The Centre has designated sectors such as steel, automobiles, textiles, dyes, chemicals and plastics as priorities. (AI image)

LPG crisis for factories across the country seems to be easing as the government steps up availability of commercial liquefied petroleum gas. Production disruptions are gradually subsiding as supplies of commercial LPG improve and migrant workers return to factories, supported by companies providing meals or alternative cooking solutions.This improvement follows the government’s move on Friday to raise the allocation of commercial LPG by an additional 20 percentage points, taking it to 70 per cent of pre-disruption levels that had been affected by the Gulf conflict and Iran’s near blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.The Centre has designated sectors such as steel, automobiles, textiles, dyes, chemicals and plastics as priorities, given their labour-intensive operations and strong interlinkages with other industries, according to an ET report.Companies operating in these sectors have started to see operations gradually stabilise.Liquefied petroleum gas is extensively used across industries such as automobiles and electronics, particularly in processes like brazing and paint shop operations, as well as in segments like food processing.

Availability of Commercial LPG supplies

Industry players indicated that LPG availability has become more stable.“Earlier we had visibility of one-two days; now it’s about a week,” said Kamal Nandi, head of the appliances business at Godrej Enterprises. “There are no issues with labour or raw materials, and production is running at full throttle,” he was quoted as saying.An executive from the automobile sector noted that supply constraints at smaller vendors are easing, while larger manufacturers have managed to limit disruptions by adopting alternative fuel options.“The higher allocation for non-domestic LPG and inclusion of automobiles as a priority sector is a big help,” he said.Mayank Shah, vice president at Parle Products, said improved LPG availability is enabling previously impacted plants to move back towards optimal production levels. He added that companies have urged the government to include packaged foods among the priority sectors.Ajay DD Singhania, chief executive of Epack Durable, noted that supplies have recovered to nearly 60 per cent of normal levels and are likely to rise to around 80 per cent this week. “The new normal is that we have to follow up daily to secure LPG supplies, but availability has improved,” Singhania said. “Workforce retention is no longer a challenge with us offering meals or cooking support. However, production losses over the past three-four weeks are not recoverable.”Attendance levels have also improved as several firms introduced canteen meals, reducing reliance on LPG for cooking. Earlier, supply disruptions had led to absenteeism among migrant workers and a temporary outflow, as higher black market prices and the shutdown of small eateries and mess facilities made food access difficult.A senior executive in the auto components sector said companies are now providing meals across shifts or offering incentives of up to Rs 5,000 to offset higher LPG costs and retain workers. “Attendance has returned to normal,” he said.Avneet Singh Marwah, chief executive of Super Plastronics, said the migrant workforce has returned as supply pressures have eased. The company produces televisions under the Kodak, Thomson and Blaupunkt brands.

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane plays a shot during the IPL match against Mumbai Indians. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has brushed aside the constant chatter surrounding his career, insisting he is focused on personal growth rather than proving his talent to critics.Rahane’s composed 67 off 40 balls against Mumbai Indians in their IPL clash on Sunday once again brought him into the spotlight, but the veteran batter made it clear that external opinions hold little relevance to him.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Let people talk about me. They have been talking about me since like what, 20 years now. Let them talk,” Rahane said when asked if his innings was a statement knock. “I am not here to show anyone how talented I am and what’s my game. People are watching. Let them watch. Let them talk.”The 37-year-old, who last played for India in 2023, has faced persistent scrutiny, especially after stepping down from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captaincy and skipping leadership roles in domestic white-ball tournaments. Yet, Rahane underlined that his focus remains firmly on evolving as a cricketer.“I am really happy, in the last 2-3 years, the way I have improved my game in white-ball formats. It’s important to grow as a cricketer and that’s what I am trying to do. People will keep talking and let them talk,” he added.‘Bumrah made the difference’Despite Rahane’s effort, Kolkata fell short as Mumbai chased down 221 with ease. The skipper revealed he was hampered by cramps in the latter half of the game.“I was just cramping. It’s a very bad feeling to sit outside with cramps… but first I’m really happy with the way I batted,” he said.Rahane also acknowledged the impact of Jasprit Bumrah, whose late overs restricted Kolkata from pushing towards a bigger total.“We thought 220 was a good total, we were on track for 235-240, but those two overs from Bumrah made a lot of difference. That’s why he’s such a great bowler,” Rahane noted.He admitted that KKRs relatively inexperienced bowling attack will take time to settle, especially with injuries affecting team balance. “It is challenging because our bowlers are inexperienced and some are injured, but it’s also an opportunity for others to step up and make a name,” he said.Backing under-fire spinner Varun Chakravarthy, Rahane urged patience. “Every player goes through this phase… he should not think too much about what is happening,” he added.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a unified ‘Tax Year’. (AI image)

By Sunil BadalaAs we approach FY 2026-27, the country stands at the cusp of one of the most significant overhauls of its income-tax framework in decades. With the introduction of the new Income-tax Act, 2025 and the Income-tax Rules, 2026, the Government aims to make the system even further simplified, streamlined, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly.For salaried individuals, this transition marks more than just a procedural change. It signals quite a shift in how income is reported, assessed, and taxed. The reforms seek to simplify compliance, reduce ambiguity, and align India’s tax administration with global best practices.Some key changes that salaried individuals should look out for are mentioned below:A unified ‘Tax Year’ conceptOne of the most notable changes is the introduction of a unified ‘Tax Year’, replacing the long-standing distinction between Previous Year (PY) and Assessment Year (AY). This move is expected to eliminate confusion, particularly among individual taxpayers, by aligning income earnings, assessment periods and other aspects (like due dates, time limits etc.) with a single reference point.Expanded house rent allowance (HRA) benefits and disclosure normsThe HRA benefits have also been expanded. Salaried taxpayers residing in rented premises in cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad may now be eligible for higher exemption limits (reference amount being increased from 40 per cent of basic salary to 50 per cent of basic salary), bringing them at par with traditionally classified metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata.Additionally, a stricter disclosure requirement has been introduced. Taxpayers must now declare their relationship with the landlord. This measure is aimed at curbing potential misuse and improving transparency in claims.Enhanced allowances for education and meal expensesIn a move likely to benefit middle-class households, the tax exemption limits for children’s education and hostel allowances have been significantly increased. Education allowance limits have been increased from Rs 100 per month to Rs 3,000 per month per child, while hostel allowance limits have been increased from Rs 300 to Rs 9,000 per month per child. While this may still be only a fraction of the cost of education in certain cities and towns it is a welcome move to enhance these age-old limits.Similarly, the tax-free limit for employer provided meals and non-alcoholic beverages as well as food coupons has been enhanced from Rs 50 per meal to Rs 200 per meal. This increase reflects inflationary trends and aims to improve employees’ take-home pay.Revised perquisite valuation for employer provided carsThe valuation of perquisites for employer provided cars has also been substantially revised and a valuation mechanism has been introduced for electric vehicles as well. Monthly taxable values range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,000 per month, with an additional Rs 3,000 per month where a chauffeur is provided. These updated slabs replace the earlier valuations of Rs 600 to Rs 2,400 (plus Rs 900 for chauffeur), potentially increasing the tax liability for employees availing such benefits.Broader changes to perquisites and exemptionsSeveral employee related exemptions and perquisite thresholds have been revised upward. These include higher transport allowances for differently abled employees, increased limits for tax-free employer provided gifts and vouchers, updated valuation rules for education benefits, and expanded exemptions for employer provided loans.Procedural overhaul and new compliance requirementsThe reforms are not just limited to tax computation, they also introduce procedural changes. Key tax forms have been replaced or consolidated, for instance, Form 130 has replaced Form 16 (popularly known as salary certificate), while Form 124 has taken the place of Form 12BB (employee declaration). Additionally, various TDS forms and PAN application processes have been streamlined.A new declaration requirement under Form 157 has been introduced for individuals leaving India, enhancing reporting obligations in cross-border scenarios where either no PAN or income below taxable limit. Furthermore, taxpayers claiming foreign tax credit exceeding Rs 100,000 would now need certification from a Chartered Accountant in Form 44 which is a replacement of Form 67 under the current law required when a taxpayer is claiming foreign tax credit.Additionally, certain Budget 2026 recommendations (which is yet to receive the Presidential assent) are also noteworthy, which are expected to impact the salaried taxpayers effective 1 April 2026:Extended timelines for filing ReturnsTo provide greater flexibility, revised tax returns filing deadline is proposed to be extended to March 31 of the next tax year, instead of the earlier December 31 deadline, subject to a nominal fee.Similarly, the due date for filing original returns for taxpayers with non-audit business income is proposed to be extended from July 31 to August 31, offering additional time for compliance.Rationalisation of TCS and relief measuresIt is also proposed that for overseas tour packages and education/ medical purposes remittances, TCS rates may be reduced to 2% from the current 5% or 20%. This change is expected to provide cash flow relief to families incurring such expenses.Foreign Assets Disclosure SchemeAnother noteworthy initiative is the proposed Foreign Assets Disclosure Scheme for small taxpayers. This would offer a six-month window for voluntary disclosure of previously unreported foreign assets, allowing taxpayers to regularise their filings upon payment of applicable taxes and levies.The proposed reforms signal a decisive shift toward simplification, transparency, and improved compliance. While the transition may require adjustment, these changes are aimed to reduce complexity and enhance efficiency, ultimately aimed at creating a more streamlined and taxpayer friendly system aligned with India’s evolving economic landscape.(Sunil Badala is Partner and National Head of Tax, KPMG in India)

NEW DELHI: After the ball-tampering scandal rocked the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi expected the burning question to come his way – and it did. Following Lahore Qalandars’ defeat, Afridi was asked about the dramatic final over that involved alleged ball tampering by his teammate and star opener Fakhar Zaman.Here’s how the post-match presentation conversation went:Rameez Raja: That last over was quite dramatic, especially with the ball being changed due to suspected ball tampering. Your thoughts on that incident?