New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) The Finance Ministry has issued a corrigendum to the Income Tax Bill, 2025, clarifying the interest applicable on short payment of advance tax. The amendment specifies a 3 per cent interest rate on such shortfalls, bringing the clause in line with provisions under the Income Tax Act, 1961.The amendment specifies a 3 per cent interest rate on such shortfalls, bringing the clause in line with provisions under the existing act.Under current rules, taxpayers with an annual t…

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Former BJP MP and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi has accused municipal authorities of large-scale corruption and mismanagement in Delhi’s dog sterilisation and shelter system, warning that such practices are fuelling the stray dog menace rather than solving it. Speaking to IANS on Tuesday, Gandhi alleged that several dog shelters in the capital, referred to as A, B, and C centres, have been operating for two decades without accountability.“These centres claim t…

Jaipur, Aug 12 (IANS) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said on Tuesday that India is a country that gives the world the gift of dharma and works for the welfare of humanity. “Our Vedas hold all the scriptures, and the penance of our sages has infused strength and vitality into the nation,” he said.Bhagwat was addressing the Shri Siyapiya Milan Samaroh on the first death anniversary of Brahmalin Pujya Rewasa Peethadheeshwar Swami Raghavacharya Vedanti Maharaj at …

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Using the present methodology of wage rate calculation for Mahatma Gandhi NREGA workers, the Central government has notified the wage rate for FY 2025-26, which has increased by around 5 per cent (average) over the last financial year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, in a written reply, said due to revision by the Central government, the wage rate has increased by around 29 per cent (average) in the previous …

Raipur, Aug 12 (IANS) In a first-of-its-kind directive, the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has ordered that the national flag be mandatorily hoisted at the main gates of all mosques, madrasas, and dargahs across the state on Independence Day.The circular, issued on Monday by Waqf Board Chairman Dr Salim Raj, instructs ‘mutawallis (caretakers of Waqf properties)’ to ensure the Tricolour is unfurled in the presence of imams and mosque committee members on August 15.The Board’s letter emphasises t…

Jaipur, Aug 12 (IANS) State Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena on Tuesday launched a pioneering cloud seeding experiment at the Jamwaramgarh Dam area to revive Ramgarh Lake and tackle the region’s water crisis. The initiative, using AI-powered drone technology, marks India’s first drone-based cloud seeding project.A large crowd gathered to witness the artificial rain demonstration – a blend of science, modern technology, and artificial intelligence. However, the unexpected rush caused net…

Chandigarh, Aug 12 (IANS) BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday congratulated the people and farmers of Punjab on the historic victory of forcing the Mann government to roll back the land pooling policy. Chugh said, “This is a resounding testament to the unity, courage, and indomitable spirit of Punjab’s farmers. The AAP government was compelled to bow before the massive public outrage of 3 crore Punjabis. This sends a clear message — Punjab’s farmers are not anyone’s pr…

Chennai, Aug 12 (IANS) Celebrated Tamil lyricist and poet Vairamuthu has stirred controversy with his recent remarks on Lord Ram, prompting sharp criticism from the Tamil Nadu BJP, which has accused him of making “anti-Hindu” statements. The row erupted after Vairamuthu, while speaking at a function organised by the Kambar Kazhagam in Chennai, reflected on an episode from the Ramayana.He referred to the incident in which Lord Ram shot Vaali from a concealed position, a move often debated among s…

Chennai, Aug 12 (IANS) Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran on Tuesday accused the ruling DMK of hastily implementing a slew of welfare schemes in the final phase of its tenure, claiming it was a sign of the party’s anxiety over an impending “defeat” in the 2026 Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, the BJP leader alleged that murders have become a daily occurrence under the DMK government and that the law and order situation in the State has sharply deteriorated. He blam…

Lucknow, Aug 12 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday vowed stern action against acts of vigilantism and also said that the state government is treating the Fatehpur vandalisation with utmost seriousness and no miscreant will be spared. The warning was given by senior UP minister Suresh Khanna, while responding to Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad’s charges in the state Assembly on Tuesday.“Anyone taking the law into their own hands will be punished through due process,” the UP ministe…