‘States have unlimited right to tax mineral rich hands’
A nine judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India ( CJI) DY Chandrachud pronounced a 8:1 verdict on states power to tax on mining , and queries .
8:1 verdict holds that parliament through mines and minerals act cannot restrict states from legislating the taxation on the mining lands , queries . Any dilution will impact their ability to raise revenue .
Verdict came on about 86 petitions filed by different state govt , mining firms and Public sector undertakings.
“ Any dilution in the taxing power of the states will necessarily impact their ability to raise revenue , which in turn will impede their ability to deliver welfare schemes , and services to people . “
The verdict noted how minerals rich states such as Jharkhand , Chhattisgarh and Odisha have per capita income below national average .
Center was imposing restrictions under mines and minerals ( Development and Regulation ) , Act 1957 .
CJI said that state legislatures derive their power to tax mines and queries under Article 246 read with entry 49 of state list ( tax on land and buildings ) .
Centre had argued that entry 50 of the state list gives power to the centre to impose restrictions on state taxing mines and minerals .
CJI clarified that entries 50 and 49 “ deal with different subject matters and operate in different fields . “ .
Jaishankar pushes for urgency in resolving standoff at LAC
For the second time this month EAM S. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi .
EAM is currently in Vientiane , Laos for ASEAN related meetings , from there he will head to Tokyo for the QUAD summit .
In the meeting Mr Jaishankar stresses the significance of India and China as key economies of the world . Both ministers call for stronger guidance to officials to complete disengagement .
Last time the two leaders had met in Astana on the sidelines of the SCO meeting earlier this month .
Depasang and Demchok are the two regions where the two sides are still not disengaged .
India rejects US criticism of Modi’s Russia visit
India reacted sharply to a statement by US congressmen over PM Modi’s visit to Russia .
US under secretary of state for South and Central Asia Donald Lu , replying to a question in US Congress, had said that Washington was “ disappointed “ about “ symbolism and timing “ of PM Modi’s visit .
Replying to a question over this ,Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA ) spokesperson Randhir Jaisawal said ,” In a multipolar world all countries have freedom of choice . It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities “ .
On the question of appointment of external cooperation officers by the Kerala government .
Mr Jaiswal cautioned that the state government should not intrude into the matter that is beyond their constitutional jurisdiction .
The Kerala government had on July 15 appointed a “ secretary in charge of matters concerning external cooperation “ .
External Affairs is a Union subject and responsibility comes to centre .
Two halls of Rashtrapati Bhawan gets name reflecting Republican ethos
President Draupadi Murmu has renamed two important halls in Rashtrapati Bhawan , with Durbar hall now set to be called as “Gantantra Mandap “.
Ashok hall will be called “Ashok Mandap” .
Durbar hall is the venue of key ceremonies and celebrations such as the presentation of National awards .
Ashok hall was originally a ball room; it is currently used to present credentials by heads of states of foreign. countries . It is a formal place for the introduction of the visiting delegation and Indian delegation before the state banquet.
2 arrested for ‘ supporting ‘ terrorist in Kathua attack
Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday claimed to have a breakthrough in Kathua terrorist attack .
Two residents who allegedly provided support to the terrorist of the Kathua attack have been arrested .
Five soldiers had died in a terrorist ambush on July 8 .
Six dead as rain batters Maharashtra ; train,flight , services in mumbai hit
World
In US Netanyahu calls for global alliance against Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday .
He targeted Iran over all its vows in West Asia . He accused Iran of floating proxies such as Hamas , Houthis , Hezbollah . He said the protesters outside the Capitol hill building ( US Congress premise ) who were protesting against Israel were “ Iran’s useful idiots “ .
Mr Netanyahu called for a global alliance against Iran .
“ America and Iran today can forge a security alliance in West Asia to counter the growing Iranian threat “
“ All countries who are in peace with Israel and all those who will make peace with Israel , should be invited to join this Alliance “ .
“ Our enemies are your enemies ,Our fight is your fight . And our victory will be your victory . “ Mr Netanyahu said, getting a standing ovation from the house .
This came as heavy protest was going on throughout America ,against Israeli operations in Gaza .
It’s time to pass torch to ‘younger voices’ , says Biden
Myanmar Junta , rebel group claim control of regional military headquarters
Myanmar’s Military Junta and an ethnic minority group in both claimed that they were in control of Lashio in Shan State .
Lashio is the regional military headquarters in northern Shan State . The town has a population of about 1.5 lakh people .
Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army ( MSDNAA ) claimed to have “ fully captured the headquarters of North Eastern command of Lashio ” , the group said in its media report .
Junta spokesperson however said that the report was “ not true “ . Insurgents have infiltrated the outskirts of Lashio so have been following and clearing them . “
Death toll from Ethiopia landslip hits 257 could reach 500 , says UN
US warns of cyber op to steal state secrets
Britain , US and South Korea have warned countries against an espionage campaign by North Korea that would further its nuclear ambitions .
Law enforcement agencies said that a group called Andriel “ has been compromising organisations around the world to steal sensitive and classified technical information and intellectual property data . “
Andriel is a North Korean sponsored company .
