Small traders in Karnataka to begin two-day protest over GST notices from July 23
Bengaluru: Small-scale traders across Karnataka are set to begin a two-day protest on July 23 and 24, opposing GST notices served to them reportedly by the state’s Commercial Tax Department. The protest, led by the Karnataka Karmika Parishath, will not involve a complete shutdown of business, but traders will stop selling dairy products, including tea and coffee, reported Deccan Herald.
Quoting Karnataka Karmika Parishath President Ravi Shetty Byndoor, Deccan Herald reported that while shops would remain open, traders would wear black bands as a mark of protest. He said most of the notices had been issued to bakeries and condiment stores, and added that the government should focus on educating traders about tax procedures before taking any action.
The association, which has around 65,000 members, has also planned a larger protest on July 25 at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. On that day, all shops affiliated with the association will remain closed, and members from across the state will gather in the city to voice their concerns.
Another group, the Karnataka State Association of Bakeries, Condiments and Small Enterprises, is holding a similar protest on July 24.
The association has reportedly asked the government to withdraw the notices and instead allow businesses with an annual turnover of over ₹40 lakh to pay a flat 1% tax based on available records under the presumptive tax scheme.
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Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
