Latest news with #Jyothilal
Observer
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
ISC Oman hosts badminton tournament
MUSCAT: The Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman recently organised a badminton tournament for its members at the club's courts in Darsait. The event saw overwhelming participation from badminton enthusiasts, especially regular players, which raised the level of competition and showcased impressive skill. For the first time, participants were divided into two categories: Category A (Advanced) and Category B (Basic), with doubles teams formed by a draw of lots. Both categories featured league rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals over four days of spirited competition. The tournament was marked by its smooth execution and electrifying matches, thanks to the exceptional efforts of Kutty, Badminton Coordinator, and Manoj Ranade, Sports Secretary of ISC Oman. In the Category B final, the young duo Vedic and Paul defeated the experienced pair of Sunil and Gopakumar after three hard-fought sets, demonstrating remarkable grit and agility. The Category A final showcased an intense battle between Jyothilal and Sundar and Dijesh and Moncy. Despite powerful play from Dijesh and Moncy, the deft placement and skillful handling by Jyothilal and Sundar secured them the victory after three thrilling sets. The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Suhail Khan, Vice-Chairman of ISC; Shakeel K M, General Secretary; Manoj Ranade, Sports Secretary; and Percy Pareira, who sponsored special prizes for the finalists. Their presence highlighted the importance of sports in promoting fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie. The Indian Social Club has also recently organised a Tennis League Tournament and rank gradings for its Karate Coaching Camp, reinforcing its commitment to encouraging sports and fitness among the Indian community in Oman. The club remains dedicated to fostering an active, healthy lifestyle and looks forward to hosting more such successful events in the future.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala government considers turnover tax exemption for breweries
T'puram: In what could mark a significant policy extension in favour of liquor manufacturers in Kerala, the state govt is now actively considering granting turnover tax (ToT) exemption to breweries, two-and-a-half years after a similar relief was extended to distilleries. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The file currently under review pertains to KALS Breweries Pvt Ltd — a brewery operating in the state — and has reached the ministerial level, signalling that a final decision is imminent. The move follows the state's decision in Dec 2022 to waive the 5% ToT on sales by distilleries to the Kerala State Beverages (Manufacturing and Marketing) Corporation. At that time, the govt cited public interest while invoking powers under Section 10 of the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963. However, to cushion the revenue loss, the govt increased the sales tax on liquor by 4%. It resulted in a modest hike in Indian made foreign liquor's retail price, with most brands becoming costlier by Rs 10 to Rs 20. Now, a similar outcome appears likely with breweries as well. If the govt proceeds with granting ToT exemption to KALS Breweries, it could again result in a minor upward revision of retail liquor prices, unless alternative tax adjustments are introduced. While no official confirmation has been made, multiple layers of administrative action within the govt indicate that the matter is being taken forward with serious intent. An official digital record from the state's e-office system confirms the status of the request. A file titled "Representation from KALS Breweries Pvt Ltd for exemption of turnover tax" was formally opened on Nov 22, 2024. The file's internal movement offers a glimpse into how tax exemption proposals are examined and escalated within the state's bureaucratic framework. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On June 6, 2025, the joint secretary concerned in the taxes department made the file's two successive transfers to additional chief secretary (taxes) K R Jyothilal. The very next day, Jyothilal forwarded it to finance minister K N Balagopal, who, on the same day, passed it on to his additional private secretary. This sequence makes it clear that the proposal has reached the top political office in charge of taxation and fiscal matters in the state, in a relatively top speed for the movement of a govt file on policy matter. The 2022 exemption for distilleries was issued through govt order on Dec 1, 2022. The explanatory note attached to the notification described the move as being in the public interest, offering a policy rationale that the govt is likely to repeat while extending the same exemption to breweries. What makes this latest development particularly significant is its potential to establish a lasting policy precedent. If KALS Breweries is granted exemption from ToT, it will logically follow that any new brewery sanctioned in the state in future will also be entitled to the same benefit. This becomes crucial given the politically sensitive nature of licensing new breweries in the state. The idea of relaxing taxes for alcohol manufacturers has traditionally drawn criticism from various quarters, including public health advocates and opposition parties. However, from the govt's point of view, ToT exemptions serve as a fiscal tool that simplifies the taxation structure and encourages investment in the manufacturing sector. Given the precedent from 2022, when the removal of the turnover tax for distilleries was balanced with an increase in sales tax, a similar route may be adopted again. If so, consumers can expect a small increase in the price of beer and other brewed liquor brands in the near future.
