Current Affairs January 2020 - National


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1 - PM Modi disbursed 12,000 crore rupees to six crore farmers of PM-KISAN scheme

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi electronically released 12,000 crore rupees under Pradhan Mantri Samaan Yojana to six crore farmers. He also awarded the Krishi Karman Award to the progressive farmers from 21 states. The fishermen of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were also given deep sea fishing boats and transponders that will help them to navigate in the deep sea.

Prime Minister emphasised on agro exports, value-addition of produce, marketing and doubling of farmers’ income by 2022.

2 - EC launched Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System

EC launched

The Election Commission (EC) launched a Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System to enable applicants to track the status of the applications.

Under it, applicants, applying for the party registration will be able to track the progress of applications and will get the status through SMS and e-mail. An association seeking registration has to submit an application to the Commission within a period of 30 days from the date of its formation.

3 - TRAI amended new regulatory framework for cable & broadcasting services

TRAI

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made amendments to the new regulatory framework for cable and broadcasting services with a view to protect the consumer interests. Under it, cable TV users will be able to access more channels at lower subion price.

The Authority has also capped at 160 rupees the amount consumers will have to pay monthly for all free to air channels. Authority has also permitted DPOs to offer discounts on long term subions which is for 6 months or more. TRAI has also reduced the maximum NCF charge to 130 rupees excluding taxes for 200 channels.

4 - India improved Sustainable Development Goals Index score by three positions

Improved Sustainable Development

India improved its composite score from 57 in 2018 to 60 in the Sustainable Development Goals Index 2019-20. This has been achieved due to better works in water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy and industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Kerala topped the index followed by Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

The states showing biggest improvement since 2018 are Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim. The SDG India Index track the progress and ranks all States and Union Territories on 100 indicators. It indicates where the country and its States and UTs currently are on SDG implementation.

5 - KVIC opened first silk processing plant in Gujarat

KVIC

In a historic initiative taken by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a first Silk Processing Plant was inaugurated at Surendranagar in Gujarat which would help cut down the cost of production of silk yarn drastically and increase the sale and availability of raw material for Gujarati Patola Sarees locally.

The plant has been set up by a khadi institution at a cost of Rs 75 lack in which KVIC has contributeed Rs 60 lakh. The unit has employed 90 local women, 70 of which belong to the Muslim community.

6 - MEA sets up new emerging and strategic technologies (NEST)

MEA

A special desk to increase investment coordination between the different states of India and foreign countries was created by foreign ministry named as ‘New emerging and strategic technologies (NEST) division. NEST will act as the nodal division within the ministry for issues pertaining to new and emerging technologies such as security implications of the introduction of 5G and artificial intelligence.

NEST will not only help assess foreign policy and international legal implications of emerging technology and technology-based resources but also safeguard Indian interests at multilateral fora like the United Nations or the G20.

7 - Indian Railways commissions first Waste to Energy Plant in Bhubaneswar

Waste to Energy Plant

Indian Railways has commissioned country’s first governmental Waste to Energy Plant, having capacity of 500 Kg waste per day, in Mancheswar Carriage Repair Workshop at Bhubaneswar in East Coast Railway. This Waste to Energy Plant, a patented technology called POLYCRACK, is first-of-its-kind in Indian Railways and fourth in India.

The project is world’s first patented heterogeneous catalytic process which converts multiple feed stocks into hydrocarbon liquid fuels, gas, carbon and water. The total plant installation cost is Rs 1.79 crore.

8 - NITI Aayog released SDG India Index and Dashboard 2019

SDG India Index

NITI Aayog released the second edition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index, which comprehensively documented the progress made by India’s States and Union Territories towards achieving the 2030 SDG targets.

The SDG India Index 2019 tracks progress of all States and UTs on 100 indicators drawn from the MoSPI’s National Indicator Framework (NIF). The process of selection of these indicators included multiple consultations with Union ministries/departments and States/UTs. Additionally, this year, the SDG India Index report has a new section on profiles to analyse their performance on all goals in a lucid manner.

9 - Fame India Scheme sanctioned 2636 EV Charging Stations in Phase-II

EV Charging Stations

In order to give a further push to clean mobility in Road Transport Sector, the Department of Heavy Industries sanctioned 2636 charging stations in 62 cities across 24 States/UTs under FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) scheme phase II.

Government sanctioned 2636 charging stations to 62 cities submitted by 19 public entities for 24 states. Out of these 2636 charging stations, 1633 Charging Stations will be Fast Charging Stations and 1003 will be slow charging stations. With this, about 14000 Charging Stations will be installed across the selected cities.

10 - 2nd round of Intensified Mission Indradhanush- 2 begins

Mission Indradhanush-2

The second phase of Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 rolled out at block level in 35 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The aim of the program launched by central government in 2017 is to achieve 90% vaccination coverage in children of less than 2 years in state.

Under the program around 66 thousand sessions will be organised for vaccination of more than 5.5 lakh children and around 1.3 lakh pregnant women of state. Intensified Mission Indradhanush will be conducted till March 2020.

11 - Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid foundation stone of ‘Delhi Cycle Walk’

Amit Shah Laid Foundation Stone

Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of Delhi Cycle Walk project at Tughlakabad in New Delhi. It is aimed at making the city most walkable and environment friendly. This 36 kilometre project is first phase of Delhi Cycle Walk which will have whole network of over 220 km.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 550 crore. It will be implemented by the Delhi Development Authority and likely to be completed in four years.

12 - BEE sets default temperature of 24 degrees Celsius in ACs

Celsius in ACs

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has set a default temperature of 24 degrees Celsius in all room air conditioners with effect from January 1, 2020. The central government in consultation with BEE had notified new energy performance standards for room air conditioners (RACs) on October 30, 2019.

The new norms provide that the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) as per the new standards will range from 3.30 to 5 for split and 2.70 to 3.50 for window air conditioners.

13 - Government released State Energy Efficiency Index 2019

Energy Efficiency

Union Government released the State Energy Efficiency Index 2019, which tracks the progress of Energy Efficiency initiatives in 36 States and Union Territories. The index incorporates qualitative, quantitative and outcome-based indicators to assess energy efficiency initiatives, programs and outcomes in five distinct sectors.

The index is developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency in association with Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy. It will help states to contribute towards national goals on energy security and climate action by helping drive Energy Efficiency policies and programmme implementation at the state and local level.

14 - Government authorised Rs 5559 cr for Indradhanush gas grid project

Gas Grid Project

The Union Government authorised the amount of Rs 5559 crore for 1656 Km long Indradhanush Natural Gas Pipeline Grid project which will connect eight states of the North-Eastern region. The amount will be provided as Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had approved a Capital Grant as the Viability Gap Funding to Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd for setting up the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid.

The total estimated cost of funding was capped at ₹9,265 crores (including interest during construction) for the project.

15 - IP based Video Surveillance System installed by Indian Railways

Indian Railways

In order to enhance security at Railway stations which are major hubs of transportation, Indian Railways is in the process of installing Internet Protocol (IP) based Video Surveillance System (VSS) at stations. Railway Board has approved works for provision of Video Surveillance System covering 983 stations over Indian Railways under Nirbhaya funds.

RailTel, a Miniratna PSU under Ministry of Railways, has been entrusted with the work of providing IP based VSS with video analytics and facial recognition system. Video Surveillance System is expected to ensure better security of passengers at railway stations and railway property.

16 - Home Minister Amit Shah dedicated National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to nation

Cyber Crime Reporting

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and dedicated National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to the nation. This state-of-the-art Centre is located in New Delhi.

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) is a citizen-centric initiative that will enable citizens to report cyber-crimes online through the portal. All the cyber-crime related complaints will be accessed by the concerned law enforcement agencies in the States and Union Territories for taking action as per law.

17 - Launch of Paperless Licensing for Petroleum Service Stations

Petroleum Service Stations

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched paperless licensing process through Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for petroleum service stations (retail outlets storing and dispensing petrol/diesel for motor conveyances) under the Petroleum Rules, 2002.

This initiative for petroleum pump licensing will benefit more than 70,000 petroleum pump owners and oil marketing companies. The authenticity of the license can also be verified on PESO’s website https://peso.gov.in/index.aspx. This automation will greatly benefit the petroleum and gas industry.

18 - Cabinet approved ordinance to amend Mineral laws

Amend Mineral Laws

Cabinet approved promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. The Ordinance will amend Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015.

These amendments will open up new era to the growth in the Coal and mining sectors. The Ordinance will ease rules for auctioning of coal mines and to open up to all sectors. The government has also done away with end-use restrictions of the mining blocks.

19 - Cabinet approvals

Cabinet Approvals
  • The Cabinet approved for an Agreement between India and Mongolia on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful and Civilian Purposes.

  • The Cabinet approved MoU with the Department for International Development Government of the United Kingdom for Enabling Energy Self-Sufficiency for Indian Railways.

  • The Cabinet apprised MoU in polar science between Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India and Ministry of Education and Research, Sweden.

  • The Cabinet gave its approval for the ratification of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France.

  • The Cabinet approved MoU between Department of Health and Family Welfare and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

20 - Minister of Petroleum launched Purvodaya to accelerate Eastern India Development

Purvodaya

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan launched PURVODAYA: Accelerated development of eastern India through integrated steel hub in Kolkata, West Bengal. Purvodaya, in steel sector, is aimed at driving accelerated development of Eastern India through establishment of integrated steel hub.

The proposed Integrated Steel Hub, encompassing Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Northern Andhra Pradesh, would serve as a torchbearer for socio-economic growth of Eastern India. The objective of this hub would be to enable swift capacity addition and improve overall competitiveness of steel producers both in terms of cost and quality.

21 - IEA released India’s Energy Policy Report

International Energy Agency (IEA)

In partnership with NITI Aayog, International Energy Agency (IEA) released the first in-depth review of India's energy policies. It examines the country's achievements in developing its energy. The report provides insights into the rise of India in global energy markets. The IEA regularly conducts in-depth reviews of energy policies for its member and association countries.

IEA report appreciated the Indian government’s efforts on its outstanding achievements in extending citizens' access to electricity, affordable efficient lighting and clean cooking in record time through historic schemes like SAUBHAGYA, UJALA and UJJWALA.

22 - India, Bangladesh signed MoU for content exchange programme between All India Radio and Bangladesh Betar

India, Bangladesh

India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh for content exchange programme between All India Radio and Bangladesh Betar. It will give more dimension to content exchange between the two countries.

An MoU between National Film Development Corporation, India and Film Development Corporation, Bangladesh, was also signed. India and Bangladesh, together, are co-producing the biopic on the life and works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The film is expected to be released by March 2020.

23 - Hallmarking of gold jewellery, artefacts made mandatory

Gold Jewellery

The government has made the process of hallmarking of gold jewellery mandatory but it has given one year’s time to jewellers to register themselves with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and clear their old stock. Gold hallmarking is a purity certification of the precious metal.

Hallmarking will be done for jewellery in 3 categories - 14 carats, 18 carats and 22 carats. The mandatory hallmarking will also ensure that consumers don't get cheated while buying gold ornaments and get the same purity and carat as marked on the ornament.

24 - NIIT to be a part of NEAT programme

NIIT

National Institute of Information Technology was selected to work with AICTE and implement the vision of Ministry of HRD on NEAT. NIIT will institute 5 awards of Rs 50,000 for faculties and 10 awards of Rs 10,000 for students.

National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) was launched to customise learning process using AI methodologies that can be used to address diversity in learners. Union Government has selected NIIT as one of the EdTech companies for the NEAT initiative through PPP model that aims at creating EdTech Companies.

25 - Government awards Rs 2379 cr for completing Z Morh tunnel

bi-directional tunnel

The government has awarded Rs 2379 crore for completion of the 6.5-kilometre long Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The two-lane bi-directional tunnel with parallel escape tunnel will be completed in 3.5 years. NHIDCL and APCO Amarnathji Tunnelway signed an agreement in this regards.

The project includes construction, operation and maintenance of the tunnel. Z-Morh Tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity to Sonmarg, tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir

26 - DV Sadananda Gowda launched APNA UREA – SonaUgle” brand of HURL

DV Sadananda Gowda

Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda launched the APNA UREA - Sona Ugle brand of Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Limited (HURL). HURL is Joint Venture Company promoted by the three Maha Ratna Companies - Coal India Limited, NTPC Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

HURL has undertaken the revival of 3 urea plants located at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Sindri(Jharkhand) and Barauni (Bihar) as a part of Prime Minister Modi’s direction of revival of 5 major fertilizer plants. The other two plants are at Ramagundam(Telangana) and Talcher (Odisha).

27 - Mega campaign ‘Saksham’ launched by Petroleum Minister

Saksham

Saksham, an annual one-month long fuel conservation mega campaign of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, was launched by Dr. M.M Kutty, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in Delhi.

Saksham aims at creating mass awareness among public about conventional fuel conservation. It will help in progressively reduction of carbon footprint and lead to fulfilling government's commitment for greener environment. Publicity vans of PCRA were launched at the event which shall visit rural areas and spread messages about fuel conservation awareness.

28 - Cabinet committee approved the closure of Hindustan Fluorocarbons plant in Telangana

Hindustan Fluorocarbons Plant

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved shutting down the operations of the plant and unit of Hindustan Fluorocarbons Limited, HFL and closure of the company. HFL is a Central Public Sector Enterprise under Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.

HFL has only one plant located at Rudraram, District Sangareddy in Telangana.

Government granted a interest free loan of over 77 crore rupees to HFL for expenditure exclusively on closure.

29 - NIC Tech Conclave 2020

Tech Conclave

The second edition of the TechConclave was held at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, New Delhi. It was organised by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The theme of the conclave is "Technologies for NextGen Governance".

The conclave covered the latest trends in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) that are applicable for the expansion of various products and platforms of eGovernance. NIC has been deeply associated with the Government for effective Governance.

30 - Cabinet approved Model MoU with foreign countries for unilateral/bilateral recognition of Certificates of Competency of seafarers

seafarers

The Union Cabinet approved the Model Memorandum of Understanding for unilateral/bilateral recognition of Certificates for the competency of the seafarers. The certificates are pursuant to Regulation 1/10 of International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978. The MoU will further be signed between the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India and its counterparts in foreign countries.

The unilateral MoU would facilitate unilateral recognition by another country of the certificates issued by the Directorate General of Shipping to Indian seafarers, without seeking similar recognition by India of the certificates issued by that country.

31 - Cabinet approved MoUs among India, Tunisia and Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission

Electoral Commission

The Union Cabinet approved for allowing the Election Commission to enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) and the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration.

The MOUs would promote bilateral cooperation, aimed at building technical assistance/ capacity support for ISIE and the PNGEC. This would also result in bolstering India's international relations.

32 - Cabinet approved MoU with Brazil on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters

India Brazil

The Union Cabinet approved the agreement with Brazil on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The Agreement aims to enhance effectiveness of both the countries in investigation and prosecution of crime through cooperation and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

In the context of transnational crime and its linkages to terrorism, the proposed Agreement will provide a broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation with Brazil in investigation and prosecution of crime as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime as well as the fund meant to finance terrorist acts.

33 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Brazil for cooperation in the oil and natural gas sector

Natural Gas Sector

The Union Cabinet approved MoU with Brazil on cooperation in the field of oil and natural gas. The MoU will enhance cooperation between the two sides in oil and natural gas sector.

Under the MoU, both sides will work towards establishing cooperation in the E&P initiatives in Brazil and India, research & development in this sector, explore collaboration in Liquefied Natural Gas projects in Brazil, India and third countries.

34 - Cabinet approved Revised Cost Estimates for establishment of permanent campus of new NITs

NIT Campus

The Union Cabinet has approved the Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) for establishment of permanent campuses of new National Institutes of Technology (NITs), at a total cost of Rs.4371.90 crore for the period till 2021 - 2022. These NITs were established in the year 2009 and started functioning from academic year 2010-2011.

With the approved Revised Cost Estimates, these NITs will be fully functional from their respective permanent campuses by 31st March, 2022. The overall student capacity in these campuses will be 6320.

35 - Cabinet approved signing of MoU between Brazil and India for bilateral cooperation in the field of early childhood

Early Childhood

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation between the Ministry of Citizenship of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Women &Child Development of the Republic of India for bilateral cooperation in the field of early childhoods.

The MoU will strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of early childhood care. Both countries will benefit from exchange of best practices of the respective countries in the field of early childhood.

36 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Brazil on Cooperation in field of Geology and Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Geological Survey of Brazil – CPRM, on “Cooperation in field of Geology and Mineral Resources”.

The MoU will provide an institutional mechanism between Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines of the Republic of India and Geological Survey of Brazil – CPRM, Ministry of Mines and Energy of the Federative Republic of Brazil for co-operation in field of Geology and Mineral Resources.

37 - Indian Oil signed MoU with National Petroleum Authority of Ghana

National Petroleum Authority

Indian Oil has signed a MoU with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) of Ghana for providing its assistance and technical expertise in the implementation of Ghana’s National LPG Promotion Policy. The MoU will strengthen co-operation between the Parties in the field of Petroleum in particular LPG by which Indian Oil would support the NPA on the successful implementation of the Re-Circulation Model (CRM) of LPG.

The MoU also provides for administrative assistance to Indian Oil in case it decides to participate as a commercial participant in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

38 - Ministry of Rural Development signed MoU with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Rural Development Signed

The Ministry of Rural Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), for furthering their mutual objectives of strengthening grassroots institutions of the rural poor.

The MoU reiterates DAY-NRLM and the Foundation’s shared focus on improving the lives of India’s poor and the marginalized. DAY-NRLM is also building social capital and ensuring financial linkages to alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of the life of poor rural women.

39 - SAIL launches SERVICE - a scheme to promote Voluntary Philanthropist Activities by its employees

SAIL

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has launched a scheme to promote Voluntary Philanthropist Activities (VPA) by its employees. The scheme called “SAIL Employee Rendering Voluntarism and Initiatives for Community Engagement (SERVICE)” will promote and facilitate philanthropist activities by the employees in a structured manner.

SAIL also has a dedicated interactive “SAIL SERVICE” portal for implementation of this Scheme. SAIL will undertake mass mobilisation programmes in its plants and units to spread awareness about this scheme and to encourage employees to participate in VPS.

40 - Government signed USD 210 million loan agreement with World Bank

World Bank

The Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra and the World Bank signed a loan agreement of USD 210 million to support small holder farmers participate in competitive agriculture value chains, facilitate agri-business investments, increase market access and productivity in focus commodities.

The USD 210 million Maharashtra Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project, will help build capacity of the nodal departments and institutions and increase private sector investments in agricultural value chains. The USD 210 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a 6-year grace period and a maturity period of 13.5 years.

41 - GoI launched “Seismic Hazard Microzonation” to minimise earthquake disasters

Earthquake Disasters

The Ministry of Earth Science has launched Seismic Hazard Microzonation in major cities of India to minimise earthquake disasters and reduce hazards of seismic activities by putting in adequate measures. Seismic Hazard Microzonation is the process of dividing earth quake prone areas based on certain factors such as landslide, liquefaction susceptibility, rock fall hazard and prepare preventive measures to minimise the losses.

As per seismic zoning of the country, over 59% of India's land mass is under threat of moderate to severe seismic hazard, i.e. prone to shaking.

42 - India joined Reskilling Revolution Initiative at World Economic Forum as a founding member

World Economic Forum

India joined the Reskilling Revolution Initiative launched at the World Economic Forum as founding government member. The other founding members of this initiative are US, UAE, Russia, Pakistan, France and Brazil. According to the World Economic Forum, around 75 million jobs are to be displaced thus creating 133 million new jobs. In order to avoid large scale unemployment affecting the labour population greatly, WEF launched Reskilling Revolution initiative.

World Economic Forum's (WEF) Reskilling Revolution is an initiative to provide one billion people with better education, skills and jobs by 2030.

43 - India to set up Maritime Research Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka

India Sri Lanka

National Security Adviser AjitDoval met with Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his day-long visit to Colombo. India and Sri Lanka agreed to further strengthen cooperation to ensure maritime security in Indian Ocean region and sharing of intelligence inputs.

Establishing an Earth Co-ordinating Centre was also discussed and 50 million US dollar credit line to purchase equipment for the Sri Lankan military was promised as part of the defence cooperation. Mr Doval outlined the importance of reviewing maritime domain awareness concept between Sri Lanka, Maldives and India and to include other regional states as observers.

44 - Government targets to install 175GW renewable energy by 2022

Renewable Energy

The Government has targeted to install 175 Giga Watt renewable energy by 2022 to build a healthy planet with less carbon intensive economy. In line to the target, through Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Surkasha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan, PM-KUSUM scheme, government empowers the farmers to be the producer of energy.

The PM-KUSUM scheme covers grid connected renewable energy power plants, stand alone solar powered agricultural pumps and solarization of existing grid connected agriculture pumps. All three components together are likely to result in saving of about 27 million tonnes of CO2 emission per annum.

45 - Government invited bids to sell 100 % stake in Air India

Air India

Government has invited bids to sell its 100% stake in Air India. It has set March 17 as the deadline for submitting expression of interest. As part of the strategic disinvestment, Air India would also sell 100% stake in low-cost airline Air India Express and 50% shareholding in joint venture AISATS.

Management control of the airline would also be transferred to the successful bidder. The successful bidder will continue to use Air India brand.

46 - Government signed accord with National Democratic Front of Bodoland

National Democratic

The Union Government signed an accord with the Assam-based different insurgent groups and civil societies including the National Democratic Front of Bodoland. The accord will provide political, economic, executive and land rights to Bodo tribals and also will safeguard their cultural and linguistic identities. The Centre and State Government will provide financial assistance of 1,500 crore rupees for the economic development of the community.

The government will appoint a commission which will include representatives of State Government and other stakeholders. It will submit its recommendations within six months from the date of notification.

47 - List of MoUs/Agreements between Brazil and India

Brazil and India

India and Brazil signed following 15 MoUs during the visit of the President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro −

  • MoU on Bioenergy Co-operation

  • MoU for Co-operation in the field of Oil and Natural Gas

  • Investment Co-operation and Facilitation Treaty

  • Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters

  • MoU in the field of Early Childhood

  • MoU on Co-operation in the field of Health and Medicine

  • MoU co-operation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy

  • Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2020-2024

  • Agreement on Social Security

  • MoU on co-operation in the area of Cyber Security

  • Agreement on scientific and technological co-operation

  • MoU on Co-operation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources

  • MoU between Invest India and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex Brazil)

  • MoU on Co-operation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying

  • MoU on Co-operation for establishing a nodal institution in India to carry out research on Bioenergy.

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