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GST - Contracts executed in pre-GST regime - State Govt. itself had assured that contractors who have paid GST in the matter of such contracts would be refunded - State authorities should immediately process such claims, within an outer limit of 90 days: HCGST -SCN cannot be issued u/s 74 on 'borrowed satisfaction' -Respondent was required to redo the investigation and come to an independent conclusion and only thereafter a SCN could have been issued: HCGST - Coercive measures for recovery of outstanding demand - Petitioner willing to deposit more than the pre-deposit amount required for filing appeal before Tribunal - Hold on Bank account to be lifted thereafter: HCCus - Notfn 102/2007-Cus - Refund of SAD - Mere conversion of imported logs into Sawn Timber without loss of identity of the original product would not deprive the importer of the benefit of the exemption notification: HCMisc- CA involved in creating fake invoices and passing ITC of 5.08 crores - Punishment by ICAI of removing name from Register of Members - Petitioner should invoke statutory appeal under CA Act, 1949: HCProperty Tax - Order passed by the Appellate Authority is amenable to revisional jurisdiction of the High Court - Petition not maintainable: HCGST - Hospital outsources food for in-patients - Such supply made by applicant is not exempted under entry no.74 of 12/2017-CTR: AARWilting China to face formidable trade pushbacks in 2025!Hindenburg Research promoter decides to shut downI-T- Section 275(1)(a) does not impose absolute bar on initiating penalty proceedings during pendency of appeal; it only limits period within which such proceedings can be completed: HCSC orders construction of separate toilets for transgender in premises of all courts & tribunalsI-T- Where assessee has alternative statutory remedy available under I-T Act, it is not appropriate to address merits of the case or interfere with re-assessment process: HCUS eases restrictions on three Indian nuclear entitiesI-T- Writ petition assailing Search assessment proceedings is invalid, where filed by assessee at the very end of limitation period: HCIsrael, Hamas hammer out ceasefire deal for 42 daysI-T - Expenditure which was not for acquiring any tangible or intangible asset but for conducting business of banking better and more efficiently, is revenue expenditure for banks: ITATWorld Economic Forum survey - Armed conflict top risk in 2025I-T - Once resolution Plan has been approved by Adjudicating Authority, then all proceedings pending in respect of Corporate Debtor are barred thereafter and cannot be allowed to continue: ITATBiden says oligarchy evolving in AmericaI-T- Merely because, for another year purchases made by assessee from the said concern AVPL have been treated by the AO as bogus, that in itself cannot be made the sole basis to treat the purchases made by the assessee from the said concern for the year under consideration as bogus: ITATHundreds feared trapped in illegal mines in South Africa; 78 bodies retrievedI-T - AO cannot discard report of registered valuer regarding determination of fair market value of land, without making reference to DVO: ITATTrump likely to undo ban imposed by Biden on TikTokI-T - Addition of unexplained expenditure is required in hands of assessee, if he has utilised funds from foreign credit cards for his personal use and owners of credit cards never claimed that said expense belong to them: ITATIndia’s merchandise exports down by 1% in Dec monthInter-state movement of goods from head office to other branch is not an incidence of Annual Maintenance Contract; Such movement amounts to branch transfer transactions not attracting central sales tax: CESTATFDA bans red dye used in candy & bubblegumGovt issues 'Regulatory framework for Ground-based BroadcastersMere existences of pre-existing purchase orders, prior to movement of goods, does not automatically imply that entire movement constitutes inter-state sale, particularly when goods are stock transferred in regular course of business: CESTATRailways operates 137 special trains on day 3 of ongoing MahakumbhCX - Rejection of CAS-4 certificates submitted by assessee during adjudication on grounds of them being photocopies, is arbitrary & contrary to principles of natural justice: CESTATIndia first responder for Global South in times of need: GoyalCus - Since the deposit is not a tax, question of department retaining the amount even after assessment is finalised does not arise : CESTATAlliance Air introduces 3 new routes connecting ManipurCus - Commissioner of Customs not vested with authority to modify EPCG licence issued by DGFT or read additional conditions into it, such as imposing a restriction on year of manufacture: CESTATMoS highlights unique initiative of Pravasi Bhartiya DivasCX - As settled by CBIC, cross-utilization of credit from common pool without requiring one-to-one correlation between credit on inputs & output service tax, is permissible: CESTAT
 
MoS highlights unique initiative of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas

By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JAN 16, 2025: UNION Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh interacted with senior civil servants from Kenya, headed by Attorney General Ms. Dorcas Agik Abuya Oduor, on the occasion of the Special Capacity Building Programme on Leadership & National Transformation for Senior Civil Servants of Kenya.

The programme was organized by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Addressing the programme, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the shared legacy and historical ties between Kenya and India due to their shared experience under British colonial rule, which influenced their political and administrative structures. He noted that both countries are committed to democratic principles, transparency, and good governance.

The Minister also spoke about the maritime challenges and various environmental concerns, emphasizing the need to find sustainable solutions.

Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Kenya in 2016, which provided a new impetus to bilateral relations through the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements in the fields of defense, trade, and developmental assistance.

The DoPT Minister also informed that the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has trained more than 5,000 civil servants from neighboring countries in Asia and Africa, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Maldives, Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal, Gambia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of ‘Reform, Perform, Transform,' Dr. Jitendra Singh praised administrative reforms, good governance practices, and capacity-building initiatives such as the Karmayogi Mission, which has evolved over the last decade. He emphasized that India has a robust civil service system, which ensures effective coordination between various governance institutions, including different ministries, departments, and public service bodies.

Speaking about some of India's success stories in governance, Dr. Singh highlighted the Swachh Bharat Campaign, which has raised Rs.2,326 crores by disposing of redundant office waste. He also stressed the importance of human intervention in an age of artificial intelligence, mentioning the establishment of a Human Desk Setup in 2023 to collect feedback post-grievance redressal. Dr. Singh also pointed out that India is leveraging next-generation technology for grievance redressal, citing CPGRAMS as a role model for many countries.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas initiative, in which five persons of Indian origin from Kenya were awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. The recipients were: Mr. Manilal Premchand Chandaria, Mr. Pheroze Nowrojee, Mr. P.V. Sambasiva Rao, Dr. Prakash M. Heda, and Dr. FRS De Souza (now deceased), in recognition of their contributions to their respective countries.

In conclusion, Dr. Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Kenya and pledged continued cooperation to further deepen the relationship between the two nations and their people. He also described the capacity-building programme as a milestone in bilateral relations, offering an opportunity for cross-cultural understanding and joint initiatives. Dr. Singh expressed confidence that, through shared knowledge and experiences, both nations could fortify the foundations of effective governance for mutual benefit.

"The cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among civil servants of both nations is a fruitful investment that will plant the seeds of transparent and efficient governance in both countries," Dr. Jitendra Singh stated.

Dr. Surendra Kumar Bagde, IAS, Director General, NCGG informed about the overall capacity building programme.

Attorney General Ms. Dorcas Agik Abuya Oduor expressed her gratitude to India for its continuous support in capacity building and unwavering assistance. Some senior civil servants from Kenya shared their experiences of studying in Indian universities, including those in Punjab, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. They also expressed their love and affection for Indian cinema and its profound impact on their lives.


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