Pakistan continues to back infiltration into Kashmir: Army
Srinagar, June 12 : Pakistan continues to help infiltration of militants into the Kashmir Valley though the Ramadan ceasefire has brought a modicum of peace into the lives of ordinary Kashmiris, a senior Army commander said on Tuesday.
Lt General A.K. Bhatt, Commander of the Srinagar headquartered 15 Corps, told IANS on the sidelines of a function: "The Ramadan ceasefire has brought in some modicum of peace into the lives of the common Kashmiris who have appreciated the gesture.
"We are happy that no civilian casualty has taken place during the holy month of Ramadan, but Pakistan has been continuing its efforts to help infiltration into the state," he said.
Lt Gen Bhatt was here to inaugurate free residential coaching for aspirants of NEET medical entrance test.
He said that troops on the Line of Control (LoC), which divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan, were deployed to meet the challenge of infiltration.
But the officer said that there were no indications suggesting that infiltration attempts would increase in the coming months.
Lt Gen Bhatt said the decision to extend or call off the Ramadan ceasefire was for the government to take. "In both cases, the Army will continue to enforce the decision taken by the government."
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Govt not considering levying GST on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000: FinMin
New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI): The government on Friday clarified that it is not mulling to levy GST on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000.
Clarifying on reports, which said that the government is considering levying Goods and Services Tax (GST) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000, the finance ministry said they are completely false, misleading, and without any basis.
"Currently, there is no such proposal before the government," the ministry said in a statement.
GST is levied on charges, such as the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), relating to payments made using certain instruments.
Effective January 2020, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has removed the MDR on person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions.
"Since currently no MDR is charged on UPI transactions, there is consequently no GST applicable to these transactions," the ministry said.
UPI transaction values have seen an exponential increase, growing from Rs 21.3 lakh crore in FY 2019-20 to Rs 260.56 lakh crore by March 2025.
The ministry also said the government remains committed to promoting digital payments via UPI.
To support and sustain the growth of UPI, an incentive scheme has been operational from FY2021-22. This scheme specifically targets low-value UPI (P2M) transactions, benefiting small merchants by alleviating transaction costs and promoting wider participation and innovation in digital payments.
In 2023-24, the government paid Rs 3,631 crore under the scheme, up from Rs 2,210 crore in 2022-23.
"The total incentive payouts under this scheme over the years reflect the government's sustained commitment to promoting UPI-based digital payments," the ministry noted.
