region," said the statement. "Intermediate tax on development right such as TDR (transfer of development rights), JDA (joint development agreements), (lease premium), FSI (floor space index) shall be exempted only for such residential property on which the GST is payable," further stated the statement.

National Real Estate Development Council lauds GST rate cut

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-compares-child-sex-abuse-to-human-sacrifice-199347">Pope Francis compares child sex abuse to 'human sacrifice', says Church would bring abusers to justice</a>

Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit to tackle paedophilia.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/relief-for-homebuyers-gst-on-under-construction-flats-slashed-to-5-affordable-housing-to-attract-1-199371">Relief for homebuyers: GST on under-construction flats slashed to 5%; affordable housing to attract 1%</a>

In a big relief to home buyers, the GST Council Sunday slashed tax rates on under-construction housing properties to 5 per cent without the input tax credit, from the existing 12 per cent, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-4-people-die-in-venezuela-border-clashes-juan-guaido-proposes-to-consider-all-options-to-oust-maduro-199344">Venezuela: Guaido urges Washington to consider 'all options' to oust Maduro as 4 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-4-people-die-in-venezuela-border-clashes-juan-guaido-proposes-to-consider-all-options-to-oust-maduro-199344">die</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-4-people-die-in-venezuela-border-clashes-juan-guaido-proposes-to-consider-all-options-to-oust-maduro-199344"> in clashes</a>

Troops loyal to President Nicolas Maduro violently drove back foreign aid convoys from Venezuela's border on Saturday, killing four protesters and prompting opposition leader Juan Guaido to propose that Washington consider "all options" to oust him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-should-be-isolated-like-it-happened-with-south-africa-during-apartheid-vinod-rai-199334">Pakistan should be isolated </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-should-be-isolated-like-it-happened-with-south-africa-during-apartheid-vinod-rai-199334">like</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-should-be-isolated-like-it-happened-with-south-africa-during-apartheid-vinod-rai-199334"> it happened with South Africa during apartheid: Vinod Rai</a>

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-us-sceptics-as-kim-heads-for-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-199370">North Korea warns US sceptics as Kim heads for Vietnam for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-us-sceptics-as-kim-heads-for-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-199370">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-us-sceptics-as-kim-heads-for-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-199370"> with Trump</a>

North Korea warned President Donald Trump on Sunday not to listen to US critics who were disrupting efforts to improve ties, as its leader, Kim Jong Un, made his way across China by train to a second summit with Trump in Vietnam.

&nbsp;

Pope Francis compares child sex abuse to 'human sacrifice', says Church would bring abusers to justice Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit to tackle paedophilia.

Pope Francis compares child sex abuse to 'human sacrifice', says Church would bring abusers to justice Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit to tackle paedophilia. Relief for homebuyers: GST on under-construction flats slashed to 5%; affordable housing to attract 1% In a big relief to home buyers, the GST Council Sunday slashed tax rates on under-construction housing properties to 5 per cent without the input tax credit, from the existing 12 per cent, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. Venezuela: Guaido urges Washington to consider 'all options' to oust Maduro as 4 die in clashes Troops loyal to President Nicolas Maduro violently drove back foreign aid convoys from Venezuela's border on Saturday, killing four protesters and prompting opposition leader Juan Guaido to propose that Washington consider "all options" to oust him. Pakistan should be isolated like it happened with South Africa during apartheid: Vinod Rai Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid. North Korea warns US sceptics as Kim heads for Vietnam for summit with Trump North Korea warned President Donald Trump on Sunday not to listen to US critics who were disrupting efforts to improve ties, as its leader, Kim Jong Un, made his way across China by train to a second summit with Trump in Vietnam.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a big relief to home buyers, the GST Council Sunday slashed tax rates on under-construction housing properties to 5 per cent without the input tax credit, from the existing 12 per cent, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

The Council also cut GST rates on affordable housing to 1 per cent from the current 8 per cent and expanded the scope of affordable housing to those costing up to Rs 45 lakh and measuring 60 sq metre in metros and 90 sq metre in non-metro cities.

The new tax rates will come into effect from April 1, 2019.

Currently, the GST is levied at 12 per cent on payments made for under-construction properties or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.

However, builders will not be able to claim an input tax credit (ITC) under the new GST rates.

"This (GST reduction) decision will certainly give a boost to the construction sector," Jaitley told reporters.

However, Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not levied on real estate properties for which completion certificate has been issued at the time of sale.

With regard to lotteries, the GST Council, however, deferred its decision with Jaitley saying that the Group of Ministers (GoM) will meet again to discuss the proposal.

Currently, state-run lotteries attract 12 per cent GST, while state-authorised ones attract 28 per cent.

In a big relief to home buyers, the GST Council Sunday slashed tax rates on under-construction housing properties to 5 per cent without the input tax credit, from the existing 12 per cent, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

In a big relief to home buyers, the GST Council Sunday slashed tax rates on under-construction housing properties to 5 per cent without the input tax credit, from the existing 12 per cent, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. The Council also cut GST rates on affordable housing to 1 per cent from the current 8 per cent and expanded the scope of affordable housing to those costing up to Rs 45 lakh and measuring 60 sq metre in metros and 90 sq metre in non-metro cities. The new tax rates will come into effect from April 1, 2019. Currently, the GST is levied at 12 per cent on payments made for under-construction properties or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale. However, builders will not be able to claim an input tax credit (ITC) under the new GST rates. "This (GST reduction) decision will certainly give a boost to the construction sector," Jaitley told reporters. However, Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not levied on real estate properties for which completion certificate has been issued at the time of sale. With regard to lotteries, the GST Council, however, deferred its decision with Jaitley saying that the Group of Ministers (GoM) will meet again to discuss the proposal. Currently, state-run lotteries attract 12 per cent GST, while state-authorised ones attract 28 per cent.

Relief for homebuyers: GST on under-construction flats slashed to 5%; affordable housing to attract 1%

Urban local bodies and state development authorities should be made responsible for any delay in giving approvals to real estate projects, just as developers are held accountable for not completing houses on time under the new reaity law RERA, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Thursday.

Addressing a real estate conference organised by CREDAI here, he asked developers to evolve an internal self-regulation mechanism and improve their image that has taken a hit due to wrongdoings of certain players. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Delivery of project on time is important. Approval by the government and the municipal agency is equally important. They also have responsibility. When you want to make real estate companies accountable for the delay, you also make local bodies responsible for the delays," Naidu said.

Stressing on the need for ease of doing business, he said the central and state authorities should facilitate steady growth of the real estate sector.

 
Naidu also favoured online approvals for realty projects and asked builders to go for digital transactions.&nbsp;

Real estate developers have been demanding for a long time that development authorities should also be brought under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), which is being implemented from May 2017. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Naidu said the real estate sector is showing signs of revival with the implementation of the RERA and GST. However, he expressed concern over high land prices that make projects unviable.

Highlighting the importance of the property market, he said: "Real estate sector is an important sector of our economy that contributes 7.9 per cent to the GDP of the country. Being the second largest job provider in the economy after agriculture, the entire country has a stake in the real estate sector."

Around 50 million people are employed in the construction sector, which is likely to reach 67 million by 2022, the Vice President said, adding that developers should focus on skilling their workforce.

"In recent times, the sector has come under severe scrutiny from apex court and consumer right bodies due to some unethical practices followed by certain players," he noted.

The growth of NPA in the real estate industry has only not affected banks but also dried up credit to this sector, he added.

He also termed as "very disturbing" a recent CAG report which said that 95 per cent of developers does not have mandatory PAN.&nbsp;

Asking developers to take corrective action, he said industry bodies like CREDAI should institutionalise internal self-regulation.

"Unless you take internal correctives unless you evolve a code of conduct and unless you do your business on ethics, the sector and country cannot prosper. The country cannot suffer because of the wrongdoings of some people. Few black sheep are spoiling the atmosphere," Naidu said.

The Vice President favoured a code of conduct in every sector, including for politicians, parliamentarians and media. "Media is becoming sensational, which means senseless," he quipped.

Urban local bodies and state development authorities should be made responsible for any delay in giving approvals to real estate projects, just as developers are held accountable for not completing houses on time under the new reaity law RERA, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Thursday.

Urban local bodies and state development authorities should be made responsible for any delay in giving approvals to real estate projects, just as developers are held accountable for not completing houses on time under the new reaity law RERA, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Thursday. Addressing a real estate conference organised by CREDAI here, he asked developers to evolve an internal self-regulation mechanism and improve their image that has taken a hit due to wrongdoings of certain players. "Delivery of project on time is important. Approval by the government and the municipal agency is equally important. They also have responsibility. When you want to make real estate companies accountable for the delay, you also make local bodies responsible for the delays," Naidu said. Stressing on the need for ease of doing business, he said the central and state authorities should facilitate steady growth of the real estate sector. Naidu also favoured online approvals for realty projects and asked builders to go for digital transactions. Real estate developers have been demanding for a long time that development authorities should also be brought under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), which is being implemented from May 2017. Naidu said the real estate sector is showing signs of revival with the implementation of the RERA and GST. However, he expressed concern over high land prices that make projects unviable. Highlighting the importance of the property market, he said: "Real estate sector is an important sector of our economy that contributes 7.9 per cent to the GDP of the country. Being the second largest job provider in the economy after agriculture, the entire country has a stake in the real estate sector." Around 50 million people are employed in the construction sector, which is likely to reach 67 million by 2022, the Vice President said, adding that developers should focus on skilling their workforce. "In recent times, the sector has come under severe scrutiny from apex court and consumer right bodies due to some unethical practices followed by certain players," he noted. The growth of NPA in the real estate industry has only not affected banks but also dried up credit to this sector, he added. He also termed as "very disturbing" a recent CAG report which said that 95 per cent of developers does not have mandatory PAN. Asking developers to take corrective action, he said industry bodies like CREDAI should institutionalise internal self-regulation. "Unless you take internal correctives unless you evolve a code of conduct and unless you do your business on ethics, the sector and country cannot prosper. The country cannot suffer because of the wrongdoings of some people. Few black sheep are spoiling the atmosphere," Naidu said. The Vice President favoured a code of conduct in every sector, including for politicians, parliamentarians and media. "Media is becoming sensational, which means senseless," he quipped.

State agencies should be held responsible for delaying approvals to realty projects, says Naidu

Madam Speaker, I rise to present the Interim Budget for the year 2019-20. PART A 2. I am deeply conscious of the absence of Shri Arun Jaitley today. Also read: Big takeaways from Union Budget 2019 I am sure the House joins me in wishing Shri Jaitley speedy recovery, good health and long life in the service of the nation.

Budget 2019: Full text of finance minister Piyush Goyal's speech in Parliament

GST collections in January crossed Rs 1 lakh crore-mark after a gap of two months, the Finance Ministry said Thursday.

"The total gross GST Revenue collected in the month of January, 2019 has today crossed Rs 1 lakh crore. This has been a significant improvement over collection of Rs 94,725 crore during last month and Rs 89,825 crore during the same month last year," the ministry tweeted.

This is the third time in current fiscal that GST collections have crossed the Rs one lakh crore-mark. Previously in April and October, the collections had surpassed this milestone.

"Robust Economy: Gross GST Revenue in Jan 2019 crossed Rs 1 lakh crore... This has been achieved despite huge reduction in tax rates for various items benefitting poor, farmers &amp; middle class," Finance Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted.

GST collection stood at Rs 1.03 lakh crore in April, Rs 94,016 crore in May, Rs 95,610 crore in June, Rs 96,483 crore in July, Rs 93,960 crore in August, Rs 94,442 crore in September, Rs 1,00,710 crore in October, Rs 97,637 crore in November and Rs 94,725 crore in December 2018.

The ministry said the increase in GST mop up in January has been achieved despite various tax relief measures implemented by the GST Council.

In the 10 months (April-January) of the current fiscal, the government has mopped up over Rs 9.71 lakh crore from Goods and Services Tax (GST). The 2018-19 budget had estimated annual GST collection at Rs 13.48 lakh crore, which means a monthly target of Rs 1.12 lakh crore.

The monthly average GST collection in last fiscal (July 2017 - March 2018) was Rs 89,885 crore.

PwC India Partner and Leader, Indirect Tax, Pratik Jain said it comes as a welcome relief for the government, particularly after some dip in the last month.

"This again underlines that collections are increasing steadily as compliances are getting simplified, rates are getting reduced and administration is getting sharper. It's clear that overall collection for the entire year would be significantly lower than what was budgeted," Jain said.

Deloitte India Senior Director M S Mani said: "The collection figures are impressive as they come on the back of rate reductions; if the same pace is maintained, the revenue targets would be close to being achieved."

These numbers indicate that rate reductions result in increased revenues and compliance - we are moving closer to the targeted GST collections for the fiscal, Mani said.

Conventionally, GST collection data for a month is released on first day of the subsequent month. However, for the month of January, the full details of the revenue mopped-up will be released on February 2.&nbsp;

GST collections in January crossed Rs 1 lakh crore-mark after a gap of two months, the Finance Ministry said Thursday. "The total gross GST Revenue collected in the month of January, 2019 has today crossed Rs 1 lakh crore.

GST collections in January crossed Rs 1 lakh crore-mark after a gap of two months, the Finance Ministry said Thursday. "The total gross GST Revenue collected in the month of January, 2019 has today crossed Rs 1 lakh crore. This has been a significant improvement over collection of Rs 94,725 crore during last month and Rs 89,825 crore during the same month last year," the ministry tweeted. This is the third time in current fiscal that GST collections have crossed the Rs one lakh crore-mark. Previously in April and October, the collections had surpassed this milestone. "Robust Economy: Gross GST Revenue in Jan 2019 crossed Rs 1 lakh crore... This has been achieved despite huge reduction in tax rates for various items benefitting poor, farmers & middle class," Finance Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted. GST collection stood at Rs 1.03 lakh crore in April, Rs 94,016 crore in May, Rs 95,610 crore in June, Rs 96,483 crore in July, Rs 93,960 crore in August, Rs 94,442 crore in September, Rs 1,00,710 crore in October, Rs 97,637 crore in November and Rs 94,725 crore in December 2018. The ministry said the increase in GST mop up in January has been achieved despite various tax relief measures implemented by the GST Council. In the 10 months (April-January) of the current fiscal, the government has mopped up over Rs 9.71 lakh crore from Goods and Services Tax (GST). The 2018-19 budget had estimated annual GST collection at Rs 13.48 lakh crore, which means a monthly target of Rs 1.12 lakh crore. The monthly average GST collection in last fiscal (July 2017 - March 2018) was Rs 89,885 crore. PwC India Partner and Leader, Indirect Tax, Pratik Jain said it comes as a welcome relief for the government, particularly after some dip in the last month. "This again underlines that collections are increasing steadily as compliances are getting simplified, rates are getting reduced and administration is getting sharper. It's clear that overall collection for the entire year would be significantly lower than what was budgeted," Jain said. Deloitte India Senior Director M S Mani said: "The collection figures are impressive as they come on the back of rate reductions; if the same pace is maintained, the revenue targets would be close to being achieved." These numbers indicate that rate reductions result in increased revenues and compliance - we are moving closer to the targeted GST collections for the fiscal, Mani said. Conventionally, GST collection data for a month is released on first day of the subsequent month. However, for the month of January, the full details of the revenue mopped-up will be released on February 2.

GST collections top Rs 1 lakh crore in January

A man has been arrested for allegedly issuing fake invoices to claim Rs 177.64-crore input tax credit, the Central GST department said Saturday.

The man, identified as Ehsas Ali Saiyad, a resident of Vadodara, was the mastermind of a scam involving issuing of fake invoices, said the office of the Central GST and Central Excise Commissionerate in a release in Gandhinagar.

The 29-year-old allegedly floated 66 fake companies with as many dummy owners in whose name he issued tax invoices to claim input tax credit (ITC), it said.

The accused obtained GST registration, GST identity cards, login-password, SIM cards, bank accounts and online passwords in the name of these dummy owners, said the commissionerate.

"The accused would issue fake bills in the name of the entities created by him. He issued tax invoice of taxable value of Rs 1,210 crore to claim input tax credit of Rs 177.64 crore," it said.

He was arrested under provisions of the CGST Act and further investigation was on, said the release.

Under Goods and Services Tax, input credit is the tax benefit manufacturers get for the GST they pay on purchase of goods. Unscrupulous elements use fake bills to claim higher ITC.&nbsp;

A man has been arrested for allegedly issuing fake invoices to claim Rs 177.64-crore input tax credit, the Central GST department said Saturday. The man, identified as Ehsas Ali Saiyad, a resident of Vadodara, was the mastermind of a scam involving issuing of fake invoices, said the office of the Central GST and Central Excise Commissionerate in a release in Gandhinagar.

A man has been arrested for allegedly issuing fake invoices to claim Rs 177.64-crore input tax credit, the Central GST department said Saturday. The man, identified as Ehsas Ali Saiyad, a resident of Vadodara, was the mastermind of a scam involving issuing of fake invoices, said the office of the Central GST and Central Excise Commissionerate in a release in Gandhinagar. The 29-year-old allegedly floated 66 fake companies with as many dummy owners in whose name he issued tax invoices to claim input tax credit (ITC), it said. The accused obtained GST registration, GST identity cards, login-password, SIM cards, bank accounts and online passwords in the name of these dummy owners, said the commissionerate. "The accused would issue fake bills in the name of the entities created by him. He issued tax invoice of taxable value of Rs 1,210 crore to claim input tax credit of Rs 177.64 crore," it said. He was arrested under provisions of the CGST Act and further investigation was on, said the release. Under Goods and Services Tax, input credit is the tax benefit manufacturers get for the GST they pay on purchase of goods. Unscrupulous elements use fake bills to claim higher ITC.

Man arrested in Gujarat for Rs 177-crore GST fraud

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Wednesday termed the NDA government’s 2017 rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the “biggest reform” taken as part of a “systemic reform” and pitched India as a bright spot for investors.

In her address at the Tamil Nadu government’s second Global Investors’ Meet (GIM), the Defence Minister said the government has ensured that systemic reforms were taken up with ‘courage.’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it a point that systemic reforms were done in such a way that India’s growth potential was realised fully, she said.

“We maintain the growth well above 6.5 (per cent), sometimes touching seven and IMF’s prediction is that we are likely to be over seven per cent in the coming years too.”

She said it was possible because the Modi government had made sure that that the systemic reforms were taken up “with courage,’ GST being the biggest of them.

“The biggest reform in the last 60 years was to make India as one market and that was achieved under Prime Minister Modi,” she said.

Together with many steps taken by the government, the country has now climbed the World Bank’s Ease of Doing business index also, she added.

“India is seen as the brightest spark..and the shining spot globally. Only two days ago, the IMF came up with the forecast that India’s growth will be the highest globally, being sustained for the last five years in that fashion.

This, along with fiscal prudence (and) the way in which the economy is being managed,” Sitharaman added.

Whether food inflation or the overall inflation, they have been kept well under control, she said.

“So, for somebody who wants to set up an industry, somebody who wants to do business, what more ideal situation can you have?” she asked.

Sitharaman also released the ‘Tamil Nadu Aerospace and Defence Industrial Policy 2019’ on the occasion.

Speaking at the summit, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami strongly pitched for his state as a favourable investment destination, among a group of investors and diplomatic officials, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries.

“With a population of 7.2 crores, of which 80 per cent is literate, and nearly 50 per cent urbanised, Tamil Nadu is an innovation-based economy, with a strong performance in manufacturing and services,” he said.

High quality skilled human resources, besides infrastructure, have made it a very attractive investment destination, he said, adding that the state attracts the third highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.

Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu’s industrial base was diversified and it holds the leading position in textiles, leather, automobiles and auto components.

It also leads in heavy and Light engineering, an electronics manufacturer, Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services, and health care, he added.

The two-day GIM 2019 will see the participation of investors from a number of countries.

Palaniswami is scheduled to give an account of the MoUs signed during the event on its concluding day Thursday.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Wednesday termed the NDA government’s 2017 rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the “biggest reform” taken as part of a “systemic reform” and pitched India as a bright spot for investors.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Wednesday termed the NDA government’s 2017 rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the “biggest reform” taken as part of a “systemic reform” and pitched India as a bright spot for investors. In her address at the Tamil Nadu government’s second Global Investors’ Meet (GIM), the Defence Minister said the government has ensured that systemic reforms were taken up with ‘courage.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it a point that systemic reforms were done in such a way that India’s growth potential was realised fully, she said. “We maintain the growth well above 6.5 (per cent), sometimes touching seven and IMF’s prediction is that we are likely to be over seven per cent in the coming years too.” She said it was possible because the Modi government had made sure that that the systemic reforms were taken up “with courage,’ GST being the biggest of them. “The biggest reform in the last 60 years was to make India as one market and that was achieved under Prime Minister Modi,” she said. Together with many steps taken by the government, the country has now climbed the World Bank’s Ease of Doing business index also, she added. “India is seen as the brightest spark..and the shining spot globally. Only two days ago, the IMF came up with the forecast that India’s growth will be the highest globally, being sustained for the last five years in that fashion. This, along with fiscal prudence (and) the way in which the economy is being managed,” Sitharaman added. Whether food inflation or the overall inflation, they have been kept well under control, she said. “So, for somebody who wants to set up an industry, somebody who wants to do business, what more ideal situation can you have?” she asked. Sitharaman also released the ‘Tamil Nadu Aerospace and Defence Industrial Policy 2019’ on the occasion. Speaking at the summit, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami strongly pitched for his state as a favourable investment destination, among a group of investors and diplomatic officials, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries. “With a population of 7.2 crores, of which 80 per cent is literate, and nearly 50 per cent urbanised, Tamil Nadu is an innovation-based economy, with a strong performance in manufacturing and services,” he said. High quality skilled human resources, besides infrastructure, have made it a very attractive investment destination, he said, adding that the state attracts the third highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country. Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu’s industrial base was diversified and it holds the leading position in textiles, leather, automobiles and auto components. It also leads in heavy and Light engineering, an electronics manufacturer, Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services, and health care, he added. The two-day GIM 2019 will see the participation of investors from a number of countries. Palaniswami is scheduled to give an account of the MoUs signed during the event on its concluding day Thursday.

GST rollout biggest reform taken as part of systemic reform: Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that the previous governments could not successfully implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as their negotiations did not come from a "clean heart."

"GST is something which was pending since last 15 years. The first time the concept was thrown open was in 2003. But the earlier governments could not negotiate and successfully implement GST because the negotiation didn't come from a position of strength," Goyal said while addressing a gathering here on Thursday.

"It didn't come with credibility and commitment that is required in any negotiation to be successful, and possibly the negotiation didn't come from a clean heart where you have the track record of fulfilling past commitments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given that leading edge to India that we had required for a very, very long time," he added.

Goyal went on to add that the idea of having a $5-trillion economy is possible in two ways.

"One can hugely build up fiscal deficits and show growth in short-run, but to sustain in long-run, one will have to have strong leadership in place and ensure sustainability of both economy and environment. One will also have to ensure that we are recognised in the world as an honest country, as a country where business can be done with equal opportunity for everybody," he said.

Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that the previous governments could not successfully implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as their negotiations did not come from a "clean heart.

Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that the previous governments could not successfully implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as their negotiations did not come from a "clean heart." "GST is something which was pending since last 15 years. The first time the concept was thrown open was in 2003. But the earlier governments could not negotiate and successfully implement GST because the negotiation didn't come from a position of strength," Goyal said while addressing a gathering here on Thursday. "It didn't come with credibility and commitment that is required in any negotiation to be successful, and possibly the negotiation didn't come from a clean heart where you have the track record of fulfilling past commitments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given that leading edge to India that we had required for a very, very long time," he added. Goyal went on to add that the idea of having a $5-trillion economy is possible in two ways. "One can hugely build up fiscal deficits and show growth in short-run, but to sustain in long-run, one will have to have strong leadership in place and ensure sustainability of both economy and environment. One will also have to ensure that we are recognised in the world as an honest country, as a country where business can be done with equal opportunity for everybody," he said.

GST wasn't implemented earlier as negotiations were not done with clean heart: Piyush Goyal

In a bid to give relief to small businesses, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gst-council-slashes-rates-of-7-items-from-28-jaitley-calls-meeting-fruitful-185843">GST Council </a>Thursday doubled the exemption limit and raised the threshold for availing the composition scheme.

The GST Council doubled the GST exemption limit to Rs 20 lakh for northeastern states and Rs 40 lakh for the rest of the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here.

The scope of the GST Composition Scheme, under which small traders and businesses pay a small tax based on turnover rather than value addition, was raised to Rs 1.5 crore from Rs 1 crore.

The twin move would give relief to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), he said.

The council also allowed Kerala to levy 1 per cent calamity cess on intra-state sales for a period of up to two years.

On including real estate and lottery under the Goods and Services Tax, the council decided to form a seven-member group of ministers after differences of opinion emerged at the meeting, he said.

In a bid to give relief to small businesses, the GST Council Thursday doubled the exemption limit and raised the threshold for availing the composition scheme. The GST Council doubled the GST exemption limit to Rs 20 lakh for northeastern states and Rs 40 lakh for the rest of the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here.

In a bid to give relief to small businesses, the GST Council Thursday doubled the exemption limit and raised the threshold for availing the composition scheme. The GST Council doubled the GST exemption limit to Rs 20 lakh for northeastern states and Rs 40 lakh for the rest of the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here. The scope of the GST Composition Scheme, under which small traders and businesses pay a small tax based on turnover rather than value addition, was raised to Rs 1.5 crore from Rs 1 crore. The twin move would give relief to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), he said. The council also allowed Kerala to levy 1 per cent calamity cess on intra-state sales for a period of up to two years. On including real estate and lottery under the Goods and Services Tax, the council decided to form a seven-member group of ministers after differences of opinion emerged at the meeting, he said.

GST council meet: Relief for small businesses as exemption limit doubled

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is currently dealing with an economic crisis before the general elections, is in the news for a private jet he took last year that was apparently funded by an entrepreneur named Akhil Tripath who is also a minor Tory donor.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is currently dealing with an economic crisis before the general elections, is in the news for a private jet he took last year that was apparently funded by an entrepreneur named Akhil Tripath who is also a minor Tory donor. British media was awash with headlines Thursday (Feb 29) about how Sunak attended two Conservative conferences in Wales and Scotland last year and took a private jet to travel there. The private jet was funded by Tripathi, a report by the Financial Times on Thursday said. Tripathi is the co-founder of Signifier Medical Technologies, a start-up that deals in anti-snoring devices and is facing losses. Questions are now being raised about how Tripathi gained access to Prime Minister Sunak and the due diligence done by the Conservative Party before accepting his money. Following Sunak's trip in April 2023, he sent a thank-you note to Tripathi for arranging the flight. However, the private jet did not belong to Tripathi and was rented. So who is Akhil Tripathi? Entrepreneur, minor Tony donor Tripathi's startup Signifier Medical Technologies focuses on the development and commercialisation of innovative and non-invasive solutions for patients with snoring and sleep disorder-related breathing conditions. The company is hoping to sell its anti-snoring device to the National Health Service (NHS). Also read | Rishi Sunak calls out threats to MPs, warns of 'toxic' culture in UK politics The Financial Times report said that Tripathi is a minor Tory donor. Months after he arranged the private jet for Prime Minister Sunak, Tripathi was embroiled in a civil fraud case involving his start-up. He rented the Embraer Legacy 500 to Sunak, which the PM recorded as a $48,619 (around £38,500) gift. Sunak's trips led to questions about the due diligence that he and the Conservative party did on Tripathi, the report added. Tripathi made his first donation worth $63,142 to the Conservatives in July 2021. In total, he has given nearly $194,000 to the party. Since developing a relationship with Sunak, Tripathi has been pursued in the courts by investors in his startup. As per the report, one investor said that Tripathi committed a “fraud” in relation to the company. Also watch | Rishi Sunak's asylum laws trapping 55,000 people in perma-backlog: Report × Meanwhile, the entrepreneur has held meetings with several politicians, including former health secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. Not much is known about Tripathi's early background. As per Companies House, he is an Indian national born in 1985. He has been the co-founder of many other startups apart from Signifier. At the time Tripathi arranged for the flight for Sunak, Signifier reported losses of $42.3 million on revenue of just $3.1 million for the year to March 31, 2022, the report said. But despite the losses, Tripathi lived a glamorous lifestyle. 'How did Sunak end up on that plane?' The Labour Party demanded that Sunak and the Conservative Party should give an account of how the prime minister ended up on that private jet. “They must explain on what basis Mr Tripathi gained access to the highest levels of government, and what checks were made on his background before he did so,” Emily Thornberry, Labour’s shadow attorney-general, told the publication. Tripathi is currently facing two civil actions in the High Court of Justice in London. A Conservative party official said that on reflection, PM Sunak should have “maybe thought twice” before getting on the private jet arranged by the entrepreneur. (With inputs from agencies)

RBI likely to give government bumper interim dividend: Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-new-path-inevitable-if-us-demands-unilateral-action-187606">North Korea warns: Kim says 'new path' inevitable if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-new-path-inevitable-if-us-demands-unilateral-action-187606">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-new-path-inevitable-if-us-demands-unilateral-action-187606"> demands unilateral action</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/23-goods-and-services-to-get-cheaper-from-january-1-as-reduced-gst-rates-kick-in-187607">New GST rates in effect from today: 23 goods and services to get cheaper</a>

In a new year gift to the common man, the government has notified reduction in GST rates on 23 goods and services, including movie tickets, TV and monitor screen.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democrat-warren-takes-step-to-challenge-trump-in-2020-187610">Democrat Warren takes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democrat-warren-takes-step-to-challenge-trump-in-2020-187610">step</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democrat-warren-takes-step-to-challenge-trump-in-2020-187610"> to challenge Trump in 2020 presidential polls</a>

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, a liberal firebrand who has taken on Wall Street and traded barbs with Donald Trump, on Monday became the most prominent Democrat to announce a challenge to the Republican president in 2020.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-appears-to-slow-syria-troop-pullout-plan-187612">Trump appears to slow Syria troop pullout plan</a>

President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack Monday on shock plans for an immediate pullout of US troops from Syria, but said his drive to end American involvement in wars made him a "hero."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lpg-to-get-cheap-from-january-1-187614">LPG to get cheap from today, cooking gas price cut by Rs 5.91</a>

The price of Non-Subsidised LPG in Delhi will be decreased by Rs 120.50 per cylinder from January 1, due to fall in the price of the domestic cooking gas in international market and strengthening of US dollar-rupee exchange rate.

North Korea warns: Kim says 'new path' inevitable if US demands unilateral action North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea.

North Korea warns: Kim says 'new path' inevitable if US demands unilateral action North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea. New GST rates in effect from today: 23 goods and services to get cheaper In a new year gift to the common man, the government has notified reduction in GST rates on 23 goods and services, including movie tickets, TV and monitor screen. Democrat Warren takes step to challenge Trump in 2020 presidential polls US Senator Elizabeth Warren, a liberal firebrand who has taken on Wall Street and traded barbs with Donald Trump, on Monday became the most prominent Democrat to announce a challenge to the Republican president in 2020. Trump appears to slow Syria troop pullout plan President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack Monday on shock plans for an immediate pullout of US troops from Syria, but said his drive to end American involvement in wars made him a "hero." LPG to get cheap from today, cooking gas price cut by Rs 5.91 The price of Non-Subsidised LPG in Delhi will be decreased by Rs 120.50 per cylinder from January 1, due to fall in the price of the domestic cooking gas in international market and strengthening of US dollar-rupee exchange rate.

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