Mohammed Shami (Pic credit: LSG)

NEW DELHI: Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has made it clear that retirement is far from his mind, insisting he will only step away from international cricket the day he feels “bored” — not because of age, selection snubs, or injuries.The 35-year-old, who last played for India during their triumphant ICC Champions Trophy campaign, has been out of the national setup for over a year now despite regaining full fitness. His absence comes even after a stellar domestic season where he picked up 67 wickets for Bengal.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking candidly on The Shubhankar Mishra Show, Shami dismissed any talk of immediate retirement. “When I get tired, I will call it a day. But I am not even thinking about retirement right now because such thoughts pull you down,” he said.Shami elaborated on his philosophy, making it clear that his decision will be entirely self-driven. “If this thought crosses your mind, it means you’re already tired. And if you’re tired, it means you’re bored. I’ve said this earlier too — I will leave cricket the day I wake up and feel bored.”“So yes, the day I feel lazy or bored, I will quit. But I am neither bored nor lazy. I am enjoying the game. The results are good and positive,” he added, underlining his continued hunger for the sport.Focus on performance, not selectionDespite being overlooked by the BCCI selectors led by Ajit Agarkar, Shami remains focused on what he can control — his performance.Now part of Lucknow Super Giants after a move from Sunrisers Hyderabad, the seasoned pacer is determined to deliver. “As a bowler, I will give my 100 per cent. I’ll perform my responsibilities and try to meet expectations. Rest, I can’t change my luck,” he said.“If Lucknow has trusted me, I will give my all. The main element is satisfaction — whether I get returns for the preparation I’ve put in,” Shami added.

MUMBAI: The state govt on Tuesday appointed Ashwini Bhide as the city’s Municipal Commissioner. Bhide is the first woman BMC chief since the BMC was set up over 160 years ago.Bhide who is an IAS officer of the 1995 batch retires in 2030 and could get a full three year tenure as BMC chief. IAS officer Lokesh Chandra who was Chairman and Managing Director (MD) of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) replaces Bhide as Additional Chief Secretary in the CMO. Bhide will continue to hold additional charge as MD of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC). DCM Eknath Shinde on Monday night met CM Devendra Fadnavis at Varsha, the CM’s official residence. Shinde’s meeting with CM Fadnavis led to speculation that the pending transfers of senior IAS officers in the state were discussed, especially the next Municipal Commissioner of BMC. Both CM Fadnavis and DCM Shinde are said to have had different choices for the BMC’s top post but the CM’s choice prevailed. Bhide replaces current Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani who retired on Tuesday.Bhide inherits a massive budget of Rs over 80,000 crore and several high-stakes urban challenges. For now her primary hurdles involve managing critical infrastructure, pre-monsoon readiness, and long-standing civic issues. However with the BJP now ruling the BMC in alliance with the Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena and the opposition led by Sena (UBT) also having a significant number of Corporators, Bhide will also have to do some political management and balancing act to get projects delivered and policies pushed. Similarly, she will face fiscal management challenges as she will need to manage cash flows carefully, especially as capital expenditure now accounts for around 60% of the total budget. Bhide is recognized for leading major infrastructure projects, like the Metro Line 3. Bhide, as Additional Municipal Commissioner, played a crucial role in executing Mumbai’s Coastal Road Project. She is known as a tough task master and is said to be close to CM Fadnavis. She is widely recognized as the “Metro Woman of Mumbai” for her leadership in the Metro 3 project. According to a senior cabinet Minister, apart from Bhide, IAS officers Sanjay Mukherjee, Aseem Gupta and Milind Mhaiskar were in the fray to become the next Municipal Commissioner. The Mahayuti govt has in the past appointed Rashmi Shukla as the first woman Director General of Police (DGP) serving from January 2024 to January 3, 2026 and Sujata Saunik as first female Chief Secretary in 2024 and retired in June 2025.Gagrani was appointed as BCM chief March 2024, following a directive from the Election Commission (EC).

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated a Rs 3,300 crore semiconductor plant by Kaynes Technology at Sanand GIDC in Ahmedabad, marking the second such facility in the country taking forward semiconductor manufacturing plans.The plant is part of the semiconductor mission and is expected to strengthen domestic chip production capacity. Speaking at the event PM Modi asserted India’s broader ambitions in the sector, saying the country is positioning itself as a reliable player in the global semiconductor supply chain. He added that India is not just witnessing global changes but is preparing to lead them, and pointed to the launch of Semiconductor Mission 2 in the latest budget to boost self-reliance across production sectors, according to PTI. “India of 21st century not merely witness to change, but is moving forward with resolve to lead that change. We launched Semiconductor Mission 2 in last budget to make India self-reliant in every sector of its production,” PM said. The Prime Minister also said India’s decision to join the Pax Silica initiative would help strengthen access to critical minerals essential for semiconductor manufacturing, according to PTI.According to Gujarat science and technology minister Arjun Modhwadia, the facility will manufacture over 7 lakh chips per day. Speaking ahead of the launch on Monday, he said, “In the semiconductor manufacturing chain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tomorrow inaugurate a Rs 3,300 crore Kaynes Semicon plant in Sanand. This will be the second plant in the series, and the facility will manufacture more than 7 lakh chips per day.”He added, “With this second unit, we are entering the era of this futuristic industry. The USP of the Prime Minister has been his ability to turn challenges into opportunities,” he told ANI.The inauguration comes weeks after PM Modi launched the Micron semiconductor plant in February. Referring to the pace of that project, he said, “The MoU for this facility was signed in June 2023, the foundation stone was laid in September, and by February 2026, commercial production had already begun. Even in developed countries, such approvals and processes take years, but India has completed this seemingly impossible task in just 900 days. When intentions are clear, and dedication is towards rapid national development, policies become decisive, and decisions gain momentum naturally,” reported ANI. Earlier in the day, Modi also inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. Named after Samrat Samprati, the grandson of Ashoka, the museum focuses on the historical and cultural legacy of Jainism.

Revamp of the Income Tax Rules, 2026 is likely to have a meaningful impact on taxpayers. (AI image)

April 1, 2026 not just signals the start of the new financial year 2026-27, but this time also brings with it a new set of income tax rules. The New Income Tax Rules 2026, based on the Income Tax Act 2025, have several changes that salaried taxpayers should be aware of. Your exemption limits are changing – hence the math behind the choice of the new and old income tax regime is also changing.Beyond that, the language of the Income Tax Act has been simplified and several common sections and forms have been renamed, which is important to know when filing tax returns.According to Kuldip Kumar, Partner, Mainstay Tax Advisors, the use of simpler language and the rearrangement of sections are expected to make the law more streamlined and less complicated for taxpayers. “Taxpayers will now need to familiarise themselves with renumbered sections such as 80C, 80D, etc., which they have long remembered by heart. Greater linkage of information in return forms, along with changes in various reporting requirements, is also set to tighten compliance,” Kuldip Kumar told TOI. The amendments introduced through the Finance Bill 2026, along with the revamp of the Income Tax Rules, 2026—where the limits for several exemptions and deductions have been enhanced—are likely to have a meaningful impact on taxpayers, depending on their individual circumstances, he added.He notes that several changes—such as the enhancement of the free meal limit and the extension of this benefit to those under the new regime, as well and the increase in reimbursement limits for car running and maintenance expenses for employees using their own cars for both official and personal purposes—are expected to reduce the tax burden for the salaried class in general.We take a look at top 10 things salaried taxpayers should know going into the new financial year 2026-27:1. Tax Slabs Remain the SameThe income tax slabs and income tax rates under both the new and old income tax regime remain the same. The old tax regime continues to offer several deductions and exemptions but with higher tax rates at lower income levels, and the new tax regime has almost negligible exemptions but much lower income tax rates at higher income levels.

Old Tax Regime Slabs For Individuals Up To 60 Years of AgeBut while the tax slabs remain the same, several changes in the exemption limits under the old income tax regime may change your decision on which regime to opt for. In certain cases, with higher exemption limits under the new income tax rules, the old regime again becomes lucrative.

New Tax Regime SlabsWe explain that in detail at the end of this article, but first we take a look at the top changes2. Expansion of 50% HRA benefits to more citiesHouse Rent Allowance or HRA is a common exemption availed by taxpayers under the old income tax regime. How is HRA calculated? It’s the least of the three amounts; actual HRA received, rent paid minus 10% of salary, and 50%/40% of salary.So, what has changed under the new income tax rules? The list of metro cities that are allowed for the 50% of salary calculation has been expanded. Earlier, only those living in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai could avail the 50% limit. Now, the list includes Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad.Parizad Sirwalla, Partner and Head – Global Mobility Services, Tax, KPMG in India calls the move a welcome step, particularly given the rise in housing costs across emerging urban cities. “By bringing cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad at par with traditional metros for HRA computation, the proposal provides meaningful tax relief to salaried individuals residing in these locations,” she tells TOI.The tax expert points out that the exemption will continue to be subject to existing conditions such as actual rent paid and salary structure. Taxpayers should therefore review their compensation structure and HRA claims to benefit from the revised provisions, proposed to take effect from 1 April 2026, she advises.Amarpal Chadha, Tax Partner, EY India tells TOI, “The revision in HRA exemption limits is a welcome move to keep pace with inflation. Extending the higher 50% HRA exemption to cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad from the earlier 40% will meaningfully benefit salaried taxpayers opting for the old tax regime, where housing remains a significant expense.”3. Big Hike In Education, Hostel AllowanceThis one is a relief for parents – both in terms of an increase in education and hostel allowance. Effective FY 2026-27, the exemption limit for children education allowance has been increased from Rs 100 per month per child to Rs 3,000 per month per child.At the same time, for hostel expenditure, the exemption limit has been hiked from Rs 300 per month per child to Rs 9,000 per month per child. These two exemptions can be availed for up to two children.It’s important to note that these exemptions continue to be available only under the old income tax regime.4. PAN Card Quoting RequirementsUnder the new income tax rules, the requirement of quoting your PAN Card has undergone several changes. Below is a list of the changes that you should be aware of:Fundamentally, the changes to PAN usage and application signal a continued push by the government towards ease of compliance, targeted information collection and strengthening the digital tax ecosystem, says Parizad Sirwalla.

By enhancing transaction limits and curtailing the scope of compulsory PAN quoting requirement, such as moving from daily to annual transaction thresholds (e.g. cash deposit/ withdrawal etc.) and increasing the limits for mandatory quoting in specified transactions (such as hospitality/event expenditures, purchase of motor vehicle/ property etc.), the aim is to ease compliance for routine transactions while enabling closer monitoring of high-value activities, she says.“Even the PAN application process has been streamlined e.g. Aadhaar- PAN name mismatch issue potentially addressed by allowing use of initials where name as per Aadhaar has initials etc. Overall changes have been made to collect targeted information in a simplified manner,” she adds.5. Employer Provided Cars: New Perquisite ValuationIn this case, there is a chance of the tax liability for salaried taxpayers increasing. The valuation of perquisites for employer provided cars has undergone a revision. According to KPMG, the monthly taxable value ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,000 per month, and an additional Rs 3,000 per month is considered in case of a chauffeur being provided. The hiked slabs replace valuations ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 2,400, plus Rs 900 for chauffeur. Hence it would possibly increase the tax liability for employees who avail such benefits.

6. Concept of Tax Year As Against Assessment YearThis is a prominent change, especially when you are filing your tax return. The concept of financial year and assessment year has always caused confusion among taxpayers. That has now been unified to reflect a ‘Tax Year’ which is the year in which you have earned the income that is being taxed. Let’s understand this better with an example:

7. Meal Voucher LimitsIf as a salaried employee, you get meal vouchers then the per meal limit has been a four fold increase. The tax free limit for meals provided by employees has been raised to Rs 200 from Rs 50 per meal. 8. Expanded scope of perquisites and exemptions

Several existing forms have been replaced or consolidated to simplify compliance. For example, Form 130 has replaced Form 16, commonly used as the salary certificate, while Form 124 has substituted Form 12BB, which was used for employee declarations. 9. Filing Revised Tax Return? New Extended Time Lines In PlaceYet another relief for salaried taxpayers is that the deadline to file revised tax returns is proposed to be extended. From the current December 31 of the tax filing year to March 31 of the subsequent year with the payment of a nominal fee. This measure was first announced by FM Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech this year.10. New Vs Old Tax regime Math changes!Finally, the most important takeaway for salaried taxpayers is that with all the revisions in exemption limits under the old income tax regime, you will now have to do fresh calculations to understand which regime reduces your tax outgo – new or old?To understand this better, Amarpal Chadha of EY India shares two sets of calculations with certain assumptions. First is a comparison of tax liability under the old versus new tax regime as per the 1962 Income Tax Act rules. The second is a comparison between the old and new regime with the revised exemption limits as per the new income tax rules.

Assumptions for Table 1:1. The employee is a resident of Bengaluru, Karnataka (with 40% HRA exemption rule) with a cost to the company of Rs 25,00,000 per annum.2. The above calculation is based on Income-tax Act, 1961 read with Income-tax Rules, 19623. Exemption for Children Education Allowance has been availed at Rs 200 per month per child for a maximum of 2 children4. Exemption for Hostel Allowance has been availed at Rs 300 per month per child for a maximum of 2 children

Assumptions for Table 2:1. The employee is a resident of Bengaluru, Karnataka (with the new 50% HRA exemption rule) with a cost to company of Rs 25,00,000 per annum. 2. The above calculation is based on Income-tax Act, 2025 read with Income-tax Rules, 20263. Exemption for Children Education Allowance has been availed at Rs 3,000 per month per child for a maximum of 2 children4. Exemption for Hostel Allowance has been availed at Rs 9,000 per month per child for a maximum of 2 childrenBased on the calculations presented above, a taxpayer is likely to see higher tax savings under the old income tax regime (Income Tax Rules 2026) compared to the Income Tax Rules, 1962 and the New Tax Regime, primarily due to the increase in exemption limits for Children Education Allowance, Hostel Allowance, and HRA. However, the tax outcome may vary depending on the nature and composition of the taxpayer’s salary structure, particularly in light of the higher perquisite valuation for benefits such as car Lease and the enhanced exemption limit for food coupons. Hence, it is wise to make your calculations before deciding on which tax regime to opt for in the new financial year 2026-27.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is facing growing concerns over multiple issues around the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with reports suggesting the Pakistan Cricket Board chief is particularly upset about a hotel-security incident involving Lahore Qalandars players.The situation comes at a time when PSL 2026 is already being conducted under restrictions. Matches in Lahore are being held without spectators, and the tournament is running with fewer venues due to fuel and travel issues in Pakistan linked to the West Asia crisis. The PCB had put measures in place to manage the event, but the league has seen multiple controversies in quick succession.