LIVE: Last date for PAN-Aadhaar linking extended to June 30, 2021

The government on Wednesday extended the deadline for linking PAN with biometric Aadhaar by three months till June 30. Stay tuned for Latest LIVE news

11:15 AM

Pakistan lifts ban on Indian cotton, sugar as prices rise, tensions ease

Pakistan lifted a nearly two-year old ban on Indian sugar and cotton imports, government sources said, a step towards reviving suspended trade between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

 

Pakistan's Economic Coordination Council, a top decision-making body, on Wednesday allowed the private sector to import 0.5 million tonnes of white sugar as Islamabad tries to keep soaring domestic prices in check, government officials told Reuters.

 

Pakistani buyers have already started making inquiries about buying Indian sugar and cotton, which is being offered at lower prices than supplies from other countries, five dealers said.

10:56 AM

Mamata writes to oppn leaders, underscores 'assaults' by BJP, govt on democracy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written personal letters to non-BJP leaders highlighting the "assaults" by the BJP and its government on democracy and constitutional federalism of India.

 

Ahead of the second phase of polls in the state, Banerjee's letter, which was released by the TMC on Wednesday, seeks to drum up support from opposition leaders by stating how non-BJP states have suffered due to the saffron party led Centre's actions.

 

"I am writing this letter to you, and to several leaders of non-BJP parties, to convey my serious concerns over a series of assaults by the BJP and its government at the Centre on democracy and constitutional federalism in India. Referring to the passage of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill by the two Houses of Parliament, she said that it is an "extremely grave" development.

10:51 AM

LIVE: 'Time has come for united struggle against BJP,' Mamata to Sonia

10:20 AM

Mamata di is scared, she will lose Nandigram: J P Nadda at election rally

10:14 AM

RBI extends timeline for processing of recurring online transactions

9:38 AM

Govt approves Rs 10,900 crore PLI scheme for food processing sector

The government on Wednesday approved a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the food processing sector, entailing an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the scheme which will help create 2.5 lakh jobs, boost exports and ensure availability of a wider range of value-added products for consumers.

 

"The PLI for the food processing sector with Rs 10,900 crore incentive has been approved. The decision is a fitting tribute to our farmers," Food Minister Piyush Goyal said while briefing the media about the cabinet decisions.

 

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the government in the Budget had announced PLI scheme for 12-13 sectors. PLI has been announced for six sectors already.

 

"Today, PLI for the food processing industries has been approved," he said. This will boost production of value-added food products, attract foreign investment, create job opportunities besides benefiting farmers with remunerative prices for the produce, he added.

9:28 AM

Cabinet briefing LIVE: PLI scheme for food processing sector approved

9:16 AM

Cabinet briefing LIVE: PLI scheme for food processing sector approved

9:15 AM

PLI (Product-Linked incentive) announced for food processing industry: Prakash Javadekar

9:11 AM

SC-appointed committee on three farm laws submits report

The Supreme Court appointed three-member committee of agricultural economists has submitted its report to the top court on the three contentious farm laws in a sealed cover.

 

The committee comprises four members: Bhupinder Singh Mann, National President, Bharatiya Kisan Union and All India Kisan Coordination Committee; Dr. Parmod Kumar Joshi, Agricultural Economist, Director for South Asia, International Food Policy Research Institute; Ashok Gulati, Agricultural Economist and Former Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices; and Anil Ghanwat, President, Shetkari Sanghatana. Mann resigned later. The committee had also sought views, and suggestions of the general public through a public notice, which was published in major newspapers.

 

Speaking to IANS, Anil Ghanvat confirmed that the committee has submitted the report, but declined to divulge any details on the content. He added the contents will not be public till Chief Justice S.A. Bobde takes it up for hearing and discussion. The hearing in the matter is expected after April 5 when the court reopens after Holi vacation.

9:04 AM

Cabinet briefing LIVE: PLI scheme for food processing sector approved

8:47 AM

Higher TDS if PAN not linked with Aadhaar by today

As per the directives of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), it is mandatory for all Permanent Account Number (PAN) card holders to link their Aadhaar with PAN on or before March 31.

 

'If your Aadhaar is not linked then your PAN will be considered inoperative and this will have an impact on the TDS rate at the time of receiving any policy payouts', insurance companies have informed policy holders.

 

If PAN and Aadhaar are not linked, then the TDS rate on taxable payout will be 20 per cent as per Section 206 of the Income Tax Act 1961, effective from April 1. PAN if not linked with Aadhaar by March 31, 2021 shall remain inoperative till such period, it is linked. Inoperative Pan means TDS will be deducted at higher rates, ITR cannot be filed and a penalty of Rs 10,000 may be imposed.

8:32 AM

LIVE: SC-appointed panel on three new farm laws submits its report to SC

8:12 AM

Waze procured explosives found in SUV near Ambani's house: NIA

The gelatin sticks found in an SUV near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence in Mumbai last month were procured by suspended police officer Sachin Waze, NIA sources claimed on Wednesday.

 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, has also found that Waze along with his driver parked the SUV near Ambani's house, a PTI report said.

7:30 AM

800 companies of security forces to be deployed for West Bengal election 2021 phase 2

800 companies of security forces to be deployed for West Bengal election 2021 phase 2