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Karnataka Assembly Votes to Abolish NEET like Tamil Nadu & West Bengal

The Karnataka Assembly passed a resolution on Thursday to abolish NEET, making it the third state after Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to request an exemption from this national medical entrance exam. The resolution argues that NEET adversely impacts the medical education of economically disadvantaged rural students, undermines the state’s rights to manage admissions to its medical colleges, and renders state-level schooling irrelevant.

The resolution calls on the central government to immediately exempt Karnataka from NEET and allow medical admissions based on the scores from the Common Entrance Test conducted by the state government. Similarly, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have also proposed using state-specific medical entrance exam scores for college admissions instead of NEET.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati also demanded the elimination of NEET, advocating for a return to the previous system of medical admissions. However, a government official, speaking anonymously, noted that under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act and University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, NEET is mandated as the sole nationwide exam for medical admissions in India.

Karnataka’s decision follows allegations of a NEET paper leak. Since its introduction in 2010, NEET has been controversial, particularly in southern states. These states argue that NEET’s standardised exam format, which differs from state-level syllabi, disadvantages their students and restricts states’ autonomy in medical education.

Data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shows Karnataka had the most medical seats in India for the academic year 2023-24, with 11,745 seats (3,750 in government institutions and 7,995 in private colleges). Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana follow with significant numbers of medical seats. Southern states collectively hold around 39% of India’s medical seats, yet admissions are based solely on NEET-UG scores.

The NMC Act 2019 mandates that all medical admissions must be based on NEET-UG All India Rank (AIR), and institutions are not allowed to conduct separate entrance exams. The NMC also oversees counselling for 15% of seats in state colleges, central institutes, and deemed universities, while state medical boards manage the remaining 85% of seats using NEET-UG scores.

Karnataka’s recent decision to Abolish NEET, aligning with Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, reflects growing discontent over the national medical entrance exam’s impact on regional students and state autonomy. The resolution underscores concerns about NEET’s disadvantages to rural and economically disadvantaged students and calls for a return to state-managed admissions based on local tests. While the central government mandates NEET under the National Medical Commission Act, these developments highlight ongoing debates about balancing national standards with state-specific educational needs.

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Noida Doctor Loses ₹59 Lakhs in Digital Arrest Scam

A Noida-based doctor lost ₹59 lakh in a digital arrest scam after being falsely accused of circulating pornographic content. This scam, which is becoming more common in the Delhi NCR region, involves fraudsters using intimidation tactics to deceive victims. Dr. Puja Goyal, from Noida Sector 77, received a call on 13 July 2024 from someone claiming to be an official from the Telephone Regulatory Authority of India, alleging her phone was being used to circulate porn videos. Despite denying the allegations, Dr. Goyal was coerced into a video call, where she was threatened with serious consequences and told she was under ‘digital arrest’. After 48 hours of intense questioning, she transferred ₹59.54 lakh into a specified account. Realising the deception, she filed a complaint on July 22 with the Noida cyber crime cell.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Vivek Ranjan Rai confirmed they are verifying the account details to which the money was transferred and will take appropriate action. This ‘digital arrest’ scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officers and using fake IDs to intimidate victims. A similar incident occurred with a 72-year-old woman from Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park, who was defrauded of ₹83 lakh. Noida police have issued an advisory warning residents about such scams, advising them to verify the credentials of suspicious callers, especially those using WhatsApp or video calls, and to report any such incidents to the nearest police station or cyber cell immediately.

The ‘digital arrest’ scam that targeted Dr. Puja Goyal highlights a disturbing trend of sophisticated fraud involving false accusations and psychological manipulation. Despite the high-profile nature of the case, it underscores the urgent need for vigilance and awareness against such scams. With Dr. Goyal losing ₹59 lakh to fraudsters posing as regulatory officials, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with digital communication and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any such claims. The ongoing investigation aims to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further victimisation.

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PM to Initiate Construction of World’s Highest Shinkun La Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually initiate the construction of the Shinkun La tunnel, a strategic 4.1 km twin-tube tunnel located at 15,800 feet, under the challenging Shinkun Pass on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road. The project, managed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), was approved last February by the cabinet committee on security and is estimated to cost ₹1,681 crore. This tunnel, upon completion, will surpass the Mi La tunnel in China as the world’s highest, facilitating rapid troop movement and economic development in Ladakh.

Despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions along India’s northern borders, tunnel construction remains a priority, especially in light of the ongoing military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Recently, the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh was inaugurated, and several other tunnels are either under construction or being planned, potentially for use as underground storage for military supplies.

The Shinkun La tunnel, featuring cross-passages every 500 meters, is expected to be completed in at least two years. Its strategic importance is underscored by its role in ensuring all-weather connectivity on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road, the third route to Ladakh, which becomes inaccessible for five months each year due to snow at the Shinkun Pass.

Modi, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and military leaders, will conduct the groundbreaking ceremony during his visit to the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, marking the 25th anniversary of the Kargil conflict.

India continues to work on reducing the infrastructure gap with China along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control, which includes building roads, tunnels, bridges, troop habitats, and military positions. However, significant efforts are still needed to match China’s pace of development in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiation of the Shinkun La tunnel project marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. As the world’s highest tunnel, it will enhance strategic connectivity and troop mobility in the challenging terrains of Ladakh. This ambitious project not only underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its defence infrastructure but also aims to promote economic growth and accessibility in the region. The Shinkun La tunnel is expected to play a crucial role in improving all-weather access and operational readiness along the northern borders, showcasing India’s resolve to strengthen its strategic positions amid ongoing regional challenges.

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FIR Filed Against Kannada Actor-Director Rakshit Shetty for Copyright Infringement

Popular Kannada actor Rakshit Shetty and his production company, Paramvah Studios, are embroiled in a legal dispute over copyright infringement after being named in a police case for allegedly using two songs without authorisation in their film ‘Bachelor Party’. Naveen Kumar, co-owner of MRT Music, filed a complaint accusing Shetty and Paramvah Studios of illegally using the songs ‘Nyaya Yellide?’ from the film ‘Nyaya Yellide’ and ‘Omme Ninnannu’ from ‘Gaali Maatu’. According to Kumar, MRT Music holds the exclusive rights to both tracks.

Kumar stated, ‘Paramvah Studios approached us through Rajesh to use our songs in ‘Bachelor Party’ earlier this year, but no agreement was reached.’ He further alleged that despite failing to strike a deal, the songs appeared in the film upon its OTT platform release in March, prompting him to file the complaint.

In response to the complaint, Yeshwantpur police have booked Shetty and Paramvah Studios under Section 63 of the Copyrights Act. An investigating officer confirmed that notices have been issued to Shetty, awaiting his response.

This isn’t the first time Paramvah Studios has faced copyright allegations. In a similar incident in 2016, Bengaluru-based Lahari Music accused the studio of using their song ‘Hey Who are You?’ without permission in the film ‘Kirik Party’. The dispute was resolved in 2021.

The case underscores ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry regarding intellectual property rights and the need for clear agreements between content creators and rights holders.

The legal action against Kannada actor-director Rakshit Shetty highlights the critical importance of securing proper licenses and permissions for copyrighted materials. With MRT Music accusing Shetty’s production company of unauthorised use of their songs, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls in the entertainment industry regarding intellectual property rights. 

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Delhi Court Rules in Favour of Adidas in Trademark Dispute

In a recent ruling, a Delhi court provided significant relief to Adidas in a trademark dispute case against a Connaught Place shop owner, Mr. Yogesh Gupta. District Judge Vidya Prakash issued a permanent injunction, barring the defendant from using Adidas trademarks and passing off counterfeit products as genuine Adidas items.

The court awarded Adidas ₹1 lakh in damages and ordered the defendant to cover the costs of the lawsuit. The judgment emphasised that Adidas successfully proved the defendant was involved in stocking, distributing, and selling goods bearing falsified trademarks, thereby necessitating the protection of the company’s intellectual property.

In 2019, Adidas discovered that the defendant was operating a wholesale business, distributing products with trademarks identical or deceptively similar to Adidas’s. The infringing goods bore names and marks such as ‘adidas,’ the ‘3-Strips’ mark, the ‘performance logo,’ and ‘Trefoil,’ causing consumer confusion. Represented by Narendra Singh, Adidas filed the lawsuit, arguing that the counterfeit products were of inferior quality and damaged the company’s reputation, leading to significant financial losses.

Adidas sought a permanent injunction, the destruction of all infringing goods, and an account of profits made from these sales. The company also requested punitive damages. The court proceeded ex parte, as the defendant failed to appear despite being served summons, ultimately ruling in favour of Adidas. The legal team for Adidas included advocates Priya Nagpal and Nandani Agarwal.

The Delhi court’s recent ruling in favour of Adidas underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights against counterfeit and trademark dispute. By awarding damages and a permanent injunction, the court has reinforced the need for vigilance in maintaining brand integrity and ensuring consumer trust.

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TN Introduces Instant Online Approval System for Building Permits

The Tamil Nadu government has introduced a groundbreaking initiative offering instant online approval system for building permits, specifically for houses built on plots up to 2,500 sq ft with a maximum construction area of 3,500 sq ft. Applications can now be submitted entirely online.

This new scheme, warmly welcomed by the real estate sector, aims to benefit middle-class families and stimulate housing development. However, its effectiveness will largely depend on how well it is implemented.

Under the scheme, fees for scrutiny, infrastructure, and amenities are completely waived, and a completion certificate is not required post-construction. A government release noted that currently, a significant percentage of building permit applications—72% from village panchayats, 77% from town panchayats, and 79% from municipalities and corporations—are processed through a Single Window System by the respective Local Bodies.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, praised the initiative as a ‘one-of-its-kind move,’ suggesting that it could expedite real estate approvals and eliminate project delays and malpractices. ‘Getting necessary government approvals has always been a challenge for builders, leading to project delays and price escalations that affect homebuyers,’ Puri noted. ‘This new policy could help prevent such issues, benefiting developers and buyers alike.’

ANAROCK Research reported a 29% drop in new launches in Chennai in Q2 2024 compared to Q1 2024, with only a 3% year-on-year increase. Puri believes that easier approvals may encourage developers to launch more projects, potentially boosting market supply. Currently, Chennai saw the launch of 10,530 units in the first half of 2024, the second lowest among the top seven cities in India, just ahead of Kolkata.

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Union Budget 2024-25: Highlights for Salaried Employees

 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25 during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, marking her seventh consecutive budget speech. This achievement surpasses former Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s record of six consecutive budgets as Finance Minister.

In this landmark budget, Sitharaman emphasised India’s robust economic growth amidst global uncertainties. She stated, ‘India’s economic growth continues to be the shining exception and will remain so in the years ahead.’ The budget focuses on crucial sectors such as agriculture, employment, skilling, and services, aiming to bolster the economy and provide new opportunities.

For salaried employees, a significant change is the increase in the standard deduction under the new income tax regime from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. This adjustment is expected to save salaried individuals up to ₹17,500 in taxes. The new income tax slabs have also been revised, offering more relaxed rates for different income brackets, from 0% for incomes up to ₹3 lakh to 30% for those above ₹15 lakh.

In addition, the Union Budget 2024-25 proposes an increase in the family pension deduction amount from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, benefiting around 4 crore salaried individuals and pensioners. This move is aimed at providing greater financial stability to pensioners.

One of the notable measures introduced is a direct benefit transfer for newly employed individuals in formal sectors. The government will provide a one-month wage, capped at ₹15,000, to first-time employees registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). This scheme, benefiting 2.1 crore youth, includes reimbursement incentives for employers contributing to the EPFO.

Furthermore, the Union Budget 2024-25 includes a comprehensive internship scheme targeting 1 crore youth over five years. This initiative will offer internship opportunities in 500 top companies, with interns receiving a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 and a one-time assistance of ₹6,000. Companies will cover the training cost and 10% of the internship cost from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

These announcements highlight the government’s commitment to economic growth, employment, and skill development, setting a positive trajectory for India’s future.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s seventh consecutive budget speech has set a new record, focusing on enhancing economic growth amidst global uncertainties. Key measures include increased standard deductions, revised income tax slabs, and a higher family pension deduction. Noteworthy initiatives involve direct benefit transfers for new employees and a comprehensive internship program.

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Budget 2024 Expectations: Tech Industry Calls for PLI Scheme Revamp and GST Reduction

The Budget 2024, set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23, has the tech and electronics industry buzzing with anticipation. From a push for localisation to GST reductions, the sector has high hopes for the upcoming budget.

In recent years, the Indian government has championed electronics manufacturing with initiatives like Make in India and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. As Budget 2024 approaches, industry leaders are outlining their key expectations.

Key Budget Expectations for Tech and Electronics

Last year, the government reduced taxes on essential smartphone components, such as camera lenses and lithium-ion batteries. This move aimed to boost smartphone production and lower costs. Both companies and consumers are hoping for similar incentives this year.

The PLI scheme has significantly boosted domestic production across various sectors. Industry experts are advocating for a revamped PLI scheme to further enhance the manufacture of consumer technology products like smartphones, laptops, and wearables.

‘Guided by Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we seek government support for extensively localising component production, fostering a lucrative environment where homegrown brands can lead globally. Incentivising domestic production through tax breaks, subsidies, and R&D funding will enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities,’ said Amit Khatri, co-founder of Noise.

Boosting consumer disposable income is another priority. ‘Higher disposable incomes will lead to a promising growth impetus. We look forward to a budget that will create a stable and growth-oriented tax environment, which will help in ease of doing business, and will lead to increased economic activity and demand generation,’ said Pradeep Bakshi, CEO of Voltas.

Simplified GST rules and reduced GST rates are also on the wishlist. TV manufacturers, for instance, hope for a reduced GST rate on TVs larger than 32 inches. ‘One expected move is reducing the GST rate on LED TVs larger than 32 inches from 28% to 18%. This change aims to boost consumer spending in the electronics sector. Expanding PLI schemes to include smart TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines is also important for market growth and improving manufacturing capabilities,’ said Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO of Super Plastronics.

Additionally, companies are calling for antidumping duties to ensure fair competition with international players, particularly from China. ‘While the government has made significant strides in supporting Indian manufacturers through initiatives like the ‘Made in India’ campaign and the PLI scheme, there is a pressing need to level the competitive playing field. Anticipations include measures such as antidumping duties to ensure fair competition against Chinese and other international companies in the industry,’ said Imran Kagalwala, co-founder of UNIX India.

As the Budget 2024 presentation draws near, the tech and electronics industry eagerly awaits measures that will drive growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the sector.

Union Budget 2024: Experts Call for Removal of 18% GST on Mental Health Services

Ahead of the Union Budget 2024 presentation, experts are urging the government to remove or reduce the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on mental health services. They emphasise the need for strategic allocation of resources to build a mentally resilient society, highlighting the significant impact mental health has on productivity and the economy.

‘Mental health issues are highly prevalent and poorly managed, affecting a significant number of our population. In the upcoming Budget, we urge the government to remove or reduce the 18% GST on mental health services,’ said Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director of Manasthali Wellness.

Experts point out that the decline in mental health has increased the demand for health insurance policies covering both physical and mental health. However, the high cost of medications and therapies often discourages people from seeking help.

Divya Mohindroo, a counselling psychologist, stressed the need for comprehensive policies to address India’s mental health crisis and called for an increase in the workforce in this sector. ‘Out of an estimated 150 million people needing mental health services, only fewer than 30 million seek help,’ Mohindroo noted.

The shortage of mental health professionals is a major issue in India, with only 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers per 100,000 people. ‘There should be specific measures for mental health, and we are hopeful the Budget will prioritise this urgent issue. There is an immediate need to strengthen India’s mental health workforce, with just one psychiatrist per two lakh people,’ Mohindroo added.

She also suggested providing scholarships to train more professionals to help bridge this gap.

Experts also recommend incorporating mental health services into healthcare insurance coverage. ‘While government centres receive some relief, private practitioners are left burdened. Extending tax benefits to private practitioners is crucial, given the high operational costs for the average therapist. This change would help lower costs and increase public accessibility to mental health care,’ Kapoor stated.

‘This will help our citizens access mental healthcare without burdening them financially,’ added Mohindroo.

As the Union Budget 2024 approaches, the focus on mental health is more critical than ever, with experts hopeful that the government will take significant steps to address these pressing issues.

ITR Filing FY 23–24: How to File Income Tax Returns via WhatsApp

A new service now allows individuals to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) directly through WhatsApp. This service, available in English, Hindi, and Kannada, is designed primarily for blue-collar professionals like drivers, delivery executives, and home service providers.

As the July 31st deadline for filing ITRs approaches, taxpayers must complete this crucial task to avoid penalties. This initiative aims to make tax filing more accessible and user-friendly, leveraging WhatsApp’s widespread use to simplify the process.

How to File ITR via WhatsApp

Step 1: Initiate the Conversation

Save the provided WhatsApp number (+91 89512 62134) and send a message saying ‘Hi’ to start the process.

Step 2: Select Your Language

Choose your preferred language from English, Hindi, and Kannada.

Step 3: Provide Your PAN Card Number

Enter your Permanent Account Number (PAN) or upload a picture of your PAN card.

Step 4: Enter Your Aadhaar Number

Share your Aadhaar number as requested.

Step 5: Input Your Email Address

Provide your email address for receiving updates and OTPs.

Step 6: Fill in Personal Details

Enter additional information, such as your father’s name, locality, bank account number, date of birth, and pin code.

Step 7: Verify Your Email

Re-enter your email address to receive an OTP for verification and share the OTP in the WhatsApp chat.

Step 8: Tax Information Fetch

The service will fetch your tax information based on the details provided.

Step 9: Aadhaar OTP Verification

Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked phone number for verification.

Step 10: Review the Tax Summary

Review the summary of your tax information and, if satisfied, click on ‘Do e-file’ to proceed.

Step 11: Complete Payment (If Required)

If payment is needed, you’ll receive a message stating, ‘E-filing initiated, but payment is pending.’ Click on the provided link to complete the payment securely.

Step 12: Proceed to E-file

After making the payment, click on ‘Proceed to e-file’ in the WhatsApp chat window.

Step 13: Tax Verification

Select ‘Tax Verification’ to generate an OTP for final verification and share this OTP in the chat to complete the ITR filing process.

Required Documents

  • PAN card
  • Aadhaar card
  • Email address
  • Bank account details for refunds (if applicable)

You can submit the required information through images, audio, or text messages, including personal details, income details, and necessary documents.

Expert Insights

By leveraging WhatsApp and artificial intelligence, this innovative service makes tax filing accessible, convenient, and user-friendly. With its multilingual support, secure payment integration, and AI-powered guidance, this service is breaking down barriers and enabling individuals to navigate the tax filing process with ease.

For more details, consult a tax professional or visit the official website for guidance.