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Chikkamagaluru: Bulk booking of trek permits leaves locals angry

Delhi hotel fire: Punished for a guilty system

A fire in a bed-and-breakfast took the lives of 21 people in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. Of these, 12 were foreign nationals, most in India for their families’ medical needs. The owner was allegedly misusing government permits and had no clearance from the fire department. Suruchi Kumari and Shrimansi Kaushik report on how, despite repeated announcements of government audits, on ground, compliance is a challenge

Madras HC flags procedural violations in Kilambakkam Bus Terminus Project

Justice V. Lakshminarayanan, however, desists from declaring the establishment of the bus terminus as illegal since the law permits ex post facto approval too

Delhi riots case: HC permits trial court to pass order on framing charges

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna vacated the September 2024 interim order, as it dismissed a petition filed by Pinjra Tod activist Devangana Kalita

Unauthorised mosques sealed in Arunachal’s capital

Itanagar Capital Region officials said notices were sent to religious functionaries on January 30 to obtain permits and produce documents relating to statutory clearances

Flourish Stay owner sent to 4-day police custody; MCD finds 12 nearby B&Bs violating their permits

Police have registered a case under sections 105, 326(g), 324(5), 125(a), 125(b) and 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

GST ruling may cast wider tax net over casinos

The recent Supreme Court (SC) judgment on online gaming and betting is expected to have wider implications across gambling, horse racing, and casinos, experts feel. The court clarified that the GST valuation framework is not confined to any one segment but applies across betting and gambling activities.The ruling makes it clear that the tax framework cannot be read narrowly. “Rule 31A… applies broadly to all betting, gambling and horse racing… Limiting its applicability only to horse racing would render parts of the rule otiose,” a PwC India note on the SC ruling said.Nitin Vijaivergia, partner at Pricewaterhouse & Co LLP, said the judgment upholds the imposition of the top GST slab on online gaming platforms, triggering significant retrospective tax exposure. The court’s reasoning also centres on how such transactions are structured. It has been clarified that in betting and gambling, valuation can be based on the full amount staked and not merely on a narrower measure.“Section 15(1)… permits valuation based on the entire stake,” and “merely because a different method of valuation… may also have been possible, it does not render the Rule unconstitutional,” the note added.For online gaming and casinos, the judgment clarifies when tax liability arises. The court held that the taxable event is triggered when players commit funds to participate in games with uncertain outcomes and no longer retain control over those funds.This also alters the treatment of player funds. The ruling notes that once amounts are committed for participation, “such arrangements cannot be considered deposits or entrustments,” and “the entire staked amount is treated as consideration for the supply.”In the case of casinos, the position is very clear. The court held that tax would be levied on each instance of staking money on an uncertain outcome, and not on the operator’s net earnings or gross gaming revenue.“The mention of staking money on ‘uncertain future outcomes’ may have broader implications for promotional and skill contests with deterministic scoring, and similar other formats. Key operational elements such as wallet architecture, re-deposits, and cashback will be crucial to determine tax demands, especially considering amendments to GST Rules 31 and 31B affecting valuation,” Vijaivergia said.Tax experts say that, broadly, the GST law will now apply where money or money’s worth is staked on uncertain outcomes, and such amounts are treated as consideration for the supply.

Pakistan builds 'illegal' mosque in Japan, faces removal: Here's what Pakistan Embassy said

A mosque was allegedly built on private land in Kawagoe, Saitama, without proper permits. The city has ordered its removal. The landowner, linked to Pakistan, claims the structure existed before their purchase.

Japan raises PR, residency fee caps

Japan has increased the maximum fees that foreign nationals may be charged for renewing or changing their residency status, with the new cap set at 100,000 yen ($630) for standard residency permits and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications. according to a report by Nikkei Asia. The measure was approved by the Japanese parliament on Friday as the country prepares for a growing foreign resident population and plans new integration programmes. The previous upper limit for residency renewal or status-change fees was 10,000 yen. According to Japan's Immigration Services Agency, the revised fee structure reflects services provided to foreign residents. While the law sets the maximum amounts, the actual fees will be decided later through a cabinet order. Under the proposed structure, fees for standard residency permits will vary depending on the length of stay. A three-month residency period is expected to cost about 10,000 yen, while a five-year permit could cost around 70,000 yen. The current fee for in-person renewal applications is 6,000 yen regardless of the duration of stay. Additional revenue to fund integration measures The fee for permanent residency applications is expected to rise to about 200,000 yen. The government said reductions or exemptions will be available for applicants facing financial hardship, and the Immigration Services Agency plans to issue guidelines on eligibility for such relief. The higher fees could generate up to 90 billion yen in additional revenue. Japan's foreign resident population exceeded 4 million at the end of 2025, and the government said the funds will be used to strengthen measures that help foreign residents adapt to life in the country. Planned initiatives include expanding consultation services offered by local governments, improving Japanese-language education and supporting programmes that teach daily-life rules and customs. The government intends to introduce these educational programmes in phases beginning in fiscal 2028. The revenue will also help cover the costs of addressing illegal residency cases. Previously, fees collected were limited to covering administrative expenses such as personnel costs. Faster rollout of JESTA screening system The legal revisions also include changes affecting short-term visitors. Japan will introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) as early as fiscal 2028, two years earlier than originally planned, as per Nikkei Asia report. Under the system, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need to submit information online before departure, including their travel purpose, occupation and accommodation details. Authorities will use the information to screen travellers before arrival. Airlines will be required to deny boarding to passengers who do not obtain authorization. The government said the system is expected to help prevent illegal stays while simplifying immigration procedures and reducing waiting times at airports. The legislation faced opposition from the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japanese Communist Party, which argued that the fee increases would place an excessive burden on foreign residents. However, the measure was passed by parliament and is set to take effect as Japan continues to adjust its immigration and residency policies amid rising foreign arrivals and residency numbers.

Andhra Pradesh government permits ASI survey in Nallamala forests

Mr. Kalyan stated that the conservation of forests was important not only from the biodiversity point of view but also bringing to light historical, archaeological, and cultural treasures that might be hidden somewhere deep in the woods

Cashew scam: HC permits Industries Secretary to file plea to dispense with his personal appearance

RTA suspends permits of 28 private buses