NEW Mint Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:47:10 PM

Income Tax Act 2025: Old refund claims and pending assessments won't end with the new law — what changed from April 2026

SUMMARY
# Income Tax Act 2025: Old Claims & Assessments Continue Beyond New Law

The new Income Tax Act 2025, effective from April 1, 2026, replaces the 1961 Act but doesn't nullify pending refund claims or ongoing assessments. All existing proceedings, appeals, and refund applications filed under the old Act will continue and be resolved under previous provisions. The government ensured transitional safeguards so taxpayers don't lose rights. Any action initiated before April 2026 remains valid, providing continuity and legal certainty during the shift to the simplified tax framework.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area Income Tax Act 2025 Direct Tax Reform Tax Administration Refund Claims Pending Assessments Repeal and Savings Clause
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Basic Concepts

Income Tax Act 2025: Old refund claims and pending assessments won't end with the new law — what changed from April 2026

Income Tax Act 2025: Old refund claims and pending assessments won't end with the new law — what changed from April 2026

Income Tax Act 2025: Old refund claims and pending assessments won't end with the new law — what changed from April 2026

Concept not available.

NEW The Hindu Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:47:07 PM

India-EU FTA will further broaden economic engagement between India and Poland: PM Modi

SUMMARY
Indian PM Narendra Modi highlighted that the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement will strengthen economic ties between India and Poland. During his historic visit to Poland in August 2024, Modi emphasized expanding bilateral trade, investment, defense cooperation, and people-to-people ties, marking a new chapter in India-Poland relations.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area India-EU FTA India-Poland Relations Free Trade Agreements Tariff Reduction Trade and Investment
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Basic Concepts

India-EU FTA will further broaden economic engagement between India and Poland: PM Modi

India-EU FTA will further broaden economic engagement between India and Poland: PM Modi

India-EU FTA will further broaden economic engagement between India and Poland: PM Modi

Concept not available.

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:47:03 PM

'Beacon Of Hope': Donald Tusk Hails PM Modi's Global Outreach, Says World Looks At India With Envy

SUMMARY
European Council President Donald Tusk praised Indian PM Narendra Modi's global diplomatic efforts, calling India a "beacon of hope." Tusk remarked that the world looks at India with envy due to its rising influence, economic growth, and leadership role in international affairs.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area India-Poland Relations Strategic Partnership India-EU Relations Defence Cooperation Trade and Investment
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Basic Concepts

'Beacon Of Hope': Donald Tusk Hails PM Modi's Global Outreach, Says World Looks At India With Envy

'Beacon Of Hope': Donald Tusk Hails PM Modi's Global Outreach, Says World Looks At India With Envy

'Beacon Of Hope': Donald Tusk Hails PM Modi's Global Outreach, Says World Looks At India With Envy

Concept not available.

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:30:07 PM

Pakistan-Maldives Defence Deal? Asim Munir Pushes Indian Ocean Strategy | Defence Pact | News18

SUMMARY
Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir visited the Maldives to strengthen bilateral defence ties, pushing Pakistan's Indian Ocean strategy. Both nations discussed a potential defence cooperation pact covering maritime security, military training, and strategic collaboration. This move is seen as countering India's regional influence, especially after Maldives' strained ties with New Delhi under President Muizzu's pro-China tilt.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area Pakistan-Maldives Relations Indian Ocean Region Maritime Security Defence Cooperation SAGAR
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Basic Concepts

Pakistan-Maldives Defence Deal? Asim Munir Pushes Indian Ocean Strategy | Defence Pact | News18

Pakistan-Maldives Defence Deal? Asim Munir Pushes Indian Ocean Strategy | Defence Pact | News18

Pakistan-Maldives Defence Deal? Asim Munir Pushes Indian Ocean Strategy | Defence Pact | News18

Concept not available.

NEW Barandbench Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:30:04 PM

Litigants can't seeks archived recordings of court proceedings without judicial order: Karnataka High Court

SUMMARY
The Karnataka High Court ruled that litigants cannot directly access archived audio-visual recordings of court proceedings without obtaining a judicial order. The court emphasized that such recordings are maintained for official purposes and their release requires proper judicial authorization to protect privacy, confidentiality, and integrity of proceedings. This decision reinforces regulated access to court records, ensuring recordings aren't misused while balancing transparency and judicial decorum.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Judicial Administration Open Court Principle Access to Justice Live Streaming of Court Proceedings Judicial Transparency
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Basic Concepts

Litigants can't seeks archived recordings of court proceedings without judicial order: Karnataka High Court

Litigants can't seeks archived recordings of court proceedings without judicial order: Karnataka High Court

Litigants can't seeks archived recordings of court proceedings without judicial order: Karnataka High Court

Concept not available.

NEW The Hindu Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:21:07 PM

ESA row triggers political showdown in Keralam’s central Travancore

SUMMARY
The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) notification by India's Environment Ministry sparked political unrest in Kerala's central Travancore region. Farmers, Church groups, and politicians opposed it, fearing land-use restrictions, eviction threats, and livelihood loss in hilly areas. The Kerala government sought modifications to protect residents' rights.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology
Focus Area Western Ghats ESA Gadgil Committee Kasturirangan Committee Farmers’ Livelihoods Centre-State Relations
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Basic Concepts

ESA row triggers political showdown in Keralam’s central Travancore

ESA row triggers political showdown in Keralam’s central Travancore

ESA row triggers political showdown in Keralam’s central Travancore

Concept not available.

NEW Barandbench Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:21:03 PM

InsuranceDekho merges with RenewBuy; DSK, Khaitan, CAM, CMS INDUSLAW, TT&A, Bharucha, EVA Law advise

SUMMARY
InsuranceDekho has merged with RenewBuy, creating one of India's largest online insurance platforms. The deal was advised by top law firms including DSK Legal, Khaitan & Co, CAM, INDUSLAW, Trilegal (TT&A), Bharucha & Partners, and EVA Law, handling regulatory, corporate, and due diligence aspects of the consolidation.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area Insurtech Insurance Distribution Mergers & Acquisitions AI in Finance Financial Inclusion IRDAI Competition Regulation
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Basic Concepts

InsuranceDekho merges with RenewBuy; DSK, Khaitan, CAM, CMS INDUSLAW, TT&A, Bharucha, EVA Law advise

InsuranceDekho merges with RenewBuy; DSK, Khaitan, CAM, CMS INDUSLAW, TT&A, Bharucha, EVA Law advise

InsuranceDekho merges with RenewBuy; DSK, Khaitan, CAM, CMS INDUSLAW, TT&A, Bharucha, EVA Law advise

Concept not available.

NEW The Hindu Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:04:07 PM

Tadoba tiger reserve introduces sensor-based system to manage wildlife waterholes

SUMMARY
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has introduced an innovative sensor-based automated system to manage wildlife waterholes. The technology monitors water levels in real-time and automatically refills them when levels drop, ensuring consistent water availability for tigers and other wildlife, especially during harsh summers. This reduces manual intervention, minimizes human-wildlife conflict, and enhances conservation efforts in one of India's premier tiger habitats.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology
Focus Area Tiger Conservation Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Water Conservation Sensor Technology Groundwater Management
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Basic Concepts

Tadoba tiger reserve introduces sensor-based system to manage wildlife waterholes

Tadoba tiger reserve introduces sensor-based system to manage wildlife waterholes

Tadoba tiger reserve introduces sensor-based system to manage wildlife waterholes

Concept not available.

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 22 Oct 2026 01:04:03 PM

'Offer Apology Instead': Shivraj Singh Chouhan's All-Out Attack On Congress Over 1984 Riots Ahead Of Nov 1 Rally

SUMMARY
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan slammed Congress ahead of a November 1 rally marking the 1984 anti-Sikh riots anniversary. He demanded Congress apologize for the massacre instead of celebrating. Thousands of Sikhs were killed after PM Indira Gandhi's assassination. BJP accused Congress of shielding riot perpetrators.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area 1984 Anti-Sikh Violence Communal Violence Justice for Victims Political Accountability Electoral Politics
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Basic Concepts

'Offer Apology Instead': Shivraj Singh Chouhan's All-Out Attack On Congress Over 1984 Riots Ahead Of Nov 1 Rally

'Offer Apology Instead': Shivraj Singh Chouhan's All-Out Attack On Congress Over 1984 Riots Ahead Of Nov 1 Rally

'Offer Apology Instead': Shivraj Singh Chouhan's All-Out Attack On Congress Over 1984 Riots Ahead Of Nov 1 Rally

Concept not available.

NEW The Hindu Thu 22 Oct 2026 12:30:10 PM

Controversy erupts after ‘protest’ photographs by Priyanka Gandhi’s son allegedly get removed from Bikaner House exhibition

SUMMARY
Raihan Vadra, son of Priyanka Gandhi, showcased protest-themed photographs at a Bikaner House exhibition in Delhi. Some images were allegedly removed, sparking controversy. Critics called it censorship, while organizers denied political pressure, citing curatorial decisions. The incident fueled free speech debates.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Article 19(1)(a) Freedom of Speech and Expression Artistic Freedom Censorship Reasonable Restrictions
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Basic Concepts

Controversy erupts after ‘protest’ photographs by Priyanka Gandhi’s son allegedly get removed from Bikaner House exhibition

Controversy erupts after ‘protest’ photographs by Priyanka Gandhi’s son allegedly get removed from Bikaner House exhibition

Controversy erupts after ‘protest’ photographs by Priyanka Gandhi’s son allegedly get removed from Bikaner House exhibition

Concept not available.

NEW Barandbench Thu 22 Oct 2026 12:30:04 PM

Cannot retain sale consideration and later allege fraud to challenge Lok Adalat award: Telangana High Court

SUMMARY
The Telangana High Court ruled that a party cannot accept sale consideration from a Lok Adalat award and later challenge it by alleging fraud. The court held that retaining benefits while disputing the settlement is contradictory and impermissible, upholding the binding nature of Lok Adalat awards under the Legal Services Authorities Act. This reinforces that consent-based settlements cannot be easily revoked after enjoying their proceeds.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Lok Adalat Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 Alternative Dispute Resolution Settlement Judicial Review
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Basic Concepts

Cannot retain sale consideration and later allege fraud to challenge Lok Adalat award: Telangana High Court

Cannot retain sale consideration and later allege fraud to challenge Lok Adalat award: Telangana High Court

Cannot retain sale consideration and later allege fraud to challenge Lok Adalat award: Telangana High Court

Concept not available.

NEW The Hindu Thu 22 Oct 2026 12:21:08 PM

SIR Enumeration Form may have violated electoral rules prescribing Form-4 for collecting voter details

SUMMARY
**SIR Enumeration Form Controversy**

The SIR (Summary of Identifiable Residents) enumeration form has sparked controversy as it allegedly bypassed mandated electoral rules. Election regulations prescribe Form-4 for collecting voter details during revision of electoral rolls. Critics argue using an alternate form violates established legal procedures, potentially compromising data accuracy and voter rights. Election authorities face scrutiny over this procedural deviation.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Election Commission of India Electoral Roll SIR Registration of Electors Rules Electoral Transparency Voter Rights
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SIR Enumeration Form may have violated electoral rules prescribing Form-4 for collecting voter details

SIR Enumeration Form may have violated electoral rules prescribing Form-4 for collecting voter details

SIR Enumeration Form may have violated electoral rules prescribing Form-4 for collecting voter details

Concept not available.

NEW The Hindu Thu 22 Oct 2026 12:04:08 PM

In Israel, Eisenkot tries quiet appeal to oust Netanyahu

SUMMARY
Gadi Eisenkot, former Israeli military chief and member of the National Unity party, has been quietly working to build political support to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Amid Israel's political turmoil and ongoing Gaza war, Eisenkot advocates for elections and a change in leadership, criticizing Netanyahu's handling of security and hostage negotiations. His calm, measured approach contrasts with the heated political climate.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area Israel Elections Political Leadership Gaza War Hamas Regional Security Judicial Independence
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In Israel, Eisenkot tries quiet appeal to oust Netanyahu

In Israel, Eisenkot tries quiet appeal to oust Netanyahu

In Israel, Eisenkot tries quiet appeal to oust Netanyahu

Concept not available.

NEW India Today Thu 22 Oct 2026 11:30:04 AM

Pakistan, Maldives seek stronger defence ties during Muizzu's landmark visit

SUMMARY
Pakistan and Maldives agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation during President Mohamed Muizzu's historic visit to Islamabad. Both nations signed key agreements on trade, maritime security, and counterterrorism. Leaders discussed regional stability and enhancing bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area India–Maldives Relations Pakistan–Maldives Relations Indian Ocean Region Maritime Security Defence Cooperation
Related

Pakistan, Maldives seek stronger defence ties during Muizzu's landmark visit

Pakistan, Maldives seek stronger defence ties during Muizzu's landmark visit

Pakistan, Maldives seek stronger defence ties during Muizzu's landmark visit

Concept not available.

NEW Hindustan Times Thu 22 Oct 2026 11:04:07 AM

Char Dham yatra enters final phase as footfall crosses 6 million mark

SUMMARY
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has entered its final phase with over 6 million pilgrims visiting the four sacred shrines—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Record footfall was driven by improved infrastructure and favorable weather this season.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - I Art & Culture
Focus Area Char Dham Yatra Religious Tourism Himalayan Ecology Disaster Management Sustainable Tourism
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Char Dham yatra enters final phase as footfall crosses 6 million mark

Char Dham yatra enters final phase as footfall crosses 6 million mark

Char Dham yatra enters final phase as footfall crosses 6 million mark

Concept not available.