Friday, April 3, 2026

Haryana threatens action against black marketers, hoarders of petro products

By
Charanjit Ahuja
-

Haryana Government has assured the people of the state that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas in the state, and they need not panic, given the situation in Central Asia.

Information reveals that a total of 4,032 government-run petrol pumps operate in the state , selling an average of 4,804 kiloliters of petrol and 12,003 kiloliters of diesel daily. He further stated that oil marketing companies have increased terminal operations, expedited dispatches , deployed field officers, and prioritized morning supplies. This has led to a normal situation.

The state receives approximately 200,000 cylinders daily and distributes approximately 190,000 cylinders. Adequate stock is available at bottling plants, and the 25-day refill schedule is being followed in cities and 45-day in rural areas. Commercial LPG is also being supplied. It is being ensured that hospitals , schools, and other essential institutions do not face any gas shortages.

A total stock of 173,000 commercial cylinders is currently available. The central government has established a 70 percent allocation framework for commercial LPG.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today assured the people of the state that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas in the state, and they need not panic, given the situation in Central Asia.  He warned those involved in black marketing and hoarding of petroleum products, saying that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in this matter.

Saini said that amid the war in Central Asia, some people are spreading the illusion of a shortage of essential commodities, while everything is normal in the country and the state. The Chief Minister said that whenever the country has faced any kind of disaster , Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always stood with the countrymen on every front with the firm resolve of “Nation First.” Whether it’s the COVID-19 pandemic , the Afghanistan crisis, or any other challenging situation — he has always united the people of the country.

He said that the initial success of this “Nation First” and “India First” policy was achieved by bringing back its citizens and allowing its trade interests to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and now the adverse effects are being mitigated by reducing excise duty. He said that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or gas in the state. Therefore, there is no need for people to panic. He urged the people of the state to avoid panic buying to avoid additional burden on the system.

Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for this, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, domestic LPG production has increased by 40 percent , reducing dependence on imports.

He also stated that the government is taking strict action against black marketing and hoarding. As of March 24th, 928 LPG cylinders and four vehicles have been seized , 66 accused have been identified, and eight FIRs have been registered.

The Chief Minister said that police patrols have been increased in sensitive areas and strict action is being taken against those spreading rumors. The state government has taken another important step to ensure uninterrupted gas supply.

He explained that currently , a 10-year advance lease rent of Rs. 3 lakh per kilometer is charged for laying PNG gas pipelines in Haryana . The government has decided to reduce this to a lump sum of Rs. 1,000 per kilometer. This will provide relief to gas companies and the general public. He added that 28,377 kilometers of PNG pipelines are currently laid in the state. This work will now accelerate further.

Saini said that under the Prime Minister’s guidance, Haryana is rapidly moving from LPG to PNG. The government has set a target of 13,33,603 PNG connections in the state. Against this target, 5,59,761 connections have already been installed. Of these, 3,32,162 connections have been activated. Work is underway to activate the remaining 2,27,599 connections.

The state government has granted deemed permission to expand the PNG network. The number of domestic connections will be doubled in the next three months. Regarding CNG, there are 586 CNG stations in the state. Its pipeline network spans 28,377 inch-kilometers. Pipeline laying work is progressing rapidly in various districts such as Bhiwani, Palwal , Faridabad , Gurugram , Hisar , Jhajjar , Karnal, and Kaithal.

The Chief Minister stated that Haryana also holds a strong position in the natural gas pipeline sector. The state has the 455-km-long Chhainsa-Jhajjar-Hisar pipeline , the 921-km-long Dadri-Bawana-Nangal pipeline , and the 132-km-long Dadri-Panipat pipeline. Additionally , the HVJ-GREP-DVPL network is fully operational , while the Mehsana-Bathinda pipeline is partially operational.

Additionally , among the petroleum product pipelines, the Rewari-Kanpur , Jamnagar-Loni, and Mundra-Delhi pipelines are fully operational , while construction work on the Pyala-Jewar pipeline is ongoing. Overall , the supply of petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG in Haryana is completely stable, and there is no need for panic.

Naib Singh Saini said that he had held a meeting with all the District Deputy Commissioners and obtained information about the supply of petroleum products , there is no shortage anywhere.

He said that to listen to the problems of the people in the current circumstances, war rooms have been set up at the state level under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and at the district level under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner.

Explained: Income Tax Rules from April 1

By
Charanjit Ahuja
-

From April 1, 2026, the Indian Income Tax department is implementing major reforms aimed at simplifying tax compliance—but also shifting reporting requirements. These changes affect salaried taxpayers, employers, and non‑salary income earners alike.

1. Overview: What’s Changing?

ChangeOld RulesNew Rules (From April 1, 2026)
Form 16 for Salaried EmployeesRequired from employers as proof of TDS & salary breakdownPhased out—salary taxpayers will use new income and TDS reports directly from the Centralised Tax Database
Form 130 (New Form)Not applicableA comprehensive annual income and deductions statement replacing Form 16
PAN Reporting LimitRs. 2 lakhIncreased to Rs. 5 lakh annually for specified high‑value transactions
Form 123 (For Companies)Various furnishing for perquisites & benefitsExpanded reporting on perks, allowances and fringe benefitseach financial year
Unified TDS/Payment ChallanMultiple challans for different taxesUnified Challan (Form 141) for TDS, TCS and other payments

What Was Form 16?

Form 16 was a certificate issued by employers to salaried employees showing:

  • Salary income
  • TDS deducted
  • Breakup of allowances, deductions and exemptions

It served as the primary document to file your Income Tax Return (ITR).

What’s Replacing It — Form 130

From April 1:
Form 16 will no longer be issued.
Instead, taxpayers will use Form 130 (Income & Deduction Statement), pre‑filled with:

  • Salary components
  • TDS by employers/others
  • Deductions claimed (under section 80C, 80D etc.)
  • Changes in tax regime selection

Is Form 130 more detailed or complex?
Yes — it is more elaborate than Form 16 because it consolidates:

  • Salary info (like Form 16)
  • Deductions claimed across sources
  • TDS from all payers
  • Pre‑filled data from other financial institutions (banks, mutual funds, etc.)

This makes ITR filing easier for most taxpayers because:

  • Minimal manual entry
  • Reduced errors
  • Automatic pre‑filling of income and deduction data

However: For companies and employers, the reporting workload increases (see Form 123 below).

Old vs New Income Tax Regime: Which Is Better?

India currently has two tax regimes:

Old Regime

Higher exemption limits (HRA, LTA, standard deduction)
Deductions under chapters like 80C, 80D, 80E, 80G etc.
More paperwork required

New Regime

Lower tax slabs
No exemptions & fewer deductions
Simple and predictable

Which is better?

Example ProfileLikely Better Regime
Salaried with high deductions (80C, HRA, LTA, medical)     Old Regime
Young professionals with minimal deductions     New Regime
Investors with large capital gains     New or Old (case‑by‑case)
Housewives with FD/insurance investments     Old Regime

Impact on Government Employees and Others

Government Employees

  • No more Form 16 from employers (Directorate/Departments)
  • Pre‑filled Form 130 will carry salary and deduction info
  • GPF, NPS, HRA, LTA, medical claims may need reconciliation if not auto‑updated

Companies and Employers:

Employers will now need to provide:

Form 123 — a comprehensive annual report of:

  • Salary breakup
  • Perquisites & allowances
  • Fringe benefits
  • Reimbursements
  • Stock‑based compensation
  • Other extras that attract tax

This increases compliance burden but makes tax data more robust and consistent.

PAN Limit Increased

Earlier, PAN was required for high‑value transactions above Rs. 2 lakh.

From April:
PAN limit increased to Rs. 5 lakh for certain transactions such as:

  • Cash deposits
  • Foreign remittances
  • High‑value asset purchases

The aim: reduce unnecessary PAN reporting for low‑value transactions while still monitoring financial transparency.

Unified Challan (Form 141) – What Is It?

Previously, there were multiple challans for:

  • TDS
  • TCS
  • Advance tax
  • Self‑assessment
  • Other taxes

Now:
Form 141 — Unified TDS & Tax Payment Challan
A single payment form to deposit:

  • TDS
  • TCS
  • Advance tax
  • Regular tax
  • Any other payment due

This simplifies tax payments, reduces mistakes and saves time for taxpayers and tax professionals.

Summary Table: Old vs New from April 1

FeatureOld RulesNew Rules (From April 1)Impact
Form 16MandatoryDiscontinuedEmployees no longer wait for employer certificate
Form 130N/ANew, mandatory for salary taxpayersAuto pre‑fill => easier filing
Form 123 (Employers)Limited reportingExpanded reporting for perquisitesHigher compliance burden
PAN linkage thresholdRs. 2 lakhRs. 5 lakhLess frequent PAN reporting for low transactions
Unified ChallanMultipleForm 141 Unified ChallanSimplified tax payments
Old vs New RegimeOptionalContinuesChoice based on deduction advantages

J&K House adjourned amid uproar over Khamenei killing

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was adjourned for 30 minutes on Friday after noisy scenes erupted shortly after the budget session resumed following a five-week break.

Lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches disrupted the Question Hour, shouting slogans despite repeated requests from Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to maintain order.

MLAs from the ruling National Conference, Congress, CPI(M), and Independents, along with opposition PDP members, protested against Israel over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At the same time, BJP legislators staged a protest inside the House, holding placards to demand the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in Jammu.

The twin protests led to chaos in the House, forcing the Speaker to adjourn proceedings for half an hour.

The Assembly’s budget session resumed in Jammu on March 27 after a five-week recess. The first phase of the session had been held from February 2 to February 20.

During the earlier sitting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had presented the budget on February 6.

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of death of 16 people due to adulterated milk

By
Charanjit Ahuja
-

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that in Lalacheruvu, Chowdeshwarannagar and Swarupnagar areas of the East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, 16 people died since mid-February due to consumption of adulterated milk. At least four persons with similar symptoms were reported to be undergoing medical treatment. Reportedly, the milk was adulterated with a toxic substance identified as ethylene glycol which caused multi-organ failure. The suspected source of contamination has been traced to a Dairy located in Narsapuram village which was supplying milk to more than 100 households in the area. 

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of human rights violation of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the status of health, investigation as well as compensation if any, paid to the next of kin of the deceased. 

According to the media report, carried on 23rd March 2026, the cases of people falling ill came to notice during mid-February 2026 when the residents began experiencing severe health complications such as abdominal pain, vomiting, anuria, and acute renal dysfunction. Most of the victims were either elderly persons or young children.

IPL 2026: Highland Group & Punjab Kings Reinforce Partnership Further

By
Charanjit Ahuja
-

Building on a successful first season, Highland Group has continued its partnership with Indian Premier League(IPL) cricket team Punjab Kings as the official real estate partner for IPL 2026.

The announcement of continuation of partnership and its further reinforcement, was made during a press conference here today, which was addressed by Highland Group’s Directors Vishal Goyal and Harjinder Singh Rangi, who were joined by Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings. The group also unveiled ‘The Address of Kings’ campaign, which will bring leading lifestyle and sports creators to experience Highland’s projects before exclusive match-day interactions with players like Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh during IPL 2026.

Speaking at the press conference, Director Vishal Goyal said, “Cricket has been a defining part of my journey, having played at the under-19 Ranji level, and it continues to shape how I view discipline, performance, and teamwork. This association with Punjab Kings is therefore deeply personal as well as strategic. The second-year association brings ‘The Address of Kings’ to life with ultra-luxury living at Highland Mayfields, Mohali. Through ‘The Address of Kings’, we are creating a bridge between the energy of the sport and the lifestyle we are building—one that reflects ambition, passion, and the spirit of Punjab.”

The highlight of the press conference was a peek given to media into Highland Group’s flagship project, Highland Mayfields, which is being positioned as a sports-centric residential development. The event also witnessed the formal launch of a high octane ‘anthem’ specially created by Highland Group for Punjab Kings.  Goyal emphasized that sports, particularly cricket, are deeply embedded in the philosophy of their flagship project, Highland Mayfields.

Director Harjinder Singh Rangi said, “Our collaboration is growing stronger, season by season. Through this, we aim to integrate the energy of professional sports into our residential ecosystem, making Highland Mayfields not just a place to live, but a vibrant community built around active lifestyles.” He added, “This tie-up is about more than just two brands coming together—it is about representing Punjab & its culture on a larger stage. As two ‘Made-in-Punjab’ brands, we are building spaces that truly reflect the modern, high-energy identity of our home state.” The company shared updates on the construction progress at Highland Mayfields, stating that development is progressing steadily as per timelines.

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon, while welcoming the continued partnership, said, “We are delighted to extend our association with Highland Group. Partnerships like these help us deepen our connection with communities and create meaningful engagement beyond the field of cricket,” he said.

Mirwaiz-led delegation leaves for Delhi over Iran crisis

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

A delegation of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) led by its patron Mirwaiz Umar Farooq left for New Delhi on Thursday to offer condolences to the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the assassination of Ali Khamenei and other prominent leaders.

The delegation will also express solidarity with the people of Iran over the invasion of their country by Israel and the United States.

The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema is a major conglomerate of religious clergy in Kashmir and includes representatives from all Muslim schools of thought.

According to a statement issued by the grouping, the Mirwaiz-led delegation includes Kashmir Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, senior cleric Maulana Rehmatullah Qasmi, and Shia leaders Aga Syed Hassan and Aga Syed Hadi.

In its statement, the MMU said the “brutal assassination of a respected and prominent leader of the Muslim Ummah has deeply saddened and shocked people across the world,” adding that US-Israeli invasion has caused “tremendous suffering and hardships for the courageous people of Iran.”

“The visit is a gesture of sympathy, support, and brotherhood with the people of Iran,” the statement said.

The MMU further emphasized that “in these grim times, there is a greater need for unity among the Ummah and for collective prayers for peace and stability.” 

Centre Calls All-Party Meeting on West Asia Crisis

By
Charanjit Ahuja
-
Picture Courtesy PIB

The Centre has convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the evolving situation in West Asia, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh set to chair the high-level discussion. The meeting is expected to bring together leaders from across the political spectrum amid growing concerns over regional instability and its potential global implications.

According to official sources, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will brief political leaders on the latest developments in the region, including the security situation, diplomatic efforts, and India’s strategic response.

The all-party meeting comes days after a pause announced by US President Donald Trump but when tensions in West Asia continuing, raising fears of wider conflict and disruptions to global energy supplies. India, which has significant economic and diaspora interests in the region, is closely monitoring the situation.

Government sources indicated that the briefing will cover contingency plans related to the safety of Indian nationals in affected areas, as well as measures being taken to ensure stability in energy imports. West Asia remains a crucial source of crude oil for India, and any prolonged conflict could have ripple effects on domestic fuel prices and inflation.

The Centre is also expected to update political parties on its ongoing diplomatic engagements with key stakeholders in the region. India has consistently called for restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation, maintaining a balanced stance while advocating for peace and stability.

The meeting is seen as part of the government’s effort to build political consensus on foreign policy matters of national importance. By taking opposition parties into confidence, the Centre aims to present a unified position on the crisis.

Leaders attending the meeting are likely to raise concerns over evacuation preparedness, trade routes, and the broader geopolitical impact of the conflict. The government, in turn, is expected to outline its readiness to respond to any emerging challenges.

Further details from the briefing are awaited, with officials indicating that the situation remains dynamic and is being reviewed at the highest levels.

CCPA Warns Hotels, Restaurants Against Levying ‘LPG Charges’

By
Charanjit Ahuja
-

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday issued a strong warning to hotels and restaurants across India against levying additional charges such as ‘LPG charges’, ‘gas surcharge’, and ‘fuel cost recovery’ on consumer bills, terming them unfair and deceptive.

In an official statement, the authority said it has taken “serious note” of the growing practice among food establishments of adding such extra costs beyond the listed menu prices. The CCPA clarified that these charges violate provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

According to the regulator, businesses are only permitted to charge the price displayed on the menu along with applicable taxes. Any additional, undisclosed charges imposed on consumers are considered an unfair trade practice.

“Levying charges such as LPG cost, fuel recovery, or similar fees in the name of operational expenses is misleading and not permissible,” the authority said, adding that strict action will be taken against establishments found violating the rules.

The move comes amid rising complaints from consumers who have reported being billed for vague or unexplained surcharges at restaurants and hotels. The authority emphasized that such practices undermine consumer rights and transparency in pricing.

The CCPA has urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any instances of unfair billing. It also advised hospitality businesses to immediately discontinue such practices and ensure compliance with the law.

With this directive, the regulator aims to reinforce fair trade practices and protect consumers from hidden costs in the hospitality sector.

Modi, Trump Speak on West Asia Crisis

By
Charanjit Ahuja
-

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and the US President Donald Trump held their first conversation today (March 23) since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28, focusing on de-escalation efforts and the strategic importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

During the call, Modi emphasised that the vital shipping lane must remain “open, secure and accessible” to safeguard global stability and economic well-being. India reiterated its support for an early restoration of peace in the region.

“Had a useful exchange on the situation in West Asia… India supports de-escalation and ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible for the world,” Modi said.

The conversation came a day after Trump extended Washington’s deadline by five days for Iran to reopen the crucial oil transit route, even as he signalled “productive conversations” with Tehran.

Global energy markets have been rattled after Iran effectively blocked the narrow corridor—through which nearly 20% of global oil and LNG supplies pass—triggering a surge in prices and raising concerns for major importers like India.

US envoy Sergio Gor confirmed the leaders discussed the urgency of keeping the waterway operational.

The outreach is part of India’s broader diplomatic push, with Modi speaking in recent days to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as well as leaders across the Gulf and Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also engaged regional counterparts and met Iran’s ambassador Mohammad Fathali, underscoring India’s concern over the escalating crisis.

Officials said New Delhi’s priority remains a swift end to hostilities and uninterrupted energy flows, warning that a prolonged disruption could impact fuel, fertiliser supplies, and even food security globally—echoing the fallout of the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Superior Judicial Service Rules amended in Haryana as per Supreme Court directions

By
Charanjit Ahuja
-

The Cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, approved the amendment to the Haryana Superior Judicial Service Rules , 2007 , in accordance with the directions given by the Supreme Court of India in various decisions relating to judicial service reforms.

These changes follow the directions given in the landmark case of All India Judges’ Association and Others v. Union of India and Others and other relevant judgments. They aim to strengthen the structure, transparency, and efficiency of recruitment and service conditions in the higher judicial cadre.

As per the approved changes , major changes have been made to the recruitment process for the Haryana Superior Judicial Service. The existing quota for promotion through merit-cum-seniority has been revised from 65 percent to 50 percent. The share of recruitment through the Limited Competitive Examination (LCE) has been increased from 10 percent to 25 percent , increasing the opportunities for qualified judicial officers. The remaining 25 percent of posts will continue to be filled through direct recruitment. However , the eligibility criteria have been expanded to include not only lawyers from the Bar but also eligible candidates from the Subordinate Judicial Service.

The Cabinet also approved changes to eligibility criteria and service conditions. Provisions regarding experience , age, and qualifying service have been rationalized for candidates coming from different recruitment channels.

Additionally, changes have been made to the rules governing seniority and roster management. In cases where recruitment processes occur in different years, clear rules have been established for determining seniority to ensure fairness and uniformity. The existing roster has also been revised to correct inter se seniority and maintain a balanced distribution between the various recruitment sources.

123...1,621Page 2 of 1,621

MOST POPULAR

Load more

HOT NEWS

Tehelka
TEHELKA is the fastest growing national news group for English & Hindi news magazines. The core value of the brand is to uphold the truth with a free, fair and fearless attitude. The company has a high standard of excellence in journalism and a commitment to assist in India’s fight against corruption. News is published in the maximum number of languages to maintain a stronger circulation base across the country.
Contact us: wecare@tehelka.com