Belagavi City Corporation begins preparations for SIR

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has been designed to improve ease of understanding, reduce complexities, and encourage greater voluntary compliance, said Vidisha Kalra, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Karnataka & Goa Region.She was speaking at PRARAMBH-2026, an outreach and awareness programme organised to offer better understanding of the new Tax Act to tax payers in the City.“The Income Tax Act, 2025 marks a significant step towards building a simpler, more transparent, and taxpayer-centric tax administration system,’’ she said.Ms. Kalra encouraged taxpayers, professionals, and trade bodies to actively utilise the I-T department’s digital initiatives and facilitation measures for seamless compliance and enhanced taxpayer services.PRARAMBH-2026 focused on facilitating a smooth transition from the Income-tax Act, 1961 to the Income Tax Act, 2025, with emphasis on simplification of provisions, rationalisation of sections and forms, and enhancement of taxpayer facilitation measures.The event also featured demonstrations of the Department’s digital initiatives, including “Kar Saathi” an AI Chatbot, and awareness programmes such as Kar Setu (a guidance note in the form of frequently asked questions on the interplay between the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the Income-tax Act, 2025). A comic book titled “Madhukar Explains the Income- tax Act, 2025”, informative brochures, and Samvaad, all offered aimed at enhancing taxpayer engagement and support.The programme was attended by top taxpayers and key stakeholders, including representatives from trade bodies, Chartered Accountants’ Associations, Tax Practitioners’ Associations, and members of the Tax Bar. Published - May 15, 2026 11:26 pm IST

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath issues government aid for families impacted by the recent calamities, storm and rainfall. File | Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to provide immediate financial assistance of ₹4lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.“Amid loss of life and crop damage caused by storms, heavy rainfall and lightning in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government has decided to provide major relief to affected families, showing sensitivity and promptness in this difficult time.“The Chief Minister clearly stated that the government stands firmly with the people during this disaster and that any kind of negligence in relief work will not be accepted. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to provide immediate financial assistance of ₹4 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.“Along with this, strict instructions have also been issued to the administration to ensure speedy relief for farmers, livestock owners and other affected families. Compensation has also been fixed for crop losses and livestock damage,” reads an official statement. Relief Commissioner Dr. Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod reviewed the losses caused by the natural disaster through video conferencing with District Magistrates and Additional District Magistrates of affected districts. He instructed officials to personally meet affected families and ensure necessary assistance is provided.“He informed that continuous monitoring is being carried out through the control room established at the Relief Commissioner’s office. Following the bad weather warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the control room sent 34.64 crore red and orange alert warning messages to the public through the SACHET portal. Instructions have also been issued to keep the control room on high alert and monitor the assistance being provided to affected families.“Immediate assistance is being provided as soon as calls are received on the disaster relief helpline number 1070.”“As per the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Relief Commissioner directed District Magistrates to ensure 100% distribution of assistance through public representatives,” added the official statement. Compensation for farmersApart from this, farmers suffering more than 33% crop damage will also receive compensation.The compensation has been fixed at ₹8,500 per hectare for rain-fed areas, ₹17,000 per hectare for assured irrigated areas, and ₹22,500 per hectare for 12-month crops and agroforestry. This assistance will be given to farmers having up to two hectares of land.The government has also made provisions to provide assistance of up to ₹18,000 per hectare for removal of silt and debris accumulated in fields due to excessive rainfall. This will help affected farmers restart cultivation.The Chief Minister has directed District Magistrates to complete survey work quickly and transparently so that eligible farmers receive timely relief. Published - May 15, 2026 02:48 pm IST

Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), M. Maheshwar Rao | Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), has directed all five corporations to organise parades of PRAHARI vehicles in their respective jurisdictions and ensure that emergency response systems are fully prepared to tackle heavy rain, flooding, and related civic challenges.Additionally, he directed the officials that all tree-cutting vehicles, machinery, and associated emergency equipment are to be inspected in detail, with commissioners required to submit a comprehensive preparedness report within one week.Commissioners have also been instructed to inspect control rooms and ensure that all necessary arrangements, emergency systems, and staffing are fully equipped to respond effectively during heavy rains and flood situations.Mr. Rao noted that special priority has been given to railway low-lying areas prone to flooding. City Corporation officers and Railway officials will jointly inspect each vulnerable location, coordinate necessary interventions, address waterlogging and leakage issues, and expedite pending works to minimise monsoon disruptions.He said that feasibility assessments will be undertaken for procuring litter pickers in required numbers to strengthen sanitation systems and maintain cleanliness across the city. He has also ordered immediate cleaning, upkeep, and desilting of road medians wherever necessary to improve drainage efficiency.Removal of dilapidated structuresFor public safety, Mr. Rao said dilapidated buildings and unsafe compound structures across the city are to be identified and removed on priority.In addition the Central City corporation has set up a committee within the corporation to identify such structures and clear them at the earliest. The committee will be responsible for identifying all such structures across the corporation. Published - May 14, 2026 08:52 pm IST