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The Star
10 hours ago
- General
- The Star
S'ban gurdwara honours three Sikhs for service to faith, community
Dr Parim (left) and Arjan (right) with the recipients (from second left) Manmohan, Saran and Amar. THREE Sikhs were honoured for their decades of service to the community by Gurdwara Sahib Seremban (GSS) in Negri Sembilan. The octogenarians were each given a robe and letter of honour, as well as a memento by GSS president Arjan Singh. 'Their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in preserving Sikh history and heritage are commendable, as they have helped our small community keep in touch with our roots. 'We salute them for their commitment and dedication,' he said of the three, who were recognised at a special ceremony at GSS. They were 83-year-old planter Manmohan Singh, retired government servant Saran Singh Sidhu, 80, and housewife Amar Kaur, 81. Present to do the honours was GSS trustee and former president Datuk Dr Parim Singh. Arjan said that apart from spending some RM3mil to build a gurdwara complex on his land in Kuala Klawang in Jelebu, Manmohan had also set up a gallery displaying many historical and traditional items related to the community, such as cooking utensils and musical instruments. 'Manmohan had been running a smaller gurdwara adjacent to his house for decades but decided to build a bigger one a short distance away, so Sikhs could carry out their religious obligations in a more conducive environment,' Arjan explained. Manmohan, he said, also has in his possession a over-a-century-old Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh holy book, which they consider as their living guru. Saran authored a book on Sant Baba Sohan Singh, a Sikh who spent many years as a granthi (priest) in Gurdwara Sahib Melaka. Saran has also written an illustrated history of Sikh gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore. He has additionally penned numerous articles and books on coins and paper currency. He is a foundation fellow of the Malaysia Numismatic Society and a fellow of London's Royal Numismatic Society. Arjan said Amar was honoured for teaching the Gurmukhi script to children and adults alike by holding classes at her home for almost 50 years. 'She first started holding classes in 1972. Through her efforts, many members of the community are able to read the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. 'Aunty Amar, as she is popularly known, is also instrumental in helping students prepare for the Punjabi language paper in public examinations, including SPM,' he said, adding that she had also contributed to Sikh youths in other ways. The trio's contributions, Arjan said, were exemplary and served as shining examples to present and future generations. 'Though no reward could truly match your selfless service to the Sikh community, please know that your works have created a positive and long-lasting impact,' he told them.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Directorate General of GST Intelligence busts Rs 30cr fake ITC network
Chandigarh: In a crackdown on financial fraud, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Chandigarh Zonal Unit, on Friday claimed to have busted a network involved in generating fraudulent input tax credit (ITC) through the issuance of invoices without the actual supply of goods. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Preliminary probe indicated a widespread network of bogus firms, with the quantum of fraudulent ITC currently estimated at approximately Rs 30.21 crore. The authorities anticipate the figure to increase as the investigation progresses. The intricate scheme involved multiple business entities, including a smelting firm located in Ludhiana, found to be issuing fake invoices for zinc products. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of the alleged mastermind, Manmohan Singh, who was instrumental in establishing and operating this racket, creating the aforementioned firms to generate and avail ineligible ITC. Manmohan is alleged to have colluded with other individuals, currently under the agency's scanner, to facilitate banking transactions and arrange cash movements in exchange for commissions to enable these illicit activities. The firms included JHA and JHA Enterprises, Goyal Trading Agency, MAA Vaishno Enterprises, SS Enterprises, PC Techno Solutions, and PMI Smelting Private Limited. "Given the severity of the offense, the substantial financial fraud involved, and the potential for evidence tampering and witness influence, Manmohan Singh has been remanded to judicial custody," said an official spokesperson of the DGGI. The spokesperson said the DGGI was committed to check tax evasion and preserve the integrity of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. The DGGI highlighted that such fraudulent activities not only distorted market equilibrium by disadvantaging legitimate taxpayers but also resulted in significant revenue loss to the exchequer, impacting govt resources for public welfare and infrastructure development. Earlier this month, a Ludhiana-based electronics firm was accused of a GST scam on iPhone supply, involving fake invoices, fraudulent companies, and non-existent supplies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Four individuals had been booked for the alleged fraud under the relevant sections of law and under the GST Act. The scheme encompassed the creation of fake invoices, establishment of fraudulent companies, and declaration of non-existent iPhone supplies. It underscored the persistent challenge posed by illicit input tax credit (ITC) schemes, which leverage fictitious entities to transmit ITC without the genuine supply of goods. MSID:: 121520244 413 |
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First Post
14-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
‘If women can fly Rafale, why can't they do this?' SC to Centre on low women intake in Army legal branch
The top court then questioned the Centre for earmarking fewer posts for women despite claiming the posts to be gender neutral. The judge said gender neutrality does not mean 50:50 per cent but it means it does not matter from which gender one is from read more If a woman can fly Rafale fighter jet in the Indian Air Force, then why are fewer women officers in gender neutral posts of Judge Advocate General (legal) branch of the Army, the Supreme Court wondered recently and questioned the Centre's rationale on a 50-50 selection criterion. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan on May 8 reserved its verdict on the plea of two officers Arshnoor Kaur and Astha Tyagi, who despite securing 4th and 5th ranks respectively — higher in merit than their male counterparts — weren't selected for the JAG department due to fewer vacancies earmarked for women. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The officers challenged the disproportionate vacancies for men and women and said they could not be selected as there were only three vacancies for women out of the total six posts. 'Prima facie, we are satisfied with the case set up by the petitioner 1 Arshnoor Kaur,' the bench noted while reserving its verdict. The top court went on, 'Accordingly, we direct the respondents to initiate whatever action is required for the purpose of her induction in the next available training course for appointment as Judge Advocate General (JAG)'. The bench referred to a newspaper article that a woman fighter pilot would be flying Rafale aircraft and said in such a scenario she could be taken as a prisoner of war. 'If it's permissible in the Indian Air Force for a lady to fly a Rafale fighter jet, then why is it so difficult for the Army to allow more women in JAG?' Justice Datta asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who was appearing for the Centre and the Army. The bench was informed that the second petitioner Tyagi joined the Indian Navy during the pendency of the proceedings. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The top court then questioned the Centre for earmarking fewer posts for women despite claiming the posts to be gender neutral. Bhati submitted the induction and employment of women officers in the Army including JAG branch was a progressive process keeping in view its operational preparedness. 'To say the policy of intake of men and women officers from 2012 to 2023 in the ratio of 70:30 (or now being 50:50) as discriminatory and volatile of fundamental rights would not only be incorrect but will also transgress into domain of executive which is the only competent and sole authority for deciding the intake of men and women officers in Indian Army,' she said. The top court further asked why the posts were termed gender-neutral when women candidates with higher merit were not qualified owing to the vacancies still being bifurcated on gender. Justice Manmohan observed if 10 women qualified for JAG on the basis of merit whether all of them would be appointed as officers JAG branch. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The judge said gender neutrality does not mean 50:50 per cent but it means it does not matter from which gender one is from. Bhati defended the Centre's decision and said the gender-specific vacancies were present in all branches of the Army based on the manpower assessment and requirement. 'Functioning of JAG branch cannot be seen in isolation as mere legal advisors to military commanders during peacetime. It's an integral part of the Indian Army also having an equally important role in its operational preparedness,' she said. Conducting separate SSBs for men and women are a necessity due to the nature of tests involved, which require close intensive physical interactions, Bhati added. Bhati called the aspect of gender integration in the defence services an evolving process, calibrated to the operational needs and subject to periodic review and studies. 'The intake policies have evolved progressively from a 70:30 ratio to 50:50 from 2024. This is aligned with cadre health and deployment restrictions, which is not arbitrary. Any judicial imposition of parity or neutrality without factoring operational imperatives is likely to undermine both command and control and operational preparedness of the Army,' she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Previously, when the top court asked why were JAG women officers not deployed in combat zones merely due to threat perception, Bhati called it a 'conscious decision' on part of the government of India to restrict the employment of women officers from being posted in frontline combat deployment made them susceptible to enemy contact.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
If women can fly Rafale in IAF, why fewer of them in Army legal branch? SC asks Centre
New Delhi: If a woman can fly Rafale fighter jet in the Indian Air Force , then why are fewer women officers in gender neutral posts of Judge Advocate General (legal) branch of the Army, the Supreme Court wondered recently and questioned the Centre's rationale on a 50-50 selection criterion. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan on May 8 reserved its verdict on the plea of two officers Arshnoor Kaur and Astha Tyagi, who despite securing 4th and 5th ranks respectively -- higher in merit than their male counterparts -- weren't selected for the JAG department due to fewer vacancies earmarked for women. The officers challenged the disproportionate vacancies for men and women and said they could not be selected as there were only three vacancies for women out of the total six posts. "Prima facie, we are satisfied with the case set up by the petitioner 1 Arshnoor Kaur," the bench noted while reserving its verdict. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Recently. Investructor Undo The top court went on, "Accordingly, we direct the respondents to initiate whatever action is required for the purpose of her induction in the next available training course for appointment as Judge Advocate General (JAG)". The bench referred to a newspaper article that a woman fighter pilot would be flying Rafale aircraft and said in such a scenario she could be taken as a prisoner of war. Live Events "If it's permissible in the Indian Air Force for a lady to fly a Rafale fighter jet, then why is it so difficult for the Army to allow more women in JAG?" Justice Datta asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who was appearing for the Centre and the Army. The bench was informed that the second petitioner Tyagi joined the Indian Navy during the pendency of the proceedings. The top court then questioned the Centre for earmarking fewer posts for women despite claiming the posts to be gender neutral. Bhati submitted the induction and employment of women officers in the Army including JAG branch was a progressive process keeping in view its operational preparedness. "To say the policy of intake of men and women officers from 2012 to 2023 in the ratio of 70:30 (or now being 50:50) as discriminatory and volatile of fundamental rights would not only be incorrect but will also transgress into domain of executive which is the only competent and sole authority for deciding the intake of men and women officers in Indian Army," she said. The top court further asked why the posts were termed gender-neutral when women candidates with higher merit were not qualified owing to the vacancies still being bifurcated on gender. Justice Manmohan observed if 10 women qualified for JAG on the basis of merit whether all of them would be appointed as officers JAG branch. The judge said gender neutrality does not mean 50:50 per cent but it means it does not matter from which gender one is from. Bhati defended the Centre's decision and said the gender-specific vacancies were present in all branches of the Army based on the manpower assessment and requirement. "Functioning of JAG branch cannot be seen in isolation as mere legal advisors to military commanders during peacetime. It's an integral part of the Indian Army also having an equally important role in its operational preparedness," she said. Conducting separate SSBs for men and women are a necessity due to the nature of tests involved, which require close intensive physical interactions, Bhati added. Bhati called the aspect of gender integration in the defence services an evolving process, calibrated to the operational needs and subject to periodic review and studies. "The intake policies have evolved progressively from a 70:30 ratio to 50:50 from 2024. This is aligned with cadre health and deployment restrictions, which is not arbitrary. Any judicial imposition of parity or neutrality without factoring operational imperatives is likely to undermine both command and control and operational preparedness of the Army," she said. Previously, when the top court asked why were JAG women officers not deployed in combat zones merely due to threat perception, Bhati called it a "conscious decision" on part of the government of India to restrict the employment of women officers from being posted in frontline combat deployment made them susceptible to enemy contact.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Women not in combat, hence separate SSBs: Centre to SC
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Centre has told Supreme Court that men and women are recruited to the Judge Advocate General (JAG or legal) department in the Army through separate service selection boards ( SSBs ) because women officers are not readied for combat roles, while male officers get mandatorily attached to artillery units as part of induction.A woman had contested the practice of holding separate SSBs and maintaining distinct merit lists for male and female officers in the department. The Supreme Court had reserved its judgment on the matter and directed the Centre to submit its said operational readiness determines vacancies in the Army, and as a policy, women officers aren't meant for frontline combat deployment where contact with enemies is likely. They aren't deployed for counter-insurgency or counter-terror forces, such as Rashtriya Rifles & Assam Rifles, it the petitioner's argument before a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan that JAG officers do not have combat roles, the Centre said not only do the male officers get attached to artillery units but are also expected to discharge the role of combatants in case of armed conflicts. It cited their deployment in Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka and Kargil solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati said on behalf of the Centre, "Due to the prevailing operational scenario, Indian Army has a standing operational deployment unlike modern western armies. India is surrounded by states inimical to our interests along the immediate neighbourhood. This implies that our Army is mandated to maintain operational readiness to undertake conventional operations along northern and Western borders."Without referring to Operation Sindoor, govt said, "No one can predict when the next conflict arises, in which or both borders, at what force level, and whether as a full-scale war or limited operations. Depending on the operational need and force strength, combatant personnel deployed in peacetime duties get mobilised irrespective of their arm/service to boost the operational necessities of the regular Army."Arguing against judicial interference based on gender parity without considering its impact on operational readiness of armed forces, the Centre said, "Gender integration in the defence services is an evolving process and is calibrated to the operational needs and is subjected to periodic review and studies. The intake policies (for JAG) have evolved progressively from 70:30 ratio to 50:50 from this year.(With TOI inputs)
