Fwd: TaxGuru.in : Legal & Tax Updates

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: LEGAL & FINANCIAL UPDATES FROM TAX GURU <info@taxguru.in>
Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2011 at 9:48 AM
Subject: TaxGuru.in : Legal & Tax Updates
To: palashbiswaskl@gmail.com

TaxGuru.in : Legal & Tax Updates

---

• Over 2.8 crore bogus ration cards deleted from list
• Boards of 25 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) do not have Requisite Number of Independent Directors
• Budget 2011- Two exemption Notifications- litigation inbuilt
• Budget 2011- Changing Levy of import duty on Stainless Steel Scrap
• Budget 2011- Change in Rate of Service Tax on Money Changers
• Budget 2011-12 – Ceiling rate on Declared goods u/s 15 of CST Act proposed to increase to 5 Percent
• MCA Notified Ind-AS – Key Issues and Differences with IASB IFRS
• Budget 2011- Change in Service Tax Refund Scheme
• Budget 2011- Changes proposed for introducing Goods and Service Tax (GST)
• Income Tax – Major Highlights of Union Budget – 2011-12
• Union Budget 2011-12 – ICAI View
• The ICSI welcomes sustainable growth oriented Union Budget 2011-12
• ICAI President’s Message – March 2011
• Budget 2011- Summary of Chapter wise Changes in Custom Duty
• Budget 2011- Investment linked deduction in respect of specified businesses
• Budget 2011- Collection of information on requests received from tax authorities outside India
• Budget 2011- Taxation of certain foreign dividends at a reduced rate
• Budget 2011- Toolbox of counter measures in respect of transactions with persons located in a notified jurisdictional area
• Budget 2011- Rationalisation of provisions relating to Transfer Pricing
• Budget 2011- Sunset of tax holiday for certain undertakings engaged in commercial production of mineral oil
• Budget 2011- Extension of sunset clause for tax holiday for power sector
• Budget 2011- Provisions relating to Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in case of Special Economic Zones
• Budget 2011- Deduction for investment in long-term infrastructure bonds
• Budget 2011- Tax benefits for New Pension System (NPS)
• Budget 2011- Weighted deduction for contribution made for approved scientific research programme
• Budget 2011- Alternate Minimum Tax for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• Budget 2011-Rationalisation of Tax on Income distributed to unit holders
• Budget 2011- Exemption to a class or classes of persons from furnishing a return of income
• Budget 2011- Notification for processing of returns in Centralised Processing Centres
• Budget 2011- Extension of time limit for assessments in case of exchange of information
• Budget 2011- Modification in the conditions for filing an application before the Settlement Commission
• Budget 2011- Power of the Settlement Commission to rectify its orders
• Budget 2011- Omission of the requirement of quoting of Document Identification Number
• Budget 2011- Reporting of activities of liaison offices
• File Your FIR online in Delhi
• Budget 2011- Recognition to Provident Funds– Extension of time limit for obtaining exemption from Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• Budget 2011- Major proposals about Service Tax
• Budget 2011- Major proposals about Central Excise duty
• 3 National Institutes will conduct Study on Black Money in The Country
• Indian Economy on Higher Growth Path; Resilient to Both External and Domestic Shocks-FM
• Impact of Rising Fuel Prices on Economy
• Budget 2011 -2012-Central Excise – Amendments in Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004
• Budget 2011-2012- Central Excise – Important Legislative Amendments
• Budget 2011-2012 – Central Excise – Relief Measures
• Budget 2011-2012 – Central Excise – Withdrawal of exemptions/ concessions
• Budget 2011-2012 – Central Excise – Rate structure for goods, other than petroleum
• Budget 2011-2012 – Central Excise – Prescribes Effective Rate of duty
• Budget 2011- Brief Notes on all amendments in Custom Duty Act and Tariff Act
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – SEZ Refunds
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Relief to Small scale sector
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Exemptions
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Works Contract (Composition Scheme for Payment of Service Tax) Rules, 2007
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Taxation of Services (Provided from Outside India and Received in India) Rules, 2006
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Export of Services Rules, 2005
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Point of Taxation Rules, 2011
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Service Tax Rules, 1994
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Compliance Mechanism
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Alteration or expansion in the scope of existing services
• Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Proposed New Services
• Budget 2011- GST Constitution Amendment Bill this session
• Companies Bill to be presented in Parliament this Budget session
• Budget 2011- Govt imposes 18.5 pc MAT on SEZ developers, units
• Budget 2011- Govt extends tax holiday for power sector by 1 more year
• Budget 2011 -Nothing cheering for IT sector; no extension to STPI
• Budget 2011- High service tax on life policy to lower returns
• Budget 2011- FM proposes new simplified tax return form ‘Sugam’
• Budget 2011- Branded garments to cost upto 15 Percent more on excise duty
• Budget 2011- Exporters to do self-assessment of their duty liabilities
• Budget 2011- FM halves dividend tax on earnings from overseas arms
• Budget 2011- Overseas entities can invest directly in Mutual Funds

Over 2.8 crore bogus ration cards deleted from list Posted: 01 Mar 2011 06:30 PM PST In a nationwide crackdown on bogus ration card holders, over 2.8 crore ineligible ration cards have been deleted from July 2006 till now in different parts of the country, Parliament was informed today. Maximum 59.67 lakh bogus ration cards were... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Boards of 25 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) do not have Requisite Number of Independent Directors Posted: 01 Mar 2011 06:09 PM PST As per the Clause 49 of the Equity Listing Agreement, all the listed entities including listed Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are required to appoint requisite number of Independent Directors on their Boards. Where the Chairman of the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Two exemption Notifications- litigation inbuilt Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:25 PM PST The hon’ble Finance Minister of India has introduced the Finance Bill, 2011 on 25.2.2011. This bill has withdrawn a no. of exemptions given to various tariff items. By this bill, a no. of entries that attracted the NIL rate of duty in tariff has... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Changing Levy of import duty on Stainless Steel Scrap Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:20 PM PST The rate of customs duty on the import of Stainless Steel Scrap under exemption Notification No. 21/2002-Cus dated 01.03.2002 has always been surrounded by controversies. There has been an amendment in the rate of duty on the import of SS scrap in... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Change in Rate of Service Tax on Money Changers Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:13 PM PST With effect from 16.05.2008, the services pertaining to purchase or sale of foreign currency, including money changing was brought under service tax. The authorised dealers in foreign exchange or authorized changers were also covered. The Authorised... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011-12 – Ceiling rate on Declared goods u/s 15 of CST Act proposed to increase to 5 Percent Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:08 PM PST It has been proposed in the Budget 2011-12 to increase the ceiling of 4% on declared goods under section 15 of CST Act to 5%. Currently State Governments cannot levy VAT more than 4% on declared goods. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

MCA Notified Ind-AS – Key Issues and Differences with IASB IFRS Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:41 PM PST The Ministry of Corporate Affair (MCA) has notified 35 Indian IFRS standards (known as “Ind-AS’), without announcing the applicability date. In its press release, the MCA has stated that Ind-AS will be applied in a phased manner, to ensure smooth... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Change in Service Tax Refund Scheme Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:28 PM PST The scheme of refund of service tax paid on specified services which were utilised for export of goods was given effect in 2007 vide Notification No. 41/2007-ST dated 06.10.2007. The exemption was granted by way of refund. However, announcing the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Changes proposed for introducing Goods and Service Tax (GST) Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:12 PM PST steps proposed to be taken for introduction of GST by the Finance Minister are establishment of a strong IT infrastructure. It was also announced that significant progress on the GST network (GSTN) has been made. The key business processes of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Income Tax – Major Highlights of Union Budget – 2011-12 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:00 PM PST The following are the major Highlights of the Union Budget 2011-12 presented by the Hon’ble Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee in the Parliament on Monday (i.e. Feb. 28th 2011). Direct Tax Code (DTC) is proposed to be introduced from April 1st... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Union Budget 2011-12 – ICAI View Posted: 01 Mar 2011 10:00 AM PST The Union Finance Minister has presented the budget for 2011-12 in the backdrop of growth of GDP @ 8.6% in 2010-11, contributed by a growth of 5.4% in agriculture, 8.1% in industry and 9.6% in services. The Minister shared that the economy has shown... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

The ICSI welcomes sustainable growth oriented Union Budget 2011-12 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:55 AM PST Budget to help broad based rebound in agriculture and continued momentum in Manufacturing Sector. CS Anil Murarka, President, ICSI. Budget reflects financial translation of the policy initiatives of the government towards inclusive growth. CS N K... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

ICAI President’s Message – March 2011 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:54 AM PST In accordance with the decision of the Council and the suggestions of NACAS, the Indian Accounting Standard on Agriculture is being redrafted. We decided to make amendment in existing AS 11 on the lines of Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS 21),... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Summary of Chapter wise Changes in Custom Duty Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:41 AM PST As a measure of rationalization of duty structure the rates of 2% and 3% are being unified with the median rate of 2.5%. Accordingly basic customs duty on all goods currently attracting 2% has been increased to 2.5% and basic customs duty on those... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Investment linked deduction in respect of specified businesses Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:40 AM PST Under the existing provisions of section 35AD of the Income-tax Act, investment-linked tax incentive is provided by way of allowing hundred per cent. deduction in respect of any expenditure of capital nature (other than on land, goodwill and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Collection of information on requests received from tax authorities outside India Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:30 AM PST Under the existing provisions of section 131(1) of the Income-tax Act, certain income-tax authorities have been conferred the same powers as are available to a Civil Court while trying a suit in respect of discovery and inspection, enforcing the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Taxation of certain foreign dividends at a reduced rate Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:28 AM PST Under the existing provisions of the Income-tax Act, dividend received from foreign companies is taxable in the hands of the resident shareholder at his applicable marginal rate of tax. Therefore, in case of Indian companies which receive foreign... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Toolbox of counter measures in respect of transactions with persons located in a notified jurisdictional area Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:26 AM PST In order to discourage transactions by a resident assessee with persons located in any country or jurisdiction which does not effectively exchange information with India, anti-avoidance measures have been proposed in the Income-tax Act. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Rationalisation of provisions relating to Transfer Pricing Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:25 AM PST A. Section 92C of the Income-tax Act provides the procedure for computation of the Arm's Length Price (ALP). The section provides the methods of computing the ALP and mandates that the most appropriate method should be chosen to compute ALP. It is... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Sunset of tax holiday for certain undertakings engaged in commercial production of mineral oil Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:23 AM PST Under the existing provisions of section 80-IB(9) of the Income-tax Act, a seven-year profit-linked deduction of hundred per cent. is available to an undertaking, if it fulfils any of the following, namely:-(i) is located in North-Eastern... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Extension of sunset clause for tax holiday for power sector Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:20 AM PST Under the existing provisions of section 80-IA(4)(iv) of the Income-tax Act, a deduction of profits and gains is allowed to an undertaking which, (a) is set up for the generation and distribution of power if it begins to generate power at any... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Provisions relating to Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in case of Special Economic Zones Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:20 AM PST Under the existing provisions of section 10AA of the Income-tax Act, a deduction of hundred per cent. is allowed in respect of profits and gains derived by a unit located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) from the export of articles or things or... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Deduction for investment in long-term infrastructure bonds Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:19 AM PST Under the existing provisions of section 80CCF of the Income-tax Act, a sum of Rs. 20,000 (over and above the existing limit of Rs. 1 lakh available under section BOCCE for tax savings) is allowed as deduction in computing the total income of an... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Tax benefits for New Pension System (NPS) Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:18 AM PST Section 80CCD of the Income-tax Act provides, inter al/a, a deduction in respect of contributions made by an employee as well as an employer to the New Pension System (NPS) account on behalf of the employee. In view of the provisions of section... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Weighted deduction for contribution made for approved scientific research programme Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:14 AM PST Under the existing provisions of section 35(2AA) of the Income-tax Act, weighted deduction to the extent of 175 per cent. is allowed for any sum paid to a National Laboratory or a university or an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or a specified... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Alternate Minimum Tax for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:11 AM PST The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 (LLP) has come into effect in 2009. The LLP has features of both a body corporate as well as a traditional partnership. The Income-tax Act provides for the same taxation regime for a limited liability... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011-Rationalisation of Tax on Income distributed to unit holders Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:10 AM PST Under the existing provisions contained in section 115R(2) of the Income-tax Act, a Mutual Fund is liable to pay additional income-tax on the amount of income distributed to its unit holders. It is proposed to levy additional income-tax at a higher... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Exemption to a class or classes of persons from furnishing a return of income Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:08 AM PST Under the existing provisions contained in section 139(1) of the Income-tax Act, every person, if his total income during the previous year exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax, is required to furnish a return of his... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Notification for processing of returns in Centralised Processing Centres Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:06 AM PST Under the existing provisions of section 143(1 B) of the Income-tax Act, the Central Government may, for the purpose of giving effect to the scheme made under section 143(1A), by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that any of the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Extension of time limit for assessments in case of exchange of information Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:05 AM PST Section 153 of the Income-tax Act provides for the time limits for completion of assessments and reassessments. In Explanation 'I to section 153 of the Income-tax Act, certain periods specified therein are to be excluded while computing the period... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Modification in the conditions for filing an application before the Settlement Commission Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:04 AM PST The existing provisions contained in the proviso to section 245C(1) allow an application to be made before the Settlement Commission if,—(i) the proceedings have been initiated against the applicant under section 153A or under section 153C... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Power of the Settlement Commission to rectify its orders Posted: 01 Mar 2011 06:27 AM PST The existing provisions of section 245D(4) of the Income-tax Act provide that the Settlement Commission may pass an order, as it thinks fit, on the matters covered by the applications received by it, after giving an opportunity of being heard to the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Omission of the requirement of quoting of Document Identification Number Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:54 AM PST Under the existing provisions contained in section 282B of the Income-tax Act, every income-tax authority shall, on or after the 1st day of July, 2011, allot a computer-generated Document Identification Number in respect of every notice, order,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Reporting of activities of liaison offices Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:51 AM PST Foreign companies or firms or associations of individuals operate in India through a branch or a liaison office after approval by Reserve Bank of India. The branch constitutes a permanent establishment of the foreign entity and is, therefore,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

File Your FIR online in Delhi Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:03 AM PST The Delhi Police, in compliance of the directions of Hon’ble Delhi High Court in Writ Petition (Crl.) No. 468/2010 “Court on Its Own Motion Versus State” dated 06.12.2010, has implemented the system of uploading and viewing the FIRs registered in... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Recognition to Provident Funds– Extension of time limit for obtaining exemption from Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:48 AM PST Rule 4 in Part A of the Fourth Schedule to the Income-tax Act provides for conditions which are required to be satisfied by a Provident Fund for receiving or retaining recognition under the Income-tax Act. One of the requirements of rule 4 [clause... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Major proposals about Service Tax Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:23 AM PST Services provided by air-conditioned restaurants having a license to serve alcoholic beverages in relation to serving of food and/or beverages. Short-term accommodation provided by a hotel, inn, guesthouse, club or campsite, or any other similar... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Major proposals about Central Excise duty Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:13 AM PST Budget 2011- Major proposals about Central Excise duty Note: Changes come into effect immediately unless otherwise specified.Major proposals about Central Excise duty are the following: A. General:The First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

3 National Institutes will conduct Study on Black Money in The Country Posted: 01 Mar 2011 03:59 AM PST The Government has decided to get a fresh study conducted on unaccounted income/ wealth both inside and outside the country brining out the nature of activities engendering money laundering and its ramifications on national security. The proposal... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Indian Economy on Higher Growth Path; Resilient to Both External and Domestic Shocks-FM Posted: 01 Mar 2011 03:58 AM PST Indian Economy on Higher Growth Path; Resilient to Both External and Domestic Shocks:FM. Increase in International Crude Oil and Other Commodity Prices is a Matter of Concern. Emphasizes Need to Step up Investment in Agriculture Sector Both by... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Impact of Rising Fuel Prices on Economy Posted: 01 Mar 2011 03:55 AM PST The WPI inflation in mineral oils increased to 16.7 per cent in January 2011 from 7.9 per cent in the corresponding period last year. This is mainly because of the rise in crude oil prices (Brent) in international market, which rose to US $96 per... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 -2012-Central Excise – Amendments in Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 03:03 AM PST Several amendments have been carried out in the provisions of the Cenvat Credit Rules (CCR), 2004. The basic thrust of these changes is to broad base and simplify definitions to reduce disputes and to achieve a more realistic attribution when common... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011-2012- Central Excise – Important Legislative Amendments Posted: 01 Mar 2011 03:01 AM PST The provisions of sections 11A relating to the recovery of duty not levied, short levied, not paid, short paid or erroneously refunded have been redrafted with a view to improve the sequence in which provisions occur and simplify their language.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011-2012 – Central Excise – Relief Measures Posted: 01 Mar 2011 03:00 AM PST Air-conditioning equipment, panels and refrigeration panels for installation of cold-chain infrastructure for preservation, storage or transport of agricultural produce and apiary, horticultural, dairy, poultry, aquatic & marine produce and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011-2012 – Central Excise – Withdrawal of exemptions/ concessions Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:47 AM PST A number of exemptions from Central Excise duty (about 130 exemption entries) are being withdrawn. These include some cases where the rate of duty is Nil by tariff. A nominal duty of 1% ad valorem is being imposed on these items with the condition... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011-2012 – Central Excise – Rate structure for goods, other than petroleum Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:46 AM PST The standard rate of Central Excise duty for non-POL products has been maintained at 10%. The merit rate of excise duty (CENVAT) for non-petroleum goods has been increased from 4% to 5%. The increased rate would apply to all such goods that hitherto... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011-2012 – Central Excise – Prescribes Effective Rate of duty Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:43 AM PST Unless otherwise stated, all changes in rates of duty take effect from the midnight of 28th February/1st March, 2011. A declaration has been made under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, 1931 in respect of clauses 57(a)(i), 57 (b) and 70(a)(i)... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Brief Notes on all amendments in Custom Duty Act and Tariff Act Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:31 AM PST The First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 is being amended vide Clause 57 of the Bill to give effect to the tariff changes relating to the Union Customs Duties. The basic customs duty rates of 2%, 2.5% and 3% are being unified at the median... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – SEZ Refunds Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:10 AM PST Notification No. 17/2011-ST has been issued superceding notification 9/2009-ST dated 03.03.2009. The new notification has the following unique features: (a) Criteria for the determination of “wholly consumed” services have been laid down in the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Relief to Small scale sector Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:09 AM PST Finance minister has announced in his budget speech that individual and sole proprietor assessees with a turnover upto Rs 60 lakhs shall not be subject to audit. Interest rate for all assessees (including firms and corporates) upto a turnover of Rs... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Exemptions Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:08 AM PST Exemption from service tax is being provided to „Works contract service‟ when rendered for the construction of residential complexes or completion and finishing services of a new complex under Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewable Mission (JNURM) and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:06 AM PST Important changes in Cenvat Rules, 2004 . Obligation of manufacturer and provider of services . Addition of Services under section 66A in rule 3 . [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Works Contract (Composition Scheme for Payment of Service Tax) Rules, 2007 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:04 AM PST A new sub-rule (2A) is being added in rule 3 in the Works Contract (Composition Scheme for Payment of Service Tax) Rules, 2007 vide Notification 1/2011-ST so as to restrict the Cenvat credit to 40% of the tax paid on services relating to erection,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:02 AM PST A new rule (2B) has been inserted vide Notification 2/2011-ST to prescribe the value of service rendered in relation to money changing. The details are explained at Annexure B. This amendment shall come into force on 01.04.2011. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Taxation of Services (Provided from Outside India and Received in India) Rules, 2006 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 01:59 AM PST Corresponding changes, as indicated in respect of Export of Services Rules, 2005, have been carried out by way of rearrangement of the stated services under respective sub- clauses of rule 3 of the Taxation of Services (Provided from Outside India... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Amendments to Export of Services Rules, 2005 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 01:56 AM PST Globally the taxation of services across different taxing jurisdictions is increasingly moving towards destination-based levy in respect of B2B services while origin-based levy is largely applicable to B2C services. In tune with this practice,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Point of Taxation Rules, 2011 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 01:51 AM PST Point of Taxation Rules, 2011 have been framed vide notification 18/2011-ST and made effective from 01.04.2011. These rules determine the point in time when the services shall be deemed to be provided. The general rule will be that the time of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Service Tax Rules, 1994 Posted: 01 Mar 2011 01:34 AM PST A number of changes have been made in the Service Tax Rules to align the provisions consequent to the introduction of Point of Taxation Rules, 2011. A new rule 5B has been introduced to provide that the applicable rate of tax shall be the rate... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Compliance Mechanism Posted: 01 Mar 2011 01:29 AM PST The maximum penalty for delay in filing of return under section 70 is proposed to be increased from Rs.2,000/- to Rs.20,000/-. However, the existing rate of penalty is being retained under rule 7C of the Service Tax Rules, 1994. The maximum penalty... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Alteration or expansion in the scope of existing services Posted: 01 Mar 2011 01:22 AM PST Amendment in following service vide budget 2011Life Insurance Service, Authorized Service Station, Commercial Training or Coaching Service, Club or Association Service, Business Support Service, Services by legal professionals , [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 – Service Tax – Proposed New Services Posted: 01 Mar 2011 01:18 AM PST The following two new services have been proposed:(i) Services by air-conditioned restaurants having license to serve liquor; and (ii) Short-term accommodation in hotels/inns/clubs/guest houses etc. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- GST Constitution Amendment Bill this session Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:21 PM PST Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the Government proposes to introduce the Constitution Amendment Bill in the current session to pave the way for introduction of the long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. "I propose to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Companies Bill to be presented in Parliament this Budget session Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:19 PM PST The Companies Bill 2009, which seeks to replace a half-a-century-old Act, will be presented in Parliament in the ongoing Budget session, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said. The new Companies Bill, which was tabled in the backdrop of the Rs... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Govt imposes 18.5 pc MAT on SEZ developers, units Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:14 PM PST The government today proposed to levy Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) of 18.5 per cent on the book profits of Special Economic Zone developers and units, which was termed as a 'setback' by the players. Both the developers as well as units in the tax... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Govt extends tax holiday for power sector by 1 more year Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:13 PM PST With a view to encourage power generation and reduce transmission and distribution losses Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today extended the tax holiday for the power sector by one more year till March 31, 2012. The extension of tax break is part... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011 -Nothing cheering for IT sector; no extension to STPI Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:11 PM PST The 2011-12 Budget has failed to bring cheer to the Indian IT sector as Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee did not make any major announcements to boost the segment. IT companies were batting for reduced tax rates and continuation of sops under the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- High service tax on life policy to lower returns Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:10 PM PST The government today proposed to increase the service tax on life insurance policies to 1.5 per cent from 1 per cent, a move that would increase the premium cost for policyholders. "It is being provided that tax shall be charged in the portion of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- FM proposes new simplified tax return form ‘Sugam’ Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:09 PM PST To reduce compliance burden of small taxpayers, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today proposed to introduce a new simplified income tax return form 'Sugam'. "I propose to introduce a new simplified return form 'Sugam' to reduce the compliance... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Branded garments to cost upto 15 Percent more on excise duty Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:06 PM PST The cost of branded garments and made-up textiles will go up by 10-15 per cent with imposition of excise duties as proposed in the Budget. Readymade garments and made-up textiles are currently under optional excise duty regime. But Finance Minister... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Exporters to do self-assessment of their duty liabilities Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:05 PM PST Exporters will be allowed to do self-assessment of their duty liabilities before the customs authorities, besides getting service tax refunds through a hassle-free mechanism. "To quicken the clearance of the cargo by customs authorities and further... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- FM halves dividend tax on earnings from overseas arms Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:04 PM PST Looking at improving investment climate for corporates, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today proposed halving tax on dividends received by an Indian company from its foreign subsidiary to 15 per cent. "It has been represented that the taxation of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

Budget 2011- Overseas entities can invest directly in Mutual Funds Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:03 PM PST Foreign entities will now be able to invest directly in mutual funds, which will increase the fund flow into capital markets. The fund houses will have to ensure know-your-customer (KYC) norms before seeking investment from overseas investors,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.taxguru.in for full article ]]

You are subscribed to email updates from LEGAL & FINANCIAL UPDATES FROM TAX GURU To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/

Fwd: [bangla-vision] Libya: Dreams of Western Intervention

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Romi Elnagar <bluesapphire48@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Subject: [bangla-vision] Libya: Dreams of Western Intervention
To:

 

Libya: Dreams of Western Intervention by Susil Gupta, February 26, 2011 The crisis in Libya is quickly becoming an international embarrassment. Not, this time, because of Gadhafi's clowinsh antics, but because it provides a spectacular opportunity for the world to see just how much Western power has declined during the last decade.  Despite being the most powerful nation on earth, and having a military apparatus on a scale greater than the sum of every other country, the US has patently failed to impose its solutions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Far from America being able to force the Ayatollahs into submission, Iran gains strategic ground every day. The financial crisis has paralyzed the power of Western finance. Western central bankers have had to go begging to China and the oil rich countries for loans. The Arab revolt of 2011 has now destroyed the exclusive grip Anglo-American rule once had in the region.  And now Libya promises to make explicit the powerlessness of the West. As Laurence Pope, ex-political advisor to the US "Central Command" and ex-ambassador to Tripoli told Le Monde in a sobering assessment, "Washington finds itself in a situation where there are only bad options and others that are worse."  What has been the response in Europe? The European Left and the liberal bourgeoisie remain very interventionist and are firm believers in "humanitarian bombing." They are clamoring for a muscular Nato intervention along Balkan lines. An editorial in Left-leaning Guardian supports the call by liberal Lord Owen that "military preparations should be made and the necessary diplomatic approaches, above all to the Russians and the Chinese, set in train to secure UN authority for such action." Should the crisis continue, the Guardian argues, "intervention on the ground would have to be considered. The Egyptian army has the means, other Arab countries could contribute, and western forces could help." Yes, and it would all be over by Christmas.  It is obvious that these war enthusiasts have not thought this through – but then they would not be doing any of the fighting. The plain fact is that there are no feasible military interventions even if the major powers could agree on an intervention plan, which is very far from being the case. Consider the options. Imposing a no fly zone. This would require extensive air patrols by foreign air forces. They would have little effect since air power is not key to Gadhafi's strategy. It would, however, create an atmosphere of major war and give Gadhafi a propaganda boost.  Creating a military barrier or cordon sanitaire around eastern Libya to protect rebel positions.  Likewise this would crystallize the situation into a two-sided war, which could only play into Gadhafi's hands. It is to the advantage of those that want to topple Gadhafi to avoid a war of entrenchment or fixed positions, preventing them from permeating every level of society and undermine further his crumbing power base. In any case such Western intervention would be impossible to implement. No Western commander is going to deploy troops at short notice into a theater unknown to his troops but well-known to an enemy who, in any case, cannot be easily distinguished from friendly forces. It is a recipe for disaster. Sending in a "peace keeping" African Union force to separate the parties. One way to unite every Libyan behind Gadhafi, given the reputation of such forces in the past. Sending in a "peace keeping" force made up of troops from Arab countries as The Guardian recommends. One way to unite every Libyan behind Gadhafi and infect and inflame the whole of the Middle East with the vicissitudes of a Libyan civil war.  Bomb. But where? Tripoli? Gadhafi's hideout?  In addition to the lack of any meaningful target, Western bombing might give others the idea of bombing targets that are indeed of great strategic value: oil wells and pipe lines.  Sanctions. Libya's massively long borders are totally porous and populated by peoples and countries keen to do business and who don't give a damn about UN Security Council resolutions.  On the contrary, given the strategic importance of Libyan oil and gas to several European nations, Libya is the only country in a position to apply effective sanctions against anyone else. The price of oil has already shot up to $110.  Watch how the Italians start screaming in the next couple of weeks if the crisis goes on much longer.  Unsurprisingly, Cameron and Sarkozy are making angry statements but otherwise are just looking at their shoes. http://original.antiwar.com/susil-gupta/2011/02/25/libya-dreams-of-western-intervention/

__._,_.___

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/

Fwd: [Right to Education] Check this intvw of Pradeep Sharma, Country...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Shekhar Mittal <notification+kr4marbae4mn@facebookmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Subject: [Right to Education] Check this intvw of Pradeep Sharma, Country...
To: Palash Biswas <palashbiswaskl@gmail.com>

Shekhar Mittal posted in Right to Education. Shekhar Mittal 11:23am Mar 2 Check this intvw of Pradeep Sharma, Country Director - Gray Matters Capital, talks about low cost schools, their role in providing quality education to the poor, the need to build an ecosystem for low cost schools, the school ratings system and innovations that have resulted from the ratings pilot. SCNC Interview: Pradeep Sharma | The Right to Education (RTE) Act in India righttoeducation.in In this interview Pradeep Sharma, Country Director - Gray Matters Capital, talks about low cost schools, their role in providing quality education to the poor, and the need to build an ecosystem for low cost schools. The discussion then moves to the school ratings system and innovations that have re View Post on Facebook · Edit Email Settings · Reply to this email to add a comment.

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/

Fwd: [bangla-vision] Geelani detained at Delhi Airport

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Habib Yousafzai <yousafzai49@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Subject: [bangla-vision] Geelani detained at Delhi Airport

 

Geelani detained at Delhi Airport

Released After 3-Hour Questioning

ARIF SHAFI WANI

Srinagar, Mar 1: A special team of Delhi Police detained the Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani at the New Delhi Airport on Tuesday when he was on way to board a flight to Srinagar. The veteran leader was released after 'questioning' at Lodhi Road Police Station for three hours. Geelani, however, missed his flight to Srinagar.
 

The Hurriyat (G) and its allies have taken strong note of the incident terming it as a conspiracy to harass and malign Geelani.

 Incidentally, the Delhi Police on February 20 had barred Geelani from leaving New Delhi without recording his statement in the Hawala case. However, Geelani maintains that the Delhi Police did not stick to its commitment of recording his statement at his Malviya Nagar residence.

 Geelani told Greater Kashmir from New Delhi that he alongwith his family proceeded towards the Airport in two taxis today morning. "However, when we reached near the Airport terminal, a posse of Delhi Police led by an inspector stopped the taxi in which I and my son Nayem were traveling. The inspector asked us to accompany him saying that we will be released after few minutes. When we resisted, he asked the taxi driver to proceed towards Lodhi Road Police Station where they questioned me for nearly three hours," Geelani said.

 Geelani said on February 20, he had received a written order from Delhi Police asking him not to leave New Delhi without recording his statement. The ailing leader claimed that he faxed an application on February 26 to Delhi Police seeking exemption from personal appearance on health grounds and that instead he would send his lawyer.

 "However, Delhi Police made a commitment that they will record my statement at 11.30 am on February 28 at my Delhi residence. But the cops sent another notice to me at 9.30 pm yesterday again wishing to record my statement. But till 11.30 am today there was no response from the cops and I left for the Airport," Geelani said.  

 Elaborating on the questioning by the special cell of Delhi Police, Geelani said he categorically refuted his involvement in the Hawala case and maintained that the ongoing movement in the Valley was being exclusively financed by the common Kashmiris.

 "Even one of the officers of Delhi Police who questioned me acknowledged that people of Kashmir respect me and even support my programs. I told them Kashmir is a result of broken promises and India despite being signatory to UN resolution is denying the right to self-determination to Kashmiris. To put an end to right violations and protection of their identity, people of Kashmiri have been supporting the movement from the core of their heart and are ready to sacrifice their lives for it not to talk of donating money for the just cause," he said. 

 Meanwhile, the spokesman of Hurriyat (G) Ayaz Akbar strongly condemned the detention of Geelani. 
 "This clearly establishes that Delhi Police is harassing and trying to defame Geelani Sahib according to a conspiracy. He was subjected to uncivilized behavior and the conglomerate condemns it in unequivocal terms. On one hand interlocutors appointed by the Government of India invite Geelani Sahib for talks and on the other Government subjects him to harassment," Akbar said. 

 Akbar said Geelani's detention also exposes the claims of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that he is a free man and can return to Kashmir whenever he likes. Pertinently, Kashmir had observed a complete shutdown on February 22 against the curbs on Geelani's movement.

 "He (Geelani) has been called in to join investigations related to Hawala case. Our investigating officials questioned him over the matter," P N Aggarwal, Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), told a news agency.

__._,_.___

__,_._,___

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/

Fwd: [bangla-vision] Sardarji was Mum till Court interferes

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Prathiba Sundaram <prathibasam@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2011 at 2:33 PM
Subject: [bangla-vision] Sardarji was Mum till Court interferes

 

How do we believe these looters and scoundrels. Arrest all the Central Minsiters now,or People should march towards Parliament and handle the criminals.   NEW DELHI: The CBI is believed to have gathered evidence of former telecom minister A Raja using his wife's bank accounts in Mauritius and Seychelles to deposit part of the Rs 3,000 crore bribe he allegedly took for favouring telecom companies with 2G spectrum. CBI sources said that in response to letters rogatory (LRs), authorities in both the island countries have provided the agency with details which confirm a quid pro quo between Raja and the telcom companies that were helped by him to jump the queue for spectrum, in contravention of the first-come first-served policy. The LRs were sent soon after the CBI lodged an FIR in October 2009 on the spectrum scan, and much before Supreme Court started probing its investigation into the alleged swindle. TOI had reported on February 11 that the investigating agencies believe that Raja allegedly recieved almost Rs 3,000 crores in bribes, and that the entire 2G scam could have caused a loss of Rs 45,000-50,000 crores to the exchequer. Enforcement Directorate, the other agency probing the spectrum scam, will soon send LRs to as many as 10 countries. The ED is investigating the flow of foreign funds in the telecom sector as well as whether money was sent abroad by suspects in the spectrum scam. It has so far conducted source-based investigations (preliminary soundings) in Singapore, Mauritius, Cyprus, Dubai (UAE), Moscow ( Russia), Norway, Isle of Man, Jersy Island and British Virgin Island. Sources in the ED, whose work has been appreciated by the SC, said that the scam money invested in little known companies in these countries has been routed back either as foreign direct investment (FDI) or as payoffs. On Tuesday, a SC Bench of Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly expressed satisfaction with CBI's investigations, saying that they prima facie appeared to be going in the right direction. The Bench made the observation after senior advocate K K Venugopal submitted a fresh report detailing the status and progress of the probe. Venugopal informed the court that the agency had questioned 63 persons including an MP, CEOs and promotors of 10 mobile service providers who got spectrum during Raja's tenure, and department of telecom (DoT) officials. The Bench adjourned the hearing on a petition filed by an NGO, the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), and asked both the CBI and ED to submit probe status reports by March 15. While CBI is staring at the March 31 deadline for filing chargesheet against the accused persons, the ED had last month sought time till June to complete its probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Read more: 'Raja used wife's a/c to stash bribe money in Mauritius and Seychelles' - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Raja-used-wifes-a/c-to-stash-bribe-money-in-Mauritius-and-Seychelles/articleshow/7607294.cms#ixzz1FQmYxwPh

__._,_.___

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/

Fwd: [bangla-vision] FW: [MuslimIntelligencer] Fw: [IFDC] The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A. Moussa <emfmoussa@gawab.com>
Date: 2011/3/2
Subject: [bangla-vision] FW: [MuslimIntelligencer] Fw: [IFDC] The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison
To: "A. Moussa" <emfmoussa@gawab.com>

 

 

 

---

From: MuslimIntelligencer@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MuslimIntelligencer@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Abdul Wahid Osman Belal
Sent: 01 مارس, 2011 11:16 ص
To:
Subject: [MuslimIntelligencer] Fw: [IFDC] The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison

 

 

qadianis are averse to truth. ABDUL WAHID OSMAN BELAL --- On Mon, 28/2/11, Kunju Mon <monkunju@gmail.com> wrote: From: Kunju Mon Subject: [IFDC] The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison To: Date: Monday, 28 February, 2011, 23:37   The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison The person of Jesus or Isa in Arabic (peace be upon him) is of great significance in both Islam and Christianity. However, there are differences in terms of beliefs about the nature and life occurrences of this noble Messenger. Source of information about Jesus in Islam Most of the Islamic information about Jesus is actually found in the Quran. The Quran was revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and memorized and written down in his lifetime. Today, anyone who calls him or herself a Muslim believes in the complete authenticity of the Quran as the original revealed guidance from God. Source of information about Jesus in Christianity Christians take their information about Jesus from the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments. These contain four biblical narratives covering the life and death of Jesus. They have been written, according to tradition, respectively by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are placed at the beginning of the New Testament and comprise close to half of it. Encyclopedia Britannica notes that none of the sources of his life and work can be traced to Jesus himself; he did not leave a single known written word. Also, there are no contemporary accounts written of his life and death. What can be established about the historical Jesus depends almost without exception on Christian traditions, especially on the material used in the composition of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, which reflect the outlook of the later church and its faith in Jesus. Below are the views of Islam and Christianity based on primary source texts and core beliefs. ISLAM 1. Do Muslims believe he was a Messenger of One God? YES Belief in all of the Prophets and Messengers of God is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Thus, believing in Prophets Adam, Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them) is a requirement for anyone who calls him or herself a Muslim. A person claiming to be a Muslim who, for instance, denies the Messengership of Jesus, is not considered a Muslim. The Quran says in reference to the status of Jesus as a Messenger: "The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger before whom many Messengers have passed away; and his mother adhered wholly to truthfulness, and they both ate food (as other mortals do). See how We make Our signs clear to them; and see where they are turning away!" (Quran 5:75). 2. Do Muslims believe he was born of a Virgin Mother? YES Like Christians, Muslims believe Mary, Maria in Spanish, or Maryam as she is called in Arabic, was a chaste, virgin woman, who miraculously gave birth to Jesus. "Relate in the Book the story of Mary, when she withdrew from her family, to a place in the East. She screened herself from them; then We sent to her Our spirit (angel Gabriel) and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said: I seek refuge from you in God Most Gracious (come not near) if you do fear God. He said: Nay, I am only a Messenger from your Lord, to announce to you the gift of a pure son. She said: How shall I have a son, when no man has ever touched me, and I am not unchaste? He said: So it will be, your Lord says: 'That is easy for Me; and We wish to appoint him as a sign unto men and a Mercy from Us': It was a matter so decreed" (Quran 19:16-21). 3. Do Muslims believe Jesus had a miraculous birth? YES The Quran says: "She (Mary) said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.' He (God) said: 'So (it will be) for God creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: 'Be!'- and it is" (3:47). It should also be noted about his birth that: "Verily, the likeness of Jesus in God's Sight is the likeness of Adam. He (God) created him from dust, then (He) said to him: 'Be!'-and he was" (Quran 3:59). 4. Do Muslims believe Jesus spoke in the cradle? YES "Then she (Mary) pointed to him. They said: 'How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?' He (Jesus) said: 'Verily! I am a slave of God, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; " (19:29-30). 5. Do Muslims believe he performed miracles? YES Muslims, like Christians believe Jesus performed miracles. But these were performed by the will and permission of God, Who has power and control over all things. "Then will God say: 'O Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favor to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit (the angel Gabriel) so that you did speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold: you make out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by My leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers by My leave. And behold! you bring forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the children of Israel from (violence to you) when you did show them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but evident magic' (5:110). 6. Do Muslims believe in the Trinity? NO Muslims believe in the Absolute Oneness of God, Who is a Supreme Being free of human limitations, needs and wants. He has no partners in His Divinity. He is the Creator of everything and is completely separate from His creation. God says in the Quran regarding the Trinity: "People of the Book (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, and attribute to God nothing except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God, and His command that He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and in His Messengers, and do not say: 'God is a Trinity.' Give up this assertion; it would be better for you. God is indeed just One God. Far be it from His glory that He should have a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth. God is sufficient for a guardian" (Quran 4:171). 7. Do Muslims believe that Jesus was the son of God? NO "Say: "God is Unique! God, the Source [of everything]. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered, and there is nothing comparable to Him!" (Quran 112:1-4). The Quran also states: "Such was Jesus, the son of Mary; it is a statement of truth, about which they vainly dispute. It is not befitting to the majesty of God, that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, 'Be' and it is" (Quran 19:34-35). 8. Do Muslims believe Jesus was killed on the cross then resurrected? NO ""They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but they thought they did." (Quran 4:156) "God lifted him up to His presence. God is Almighty, All-Wise" (Quran 4:157) .   CHRISTIANITY 1. Do Christians believe Jesus was a human being and Messenger of God? YES & NO With the exception of Unitarian Christians, who like all the early followers of Jesus, still do not believe in the Trinity, most Christians now believe in the Divinity of Jesus, which is connected to the belief in Trinity. They say he is the second member of the Triune God, the Son of the first part of the Triune God, and at the same time "fully" God in every respect.  2. Do Christians believe he was born of a Virgin Mother? YES A chaste and pious human woman who gave birth to Jesus Christ, the second member of the Trinity, the Son of God, and at the same time "fully" God Almighty in every respect. Christians believe however, that while she was a virgin, she was married to a man named Joseph (Bible: Matthew:1:18). According to Matthew 1:25, Joseph "kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus". 3. Do Christians believe he had a miraculous birth? YES "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit" (Bible: Matthew 1:18) 4. Do Christians believe he performed miracles? YES "And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretches out thy hand to heal, and sign and wonders are performed through the name of thy holy servant Jesus (Bible: Acts 4:30). Christians believe that Jesus performed these miracles because he was the Son of God as well as the incarnation of God.  5. Do Christians believe in the Trinity? YES With the exception of the Unitarian Christians, who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ, the Trinity, according to the Catholic encyclopedia, is the term used for the central doctrine of the Christian religion. The belief is that in the unity of the Godhead there are Three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three Persons or beings are distinct from each another, while being similar in character: uncreated and omnipotent. The First Vatican Council has explained the meaning to be attributed to the term mystery in theology. It lays down that a mystery is a truth which we are not merely incapable of discovering apart from Divine Revelation, but which, even when revealed, remains "hidden by the veil of faith and enveloped, so to speak, by a kind of darkness" (Const., "De fide. cath.", iv). The First Vatican Council further defined that the Christian Faith contains mysteries strictly so called (can. 4). All theologians admit that the doctrine of the Trinity is of the number of these. The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that of all revealed truths, this is the most impenetrable to reason. 6. Do Christians believe that Jesus was the son of God? YES "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (Bible: John 3:16). However, it is interesting to note that the term "son of God" is used in other parts of the Bible to refer to Adam (Bible: Luke 3:38), Israel (Bible: Exodus 4:22) and David (Bible: Psalms 2:7) as well. The creatures of God are usually referred to in the Bible as children of God. The role of Paul of Tarsus in shaping this belief and the belief in Trinity The notion of Jesus as son of God is something that was established under the influence of Paul of Tarsus (originally named Saul), who had been an enemy of Jesus, but later changed course and joined the disciples after the departure of Jesus. Later, however, he initiated a number of changes into early Christian teachings, in contradiction, for instance, to disciples like Barnabas, who believed in the Oneness of God and who had actually lived and met with Jesus. Paul is considered by a number of Christian scholars to be the father of Christianity due to his additions of the following ideas: o        that Jesus is the son of God, o        the concept of Atonement, o        the renunciation of the Law of the Torah. Paul did these things in hopes of winning over the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). His letters are another of the primary sources of information on Jesus according to the Christian tradition. The original followers of Prophet Jesus opposed these blatant misrepresentations of the message of Jesus. They struggled to reject the notion of the Divinity of Jesus for close to 200 years. One person who was an original follower of Jesus was Barnabas. He was a Jew born in Cyrus and a successful preacher of the teachings of Jesus. Because of his closeness to Jesus, he was an important member of the small group of disciples in Jerusalem who had had gathered together following the disappearance of Jesus. The question of Jesus's nature, origin and relationship with God was not raised amongst Barnabas and the small group of disciples. Jesus was considered a man miraculously endowed by God. Nothing in the words of Jesus or the events in his life led them to modify this view. The Gospel of Barnabas was accepted as a Canonical Gospel in the Churches of Alexandria till 325 CE Iranaeus (130-200) wrote in support of pure monotheism and opposed Paul for injecting into Christianity doctrines of the pagan Roman religion and Platonic philosophy. He quoted extensively from the Gospel of Barnabas in support of his views. This indicates that the Gospel of Barnabas was in circulation in the first and second centuries of Christianity.  In 325 (CE), a council of Christian leaders met at Nicaea and made Paul's beliefs officially part of Christian doctrine. It also ordered that all original Gospels in Hebrew script which contradicted Paul's beliefs should be destroyed. An edict was issued that anyone in possession of these Gospels would be put to death. The Gospel of Barnabas has miraculously survived though. 7. Do Christians believe he was killed on the cross? YES

 

__._,_.___

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/

Fwd: [Marxistindia] No Intervention in Libya

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: news from the cpi(m) <marxistindia@cpim.org>
Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2011 at 4:27 PM
Subject: [Marxistindia] No Intervention in Libya
To: marxistindia <marxistindia@cpim.org>, lalsalam <lalsalam@yahoogroups.com>, com-news <com-news@yahoogroups.com>, prfw@yahoogroups.com


marxistindia
news from the cpi(m)
March 2, 2011



Press Statement



The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:



No Intervention in Libya



The CPI(M) expresses its strong opposition to the moves for military intervention in Libya by the United States, Britain and the Nato. The United States has positioned its warships off the coast of Libya. There is talk of imposing a 'no fly zone' over Libya. Both the US and the British government leaders have talked about using all options to end the crisis in Libya.



It is for the people of Libya to decide how to resolve their problems and what type of political system they require. The US and its allies have no right whatsoever to violate the sovereignty of Libya in the name of a humanitarian intervention. Just as in Iraq earlier, the western powers are interested mainly in the oil wealth of Libya and seek to utilize the revolt against the Gaddafi regime to pursue their own interests.



The Government of India should unambiguously declare that no military intervention of any sort should be resorted to by the United States or Nato. Its whole concentration should be to ensure the evacuation of all Indian nationals from Libya.


_______________________________________________
Marxistindia mailing list
Marxistindia@cpim.org
http://cpim.org/mailman/listinfo/marxistindia_cpim.org
http://wwww.cpim.org

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/