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Current Affairs PDF: February 2016

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela started at Faridabad

The annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela is inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister

Manohar Lal Khattar in Faridabad. This year is the 30th edition of the Surajkund

International Crafts Mela. The event will continue till 15 February.

This year Telangana is selected as the Theme State and the last year Chhattisgarh was

selected as the Theme State for the 29th Surajkund International Crafts Mela. Key Highlights

The main attractions of the fair are the Rich showcase of regional and international crafts and traditions.

The Craft Mela celebrates the Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage.

The Surajkund Mela is the largest crafts fair in the world with unique and diversity of the

handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India. The Surajkund Mela is planned by the Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in

collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs.

All the states of India and nearby 20 countries from the world participate in the Mela.

The first edition of the Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted in 1987.

DIPP gives nod to set up India’s first Defence Industrial Park at Ottappalam

The Union government’s Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has agreed to set up India’s first defense industrial park at Ottappalam a proposal from the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation.

It is expected that the park will be established in 231.25 crore, Union government and

Kinfra will invest in the project.

Key Highlights

The project will be recognized as a part of the Make in India, Make in Kerala project.

The proposed project aimed to attract the component manufacturers in the defense industry

with modern infrastructure facilities. The project will be developed under the Modified Industrial Infrastructure upgradation

Scheme (MIIUS) as per the Union government decision.

The park would be established in 60 acres of land.

Such sort of project attracts the foreign investors and help in the Make in India campaign.

Ottappalam will be proved as the best location for the project in every manner.

The park will have its own development and research center with 24*7 power and water

supply.


Tamil Nadu to set up 800MW supercritical coal-based power plant

Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalitha laying the foundation stone for the state’s first 800-MW

supercritical coal-based power plant. which will come up at Athipattu in Tiruvallur

district over 250 acres of land. About the project :

This is the first time in Tamil Nadu that a 800-MW unit is being established under the

supercritical technology. The project will be completed in August 2019 and 19.2 million units of power a day

will be generated

India’s fastest-growing state: Meghalaya

Meghalaya becomes the India’s fastest-growing state with a growth rate of 9.7% in 2013-14.

The growth rate of Meghalaya is higher than the fastest-growing state Madhya

Pradesh at 9.5%. The report was released by IndiaSpend.

But the growth of the state is not creating sufficient jobs and livelihood opportunities.

The highest growth rates in gross state domestic product (GSDP) are traced among

Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh in 2013-14.

The unemployment rate of Meghalaya is second lowest in India with 0.4% in rural areas

and 2.8% in urban areas in 2011-12.

Govt. sets up Tax Policy Council headed by Finance Minister

The Union Government set up a Tax Policy Research Unit (TPRU) and Tax Policy Council by

replacing Tax Research Unit and Tax Policy and Legislation. The TPRU is multi penal body its aim is

to carry out the studies on various topics of fiscal and tax policies referred to it by CBDT and

CBEC. Key highlights about the Tax Policy Council

The council was headed by the Union Finance Minister with nine other

membersincluding Minister of State for Finance, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman, Commerce

and Industry Minister Revenue Secretary and the Chief Economic Advisor, Finance

secretary, Commerce Secretary and Industry Secretary.

The Council is an advisory body

It will help the Government in identifying key policy decisions for taxation.

The TPRU consist of officers from both the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and

Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). The Tax Policy Research Unit consists of economists, statisticians, operational

researchers, legal experts will also helpin taking appropriate tax policy decisions and they

also helps to fulfill the needs of both direct and indirect taxes.

http://www.affairscloud.com/govt-sets-up-tax-policy-council-headed-by-finance-minister/


The council was set up by the recommendation of the Tax Administration Reform

Commission (TARC) so as to bring consistency, multidisciplinary inputs, and unity in

policy making.

NPS subscribers elevated to 1.15 crore

As of 23rd January, 2016 National Pension System (NPS) had 11,459,555 subscribers with a

total corpus of Rs. 90, 327 crore. The total Assets under Management are worth Rs. 109,140

crore while Assets under Management per subscriber is Rs. 95,000 on an average.

Division of subscribers as per different sectors

Sector No. of Subscribers No. of Subscribers Corpus Central Government 1611,020 14.1% Rs. 34,754 crore State Governments 2,859,094 24.9% Rs. 45,486 crore Corporate Sector 448,509 – – Unorganized Sector 128,484 – – NPS Lite 4,463,637 39% – Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 1,948,811 17% –

“Manchester of India” gave India its first underwater restaurant

“Real Poseidon”, India’s first underwater restaurant initiated in Ahmedabad which has been

created 20 feet below ground level. It has been owned by Ahmedabad-based businessman,Bharat

Bhatt. It has spread across 3000 square ft, it’s plushed with 1,50,000 litres of water.

It has a 1,200 square ft dining hall for 32 seaters.

Around 4000 species of fish and marine species are sourced from the local markets in

Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Vadodara.

Union Government issues guidelines in wake of Zika Virus outbreak

The Union Health Ministry issued detailed guidelines for fighting against Zika virus. The World

Health Organisation (WHO) had declared an emergency over the spread of the virus

Pregnant women should cancel their travel to the affected areas.

Travellers to the affected countries/areas should strictly follow individual protective

measures.

Persons with co-morbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension should take advice from the

nearest health facility before travel to an affected country. Mumbai has illustrious potential for Modern Retail

In accordance with the Knight Frank & Retailers Association of India “Think India. Think Retail. 2016” report, Mumbai Metropolitan Metro has the highest potential for modern retail in the

country at Rs 1.05 lakh crore.

Mumbai Metropolitan Metro is followed by Delhi National Capital Region, which has total potential of Rs 77,900 crore and Bengaluru is third in the list, with potential of Rs 48,600

crore.



Haryana, Ontario ink pact for cooperation

Haryana and Ontario in Canada had signed a Pact. It was aimed to enhance commercial and

cultural ties. This pack will help to facilitate knowledge transfer in areas like museum

development and cultural preservation

The pact was inked by the Managing Director of Haryana State Industrial and

Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, Sudhir Rajpal, and Deputy Minister of Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, Helen Angus, in the

presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Premier of Ontario, Kathleen

Wynne, and Premier of Prince Edward Island, Wade MacLauchlan.

Counter terrorism conference 2016

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Counter-Terrorism Conference 2016 at

Jaipur. Counter terrorism is considered to be about tactics, weapons, force levels and intelligence

gathering.

The important features of counter-terrorism strategy are:

Capacity building to prevent attacks through intelligence collection and collation

Development of technological capabilities

Raising of Special Forces and enactment of special laws

Modi attended Global Ayurveda Fest in Kozhikode

The 3rd edition of Global Ayurveda Festival at Kozhikode, Kerala has been inaugurated by PM

Narendra Modi. Ayurveda Festival Kerala is an international Ayurvedic biennial event started to

serve as a force to galvanize Ayurvedic sector to aspire, plan and achieve greater heights.

This international seminar gave ideal platform to update, learn and train by interacting with

the masters of Ayurveda & Allied Sciences of national and international repute. Kerala Govt also tied up with Asian and European countries to promote Indian systems of

medicine globally and planned to bring Ayurveda into the National Health Mission.

India ratifies CSC for Nuclear Damage

The Instrument of Ratification of the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for

Nuclear Damage, 1997 has been submitted by India to the International Atomic Energy Agency

(IAEA), marking an important measure in addressing matters related to civil nuclear liabilities. The instrument was handed over by Indian Ambassador to Austria and Permanent

Representative of India to IAEA Rajiva Misra to Acting Director General of IAEA, Juan Carlos

Lentijo. This ratification will come into force after 90 days, i.e. May 4, 2016.


Invest Karnataka 2016

Invest Karnataka 2016, the first Global Investors Meet (GIM) was held from 3rd to 5th February

2016 with a theme “where the future is made” at Bengaluru. During this two day Invest Karnataka event across energy, pharma, information technology &

biotechnology, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, Karnataka had signed 147 projects with a commitment to invest Rs 1.33 lakh crore.

India Investment Summit 2016

In a bid to succeed “Make in India” campaign, Ministry of Finance in partnership with SBI

Caps is organized an India Investment Summit in New Delhi. Focused Areas of Summit – Road transport, highways, ports, urban infrastructure, railways,

power and renewable energy and State Level projects

During the event FinMin launched the Logo of National Investment and Infrastructure

Fund (NIIF) which is established as a Category II Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Regulations.

Maharashtra rolls out Deradicalisation Programme in wake of IS threat

Maharashtra had rolled out a deradicalisation programme for the minority community

because of home-grown extremism and the global Islamic State (IS) threat. The program aims to bringing youth of the minority community into the mainstream and

making coordinated efforts in education, sports, urban planning, law and order, skill development, women and child, social justice, and health.

Odisha permitted tourists into certain tribal areas after three years ban

After 3 years of ban, Odisha government has lifted the restrictions on visit of foreign tourists to

certain tribal areas in the State, which was imposed due to the abduction of two Italian

tourists in Kandhamal district by Maoists.

Highlights of the revised guidelines:

Foreign tourists have been asked to pay respect to the culture and tradition of tribals.

The tourists will have to submit their proposed itinerary to the police superintendents of the concerned districts.

The foreign tourists have been asked to take photographs only with the consent of the

tribals.

Govt approves Rs 17,000-crore highways projects for 9 states

The government of India had approved highway projects worth about Rs 17,000 crore for 9

states. These projects have been built under National Highways Development Project (NHDP). These projects are built for Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Odisha, Uttar

Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Punjab.



Under these 18 projects will be built with about 1,000 kms of highways for 9 states

These projects will attract investors in the highway building sector.

Union Government to set up National Organic Farming Research Institute in Sikkim

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had decided to set up National Organic Farming Research Institute in Sikkim by upgrading the Regional Centre of the Indian

Council of Agricultural Research in Gangtok. The assessment for institute was made by the Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan

Singh and Sikkim Agriculture Minister Somnath Poudyal in New Delhi.

Sikkim will be now the first fully organic state in the country

Prime Minister dedicated Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited to Nation

The Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi had been dedicated to the nation, Brahmaputra Cracker

and Polymer Limited, a petrochemical complex, at Lepetkata, near Dibrugarh.

This is the first ever petro-chemical project in the entire North-East.

The project will help in employment generation, and avoid massive cost overruns.

The Projects includes MUDRA and Start-up India to create fresh opportunities for the

youth. These projects will provide natural raw material for the industrial purposes.

Sushma Swaraj visit to Sri Lanka – An Overview

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was on two day visit to Sri Lanka to discuss the

fishermen’s issue and rights of minority Tamils. 9th Joint Commission meeting

Both Nations signed MoUs on education and health sectors

Rise of Digital India

9th Joint Commission meeting

The 9th session of Joint Commission meeting was co-chaired by Sushma Swaraj and Sri Lankan

foreign affair minister Mangala Samaraweera.

The discussions covered – economic cooperation, trade, power and energy, technical and

maritime cooperation, social, cultural and educational matters, science and technology, defence cooperation, health, civil aviation, tourism and people-to-people contact.

Both Nations signed MoUs on education and health sectors

Renovating 27 schools in the Tamil-dominated Northern Province.

Building a surgical ward and supplying medical equipment to the Batticaloa Teaching

Hospital in the East.

Fisherman Issue

Both Nations agreed to find an innovative and lasting solution to the fishermen issue.



Flashback of issue – Sri Lanka accuses Indian fishermen of straying into its territorial waters, while India maintain they are only fishing in their traditional areas around

Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Colombo in 1974. Right of Minority Tamils

Sri Lanka agreed to devolve power to minority Tamils under a new Constitution, aimed at

resolving the ethnic conflict and achieving reconciliation with Tamils. Rise of Digital India

Sushma Swaraj inaugurates Rise of Digital India exhibition as part of “Sangam” festival of India in Sri Lanka 2015-2016.

The exhibition showcased the upgradation of computing sector and digital technologies in India and how it is positively impacting the day to day lives of society.

India offers succored to Sri Lanka in IT sector

India is all set to assist Sri Lanka in in the information technology (IT) sector and set up an IT park

in island nation that could attract investments in this sector.

Govt consented to Heritage Development Projects for AP & Telangana

In a bid to improve tourist infrastructure in heritage places of Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh and

Warangal in Telangana, urban development ministry has given its stamp of approval to the

projects worth of Rs. 12 crore. An inter-Ministerial HRIDAY National Empowered Committee approved development of

Heritage Park in Amaravati and 1000 Pillar Temple, Kazipet Durgah andPadmakshi Temple in Warangal.

About Amaravati Heritage Park

It will be developed over an area of 3.50 acre at an outlay of Rs.7.36 crore. Division of expenditure:

Area Amount

Exhibition complex with four halls Rs. 92 lakh

22 statues Rs. 2 crore

20 shops Rs. 1 crore

Parking area Rs. 60 lakh

Pathways Rs. 44 lakh

Landscaping Rs. 76 lakh

Project Sunrise launched for prevention of AIDS in NE states

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had launched Project Sunrise on for prevention

of AIDS in the 8 North-Eastern states. The funding of project is done by theCentre for Disease

Control of the United States. First cases of HIV were diagnosed in 1986 among sex workers in

Chennai.

The objective of this AIDS prevention project is to diagnose 90 per cent of such drug

addicts with HIV and put them under treatment by 2020.



Key highlights

The project will create more awareness about the disease in these N-E states.

This programme will be implemented in 20 districts of the eight states including four

districts of Manipur- Imphal East, Bishnupur, Ukhrul and Churachandpur.

The project will cover one lakh people suffering with HIV/AIDS the government will provide them treatment and care facilities free of cost.

Maiden Kerala Literature Festival held at Kozhikode

The maiden Kerala Literature Festival was hosted in Kozhikode at which key topics like

spirituality, social media, women’s issues, Dalit issues, freedom of expression, environment issues

and media activism were discussed.

Dalit issues were also discussed in a session “Dalit Literature Past and

Present”and “Consciousness of Indian Religion and the Suicide of Rohith Vemula”.

Noted documentaries, feature films and documentary fictions were also screened on

various contemporary topics.

PM dedicates NISER to the nation

National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) at Bhubaneswar, Odisha has

been dedicated by PM Modi to the nation.

The Prime Minister urged the students of NISER to work towards making NISER India’s

greenest campus, and a zero-emission, zero-discharge campus which uses only

renewable energy.

India has over 15 lakh registered companies

As per the latest data compiled by the Corporate Affairs Ministry, India has more than 15 lakh

registered companies but only 10.7 lakh of them were active at the end of 2015. This is higher than 14.39 lakh companies registered at the end of December 2014.

The Corporate Affairs Ministry is implementing the Companies Act, 2013 whose most

provisions came into force in April 2014.

Akhilesh Yadav launches new UP Revenue Code

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had launched a new UP Revenue Code.

The aim of this launch is to eradicate old laws relating land revenue and land reforms and

greater dispute resolution. The old revenue laws will be abolished and now new simplified and rapid laws were

maintained and implemented.

The new code 39 Acts is implemented which includes Land Revenue Act 1901 and after

this Zamindari and Land Reform Act 1950 will be abolished.



India’s first fully solar-powered educational institute now in Puducherry

India’s first fully solar-powered educational institute had been launched by Sri Aurobindo

International Centre for Education Puducherry. The institutes produce three times of the electricity it consumes through solar

power plants. The institute saves Rs 10,000 every month on the electricity bill.

The solar plant system is installed on the roofs of the dining room, primary school, library and high school of the campus.

The institute has been self-sufficient in energy since September 2014.

“Personalised take away bedrolls” service in Indian Railways

Union Railway ministry has instigated the Personalised take away bedrolls scheme for

Chennai Central Railway Station and Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station of Southern Railway. It has been announced by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu during an event

held at East Tambaram Railway Colony Ground in Tambaram, Chennai.

Features of Bedrolls

Bedrolls are disposable and their cost is inclusive of all taxes and uniform across stations over

Indian Railways. Type 1 – Bedroll kit packed in a non-woven fabric bag consisting of 2 cotton

bedsheets and 1 pillow at a cost of Rs.140. Type 2 – Blanket kit packed in a non-woven bag consisting of 1 blanket at a cost of

Rs.110.

India plans to eliminate malaria in 11 years, ahead of global target

The government India and global development agencies launch a programme to eliminate malaria in 11 years from the whole world.

The malaria elimination program is framed under three categories which is

decided by the number of cases annually occurred. Key Highlights

The malaria elimination program is framed under three categories which is decided by

the number of cases annually occurred. Malaria elimination is defined as a situation where a given area – district or state –

records no indigenous transmission of Plasmodium vivax and

Plasmodiumfalciparum, the two parasites responsible for the disease. Once all districts achieve that, a country is said to have eliminated malaria.

In category-1 states should have one of annual parasite incidence (API) at both state and

district levels.

In category-2 are states where overall API is less than one but in some districts it is more

than one.

Under the category – 3 states where API is more than one at both state and district levels.

Maiden Initiative: NDRF trains 162 dogs for disaster response

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has raising a squad of 162 dogs for their

specialised Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) tasks to succor its personnel in rescuing people


after natural calamities. NDRF has undertaken an exercise to train special USAR dogs as they are the best companion

of a rescuer during such challenges.

This is the first time that dogs for disaster response are being trained on such a large

scale indigenously.

NaMo inaugurated IOC’s Paradip Oil Refinery

PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 15 million tonne per annum Indian Oil Corporationrefinery at Paradip, Odisha.

It is IOC’s 11th refinery that will be instigated with a capacity of 15 MMTPA.

Refinery Cost – Rs 34,555 crore

Features of Paradip Oil Refinery:

It has been designed to process broad basket of crude including dirty and cheaper high

Sulphur heavy crudes from Latin America.

Capable to produce Bharat Stage IV (BS IV)/BS V quality transportation fuel to

comply with Auto Fuel Policy. Major products are premium grade high speed diesel (HSD) and motor spirit (MS).

Major by products – Petroleum coke (petcoke) and Sulphur.

Rs 1 lakh crore disbursed under MUDRA Yojana: PM Narendra Modi

Under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved Rs 1

lakh crore loans to small entrepreneurs MUDRA Yojana was launched in April 2015.

It aims to make youth to be job creators and not job seekers.

Fund will be provided to youth to make them self sufficient.

The loan is distributed among youth for their personal sector which will help them to

utilize their skill and create new job opportunities.India to hold Global Maritime

Summit in April

India will host the first Global Maritime Summit in April the decision was announced in the

International Fleet Review 2016 by the president of India.

Global Maritimeis an independent offshore and engineering consultancy.



The headquarter is in Stavanger, Norway.

The company provides engineering, marine and advisory services to the offshore and

shipping industry. India hosted the International Fleet Review was in the year 2001 in the city of Mumbai.

TRAI issued Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) had issued the ‘Prohibition of Discriminatory

Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016’. Highlights :

The act will prohibit the service providers to charge unfair taxes for data services on

the basis of content used by a consumer. The aim of the Regulations is to ensure that consumers get an unobstructed and non-

discriminatory access to the internet. RAI will take care whether the regulation will be properly implemented or not by the

service providers and will commence assess after two years or at an earlier date as it may

suppose to fit. The service providers are allowed to charge differential tariffs based on the websites/

applications/platforms being accessed on the internet after getting the responses and

the internal deliberations, the Authority had now issued the Regulations 2016. Some of the mandatory conditions are given as

1. No service provider will offer or charge unfair tariffs for data services on the basis of

content. 2. No service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever

name called, with any person, natural or legal, that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs

for data services being offered or charged by the service provider for the purpose of evading the prohibition in this regulation.

3. Providing emergency services at times of public emergency has been permitted with

low taxes for accessing data.

Mumbai set to get India’s first international arbitration centre

The state government of Mumbai plans to set up India’s first international arbitration

centre as a forward of the Make in India framework. The centre will prove to be a big step forward in realizing the transformation of Mumbai

into an international financial centre

Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration (MCIA) will help in attracting higher

global investments to Maharashtra. Rajnath Singh approves new disaster management norms

Home minister Rajnath Singh had approved new norms on disaster management to take care

of all emergencies arises due to any natural disaster in the country.



Key Highlights

The main focus of the norms is on countering rumours and not taking complaints of

missing persons lightly given the possibility of human trafficking. A nodal agency had been designated by Indian Meteorological Department for early

warning for cyclone, Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre and Indian National Centre for

Oceanic Information Services for Tsunami and Central Water Commission for floods. The disasters are categorised in various categories like very harsh type of disaster is

categorised as Red, moderate type is categorised as Orange and low type is

designated as Yellow. The National Crisis Management Committee will take care of all emergency arising due to

any natural disaster in the country.

GOI initiated “Hydrocarbon Vision 2030” for North-East

In a bid to make making hydrocarbons a tool to enable social and economic development, Union

Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan had released the North East

Hydrocarbon Vision-2030 in Guwahati. As a part of vision Rs 1, 30,000 crore will infused in the North East region for next 15 years

for the production of hydrocarbon. CRISIL Infrastructure Advisory has been designated as the Knowledge Partner to develop

for Vision report. The division of expenditure is blueprinted as – Rs 80,000 crore in upstream, Rs 20,000

crore in midstream and Rs 30,000 crore in the lowerstream.

State covered under Vision – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

Highlights of Hydrocarbon Vision 2030

The Vision aims at doubling Oil & Gas production by 2030, making clean fuels accessible, fast

tracking projects, generating employment opportunities and promoting cooperation with

neighbouring countries.

5 Pillars of Vision:

People – Clean fuel access to households fostering skill development and involvement of the local community.

Policy – Moderation in light of specific terrain and weather conditions of the region.

Partnership – Greater involvement of state governments in planning and

implementation and boosting trade with neighbouring nations. Projects – Pipeline connectivity for carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas,

and petroleum products, oil and lubricants (POL). Production – Production enhancement contracts, technology deployment, fast-track

clearance, and development of service provider hubs.



Maharashtra stood at top “Internet Readiness Index”

In accordance with the report on “Index of Internet Readiness of Indian States”, Maharashtra

is leading the list of overall Internet readiness index. Maharashtra is followed by Karnataka, Gujarat, Telengana and Tamil Nadu.

The report has been released by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)and Indicus

Analytics. The Internet readiness index has been prepared on the premise of e-infrastructure index, e-

participation index, IT services and e-governance index. Key Highlights of Report

Among smaller states, Delhi has been emerged as the topper in terms of Internet readiness index

and in the tele-density department at 221 connections per 100 persons. Delhi has been followed by Puducherry and Goa while Maharashtra topped the large

state group.

Among the Union Territories, Chandigarh stood ahead in terms of Internet readiness

index.

Laying of Agartala-Akhaura rail line to be completed by 2017

Ministry of External Affairs and Railway will lay the Rail Line to connect Agartala with

Akhaura in that country by 2017 which falls 10 km in the Bangladesh. Key Highlights

The centre govt has grants Rs 580 crore for lying of the five km railway track up to

Bangladesh border. The complete project will cost Rs 1,000 crore which would be given by the Centre

government.

The distance between Agartala and Kolkata is 1,700 km through Chicken Neck near

Siliguri will be reduced to 350 km if passengers will go through the new route. According to the detail project report the team had decided to construct a 3.7-km-long

flyover (viaduct) would be constructed along the five km stretch on the Indian side to

save cultivable lands around the track. The track will improve the connectivity and will boost the trade between the two

neighbouring countries. A team of technical experts from Ircon International Limited ( IRCON) will be the

representatives of state government of the Indian.

Government to ease norms for real estate business

Government of India is easing rules for real estate business by giving construction permits

around airports and monuments by developing colour-coded maps. The permits are taken from Airport Authority of India (AII) in New Delhi to build

projects around the airports.

http://www.affairscloud.com/laying-of-agartala-akhaura-rail-line-to-be-completed-by-2017/



Following the color-coded zonal maps and authorize real estate development the

government will going to empower urban local bodies.

Indian Railways on the way to Digitalization: Launched 3 IT enabled projects

On the sidelines of Digital India and to bring transparency in Indian Railways, Union Railway

Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has initiated 3 IT enabled applications. These IT enabled projects have been launched at a function held through Video-Conferencing

at Rail Bhawan in Mumbai. Here are the new launches:

1. Paperless unreserved ticketing mobile application.

2. Hand Held Terminals for TTEs.

3. E-booking of disposable linen on trains.

About Paperless Unreserved Ticketing:

Indian Railways has developed a paperless Unreserved Ticketing Mobile

Application“UTSONMOBILE” with the succor of CRIS. During the booking process, on-screen alerts have been provided to usher the passenger.

Payment for the ticket is done through the “Railway Wallet” feature in the app.

About Hand Held Terminals:

It will help in apprising the status of passenger list of the train. This app fortifies greater

transparency in the allotment of Accommodation onboard. About E-booking of Disposable Linen:

This facility will allows passengers to avail bedroll kits through online booking and from over the

counter at select outlets set up by the IRCTC on the stations.

Wild pigs declared vermin in Uttarakhand for a year

The ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has finally notified wild pig as

vermin for a year in Uttarakhand. The notification issued by Vinod Ranjan, additional director

general of forests (wildlife),Uttarakhand.

The forest department has sent the proposal to the ministry to declare both wild pig and

neel gai (blue bull) vermin. But only wild pig has been permitted. The powers conferred by section 62 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the

central government hereby declares wild pig (sus scrofa) listed at serial number 19, of the schedule III to the Act to be vermin and to be included in schedule V of the Act, for a

period of one year.

Assam CM Gogoi unveiled Vision Assam 2030

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had unveiled a draft document Vision Assam 2030. The aim

of the vision is to ensure inclusive and sustainable development in the state. The theme of Vision Assam 2030 is ‘Everything for Everyone’



The government is trying to transform the future of the people of Assam within 15

years. It is the efforts of the government to get rid of poverty, illiteracy and hunger for ensuring

healthy lives and achieving gender equality through women’s empowerment.

Sikkim Government to construct Mini Sikkim for showcasing state’s diverse & rich culture

Sikkim government will construct Mini Sikkim for showcasing the state’s diverse and rich culture.

The new market will enhance the business as it will attract the tourists to the state.

The new project consists of traditional houses of fifteen ethnic communities of

Sikkim. Government will construct new memorial and museum totally dedicated to the Indian

freedom fighters in West Sikkim district which will consists statues of martyrs from the

state.

Gujarat to have India’s first disabled-friendly beach

The Tithal beach in Valsad district of Gujarat have India’s first disable friendly beach in the

country. This project will provide proper infrastructure in public places to the disable

people.Government will provide Rs.5 crore in the first phase.

Key Highlights about the Project

This is the first disabled-friendly beach in India.

It aims to provide better facilities to the disable peoples at the public places like

hospitals, parks, movie theatres The facilities will be designed in such a way that disabled people can access them

without any assistance.

Greece is one more impressive example of disabled-friendly infrastructure.

Health Ministry initiated “National Framework for Malaria Elimination”

On the sidelines of India’s proposed action for the elimination of Malaria by 2030, Union Health &

Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda has instigated the National Framework for Malaria

Elimination (NFME) 2016-2030. Key objectives of NFME:

To sustain zero indigenous cases and deaths due to malaria the milestones and targets are set for

2016, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2027 and 2030 which will lead to achieve certification of malaria

elimination status to the country. By 2022 – Elimination of malaria from all low and moderate endemic states/UTs.

By 2024 – To reduce incidence of malaria to less than 1 case per 1000 population in

all States/UTs and the districts & malaria elimination in 31 states/UTs By 2027 – Interrupt indigenous transmission of malaria in all States/ UTs.



By 2030 – Prevention of re-establishment of local transmission of malaria in areas

where it has been eliminated and to maintain malaria-free status of the country. Key Strategic Approaches of NFME

Category 0 – Prevention of re- introduction phase

Category 1 – Elimination phase

Category 2 – Pre-elimination phase

Category 3 – Intensified control phase

Short Term Target of NFME

By end of 2016 – All states/UTs should include malaria elimination in their broader health policies

and planning framework. By end of 2017 – All states should bring down API to less than 1 per thousand populations.

By end of 2020 – 15 states/UTs under category 1 (elimination phase) should interrupt transmission of malaria and achieve zero indigenous cases and deaths due to malaria. Elephanta Island to get electricity from Independence Day 2016

Elephanta Island will soon get completely electrified by Independence Day 2016.

Elephanta Island is Famous for its Hindu cave sculptures depicting the cult of Shiva.

It is an electricity grid project worth Rs 25 crores.

Elephanta Island is UNESCO world heritage site.

It is a popular tourist destination designatedsince 1987.

It is also known as the ‘City of Caves’

The power cable network between mainlands Mumbai will be layed by government.

Madhya Pradesh gets first Mega Food Park

Madhya Pradesh gets its First Mega Food Park promoted by M/s Indus mega Food Part Pvt. Ltd.It was inaugurated by Union Minister of Food Processing Industries.

The Mega Food Park is expected to cost Rs. 127.70 crore in an area of 53.78 acres. Key Highlights about the project

It will help to give an impulsion to the growth of the Food Processing Sector in the state.

It will have facilities of 3000 MT Cold Storage, 9000 MT Dry Warehouse, Instant Quick

Freeze (IQF) 5 MT per hour, modern Quality Control lab and other processing facilities for

fruits and vegetables. The project will help in providing better prices to farmers.

Dr Jitendra Singh and Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurate the festival ‘Destination North-East-

2016’ The Union Minister of State Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space – Dr. Jitendra Singh and

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju had inaugurated the festival Destination

North-East-2016.



It will provide platform to the inherent economic, social and cultural strength of the North

East Region (NER) at the national level. Key Highlights

It will provide platform to the inherent economic, social and cultural strength of the North

East Region (NER) at the national level. It will be develop the states into a key destination for young entrepreneurs and Startups.

North East festivals will be organized in Mumbai and Bangalore in the coming months.

Gujarat Govt’s new IT policy aims to create 1 mn new jobs

Gujarat Government announced a new IT Policy and Incentive Scheme (2016-21), aiming to

promote the sector by providing subsidies to investors and create 10 lakh new jobs. Under the policy, the state Government would provide capital subsidy of a total of Rs. 25

crore to investors and incentives as discounts in stamp duty on land/office

transactions, registration fees, power tariff and VAT to those setting up units and the IT

parks.

It also lays emphasis on setting up R&D institutions, finishing schools and provides

incentives to units as well as IT industry organizations for participation in

international trade fairs..

States can clampdown mobile internet access under Section 144 of CrPC: Supreme Court

States can clampdown mobile internet access under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure

Code (CrPC) as ruled by the Supreme Court.

According to the rule if there is anxiety and people can turn aggressive and disturb public

tranquillity than that particular state can get tough on the mobile internet access.

Blocking the internet facilities during the serious situations will help the government and

local people and avoid the rumours. It will help to maintain law and order in the state during the violent situations

Vizag to be first major port to run on solar energy

Vizag port in Hyderabad will be the first major port to run on solar energy.

VPT is currently having 2MW solar power plantswhich were built with an investment of Rs. 60 crore.

It aims to generate 8 MW capacity solar plants.

These projects will help to overcome the burden of energy over the state.

NaMo initiated “Make in India” week In “Financial Capital”

In a bid to make Indian economy as a global manufacturing hub, PM Narendra Modi instigated“Make In India” Week at MMRDA ground in Mumbai. The Make in India week will

conclude on 18 February.



During the inauguration of biggest business expo PM Modi was joined by the Prime Minister

of Sweden Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipila and other dignitaries at the centre.

Participants – Dignitaries from 49 countries and Businesses from 68 countries

This flagship event will escalate Make in India initiative and to showcase to the world the

achievements of the nation in the manufacturing sector. Key Focus of make in India Week:

It will act as platform for exhibiting innovative products and manufacturing processes

developed in India. Asia Business Forum would comprise of a series of seminars, CEO meets, roundtables

and networking events on economic challenges, investment opportunities, design and

innovation. Hackathon would be a 24 hour marathon event where coders, engineers and

designers collaborate intensively for 24 hours to come up with ideas to solve urban design

problems. PM Modi in his speech stated that “India is blessed with three Ds: Democracy, Demography

and Demand. To this we have added another D – Deregulation.” Maharashtra inked 3 MoUs on the first day of flagship week:

Maharashtra had signed MoUs with 3 companies on the first day of the event, worth Rs.21, 400

crore.

BHU turns 100 years & set to honour PM Modi with Doctor of Law

Established in 1916 by freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Banaras Hindu

University (BHU) has completed its 100 years of foundation on 13th February 2016. BHU had played an important role in the freedom movement of India.

It was aimed to act as a bridge between India’s past and modernising world system in the

areas of social sciences, humanities particularly in evolving non-colonial history as a

discipline.

Peacock, India’s National Bird, Could Be Termed Vermin In Goa

The national bird of India Peacock will be termed a vermin and collected in Goa.

They cause brutal damage to crops like monkey and wild boars and therefore declared

Vermin. Peacock is a protected species under the Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act,

1972.

The step is taken after compiling the record of the complaints received from farmers of crop destruction by these animals.

14 | P a g e



Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa unveils new projects worth Rs 1,002.02 crore

J Jayalalithaa Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had inaugurated a series of projects worth Rs

1,002.02 crore which are taken up by Highways and Minor Ports Department. The project includes construction of new bridges, railway over bridges and

buildings. Foundation stone for construction of five bridges and five railways over bridges had

been laid down.The project will help the local people and the other connected states

Mysuru sat at top in Swachh Survekshan 2016

Minister of Urban Development M.Venkaiah Naidu released the results of “Swachh Survekshan-

2016” of 73 major cities that were surveyed for sanitation last month. As per results, Mysuru led the list as the cleanest city in the country while Dhanbad has

been ranked at the bottom.

Here is the list of top 10 cities

Rank City State/UT

1 Mysore Karnataka

2 Chandigarh Chandigarh

3 Tiruchirapalli Tamil Nadu

4 New Delhi Municipal Corporation New Delhi

5 Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh

6 Surat Gujarat

7 Rajkot Gujarat

8 Gangtok Sikkim

9 Pimpri-Chinchwad Maharashtra

10 Greater Mumbai Mumbai

Benefits only for who won quota place – The above benefits will not be applicable for

athletes who have lost all chances to win a quota place for India for Olympics 2016. They

would have to apply in the normal course for assistance under NSDF. The athletes are requested to decide their training programs for preparation for Olympics

2016 on immediate basis.

The 2016 Summer Olympics will hold from August 5 to August 21, 2016 in Rio de

Janeiro, Brazil.

Centre sanctions nearly Rs 4,100 crore disaster relief to 7 states

The government of India had sanctioned a sum of nearly Rs 4,100 crore as a disaster relief

fund to seven states. These seven states are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland,

Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Key Highlights

The High Level Committee (HLC) had approved Rs 4,087.27 crore as central support to the

http://www.affairscloud.com/centre-sanctions-nearly-rs-4100-crore-disaster-relief-to-7-states/



states affected by floods and drought.

From the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) Andhra Pradesh will get Rs 280.19 crore, Assam with Rs 332.57 crore, Himachal Pradesh with Rs 170.19 crore, Nagaland with Rs 16.02 crore, Jharkhand with Rs 336.94 crore, Rajasthan with Rs 1177.59 crore and Tamil

Nadu with Rs 1773.78 crore for the natural disasters.

Uttar Pradesh govt amends “UP land reform act”

Uttar Pradesh had amended the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reform Act.

The amendment allows the Scheduled castes to sell their farms to non-dalits without taking permission from District magistrate.

The new amendment replaces the Land Revenue Act of 1901, Zamindari Abolition

and Land Reform Act 1950 and Land Revenue Act, 2015. Before the act dalits have to sell their land only to daltis which was creating problems for

them while selling their land.

BHEL fully commissions 101 MW power plant in Tripura

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) had commissioned a 101 MW gas-based Combined

Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) in Tripura. This plant had been commissioned at Monarchak, 66 km from Agartala city.

The order was placed by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) on

BHEL.

ONGC will supply the gas for the project.

IIT (K), ICMR join hands for joint research

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) are collaborating for joint research, exchange of faculty and students as well as

tapping into international scientists and entrepreneurs under ‘Global Initiative of Academic

Networks'(GIAN). Keyfacts :

The two institutes are collaborating to facilitate student exchange programmes for a

short duration, such as summer/winter terms or short courses, or for a longer duration

not exceeding two semesters.

The two entities will also explore joint research projects under IIT Kharagpur-led

IMPRINT (IMPacting Research, Innovation and Technology) initiative in healthcare. This initiative is likely to be funded by ICMR, ministry of human resource and

development(MHRD), other Indian funding agencies and external funding agencies.

Govt to increase number of e-Seva centres in villages to 250,000

Communication and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad announced to increase



number of common service centres in the country to cover 250,000 gram

panchayatssoon.Currently, there are 150,000 such centres in the country. Highlights : It will enable “village-level entrepreneur to talk to national-level experts” for guidance, apart from

being an e-services distribution point. We have tied up with NIC and a bank and once they go through it will rise monumentally.

We are the first in the country to offer these services.

The government had used their e-procurement system for 1.18 million tenders worth

over 17.2 lakh crore until January 2016.

National Capital goods policy unveiled

The Government of India had unveiled the National Capital Goods Policy under the Make in

India apparition.

Key Highlights

This is the first ever policy for the capital goods sector.

It aims at increasing the production of capital goods from 230,000 Cr in 2014-15 toRs. 750,000 Cr in 2025 and elevating direct and indirect employment from the current 8.4

million to 30 million.

It is a unique scheme for the growth of industrial development by Government for scripting

a new growth. The new policy foresees increasing exports from the current 27% to 40% of production.

Making India a net exporter of capital goods the policy will increase the share of domestic

production in India from 60% to 80%. Through ‘Heavy Industry Export & Market Development Assistance Scheme (HIEMDA) the

policy will enhance the export of capital goods of India.

Jharkhand gets first mega Food Park

The Food Processing Sector in Jharkhand gets its first Mega Food Park in the State which will

directly beneficial for about 25,000 – 30,000 farmers. The cost of the Mega Food Park is 114.73 crore and will be projected in an area of

51.50 Acres.

It will have facilities of Multi Chamber Cold Storage, Dry Warehouse, Vegetable

Dehydration Line, modern Quality Control& Testing Laboratory and other processing

facilities for fruits & vegetables.

Indian Government to distribute 14 crore Soil Health cards by March 2017

The government of India will distribute Rs. 14 crore to Soil Health card in the country by March

2017

The aim of the initiative is to distributed soil health cards to 66 lakh farmers this

year and to 14 crore peasants by 2017 by achieving the target.



The Agriculture Minister highlights the need to convey modern technology in agriculture

sector.

Commemoration of 200th Birth Anniversary of Tatya Tope

The Ministry of Culture with the support of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library organized a

Special Lecture and a National Conference as part of “Commemoration of Tatya Tope’s

200th Birth Anniversary”. Makkhan Lal, of Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, New Delhi gave

the Special Lecture on the topic of ‘First War of Independence and the Indian

Nation’.

Cabinet approves to ink a consent in the area of Traditional Medicine b/w AYUSH and

WHO Union Cabinet has given its stamp of approval to ink a concord in the area of Traditional Medicine between Ministry of AYUSH, GOI and World Health Organization, Geneva. For carrying out collaborative activities, the spending will be met from the allocated

budget under the current plan schemes of Ministry of AYUSH.

As a part of collaboration, WHO activities will assign to India for the development of following WHO

technical publications which will help in improving International acceptability and branding of Ayush

systems.

1. Benchmarks for training in Yoga

2. Benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda

3. Benchmarks for practice in Unani Medicine

4. Benchmarks for practice in Panchakarma

Himachal’s Samej village becomes smokeless by Indian Oil Corporation

The Samej village in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh becomes smokeless by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) under the Union Government’s campaign.

Indian Oil Corporation authorities distributed 130 gas connections to the villagers before

these villagers were using fire wood in their homes. The Indian Oil Corporation initiative made this village hundred percent smokeless.

In Himachal 83 percent people are using the LPG.

Such initiatives will help to make the state fully smoke free and will prevent deforestation.

ICC Cricket for Good and UNICEF launched Team Swachh clinics in partnership with BCCI

International Cricket Council (ICC) and United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

had launched theTeam Swachh clinics in partnership with BCCI during the ICC WT20 Host City

Tour.


The Team Swachh clinics were launched at theHPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

This is the first in the series of alliance between the ICC and UNICEF under the aegis of Cricket for Good.


The alliance aims at building a social movement for sanitation and toilet use with the

impact of cricket.

CCEA approves construction of 6 railway lines at a cost of Rs. 10,700 cr

The Cabinet on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had approved the construction of 6 railway lines and

a railway bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 10,700 crore. These six lanes include Hubli-Chickajur line, Wardha (Sewagram) Ballarshah, Ramna-

Singrauli line Anuppur-Katni, Katni-Singrauli line and Rampur Dumra-Tal-Rajendrapul

line. The new railway lines will organize the increased railway passenger and their needs.

Haryana, South Korean state of Chungcheongbuk to collaborate on technology and

development Haryana and South Korean state of Chungcheongbuk had agreed to collaborate on technology

and development. Haryana’s CM Manohar Lal Khattar had accepted the proposal for sister-statehood

relationship made with delegation from South Korea.

Some of the South Korean companies in India are Samsung,LG and Hyundai and

currently added companies are Kakodear, Casco, LS cables and SD Bio Sensor. For the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit-2016 government invites the South

Korean businesses and investors which is scheduled to be organized in Gurgaon on March

7-8.

AID to urban poor!! 81,757 houses in 7 states

In a bid to benefit urban poor under the PM’s Awas Yojana (Urban), Ministry of Housing & Urban

Poverty Alleviation accredited construction of 81,757 houses for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in urban areas in 7

states. Project Outlay – Rs. 4, 076 cr

The total houses sanctioned Housing for All initiative of the

Government will be built under two components viz. 1. Beneficary Led Construction – Out of total houses sanctioned, 58,456 houses will be

built under this component. As a part of this, beneficiaries will build new houses on

their own land with assistance from central and state governments.

State Houses Cities West Bengal 27,830 38 Telangana 22,817 45 Bihar 13,315 40 Mizoram 8,922 6 Rajasthan 6,052 9 Jharkhand 2,337 24 Uttarakhand 484 1



2. Affordable Housing in Partnership – Rest 23,301 houses will be built on the terms

that state governments will provide land and the central government gives an

assistance of 1.50 lakh per each beneficiary.

Khurja Yard gets Ultra-Modern Signalling System makeover

In a bid to match pace with latest technological innovations, Indian Railway Project

Management Unit (IRPMU), an arm of North Central Railway in association with

theConstruction and Open Line Units of the Railway, initiated a computer-based signalling

system at Khurja junction, a city famous for pottery in Uttar Pradesh. After remodeling and re-signalling, yard will have 256 possible movements leading to

immense flexibility. Key features of the project:

After remodeling and re-signalling, yard will have 256 possible movements leading to

immense flexibility. Signalling system in hot standby configuration has been used to provide redundancy to

increase reliability. All operations are being done through VDU’s (Visual Display Unit) provided in SM room of

Khurja station by click of a mouse leading to faster clearance of trains.

Standing room of all lines increased to accommodate full train lengths including two lines

for accommodating long haul trains of 118 wagons increasing freight moving capacity.

Tamilnadu And West Bengal To Invest 150crores In Waste Management

Solid waste management is a project under the Swachh Bharat mission. It has been found that

the Indian cities generate about 170 million tonnes of solid waste every year. The government has allocated 37000 crores of 62,009 crores for solid waste

management. Now according to sources from urban ministry, Tamil Nadu and West

Bengal have used around 150 crores in this regard.

Tamil Nadu - TN government has set up a waste management plant at Venkatamangalam

West Bengal - West Bengal govt has utilized 92 crores to set up 200 compactors across the state

for waste management

Union Cabinet gives nod to Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Union Cabinet had given nod to Election laws (Amendment) Bill 2016 in the Budget session of Parliament to amend two electoral laws.

Section 11 of the Delimitation Act, 2002 and Section 9 of the Representation of the

People Act, 1950 were amended. As per the amendment voting rights are given to the people who became Indian citizens

following the exchange of enclaves between India and Bangladesh.

http://www.affairscloud.com/khurja-yard-gets-ultra-modern-signalling-system-makeover/



First phase of Kerala’s smart city project inaugurated

The first phase of Kerala’s dream project i.e. SmartCity project has been jointly initiated by

state’s CM Oommen Chandy and UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Al Gergawi. The

project includes Rs 400 crore 6.5 lakh sq ft information technology tower. The project is a joint venture of Dubai Holding and Kerala government which is pegged to

provide 5,500 knowledge based jobs. Apart from the first phase inauguration, ministers also launched 4.7 million sq ft phase-two. It will

be completed in 36 months and provide 60,000 jobs.

Amendments to the Delimitation Act, 2002- approved by Cabinet

The Union cabinet headed by PM Narendra Modi on February 17 gave its assent to

the Amendments of Delimitation Act,2002.This is in continuation of Constitution

(100thAmendment)Act, 2015 and it further allows the introduction of Election laws amendment bill

in 2016.

In a historically important pact signed between Bangladesh and India on 31st July 2015, it

was agreed to exchange 51 Bangladesh enclaves and 111 Indian enclaves

Government nods clearance for 8 Highway projects

The government on Friday gave its approval for clearance of 8 highway projects worth 6000

crores.The total length of the project is about 350 kms. 2 Project has to be based on Hybrid-annuity model and remaining six under EPC method

The major benefiters of the highway project are Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab

,Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh

Key features of the project 2 Project has to be based on Hybrid-annuity model and remaining six under EPC method

The major benefiters of the highway project are Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab

,Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh

Now, tricolour to fly high at all central universities

In the aftermath of meeting called by Human Resource Ministry led by Smiriti Zubin Irani attended by 42 Vice Chancellors it is unanimously decided that central place in all central universities which comes under the ambit of Union Government Indian National Flag will be flown.

Unfolding Nation Flag will instilling the spirit of nationalism most of the VCs said in the

meeting held at Surajkund in Haryana. All central universities to fly national flag on a 207 Feet high mast their campuses.

Make In India Week ends on a High Note

The Make In India week launched by PM Narendra Modi in Mumbai between February 13-

18ended on a high note attracting huge industrial investments.



Keypoints

Organized by DIPP and attracted a total investment of 2 Trillion

Maharashtra holds half of the investments

More than 9000 Indian companies and 2000 foreign companies participated

representing 20 countries and 29 states

BHEL commissioned 270 MW unit of GVK power plant in Punjab

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd has commissioned a 270-MW coal-based thermal power project of

GVK Power & Infra Ltd in Tarn Taran District of Punjab.The second unit of the project is expected

to be commissioned shortly of same capacity. BHEL has also commissioned four Hydel power units of 82.5 MW each at Alaknanda Hydro

Power project in Uttarakhand earlier this fiscal. These thermal power sets of 270 MW rating have been improvised in house output of

210-250 MW which have been performing much above the national Average and

International benchmarks.

Maharashtra to set up Green Corridor to transport Organs

Maharashtra government has decided to formulate policy on Green Corridor to transport

organs within the stipulated time. The government also mooted the proposal

to appoint a nodal officer to oversee the

hurdles faced by the police over

jurisdiction issues.

The window period for transport of organs

is about five to six hours .The time not

sufficient to transport of organs by road in

case of farther cities to sort out these

issues Government is proposing more than

one organ at the same time to the

significant cost reduction. The government is planning to waive 20

% state taxes levied on airlines for air

ambulances.

Jharkhand State Budget 2016-17 publicized

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das presented Rs 63,502 crore budget for 2016-17 with

strong focus on agriculture, curbing tax evasion and women.

As per annual financial statement, from the total budget outlay, Rs

26,437.34crore was non-plan and Rs 37,065.35 crore was under plan.

Sector Percent

Women development 43.72

Education, Art, Culture and 15.30

Rural Development 13.78

Agriculture 13.07

General Services, 10.99

Social Security 9.76

Public Works and transport 8

Interest Payment 6.90

Energy 6.32

Medical and Public Health 4.82

Urban Development 3.53

Public Debt Repayment 3.26

Other Economic Services 2.42

Mines and Industries 0.72

Others 0.15



Key Highlights of Budget

State Budget of 2016-17 proposed to construct 71 new Smart Police Stations in 16 extremist-

hit districts, CCTV surveillance in Ranchi and Dial 100 for police assistance. Free LED solar study lamps for school students.

Multi-purpose examination halls to ensure regular studies.

Grants to the poor and the needy to visit religious or other tourist destinations in the

state or the country.

The government will also start a pension scheme for the HIV/AIDS victims at a rate of Rs

600 per month. 90% subsidy for solar pump.

For Women:

Training will be provided to 2,000 women from the SC/ST and OBC categories for

driving light three-wheelers and four-wheelers. Loans will be easily available to buy

vehicles.

Widow pension of Rs. 600 would be given to women above 40.

Working women’s hostels are to be constructed in six cities.

For Agriculture:

Setting up of “single window system” in all blocks of the state, beginning with 100 in

the first phase.

Solar pumps, lift irrigation and organic farming will also be promoted.

Awareness will be created among farmers to use power tillers in place of tractors due to

their efficiency and effectiveness.

MLA’s local area development fund has been increased to Rs 4 crore from Rs 3 crore. They will utilize them only for irrigation projects.

“Royal state” and “Heart” of India composed SPVs for Smart Cities

As per the statement of Ministry of Urban Development, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have

leading the charts in establishing the Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) for the implementation of smart city plans.

(Minister of Urban Development – Venkaiah Naidu)

The Ministry of Urban Development will infuse 200 crore for the 20 selected cities only after

SPVs are set up.

Where SPVs have been set up?

SPVs have been set up for five cities which include Jabalpur, Indore and Bhopal in Madhya

Pradesh and Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan.

Madhya Pradesh has set up a 12-member SPV for each of the three cities.

Rajasthan has set up an 11-member SPV for Jaipur and a 13-member body for Udaipur.

The remaining 15 cities will form SPVs in the next two weeks.



PM’s Hometown Restricts Mobile For Women

Narendra Modi is willing to take the Digital India initiative to the rural regions of the nation whereas

on the contrary in his hometown a village called Mehsana near Suraj has restricted unmarried

women to use mobile. The village leaders say that mobiles like liquor are spoiling the youth.

Flash points

It restricts unmarried women from using a mobile phone

If found violating the village resolution a fine of 2100 is to be paid

A reward of 200 is given to the informers

Girls can speak through their relative’s phone

Madhya Pradesh’s Katni to have India’s longest railway bridge

Katni in Madhya Pradesh to have India’s longest railway bridge of 14 km in length which is

three and half folds longer than the Vembanad rail Bridge that connects Edappally and

Vallarpadam of 4.6 Km in length. The Vembanad rail bridge in Kerala build by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) in 28

months at a cost of Rs.200 Once the project comes to operation, it would be the longest Railway Bridge among

the16 railway zones of the country. Its total length would be 21 Km included the down line of the bridge would be 7 Km

Swachh Himachal Padhai bhi, Safai bhi campaign launched

Anurag Thakur, President of Himimachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) and BCCI secretary

announced the launch of Swachh Himachal Campaign Padhai bhi, Safai bhi in Dharmashala.

Aim: creating awareness and better understanding among youth about the current sanitation

situation in the state and working for the betterment of it. It seeks the youths to participate in the events organized on behalf of this campaign to

transform of the beauty of the small state and to incentivize them various opportunities

will be offered. The campaign will be driven across 12 districts focusing urban and rural areas. This

campaign will be led by youths hailing from educational institutions. The selected students

termed Swachh Captains and Teachers included in it be named Swachh Teachers.

Uma Bharti to Inaugurate Jal Manthan 2016

Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati to inaugurate Jal Manthan 2 in New Delhi. The first episode of the event was organized in

November 2014. The Theme of the Event is “Integrated Approach for sustainable water

Management” and the event will last for two days.



Mahamaham Celebration ends with ‘Theerthavari’ in Tamilnadu

Mahamaham which is a Hindu religious festival celebrated in Kumbakonam once in twelve years

during the full moon of Tamil month Maasi (Feb-March).It ends on Feb 22 this year with the last

day grand eve being the Holydip.Auspicious time of Holy dip is between 12 noon and 1 PM.

Mahamaham also known as Kumba-mela is a ten day festival celebrated by Hindus once

in 12 years This year the eve began on Feb 13 and ended on Feb 22 with last day being more special

known as the Theerthavari or Holy dip Around 10 lakh devotees from various parts of the country were gathered to take a Holy

dip in the tank which contains water from 20 Holy Springs.

Last Kumbamela took place on March 6, 2004

Kasaragod district of Kerala declared as “Zero Landless District”

Kasaragod district of Kerala has been declared as the second zero landless district, after

Kannur.

It was announced during the “title deed mela” by the Kerala’s home minister Ramesh

Chennithala. The event was presided by state’s revenue minister Adoor Prakash. 30,900 plots have been identified for zero landless scheme in Kasargod District.

As a part of project, 73 acres of land in Kasaragod taluk and 971.10 acres have been

made available in Hosdurg taluk. Other Highlights of Events

To ensure land for all in the state, 10,271 landless families were given title deeds for

three cents land each under the project. 27 applicants were handed over the title deeds directly by the Ministers at the function

while the rest were allotted land through 51 counters specially set up in the stadium

grounds. The plots for the applicants were chosen through draw of lots in the presence of people’s

representatives with the assistance of the C-Dit.

Empowered Group of State Transport Ministers formed to suggest measures on transport

sector Union Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways led by Mr. NitinGadkari announced the

Empowered Group of State Transport ministers Headed by Rajasthan Transport Minister Yunus

Khan formed to suggest measures on ailing transport sector.

AIM: To Advice on policy issues to make the Country’s transport sector modern efficient and

transparent manner, and pledged to strengthen the sector.

To sort out accidents and traffic jams there is a need for technology that uses Satellite it similar to Air traffic Control and river Traffic Control



He also stated 5 lakhs accidents that accounts about 1.5 lakh lives and pledged to

reduce 50% of them by next five years.

42nd Khajuraho Dance Festival Begins In MP

The 42nd Khajuraho Dance Festival begun in Khajuraho, Chhatrapur District in Madhya Pradesh

The famous festival to showcases verities of classical Dances including Kathak, Bharatanatyam,Oddissi, and Kuchipudi giving a picture of the ancient tales like Mahishsur

Mardini and Krishna Rasa the auspicious showcase is organized by Department of Culture, Madhya Pradesh.

The festival is celebrated on the framework of Khajuraho Temple build by Chandela

Dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. The Performances includes Classical dances, Documentaries, Short Films related to

fine Arts and it will be held in front of the temples dedicated to Surya (The lord Sun) at

ChitraguptaTemple and Lord Shiva at Vishwanatha Temple. The Khajuraho Temple is a group of Hindu and Jain Temples in Madhya Pradesh.

They are one of the UNESCO World heritage Sites in India.

Exhibition on history of Indian coin & currency held at Great Hall

Displaying the history of Indian coinage, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley initiated an exhibition

on“coin and currency of India” in the Great Hall of North Block, New Delhi. The exhibition was organised by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

This exhibition showcased the how money has changed in appearance and

substance and evolved from barter to coins to the present day bank notes and e-money. Other events at exhibition

Book titled “Sentinels of Raisina Hill” authored by Mohan Joseph (Controller General of Accounts) and Dhirendra Singh (former Home Secretary) and other book dubbed “Indian Paper

Money” penned by Shri Razack presented a copy each of their respective books to the Finance

Minister. Here are some Interesting and Important facts regarding Indian currency

There cannot be banknotes in denominations higher than ten thousand rupees.

Coins can be issued up to the denomination of Rs 1000 in terms of Coinage Act, 2011.

The highest denomination note ever printed by RBI was the Rs 10000

note in 1938and 1954. These notes were demonetized in 1946 and again in 1978

respectively.

Currency paper is composed of cotton and cotton rag.

Notes are printed at four printing presses located at Nashik (Maharashta), Dewas(Madhya

Pradesh), Mysore (Karnataka) and Salboni (West Bengal).

Coins are minted at the four mints at Mumbai, Noida, Kolkata and Hyderabad.



Security Paper Mill that produces papers for banknotes and non–judicial stamps is situated

at Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. The amount of a banknote is written on it in 17 official languages of India.

Assam Cabinet approved Metro Rail for Guwahati

Assam Cabinet approved Mass Rapid Transit System and given green signal to Detailed Project

Report of Guwahati Metro Rail Corporation Limited. The 203 Km Metro Corridor will be completed in three phases, The Whooping 18,020

crore project’s detailed project Report with 4 lines adding 61.4 Km in the first Phase

of the project prepared by RITES Ltd. Phase I of the Project consists of 4 Lines with 54 Stations and all the trains will come

up with 3 coach structure that has the capacity of carrying 975 passengers each

The Project total cost would be shared by center and state government by 20% eachand

local bodies to contribute Rs. 350 Crore , while the remaining Rs. 10,074 crore will be

funded through soft loans from funding agencies guaranteed by the Center.

The Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi will lay the foundation of the project on

February 29 in Kahnapara where a station will come up to serve as node between the Line

2 and Line 3.

India to host 3rd Asian Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation

As a move to conserve the tiger population the 3rd Asian Ministerial conference is set to begin

on April 12 in India. The conference is inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 13 Nations will participate in this conference which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan,

Cambodia, China, Indonesia, India, Lao-PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.

It aims at promoting awareness about tiger conservation in Asia and around the world

Countries will share their knowledge about tiger conservation and exchange ideas

India having around 70% of tiger population will be the pivotal country

The tiger population has improved from 1912 to 2226 in India in last few years

Mizoram launched National Food Security Act, 2013

Mizoram Government officially Launched National Food Security Act, 2013 and will come in effect from March 1, 2016.The Act was launched by Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs

Minister John Rotluangliana at Aizwal in Mizoram. Highlights :

Priority Group people will be issued Subsidized rice through Public Distribution System from

March 1, necessary arrangements have made to implement on time. The Act will cover two third of the state’s population , Up to 75 % of the Rural

population and 50% urban population for receiving the subsidized food grain.



Over 706, 296 out of the total population of 11 lakh would be provided rice at subsidized

rate while the non-beneficiaries could buy eight kg of rice per month at a cost of Rs. 15 per

Kg. 9, 814 tonnes of rice would be required every month to meet the requirement of Public

Distribution through this Act.

Sex ratio upgraded from 933 in 2001 to 943 in 2011

In accordance with the information received from Office of Registrar General of India (RGI), India has shown a mounting in sex ratio from 933 females in 2001 to 943 in 2011 for every

1,000 males.

As per report, female births has increased to 1,06,36,276 in 2013 from 94,63,528 in

2012 as compared to 1,18,44,107 and 1,04,25,752 male births in the corresponding

years.

This improvement in sex ratio is due to the measures taken by govt for girl child through

gender sensitive policies, provisions and legislations.

Cabinet approves incentivise cashless transactions

The Union cabinet has approved to incentivize cashless transactions by providing support in

various ways. It has withdrawn charges levied by banks, financial organization for using cards and

other digital means of money transfer

It also have paved way to use cashless transactions in government offices by removing

the need to provide proof Rationalization of Merchant Discount rate on telecom services to promote mobile

banking This will curb the illegal transactions as most of them are taking place through cash

transactions

President inaugurates India’s first gender park in Kozhikode

The nation’s first gender park to come up in the India’s Digital state Kerala, and it will be

inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee in Kozhikode. The Complex named Thantedam Gender Park will come up at Vellimadukunnu

in Kozhikode District, and the laid foundation stone put down on March 8 2013 by the

Kerela Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The park is initiative mooted by Social Justice Department of Kerala

The Complex named Thantedam Gender Park will come up

at Vellimadukunnu inKozhikode District, and the laid foundation stone put down on

March 8 2013 by the Kerela Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.



The park is initiative mooted by Social Justice Department of Kerala Government to

address social issues pertaining to all the three genders and to create an environment to

share global Knowledge and Experience in Gender Inequalities.

Union Government released Seismic Microzonation reports for Delhi and Kolkata

Seismic Microzonation reports for Delhi and Kolkata has been released by Union Minister for

Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi.

In order to minimize the damage of natural calamities like earthquake, microzonation is a

measure where the emphasis on the impact of earthquake on the habitat is given. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) classified the entire country into 4 major groups from Zone-V

(High intensity) to Zone-II (Low intensity). National Capital Territory (NCT) Delhi is located in Seismic zone IV of the macro seismic

zoning map of the country.

earthquake vulnerability of Kolkata placed at the border of Seismic Zone III and IV

Reports regarding Delhi and Kolkata

The Earthquake Risk Evaluation Center (under the IMD) who has merged

withNational Centre for Seismology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, undertook the

microzonation of the NCT Delhi and generated an integrated seismic hazard map of Delhi.

The Seismic Microzonation project for Kolkata was conceived by Indian Institute of

Technology Kharagpur in consortium with a few other organizations in Kolkata under

the aegis of the Geosciences Division, Ministry of Earth Sciences with full financial

support from the Ministry.

Sonam kapoor starrer ‘Neerja’ declared tax free in Delhi

The movie ‘Neerja’ starring Sonam Kapoor in the lead role has been declared tax free

in Delhiand UP followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat. The movie is based on the real life

of Neerja Bhanot . Neerja Bhanot, a young flight attendant was shot dead while saving 350 passengers from

terrorists on hijacked plane in 1986 The film ‘Neerja’ based on this real life story was declared tax free by Maharastra and

Gujarat initially and now Delhi and UP have also given tax exemption for the movie

Announcement was made by deputy CM Manish Sisodia in Delhi while Uttar Pradesh

CM– Akhilesh yadav tweeted about this yesterday

13th World spice congress begins in Ahmedabad

13th world spice congress-an event conducted by spices board, the cochin hill produce merchant

association and All India Spices Importers & Distributors Association begins in Ahmedabad.

It is a three day event. Around 1000 attendants are likely to participate in the event

Slogan: ‘Target 2020: clean, safe and sustainable supply chain’



India controls almost half of the world trade of spices contributing 48% in volume and

43% value in world spice trade It exports 18% of the total production

Kerala Becomes India’s First Digital State

Kerala becomes India’s first Digital State in the country by President Pranab Mukherjee,

formally at Digital Empowerment Campaign in Kozhikode. The state’s initiative will bridge the Country’s Digital Divide by 2020.

Kerala having linked all villages in the state withbroadband connectivity under

the National Optical Fibre Network Project Kerala state boasts of many first in the Human Development Index and the

Administrative works of the state to go digitally that makes the work more transparent

and efficient. Kerala E- Literacy:

Kerala government has launched two major projects in 2002 that made breakthrough, namely

1. Akshaya Project which aims making at least one person in every family E-literate.

2. The IT@school project with the objective of providing basic computer Knowledge to

every high school student. E- governance in Kerala:

The Digital state has over 600 e governance applications covering almost all

departments and delivering E services to the citizens.

The state has over 95 % mobile density and Internet Access covering over 60 % of the

population. Digital Literacy Campaign:

This Campaign aims at the Digital Empowerment of citizens from all walks of life and

enable ordinary citizens to access government and private services in secure manner. Once the Campaign extended throughout the state it will cover about three

millioncitizens in the age group of 30-60 years. The state is on track towards becoming a fully Digital Society by 2020.

NOFN Project: Kerala is the first state in the country to complete NOFN project imitated in 2011.

The Department of Telecom is set to Complete NOFN rollout to 2.5 lakh villages and

Panchayats in India by March 2016.

About 70,000 km of Optical Fibre is to be laid for this project and the total cost of the

initiative is Rs. 30,000 crore.

Govt to mobilise Rs 10 lakh crore investment under Sagarmala

Union Government to mobilise Rs. 10 crore investment under Ambitious Sagarmala Project, the mobilization includes 4 crore in the Infrastructure alone.This ambitious project is important



as Maritime logistics is a key component in Indian Economy, Accounting 90 % Export– Import trade by Volume and 72% of Trade by Value.

The project identified 150 projects under its belt, of the 150 projects emphasizing Ports

modernization and community Development projects.

The project identified 150 projects under its belt, of the 150 projects emphasizing Ports

modernization and community Development projects. Kempegowda airport receives platinum certificate from CII

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru became the first in the nation to receive Green-Co

platinum certificate from Confederation of Indian Industries(CII) This certificate is given based on the Green-Co rating system which is first of its kind to

assess the environmental impact created by organizations It assess the organization based on the implementation of water saving

projects,energy efficiency ,utilization of renewable energy, greenhouse as emission,

waste management, optimizing Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and green supply chain amongst others.

Earlier CII-silver certificate was given to BIAL in 2012

President inaugurates India’s first IT Park by labour cooperative & Kerala Tourism’s

Muziris Heritage Project President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated UL Cyber Park under the Uralungal Labour

Contract Cooperative Society in Kozhikode, Kerala.

The park to come in 25 acre land and the estimated cost of 270 crore at Nellikode in

Kozhikode district. The IT Park will provide Direct Employment to 4500 people in the first phase, indirect

employment to 20,000 people, the park will export IT solutions and products to United

States Kerala Tourism’s Muziris Heritage Project

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first phase of Kerala Tourism’s Muziris

Heritage Project at the International Research and convention Centre, Kodungalloor.

This project aims to create awareness and understanding of the cultural distinctiveness

and diversity of Muziris and to promote sustainable development. Muziris project compromises the best of Heritage tourism and to bring economic

benefits to the local people as well as knowledge to tourists about the ancient place. The project envisages Spice route initiative of the state with the help of UNESCO to

recover historic trade ties with 41 countries.



Madhya Pradesh presented State budget of 2016-17

Finance minister Jayant Malaiya proposed the Madhya Pradesh state budget in legislative

assembly in Bhopal on Friday. The budget estimates for 1.58 lakh crores. Total revenue receipts of the year 2016-17 estimates to be 14 crores which

includes46500 crores as State’s own tax revenue, 43676.36 crores as share from

Central taxes,11481.63 crores as Non-tax revenue and 24437.15 crores from Central Grants

Flash points

Total revenue receipts of the year 2016-17 estimates to be 14 crores which

includes46500 crores as State’s own tax revenue, 43676.36 crores as share from

Central taxes,11481.63 crores as Non-tax revenue and 24437.15 crores from Central Grants

Revenue expenditure for the year is estimated to be 33 crores in which Plan

expenditure amounts to 74401.69 crores, Tribal sub plan amounts to 16500

croresand Scheduled caste sub plan accounts for 11781.53 crores Major Schemes

Inter-caste marriage promotion scheme– To promote inter-caste marriages

monetary incentive is increased from 50000 rupees to 2 lakh rupees. This scheme aims at

eliminating untouchability

‘e-shakti’ campaign – It aims at training 3 lakh rural women to use Internet

The budget also proposes a increase in VAT on plastic products

Usha Kiran Kendra– It will be set to in every district of the state with an aim

ofempowering women. It will be established on the lines of One Stop Crisis Centers. These centers will provide legal and economic help to victims of domestic violence

Ladli Laxmi Yojana – 903 crore rupees was allotted for the scheme, under which

more than 21 lakh girls have been benefitted till date An entry tax of 6% for the goods purchased online is to be levied as e-commerce

results in loss of revenues

Punjab Government ban the sale of Army uniform in the state

Punjab government imposed a ban on the sale of Army uniform in the state without proper

identification. This announcement came following the Pathankot and Gurdaspur attacks in the

state. It becomes mandatory to submit the Phone number and Self attested copy of

identity card to the seller to buy Army uniform This rule came into force as some terrorists disguised themselves in Army uniform during

the recent Pathankot and Gurdaspur attacks in Punjab

The ban also includes the sale of red and blue stickers used by police vehicles

The government also prohibited the use of plates of political parties on vehicles



Union Budget 2016 – 17

On 29th February 2016, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented his third Union Budget for

2016-17 citing the acceleration of GDP growth to 7.6%. CPI inflation has come down to 5.4%.

Union Budget comes into effect from April 1. Highlights of Union budget Nine pillars of budget – Governance and ease of doing business, fiscal discipline, tax

reforms, Agriculture and farmers welfare , Rural sector with focus on employment,social sector with

healthcare, Educational skills and job creation, Infrastructure and investment & financial sector

reforms.

Tax Proposals – No changes have been made to existing income tax slabs Tax relief

Taxpayers with income below Rs. 5 Lakh per year – Relief of 3000 p.a. under section

87A.

Taxpayers living in rented houses – HRA deduction up from Rs. 24, 000 to 60,000 p.a. under section 80 GG.

Corporate tax

Corporate IT rate for companies not exceeding Rs. 5 crore turnover has been

decreased to 25% plus surcharge.

New manufacturing companies incorporated on or after 3.2016 to be taxed at 25% plus

cess plus surcharge. Start up

100% deduction of profits for 3 out of 5 years for startups setup during April, 2016 to

March, 2019 except MAT. Affordable Housing

100% deduction for profits to an undertaking in housing project for flats upto 30 sq. metres in four metro cities and 60 sq. metres in other cities approved during June

2016 to March 2019 and completed in three years. MAT will apply.

First time home buyers get additional Rs 50,000 deduction for housing loans up to35

lakh, provided cost of house is not above Rs. 50 lakh. Service Tax Exemption

For houses built less than 60 square metres.

Services provided under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana and by

Assessing Bodies empanelled by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. On general insurance services provided under Niramaya Health Insurance

Scheme launched by National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disability.

Exemption from service tax for Annuity services provided by NPS and Services provided

by EPFO to employees.



National Pension Scheme

40% of withdrawal at the time of retirement under NPS to be tax exempt. Tax on rich

Surcharge on income tax for those with incomes exceeding 1 crore per annum

increased from 12% to 15%. Tax on Car

1 % infra cess on small cars, 2.5 % on diesel and 4% high capacity tax for SUVs.

1% service charge on purchase of luxury cars over 10 lakh and in cash purchase of

goods and services over Rs. 2 lakh. MSME Category

Increase the turnover limit under Presumptive taxation scheme under section

44ADof the Income Tax Act to 2 crores to bring big relief to a large number of assessee

in the MSME category.

Others

Rs 1,000 crore allocated for new EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) scheme.

Krishi Kalyan Cess @ 0.5% on all taxable services, w.e.f. 1 June 2016.

Clean Energy Cess levied on coal, lignite and peat renamed to Clean Environment

Cess and rate increased from 200 per tonne to 400 per tonne. Excise on readymade garments with retail price of 1000 or more rose to 2% without

input tax credit or 12.5% with input tax credit. Excise duty of 1% without input tax credit or 12.5% with input tax credit on articles of

jewellery.

10% rate of tax on income from worldwide exploitation of patents developed and

registered in India by a resident. Non-banking financial companies shall be eligible for deduction to the extent of 5%

of its income in respect of provision for bad and doubtful. Infrastructure and agriculture cess to be levied.

Commitment to implement General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR) from 4.2017.

Excise duty on tobacco increased by 10-15% except beedi.

Basic custom and excise duty on refrigerated containers reduced to 5% and 6%. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare – Rs 35,984 crore

Govt will reorganize agricultural policy to double farmer income in five years. Here is the allocation:

Category Allocation

Agri credit Rs 9 lakh crore

Crop Insurance Scheme (PM Fasal Bima Yojana) Rs 5,500 crore

Interest subvention for agriculture loans and creation of Rs 15,000 crore

Accelerated Irrigation Programme Benefit (AIPB) Rs 17,000 crore

Long Term Irrigation Fund will be created in NABARD Rs 20,000 crore

Sustainable management of ground water resources Rs 6,000 crore



Enhancing of Dairy Farming – Rs 850 crore

4 new schemes – Pashudhan Sanjivani, Nakul Swasthya Patra, E-Pashudhan

Haat andNational Genomic Centre for indigenous breeds have been introduced to enhance

dairy farming in India at Rs 850 crore.

Other Proposals under Irrigation

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana to be implemented in mission 28.5 lakh

hectares will be brought under irrigation.

Promote organic farming through Parmparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and Organic Value

Chain Development in North East Region. 5 lakh farm ponds and dug wells in rain fed areas and 10 lakh compost pits for

production of organic manure will be taken up under MGNREGA Soil Health Card scheme will cover all 14 crore farm holdings by March.

2,000 model retail outlets of Fertilizer companies will be provided with soil and seed

testing facilities during the next three years Unified Agricultural Marketing e-Platform to provide a common e-market platform

for wholesale markets. Rural Economy – Rs 87,765 crore

Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families – Rs 2000 crore allocated for 5 years

Government is launching a new initiative to provide cooking gas to BPL families with state support. LPG connections to be provided under the name of women members of family. Other Proposals:

87 lakh crore will be given as Grant in Aid to Gram Panchayats and

Municipalitiesas per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.

Every block under drought and rural distress will be taken up as an intensive Block

under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Mission.

A sum of Rs 38,500 crore allocated for MGNREGS.

300 Rurban Clusters will be developed under the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban

Mission

100% village electrification by 1st May, 2018.

District Level Committees under Chairmanship of senior most Lok Sabha MP from

the district for monitoring and implementation of designated Central Sector andCentrally Sponsored Schemes.

A new Digital Literacy Mission Scheme for rural India to cover around 6 crore

additional household within the next 3 years.

National Land Record Modernization Programme has been revamped.

New scheme Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan proposed with allocation of 655 crore.

Hub to support SC/ST entrepreneurs.



Investments and Infrastructure – Rs. 2, 21,246 crore

Total allocation for road construction including PMGSY – Rs 97,000 crore

27,000 crore to be spent on roadways.

65 eligible habitats to be connected via 2.23 lakh kms of road.

55,000 crore for roads and highways.

Other Proposals:

100% FDI in marketing of food products produced and marketed in India.

Shops to be given option to remain open all seven days in a week across markets.

New Greenfield ports to be developed on east and west coasts

Revival of underserved airports – Centre to Partner with States to revive small airports for

regional connectivity of Disinvestment to be renamed as Dept. of Investment and Public Asset

Management. Govt will amend Motor Vehicle Act in passenger vehicle segment to allow innovation.

Banking – Rs 25,000 crore towards recapitalization of PSBs

Banking Board Bureau will be operationalised.

Target of disbursement under MUDRA increased to 1, 80,000 crore.

Process of transfer of government stake in IDBI Bank below 50% started (currently

its 80%). General Insurance companies will be listed in the stock exchange.

Govt to increase ATMs, micro-ATMs in post offices in next 3 years.

Amendments in the SARFAESI Act 2002 to enable the sponsor of an ARC to hold up

to100% stake. A Financial Data Management Centre to be set up.

Nuclear Power Sector – Rs 3000 crore

Govt drawing comprehensive plan to be implemented in next 15-20 years for exploiting

nuclear energy. Govt to provide incentive for deep-water gas exploration.

Education and Skill Development Higher Education Financing Agency to be set-up with initial capital base of Rs 1000

Crores.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to increasing focus on quality of education.

Scheme to get 500 cr for promoting entrepreneurship among SC/ST.

Digital repository for all school leaving certificates and diplomas.

1,700 crore for 1500 multi-skill development centres.

62 new navodaya vidyalayas to provide quality education

10 public and 10 private educational institutions to be made world-class.

Digital literacy scheme to be launched to cover 6 crore additional rural households.



Objective to skill 1 crore youth in the next 3 years under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojna.

100 Model Career Centres to operational by the end of 2016-17 under National Career Service.

National Skill Development Mission has imparted training to 76 lakh youth.

Health

A new health protection scheme for health covers upto 1 lakh per family. Senior

citizens will get additional healthcare cover of Rs 30,000 under the new scheme.

National Dialysis Service Prog with funds through PPP mode to provide dialysis at all

district hospitals. PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana to be strengthened and 300 generic drug store to be

opened.

Governance and Ease of Doing Business

“Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” Programme It will be launched to link States and Districts in an annual programme that connects people

through exchanges in areas of language, trade, culture, travel and tourism. Other Proposals:

A Task Force has been constituted for rationalisation of human resources in various

Ministries. Bill for Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services by using

the Aadhaar framework to be introduced.

Automation facilities will be provided in 3 lakh fair price shops by March 2017.

Amendments in Companies Act to improve enabling environment for start-ups.

Price Stabilisation Fund with a corpus of 900 crore to help maintain stable prices of

Pulses.

Prabhu’s Era: Rail Budget 2016-17

On 25th February 2016, Railway Budget for the fiscal year 2016-17 has been presented by Union

Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu.

The key budget document dubbed “Annual Financial Statement” aka “Budget

Statement”, showing estimated receipts and expenditure, has to be laid before Parliament in

respect of every financial year which runs from 1st April to 31st March w.r.t Article 112 of the Constitution.

Before heading towards the complete highlights of the rail budget let’s take a brief view on the history of rail budget:In 1920-21, a 10 member Acworth Committee headed by British

railway economist William Acworth made a “Acworth Report” which led to separation of railway

finances of India from the general government finances in 1924. The first live telecast of railway budget took place on 24 March 1994.



Lalu Prasad Yadav presented the railway budget 6 times in a row, as he remained the

Railways Minister from 2004 to May 2009. In 2000, Mamata Banerjee became the first women Railway Minister of India.

In 2002, she also became the first female Minister of Railways to present theRailway

budget. In 2014 railway budget, Railway Minister D. V. Sadananda Gowda announced the first

bullet train and 9 High-Speed Rail of India.

Here are the complete Highlights of Railway Budget

Slogan for all – “Sabka saath sabka vikas”

3R’s of Budget – Restructure, Reorganize and Rejuvenate

Capital expenditure – Rs 1, 21,000 crore

Expected Operating Ratio – 92%

Expected Revenues – Rs 1,84,820 cr next year

Budgetary support from Govt – Rs 40,000 crore

Saving from last year’s estimates – Rs 8,720 crore

Innovation grants to start-ups – Rs 50 crore

Head of innovative council of Indian Railways – Ratan Tata

Insurance company agreed to fund Rs 1.5 lakh – LIC

Expenditure on Modernization of railway infrastructure in 5 years – Rs 8.5 lakh crore

Elimination of unmanned level crossing – By 2020

Proposed freight corridors – Delhi-Chennai, Kharagpur-Mumbai, Kharagpur-Vijayawada

Location of India’s first rail auto hub – Chennai

New name for coolies – Sahayaks (will be trained in soft skills)

North East India states to be connected through broad gauge – Mizoram & Manipur

Cabinet approval for joint ventures with state govts – 6 MoUs signed with state govts

Sub-quota for women in each of the reserved categories in catering – 33%

Increase in seat quota for senior citizens – 50%

Number of bio toilets & additional toilets in 475 stations – 17,000

Publishing of magazine in all regional languages – Rail Bandhu

Initiation of WiFi services – 100 stations this year

Commissioning of new tracks – 2800 km

Electrification – 1,600 km in this year and 2,000 km proposed for the next year.

For Unreserved Passenger:

Antyodaya Express – A long-distance, fully unreserved, superfast train service to be

operated on dense routes.

Two to four Deen Dayalu coaches will be introduced in some long distance trains for

unreserved travel to enhance our carrying capacity for the masses. For the reserved passenger – Humsafar, Tejas and UDAY:

Humsafar – Fully air-conditioned third AC service with an optional service for meals.



Tejas – Will showcase the future of train travel in India by operating at speeds of 130

kmph and above, it will offer onboard services such as entertainment, local cuisine,Wi-Fi, etc.

UDAY – Utkrisht DoubleDecker Air-conditioned Yatri (UDAY) Express on the busiest

routes, expected to increase carrying capacity by almost 40%. SMART Coaches:

New SMART (Specially Modified Aesthetic Refreshing Travel) coaches would cater to

emerging needs of customers and also ensure lower unit cost of operations due to higher

carrying capacity. Ticketing facilities:

Plan to introduce bar-coded tickets on pilot basis to tackle menace of ticketless travel. Ticket vending machines – Initiating sale of platform tickets through ticket vending machines

which would be made compatible with cash and credit/debit cards

Intend sale of tickets through hand-held terminals for short-distance travellers.

Introduced 1,780 automatic ticket vending machines.

E- ticketing facility – Railways will open the e-ticketing facility to foreign debit/credit cards for

foreign tourists and NRIs. Enhanced capacity of e-ticketing system from 2000 tickets/min to 7,200/min.

E-booking ticket facility on the concessional passes available to journalists.

Facility of cancellation of tickets through 139 telephone line.

Improving customer interface:

FM Radio stations for providing train borne entertainment by installing PA systems in

trains.

GPS based digital displays inside coaches to provide real time information regarding

upcoming halts. Wireless enabled “Rakshak” devices to intimate gangmen about approaching train.

Drones to be used for remote monitoring of ongoing projects.

2,500 water vending machines at railway stations have been provided.

Swachh Rail:

Clean my Coach Service – A passenger can request cleaning of his/her coach/toilets on

demand through SMS. Installation of additional 30,000 bio-toilets in the next financial year.

IRCTC services & food availability:

IRCTC will extending e-catering services from existing 45 large stations to all 408 ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ class stations.

Local cuisine of choice will be made available to passengers.

Railwats will look at pilot availability of children’s menu items on trains.



Baby foods, hot milk and hot water would be made available on stations andchanging

boards for babies would be provided in train toilets. Rail Mitra Sewa & Accessible India:

Expanding of Sarathi Seva in Konkan Railway to help the old and disabled passengers

requiring assistance at stations. To provide at least one Divyang friendly toilet at each platform in A1 class stations.

To ensure availability of wheelchairs in sufficient numbers at A1 class stations.

Battery operated cars and paid porters services for specially able people.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Israel,Turkey sign gas deal worth $1.3 billion

Israel and Turkish energy firms signed an agreement to sell $1.3 billion worth of gas to

Edeltech announced by Israel’s Leviathan natural gas field offshore partners.

Highlights of the deal :

The deal involves selling the first gas from the Leviathan reservoir to the Israeli market.The agreement ensues two memorandums of understandings signed by the

partners with neighboring Jordan and Egypt last year. Edeltechand Zorlu Enerji, a Turkish energy conglomerate, will employ the gas to

operate two new energy plants being established in southern Israel.

Bengaluru tops in Asia Pacific on commercial realty growth

According to property consultant JLL report named ‘City Momentum Index 2016: The Rise of

the Innovation-Oriented City’, Bengaluru is ranked first in the Asia Pacific region in terms of city’s socio-economic growth and momentum in the commercial real estate space.

London, Silicon Valley Dublin, Bengaluru and Hyderabad is at 17th position in the

global ranking. Top cities in Global:

London, Silicon Valley Dublin, Bengaluru and Hyderabad is at 17th position in the global

ranking. Among the top 20, Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share with 11 cities among the

world’s most dynamic urban economies. These include ‘Established World

City’Tokyo, and ‘Challengers’ or cities competing for global reach and influence, such

asSydney, Seoul and Shanghai. The top 20 also includes ‘New World Cities’ such as

Auckland.

Top 10 cities in Asia Pacific:

Sydney, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Tokyo, Nanjing, Hyderabad, Melbourne and Seoul.



Highlights :

Covering 120 major established and emerging business hubs across the globe, the index

measures a city’s short-term socio-economic and commercial real estate

momentum. Bengaluru is the ‘Silicon Valley‘ of India with its mix of research institutes and higher

education establishments contributing to the creation of a strong information technology

cluster (IT)

WHO declares Zika virus outbreak as International Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus outbreak as an International Emergency.

Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and it is supposed that it link to birth

defectstherefore the WHO has announced it as an international public health emergency.

The announcement was made after WHO’s emergency meeting of independent experts

headed by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. Effects of virus are detected in Latin, America, Brazil, Costa Rica and Jamaica.

Bangladesh Cabinet approved draft of Citizenship Law, 2016 expanding scope for dual citizenship Bangladesh government has given its clearance for a new law that will expand the scope for dual citizenship for Bangladeshis.The new law includes a provision for five years of imprisonment

should one give false information to acquire citizenship. Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cleared the draft for the

‘Bangladesh Citizenship Act 2016’. The new law includes the following

Provision for five years of imprisonment should one give false information to acquire

citizenship.The law only allowed dual citizenship for Bangladeshis in the US and the UK

The new law says Bangladeshis cannot go for dual citizenship with SAARC countries and

Myanmar. The draft says that any Bangladeshi who pledges allegiance to a foreign state ‘directly or

indirectly’ will lose their citizenship, said the secretary. The new law is being formulated by merging ‘The Citizenship Act 1959’ and ‘The

Bangladesh Citizenship Temporary Provisions Order 1972’ Foreign nationals, married to Bangladeshis, will have to reside in Bangladesh for at least five years

to qualify for citizenship.



Nielsen’s consumer confidence index topped by India

As per the performance management company Nielsen‘s global confidence index, India sat

down again as topper with 131 points in respect to job prospects, personal finances and

immediate spending intentions in the fourth quarter of 2015.

In this recently released consumer confidence index, India is followed by

Philippines (117), Indonesia (115), Thailand (114) and Vietnam (112).

Figure of India is 54% lower than the third quarter of 2015 and higher by 6% points in the

first quarter.

Vietnam gets world’s longest cable car system

Vietnam initiated the world’s longest three-rope cable car system with a total length

of6,292.5 metres in the Northern Province of Lao Cai. It will connect Muong Hoa Valley and Fansipan Mountain in Lao Cai.

It has a capacity of 2,000 passengers per hour with each cabin accommodating 35 people. New World Records:

The system has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest

three-rope cable car route and also the world’s biggest height gap between its

departure and arrival stations of 1,410 metres.

Infosys to build the World’s tallest Clock Tower

Tech giant Infosys is all set to build the world’s tallest free-standing clock tower at its 345-

acre global education centre in Mysuru. The proposed 135 meter-tall tower will stand approximately 19 floors and will also

house a boardroom on the 7th level.

It will dwarf London’s famous Big Ben (96 meters), which is the currently the tallest

clock tower in the world, by at least a third of its height.

The tower is designed by one of India’s most famous architects Hafeez Contractor, who also

designed Infosys’ Mysuru campus with structural engineering consultancy provided by New York-

based firm LERA and built by Bengaluru-based KEF Infra.

TCS emerged as the world’s most powerful IT Services brand

The world’s leading brand valuation firm “Brand Finance” has rated India’s tech giant Tata

Consultancy Services (TCS) as the world’s most powerful IT services brand its Brand

Strength Index. The valuation firm has presented TCS with AA+ rating with a total score of 78.3. TCS also emerged as the fastest growing brand within its industry with a growth rate of

286% (2010-2016). Among other sectors, Disney was rated as the most powerful Media brand and Apple as

the most valuable brand for 2016.

http://www.affairscloud.com/tcs-emerged-as-the-worlds-most-powerful-it-services-brand/



India pips US to become world’s second largest smartphone market

India had beaten the US to become the world’s second largest smartphone market in the

world. Now India had crossed 220 million in active unique smartphone users in 2015. Key Highlights

The smartphone delivery in India also grew a strong 15% annually.

It is growing 23% on year to cross 100 million units milestone.

Samsung is the top brand of smart phone makers and Micromax stood second in

2015

Apple was the third largest brand.

In year 2015 the market had gone down by 9.1% on-year with 235.6 million units

sold.

The total sales of the smartphones had grown at 18%.

The share of Samsung in market is 19.8% and 25.7% in mobile phone market and

smartphone market respectively

While the Micromax stood at the second position with 14.3% share in the smartphone, followed by Lenovo-Motorola combine with 11.4% share. Intex stood at fourth and fifth

positions with 9.6% share and 6.8% share, respectively. In year 2014 the overall shipment had gone done nearly 3% to reach 243 million

Germany to host Laureus World Sports Awards in 2016

The 17th edition of Laureus World Sports Awards 2016 will be hosted by Berlin, Germanyon

April 18. The Awards will consist of 7 categories which will recognize the achievements of the

outstanding athletes from 2015, crowning the Sportsman, Sportswoman, Action, Disability

athlete and Team of the Year.

EU approved 3.3 bn Euros to Turkey to cope with Syrian refugee crisis

The European Union has consented 3.3 billion Euros of succor for Turkey to cope with the issue

of Syrian migrants. Under the deal, the EU’s executive is contributing one billion euros to the fund, while

the 28 member states will contribute the rest. The funding is aimed at curbing flow of asylum seekers into the Europe by tightening its

borders with Turkey.

WHO accords PQP certification to Indian vaccine maker Green Signal Bio Parma

World Health Organization WHO had accorded PQP (Pre-qualification of Medicines

Programmed) certification to the Green Signal Bio Pharma Pvt. Ltd.

BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) is a vaccine-making firm.

Green Signal becomes the second Indian company to get PQP certification from WHO



This certification helps GreenSignal to participate in the global immunization programme

that is facilitated through international procurement agencies such as UNICEF and others. GreenSignal is supplying BCG vaccine to the Government of India and Indonesia.

Hamid Ansari visit to Thailand and Brunei – An Overview

Vice-President Hamid Ansari was on 5 days two-nation tour to Thailand and Brunei for

enhancing bilateral relations by holding talks with the head of governments, political leaders and

Indian diaspora. Visit to Brunei

On the invitation of Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, he visited Brunei for three days. There

he discussed issues related to bilateral, regional and multilateral significance and also hold

discussions on cooperation in ASEAN and East Asia Summit (EAS).

3 agreements have been signed between the two nations:

Defence Cooperation – To enhance and expand the scope of already existing Defence

Cooperation in the form of naval ship visits, training of senior military

officers andexchange of experience.

Health Cooperation – To establish cooperation by means of pooling technical,scientific, financial and human

resources and pharmaceutical regulatory practices.

Youth Affairs & Sports Cooperation – To facilitate exchange of expertise in

coaching, sports Management and Administration, sports talent identificationand exchange of information in the field of youth Affairs.

He also met the Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah. Visit to Thailand On the invitation of Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, he visited Thailand for 2 days. There he

had a one-to-one meeting with Thai Prime Minister. This was the first visit by an Indian Vice-

President to Thailand after a gap of 50 years.

He delivered a speech at the prestigious Chulalongkorn University on the topic “India, Thailand and ASEAN: Contours of a Rejuvenated Relationship”.

He visited Wat Phra Kew (Emerald Buddha) and Reclining Buddha temple in

Bangkok. As a part of security cooperation he confirmed India’s participation in the Cobra Gold

2016 amphibious military exercise that will be held in Thailand.

Thailand is an important partner for the 3,200 km IMT (India-Myanmar-Thailand) Highway

that will connect Northeast India with Southeast Asian industrial zones.

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