logo
State govt holds Dharmasthala temple in high regard: Minister

State govt holds Dharmasthala temple in high regard: Minister

Time of India2 days ago
Mandya: The state govt holds the Dharmasthala temple in high regard, and the SIT is conducting an investigation strictly in accordance with a court order, said agriculture Mminister and Mandya district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy.
Speaking to reporters on Friday at Mandya, he stressed that in a democracy, public opinion must be respected. "On the religious matter of Dharmasthala, we have more trust than the opposition. Our govt has no grievance against Dharmasthala temple," he said. Commenting on the BJP, he remarked, "The saffron party is in poor shape. Lacking serious issues, they have raked up the Rajanna matter. We know why they dropped him.
Rajanna is fine; we are all fine. Let the BJP first resolve its own internal disputes—they cannot even change their Leader of the Opposition."
On the vacant ministerial berth, he said the decision rests with the party high command, but expressed hope that it would go to Mandya, recommending PM Narendraswamy for the role. Admitting to reduced fertiliser supply in the state, he blamed the Centre, noting that the shortage is nationwide. "Despite cuts, we are ensuring there is no crisis in Karnataka," he said, advising farmers to use nano-urea to protect soil fertility and crop quality.
On the cases involving former MP Prajwal Revanna and actor Darshan, he said the law will take its course. "The Supreme Court's cancellation of Darshan's bail keeps alive hope for an appropriate verdict," he added.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Happy Independence Day wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk
Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk

New Indian Express

time23 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk

Cabinet whispers: Winds of change There is an undercurrent of speculation in political circles, especially around the BJP, that a few long-serving ministers might soon see changes in their roles. The buzz—still firmly in the realm of gossip—suggests that the RSS has nudged the party leadership to rethink the positions of about six ministers who have held the same portfolios across two terms. Some are seen as having delivered little headline-worthy work in their current jobs, though that judgment is always subjective. The BJP, however, isn't keen to drop them entirely as most are considered close to the top brass. So, they may be shifted laterally into organisational roles. Allies, on the other hand, are unlikely to face any change unless they ask for it themselves. For now, the matter remains a quietly evolving story. Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk Since its launch in October 2014, Mann Ki Baat has become a monthly ritual in many Indian homes. What began as a simple radio address by the Prime Minister has grown into a multimedia platform—broadcast on All India Radio, Doordarshan, YouTube, NewsOnAIR, and even overseas through social media and OTT platforms like WAVES. It shares inspiring stories, social messages, and reflections—but beyond content, it has also proven financially successful. Official data shows it has generated Rs 34.13 crore in revenue so far. That this has been achieved without commercial advertising, with the reach and impact to boot, is remarkable. In an age defined by speed and brevity, Mann Ki Baat demonstrates that thoughtful, long-form storytelling can still resonate widely—and even pay its way.

GST 2.0 tussle: Centre eyes extra duty over 40% slab on tobacco products; states push for 'significant' cut
GST 2.0 tussle: Centre eyes extra duty over 40% slab on tobacco products; states push for 'significant' cut

Time of India

time35 minutes ago

  • Time of India

GST 2.0 tussle: Centre eyes extra duty over 40% slab on tobacco products; states push for 'significant' cut

Govt mulling extra GST over and above 40% proposed on tobacco products (AI image) The government is reportedly considering imposing additional excise or special duties beyond the proposed 40% GST on tobacco products to sustain current taxation levels, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of GST 2.0 reforms that eliminate compensation cess. Several states are requesting a "significant share" in the supplementary taxation on tobacco items to offset immediate revenue reductions, according to Economic Times sources familiar with ongoing discussions regarding sin goods taxation, particularly tobacco. "During the discussion some states asked for equal share on the additional duty to be imposed," disclosed one source anonymously. The rate rationalisation ministerial group, led by Bihar's deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary, is likely to convene once more before the upcoming GST Council meeting to address this matter, with states anticipating next-generation GST reforms. The GST Council will take the ultimate decision on this issue. Presently, tobacco and related products, including cigarette, cigars, pan masala, cigarillos and hookah, face 28% GST plus compensation cess, central excise duty and national calamity contingent duty, totalling 53% indirect tax. The past five years saw average yearly GST collections of Rs 51,000 crore from tobacco products, with additional education cess and surcharges from manufacturers reaching Rs 27,659.84 crore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo Finance officials, on Independence Day, proposed restructuring GST into two tiers, eliminating 12% and 28% slabs, while introducing a 40% category for select sin goods including tobacco products. The proposal maintains that overall tobacco product taxation would remain unchanged. Without compensation cess, this requires implementation of alternative additional duties. Also read: PM Modi seeks states' backing on draft GST reform proposal, promises double Diwali bonus for people Revenue considerations Various states seek either equal shares in additional duties or independent taxation rights, similar to alcohol's state excise duty system. They contend that existing indirect tax on tobacco products can exceed 53% without affecting revenue for central or state governments. "A few states suggested that either it should be a basic excise duty, divisible between the Centre and states, or a central excise duty along with state excise duty - which would be a win-win for both, giving headroom to states to generate their revenue," revealed a source involved in discussions. Kerala has formally requested compensation for revenue losses from GST reforms. "The so-called simplification of GST rates announced by Modi will be devastating for state revenues," Kerala finance minister Thomas Issac said in a post on X. "The GST rates that have already been rendered below revenue neutral rate by 2018 pre-election simplification, will now shrink further. States must be compensated for the loss." India's tobacco products remain globally amongst the most affordable, according to parliamentary standing committee's 139th report. The report indicated substantial scope for increased taxation, recommending 40% peak rate and significant excise duty increases. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .

DPS Dwarka, ShreeRam World and a few other schools in Delhi receive bomb threat; search ops underway
DPS Dwarka, ShreeRam World and a few other schools in Delhi receive bomb threat; search ops underway

Time of India

time35 minutes ago

  • Time of India

DPS Dwarka, ShreeRam World and a few other schools in Delhi receive bomb threat; search ops underway

Several schools in the national capital received a bomb threat in the early hours of Monday, officials said. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency According to the Delhi Police , Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka, Modern Convent School and ShreeRam World School in Sector 10, Dwarka received the threat through an email ID. As a safety measure, the schools were quickly evacuated. Police and bomb disposal teams arrived at the scene and began a thorough search of the premises. Although the previous two bomb threats turned out to be hoaxes, security agencies are taking today's call seriously and are following all necessary protocols. Further information on the incident is still awaited. Live Events Earlier in July, after receiving information about a bomb threat, the Fire Department and Delhi Police personnel were deployed at Richmond Global School in Paschim Vihar, the Sovereign School in Rohini Sector 24, Modern International School in Dwarka Sector 19 and the Heritage School in Rohini Sector 23, among several other schools in the national capital. Richmondd Global School Principal Moupali Mitra said that they had informed the Commissioner of Police only a few minutes after receiving the bomb threat email this morning. Each corner of the school was checked for explosives with the help of the bomb disposal squad and other teams, and it was found to be safe, she added. "We are keeping an eye on every kind of message. We received the mail threat at 10:52 AM and mailed the Commissioner of Police at 10:58 AM. Immediately, the bomb squad and other teams arrived along with the Cyber department... We cross-checked every corner of the school, and it is absolutely safe... We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the children... Some anti-social people are spreading such rumours, and we all must stand against them... The school is functioning normally," Mitra told ANI. Similarly, three colleges of Delhi University also received bomb threats through email, police said on July 18. According to police, IP College for Women, Hindu College, and Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) got bomb threats via email.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store