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Box Office Collection and Money Laundering in Indian Cinema

Box Office Collection and Money Laundering in Indian Cinema

The film industry, known for its glitz and glamour, has become an unexpected stage for a much darker performance: money laundering. Criminals often exploit the complexity, vast sums of money, and international reach of the film business to clean illicit funds  Why the Film Industry is Vulnerable High Budget and Loose Oversight: Major film productions can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, making it easier to disguise illicit funds among legitimate investments. Complex Financing Structures: Film financing involves multiple layers, including private investors, studios, international partners, and government grants. This complexity can create opportunities for money launderers to obscure the source of funds. International Transactions: Films often have cross-border operations, such as international shooting locations, foreign sales rights, and overseas box office revenue. These international elements create an opportunity for criminals to move money across borders, often undetected. Inconsistent Profits: Film profitability is unpredictable, making it easier to justify financial losses or irregularities, which can serve as a cover for illegal activity. What Is Money Laundering? Money laundering is an illegal activity that makes large amounts of money generated by criminal activity, such as drug trafficking or terrorist funding, appear to have come from a legitimate source. The practise of money laundering involves three steps which include Placement The first phase is known as placement, and it is the actual transfer of cash or monetary fund’s obtained via legal or illegal operations into a less suspect form. This step is frequently as simple as taking paper currency and depositing it in an ordinary bank account or obtaining a loan at least on paper from a foreign source who has no interest whatsoever in the film making except for some commission on the deal and parting his name for the venture; alternatively, he could be paid through Hawala had he given the loan sincerely or request to act as the Distributor/ Exhibitor and promptly announce in the media that this movie was sold at an exorbitant rate of 5 Million USD and minted Double the amount in the Box Office, asking him to remit the money through Legal Channels or have some other Out of Account Quid pro quo basis of dealings which is very common and not known to the authorities, there is no authority in India to verify the accuracy of claims of the producer in a foreign country. Layering Layering is the next phase. The purpose of layering is to remove unlawful proceeds from their illegal source by taking the cash and executing a sequence of financial transactions designed to disguise any audit trail or attempt to track the funds. Money launderers can layer by exaggerating overall ticket sales even if the film is a dud. Cinemas can be classed based on Tier 1 cities have multiplexes and single-screen theatres. Tier 2 Cities are the same as Tier 1. Tier 3 cities primarily have single-screen theatres. We cannot rule out the idea of ripping up the tickets at the box office in both multiplexes and single-screen theatres, increasing overall collections so that Black money may be readily converted into White money and shown to be a genuine source of revenue. The money launderer will try to bring the money back to him by making it look as though it is genuine business revenues after it has been stacked and transferred to disassociate it from its original source. Even the programme may be tailored to their desired / budgeted collecting statistics. Integration The third phase is generally referred to as integration. If the money launderer owns a business, one method of regaining control of the “Cleaned” funds is to overvalue his assets or overstate his earnings. Money laundering is easily accomplished for the types of businesses that deal with large amounts of cash sales and keep only minimal sales records, such as having businesses in Restaurants, Shopping Complexes, Retail Stores, and Business Etc., because money from illegitimate sources can be combined with legitimate income to hide its original source with relative ease and little risk of detection. There is no definitive indicator of when money gets laundered. Two people we know who were total strangers to the movie-making business overnight became producers in Tulu & Kannada Films, now we are getting a clearer picture because our Relatively small Tulu film industry with a new release every 2 weeks had a Golden run until the Covid-19 hit them very hard and is now showing signs of recovery. Common Money Laundering Techniques in the Film Industry Inflated Budgets: Criminals can inflate the budget of a film, claiming it will cost more than it actually does. They then funnel illicit money into the project and retrieve clean money when the funds are spent. Phantom Productions: In some cases, money launderers create entirely fake productions, listing shell companies or front organisations as the production company. The film either never gets made or is a low-budget project that doesn’t require the large amount of funding it supposedly received. Creative Accounting: Money launderers often exploit the flexibility of film accounting. The common practice of back-end deals, profit-sharing, and the use of offshore accounts makes it easy to conceal financial transactions that have no legitimate basis. Overpaying for Services: Criminals sometimes overpay actors, directors, or service providers. These payments can be disguised as legitimate fees but, in reality, involve returning clean money to individuals who participated in the laundering process. Tax Incentive Fraud: Some countries offer tax incentives or credits for film production. Criminals take advantage of these incentives by inflating production costs or submitting fraudulent claims, further laundering illegal money. Case Studies of Money Laundering in the Film Industry The Malaysian 1MDB Scandal: One of the most high-profile cases of money laundering in the film industry involved the production of the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street. Funds embezzled from Malaysia’s 1MDB fund were allegedly funnelled through Red Granite Pictures, a production company linked to the scandal, to finance the film. Operation “Filo Rosso”: In 2017, Italian authorities uncovered a scheme in which the ‘Ndrangheta crime

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LLR Slot Booking

llr slot booking

All residents of the State of Andhra Pradesh who want to take a learner licence test now will have first to book an LLR slot based on their convenience. The payment for LLR slot booking can be made online either through a credit card or a net banking account or any e-Seva centre or any RTO office. Once an LLR slot is booked, the applicant can arrive at the time provided to complete the test formalities. Documents Required The applicant has to duly complete the Form 2 Age proof (ration card, passport, voter ID, etc. can be used) Medical Certificate stating the physical fitness of the person Address proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, ration card, etc.) Passport size photographs of the applicant If the candidate is applying for a Learner License for Transport vehicle, he or she has to furnish the original driving license for Light Motor Vehicle that has been used for at least one year Requisites for LLR Slot Booking The applicant has to have an Aadhaar card The applicant has to be above 16 years to apply for a license for Motor Cycle Without Gear (MCWG) The applicant should be above 18 years of age to apply for-Transport vehicles The applicant has to be above 20 years of age to apply for Transport vehicles. In addition to this, the applicant should also carry a Non-Transport License for more than one year In case, if the applicant is below 18 years of age, it requires the consent of the parent or guardian The form 1A has to be duly filled if the applicant is above 50 years of age The Form 1A should also be submitted by all applicants who apply for the Transport section of vehicles The applicant’s educational qualification should be 8th pass to apply for LLR Transport vehicles If the applicant already has an LLR or Driving Licence, there is no need to give computer LLR test To avail any LLR service, the applicant has to pay a certain fee amount If the applicant is differently-abled, he or she can only apply for Invalid Carriage vehicles and the Driving Ability Certificate and the Disability ID Card or Certificate has to be uploaded The applicant should be aware of the traffic rules and regulations The applicant must have a valid address proof document to upload if the present address is different from permanent address Steps to Book Slot for Driving Licence Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.  Under the ‘Online Services’ drop-down menu, click on ‘Driving License Related Services.’  Choose the state.  Click on the ‘Appointments’ option.  Under the ‘Slot Booking’ section, click on ‘DL Test Slot Booking.’  You can choose to enter your Application Number or Learner Licence Number.  Enter your date of birth and verification code.  Click on the ‘Submit’ option.  Choose the class of vehicle.  Click on ‘Proceed to Book.’  Choose a date and time as per your preference.  Click on the ‘Book Slot’ button.  You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number/email id.  Enter the OTP and click on ‘Submit.’  Click on ‘Confirm to Slot Book.’  FAQs Do I have to book a slot for my driving licence test online? Yes, you have to book a slot for your driving licence test online by visiting https://parivahan.gov.in/. How many times can I cancel the appointment for a driving licence test? You can cancel the appointment only twice.

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Data Service procurement Form (DSPF)

Data Service procurement Form

S. 26 of Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 (SEZ Act) exempts units/ developers in SEZ from payment of any duties or taxes on goods/ services procured from Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) for authorised operations. S. 16 of Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (IGST Act) provides for the facility of zero-rated supply of goods/ services to SEZ units for authorised operations. Rule 30 of Special Economic Zones Rules, 2006 (SEZ Rules) prescribes the requirement to obtain endorsement for goods/ services. Further, as per Rule 89 of Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017 (CGST Rules), the application of refund for supplies made to SEZ unit/ developer shall be filed by: supplier of goods after such goods have been admitted in full in SEZ for authorised operations, as endorsed by the specified officer of the Zone. supplier of services along with evidence regarding receipt of services for authorised operations as endorsed by the specified officer of the Zone. The Industry, in the past, had been facing lot of issues in obtaining endorsement for services procured in SEZs. In this regard, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) introduced the SEZ Online system which enables electronic filing and processing of SEZ related transactions that SEZ developers, co-developers and units have with SEZ administration. Data Service Procurement Form (DSPF) The “DTA Services Procurement Form (DSPF)” has been added to the SEZ Online System to ease the recording, review, and approval of all Service Invoices for Services obtained by SEZ Units / Developers from DTA Suppliers as “Zero Rated Supply for Authorized Operations.” Significant features of this DSPF form Multiple invoices produced by multiple/different DTA vendors over a month can be uploaded at once and sent to DC Office for assessment and approval. The entire process of uploading DSPF, approval/endorsement by SEZ officers, and the acknowledgment to DTA that the services supplied by SEZ unit are approved is completed online and delivered to the DTA service provider’s registered email address. The essential details must be filled out on an Excel template, which must be attached to the DSPF form. Important mandatory information is shown below for your convenience: Invoice Specifications (Type/Date/Number/Amount) The SAC (Service Accounting Code) must be chosen from the dropdown menu, and the service description will appear immediately. DTA Supplier Email-ID SEZ must specify if the supply is subject to a bond/Letter of Undertaking (LUT) or is subject to IGST payment. Without a payment option, the Bond/ LUT details must be recorded. The dropdown menu must be picked from the approved list of services (66 approved lists). Management Consultancy Services that have recently been approved are not featured in the dropdown menu. If UAC has expressly accepted service as a good service for exemption, the service description can also be specified under the heading “Any additional services as approved by DC offices. The Online functionality of the DSPF The SEZ web portal created the DSPF to address the issue of obtaining an endorsement from an authorized or specified authority for services received by an SEZ unit or developer. The “DTA Service’s Procurement Form (DSPF)” is a new module for recording and submitting details of all invoices about services obtained by SEZ Units / Developers from DTA Suppliers as “Zero Rated Supply for Authorised Operations.” SEZ Units, Developers, and Co-developers will be able to submit service invoices for DTA services used in the previous month. During a month, details of various invoices generated by multiple distinct DTA vendors can be entered in a single transaction and sent to DC Office for assessment and approval. Prescribed Authority for Approving DSPF SEZ Online system issued a notice on the 5th of September 2019 directing the deployment of the DSPF above form, stating that “Details of all service procurements online through this form” may be adopted as an obligatory process for service procurement beginning in October 2019. The notice further detailed the approval hierarchy, stating that DSPF can be approved by an Authorized officer or validated by an Authorized officer before being sent to a Specified officer for approval. FAQs What is a Data Service Procurement Form? A Data Service Procurement Form is a document used by organizations to formally request and procure data services from external vendors or service providers. It outlines the requirements, scope, terms, and conditions for obtaining data-related services such as analytics, storage, or management Why is a Data Service Procurement Form needed This form is essential to ensure clarity and transparency between the service provider and the organization. It helps outline expectations, service requirements, pricing, and delivery timelines, ensuring that both parties are aligned on the terms of the agreement.

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Encumbrance Certificate Format Download

encumbrance certificate

If a property is purchased by availing a mortgage or if it has been pledged, the lender will add a “Lien” or a charge to the property. This will ensure that the borrower/property owner does not sell the property until the mortgage is paid in full. An Encumbrance Certificate is a legal document which will help you find out if there are any charges made on the property – financial or legal. You can avail an EC by visiting the respective Sub-Registrar’s Office. Encumbrance Certificate Meaning An encumbrance certificate shows that a particular property is free of legal and financial conflict, can help settle any claims. The certificate shows property ownership and contains a history of recorded transactions (dating back up to 30 years), changes in inheritance, and, if applicable, fraud and litigation information. Types of encumbrance certificates There are two types of encumbrance certificates. They are: Form 15 Form 16 Form 15: If a property has any transaction relating to inheritance, sale, purchase, lease, loan, gifting, relinquishment, or partition, the SRO issues an encumbrance on Form 15. Form 16: If a property has not registered any encumbrances or transactions when the applicant has applied for a certificate, the SRO grants an encumbrance on Form 16. A nil-encumbrance certificate is another name for Form 16. Why is an Encumbrance Certificate Required? Before buying a property, you must ensure that the property has a clear title. Getting an Encumbrance Certificate will assure you that the property you wish to buy is free from such financial or legal liability. If you notice a charge on the EC, it is important to rectify it before you make the purchase. It will also help you find out if there are any existing owners who can legally claim the property. Documents Required to Get the EC Encumbrance Certificat Application Form. Address verification document (attested copy). A photocopy of any previously executed property deeds, such as sale deeds, gift deeds, partition deeds, and release deeds. Property Details and Title Deed. Aadhar card. Registered deed number, date, book number, volume/CD number, and the applicant’s signature. How to Apply for an Encumbrance Certificate Online Visit the respective State’s official land registration website and select the option to apply for an EC. Enter all the required fields on the application for encumbrance certificate window, then click save/update. Enter the search period for which you require the EC and then click on ‘Calculate Fee’. Upon paying the required application fee is paid and is filed, you’ll be directed to the ‘Acknowledgment’ window. Click ‘View Acknowledgement’ and you’ll be able to take a print of the acknowledgement. An inspection will be carried out by an inspector from the land records department and check for all information of the said property for a period. Post the completion of the inspection, an Encumbrance Certificate will be issued will all transactions occurred during the specified period. If there were no transaction during the period, then a nil EC will be issued. FAQs Can I get an encumbrance certificate after I buy the house? It is recommended to get your encumbrance certificate before purchasing a house to determine the presence of any owner(s) who may subsequently claim the legal title of the property. However, you can also apply for an EC after purchasing the house to ensure that your name has been recorded by the SRO. Which information is not included in the encumbrance certificate? The encumbrance certificate will not include any documents, such as house loan information and family settlements, that are not presented to the SRO.

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AS 17 – Segment Reporting

AS 17 - Segment Reporting

AS 17, or Accounting Standard 17, mandates how enterprises should disclose financial information about their operating segments and geographical segments in their financial statements. The standard aims to provide transparency and clarity regarding an enterprise’s business activities and economic environment. DEFINITION A BUSINESS SEGMENT, is defined as a distinguishable component of an enterprise that is engaged in providing products or services (or a group of related products or services) and that is subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other business segments. In simpler terms, it’s a part of an enterprise that operates in a distinct business environment and is separately identifiable in terms of its activities and profitability. This standard establishes requirements for the disclosure of: a)    Related party relationshipsb)   Transactions between a reporting enterprise and its related parties. The requirements of this Standard apply to the financial statements of each reporting enterprise as also to consolidated financial statements presented by a holding company. What is the meaning of Related party As per AS 18, Related party means “at any time during the year, one party has an ability to: Control* the other party Exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and/or operating decisions Who is covered under Related party relationships Holding companies, subsidiaries and fellow subsidiaries; Associates and joint ventures of the reporting enterprise; Investors in respect of which reporting enterprise is an associate or a joint venture; Individuals owing direct or indirect interest in the voting power of the reporting enterprise that gives them control or significant influence over the enterprise, and relatives of any such individual; Key management personnel and his relatives; and Enterprises over which any person, who is a key management personnel or has direct and indirect interest in voting power, can exercise significant influence Why do we need Related party disclosures Requirement of statutes: The statutes governing an enterprise often require disclosure of related party transactions in the financial statements. To reflect that transaction may not be at arm’s length price: Without related party disclosures, there is a general presumption that transactions reflected in the financial statements are on an arm’s length basis i.e. the transaction occurs between two unrelated parties and is not affected by any relationship. Effect on Financial position and operating results: The operating results and financial position of an enterprise may be affected by a related party relationship even if related party transactions do not occur. The mere existence of the relationship may be sufficient to affect the transactions of the reporting enterprise with other parties Recording of all possible transactions: Related party transactions needs to be disclosed as sometimes, transactions would not have taken place if the related party relationship had not existed. What needs to be disclosed under AS 18 The name of the transacting related party; A description of the relationship between the parties; A description of the nature of transactions; Volume of the transactions either as an amount or a part thereof; Any elements of the related party transactions which is necessary for an understanding of the financial statements; Outstanding amount from related parties at the balance sheet date; Provisions for doubtful debts due from related parties at the balance sheet date; and Amounts written off or written back of debts due from or to related parties. Cases when disclosure is not required Intra-group transactions Enterprises who have statutory requirement of confidentiality Related party relationships of State-controlled enterprises with other state-controlled enterprises FAQs What is AS 17? AS 17, or Accounting Standard 17, pertains to segment reporting in financial statements. It provides guidelines on how entities should report financial information for different segments of their business, allowing users of financial statements to better understand the financial performance and position of various segments. Why is segment reporting important? egment reporting is important because it provides insights into the different areas of a business, helping stakeholders assess its performance and risks. It enhances transparency, enabling investors, analysts, and management to make informed decisions based on the performance of various segments.

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What is an Injunction?

What is an Injunction

An injunction is a legal remedy which a court of law grants to prohibit a party to a case from doing some wrong act or continuance of a wrongful act which has already begun. When a person or entity does not comply with an injunction granted by a court, such person or entity can face criminal/civil penalties or contempt of court. What Is an Injunction? Generally, in India, civil cases go on for a long time before the court pronounces judgement. Injunctions are granted by the court to retain the status quo of the case till the pronouncement of the judgement. Status quo means to retain the status of the subject matter of the case as it is.  The subject matter means the matter of dispute of the case, such as property, building, defaming a company, receiving rents, giving salaries, etc. It is also issued to prohibit the other party in the case from doing something wrong or damaging to a party to the case. Until the case is disposed of, it is necessary to keep the subject matter intact or prohibit one party from continuing to do an act or activity which causes harm or loss to another party to the case.  Thus, an injunction is a specific legal order of the court issued to prevent a wrongful act or the commencement of a wrongful act until the disposal of the case. It can be issued at any stage of the case upon an application to grant an injunction order against the other party. In India, the law regarding injunction is provided under the Specific Relief Act, 1963 and the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.  Types of Injunction Preliminary Injunction A preliminary injunction, which is also known as an ad-interim injunction, is assigned to a plaintiff prior to a trial. preliminary injunction preserves the subject matter in its existing condition to prevent any dissolution of the plaintiff’s rights, and thereby render him/her the possibility of immediate relief. Preventive Injunctions A preventive injunction is an adjudication that forces an individual to abstain from doing an action that is preventive, prohibitive or negative. The injunction intends to prevent a threatened injury, preserve the status quo, and reserve the continued commission of an ongoing wrong. Mandatory Injunction Considered as the most rigorous of all injunctions, a mandatory injunction directs the defendant to perform an act. For example, if a court orders the removal of a building or structure due to misplaced construction, then it fits the description of a mandatory injunction. Temporary Restraining Order A temporary restraining order is just what its name suggests, as the same is valid until the period of restraining order draws to a closure. The court grants it to preserve the status quo of the subject of the controversy until the hearing of an application for a temporary injunction. Through it, it also seeks to prevent any instance of unnecessary and irreparable injury. Permanent Injunction At the time of final judgement issues the permanent injunction for granting a final relief to the applicant. These injunctions remain constant if the conditions that produced them are permanent. Contempt of Court The provisions of an injunction comply with the respective parties, failing which the defendant is punishable for Contempt of Court after performing the necessary trial or hearing. Such a scenario would force the defaulter to remit the prescribed penal charge and/or face imprisonment. The quantum of punishment would be decided by considering the type of default. Prohibitory Injunction A prohibitory injunction when granted by a court, prohibits the defendant from doing a wrongful act that would be an infringement of the plaintiff’s legal rights. For example, prohibitory injunctions restrain a breach of contract or to protect the disclosure of confidential information. Mandatory Injunction A mandatory injunction forbids a defendant from continuing a wrong act that has already occurred at the time when the injunction is issued. The purpose of a mandatory injunction is to restore a wrongful state of things to the rightful order.  For example, a mandatory injunction makes the defendant deliver possession of a property to its rightful owner. When issuing a mandatory injunction, the Courts would take into consideration, whether the plaintiff could be adequately compensated or whether the grant of an injunction was necessary to do justice. Interlocutory or Interim Injunction An interlocutory injunction is a type of temporary injunction, which is operational during the pendency of the case before the court. Hence, an interlocutory injunction can compel or prevent a party from doing certain acts,  pending the final determination of the case. The primary purpose of using an interlocutory injunction is to preserve matters in the status quo. The following points are considered by the Courts while refusing or granting an interim injunction whether the:  petitioner has made out a prima facie case;  balance of convenience is in the petitioner’s favour; petitioner would suffer irreparable injury. Grounds for Not Granting an Injunction The court will not grant an injunction order against the other person in the following cases: To restrain the other party from prosecuting a pending judicial proceeding unless it results in a multiplicity of the proceeding. To restrain the other party from applying or filing complaints to a legislative body. To restrain the other party from prosecuting or instituting proceedings in a criminal matter. To prevent an act that is causing damage to the applicant when the applicant has acquiesced, i.e. consented to such an act indirectly. At times, the silence of the applicant will result in consent to the act. Where it is not reasonably clear that the act of the other person causes nuisance. Where the continuation of a wrongful act can be compensated in money. When the applicant’s conduct has disentitled him/her from the court’s assistance. When the applicant has no personal interest in the subject matter. Requisites for Injunction Application The applicant (party filing application for injunction) has a prima-facie case, having the potential to succeed. A prima facie case means that the dispute is genuine and there is a possibility of success in

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Horticulture

horticulture

The term horticulture is derived from two Latin words Hortus, meaning ‘garden’, and Cultura meaning ‘cultivation’. It refers to crops cultivated in an enclosure, i.e., garden cultivation. It is the culture of plants for food, comfort, and beautification purposes. The plants focused on are mainly vegetables, trees, flowers, turf, shrubs, fruits and nuts. However, advancements in horticulture science and technology have helped the field of horticulture become more than just garden cultivation What Are Horticulture Crops? Horticulture, as defined in the world of gardening and farming, is the practice of scientifically producing, cultivating, selling, and using high-value, closely tended crops in an environmentally friendly and long-lasting way. Horticulture, a field of plant agriculture focused on garden crops like fruits, veggies, and decorative plants, gets its name from the Latin words for “garden” and “cultivate.” In simple terms, it involves various aspects of garden care, but typically, it’s associated with commercial farming. Horticulture falls somewhere between backyard gardening and large-scale agriculture, but all types of cultivation share common connections. Remember: Horticulture sets itself apart from agriculture by not dealing with extensive crop farming or raising animals. Instead, horticulture revolves around cultivating various crops on smaller plots, while agriculture centres on growing a single major crop at a time. Types Of Horticulture Pomology: Pomology is all about fruit and nut crops, while olericulture deals with kitchen herbs like carrots, asparagus, lettuce, cauliflower, tomatoes, and peas. Olericulture: Olericulture is the science of growing vegetables, focusing on non-woody edible plants like spinach and collards that fall into the group known as “potherbs and greens.” Floriculture: Floriculture specializes in producing flowers and decorative plants, such as cut flowers and potted plants. Landscape Horticulture: Landscape horticulture is a broad field that includes plants for landscaping, like lawn turf, as well as nursery crops like shrubs, trees, and vines. Arboriculture: Arboriculture is mainly about arborists looking after woody plants for the long term in places like gardens, parks, or populated areas, aiming to enhance the environment for people’s enjoyment, safety, and overall well-being. Turf Management: Turf management involves all the efforts put into growing and taking care of grass specifically for sports, entertainment, and beautification purposes. Viticulture: Viticulture is a specialised field within horticulture focused on growing and gathering grapes. This involves various tasks such as overseeing pest control, disease prevention, fertilisation, watering, tending to the vines’ growth, assessing fruit quality, deciding when to harvest, and pruning the vines in winter. Oenology: Oenology is a specific horticultural field that focuses on the study of wine and the art of making it. Post-harvest physiology: Post-harvest physiology is all about how plant tissues behave after they’ve been harvested. This helps in figuring out the best ways to keep the plants fresh and prevent them from going bad by finding the right storage and transport conditions. Importance Of Horticulture Horticulture has improved the financial well-being of farmers by boosting the average intake of fruits from 40 to 85 grams and vegetables from 95 to 175 grams per person in a year. The importance of horticulture lies in the fact that it has been instrumental in advancing women’s empowerment through job opportunities in activities like growing mushrooms, cultivating flowers, and producing vegetable seeds, among other things. Moreover, horticulture crops make up over 24.5% of agriculture’s GDP, despite occupying only 8.5% of the entire region. India’s fertile lands nurture a diverse range of fruits and veggies, both tropical and temperate. Across approximately 4 million hectares, you’ll find a cornucopia of over fifty vegetable varieties, with star crops like potatoes, onions, peas, cauliflower, tomatoes, eggplants, okra, cabbage, and cucurbits thriving in the mix. Horticultural science is a unique field that combines the study of plants with their aesthetics. Horticulture is practical; it helps enhance plant growth, marketing, and overall quality of life for both people and animals. It plays a consistent role as the best-managed farmland practice by delivering nutritious produce, adding beauty to our surroundings, and promoting recreational activities. FAQs What are horticulture crops in India? India’s varied climate provides the perfect conditions for cultivating a wide variety of horticultural products, including fruits, vegetables, spices, root tubers, ornamental and aromatic plants, medicinal herbs, as well as plantation crops like coconut, arecanut, cashew, and cocoa. What is India’s rank in horticulture? India comes in as the world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, following China. According to the National Horticulture Database’s latest data (3rd Advance Estimates) from 2021-22, India managed to yield an impressive 107.24 million metric tonnes of fruits and a whopping 204.84 million metric tonnes of vegetables.

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Cardless Withdrawal – YONO App

Cardless Withdrawal

Cardless Cash Withdrawal is a secure and convenient way to withdraw cash from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) without any debit or credit cards. Cardless Cash Transactions allow you to transfer money between different bank accounts without needing a physical card. What is Cardless Cash Withdrawal? Cardless cash withdrawal is a convenient banking feature that allows you to withdraw cash from an ATM without using a physical debit card. It provides an alternative method for accessing your funds securely and conveniently. There are different ways to perform cardless cash withdrawals, depending on the bank and the specific technology used. Purposes of YONO To enable cardless transactions at ATM locations is YONO’s main objective.  to persuade users to use a digital transaction platform  Get rid of any dangers that might come with ATM withdrawals  When an ATM card isn’t available, this method saves time and serves as a primary source of funding in emergencies. It also lowers the chance that fraudulent activities like card skimming and copying will occur. Features of YONO Any savings account holder can withdraw cash at the ATMs of the bank without using a debit card It is a digital banking platform for SBI customers and can be used on smartphones to make transactions and payments The cashless withdrawal service is available across 16,500 SBI ATMs across the country It is also possible to perform banking transactions like opening Fixed Deposit, applying for credit cards, insurance, investments and loans Provides option to purchase products through other e-commerce web portals Increase investments and manage funds from other SBI accounts Provision to book air, train and bus tickets Aspects of YONO Anyone with a savings account can make cash withdrawals at the bank’s ATMs without needing a debit card.  It is a mobile payment and transaction platform for SBI customers.  16,500 SBI ATMs nationwide offer the cashless withdrawal service.  Additionally, it is possible to carry out banking operations like opening Fixed Deposits, trying to apply for Credit Cards, Insurance, Investments, and Loans.  offers the choice to buy products via other e-commerce websites  Boost investments and take control of money from those other SBI accounts  the ability to purchase tickets for buses, trains, and aeroplanes How to Use a Phone and an ATM to Withdraw Money without a Debit Card Step 1: Open the Yono app and sign in using your bank’s login information. Step 2: Create a 6-digit MPIN for upcoming logins. Step 3: Select Yono cash from the list of ATM locations to withdraw money without an ATM card. Step 4: Select the ATM tab and enter the desired withdrawal amount. The minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts per transaction are respectively ₹500 and ₹10,000. Step 5: The enrolled mobile number will receive a cash transaction number. At Yono Cash points (ATMs that support cardless transactions), you can withdraw money using the involved in the process and PIN. Step 6: At the Yono cash point, select the Card less transaction option and enter the information. Account holders have the option to use the app to find nearby ATMs that support card-less transactions. Steps to be followed in YONO app To log in to the YONO app, you can use your internet banking user ID and password or MPIN. Once logged in, select the YONO Cash option from the Home page or the YONO Pay option on the Home screen or Hamburger Menu. Then, navigate to the “New Request” tab on the YONO Cash landing page and click on the ATM option. Next, choose the account from which you wish to withdraw money and enter the desired amount. Proceed by creating a YONO Cash PIN specific to this transaction. Note that the PIN will only be shown on the screen during creation and will not be shared through any channel or on the enquiry page. After reviewing the transaction details, accept the Terms and Conditions, and confirm the transaction. Upon successful completion, you will receive a message indicating the same. You can also check the nearest YONO Cash Points available. Your request will be registered on YONO, and the Transaction Reference Number will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS. FAQs Can I withdraw money from SBI ATM without card? Yes, you can withdraw money from an SBI ATM without a card using the Yono app. You can generate a reference number and create a dynamic PIN for the cash withdrawal through the Yono app. Then, you can use this reference number and PIN to complete the transaction and withdraw cash from the ATM How to do cardless withdrawal? To do a cardless withdrawal, you can use the Yono app. You need to log in to the Yono app, generate a reference number and create a dynamic PIN for the cash withdrawal. Then, you can use this reference number and PIN to complete the transaction and withdraw cash from an SBI ATM

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NGO Registration

NGO Registration

An NGO is a non-government organization with a charitable objective, for the betterment of the society in general. It can be started as a Trust, a Society or a Non-Profit Company [Section 8 Company], depending on the activity you wish to undertake. In India, NGO is an umbrella term for all non-profit organizations including Trust, Society and Section 8 Company. Other names for such not-for-profit organizations are “Sangathan”, “Sangh”, “Sangam”. Income tax exemption is available for all non-profit NGOs. These are sometimes confused with non-profitable companies, which refers to a regular business is not making a profit. NGO registration is a profit that enables Nonprofit organisations to provide services to the public, often with the support of the government, corporations, individuals, or groups. It’s crucial for NGOs to comply with policy while serving the majority as a nongovernmental organisation. An NGO is a non-governmental organisation that works to improve society at large through philanthropic endeavours. Depending on the activity you want to pursue, you can start it as a Trust, a Society, or a Non-Profit Company [Section 8 Company]. What are the Types of NGO Registration in India? Trust Trust registration refers to the process of legally establishing a trust in India. A trust is a form of non-profit organisation (NPO) that is created to provide assistance and support to specific causes, such as education, health care, and community development. The trust registration process is governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and is typically handled by a team of legal experts and professionals. Society Society registration refers to the process of forming a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. A society is a group of individuals who come together to achieve a common goal or objective. Societies are formed to promote charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, or social causes. Section 8 Company Section 8 Company is a type of non-profit organisation that is registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. It is registered with the sole purpose of promoting commerce, art, science, religion, charity or any other useful object, and not for the purpose of making a profit. This type of company is also known as a Non-Profit Organisation or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Difference Between – Trust, Society & Section 8 Company Criteria Trust Society Section 8 Company Legal Framework Indian Trust Act of 1882 Societies Registration Act , 1860 Companies Act, 2013 Main Objective Charitable activities Public welfare activities Promotion of science, arts, sports, etc. Membership Trustees Members Shareholders Governing Body Board of Trustees Governing Council Board of Directors Governing Rules Trust Deed Memorandum and By-laws Memorandum and Articles of Association Registration Registrar of Trusts in local jurisdiction Registrar of Societies in the state Registrar of Companies (ROC) Tax Exemption Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 Section 8(1) and 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 Benefits of NGO Registration Legal Status -A registered NGO gains the legal status and becomes accountable for the funds received. For instance, when an individual donates funds to a charitable trust, it is received under the name of the organization and used for the trust’s activities. Tax Exemption- The registration of an NGO is necessary to seek tax exemption from the Income Tax Authority. Bank Support- The basic requirement for running an NGO is to have a bank account under its name. In order to open an account, it is mandatory to be registered as a Trust, Society or Section 8 Company. Recognition – An organization that is registered as an NGO reinforces the ethical, social and legal norms of our society. Need for NGO Registration NGO Registration done if you are willing to establish a non-profit organization and work with an objective towards the betterment or advancement of any particular section of the society. Getting NGO Registration provides legal authority to the entity and makes it more credible in the eyes of the law and contributors. Eligibile to Start an NGO If an NGO is to be incorporated as a private limited company, there must be a minimum of two directors. In the case of incorporation as a public limited company, a minimum of three directors are necessary. 200 members is the maximum allowed for a private limited business. For a public limited company, there is no member limit. NGO Registration Procedure Step 1: Determine the Type of NGO: Choose the appropriate type of NGO structure, such as a trust, society, or section 8 company, based on the organization’s objectives and activities. Step 2: Select a Unique Name: Select a distinctive name for the NGO that represents its mission and purpose and is not similar to any existing registered entities. Step 3: Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA): Draft the MoA and AoA, which outline the objectives, rules, and regulations governing the NGO’s operations and management. Step 4: Formulate the Governing Body: Establish a governing body or managing committee comprising individuals who will oversee the NGO’s functioning and decision-making processes. Step 5: Provide a Registered Office Address: Designate a registered office address for the NGO, where official communications and legal documents can be sent. Step 6: Prepare the Required Documentation: Gather the necessary documents, including identity proofs, address proofs, and photographs of the governing body members. Step 7: File the Registration Application: Submit the registration application, along with the required documents, to the appropriate authority such as the Registrar of Societies, Registrar of Trusts, or Registrar of Companies, depending on the chosen NGO structure. Step 8: Review and Approval: The registration authority will review the application and supporting documents. They may seek additional information or clarification, if necessary. Step 9: Obtain the Registration Certificate: Upon successful review and approval, the registration authority will issue a registration certificate, confirming the legal status of the NGO. Step 10: Apply for Tax Exemptions: After obtaining the registration certificate, apply for tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act by obtaining certifications such as 12A and 80G. Step 11: Ensure Compliance and Reporting: Adhere to ongoing statutory

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Conveyance Allowance

conveyance allowance

The allowance is paid to an employee to compensate for the travel they have to undertake from their residence to the workplace. The amount payable as an allowance depends on how far an employee has to travel, and the modes of transportation used. The greater the distance that has to be covered by the employee, the higher the amount payable as conveyance allowance. It must be borne in mind that some organisations arrange for their own transportation facilities that take their employees to and from their workplace and residence. Such organisations do not pay any extra allowance for conveyance. What is Conveyance Allowance? Conveyance Allowance, also called Transport Allowance is a type of allowance offered to employees of a company to compensate for their travel from residence to and from respective workplace location. Allowances are generally offered to employees on top of their basic salary component and may or may not be taxable as per the Income Tax Act. In general, conveyance allowance is paid by an employer only if there is no transportation provided by the employer. In case an employer offers office transport, conveyance allowance will not be provided to employees. Conveyance Allowance Exemption Beyond a specified threshold, this allowance is taxable. These limits are governed by rules set down under Section 10(14) (ii) of the Income Tax Act of 1961 plus Rule 2BB of extant IT rules. Before 2015, the maximum amount that would not draw any tax was set at Rs. 800 each month or Rs. 9,600 a year. After April 2015, the Union Government raised the ceiling for such allowances starting from FY 2015-16. This was declared in the 2015 Union Budget and later passed as a law by both Houses of the Parliament. The current conveyance allowance exemption is Rs. 1,600 each month or Rs. 19,200 a year. As is obvious, it is double the previous limits set. The revised rate of this allowance was introduced to alleviate the tax load borne by huge sections of salaried, middle-class Indians each year. It must be noted that an employee does not need to provide any documents, receipts, pay-slips or any other proof that she/he has received conveyance allowance from employers. The IT Department will automatically consider the Rs. 1,600 limit each month- or Rs. 19,200 every year- when calculating tax liabilities for salaried individuals. Conveyance Allowance Exemption Limit for AY 2023-24 There is no limit on the amount of conveyance allowance a company can offer to its employees. However, there is a limit on the amount of exemption under the Income Tax Act as detailed below: Conveyance allowance is given an exemption of up to Rs.19,200 per annum or Rs.1,600 per month. The sections under which this exemption is applicable are Section 10(14)(ii) of Income Tax Act and Rule 2BB of Income Tax Rules. Before April 2015, the conveyance allowance taxation exemption limit was capped at Rs.800 per month or Rs.9,600 per annum. The exemption limits were extended to Rs.1,600 per months or Rs.19,200 per year in Budget 2015 with an eye to provide tax benefits to the middle class taxpayers in the country. You do not need to furnish any documents or proof of receiving conveyance allowance from your employer. The full amount of Rs.1,600 per month can be claimed as tax exemption under travel or conveyance allowance.  Special Exemptions and Provisions There are provisions in place which grant a higher level of exemption to certain individuals. The categories include the following – Employees who are visually impaired or otherwise physically handicapped, conveyance allowance deduction is set at Rs. 3,200 each month. This relief is applicable regardless of whether the organisation is operated privately or publicly. Under Section10 (45) of the Income Tax Act, no UPSC member is liable to pay tax on conveyance allowance. Travel Allowances on Central Government Employees In mid-2017, the Ministry of Finance released a revised list of allowances and grants for Central Government employees. This was linked directly to the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission or 7 CPC. While there are still some persisting issues regarding the 7 CPC, especially in the Armed Forces, HRA and travel allowance levels for all Central employees were modified. However, many states still pay their employees under the provisions of the 6th Pay Commission. Thus, there is some difference between conveyance allowance provisions between Central cadre and State cadres. Uttar Pradesh was one of the first states to implement and restructure all emoluments under the 7 CPC. Given below are the latest allowances for Central Government employees. Average distance covered each month when on duty Allowance for using personal conveyance like cars Allowance for all other travel modes 201 to 300 km Rs. 1,680 Rs. 556 301 to 450 km Rs. 2,520 Rs. 720 451 to 600 km Rs. 2,980 Rs. 960 601 to 800 km Rs. 3,646 Rs. 1126 Any distance greater than 800 km Rs. 4,500 Rs. 1276 For Government employees who have to travel extensively, there is also a provision of a consolidated travelling allowance. Unlike other forms of this grant, a consolidated amount can be drawn around the year How to Calculate Conveyance Allowance? There are no complicated calculations involved in calculating conveyance allowance limit. The limits are absolute at Rs.1,600 per month or Rs.19,200 per year irrespective of the tax bracket an individual falls into. A point to note here is that the exemption for conveyance allowance can be grouped with some other allowances, for instance Special Allowance. So, if your employer is offering you a Special Allowance of Rs.5,000 per month which is fully taxable, you can substitute Rs.1,600 as conveyance allowance and claim tax exemptions for the same FAQs How much exemption can I claim on conveyance allowance? Exemption on conveyance allowance can be claimed under Section 10(14(ii)) of the Income Tax Act. The maximum amount that can be claimed in a year is Rs.19,200 (Rs.1,600 per month). Are there any special cases where exemption limits can be higher? Individuals who are blind or orthopedically handicapped can claim an exemption of Rs.3,200 per month as opposed to the regular

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