"India's Efforts to Secure Affordable Russian Oil Amid Tightening Sanctions" India’s state-owned refiners are expediting payments for Russian crude oil to complete transactions before expanded US sanctions take effect. These refiners now settle payments within two days instead of the usual five, aiming to secure discounted Russian oil while navigating an increasingly restricted global trade environment. The urgency stems from Washington's announcement of stricter sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry, which are set to take effect next month. Refiners are keen to ensure transactions are completed during the “wind-down” period allowed for pre-sanctioned cargoes. At least 4.4 million barrels of Russian oil are en route to Indian ports like Jamnagar, Chennai, Paradip, and Visakhapatnam. Among these shipments is the tanker Mercury , carrying over 1 million barrels of Russian Urals crude, expected to arrive in Paradip soon. This vessel loaded its cargo in mid-December ...
Bank of India Faces Rs 564 Crore Penalty from Income Tax Department Introduction: Recently, the Income Tax department imposed a hefty penalty of Rs 564.44 crore on Bank of India, a prominent public sector lender. This development has stirred discussions within financial circles, raising questions about the implications and the bank's response to this significant financial setback. Background Information: The penalty, issued under Section 270A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, pertains to the assessment year 2018-19. It stems from various disallowances made by the Income Tax department, signaling potential discrepancies or irregularities in the bank's financial dealings during that period. Bank's Response : In response to the penalty, Bank of India has swiftly moved to file an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax, National Faceless Appeal Centre (NFAC). The bank remains confident in its position, citing adequate factual and legal grounds to substantiate its case. It expec...