The Ministry of Finance, Government of India, recently concluded the 53rd GST Council meeting under the leadership of the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs. This meeting marked significant strides in refining India’s GST framework to benefit taxpayers. Concurrently, celebrations for the 10th International Yoga Day highlighted the holistic benefits of yoga in fostering individual and societal well-being.
GST Council Meeting: The53rd GST Council meeting focused on enhancing the taxpayer experience and easing business operations. Key decisions included reforms to reduce litigation and streamline compliance. The collaborative effort between the Centre and States underscored a unified commitment to optimize the GST structure, aiming to foster economic growth and transparency.
International Yoga Day: Originating from India’s initiative at the United Nations, International Yoga Day on June 21st promotes the practice’s physical and mental benefits globally. The 2024 theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasized yoga’s role in building resilient communities. The celebration highlighted personal anecdotes, such as the Minister’s early engagement with yoga in Indore, illustrating its transformative impact on daily life.
DRI Drug Seizure: During the campaign against drug abuse, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) achieved a significant breakthrough. Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted a drug smuggling attempt valued at Rs. 30 crores in the international market. This operation, aided by Assam Rifles, underscores the agency’s commitment to combating illicit activities and safeguarding public health.
Conclusion:
The recent activities of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, and Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs exemplify India’s proactive stance in governance and societal enrichment. From fiscal policy enhancements to cultural celebrations and law enforcement successes, each initiative reflects a broader commitment to national progress and citizen welfare.
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 26/News Letter/CMIC)/2024 Dated: 24th June, 2024
Dear Colleague,
The 53rd GST Council meeting under the Chairpersonship of Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs was productive and the shared commitment of the Centre and States to refining the GST framework for the greater benefit of taxpayers was clearly visible. This collaborative effort resulted in several pivotal decisions aimed at enhancing the taxpayer experience, improving the ease of doing business, and reducing litigation.
On the occasion of the 10th International Yoga Day, it was a privilege to attend and participate in the Yoga Day celebrations. In 2014, the United Nations unanimously resolved to observe 21st June every year as the International Day of Yoga, following a proposal by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to the United Nations General Assembly. The choice of June 21st, coinciding with the summer solstice, symbolizes the convergence of light and health, making it an ideal day to honour the ancient practice of yoga. This year, with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society”, the emphasis is on the individual benefits of yoga and its potential to create a resilient and harmonious society.
I am reminded of my first encounter with Yoga when I was posted in Indore. Wary of the morning blues and filled with apprehension, I reluctantly participated in the early morning yoga sessions. To my surprise, I felt energetic and active the whole day. This initial rendezvous made me aware of yoga’s profound benefits on physical, mental, and spiritual levels, promoting a balanced and healthier lifestyle. Therefore, embracing yoga in our daily lives is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, aiding in stress reduction and enhancing overall well-being.
During the fortnight dedicated to raise awareness against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the officers of DRI Silchar Regional Unit cracked a major case of drug smuggling. Acting on specific intelligence, with the assistance of Assam Rifles, the officers of DRI mounted surveillance on the Sonabarighat Byepass road in Cachar District, Assam and intercepted a suspect vehicle (truck) coming from Aizawl, Mizoram and proceeding towards Silchar, Assam. On thorough rummaging of the vehicle, 30 packages containing orange coloured tablets, secured in small pouches, were found concealed near the radiator of the vehicle which were later confirmed as methamphetamine. The contraband drugs weighing 30 kilograms and having a value of Rs. 30 Crores in the international grey drug market have been seized. Fine work by the officers!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
