IGI Airport first in world to adopt digital platform Arc
Delhi Airport has claimed it has become the first aerodrome in the world to adopt unique performance and benchmarking digital platform, Arc, which helps in tracking and monitoring building performance.
Developed by Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) and US Green Building Council (USGBC), the global certifying body for all Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects, this dynamic platform at T3 would be used by airport operator to measure, manage and improve performance of airport on resource consumption, carbon emissions and quality of passenger space,.
NITI Aayog projects 8% growth rate
NITI Aayog has estimated a growth rate of 8% for 2016-17 as per a ‘cautiously optimistic’ prognosis it has laid out in the appraisal document for the Twelfth Five-Year Plan, flagging the lack of reforms in land acquisition, labour and simplification of administrative procedures as impediments to growth.
The 12th Plan is the last five-year Plan and from 2017-18, the Centre would adopt a three-year action plan and a fifteen-year vision document. A NITI Aayog official said the new action plan would be finalised in two months’ time and will also take into account the impact of demonetisation.
NTPC to take over Rajasthan’s Chhabra power plant
State-run NTPC has signed a non-binding agreement with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd for takeover of Chhabra Thermal Power Plant.
“NTPC Ltd has signed a non-binding MoU with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd for takeover of Chhabra Thermal Power Plant Stage-I (4x 250 MW) and Stage-II (2×660 MW) of Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam by NTPC Ltd. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to take over four operational units of 250 MW capacity each and two other under-construction units of 660 MW capacity each at Chhabara Thermal Power Plant.
Lohri festival is celebrated in Punjab
The festival of Lohri, celebrated with much joy and vigour in Punjab, marks the onset of the harvest season. The traditional bonfires not only keep away the winter chill, they are also used to make offerings to Gods before the harvest. The fires of Lohri also keep away the darkness on what is traditionally considered the longest night of the year. The day after, the northern hemisphere is said to tilt towards the sun, bringing hope for more sunlight and warmer days. Folklore has it that the flames of the bonfire carry messages to the Sun.
Ministry of DoNER celebrates Magh Bihu (Makar Sankranti) festival
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh addressed at the celebrations of Magh Bihu (Makar Sankranti) festival, organised by Ministry of Development of North-East Region (DoNER) at Dilli Haat. The theme of the festival was ‘Integration through fusion’.
Ken-Betwa River linking project receives environment, forest & tribal clearances
The NDA government’s ambitious Ken-Betwa river linking project, which aims at addressing water needs of dry swathes in Madhya Pradesh and poll-bound Uttar Pradesh inter alia, has received environment, forest and tribal clearances.
Union water resources minister Uma Bharti, also states that the clearances for the project are in a “very advanced stage” of completion and that the government will start implementing the national project as “model link” of inter-linking of river (ILR) programme.
India’s first solar-powered boat launched in Kerala
Launching a solar-powered boat service at Vaikom in the district, Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal had said the Centre would extend support to introduce more such boats in Kerala’s waters as it is keen to promote environment-friendly projects.
Goyal launched the service in Vaikom-Cherthala-Thavanakadavu waterways along with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The first solar-powered boat was launched recently by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
ISKCON to hold Jagannath rath yatra in Mumbai on Jan 14
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness’ Chowpatty Temple took out the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra from Shivaji Park with the participation of nearly half a million devotees.
ISKCON spiritual leader H.H. Radhanath Swami Maharaj performed the ‘maha-aarti’ on the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Baldev and Subhadra before the procession started and ended peacefully. On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, Uttaraayan which is the time for peace and prosperity, we celebrate the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, as the Sun begins it six-month long northward journey
Union Government discussing with States to bring Water into Concurrent list
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that centre is discussing the issue of bringing water into concurrent list with States. Inaugurating the Jal Manthan-III in New Delhi she said her Ministry is also seriously working on new acts for water use and Ganga.
1st edition of ABU International Television Dance Festival held in Hyderabad
The first edition of ABU International Television Dance Festival, showcasing traditional and contemporary dance performances by artistes from over 10 counties across the Asia-Pacific region. Union Information & Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu would inaugurate the festival. The event is also likely to be attended by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, state Tourism and Culture Minister Azmeera Chandulal, Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya
Prakash and other senior officials of I&B Ministry, Prasar Bharati and Telangana government.
Expert Group on SECC submits report to Rural Development Ministry
The Government mounted the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) with the purpose of ranking households for receiving benefits under government programmes. The Socio Economic and Caste Census has been concluded. The Ministry of Rural Development has decided to use SECC data for identification of beneficiaries and for generating priority list of beneficiaries under its programmes.
Digital Dakiya scheme inaugurated in MP to encourage cashless transactions
In Madhya Pradesh Indore district witnessed inauguration of first of its kind scheme of the country. Digital Dakiya, which aims at encouraging cashless transactions. “Digital Dakiya or Digital Postman will visit different places to teach and encourage people about cashless transactions and its benefits. State Finance Minister Jayant Malliya inaugurated the scheme at Indore. State government will provide Identity cards to the volunteers deployed in this programme.
Two-day camel festival begins in Bikaner
The two-day annual camel festival began with much fanfare in the presence of foreigners and domestic tourists. District Collector Ved Prakash flagged off a procession from Junagarh which culminated at Karni Singh Stadium. It was followed by fun activities including camel safaris. The festival, dedicated to the ship of the desert, will see camel dance, milking and fur cutting design competitions and camel races.
Himachal temple unveils 1,600 kg butter idol
Installation of the idol of Goddess Brajeshwari Devi made of 1,600 kg of clarified butter in the famous Brajeshwari Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh. The idol, being prepared by using ‘desi ghee’ after purification with holy water 101 times by temple priests, will be open for the public temple.
4th International Kite Festival begins in New Delhi
The fourth International Kite Festival began in New Delhi. Professional kite flying experts from across India and the globe are taking part in the three-day festival, which will have an exhibition on the history of kites as well. A special kite making demonstration will also be organised where professional kite flyers will showcase their expertise and demonstrate the art of kite making
BSF launches operation ‘Sard Hawa’ at Rajasthan border
Border Security Force (BSF) has launched operation ‘Sard Hawa’ at the western international border of Rajasthan, under which vigil will be beefed-up to check the instances of infiltration due to the dense fog in the area. The operation will continue till 28 January.
The purpose of the operation is to keep a hawk’s eye on the international border, where vigil has been beefed-up and officers have also been asked to be part of operation to motivate jawans.
Tamil Nadu Government launches mobile app Pinakin for Tourism
Tamil Nadu government has launched a mobile application Pinakin. It will seek to provide information of famous tourist destinations in the state. The app will provide data on other major tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu.
Initially, it will cover world heritage tourist sites like Thanjavur Big Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Mamallapuram and Darasuram. The app will provide information in 2 languages Tamil and English, benefiting both domestic and global tourists. The app would provide information on other major tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu in a phased manner.
India officially becomes Associate Member State of CERN
India became an Associate member of CERN with the Indian government completing its internal approval procedures in respect of the agreement it had signed with CERN on November 21, 2016.
• On November 21, 2016, Sekhar Basu, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Fabiola Gianotti CERN Director General signed an Agreement to admit India to CERN as an Associate member.
• The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, is a European research organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.
Petroleum Minister to inaugurate month long awareness programme Saksham – 2017
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum & natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will inaugurate a month long awareness programme “Saksham – 2017” on 16th January, 2016 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi.
• Saksham – 2017 (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav) is aimed to create awareness amongst masses towards judicious utilization and conservation of petroleum products along with use of energy efficient appliances and switching to cleaner fuels.
• The programme is being organized by PCRA (Petroleum Conservation Research Association) and other Oil & Gas PSUs under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
Government inks Financing Agreement with World Bank for Nagaland Health Project
The Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the World Bank have signed a massive 48 million dollars credit agreement for the ‘Nagaland Health Project,’ which aims to improve health services across the state
India ranks 92nd in 2017 Global Talent Index
India ranked 92nd on the global index of talent competitiveness that measures how countries grow, attract and retain talent, a list topped by Switzerland.
India’s ranking is worst among the five BRICS countries. While China was ranked at the 54th place, Russian Federation was placed at 56th, followed by South Africa at 67th and Brazil 81st. Switzerland topped the overall index, followed by Singapore and the United Kingdom in second and third places respectively, in the list released by INSEAD Produced in partnership with The Adecco Group and the Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore (HCLI).
India ranks 60th in Inclusive Development Index
India has been ranked 60th among 79 developing economies, below neighbouring China and Pakistan, in the inclusive development index, according to a WEF report.
The Inclusive Development Index (IDI) is based on 12 performance indicators. In order to provide a more complete measure of economic development than GDP growth alone, the index has three pillars — Growth and Development, Inclusion and Intergenerational Equity, and Sustainability.
Lithuania tops the list of 79 developing economies that also features Azerbaijan and Hungary at second and third positions, respectively.
India ranks 78th on global passport-strength list: Survey
The Indian passport has been ranked 78 in a global ranking of the world’s most powerful passports. Germany stands at the top with a visa-free score of 157, while Singapore overtakes South Korea and becomes the highest ranked Asian passport with a visa-free score of 156.
India stands at 78th position with a visa-free score of 46. While Pakistan and China rank 94 and 66 respectively. Afghanistan’s is the least powerful passport with a visa-free score of just 23.
EC allocates Samajwadi Party cycle symbol to Akhilesh Yadav faction
The Election Commission (EC) has allotted the Samajwadi Party’s official electoral symbol of ‘CYCLE’ to the faction led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The decision of the three-member Election Commission, headed by Nasim Zaidi, comes after two weeks of factional war between Akhilesh and his father and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav over the election symbol.
Timothy Gonsalves committee recommends reservation for girl students in IITs
A panel has recommended reservation for girl students in IITs to address the issue of slump in the number of female students entering the prestigious institutes. The committee is learnt to have suggested creating up to 20 per cent supernumerary seats for girls out of the total number of seats.
Karang in Manipur becomes first cashless island in India
Karang, a small lake island in Manipur, has become the country’s first cashless island. The Union ministry of electronics and information technology under its Digital India programme announced Karang as the first cashless island in India. Confirming it, deputy commissioner M Harekrishna of Bishnupur district said the island fulfilled the Centre’s necessary criteria.
The Karang Island is located in the middle of Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. Akodara, a village in Gujarat, had attained the unique status to be India’s first digital village in 2015.
BHEL commissions 500 MW thermal unit in West Bengal
State-run power equipment maker BHEL has said it has commissioned another 500 MW unit of Sagardighi Thermal Power Station Phase II in West Bengal. “The unit was the second 500 MW set to be commissioned at Sagardighi Thermal Power Station (TPS) Phase II project in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
The first unit of the 1,000-MW project was commissioned in December, 2015. The project has been set up by West Bengal Power Development Corporation (WBPDCL).
SIBM Pune to host Transcend 2017 on January 20-22
Transcend is SIBM Pune’s annual management and cultural fest. This is India’s one of the biggest B-School Events. The fest not only gives a good break from the rigorous academic schedule but also acts as a platform where people can showcase their creativity, talent and wit in our challenging and engaging events.
J&K Assembly passes resolution for Kashmiri Pandits’ return
On the 27th anniversary of migration of Pandits, the Jammu and Kashmir government has passed a resolution in the state assembly for the return of Kashmiri migrants to the Valley.
Earlier, former chief minister, the National Conference’s Omar Abdullah asked the government to pass a resolution to support the return of all sections of people who migrated from Kashmir over the past 27 years
AAI receives 45 initial bids under Regional Connectivity Scheme
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has received 45 initial bids from 11 parties to fly routes under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS) launched last year, the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
said in a statement. AAI is the implementing authority for the RCS, which aims to boost air travel in Tier II and Tier III cities by capping fares at Rs 2,500 per one hour flight.
The initial bid proposals submitted before January 16 deadline cover more than 200 routes and as many as 65 airports, 52 of them not served by any airline and 13 under-served airports. The government has now invited counter-bids against these initial proposals by February 1.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Russia on cooperation on Youth matters
Exchange programmes in the field of Youth Affairs between India and Russia will help in promoting exchange of ideas, values and culture amongst Youth through establishment of people-to-people contacts and in consolidating friendly relations between the two countries.
The selections for participation in exchange programmes shall be done in an objective and transparent manner and the outcomes of the programmes under the MoU shall be open for public scrutiny.
Cabinet approves five MoUs with UAE
Ahead of the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who will be the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day, the Union Cabinet gave its nod for signing of five MoU with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The MoUs covers bilateral cooperations in the areas of road transport, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), agriculture, institutional cooperation in maritime transport and training.
• The MoU is also expected to improve cooperation in the area of transportation technologies and transport policies and sharing of knowledge on Electronic Toll Collection System.
• The MoU would benefit Indian SMEs and lead to equitables and inclusive development” and provide the SMEs of both countries an opportunity to have a mutually beneficial relation and to explore their markets.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Vietnam In the field of cyber security
The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Vietnam in the field of Cyber Security. It was signed between Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), India and the Cyber Security Department, Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam on 3rd September 2016 at Hanoi.
The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation for exchange of knowledge and experience in detection, resolution and prevention of cyber security-related incidents between India and Vietnam
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Serbia for cooperation in IT and Electronics
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Serbia for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics.
The MoU aims to promote cooperation between India and Serbia in the field of IT and Electronics, and to foster active cooperation and exchanges between the private entities, capacity building institutions, the governments and other public and private organizations of the two countries in IT and Electronics.
Cabinet approves Trade Agreement negotiations with Peru
The Union Cabinet has approved holding negotiations for Trade Agreement with Peru on trade in goods, services and investment. A Joint Study Group (JSG) between India and Peru was constituted in order to explore the possibility for entering into trade agreement with Peru on 15th January, 2015. Both sides concluded the Joint Study Group Report on 20th October, 2016 and agreed to carry forward the discussions on trade in goods, trade in services and investment.
Cabinet approves to augment CGTMSE for supporting MSEs
The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the package for supporting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) – Augmentation of the Corpus of Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
The measures would result in the following benefits:
• Lowering the level of leverage;
• Improving sustainability of the Fund;
• Enable the Trust to enhance the quantum of credit guarantee to larger number of MSEs;
• Improving financial management; and
• Limit the unfunded contingent liabilities.
• Augmentation of the corpus would facilitate larger flow of credit to MSEs. This in turn, would lead to increased output and employment and thereby promote equity and inclusiveness.
Cabinet approves amendment in Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme
In a bid to incentivise investments and move towards the goal of ‘net zero imports’ in the electronics sector by 2020, the Union cabinet approved amendments to the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (MSIPS).
The cabinet had cleared the M-SIP scheme in 2012 to promote large scale manufacturing in the electronic system design and manufacturing sector (ESDM).
It provided subsidies for capital expenditure—20% for investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 25% in non-SEZs. In August 2015, the scheme was amended to enhance its scope and simplify procedure.
‘Passport Mela’ to be held in Mumbai on January 21
The Regional Passport Office (RPO), Mumbai will organise a ‘Passport Mela’ in the city to address complaints regarding passport issuance, an official said. The prime objective of the Passport Mela is to deal with the growing demand for passports and tackling problems related to their issuance in our region.
Karnataka allows sale of white kerosene in open market
The Karnataka government has decided to allow the sale of white kerosene in open market.Those interested in selling white kerosene in open market can approach the office of the Food and Civil Supplies in their districts.
On the other initiatives, he said the government will take steps to distribute pulses to the PDS (public distribution system) cardholders below the poverty line.
West Bengal Set to Give Legal Protection to Hilsa Fish
The hilsa fish is on the brink of extinction because of migration barriers, poppulation and overfishing.
It is soon possible that anyone who buys or sells the fish weighing more than 500gms can be arrested. The state of West Bengal is planning to introduce this provision under penal code very soon. The hilsa that is also known as the Indian Shad migrates to the Bay of Bengal every monsoon for breeding.
Govt launches ‘ShaGun’ web portal for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
An innovative progress in elementary education sector of the country by continuous monitoring of the flagship scheme – Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar has launched a dedicated web portal ‘ShaGun’, which has been prepared by World Bank in collaboration with Ministry of Human Resource Development. On this occasion, the Union Minister also reiterated government’s commitment for improving the ‘Quality’ of Education.
CCEA approves listing of five general insurance PSUs at the stock exchanges
The government has decided to list five state-owned general insurers and said it will bring down its stake in these insurance companies to 75%. The decision was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) .
These companies are New India Assurance Company, United India Insurance, Oriental Insurance Company, National Insurance Company and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC). The listing will allow companies to raise capital for expansion and not be dependent on government.
India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge to be completed in Dec
The country’s longest rail-cum-road bridge – the Bogibeel Bridge over the Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh – is likely to be ready by December this year.
MK Singh, the deputy chief engineer of the Northeast Frontier Railway in charge of the project, said 70% of the work had been completed.
The Bogibeel Bridge project has been 14 years in the making and has earned the dubious distinction of being one of the slowest-moving infrastructure projects in the northeast.
58th India International Garment Fair starts at New Delhi
The 58th edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) is beginning in New Delhi. Organized by Apparel Export Promotion Council India, the event is one of the largest and most popular platforms in Asia, from which overseas garment buyers can source products and forge business relationships with India’s finest players in the apparel and fashion accessories domain. Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani will inaugurate the three-day long fair.
‘Mawlynnong’ the cleanest village of Asia becomes role model for cleanliness
Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya has become a role model for other states in maintaining cleanliness and also tourists’ hotspot. It is also claimed as Asia’s cleanest village. Over 500 tourists from across the country and abroad visit the village daily. Through cleanliness, the villagers have created opportunities to earn money as the village has become tourists’ prime destination in North East.
Prez Mukherjee inaugurate 28th Dantan Gramin Mela in West Bengal
President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the 28th Dantan Gramin Mela in West Midnapore district in West Bengal in a few hours’ time. He is on a four-day visit to West Bengal. The fair will display the rural handicraft skills of the people of the region. The different goods ranging from textile to terracotta will be on display.
Madhya Pradesh Government launches Aanandam Scheme to help poor
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh launches Anadam Scheme to help the poor and the needed person. Under this scheme the people who are economic sound can donate items for the needed person. The state government of Madhya Pradesh has fixed the places in each district of the state where the people can donate items for the poor people. People can donate items like jackets, sarees, blankets, utensils, school bags for the poor people under Anandam Scheme
Bengaluru tops in world’s most dynamic city list released at WEF
To remain competitive in economic landscape, cities have to keep innovating and adjusting to constantly changing circumstances. Bangalore, India’s tech hub (now officially called “Bengaluru”), appears to be willing to refashion itself to thrive. It’s now the world’s fastestchanging city, triumphing over established global IT capitals like Silicon Valley and London, according to the JLL City Momentum Index.
Cabinet approves India’s Membership in the International Vaccine Institute
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the proposal for India’s taking full membership of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Governing Council. The move involves payment of annual contribution of US $ 5,00,000 to the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, South Korea.
International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, South Korea, established in 1997 on the initiatives of the UNDP, is an international organization devoted to developing and introducing new and improved vaccines to protect the people, especially children, against deadly infectious diseases.
Government shifts disinvestment advising role to Department of Economic Affairs
Union Cabinet approved an alternative mechanism to decide the modalities to do with stake sales in public sector undertakings (PSUs), so as to speed up the process.
In keeping with its ongoing efforts to streamline the disinvestment process, the government transferred the role of advising the government on how to utilize the proceeds from disinvestment from the department of investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) to the Department of Economic Affairs.
Government to launch prevention, screening and control programme for 5 noncommunicable diseases
Diabetes is part of a larger global epidemic of non- communicable diseases. It has become a major public health challenge globally. This disease affects 6.6% (285 million people) of the world’s population in the 20-79 years age group.1 According to the International Diabetic Federation (IDF), this number is expected to grow to 380 million by 2025. The IDF published findings revealing that in 2007, the country with the largest numbers of people with diabetes is India (40.9 million), followed by China (39.8 million), the United States (19.2 million), Russia
(9.6 million) and Germany (7.4 million).
World’s 1st electronic mode postal ballots to be implemented in Goa
Goa will become the first state in the country to opt for ELECTRONIC transmission of postal ballot to service voters in the upcoming assembly polls, chief election commissioner (CEC) Syed Nasim Zaidi. The returning officers will transfer the postal ballots to service voters by ELECTRONIC means so that the service voters can download it, fill it and send it via e-mail to returning officer.
Kolkata’s Eden Gardens to have names of Indian war heroes in stands
The Prince of Kolkata and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly joined the elite list of cricketers to have stands named after them when the C Block in Eden Gardens.
Former India captain Kapil Dev did the honour. K Block was named after former CAB president Jagmohan Dalmiya. Blocks D and H were named after former India opener and Bengal captain Pankaj Roy, and ex-BCCI President BN Dutt, respectively.
New world record set by 3.5 lakh sings Indian National Anthem in Gujarat
Over 3.5 lakh people have set a new world record by singing the national anthem at an event at Kagvad in Rajkot district of Gujarat. The occasion was installation of idol of goddess Khodiyar at a newly-built Khodal Dham temple in the town. “Over 3.5 lakh people sang the anthem together at the idol installation ritual in the presence of observers from Guinness World Records.
Draft steel policy anticipates Rs. 10 lakh crore investments
The Steel Ministry has proposed setting up Greenfield steel plants along India’s coastline to tap cheap imported raw materials such as coking coal and export the output in a more cost-effective manner, as part of the new draft National Steel Policy of 2017.
The policy, which envisages to more than double India’s domestic steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030-31, anticipates a requirement of ₹10 lakh crore of fresh investments to meet that goal and expects at least 11 lakh new jobs being created in the process.
Committee constituted to set rules for implementation of Disabilities Act, 2016
A committee has been constituted by the Centre to frame uniform rules for the states to avoid delay in proper implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act across the country.
The Committee, constituted under the chairmanship of Secretary from Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), will comprise of representatives from the Ministry of Health, DoPT, Labour, Legislative Department, and representatives from NGOs as members.
GAAR will be effective from April 1, 2017
The Centre has reiterated that the General Anti Avoidance Rules – aimed at curbing tax avoidance. The General Anti Avoidance Rule (GAAR) provisions shall be effective from the Assessment Year 2018-19 onwards, i.e. Financial Year 2017-18 onwards.
The General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR), which seek to prevent companies from routing transactions through other countries to avoid taxes, can be invoked through a two-stage process involving a nod at the level of principal commissioner of income tax and a panel headed by a high court judge.
India ranked 79th in the Corruption Perception Index 2016
India has been ranked 79th among 176 countries in the Corruption Perception Index 2016 released by the Transparency International organisation. Its score marginally improved from 38 in 2015 to 40 in 2016. India had a score of 36 in 2012. The organisation has used the World Bank data, the world economic forum and other institutions to rank countries by perceived levels of corruption in public sector
Andhra Pradesh Launches Rs 100 cr fund of funds for Fintech Startups
The Andhra Pradesh under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced Rs 100-crore fund of funds to invest in Fintech startups. Fintech is being seen as a promising space to generate job, thus the state has initiated an industry-academia-government partnership to tap and refine skilled talent available at cheaper costs to develop Visakhapatnam into a global fintech hub.
PSU oil companies, Andhra Pradesh govt ink pacts
The public sector oil companies such as the HPCL, ONGC and the GAIL have signed MoUs for
investing ₹1.65 lakh crore in Andhra Pradesh on several projects, many of them in the KrishnaGodavari
basin, according to Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas
Dharmendra Pradhan.Tthe importance of the Krishna-Godavari basin and the steps taken to
promote investment, both in the public sector as well as private sector, in the K-G basin for the
economic development of the State.