Now, take your learner’s licence test from home

Now, take your learner’s licence test from home

Himanshu.Kaushik@timesofindia.com 07.12.2024

Ahmedabad : The state transport department has finally decided to facilitate driving tests for learners from the comfort of their homes or offices. Come Jan, candidates, unlike earlier, will not need to visit Regional Transport Offices or authorised centres for the online test. This applies only to those who have an Aadhaar linked to their mobile phone number. The move comes after extensive testing, officials said. 

The current system of going to RTOs, polytechnics or ITIs will continue. Union Govt mandates that the online test should be made compulsory, allowing individuals to take the test from anywhere. Officials stated that biometrics, specifically face recognition, will be conducted using Aadhaar card data. The system will not capture voice and hence answers dictated to the system will not be detected. Officials noted that in 2024, govt brought down the pass limit. Earlier, a candidate was required to answer 11 questions out of 15 correctly. Now, correct answers to nine questions are enough to clear the test. 

According to officials, 19 states have already implemented the system, but Gujarat was testing the system to ensure it was foolproof, following Maharashtra’s model for implementation. The move will reduce the rush at RTOs, polytechnics and ITIs, said senior officials. “Necessary changes were made by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in Vahan 4.0 and Sarathi 4.0 systems used for vehicle registration and driving licence issuance across the country,” an offici al said. To take the test from home or office, applicants will have to visit ‘https://parivahan.gov.in’. “Before appearing for the test, candidates will have to watch online videos on road safety. Only then can they apply. Those correctly answering 60% of the questions can print a learner’s licence on their own,” the official explained. Those failing can attempt the test again in a similar manner following rules. 

“Those who don’t want to opt for a test through Aadhaar can take the test using the existing procedure,” the official sai

Public sector banks now safe, stable & healthy: Sitharaman

Public sector banks now safe, stable & healthy: Sitharaman 

Lok Sabha Passes Crucial Amendments To Banking Laws 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 04.12.2024

New Delhi : Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said public sector banks are now safe, stable, healthy, and showing “exceptional” performance, as the Lok Sabha passed crucial amendments to banking laws, which among other things provides for up to four nominees in all bank accounts. The move is meant to ensure that successors of an account-holder or someone with a fixed deposit are not locked out as is often the case. Depositors can opt for either simultaneous nomination, where nominees are assigned specific percentage shares, or successive nomination, where nominees inherit in a predefined order. In addition, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, also seeks to redefine “substantial interest” for directorships, which could increase to ₹2 crore instead of the current limit of ₹5 lakh.

Among the 19 amendments is the plan to transfer unclaimed dividends, shares, and bond interests to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) for easier reclaim by rightful owners. “The proposed amendments will strengthen governance in the banking sector and enhance customer conve nience with respect to nomination and protection of investors,” Sitharaman said while moving the bill. Responding to the debate on the bill, she said the number of branches of scheduled commercial bank has increased to 1.6 lakh, at the end of S ept, compared to under 1.2 lakh in March 2014, with 3,792 branches added since Sept 2023. The bill also invited crit icism from opposition members. Samajwadi Party’s Rajeev Rai brought up the plight of borrowers facing credit issues due to poor communication from banks, while DMK’s Rani Srikumar questioned the  transparency of banking fees. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram spoke against the bill for not living up to the govt’s promise of “majestic reforms”. 

Patra’s remarks on Indira Gandhi trigger war of words in Lok Sabha 

New Delhi : BJP MP Sambit Patra’s remarks on former prime minister Indira Gandhi during the discussion on Banking Law (Amendment) Bill 2024 triggered a war of words between the treasury bench and opposition in the Lok Sabha, prompting the Speaker to urge the members to not digress from the topic. Participating in the debate on the Bill, Patra, recalling the Nagarwala scandal, said, “On May 24, 1971, Indira Gandhi called SBI’s Parliament Street branch manager and asked to release ₹60 lakhs immediately. A committee was set up that didn’t give any clearance to her. This is an iconic ‘phone banking example’.” DMK leader A Raja stood to raise his objection to the mention of the incident, saying it is a violation of Rule 94.

Govt to offer loans to youth under PM Vidyalakshmi scheme

Govt to offer loans to youth under PM Vidyalakshmi scheme 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK   AHMEDABAD 07.11.2024 

New Delhi : To make quality higher education more accessible to India’s middle-class youth, Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme, which is designed to ease financial burden of students from families with an annual income below Rs 8 lakh. Under this scheme, eligible students will be able to secure collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans of up to Rs 10 lakh, backed by an interest subsidy.

It aims at simplifying the education loan process for students admitted to institutions ranked under National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), including the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs). With an initial outlay of Rs 3,600 crore for two years, the scheme is expected to impact up to 22 lakh students annually. In a post which was uploaded on X, PM Modi stated, “This scheme is a big boost to making education more accessible. It empowers the Yuva Shakti, building a brighter future for our nation.” The scheme’s impact will be felt especially among stu dents at central and state govt institutions and private institutions ranked in the NIRF’s top 200. 

A unified portal will streamline the application process, allowing students to access both the loan and interest subsidy through a simple digital platform which has been launched in order to help students. Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan lauded the scheme, highlighting its potential to empower millions of students by addressing financial constraints that have previously hindered access to quality higher education as per requirements, “PM Vidyalakshmi will maximize access to higher education for meritorious students, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from achieving their goals,” he stated. Under PM Vidyalakshmi, students only need to pay interest during their study period. 

For loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh, the scheme provides a 75% credit guarantee on outstanding defaults, supporting banks in providing loans. In addition, eligible students will receive a 3% interest subsidy during the moratorium period, giving priority to those enrolled in technical and professional courses. If the family income is below Rs 4.5 lakh, there is no upper limit for interest subvention which is among the provisions of the PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme scheme of the government.

Centre clears edu loan plan for bright students

Centre clears edu loan plan for bright students 

PM VIDYALAKSHMI SCHEME 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 07.11.2024

New Delhi : To make quality higher education more accessible to India’s middle-class youth, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme, which is designed to ease financial burden of students from families with an annual income be low ₹8 lakh.

Under this scheme, eligible students will be able to secure collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans of up to ₹10 lakh, backed by an interest subsidy. It aims at simplifying the education loan process for students admitted to institutions ranked under the National In stitutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), including the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs). With an initial outlay of ₹3,600 crore for two years, the scheme is expected to impact up to 22 lakh students annually.

In a post on X, PM Narendra Modi said, “This scheme is a big boost to making education more accessible. It empowers the Yuva Shakti, building a brighter future for our nation.” The scheme’s impact will be felt especially among students at central and state govt institutions and private institutions ranked in the NIRF’s top 200. A unified portal will streamline the application process, allowing students to access both the loan and interest subsidy through a simple digital platform

Centre withholds ₹573cr school fund for TN rejecting NEP

Centre withholds ₹573cr school fund for TN rejecting NEP

 Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com

Chennai : The Union govt has withheld the first instalment of ₹573 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme to Tamil Nadu for not accepting the provisions of National Education Policy (NEP). The state is particularly opposed to the three-language formula in the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. The project approval board has allocated ₹3,586 crore under SSA for 2024-2025 to Tamil Nadu. Of this, the Union govt’s share is ₹2,152 crore (60%), while the share of the state govt is ₹1,434crore (40%). The Union govt is to release its share in four instalments. The first instalment for 2024-25 should have been received in June.

However, Centre is yet to respond to letters and reminders from Tamil Nadu on releasing the funds. This means that around 15,000 teachers may not get their salaries next month. The reimbursement of fees for students enrolled in 25% quota under RTE act, transport and escort facilities for children in remote areas, teachers training and self-defence training for girls of Classes VI to XII are also likely to be affected. 

MoUs excluding NEP. 

 State signs MoU excluding NEP guidelines; gets rejected by Centre An official said, “SSA scheme has been running in the past few months with the share of funds from Tamil Nadu government. However, going forward, it will be challenging to run the scheme without Centre’s contribution.” During review meetings in July in New Delhi, it was emphasised that the MoU for the establishment of PM SHRI schools must be signed to release the fund. “Tamil Nadu govt has sent the MoU to the Union ministry of education for approval by excluding the provision that mandates adherence to the guidelines of NEP in PM SHRI schools. And this request has been declined,” the official added. 

Besides the three-language formula, the MoU has some specific provisions like 5+3+3+4 curricular structure and the introduction of vocational education from Class VI as per the NEP. Tamil Nadu state has been following a two-language formula following anti-Hindi agitation in 1965. Tamil Nadu govt also formed a panel headed by Justice D Murugesan, former chief justice of Delhi high court to frame the State Education Policy (SEP). In its recommendations, the SEP panel rejected the three-language formula and recommended sticking to the existing 10+2 curricular structure. 

It also opposed common exams for Classes III, V and VIII. Like Tamil Nadu, some other states such as Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi and Punjab are also yet to sign the MoU for implementing PM SHRI schools. “SSA is supposed to be the top welfare scheme in children’s education. Under no circumstances it can be treated like this. It is a very unfortunate development as it could affect lakhs of children from poor backgrounds,” said Krishna Kumar, former director of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). “Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI are two different schemes of the Union govt. There is no justification for the Centre withholding SSA funds till the state govt accepts NEP,” said educational activist P B Prince Gajendrababu. Tamil Nadu MPs should raise the issue in Parliament, he said.

Govt approves UPS, assures 50% of basic pay as pension

 Govt approves UPS, assures 50% of basic pay as pension 

Govt Contribution Up To 18.5% From 14%; DA Added

 TIMES NEWS NETWORK 

New Delhi : Bringing significant benefits to 23 lakh central govt employees, the Narendra Modi govt on Saturday announced an overhaul of the 20-year-old National Pension System, including a higher contribution by govt for a guaranteed payout of 50% of the average basic pay drawn during the last 12 months of service. With the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), the govt sought to bring the benefits on a par with the old pension scheme (OPS) and blunt the opposition’s bid to revert to the earlier regime in the states governed by them, and mop up electoral dividends in the ensuing assembly polls. The decision also opens the doors for states to offer UPS, a contributory scheme, which will take the count to 90 lakh employees. 

The scheme — which employees will get a one-time option to switch to — introduces inflation adjustment through dearness relief. Those opting for UPS will be assured of 50% payout if they complete 25 years of service, information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. The proportion will be lower for those who put in fewer years in any govt job. Elaborating on the “five pillars” of UPS, which will be implemented from April next year, Vaishnaw said a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 will be offered to those who work for 10 years, with family pension to the spouse pegged at 60% of the deceased govt employee’s pension

AIIMS issues guidelines for Mpox cases in city

AIIMS issues guidelines for Mpox cases in city 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 

New Delhi : All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) released guidelines on Tuesday for managing patients with suspected monkeypox (Mpox) symptoms, despite no cases being reported in India yet. These measures are being implemented as a precautionary step. AIIMS doctors state that monkeypox is a viral zoonosis with symptoms resembling those of smallpox, although less severe. 

World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, necessitating heightened awareness, rapid identification, and rigorous infection control measures to prevent further spread. The institute’s standard operating procedure outlines the steps for handling monkeypox cases in the AIIMS emergency department. 

Patients with fever, rash, or a history of contact with confirmed monkeypox cases should be flagged for immediate assessment. Key symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and characteristic skin lesions. Five beds have been designated to isolate suspected monkeypox patients, minimising contact with other patients and staff until they are transferred to the designated hospital for definitive care. Suspected cases will be referred to Safdarjung Hospital, which has been designated for managing and treating such cases, along with Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College in Delhi. 

Dr Sushruta Kathuria, the nodal officer for monkeypox cases at Safdarjung Hospital, stated that they were well-prepared, with one room dedicated in the new emergency block and plans to shift to the superspeciality block, pending afinal decision on Wednesday. Dr Ajay Shukla, the medical superintendent of RML Hospital, mentioned that a 10-bed area had been designated for suspected monkeypox cases, with two nodal officers from the medicine and dermatology departments overseeing the situation.

New income tax regime: Salaried individuals can claim these deductions

New income tax regime: Salaried individuals can claim these deductions

Although the new tax regime has become more appealing after the Union Budget 2023-24, it does not incorporate the standard deductions available under the old tax regime.



The new tax regime, which has zero tax liability for people with income up to Rs 7 lakh, has become the default regime for taxpayers.


India Today Business Desk

New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 31, 2024 12:35 IST

Written By: Koustav Das

In Short New tax regime has become the default option for taxpayers

Two deductions applicable for salaried individuals

Common deductions not eligible under new income tax regime

If you intend to choose the new tax regime for the financial year 2024-25, there are two deductions available specifically for salaried individuals.

The new tax regime, which has zero tax liability for people with income up to Rs 7 lakh, has become the default regime for taxpayers.

Although the new tax regime has become more appealing after the Union Budget 2023-24, it does not incorporate the standard deductions available under the old tax regime.

However, there are some deductions that salaried deductions can claim under the new regime.

Standard Deduction

It is a straightforward benefit offered exclusively to salaried individuals and pensioners. When calculating the net taxable salary or pension income, employers automatically subtract Rs 50,000 as a standard deduction from the gross salary. No documentation is required to claim this deduction.

This deduction is reflected in Part B of Form 16, the TDS certificate issued by the employer, detailing the taxes deducted from the salary throughout the financial year. When filing the income tax return (ITR), individuals can claim this deduction under the head "Income from salaries/pension" as per Section 16(ia) of the Income-tax Act.

In addition, family pensioners are also eligible for the standard deduction, albeit at a reduced rate of Rs 15,000 compared to the Rs 50,000 available for salaried individuals and pensioners. Family pension is taxed under the head "Income from other sources." 

Section 80CCD (2) deduction under NPS

This deduction has been available since the introduction of the new tax regime in the fiscal year 2020-21.

It applies when an employer deposits funds into an employee's Tier-I NPS account. The income tax laws specify the maximum deduction allowed for both private and government employees.

Private sector employees can claim up to 10% of their salary as a deduction, while government employees can claim up to 14% of their salary under Section 80CCD (2).

Salary, according to income tax laws, includes basic pay plus dearness allowance.

Typically, the employer's contribution to an employee's Tier I NPS account forms part of the employee's cost to the company (CTC), which can reduce the employee's take-home pay.

The employer's NPS contribution is included in the gross salary payable by the employer. Employees must claim the deduction under Section 80CCD (2) when filing their income tax return (ITR). Part B of Form 16 will contain details of the employer's contribution to the NPS account.

Employees do not need to provide proof of NPS contribution to avoid higher TDS from salaries because the contribution is made directly by the employer to the NPS account, similar to how Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) contributions are made.

However, employees should check their employer's policy on proof submission.

It's important to note that if an employer's NPS contribution exceeds a certain limit, it may be taxable in the hands of the employee.

According to income tax laws, if the total contributions by an employer to EPF, NPS, and Superannuation fund in a financial year exceed Rs 7.5 lakh, the excess amount will be taxable to the employee.

Additionally, any interest, dividend, or return earned on the excess contribution will also be taxable.

Draft National Pharmacy

Draft National Pharmacy

Commission Bill released

THE HINDU BUREAU

NEW DELHI

21.11.2023

The Union Health Ministry on Monday invited comments from the public and stakeholders on the proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023. The Ministry proposes to finalise the Bill for setting up the National Pharmacy Commission and repealing the Pharmacy Act, 1948. For this, a draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill has been prepared and uploaded on the website of the Ministry for comments.

The Bill aims to improve access to affordable and high-quality pharmacy education and ensure the availability of pharmacy professionals nationwide. It seeks to promote equitable healthcare by making pharmacy services accessible to all citizens. It also calls for a periodic and transparent assessment of pharmacy institutions and facilitating maintenance of a pharmacy register for India. The Bill encourages professionals to integrate the latest research into their work, contribute to research, and uphold high ethical standards.

FCRA LICENCE EXTENDED TILL SEP 30

 

FINANCE MINISTER

 

CENTRAL STAFF

 

MATERNITY LEAVE

 

FREEBIES

 

TRICOLOUR SALE HITS PINNACLE AS ID NEARS

 

IT RETURNS FILED

 

FCRA WEBSITE MAKES CERTAIN DATA OFLIMITS FOR PUBLIC

 

FCRA

 

FACRA RULES AMENDED

 

FCRA RULES AMENDED