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Massive Protests in 25 Countries: Kolkata Rape-Murder Sparks Outrage

Thousands of people took to the streets on Sunday, protesting in over 130 cities across 25 countries, demanding justice for a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered last month at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.  The protests began in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore, before spreading to cities across Europe. Sixty demonstrations were also planned in the United States.

In Stockholm, Sweden, a large group of women gathered at Sergels Torg square, singing Bengali songs and holding signs calling for justice and better safety measures for Indian women. 

Dipti Jain, a British citizen and alumna of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital who organised the global protests, told Reuters, “The news of this horrific crime against a young trainee doctor while on duty shocked and devastated all of us. The brutality and disregard for human life left us numb.” Jain had previously organised a protest for female doctors in the UK. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on Monday.

FSSAI Confiscates 103 kg of Spoiled Fish from Markets

Officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) seized 103.5 kg of stale and rotten fish from wholesale and retail markets in Coimbatore on Tuesday. Six teams, consisting of 12 officials from the FSSAI and Fisheries Department, conducted raids at the Lorry Pettai wholesale fish market near Ukkadam and the retail fish market on the Ukkadam-Perur bypass. The surprise inspections, conducted between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., covered 35 wholesale stalls and 16 retail outlets.

During the operation, five wholesale stalls were found selling stale and rotten fish, leading to the seizure of 65 kg of fish. Additionally, 38.05 kg of stale fish were seized from four retail shops. The total of 103.5 kg of seized fish, valued at around ₹50,000, was destroyed. FSSAI officials issued notices to the nine shops found in violation of Section 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for selling spoiled fish.

District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati stated that similar surprise checks will be conducted across the district, and strict action will be taken against vendors selling substandard fish. Customers can report complaints to FSSAI via the WhatsApp helpline at 94440-42322 or through the TN Food Safety Consumer App.

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Late ITR Filing Due to Glitches on Portal Causing Problems

Many taxpayers faced late ITR filing for the 2023-24 financial year due to glitches on the ITR portal. Those who filed late and paid the applicable fees discovered that only the new tax regime was available to them

Chartered accountants have noted that this shift causes considerable difficulty for taxpayers, particularly those in salaried positions. Jainik Vakil, chairman of the direct tax committee at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), stated, ‘The requirement to use the new tax regime for late filers has adversely impacted salaried taxpayers, depriving them of benefits like house rent allowance and other deductions available under the old regime. Consequently, taxpayers face a higher tax liability under the new regime, despite having TDS reported in Form 16 based on the old regime.’

GCCI has petitioned the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), requesting that the option to use the old tax regime be extended to late filers to preserve their access to deductions and exemptions. The GCCI’s representative argued, ‘Many taxpayers were unable to file their returns by 31 July 2024, due to unforeseen circumstances. Given that Form 16 is usually issued by June 15, taxpayers have a limited window to file their returns. We believe they should have until 31 December  2024, to file their returns under the old regime.’

The representation also highlighted that, while interest and penalties for late filing are acknowledged, the change in tax regime alters the basis for tax liability determination, leading to unintended financial consequences for taxpayers.

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48% GST on Hybrid Cars, 5% on EVs Will Remain: Amitabh Kant Confirms

On Tuesday, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant emphasised the need to maintain a significant duty difference between electric and hybrid vehicles, including GST on hybrid cars. He stressed that the country should incentivize zero-emission technologies to continue the push toward green mobility.

Speaking at a Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) event, Kant highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting clean mobility through various policy measures. He noted that the tax on electric vehicles remains at 5%, compared to 48% on hybrids, a policy that will be sustained over time.

Japanese automakers have been lobbying for a reduction in GST on hybrids, arguing that hybrids are cleaner than traditional petrol vehicles and should be incentivised. However, companies like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra oppose this, advocating for exclusive incentives for zero-emission technologies without concessions for transitional measures.

Kant also revealed the government’s strong focus on boosting battery manufacturing, saying, ‘We are using all policy tools available, including CAFE norms, to drive the electrification of mobility, ensuring India becomes a green mobility leader.’ He warned that missing this shift to cleaner technologies would result in losing a critical opportunity to lead in EV manufacturing.

Additionally, Kant mentioned plans for large-scale electric bus tenders, with 6,000 electric buses already tendered for seven cities, followed by future tenders for 10,000 and 50,000 buses, which will significantly reduce electric bus prices.

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India and Singapore Ink MoUs on Semiconductors and Digital Tech

India and Singapore have strengthened their partnership by signing key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of digital technologies, semiconductors, health cooperation, and skill development. The agreements were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore, following bilateral meetings with his counterpart, Lawrence Wong. The first MoU was between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information, aiming to enhance cooperation in digital technologies such as cyber-security, 5G, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, as well as upskilling workers in the digital domain. 

Another significant agreement was the India-Singapore semiconductor ecosystem partnership, aimed at developing a semiconductor cluster and fostering talent in semiconductor design and manufacturing, further enabling Singapore’s investments in India. Singapore plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain, producing 10% of the world’s chips and 20% of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. In the health sector, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Singapore’s Ministry of Health signed an MoU to boost collaboration in healthcare research, innovation, and human resource development. This will also promote Indian healthcare professionals in Singapore. 

An additional MoU on educational cooperation was signed by India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Singapore’s Ministry of Education to enhance collaboration in technical and vocational training, complementing existing efforts in skill development. 

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi praised Singapore as not only a partner but also an inspiration for developing nations. Both leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions covering various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalisation, healthcare, skills development, and sustainability. Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Singapore’s Parliament House, where he also signed the visitors’ book and met with Singaporean ministers and delegates. The visit also includes tours of key semiconductor facilities and meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, senior minister Lee Hsien Loong, and business leaders in Singapore.

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Paralympics 2024: India Shines with Gold and Silver Medals

 After two historic days at Paralympics 2024 that earned India an impressive 13 medals, the nation’s athletes are back in action, continuing their medal quest. Today’s highlights include Harvinder Singh winning gold in Archery and Dharambir Nain securing gold in Club Throw, while Sachin Khilari won silver in Shot Put and Pranav Soorma added another silver in Club Throw. 

In Para Cycling, Arshad Shaik finished 11th in the Men’s C2 Individual Time Trial, and Jyoti Gaderia came 16th in the Women’s C1-3 Individual Time Trial. In shooting, Nihal Singh and Rudransh Khandelwal finished 19th and 21st, respectively, in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 qualification but missed the final. In Para Athletics, Sachin Khilari clinched silver in the Men’s Shot Put F46 final, while Mohammed Yasser and Rohit Kumar finished 8th and 9th. Bhavinaben Patel exited in the Women’s Singles WS4 quarterfinal in Para Table Tennis, losing 1-3 to Zhou Ying. Amisha Rawat achieved a personal best, finishing 14th in the Women’s Shot Put F46 final. In Para Powerlifting, Parmjeet Kumar finished 8th in the Men’s up to 49 kg final, and Sakina Khatun finished 7th in the Women’s up to 45 kg final.

Harvinder Singh had a standout day in Para Archery, defeating Tseng Lung-Hui in the round-of-32, Setiawan in the pre-quarters, and Julio Ramirez in the quarterfinals before advancing to the final by overcoming Arab Ameri in the semis. He ultimately secured gold by dominating Lukasz Ciszek 6-0 in the Men’s Individual Recurve Open final. Dharambir and Pranav Soorma added to India’s tally in Para Athletics, winning gold and silver in the Men’s Club Throw F51 final, with Amit Kumar finishing 10th. Simran also had a strong performance, winning her Women’s 100m T12 Round 1 and advancing to the semifinals, scheduled for tomorrow. Vakilsearch is so proud of India’s performance in Paralympics 2024.

GST Council to Convene on 9 September 2024

The GST Council is set to discuss the roadmap for the rate rationalisation exercise at its meeting on  9 September 2024, though a final decision will be made at a later date. ‘During the meeting, the committee of officers will give a detailed presentation on the progress of the rate rationalisation exercise so far,’ Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday. She added that the Group of Ministers (GoM) will then work on recommendations, which will be considered by the GST Council in the next meeting. The issue of compensation cess will also be on the agenda for the same meeting.

A GoM, led by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, is currently working on the rate rationalisation exercise. Currently, there are four standard tax rate slabs—5, 12, 18, and 28%—along with a few special rates, such as 0.25% for rough or uncut diamonds and 3% for gold and silver. Some goods in the 28% slab also incur a compensation cess of up to 22%, bringing the total tax rate to 50%.

Last week, Mr. Chaudhary chaired the first meeting of the reconstituted GoM, where most members expressed support for retaining the current structure. He noted that further discussions will take place before a final decision is made. The group has received representations from the restaurant, beverage, and online gaming sectors, which will be reviewed, with some being forwarded to the Fitment Committee.

Revenue Neutral Rate: The Finance Minister mentioned that the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) has dropped below 11 %, compared to the 15-15.5 % range when GST was introduced. This reduction will play a significant role in the rate rationalisation process.

Compensation CESS: Regarding the compensation cess, Sitharaman said it will be discussed either in the September 9 meeting or at a later date. Initially introduced for five years to cover the revenue shortfall for states following GST implementation, the compensation cess expired in June 2022. However, the funds collected are being used to repay the ₹2.69 lakh crore borrowed by the Centre during the COVID-19 pandemic to offset revenue losses.

As recommended by the Council, the cess will continue to be collected until March 31, 2026, with the loan repayment expected to be completed by November 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The GST Council will then need to decide on the future of the GST compensation cess, including its name and distribution modalities among states once the loans are repaid. At the 53rd GST Council meeting on Saturday, Karnataka raised concerns about the continuation of the compensation cess levy, repayment of the loan, and the way forward.

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Best Agrolife Secures a Patent for Innovative Three-Component Pesticide Formula

Best Agrolife Ltd. a tech-driven agrochemical manufacturer secures a patent for a novel ternary pesticide formulation. This innovative solution combines isoprothiolane, pymetrozine, and trifloxystrobin, offering dual protection against the most damaging blast and blight diseases, as well as the brown planthopper (BPH) insects, in paddy and mango crops.

India, the world’s second-largest rice producer with over 43 million hectares under cultivation, often faces threats from blast disease, sheath blight, and brown planthopper. Best Agrolife’s cutting-edge patented products have revolutionised pest management practices in agriculture. The company has also received a patent for a binary fungicide formulation that combines trifloxystrobin and valifenalate.

While Best Agrolife has secured several ternary patents, this is its first binary patent, highlighting the company’s commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. According to a press release, Best Agrolife, with its strong emphasis on research and development, is set to introduce more innovative products to address the challenges faced by farmers.

Best Agrolife Ltd. has achieved a major breakthrough with the patenting of its innovative ternary pesticide formulation and binary fungicide. This novel pesticide, combining isoprothiolane, pymetrozine, and trifloxystrobin, provides comprehensive protection against severe crop diseases and pests affecting paddy and mango crops. Alongside, the newly patented binary fungicide, featuring trifloxystrobin and valifenalate, enhances the company’s portfolio in advancing agricultural technology. With these advancements, Best Agrolife underscores its dedication to improving crop protection and supporting India’s vast agricultural sector. Trust Vakilsearch for expert assistance in securing patents and safeguarding your innovations in the agri-tech industry.

Yusuf Dukec Files Trademark Application for His Shooting Stance

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Turkey’s Yusuf Dikec, who won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, gained widespread attention for his relaxed style during competition and is now seeking to Trademark his viral stance. Yusuf Dikec, Turkey’s Olympic pistol shooter, has filed a trademark application for his laid-back pose that went viral during the Paris Games, his coach revealed to AFP on Monday.

The Turkish Olympic silver medallist became an internet sensation due to his casual competition style, prompting him to apply for a patent. Dikec’s coach, Erdinc Bilgili, stated that they moved to protect the commercial use of the stance after learning that others were attempting to trademark it without Dikec’s consent.

‘After finding out several trademark applications submitted without Yusuf Dikec’s knowledge, we filed our own about a week ago,’ Bilgili told AFP, noting that the ‘other applications have been rejected.’

Dikec’s composed demeanor during the competition sparked a wave of memes online, with some comparing him to the fictional spy James Bond. Even billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk shared a video of himself mimicking the pose.

The stance has also been widely imitated by fellow athletes since Dikec won silver, Turkey’s first medal in the mixed-team 10m air pistol, alongside teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan. Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson also replicated it during a goal celebration against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League on Sunday. Merchandise featuring Dikec’s likeness, including T-shirts, mugs, and phone covers, has started to appear for sale, according to Turkish news channel TRT Haber.

The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office has not yet responded to AFP’s requests for comment. In an earlier interview with AFP, Dikec explained that his hand-in-pocket technique was simply to help maintain balance and stability, with no deeper significance.

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Sonakshi & Zaheer’s Film Faces Copyright Issues

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, who recently gained attention for their roles in Double XL, have reunited for a new film, Tu Hai Meri Kiran, directed by Karan Rawal. However, the film is now embroiled in a legal battle with Adlabs over alleged copyright Issues. According to reports, Adlabs has filed a complaint claiming that Tu Hai Meri Kiran violates the copyrights of its films Caller (2011) and Call (2019). Adlabs, which holds exclusive rights to these films, is seeking legal action against Vishal Rana and Echelon Productions, the makers of the film.

Adlabs has taken further steps by lodging a complaint with the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) after initially sending legal notices to Echelon Productions. The company is requesting that Echelon Productions disclose the script of Tu Hai Meri Kiran and cease any activities involving third parties related to the film. 

The film’s cast and crew completed shooting in June, just before Sinha and Iqbal’s wedding. Sinha has recently been in the spotlight for her performances in Heera Mandi – The Diamond Bazaar and Dahaad, which earned critical acclaim.

In addition to the legal dispute, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal recently celebrated their one-month wedding anniversary with a trip to the Philippines. The couple, who had been in a relationship for seven years before their marriage, opted for an intimate wedding in Mumbai. Sinha shared pictures of the wedding but disabled comments to avoid potential trolling related to their inter-faith marriage. 

The legal challenges surrounding Tu Hai Meri Kiran highlight ongoing tensions in the film industry regarding intellectual property rights and copyright disputes. Vakilsearch provides comprehensive legal support to navigate complex copyright infringement issues, handle disputes, and secure your creative rights. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, helping you avoid costly litigation and focus on your creative endeavours. Protect your intellectual property with Vakilsearch’s trusted legal expertise.