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ITR forms, rules under new Income Tax Act to be notified by January: CBDT chief
IncometaxCbdtEconomyTaxreform

ITR forms, rules under new Income Tax Act to be notified by January: CBDT chief

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chief announced on November 17, 2025, that ITR forms and rules for the new Income Tax Act, 2025, replacing the six-decade-old 1961 Act, will be notified by January 2026. This new Act, effective April 1, 2026, aims to simplify tax laws and ease compliance for taxpayers, ensuring straightforward forms. The legislation significantly reduces sections and word count without imposing new tax rates, providing taxpayers ample time to adapt.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
National Gopal Ratna Awards announced by Union Animal Husbandry Ministry
AgricultureDairyingGovernmentawardsLivestock

National Gopal Ratna Awards announced by Union Animal Husbandry Ministry

On November 17, 2025, the Union Animal Husbandry Ministry announced the recipients of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA), slated for presentation on National Milk Day, November 26. These awards acknowledge outstanding contributions to the dairy sector, particularly in promoting indigenous breeds and cooperative efforts. Aravind Yashavant Patil from Maharashtra won Best Dairy Farmer, while Meenangadi Ksheerolpadaka Sahakarana Sangham Ltd from Kerala secured the award for best Dairy Cooperative Society. Top awardees in main categories will receive significant cash prizes, certificates, and mementos.

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Positive
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
India and Russia preparing for Putin's visit to finalize new pacts
IndiarussiaDiplomacyGeopoliticsInternationalrelations

India and Russia preparing for Putin's visit to finalize new pacts

India and Russia are working to finalize new agreements and initiatives for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi, expected early next month for the 23rd annual summit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held extensive preparatory talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, emphasizing strengthening their "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership." India reiterated its support for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stressing the global interest in an early cessation of hostilities and lasting peace. Discussions also encompassed complex global issues.

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Positive
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
Leh Apex Body submits proposal to MHA for Ladakh Statehood and Sixth Schedule status
LadakhStatehoodSixthscheduleFederalismActivism

Leh Apex Body submits proposal to MHA for Ladakh Statehood and Sixth Schedule status

On November 17, 2025, the Leh Apex Body (LAB), a coalition of Ladakh's organizations, submitted a 29-page draft proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Key demands include Statehood for Ladakh and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect its unique identity and environment. The proposal also explicitly calls for the release of detained Ladakh locals, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, and advocates for a general amnesty for those arrested in previous unrest. This follows stalled talks and resumed discussions with the MHA.

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
Home Minister Amit Shah vows strictest punishment for Delhi blast culprits
TerrorismDelhiblastFederalismNationalsecurity

Home Minister Amit Shah vows strictest punishment for Delhi blast culprits

Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed on November 17, 2025, that those responsible for the November 10 Delhi blast would receive the harshest possible punishment, underscoring the government's resolve to eradicate terrorism. Shah made these remarks while chairing the 32nd Northern Zonal Council (NZC) meeting, which addressed critical inter-state issues. Himachal Pradesh pressed its claim for a share in Chandigarh's assets and pending dues, while Haryana demanded the urgent construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, and Punjab reiterated its counterclaims over Chandigarh and river waters.

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
Supreme Court to hear Tamil Nadu's plea on V-C appointment powers
SupremecourtTamilnaduEducationFederalismHighereducation

Supreme Court to hear Tamil Nadu's plea on V-C appointment powers

On November 17, 2025, the Supreme Court scheduled a December 2 hearing for a petition by the Tamil Nadu government. The petition challenges a Madras High Court interim order that stayed nine Acts, which empowered the State, rather than the Governor, to appoint Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) for state-run universities. Tamil Nadu's counsel urged an early hearing due to the limbo in V-C appointments. The State contends the High Court's stay contradicts an earlier Supreme Court judgment and emphasizes federalism and its autonomy over state universities.

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
India to engage with Bangladesh stakeholders after Sheikh Hasina death sentence verdict
BangladeshDiplomacyHumanrightsInternationalrelationsPoliticaldevelopments

India to engage with Bangladesh stakeholders after Sheikh Hasina death sentence verdict

On November 17, 2025, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) "noted" the verdict from Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which sentenced former PM Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity. India declared its intention to "constructively engage with all stakeholders" in Bangladesh, emphasizing its commitment to the nation's peace, democracy, and stability as a close neighbor. This followed Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Ministry urging India to extradite Ms. Hasina, who is currently outside Bangladesh and dismissed the verdict as "rigged."

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
Supreme Court expresses alarm over 'pocket-size' liquor packs, cites public health risks
SupremecourtLiquorpolicyPublichealthConsumerprotection

Supreme Court expresses alarm over 'pocket-size' liquor packs, cites public health risks

On November 17, 2025, the Supreme Court expressed strong alarm over liquor being sold in "pocket-size" packs, with Justice Surya Kant initially mistaking a sample for a juice packet. The Bench labeled such packaging as "dangerous" and deceptive, citing serious concerns about students potentially carrying them to schools or colleges unnoticed and deceiving parents. The Court questioned the legality of governments permitting such sales, suggesting it's a significant public interest issue and underscoring the broader societal costs of unchecked liquor accessibility, despite state revenue interests.

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Negative
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
SC forbids bail to accused in 'digital arrest' scam after "unusual intervention"
SupremecourtCybercrimeJusticeScam

SC forbids bail to accused in 'digital arrest' scam after "unusual intervention"

The Supreme Court, in an "unusual order" on November 17, 2025, prohibited lower courts from granting bail to individuals accused in a 'digital arrest' scam that defrauded a 72-year-old lawyer of ₹3.29 crore. Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need for stern action against such severe deception, especially when targeting senior citizens. The court cited a confidential report indicating that fraudsters have already scammed over ₹3,000 crore, primarily from the elderly, through these schemes, aiming to empower agencies with stringent orders.

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
Read Full Article→(The Hindu)
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Engages in Key Diplomatic Discussions
DiplomacyInternational relationsIndiaRussiaQatarBahrainJaishankar

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Engages in Key Diplomatic Discussions

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is undertaking significant diplomatic engagements to bolster India's bilateral ties and address global concerns. He is scheduled to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on November 17, 2025, to discuss bilateral relations ahead of President Putin's visit to New Delhi. Concurrently, Jaishankar met with Qatar's top leadership on November 16, focusing on a strategic partnership in energy, trade, and investment. He also held a phone call with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, reinforcing their long-standing partnership and exchanging views on regional developments, following recent talks on a comprehensive trade deal.

November 17, 2025•1 min read•
Sentiment: Neutral
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