tirupati l saturday l september 20, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l late city EDITION Hindi film Homebound is India’s official entry for 2026 Oscars 24 films were in the race to represent India A total of 24 films in different languages were in contention for representing the country at the Oscars, selection committee chairperson N Chandra said. Homebound tells the two childhood friends from a small north Indian village who chase a police job. The film, backed by Martin Scorsese, stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor The film by Neeraj Ghaywan is India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category ■ May 21 Homebound to hit theatres on Sep 26 ■ ■ Stranger Eyes (Singapore), Things You Kill (Canada) and The Secret Agent (Brazil) are among others vying to enter the 15-strong shortlist Last year, India’s entry Laapataa Ladies failed to make the cut, leading to the Film Federation of India facing criticism over the choice Homebound will release in theatres in India on September 26 when homebound premiered at the 78th cannes film festival in France CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI Advance Tax Collections Corporate tax *Noncorporate tax All figures in ` crore 3,31,844.88 1,04,410.94 96,783.94 Mahindra joins Maruti in price cuts after GST rationalisation, adds benefits totaling `2.56 lakh 6.11% 3,52,128.60 -7.3% A r s h a d K h a n @ New Delhi FY 2024-25 (as on 17.09.2024) FY 2025-26 (as on 17.09.2025) *Includes advance tax paid by individuals, HUFs, firms, local authorities, etc liquor scam `38L in cash, incriminating material seized in ED raids E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Vijayawada The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, conducted search operations at 20 locations across five States in connection with the alleged multicrore liquor scam during the previous YSRCP regime, and seized `38 lakh unaccounted cash, and ledgers with transactions worth crores.   According to an official release on Friday, ED teams inspected offices and premises linked to the accused in Hyderabad, Beng aluru, Chennai, Thanjavur, Surat, Raipur, Delhi-NCR, and AP under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.     Acting on inputs from SIT probing the alleged `3,500 crore loss to the State exchequer caused by the new liquor policy, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). Statements were recorded from prime accused Kesireddy Rajashekar Reddy . It stated that the accused engaged in “brand killing and new brand promotion,” sidelining popular liquor brands for refusing to pay kickbacks between October 2019 and March 2024. The procurement system was shifted from automated to manual, it added. price war heats up Corp tax mop-up rises, individual collections drop Higher income tax exemption limit brings down personal advance tax collections D i pa k M o n d a l @ New Delhi Advance personal income tax collections for FY26 fell 7.3% to `96,784 crore as of September 17, compared to `1,04,411 crore in the same period last fiscal. The decline is attributed to the higher income tax exemption threshold—raised from `7 lakh to `12 lakh in this year’s Budget—and the revised tax slabs. In contrast, corporate advance tax collections grew 6.11% to `3,52,129 crore. Consequently total advance tax collections reg, istered a modest 2.9% growth to `4,48,913 crore. “The drop in advance tax collection is primarily because of slab changes, and due to lower tax liabilities for salaried individuals,” said Riyaz Thingna, tax partner, Grant Thornton Bharat. He noted that some of the shortfall could be made up by October-end, when individuals with business income file reNon-corporate turns and pay self-assessment tax. advance taxes Despite the dip in advance personal tax, overfell 7% due to all direct tax collections remain buoyant. Net tax reliefs direct tax collections (after refunds) rose 9.18% Vivek Jalan, year-on-year to `10,82,579 crore, against `9,91,512 partner, Tax crore in FY24-25. Net corporate tax collections Connect Advisory increased 4.93% to `4,72,297 crore, while net Services personal income tax collections surged 13.67% to `5,83,685 crore. Securities transaction tax was largely flat at `26,306 crore. A key driver of this growth was a steep fall in refunds—down 24% to `1,60,527 crore from `2,10,858 crore last year—reflecting tighter scrutiny of claims and quicker assessments. “Non-corporate advance taxes have declined by around 7% due to massive tax reliefs in FY26,” said Vivek Jalan, partner, Tax Connect Advisory Services. “At the same time, stricter monitoring of deductions and enhanced disclosures in ITRs led to refunds falling to nearly a third of last year’s level.” With nominal GDP growth slipping to 8.8% in Q1 from about 10% a year ago, analysts caution that weaker economic momentum could weigh on tax collections, the fiscal deficit, and corporate earnings in the coming quarters. Price wars among automakers have intensified following the government’s decision to slash GST rates. A day after Maruti Suzuki cut prices by up to 24%, leading SUV manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) announced revised ex-showroom prices incorporating the GST reduction, along with additional benefits of up to `1.29 lakh on its petrol and diesel vehicles. The combined impact of the GST cut and additional benefits will allow customers to save up to `2.56 lakh, M&M said. Bolero Neo leads the line-up with a maximum total benefit of `2.56 lakh, comprising a `1.27 lakh reduction in ex-showroom price and additional benefits worth `1.29 lakh. The popular subcompact SUV, the XUV3XO, follows closely with total savings of `2.46 lakh. Among larger SUV models, the XUV700, Scorpio-N, and Scorpio Classic offer total benefits ranging between `1.96 lakh and `2.24 lakh. Meanwhile, the Thar and Thar ROXX receive total benefits of `1.55 lakh and `1.53 lakh, respectively . The price cut, over and above the GST benefit, is expected to boost competitiveness in the market, giving buyers a wider choice bracket. M&M’s pricing moves also reflect carmakers’ strategies to retain strong positioning in India’s growing SUV segment, especially as the country’s largest player, Maruti Suzuki, targets leadership in the high-volume, midsize SUV space with the launch of its Victoris model. The additional incentives come at a time when the indus- try is burdened with high inventory as vehicle sales slowed sharply since mid-August following reports of an overhaul in the GST rate structure. Puneet Gupta, Director for India and ASEAN Auto Markets at S&P Global Mobility said the on, going discounts are a result of the cess component being removed after September 22. “Cess, which is around 20% for large SUVs, will no longer apply under GST 2.0. However, dealers have already paid this amount and are facing potential losses. To mitigate the impact, they are working with OEMs to offer discounts and clear inventory he explained. Gupta add,” ed Maruti Suzuki’s decision to cut prices would fuel sales in the struggling mini car segment as buyers looking to upgrade from two-wheeler to fourwheeler will look to cash in on the discounts. Fat savings Bolero Neo leads the line-up with a maximum total benefit of `2.56 lakh* Bolero Neo `2.56 l XUV 3XO `2.46 l XUV 700 `2.24 l Scorpio N `2.15 l Scorpio Classic `1.96 l Thar `1.55 l Thar ROXX  `1.53 l * showroom discounts + additional benefits K-point in India, Canada NSA talks J aya n t h J a c o b @ New Delhi In a key step towards mending diplomatic ties, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held bilateral security consultations with his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in New Delhi on Thursday . The high-level dialogue comes nearly two years after diplomatic relations between the two nations were rocked by Canadian allegations over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The meeting also marked the first major engagement between the two countries’ security establishments since both sides appointed new High Commissioners in August, following months of diplomatic chill. Doval and Drouin’s meeting is also seen as a follow-up to the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Part of regular bilateral talks Jaiswal said the NSA-level talks on Thursday were part of regular bilateral security consultation with Canada. The officials also followed up on discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney on the sidelines of G7 in Alberta, Canada in June this year on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis this June. “This is part of the regular bilateral security consultations that happen between the two countries,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing on Friday . The talks took place against the backdrop of renewed threats from the US-based Kha- Responsibility to ensure security of Indian diplomatic premises lies with the host government Randhir Jaiswal listani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which announced a “siege” outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver on September 18. The group circulated threatening posters targeting India’s new High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, sparking fresh concerns. “As and when there is a concern, we do take it up with the concerned side, in this case Canada, to ensure there is adequate security for our diplomatic premises,” Jaiswal said SFJ’s announcement coincided with the anniversary of former Canadian premier Justin Trudeau’s explosive statement in September 2023, where he alleged that Indian agents may have been involved in Nijjar’s killing—a charge strongly and consistently refuted by India. Nijjar, a designated terrorist by India, was gunned down outside a gurdwara in British Columbia on June 18, 2023. Indian officials used Thursday’s talks to raise concerns over the safety of their diplomats and premises in Canada, the activities of pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil, and long-pending extradition requests. Canadian authorities, in turn, flagged their own worries over transnational criminal networks with links to India, sources said. Bonda targets PCB chief; PK gives strong reply CM roots for ‘One State-One Water’ concept to combat drought in State S V i s w a n at h @ Vijayawada Asserting that steps will be taken to control the industrial pollution, Deputy Chief Minister (Environment and Forest) Pawan Kalyan has said the coalition government will not give scope to a situation that terrorises industrialists. “If anyone wants the continuation of the policies of the previous regime, it is not possible in the coalition government,” he averred. The Deputy Chief Minister held a review meeting with Pollution Control Board (PCB) Chairman Krishnaiah, and other officials in his chambers in the State Assembly on Friday over the remarks made by TDP MLA Bonda Umama- heswara Rao on the industrial pollution, and against the PCB Chairman during the Question Hour. “The comments made by the MLA against the PCB Chairman are in the nature of threatening, and targeting a person with personal intentions,” observed. When asked what forced the MLA to make such comments, the PCB Chairman informed that a complaint was lodged against Krebs Biochemicals in February Action . was taken based on the complaint after conducting an inquiry he said. , Directing the PCB Chairman to submit a comprehensive report on the issue, Pawan Kalyan said it will be taken to the notice of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. During the Question Hour, Pawan Kalyan explained various initiatives being implemented by the government to minimise plastic pollution. Intervening, Bonda raised doubts on the very functioning of the PCB, and said he is unaware whether the PCB having board, and whether it is functioning or not. He went on to say that whenever they approach the PCB Chairman on any work, he uses the name of the Deputy CM as if to say the latter is against doing any work withP4 out his knowledge. S G u r u S r i k a n t h @ Vijayawada Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday asserted that effective water management could make Andhra Pradesh drought-free. During a discussion on irrigation in the State Assembly, he announced that the diaphragm wall of the Polavaram project will be completed by December 2025. Emphasising the significance of the Polavaram project, he described it as vital for eradicating drought in the State. Making a PowerPoint presentation on the irrigation sec- tor, Naidu rooted for the ‘One State-One Water’ concept to promote optimal water management. He highlighted the coalition government’s efforts i n a dv a n c i n g i r r i g a t i o n projects, and outlined plans to ensure sustainable water use. He also presented a video exposing the previous YSRCP government’s mismanagement of irrigation projects. Naidu described the interlinking of rivers as a game-changer for water conservation, and agricultural productivity, noting that Andhra Pradesh was the first State in India to undertake such projects. He stressed the urgent need to prevent water wastage, revealing that 3,782 TMC of water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers flowed into the sea this season alone—2,882 TMC from the Godavari, and 892 P4 TMC from the Krishna. northeast’s own express read Zubeen Garg of ‘Ya Ali’ fame dies in Singapore scuba diving accident `50,000 aid per ha for onion farmers P r a s a n ta M a z u m d a r @ Guwahati Z ubeen Garg, the 52year-old cultural icon of Assam and a heartthrob of the younger generation, passed away on Friday in Singapore, leaving behind a rich legacy . Known for his superlative rendition of ‘Ya Ali’ and countless other hits, Garg remained a multifaceted talent — a singer-songwriter, composer, lyricist, music director, actor, film producer, director, screenwriter, and philanthropist — who captured hearts across Assam, Bengal, and beyond. While in Singapore to attend the 4th Northeast India Festival, Garg suffered breathing difficulties during a private scuba diving excursion not linked to the festival. Zubeen Garg 18 Nov 1972 - 19 Sept 2025 “We received a call from Zubeen’s manager informing us that he had met with an accident and had been rushed to Singapore General Hospital,” said Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the festival, in a statement. “We later learned that a few members of the local Assamese community had taken him on a yacht visit, of which we had no prior knowledge. This is a mon- umental loss,” the statement read. Born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, Garg mostly sang in Assamese, Bengali and Hindi-language film and music industries. His mother Ily Borthakur was a singer while his father Mohini Mohan Garg was a music enthusiast. He is survived by his wife Garima Saikia, a fashion designer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among scores of leaders who mourned his passing. “Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music,” the PM posted on X. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Assam lost one of its favourite sons. “I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen meant for Assam. He has gone too early .” Vijayawada: In a significant move to support onion farmers grappling with falling prices, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced an aid package of `50,000 per hectare. Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said initiative, expected to place an additional burden of approximately `100 crore on the State exchequer, aims to provide immediate relief to onion farmers