Achievement Tracking - Modi 2.0 Govt - No Discussions

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 17 Mar 2015 20:41

NEW DELHI: Cracking down on erring NGOs, government has cancelled licences of 1,142 NGOs belonging to undivided Andhra Pradesh, under which they get foreign funds, for not filing their annual returns for three consecutive years.

The foreigners division of the home ministry has served notices to NGOs on October 16, 2014 for not filing their returns for 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act and given time to reply within 30 days.

As many as 510 notices have been returned by the postal authorities undelivered due to various reasons, including shifting of the address.

There is no reply from the remaining 632 NGOs.

Exercising the power conferred by Section 14 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010, the central government cancelled certificate of registration of 1,142 NGOs that include 510 organisations to whom notices were sent but returned undelivered and 632 NGOs from whom no reply has been received to the notices within the stipulated period, an order issued by joint secretary in the home ministry G K Dwivedi said.

Early this month, government has said that 69 NGOs have been blacklisted from receiving foreign funds after finding faults in different aspects.

Among those NGOs which were prohibited from receiving the foreign funds include 14 from Andhra Pradesh, 12 from Tamil Nadu, five each from Gujarat and Odisha, four each from Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala and three from Delhi.

Government had also initiated action against 26 NGOs in current fiscal after finding "irregularities" in receiving foreign contribution while 14 foreign donors have been placed under prior approval category.

On February 25, government told Parliament that more than 31,000 NGOs were served notices for not filing annual returns on their foreign contribution.

In 2011-12, notices were sent to 21,493 associations which were found to have not submitted annual returns under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010 for 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09.

In 2014, notices were issued to 10,343 associations which had not filed annual returns for 2009-10 to 2011-12.

Melwyn · Post by **Melwyn** » 17 Mar 2015 23:07

Is anyone aware of the Sukanya Samriddhi accounts?
I got the information from a Whatsapp message and was surprised that such a scheme existed for girl child.

It's part of Modi's Beti Bachao, Beti Padaho scheme.

http://taxguru.in/income-tax/sukanya-sa ... efits.html

All lost in the noise of MSM debates.

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 18 Mar 2015 04:37

Operation Smile: Rajnath Singh's push helps recover 2500 missing children (ET)

NEW DELHI: Four months ago, a report landed on Home Minister Rajnath Singh's table from the Ghaziabad Police. Pleasantly surprised to find that the police unit had recovered 227 missing children within 30 days by launching a unique campaign, 'Operation Smile', Singh decided to ask all states to emulate this campaign.

OK. So, what was the campaign about?

The key, the Ministry said, was Ghaziabad cops visiting shelter homes, railway platforms, bus stands, spaces below flyovers and religious places in these cities to find that most children living there were part of the missing children databases.

"Policemen from each state should be properly trained by Home Ministry and trained Ghaziabad Police personnel may also be used as resource persons for such training," the letter said, asking cops to visit locations identified by Ghaziabad Police.

Result?

The plan has worked as at least eight states have told the Ministry that they rescued over 2500 missing children in the month of January alone by emulating the campaign of Ghaziabad Police.

Emulation and transplantation of best practices, common sensical approaches across districts, departments, states, bureaucracies etc is an old 'modis operandi' in GJ, IIRC.

Jai ho.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 19 Mar 2015 18:27

http://www.nasdaq.com/article/how-india ... e-cm456468

“Now, as Fed officials debate how soon to raise interest rates for the first time since 2006, India and Indonesia may have dodged the bullet. Morgan Stanley economists say they’ve enacted enough economic reforms to have passed ‘the point of inflexion away from their old models of growth.’”

He goes on to list the reasons: tackling inflation by the central banks, cutting the current account deficits, reducing with the intention of finally removing costly government sponsored fuel subsidies, tackling an overinflated bureaucracy and red tape, and confronting institutionalized corruption.

vishvak · Post by **vishvak** » 19 Mar 2015 21:27

Fall in WPI Index, since May 2014 is continuous. link

Some more info:
[*] WPI in a nosedive]
[*] Cheaper fuel, food items
[*] A tweet from FICCI: link
From another link:
[*] India WPI Inflation Deepest since 1976.

SPattath · Post by **SPattath** » 19 Mar 2015 22:29

amitkv wrote:Is anyone aware of the Sukanya Samriddhi accounts?

This scheme is a run away hit, all forms in post office for this account is always sold out.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 20 Mar 2015 17:26

A personal call from Modi stops Rakesh a research scholar from going to NASA On a plum job, he will do research in India instead now !http://www.bhaskar.com/news/c-3-1082085-NOR.html

sooraj · Post by **sooraj** » 20 Mar 2015 19:07

SPattath wrote:
amitkv wrote:Is anyone aware of the Sukanya Samriddhi accounts?
This scheme is a run away hit, all forms in post office for this account is always sold out.

It's very popular in kerala too.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 22 Mar 2015 07:24

Isn't Sukanya Samriddhi form available via Internet? Sorry about making a comment but if it produces a url link, that might help some ppl

gakakkad · Post by **gakakkad** » 22 Mar 2015 22:29

@ IndraD the story seems very dicey ... and I don't think an research job in NASA pays that much...the research mentioned seems hogwash too ... seems some kid is trying to fool media to gain some publicity..

here's a video ..

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2b3f3 ... arnal_news

certain that this is a stupid hoax...

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 23 Mar 2015 00:20

Please, NO DISCUSSIONS here. Please use the appropriate threads for comments or discussions. If you need to question a post, use the report post feature.

dhruvM · Post by **dhruvM** » 25 Mar 2015 22:19

Prime Minister launches an innovative tech solution to fix the issue of project management and managing public grievances

Basically, the babus will now have to work as hard as the rest of us

PM launches multi-purpose and multi-modal platform PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation)

Immediately after assuming office, the Prime Minister had shown his keenness to design a credible mechanism for redressal of Public Grievances. He was equally keen to see that programmes and projects launched by the Central and State Government(s) are monitored properly for timely implementation and desired outcome. With that spirit and for holistic development of the country, it was also felt necessary to facilitate from the Union Government level the projects of the States. Accordingly, with the three objectives of: Grievance Redressal, Programme Implementation and Project Monitoring, an IT-based redressal and monitoring system has been designed. It will combine Data Management and Analysis, Geo-spatial Applications as well as Video-conferencing. The application will be accessible to the Secretaries of the Government of India and the State Chief Secretaries.

Key features of the PRAGATI application are as follows:

• It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States);

• Prime Minister will hold a monthly programme where he will interact with the Government of India Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries through Video-conferencing enabled by data and geo-informatics visuals;

• The first such programme was launched on 25th March, 2015 (Wednesday) at 3.30 PM;

• Now onwards, it will be held once in every month on Fourth Wednesday at 3.30 PM-to be known as PRAGATI Day.

• Issues to be flagged before the PM are picked up from the available database regarding Public Grievances, on-going Programmes and pending Projects;

• The system will ride on, strengthen and re-engineer the data bases of the CPGRAMS for grievances (What is this? Never heard of this before!), Project Monitoring Group (PMG) and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. PRAGATI provides an interface and platform for all these three aspects.

• It will also take into consideration various correspondences to PM’s office by the common people or from high dignitaries of States and/or developers of public projects(mygov+tweets+email!);

• The issues flagged are uploaded seven days prior to the PRAGATI day (i.e. on third Wednesday of every month).

• These issues can be viewed by the Union Government Secretaries and Chief Secretaries after entering into the application;

• User ID and Password for each of the Union Government Secretaries and Chief Secretaries have been created and made available;

• Union Government Secretaries and Chief Secretaries will be able to see the issues pertaining to their Department /State;

• Union Government Secretaries and Chief Secretaries have to put their comments and updates about the flagged issues within three days (i.e. by next Monday);

• One day - Tuesday is available to the PMO team to review the data entered by the Union Government Secretaries and Chief Secretaries;

• The design is such, that when PM reviews the issue he should have on his screen the issue as well as the latest updates and visuals regarding the same;

The system has been designed in-house by the PMO team with the help of National Informatics Center (NIC). As the name suggests, it is aimed at starting a culture of Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation. It is also a robust system for bringing e-transparency and e-accountability with real-time presence and exchange among the key stakeholders.

dhruvM · Post by **dhruvM** » 25 Mar 2015 22:37

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves innovative mechanism for utilization of stranded gas based generation capacity

The need for this intervention has arisen because initially with the discovery of domestic natural gas in the Krishna – Godavari basin, there was an expectation of considerable increase in the availability of domestic gas in the country. Therefore, a large number of gas based plants were set up by power developers, some with firm allocation and others with expected allocation. However, the supply of domestic gas to power plants started declining since 2012 and completely stopped from the KG basin, in March 2013.Since then, these plants have either not been operating at all or are being under-utilized.

In order to revive these stranded gas based plants, the mechanism envisages importing Regasified Liquified Natural Gas (RLNG) for supply to these plants so that they can generate power.

The mechanism also envisages sacrifices to be made collectively by all stakeholders:

* Central and State Governments by way of exemptions from certain applicable taxes and levies on the incremental RLNG being imported for the purpose.
* Gas transporters and re-gasification terminals have agreed to reduce their transportation tariff, marketing margin and re-gasification charges on the incremental RLNG.
* Power developers would completely forego the return on their equity.
* The Government of India also proposes to provide support to Discoms from the Power System Development Fund (PSDF) through a transparent reverse e-bidding process. (Could someone please explain what this means?)This will make the cost of power affordable.

With this arrangement, electricity generation in the country would be enhanced significantly by around 79 billion units, valued at about Rs 42,000 crore. Out of 24,150 MW gas grid connected power generation capacity in the country, 14,305 MW of capacity has currently no supply of domestic gas and may be considered as stranded. This represents an investment of over Rs 60,000 crore which is at the threshold of becoming Non Performing Assets (NPAs). The balance capacity of 9,845 MW involving an investment of over Rs. 40,000 crore is also working at a sub optimal level based on the limited quantity of domestic gas in the country.

This initiative is another key step towards achieving this Government’s commitment of 24X7 power supply to all.

This decision will also help improve grid stability and safety, as gas based plants are ideal for being used as spinning reserve, and for meeting peaking power requirements, as they can be started and shut down at very short notice. Grid collapse of the kind that happened in July, 2012, will be avoided with this measure. Besides, it can support renewable balancing power requirements and enable grid integration of renewable energy. This gains importance especially in the context of India’s aspiration to rapidly scale up renewable generation. It is felt that the revival of stranded gas based capacity would ameliorate stress on the banking sector. This will kickstart growth and have a multiplier effect on the economy.

dhruvM · Post by **dhruvM** » 25 Mar 2015 22:40

Formation of SPV to provide efficient rail evacuation systems to Major Ports

One of the key determinants for efficiency of Ports is evacuation and hinterland connectivity. An efficient evacuation system and seamless connectivity to the hinterland from the Port can substantially reduce the logistic costs for the trade which will enhance the competitiveness of India. The internal Rail Systems in Major Ports have evolved over the past five decades and are antiquated and need renewal. The 12 Major Ports have nearly 612 km of internal rail network. Though the Major Ports and Indian Railways have taken up many connectivity projects, there is an urgent need for focused attention and substantial allocation of resources. The Government is also keen on increasing the percentage of cargo being evacuated through rail from Major Ports which stands at 28 percent now. Increased movement through rail and coastal/ inland water transport can go a long way in reducing the congestion in the already stressed road network and reduce the adverse externalities associated with it.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to provide efficient rail evacuation systems to Major Ports and thereby enhance their handling capacity and efficiency.

The SPV would undertake the following Projects:-

1. Last mile connectivity to Major Ports;

2. Modernization of evacuation infrastructure in Ports;

3. To operate and manage internal Port Railway system;

4. To raise financial resources for funding Port related Railway Projects

The SPV would be funded by all the 12 Major Ports and the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). Major Ports would contribute 90 percent of the equity with RVNL contributing the rest. The SPV would be registered as a Company under the Companies Act with an initial authorized capital of Rs. 500 crore. The initial subscribed share capital would be Rs. 100 crore. It is also proposed to raise resources from multilateral funding agencies and other financial institutions to finance Port Connectivity Projects. The SPV would be manned by professionals with expertise on rail transport and port logistics. The SPV would be headquartered in Mumbai with a registered office in New Delhi.

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 26 Mar 2015 11:07

Modi led NDA govt bypasses bid route, PGCIL to develop 20K MW green corridor (IE)

Narendra Modi led NDA government’s emphasis on the auction route for awarding core sector contracts notwithstanding, state-owned Power Grid Corp (PGCIL) has been nominated to develop green transmission corridors for 20,000 MW of upcoming solar and wind power projects, effectively bypassing the competitive bidding route.

While PGCIL was earlier selected on a nomination basis for the execution of the Bhuj-Banasthali-Chittor-Ajmer 765 kV green corridor to harness solar energy in Gujarat, officials said that for the next leg of this corridor, PGCIL — a utility with a near monopolistic presence in the transmission sector and having a 35 per cent institutional shareholding — has been asked to extend this corridor from Ajmer (Rajasthan) to Suratgarh and Moga (Punjab), again on a nomination basis. For this leg of the project, PGCIL is learnt to be negotiating a soft loan through the Manila-based Asian Development Bank.
Under the Tariff Policy, transmission projects are required to be awarded through a competitive bidding process. The only exceptions are those lines that need to be built within a compressed time schedule or under an exigency, where the Central Transmission Utility (POSOCO) can offer these projects on a nomination basis.

Good that domestic project execution capabilities get built up due to GoI contracts, rather than go to phoren contractors. Hope the no-bid contract awarding doesn't get bogged down in (fake) controversies later.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 26 Mar 2015 11:42

It is a GOI ownded PSU. Who can object that?

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 26 Mar 2015 17:01

delete..wrong thread.

vipins · Post by **vipins** » 26 Mar 2015 22:19

Now transfer or close dormant EPF accounts online.

News Link
EPF India's Web site

Here’s how you can zero on your unknown, inoperative account.

Step 1: On the EPFO home page, click on 'Inoperative A/c Helpdesk' and then on the 'First Time User' button. A new window with the title EPFO Inoperative Account Help Desk will prompt you to provide the reason why your account has been lying idle. Write a brief explanation and click on the Next button. You will be led to a screen with fields such as establishment code, PF account number, company name, address, etc. Then, provide personal details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, e-mail id, contact address, etc. Also provide your Aadhaar, PAN and bank account numbers as part of the standard know-your-customer, or KYC, requirement.

Step 2: Click on the Generate PIN button to receive the PIN, or personal identification number, on your mobile. Enter the PIN and click on Verify PIN and Submit button. You’ll receive an acknowledgement reference number on your mobile.

Step 3: Key in the reference number and mobile number on the login page of the help desk to get to the EPFO Helpdesk Dashboard. Your query will be directed to a field officer in the regional EPFO or the centralised help desk. The officer might get in touch with you personally to get more information on the account.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 27 Mar 2015 20:45

बनारस कैंट रेलवे स्टेशन, सारनाथ में वाई-फाई सेवा जल्द

Free WiFi soon in Benaras Cantt Railway stn and Sarnath.

Delhi people can wait till AK49 finshes with his abusing AAP party leaders.

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के संसदीय क्षेत्र वाराणसी में दशाश्वमेध घाट व शीतला घाट पर भारत संचार निगम लिमिटेड (बीएसएनएल) की निशुल्क वाई-फाई सेवा की तरह ही कैंट रेलवे स्टेशन व सारनाथ में भी वाई-फाई सेवा की शुरुआत हो सकती है।

उल्लेखनीय है कि बीएसएनएल की ओर से सांस्कृतिक राजधानी वाराणसी में पर्यटन को बढ़ावा देने के लिए निशुल्क वाई-फाई योजना की शुरुआत करते हुए पहले चरण में गंगा के दो घाटों शीतला घाट व दशाश्वमेध घाट को जोड़ा गया है।

बीएसएनएल मुख्यालय से मिले आदेश के मुताबिक, जोन के अधिकारी सारनाथ क्षेत्र व कैंट रेलवे स्टेशन के मुख्य द्वार से लेकर प्लेटफॉर्मों तक का सर्वे कार्य जल्द ही शुरू करेंगे। सर्वे होने के बाद मंत्रालय को रपट भेजी जाएगी और जहां से पुन: निर्देश मिलते ही वाराणसी में निशुल्क वाई-फाई सेवा का दूसरा चरण शुरू हो जाएगा।

बीएसएनएल के जनसंपर्क अधिकारी एस.एस. यादव ने बताया कि निशुल्क वाई-फाई सेवा के लिए सारनाथ व कैंट स्टेशन क्षेत्र में सर्वे कार्य जल्द ही शुरू होगा। मंत्रालय से मिले निर्देशानुसार अभी गंगा किनारे के छह प्रमुख घाटों पर सर्वे हो रहा है। इसके तुरंत बाद सारनाथ व कैंट रेलवे स्टेशन पर सर्वे का काम शुरू होगा

Rudradev · Post by **Rudradev** » 30 Mar 2015 20:56

Guess what our crude oil strategic reserve had been all this time? Yes, that's right, we never HAD one!

Exclusive: India makes first crude oil purchase for strategic reserve

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/exclusive-ind ... ml#4ghhLnm

LONDON (Reuters) - India has bought the first oil for its strategic petroleum reserve (SPR), trade sources said on Monday, marking the start of a round of purchases by the world's fourth-biggest oil consumer to build up emergency stockpiles.

Oil prices have almost halved in the past year due to excess global production, leaving traders looking for any signs of new demand to help absorb the surplus.

The sources said state-refiner Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS) bought a 2 million barrel cargo of Iraqi crude from Chinese trader Unipec, which will load in May for shipping to the first stage of India's SPR on the country's east coast.

In addition, state-refiners IOC and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL.NS) will buy another three Very Large Crude Carriers between them for the Vizag SPR storage site in Andhra Pradesh.

While the first 8 million barrels for Vizag are relatively small compared with the global market, totaling less than 10 percent of daily demand, India's purchases could ramp up later this year as the country completes construction of the next phase.

Two SPR sites, at Padur and Mangalore on India's west coast, will have a capacity of 29.3 million barrels and are expected to be ready by October.

India is heavily reliant on fuel imports, producing less than a third of the nearly 3.7 million barrels per day it consumed in 2013, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows.

Its fast-growing economy has become the world's fourth-largest oil consumer after the United States, China and Japan.

China's own SPR purchases, which have helped support oil prices during the global supply glut, are expected to slow this year with commercial and strategic storage space almost full.

China's strategic stocks were estimated in January at more than 30 days' worth of crude imports. It plans to eventually build reserves of around 600 million barrels, or about 90 days of import cover.

India's SPR should cover approximately 13 days of imports when it is completed by the end of this year.

The east coast Vizag facility has two compartments of 7.55 million barrels and 2.20 million barrels, with the smaller to be used by HPCL for its 166,000 bpd refinery at the site.

The VLCC cargo Basrah IOC bought from Unipec, the trading arm of China's state-backed oil producer Sinopec, was purchased at a premium of 50-60 cents to the official selling price of the Iraqi grade, the sources said.

Separate from the SPR purchases, IOC has re-floated a tender seeking a million barrels of heavy grades for April first half loading, traders said. This tender will close on Tuesday with bids remaining valid till Wednesday.

Brent crude oil prices were down by around $1 a barrel on Monday near $55 a barrel, having fallen from above $110 a barrel in June.

(Reporting by David Sheppard; editing by Susan Thomas)

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 01 Apr 2015 13:18

@MEAIndia: You are safe now. MOS @Gen_VKSingh greets Indian nationals evacuated from Aden to Djibouti.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 01 Apr 2015 18:35

Devyani Khobragade is in charge of evacuation efforts coordination.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 03 Apr 2015 13:29

India may bid for 2024 Olympics

BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach will meet later this month in New Delhi to discuss India's likely bid for the 2024 Olympic Games.

"The Union government is exploring the possibility of India hosting the Olympics. This will be one of the key issues to be discussed by the PM and Bach," sources told TOI.

Bach, who will visit the country on April 27, is bullish about India and is keen that the country bid for the Games, sources said. "How can we ignore a country of 1.2 billion people?" sources quoted him as saying.

Reports in sections of the media had said Ahmedabad had been chosen as the host city for the bid. But a source denied it, saying, "The venue was not discussed at all. When there is no final decision on whether India needs to bid or not, how can we shortlist the venue?"

But apparently Modi was keen to know the implications of hosting an Olympics. "The PM is open to the idea of bidding for the Games. He indicated that if we launch a bid, it has to be serious. He obviously did not want a repeat of the 2010 Commonwealth Games which was hit by scandals. He wanted to know the costs, financial implications and other details," the source said.

Bach said that the 2020 Olympics in another Asian city (Tokyo) will not harm the prospects of India hosting the 2024 edition. "Among the other bidders, the US and Germany have already hosted the Olympics. We would welcome Olympics in a country which has not hosted it before. The IOC believes that Olympics in India would be a game-changer for the country. It will help in developing sports and channel the energies of youth," sources quoted him as saying

member_23658 · Post by **member_23658** » 05 Apr 2015 10:52

Swachh Bharat: Modi's promise of cleaning Varanasi doesn't appear to be an empty one

... Cleaning up and beautifying India's spiritual capital was one of Modi's biggest electoral promises to the people of Varanasi. A year later, it doesn't appear to be an empty one....
The hope over Varanasi would have been unthinkable a year ago. Local civic authorities had almost given up on this city of 15 lakh people with a population density of 2,400 persons per square km — till the point Modi entered Varanasi.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 05 Apr 2015 20:08

xpost > Lot of posts that should be here are do not make it. In fact this post could also be posted in the UPA failure thread. India never got action because we never demanded action at all. The people in power has too much money stashed in these places.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/art ... 812758.cms
Swiss banks up black money vigil as India threatens criminal action

BERNE/NEW DELHI: With India and some other nations threatening criminal proceedings over suspected black money in Swiss banks, the European nation has stepped up its supervisory and enforcement efforts to keep away the illicit funds from its banking system.

This comes at a time when a number of Swiss institutions have seen "asset outflows" and the tax status of many of their clients have been found to be "inappropriate", as per the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), which also has the mandate to combat money laundering activities.

Switzerland has been making efforts to strengthen its bilateral cooperation with India and some other countries on tax matters, as many Swiss banks are finding themselves in regulatory crosshairs in multiple jurisdictions.
.............
"Germany, France, Belgium and Argentina have followed the US in launching high-profile criminal investigations, while Israel and India are threatening to do so," the supervisory authority said, while adding that it is keeping a close watch on such proceedings.
............
The regulator said that a number of institutions recorded asset outflows as they parted with clients whose tax status was inappropriate or who had filed voluntary declarations in their countries of origin.

"This trend will intensify in the run-up to the planned automatic exchange of information scheduled to begin in 2017/2018," it noted.

Sources recently said that Swiss banks are asking their Indian clients to provide fresh undertakings to ensure that untaxed money is not stashed in their accounts.

Besides, they have also sought auditor certificates from high net worth individuals and corporate clients to vouch for the "clean status" of their money.

Last month, a Swiss Finance Ministry spokesperson had said that talks with India on automatic exchange of tax information would begin at the "earliest" once the domestic procedures are in place.

panduranghari · Post by **panduranghari** » 06 Apr 2015 03:03

link

The I-T department sent notices to around 90 FPIs and this could be extended to about 6,000 FPIs. At present, taxes on short-term capital gains from equity and equity-linked products is 15% and FPIs are not taxed on their long-term capital gains. FPIs investing in India through Mauritius that claim benefits under the tax treaty with the island nation do not pay any taxes on gains from the stock market. I-T department wants to levy 20% MAT on book profit. If MAT is levied, then FPIs would have to pay 20% tax even on their long-term capital gains.

This is a very big development. It effectively prevents hot money from wrecking havoc in the stock market.

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 06 Apr 2015 05:38

Judicial reform proposals: Litigations to end in 3 to 5 years, summons to be sent by email

Any litigation must end in three to five years, judicial summons and notices to be sent by email and not snail mail, case progress to be updated via text messages, and innovative dispute redressal systems to take some burden off courts — these are among game-changing judicial reform proposals being discussed by the country's top judges, an effort being led by Chief Justice HL Dattu.

I have a case pending in Hyderabad High Court court for past 3yrs, yet to receive 1st hearing.

nandakumar · Post by **nandakumar** » 06 Apr 2015 09:46

A major cause for delay lies in lawyers seeking adjournment under one pretext or other and the lawyer for the other litigant not object to it and judges routinely granting it. A way to fix this problem is to make the client whose lawyer is seeking an adjournment give his consent in writing and the other litigant waiving his right to be heard give a similar consent. The tragedy is that though lawyers are actually agents of litigant principals they invariably act like they are the principals.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 06 Apr 2015 10:36

xpost> http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/g ... 072966.ece
Govt. sets ball rolling for commercial coal mining

Armed with the Coal Mines Special Provisions Bill, 2015, the government is all set to allow commercial mining of coal and state-owned entities would be the first to be allotted mines for the purpose.

“We will be allotting mines to the state entities for commercial mining of coal,” Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said here on Monday at a Coal Consumers’ Association of India-organised interactive session.

He said that in the next phase, private entities would be assigned mines. The Centre is in the process of allotting 204 coal blocks in a transparent manner of which 67 blocks have been allotted by either auction or on a nomination basis to state entities.

member_29058 · Post by **member_29058** » 07 Apr 2015 19:34

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 801584.cms
Bar sends PM suggestions to ‘revolutionise’ judiciary

As for the contentious National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) proposal, the memorandum said two "eminent personalities" who would be part of the commission should not have anything to do with judiciary, judges or lawyers. The committee of Prime Minister, CJI and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha must choose eminent personalities who are not lawyers or relatives of any judge. "This is required so that the nominated members can work impartially, without any bias and influence of any kind," he said.

In the Supreme Court, there should be proportionate representation of states on the basis of their population. In this regard, Aggarwala said there are three judges from Maharashtra which has a population of 110 million, though there is only one from the Uttar Pradesh which has 200 million people. Similarly, there is only one judge each from Bihar (100 million), West Bengal (90 million) and Gujarat (60 million). There is no judge from Rajasthan (68 million), Chhattisgarh (25) and Himachal Pradesh (6 million).

Noting that no retired judge should be appointed in any tribunal or commission, the memorandum said, "Only sitting judges should be appointed to such posts. To enable appointment of sitting judges in the tribunals and commissions, the sanctioned posts of judges should be increased suitably."

Aggarwala also demanded increase in the age of retirement of judges in all the three tiers of judiciary. In the case of judges of the Supreme Court, the retirement age should be raised to 68 years from the current 65, he said, adding it should be increased to 65 years from 62 years for high court judges. For subordinate judges, the age of retirement should be 62 years, instead of 60 at present, he said.

Promotion of subordinate judges to the high court and from high courts to the Supreme Court should be done only on the basis of seniority, he said, adding that if any judge is not found suitable to be promoted to the higher court, he should be immediately removed from his position.

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 08 Apr 2015 08:42

After JDY, now MUDRA. Stage being set for a 'freedom of enterprise' legislation?

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 08 Apr 2015 16:33

In Big Relief for Farmers, PM Modi Announces More Compensation for Crop Damage

NEW DELHI: In a major reprieve for farmers hit by unseasonal rain and storms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that compensation for crop damage has been raised and it will be easier to claim financial support from the government.

"The amount of compensation has been increased to 1.5 times. If earlier a farmer was getting Rs. 100 as compensation, now he will get Rs. 150, if it was Rs. 1 lakh, he will get Rs. 1.5 lakh... a 50 per cent increase," the prime minister said, speaking at the launch of a micro-finance bank and regulator.

Karthik S · Post by **Karthik S** » 09 Apr 2015 16:27

Some good news regarding GP.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/home-ministr ... 849-3.html

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 09 Apr 2015 17:41

Good to have all these endorsements in one place.

member_29058 · Post by **member_29058** » 09 Apr 2015 20:09

http://www.firstpost.com/business/mobil ... 91131.html
Mobile calls to be cheaper by up to 23%, SMS to cost 40% less

However, following this Trai order, subscribers will not be able to avail of schemes that allowed them to make calls and send SMSes while in roaming at home circle rates.
"Trai has reduced ceiling tariffs for national roaming calls and SMS and has mandated telecom service providers to offer a special roaming tariff plan. These changes will come into effect from May 1, 2015," Trai said in a statement today.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has cut the maximum or ceiling rate that a telecom operator can charge for STD calls on roaming to Rs 1.15 per minute from Rs 1.5. Similarly, national SMS rate has been reduced to 38 paise from Rs 1.5 per SMS.

prahaar · Post by **prahaar** » 09 Apr 2015 20:51

A video explaining the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, in brief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnN-t7xmU5k

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 10 Apr 2015 00:17

{quote="chaanakya"}

PM Narendra Modi's HT interview

The first 10 months of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's term have been eventful. They've been marked by high-profile international diplomacy-visits to India by US President Barack Obama and China's Xi Jinping, Modi's own visits to the US and the G20 summit, and his reaching out to SAARC. At home too, there have been stormy sessions in Parliament, the new government's first full Budget, and mixed results for his party in state and local body elections. Expectations from the Modi government have been running high and, in recent weeks, there have been rumblings of discontent, particularly in business and industry, about whether it has been able to deliver on its promise. In his first interview to the Indian media after he became PM, Modi spoke to Editor-in-Chief Sanjoy Narayan and Executive Editor Shishir Gupta.

Q. Ten months after coming to power, what would you consider your major achievements?

A. Achievements have to be seen with reference to the past. In what situation did the people bring us to power? And what is the situation now? Is there a policy paralysis anymore? No. Is there a transparency issue? No. Is there stagnancy in governance? No. Instead, there is dynamism.

It was even being said that the letter 'I' might have to be dropped from BRICS (the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). Now, the faith has been restored - there is pace in governance, economic progress and global pride. You can see this.

Our vision and commitment is towards the country's progress, its place in the world and the happiness of its people. We have taken a series of measures which has restored faith in our capacity to deliver with transparency, efficiency and speed. We are looking at the interests of the poor of the country and their empowerment. Initiatives like the Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Soil Health cards are aimed at giving more income and a better quality of life to the common man and also transform perceptions about our country. Our focus on Beti Bachao and on generation of renewable energy is a demonstration of the fact that we not only care for the present but also for the future generations. The direction of our government is reflected in the recent enabling Union Budget, a futuristic railway budget, the pooling of gas for stranded power plants and for fertiliser plants. These show our firm commitment towards a prosperous and powerful India.

Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion. We have converted certain adversities born of legacies into opportunities. The recent conclusion of the auctions in coal and spectrum establishes that the curse of scam and corruption is avoidable and transparency possible if there is political will. Former prime ministers have been talking about leakage in subsidies. Our initiative of distribution of LPG subsidy through direct bank transfer is a shining example of our concrete strategy for helping the poor and the marginalised. For the first time, we have come out with a sound social security umbrella for the weaker sections. The Make in India campaign has taken off and is backed with skill development. It is going to open new vistas for employment for the youth.

We have restored the global credibility of India in terms of its politics, governance and economy. This is because the growth of the economy has been restored. We have left behind countries like China in terms of our GDP growth. We have left behind the US in terms of steel production. The current account deficit has come down. Global institutions like the IMF, OECD and others are predicting even better growth potential in the coming months and years. India is, thus, back on the global radar.

Q. After a month in office, you had said that you were new to Delhi and were struggling to convey your intentions and sincerity to bring a positive change in this country. Do you still face that challenge? Have you changed Delhi or has Delhi changed you?

A. When I said this, I meant the central government. I believe it is changing fast. Since I had come from a state, I had the sincerity and openness to look at the issues. I used the perspective of the common man of the country who had voted us to power. We have worked hard and sat together repeatedly and tried to remove the silos, barriers and bottlenecks. There is a very large Hindustan beyond Delhi. It did not take much effort to convey in Delhi that India lives in the villages and towns and the homes and cottages spread over the vast length and breadth of the nation. And that we stand and exist for them. The departments, their offices, their policies and procedures should all be oriented and geared to serve them. Also, now, the central and state governments are working together in the spirit of co-operation rather than as giver and taker. A true partnership for national development has emerged. We have succeeded to a large extent in changing the work culture, making it pro-active and professional. My experience is that Delhi functions in the way defined by its leadership. I am hopeful of extraordinary outcomes, both towards changing Delhi (the central government) and towards changing the country through Delhi.

I have done a small thing, one that appears small from outside. I regularly interact with secretaries (bureaucrats) over tea; it is part of my working style… teams are made this way.

I told the secretaries go back to the place where they had their first posting. They were from across the country. They had not been there in the last 25-30 years. I also asked them to go with their families and spend, at least, a night there and tell their children how it all started. Then think about how far they had come and where the place of their first posting was. They had to reflect why we moved forward and not the places. I am happy that almost everyone visited his or her first place of posting.

Q. You have empowered the bureaucracy. You asked them to go to the states and assess for themselves. Do you think the bureaucracy is delivering?

A. Look, it's like the pace at which the media operates - a pace that can't really be kept up with by the authorities. Let me explain: If there is a ditch on the road, media has to just take a picture or video and put it up. That takes two minutes, but the person who has to fill it up and do the repairs will, at least, take 24 hours. Pehle, itna toh space dena padega (the bureaucracy has to be given some breathing space). By and large, I am satisfied with their performance.

Q. The business community is upset that not much has changed in terms of ease of doing business and with what they see as a spate of tax notices? Do you think your government has been able to make a difference?

A. First of all, you have to understand that my government is working for the common man. Our priority is the poor of the country. We want good governance through a dynamic and seamless government. Results are visible in all sectors. Industry has to come forward to take the benefits of the process we have set in motion.

I would request the media to counterpose two things together: The allegations our Congress friends level against us, and the complaints that businessmen have. The Congress says we are a government of industrialists and industrialists say we do nothing for them!

Our job is to run a policy-driven government. Red tape nahin hona chahiye; Ab red tape nahin hona chahiye matlab Mukesh Ambani ke liye red tape na ho aur ek common man ke liye red tape ho, waisa nahin chal sakta (Red tape should not be there does not mean it should not be there for Mukesh Ambani, but be there for a common man; that won't do.)

The government's job is good governance for everybody. My government will make policies, if you fit into it, come on board, or stay where you are. My job is not to spoon-feed anyone. The private sector of the country is still stuck with legacy issues of governance - these include tax terrorism, duty inversion and selective exemption. That is why we tried to address many such issues during the Budget of 2015-16 and to correct them across the board. We know that such steps are important for creating jobs and opportunities for millions of Indians. I repeat my assurance to all: If you take one step; we will walk two steps for you.

Q. This session of Parliament saw severe competition among you and the Congress to look pro-poor. Your comments?

A. In the 60-year rule of the Congress, the poor of this country have remained poor or have become poorer. Many countries of the world have surpassed us on all counts, including poverty alleviation. The Congress did incremental work so as to keep the issue relevant for the next elections. And then, they bring some dramatic legislation just when the elections are around, and project that they are pro-poor. When we take measures which take the country out of a historic problem, when we dedicate ourselves to eliminate poverty altogether in the very beginning of our five-year tenure, then they do not understand the meaning of pro-poor initiatives.

The coal and spectrum scandals did not benefit the poor. Nor did the Commonwealth Games fiasco and loot. Everyone knows who were their beneficiaries. The result of the Congress' so-called pro-poor politics and governance of 60 years is that absolute poverty is still our biggest challenge. One-fourth of the families are without shelter. Health, education, water, electricity and roads are even bigger unrealised dreams for a large number of citizens of this country.

We rolled out a scheme like Jan Dhan in the first five months. We opened more than 12 crore bank accounts for financial inclusion. There were banks and there were people without bank accounts. What did they do all these years?

At the earlier pace, it would have taken another 50 years to complete the task of providing toilets in all schools. We took it up in the first four months and are going to complete this task in the next few months. Don't the children of the poor study in these public schools?

The so-called pro-poor have been just repeating that there is leakage in subsidy. We used technology to ensure that LPG subsidy reaches the targeted person directly; we have launched MUDRA Bank for financing six crore small vendors and businesses, 61% of whom are SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities. We have come out with a comprehensive social security scheme for the poor and marginalised, old and those with low-income levels. We have set up a skill development ministry to enhance employability of the youth, to whom we are committed to provide jobs through initiatives like Make in India. In the past, the country had witnessed a jobless and low-growth economy.

These are just a few examples. Why were these things not done in past 60 years? Who prevented them? Moreover, had this been done by the Congress on the eve of elections, it would have been termed pro-poor. Since we have done it right in the beginning without calculating the 'Right Time', it is not being noticed.

The worry of the Opposition, especially the Congress, is not that we are not pro-poor. Their worry is that they are being exposed. People are asking them, "If the Modi government can think and do this in six to nine months, why you could not think and do it in 60 years?" The reason is simple - they would have waited for an election for a fraction of each one of them.

Q. What about the hurdles you have faced in the Rajya Sabha? How do you think your government can find a solution to this bottleneck?

A. I thank the parties and the members of Parliament for four meaningful sessions of Parliament. In all, 36 bills have been passed by both Houses of Parliament. On the whole, the productivity of both the Houses was good. The Lok Sabha has worked 123.45 % of the scheduled time, while the productivity of the Rajya Sabha has been 106.79%.

Of the four sessions of Parliament that we have had since our assumption of office in May, 2014, this Budget session has been the most significant and rewarding on several counts. With the support of the parties and the members of Parliament, the government has demonstrated that we are moving towards open and policy-driven governance. One most singular and significant outcome of the Budget session is the passing of the two bills to replace the ordinances in the coal and other mineral sectors. With this, the infamous 'discretion of government' in allocating coal and non-coal minerals, leading to corruption and malpractice, has been put to an end. We are thankful to the parties for supporting our honest intentions.

These two legislations will prove to be landmarks in the evolution of transparent governance and efficient allocation of key natural resources, which is the need of the hour as the country aspires for quick economic development. The passing of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill was the next important outcome of this part of the session. Finally, this important legislation enabling a hike in FDI in the capital-starved insurance sector has been cleared after a long delay of seven years. The Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill, 2015 introduced in the Lok Sabha is again a historic initiative for curbing and retrieving black money.

We believe in dialogue with both allies and opposition parties. I have myself appealed in Parliament that we are ready to discuss and accommodate any issues where political parties have a different view. I do hope that most of the parties would cooperate on issues of urgent national importance and adopt a bipartisan stance.

Q. You are heading for France, Germany and Canada in the second week of April. What are your expectations from the visit?

A. I like to combine visits to more than one place when I go on my international tours in order to get more done. I'm from Ahmedabad where we have a saying, 'single-fare, double journey'. These three countries are major economies that have great relevance to our development process and growth. They can each contribute in terms of capital flows, technology and best practices. Canada is rich in hydrocarbons and other natural resources. An Indian Prime Minister would be visiting Canada after a long time. France and Germany have the manufacturing and skill base which is useful to us. France is our dependable strategic partner. In Germany, I am attending the prestigious Hannover Fair where India will be a partner country. I expect my visit to be helpful in advancing our Make in India initiative. The free trade agreement discussions are ongoing and would be reflected in my meetings.

Q. You invited the Pakistani Prime Minister to your swearing-in ceremony. Indo-Pak relations have, however, gone downhill since then. When should we expect the resumption of bilateral dialogue? Will there be any pre-conditions?

A. We want peace and prosperity in South Asia, we want SAARC to flourish. This vision of regional cooperation and connectivity impelled me to invite the Prime Minister of Pakistan and other SAARC leaders to our swearing-in-ceremony. This remains a guiding factor in our foreign policy. The dividends are visible in the quantum leap in relations with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. But peace cannot co-exist with terrorism, can it? Peace can only thrive when the climate is right. We remain open to bilateral dialogue with Pakistan on all outstanding issues in an environment free from terrorism and violence. The Shimla Agreement and Lahore Declaration have to be the basis for going forward.

Q. Ahead of your visit to China, there is much expectation and hope about a possible breakthrough in border talks between the two countries. How realistic are these expectations?

A. The visit of President Xi to India has certainly given the relationship a new level of energy. I look forward to going to China fairly soon to further build our relationship. In so far as the border is concerned, the most important point right now is that peace and tranquillity must not be disturbed. That would create conditions for us to arrive at a mutually-acceptable solution. This is a complicated and old problem and needs to be addressed with care and with deliberation. President Xi also shares my optimism. The present priorities of both nations are the economic welfare of their people. We have taken a conscious decision not to allow confrontation to escalate into conflict. Leaderships in both countries are pragmatic and open-minded. Therefore, we do have realistic expectations.

Q. Your personal chemistry with US President Barack Obama, as with many other world leaders, has been evident. Where do you think India figures in the US' geo-strategic interest in Asia and have you noticed any shift in its approach?

A. This friendship is based on mutual respect and mutual interest. From my intimate discussions with President Obama, it is evident that India figures significantly in American geo-political, economic and strategic thinking. India is the largest democracy in the world. This strength, combined with our talented youth, has the potential of working together with the USA, which is the oldest democracy and which respects human talent. Events of the recent past have further strengthened my belief, which is also shared by the US President. We are a rapidly growing economy and can do a lot for each other. The convergence in our interests is strong and will guide further development of our ties.

Q. With unseasonal rains flattening grain and vegetable produce, the price situation is only worsening. How worried are you? What are the measures the government is considering to curb prices?

A. When we took charge, prices were already sky-rocketing. To make matters worse, there was a delay in the monsoon. Even then, we tried our best and succeeded in bringing down inflation. While we were witnessing a little relief on this front, the unseasonal rains have given another unfortunate jolt to agriculture. It is, of course, a matter of great concern to us in the government.

I want to assure my brothers and sisters on our farms that my government will provide every help possible in this hour of need. Central ministers and officials have already gone out to assess requirements. I have also reviewed the situation through video-conference and during my visits in states. The government will do everything possible for ensuring satisfactory supply of food grains and other edible products. As of now, the supply side is satisfactory with reference to demand. However, there is a serious issue of hoarding, exorbitant profits being realised by middle men and speculative behaviour. State governments have been requested to take stern action against hoarders and black-marketers. I am very confident that the joint efforts of the states and the Centre shall bear fruit.

Q. You have urged well-off Indians to give up their LPG subsidies to help the government contain mounting expenses. Are you eventually looking at phasing out LPG subsidies for those who can afford as a matter of policy?

A. It is the responsibility of the government to take care of the poor. Thus, subsidy is and should be meant for those who really need it. It should reach the right people, at the right time and in the right proportion. It is a humanitarian issue and not just an economic issue. The culture of our country is that of giving; not of cornering something which belongs to others. Thus, I am appealing to people who are well off.

I re-affirm that the policy of the government is only to reduce leakages by efficient administration of subsidies. Towards this end, PAHAL, the world's largest cash transfer programme in LPG, is showing encouraging results. The give-it-up movement is an effort to encourage well-off LPG consumers to voluntarily opt out of the LPG subsidy. The savings thereon will go towards the benefit of the poor. We will use it for meeting energy requirements of the kitchens of the poor, who still use wood fuel and suffer wood-smoke-related health hazards.

Q. Industry in India, as well as globally, has been clamouring for more flexible labour laws in India. These obviously have social and political implications. How can India's labour laws be reformed?

A. Unfortunately, in India, labour reforms have been viewed only with reference to industry. It is not a question of what industry needs. The labour reforms that we are undertaking are fundamentally aimed towards the benefit of the labour force itself. We have to ensure the welfare and security of the labour force. Moreover, we all want job creation. We need work for millions and millions of hands. We must, therefore, expand the job market. Thus, our labour reforms have these twin objectives.

With that in mind, we have made a lot of changes which ensure the safety, security and well being of the labour force. I launched such initiatives as a package called Shramev Jayate. We have also brought about certain changes in this year's Budget in the direction of giving flexibility in choosing between EPF or New Pension Scheme and also between ESI and another health insurance scheme. We are addressing the issues involved in non-payment of EPF amounts to the labour. For more job creation, we have also eased out certain labour laws which were making business cumbersome without offering greater security to labour. We amended the Apprenticeship Act so as to induct more fresh talent in our workforce. Thus, we will and we are taking a holistic and balanced view in the matter.

Q. India, quite clearly, has huge potential in the area of technology but, as of now, tech innovation is dominated by developed economies like the US. How can we bridge the tech and innovation gap?

A. Yes, this is an important task and we must bridge this gap. Our intention is to convert India into a knowledge society. We have to use the potential of our talented youth for betterment of our lives and development of the country. That is why, along with formation of my government we set up a new ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship. Going further, in the recent Budget, we have launched two schemes dedicated to innovation, incubation and facilitation programmes. They are the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Self-Employment and Talent Utilisation (SETU). It is hoped that academia would also get associated in a structured manner in these initiatives under the aegis of the NITI Aayog. In the coming days, they will take up programmes for encouraging innovation, R&D, incubation and entrepreneurship. I have already launched a programme for Digital India. We are also strengthening our IPR regime. A task force is working on this front.

Q. The BJP's dream run ended on a disastrous note in the Delhi elections. Many analysts have interpreted it as the end of the 'Modi wave'. How would you respond to it?

A. This is a purely political question. We respect the verdict of the people of Delhi. However, I find it amusing to hear that those who did not talk about a 'Modi wave' in the context of the outcome of the 2014 general elections are now engaged in intense discussion regarding the 'Modi wave'.

You have to respect the verdict of the people who have voted during all elections held after the Lok Sabha elections. Take the cases of the Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Haryana and J&K state elections or the local body elections in Assam, Punjab, MP and Rajasthan. It is all BJP. I can say with confidence that we fully enjoy the love and trust of the people of the country living in various states, cities and villages.

Q. In less than a month since it took over, the PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir has been mired in controversies. You said in the Lok Sabha that you were not even consulted about the release of Hurriyat leader Masarat Alam. Are you happy with the government in Srinagar?

A. These are teething troubles. We need to have patience. I myself and my party have made our stand very clear that any lenience towards anti-national elements and terrorists will not be acceptable.

However, we should not forget the larger picture. The alliance in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most important developments on the contemporary political scene. It has the potential to resolve one of our most difficult national problems through people's participation and good governance.

Q. During your election campaign and thereafter, you said that you want to bring the northeastern region of the country into the national mainstream. Do you think it is working?

Yes, I said this. I had also said that the eight states of the Northeast are the Ashta Lakshmi for the country as they have huge potential. This region can contribute a lot in the development of the whole country. In the last 10 months, I have visited the Northeast twice. In addition to being with the people of those regions on their important occasions, I have taken up infrastructure projects in various sectors which include water, energy, railways etc. I am very keen on developing infrastructure and connectivity. Phase one of gauge conversion of the Lumding-Silchar railway line has been completed in the last eight months. The trial run is going on.

I have also appealed to the people of the country to accord respect to and ensure the security of the people belonging to the Northeast. With this purpose, we organised the conference of DGs in the Northeast. This is just the beginning. I am confident that with our efforts, the northeastern region of our country will emerge as an active partner in the process of national development.

Q. You recently observed the judiciary should not be influenced by "five-star activists". That has created questions in people's minds. Do you think the judiciary is stepping in because the executive is leaving a vacuum in many cases?

I would not like to analyse the judiciary, the experts should look at it. There have been instances where the judiciary's initiative has resulted in a good outcome and there have been instances when it has resulted in pain. At the same time, administrative lethargy has also hurt, while there have been quick decisions as well. Kisike irade par shaq nahin karna chahiye (We should not suspect someone's intentions).

member_28025 · Post by **member_28025** » 10 Apr 2015 13:36

Yemen Evacuation Over, Closing Our Embassy There, Tweets Minister Sushma Swaraj

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday concluded its evacuation mission, Operation Rahat, in Yemen with Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeting, "The evacuation operation from Yemen is over. General V.K.Singh is returning tonight. We are closing our Embassy there."
India has so far evacuated 5,600 people, including 4,640 of its nationals and 960 nationals from 41 countries, from Yemen, the government said as it airlifted 630 people by three special Air India flights from Sana'a yesterday.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin in a series of tweets said that the security situation in Yemen has deteriorated further with a bomb blast at Aden port on Thursday.
In another tweet, he said the Indian embassy in Sana'a "will need to shut operations and relocate its personnel" to Al Hudaydah where Indian naval ships would be berthed to carry out evacuation of remaining Indian nationals over the next two days.

"The total no. of Indians evacuated from Sana'a by air has crossed 2,900 by 18 special flights since the beginning of the air operations," he tweeted.

"Indian naval vessels have also evacuated over 1,670 Indians from Aden, Al Hudaydah and Al Mukalla ports in Yemen since 31 March," he posted.

"Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra evacuated 349 persons, including 46 Indians and 303 foreign nationals from Al Hudaydah port on April 9," he said.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 11 Apr 2015 00:12

http://deshgujarat.com/2015/04/11/20-ne ... -in-surat/

The NDA government has given a nod to set up 20 new Integrated Textile Parks in seven months, taking the total number of such parks to 70, Minister of State Santosh Gangwar said here today.

“Around 20 parks under the Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP) have been approved during the previous seven months, bringing the total number of approved parks to 70.

“After being operational, these parks are expected to attract investment of Rs 30,000 crores and generate employment for 11,00,000 people,” Gangwar said here on the final day of a two-day national workshop organised by the Union Textiles Ministry.

“The union government plans to set up eight to ten more parks in the 12th Five Year Plan. These parks will be catalytic in realising the Prime Minister’s ‘Make-in-India’ programme,” Gangwar said.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 13 Apr 2015 14:04

EconomicTimes ‏@EconomicTimes 39m39 minutes ago

LPG cash transfer plan takes commercial cylinder sales up http://ow.ly/LwsmK

There's been rapid growth in the sale of commercial cylinders even as demand for subsidised cooking gas has slowed, according to data provided by Indian Oil Corporation, the country's largest LPG retailer, with almost half the market share. With 82% of cooking gas customers getting subsidy directly from the government, there is hardly any room for unscrupulous dealers to supply cheap cylinders to commercial customers.

In March, the pace of growth of subsidised LPG consumption for domestic purposes fell to 3.1% from 5.8% in February and 12.2% between April 2014 and February 2015.

To be sure, the higher growth between April and February was also due to the addition of 1.4 crore LPG subscribers. Non-domestic consumption of LPG cylinders jumped 28.2% in March, accelerating from 26.9% in February.