PIB Nov 16 to Nov 22

KIIW PIB Nov 16 to 22

KIIW

Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com

Content

Finance Minister asks the Bankers to Work in a Professional Manner Without 1

Suersh Prabhu Calls Upon to Undertake a Comprehensive and Structured Energy 1

Joint Statement during Prime Minister's visit to Australia (November 16-18, 2

Government working towards ensuring easier credit flow for MSME sector says 3

Regional Office of National Minorities Development & Finance Cooperation to 3

PM's remarks at interaction with civil society groups at Fiji National Univ 4

River Linking Can Raise the Irrigation Capacity of the Country by 90 Per Ce 4

Government to Launch Blue Revolution 4

Approval for signing and ratifying SAARC (South Asian Association for Regio 5

Chairman, PFRDA Urged Bankers to Propagate Growth of Pension; Asked Bankers 6

Ministry of HUPA convenes meeting of States, UTs on shelters for urban hom 6

Highlights of PM's Statement on Energy at G20 Summit 7

Text of the Speech delivered by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climat 7

India-U.S. Higher Education Dialogue 8

Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradha 8

Number of Subscribers Registered Under National Pension System (NPS) has m 9

Economic Reforms Inclduing GST and Insurance Amendment Bill are on the Anvi 9

Dr Harsh Vardhan says Vision S&T 2020 on Cards "Recent Decisions by PM have 10

KIIW

Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com

Content

Government to Start Jal Gram Scheme in Every District Says Uma Bharti Thre 10

Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana 10

Enactment of National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill on Top Priority 11

KIIW

Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com Page 1

Finance Minister asks the Bankers to Work in a Professional Manner Without Thu, Nov 20, 2014PIB, economics,

Review of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) The following key facts were revealed and decisions taken for immediate complianceby Banks:

* As per recent survey reports 20% households are still uncovered in the districts. Bankswould cover these remaining households in sweep mode. Banks would also make specialefforts to cover uncovered households in 33 districts where the percentage of coverageis less than 50% as per the survey done by Banks.

Though the gap in accounts opened and Rupay cards issued has come down, Banksneed to make concerted efforts on delivery and activation of the cards essential forPersonal Accidental Insurance of account holders.

In order to handle the claims received under the scheme of personal accidental insurance,branch staff sensitization program should be organized.

Banks were directed to ensure use of e-kyc based account opening where Aadhaar No.is available.

To make the country DBTL/ DBT ready, Banks were asked to increase the seeding ofAadhaar number in the accounts using alternate channels like SMSs, ATMs & Internet

Banks were asked to be ready for rolling out DBTL in all the districts from 1 st January,2015 and to take corrective action in the issues emanating in 54 districts, where DBTLis already underway

Suersh Prabhu Calls Upon to Undertake a Comprehensive and Structured Energy Fri, Nov 21, 2014railways, PIB, economics,

launched the formal process to set up the Windmill Farm of 26 Megawatt in Rajasthanwhich is the biggest renewable energy initiative by Indian Railways.

The project is meant for generating electricity for the captive consumption of IndianRailways.

he Railway Minister pointed out that the Indian Railways is one of the biggest consumerof energy and, therefore, using even a small percentage of green energy by Railways,will make a substantial difference. We, therefore, have to explore new and renewablesources of energy for our energy basket.

Shri Prabhu called upon the Indian Railways to undertake a comprehensive and structured

KIIW


energy audit so as to ensure the best and optimal utilization of energy and also identifythe energy saving potential. He said that the Indian Railways can take the help of Bureauof Energy Efficiency in this regard.

He said that the deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat can also be a good source of exploitingthe solar energy. He said that there should be a sustained effort to intensify energyconservation measures.

He said that, later on, Ministry of Railways (MoR) and RITES Ltd. formed a jointventure company namely Railway Energy Management Company (REMC) in theshareholding pattern of 49% & 51% respectively for undertaking the projects of IndianRailways related to harnessing green energy like solar and windmill power plants,power trading activities, transmission lines and power evacuation planning, energyconservation initiatives, efficient coordination in power generation through captivepower plant, energy audits etc.

Joint Statement during Prime Minister's visit to Australia (November 16-18, Tue, Nov 18, 2014PIB, international, Australia,

Prime Minister Abbott and Prime Minister Modi recognised that the partnership hastremendous room for growth and agreed to unlock the vast potential of the economicrelationship, especially in priority areas such as resources, education, skills, agriculture,infrastructure, investments, financial services and health.

They directed that anequitable, balanced, mutually beneficial and high qualityComprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement be brought to an early conclusionto realise the potential of commercial relations.

Energy is a central pillar of the economic relationship. Prime Minister Abbott and PrimeMinister Modi agreed to expedite approvals for key mining investment projects. Theyagreed to cooperate on clean coal technologies and welcomed the intention to exploreopportunities for partnershipbetween Australian institutionsandthe Indian School ofMines inDhanbad.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott agreed that the existing Joint WorkingGroup on Counter-Terrorism would be renamed to cover other transnationalcrimes,including on-going cooperation on illegal migration. Theywitnessed the signing of anAgreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and a Counter-Narcotics MoU.

They noted theconclusion of a new Framework for Security Cooperation to guide closerbilateral collaboration across the security spectrum, including in defence, counter-terrorism,cyber policy, disarmament and non-proliferationand maritime security

They agreed to hold regular meetings at the level of the Defence Minister, conduct

KIIW


regular maritime exercises and convene regular Navy to Navy, Air Force to Air Forceand Army to Army staff talks.

Both countries value their engagement with ASEAN, are strongly committed to buildingup the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and support regional efforts to create strongerhumanitarian and disaster relief capabilities, combat malaria and boost regional trade,including through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Government working towards ensuring easier credit flow for MSME sector says Wed, Nov 19, 2014MSME, PIB, economics,

Considering the huge dearth of skilled labour being faced by the MSME sector, theGovernment is working on joint skill development of labour and entrepreneurs,The whole idea for skill development of youth in the rural sector is to encourage themfor entrepreneurship thereby imparting training through machines by setting up incubationcentres on a wide scale".

Putting a thrust on public, private partnership (PPP) model for growth and developmentof MSMEs, the Minister said, "Private sector should open technical institutions, tie upwith enterprises and train youth in large numbers with a guarantee to provide jobsthereby contributing to the success of Make in India programme."

Regional Office of National Minorities Development & Finance Cooperation to Fri, Nov 21, 2014Minorities, social, PIB,

Dr. Heptulla will also inaugurate Skill Development Training Centre of Maulana AzadNational Academy for Skills (MANAS) at Anjuman Industrial Training Centre, inChennai tomorrow.

With the setting up of MANAS under the Ministry for Minority Affairs, skill developmenttraining will be provided to the minority youths with assured placement of the traineesin the industry or in setting up of self employment ventures through concessional creditline of the academy & NMDFC.

MANAS would identify & develop traditional arts /crafts / trades of minorities whichare languishing due to globalization & technological advancement.

KIIW


PM's remarks at interaction with civil society groups at Fiji National Univ Wed, Nov 19, 2014Fiji, PIB, international,

He said the coming age would be the age of knowledge, and India would once againperform the role of "Vishvaguru".

He said our ancient sages had spoken of India's global responsibility, and the coming"Gyan Yug" would see India play a pivotal role,using the strengths of its democracyand demographic dividend. He said the Government was giving priority to skilldevelopment so that these strengths could be leveraged for the benefit of the wholeworld.

-Visa on arrival for Fiji and other Pacific island nations-A fund of five million US dollars to promote small business and village enterprises inFiji.-A line of credit of 70 million US dollars for a co-generation power plant.

oubling the scholarships and training slots in India for Fiji.-Setting up of a Special Adaptation Fund of $ 1 million to provide technical assistanceand training for capacity building to Pacific island nations on the issue of global warming.

River Linking Can Raise the Irrigation Capacity of the Country by 90 Per Ce Thu, Nov 20, 2014environment, river interlinking, PIB, river,

inter-linking of river will raise the irrigation capacity of the country by 90 percent.

excess rain water in our country flows in to seas through rivers. We need to conservethis water by inter-linking the rivers.

three flagship schemes

Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Repair, Renovation and Restoration ofWater Bodies and Flood Management Programme.

Government to Launch Blue Revolution Fri, Nov 21, 2014Blue Revolution, PIB, economics,

the Government is focused to usher in a Blue Revolution meaning increase in fishproduction and productivity in the country on the occasion of World Fisheries Day.

KIIW


ndia ranks world number two in fish production and also the second highest aquaculturecountry in the world. India with a fishermen population of 14.5 million and a coastalline of 8118 kilometers can rise to be a major player in the world fisheries. India alsohas a fleet of 200,000 fishing vessels and last year has exported fish worth 5 billion USdollars. The Minister informed that India has a vast area of unutilized and untappedInland water resources and is short of for quality fish seed and formulated fish feed andgovernment will focus on filling the critical gaps.

Even though the per capita income consumption in the world for fish is 18 kilogramsper annum, India stands at 8 kilograms. India currently produces 9.58 million metrictonnes of fish out of which 64% of production is Inland and 36% is from marine sources.The Minister also informed that the fisheries can be an engine of growth due to highgrowth rates of 7.9% in Inland fisheries last year.

In India, fisheries is recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as itstimulates growth of a number of subsidiary sectors. Fisheries in both inland and marinewaters have been contributing as an important source of livelihood and supplies nutritiousprotein for the growing population. In fact, with exponential increase in humanpopulations, the food demand, shrinkage of cultivable land and decline in the agriculturalproductivity, role of fisheries sector to fulfill the growing demand for food is of paramountimportance for nutritional security.

Approval for signing and ratifying SAARC (South Asian Association for Regio Thu, Nov 20, 2014Railways, PIB, international, SAARC,

SAARC region is considered one of the least networked regions in terms of physicaland soft connectivity leading to high costs and low volumes of trade recognizing whichthe leaders of the SAARC countries agreed that better transport infrastructure andlinkages among the SAARC countries was necessary.

SAARC Secretariat had recommended multilateral agreements permitting free movementof people, goods and services within SAARC region in the Road and Rail sector

Strengthened rail and transport connectivity will not only provide stimulus to theeconomic development in the region as a whole but also promote social and culturalcontact and encourage tourism amongst the Member States. The Regional Rail Agreementwill also enable low cost, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transportationin the SAARC region and provide trade and economic links for the land locked countriesand semi isolated regions.

KIIW


Chairman, PFRDA Urged Bankers to Propagate Growth of Pension; Asked BankersTue, Nov 18, 2014PIB, economics, PFRDA, Swavalamban scheme,

the target of opening of 70 accounts per branch has been allocated to the Banks,amounting to a total target of 56 lacs Swavalamban accounts for the FY 2014-15.

the Swavalamban scheme has been made an integral part of Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana (PMJDY). He asked the bankers to take Swavalamban Scheme in a missionmode and work towards achieving the targets in the stipulated time.

called upon the banks to give impetus to opening of Swavalamban accounts, which isof immense importance for old age income security and is being monitored by theGovernment as an important initiative.

the pension reforms in India have been driven by the fiscal unsustainability of thedefined benefit pension scheme on the one hand and coverage of pension provision tothe large unorganised sector on the other. Only 12% of the working population arecovered under formal pension system. Further, there should be concerted efforts topromote financial inclusion which involves ensuring access to financial services suchas savings and investment, pension and credit.

Swavalamban is a Government of India initiative in which the Government co-contributesRs. 1000/- per annum to all eligible Swavalamban pension accounts.

So far, more than 35 lakhs subscriber have opened account under this scheme.

Ministry of HUPA convenes meeting of States, UTs on shelters for urban hom Thu, Nov 20, 2014slums, PIB, economics, Urban,

The Apex Court, in the matter of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding sheltersfor homeless, on November 13, 2014 directed the Ministry of HUPA to convene sucha meeting within ten days for taking stock of availability of shelters and file an affidavitwithin three weeks, on the way forward.

various initiatives of the central government pertaining to building of smart cities,provision of basic infrastructure in 500 urban areas, development of heritage cities,Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) and Housing for all Urban Poor by 2022 besidesissues relating to urban governance, urban reforms and capacity building.

KIIW


Highlights of PM's Statement on Energy at G20 Summit Sun, Nov 16, 2014g20, PIB, economics, energy,

* Pricing of carbon, especially in mature markets with universal availability of power,can stimulate shift to renewable energy.

For this, I would propose that we set up a global virtual centre for clean energy researchand development, with adequate public funding, which will fund collaborative projectsin diverse sources of clean energy, smart grids, energy efficiency, etc.

innovative funding models to ensure rapid expansion of renewable energy in decentralisedmanner in rural areas.

In countries like India, there are vast opportunities for those wishing to invest in cleancoal technology, since our dependence will not reduce very soon.

Nuclear energy can still be a safe, reliable and clean source of energy. It will be animportant part of our mix.

Energy efficiency is the best source of clean energy. In India, for example, buildingenergy efficiency and efficiency in areas such as buildings, household appliances andindustrial goods is receiving strong attention.

Text of the Speech delivered by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climat Fri, Nov 21, 2014HFCs, environment, Montreal Protocol, PIB,

The Montreal protocol on substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been recognizedas the most successful Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) in the history.India successfully phased out CFCs and other oDS like CTC/CFC/Halon well in timeand its phase out of HCFCs is proceeding with due diligence.

We all know that all is not well with the Montreal Protocol .There are number ofchallenges still. We introduced HFCs as substitute for the CFCs and now for HCFCs.

HFCs are Green House Gases ( GHG) and its Global Warming Potentials ( GWP) arethousands of time greater than CO2-commonly known GHG.

Developing countries were given technologies and financial assistance to adopt thealternatives which were mainly HFC-dependent.

There are no specific offers of technology transfer, technology demonstrations andtechnology cooperation for the developing countries, except reports and presentations.

KIIW


IPR, Patents, Confidentiality are the arguments still used by the developed countriesfor the issues that would lead us to climate disaster. What is the use of those confidentialityand IPR issues if all of us are getting drowned together due to global warming?

My suggestions and proposal

Country wise production and consumption of HFCs over last 10 years. India does notwant 'estimates'. We need actual figures. That's what we did in case of CFCs decadesback.

* India needs in every 29 states of India immediate demonstration projects for alternativesto HFCs in refrigeration and ACs to test the viability, affordability and energy efficiency.

We woud like the developed country industry and research institutes to initiate immediatecollaboration to develop and improve the affordability of HFC alternatives.

The negotiations on HFCs should proceed on the principles of grace period ( CBRD) , financial assistance including that for research and development, technology transferwithout clauses of confidentiality.

India-U.S. Higher Education Dialogue Mon, Nov 17, 2014USA, social, PIB, education,

The Dialogue explored various forms of collaboration between the two countries,especially in the fields of development of community colleges, massive open onlinecourses, student and faculty exchange and skill development.

It was also agreed that the US side would extend technical cooperation for the developmentof one of the new IITs in India.

Both sides also agreed to further enhance the cooperation for faculty development anddiscussed to cooperate on India's Global Initiative of Academics Network (GIAN) tofacilitate participation of U.S. faculty to take up short-term teaching and researchprogrammes in Indian Institutions.

Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradha Wed, Nov 19, 2014Natural Gas, Turkmenistan, PIB, international,

Shri Pradhan reiterated India's commitment to source natural gas from Turkmenistanthrough TAPI natural gas pipeline project and sought assistance of Turkmenistan forresolving the remaining issues for smooth commissioning of TAPI gas pipeline project.Shri Pradhan also stressed upon expanding energy cooperation beyond TAPI into other

KIIW


upstream, midstream and downstream activities including fertilizer and petrochemicalprojects.

Number of Subscribers Registered Under National Pension System (NPS) has m Wed, Nov 19, 2014NPS, National Pension System, PIB, economics,

the number of subscribers registered under National Pension System (NPS) has morethan doubled since April 2012 from about 11.5 Lakh to 23 Lakh. He commended thesubstantial improvement in performance of State Governments since April 2012..

with the passage and notification of the Act, PFRDA has been conferred with a statutorystatus. Its mandate covers development of the pension sector as also framing regulationsfor the advancement of the NPS and protection of the interest of the subscribers. Heinformed the participants that regulations under the Act are expected to be notifiedwithin the next two months.

Though it is mandatory to register under National Pension System (NPS) for thejoinees/employees of the Central Government who have joined or are joining it on orafter 01-01-2004, yet most of the State Governments have adopted NPS voluntarily fortheir employees from their respective adoption dates. Currently, NPS has 76 Lakhsubscribers with total Asset Under Management (AUM) of Rs.68,000 crores. Out ofthis, State Government sector has approx. 23 Lakh subscribers with AUM of Rs.30,000crores.

Economic Reforms Inclduing GST and Insurance Amendment Bill are on the Anvi Mon, Nov 17, 2014Insurance Amendment Bill, PIB, economics, GST,

The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley further said that various sectors have been openedfor foreign direct investment in the infrastructure sector by the present Government. Inthis regard he specifically mentioned about the defence and power sectors among others.

various economic reforms which are in the pipeline. In this regard, he specificallymentioned about the Goods and Service Tax (GST) and Insurance Amendment Billamong others.

As regards GST

most of the contentious issues have already been resolved. He said there are two areasincluding liquor and petroleum products where the States want to have taxation authority.Two States want entry tax and octroi to be kept-out of the purview of the GST.

KIIW


Dr Harsh Vardhan says Vision S&T 2020 on Cards "Recent Decisions by PM haveMon, Nov 17, 2014vision s&t 2020, PIB, science & tech,

India of the future will depend on her own R&D to build helicopters, transport aircraftand submarines for the all-important defence sector."

world governments and media have been totally overwhelmed by Prime Minister Modi'sdecisions on defence self-reliance. "We are presently the world's biggest importer ofdefence equipment.

The "Make in India" project of the Prime Minister is therefore not empty rhetoric. Heis seriously interested in reviving what was an old, discarded slogan into a "doable"project.

Government to Start Jal Gram Scheme in Every District Says Uma Bharti Thre Sat, Nov 22, 2014Jal Gram Scheme, social, PIB,

This centre will start Jal Gram (Water Village) scheme next year.The Minister was speaking at the concluding session of the three day national conferenceJal Mathan on issues for optimal use of water resources. Sushri Bharti said that thevillage with utmost water scarcity in every district will be indentified as Jal Gram.

he said her Ministry will celebrate next as water conservation year and during thisvarious programmes will be organized by her Ministry in every district of the countryto create awareness about water conservation.

Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana Thu, Nov 20, 2014rural electrification, PIB, Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, economics,

he launch of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) with components(i) to separate agriculture and non agriculture feeders facilitating judicious rostering ofsupply to agricultural and non-agricultural consumers in rural areas and (ii) strengtheningand augmentation of sub transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas,including metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers.

the balance work relating to rural electrification as per CCEA's approval in August,2013 with the norms of the ongoing scheme of RGGVY in 12th and 13th Plans willget subsumed in DDUGJY as a distinct component for rural electrification,

The scheme would help in:

KIIW


(i) Improvement in hours of power supply in rural areas,(ii) Reduction in peak load,(iii) Improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and(iv) Providing access to electricity to rural households.

Enactment of National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill on Top Priority Wed, Nov 19, 2014National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, PIB, njac, polity, judiciary,

At least 50% of the States had to ratify the Bill. Four States have already ratified andit is learnt that Gujarat also has ratified. He said that he has spoken to Chief Ministersand Secretaries of States to speed up the ratification process.

National Litigation Policy is being formulated and amendments in Motor Vehicles Actand Negotiable Instruments Act, Arbitration and Conciliation Acts are being taken up.The National Litigation Policy aims to avoid unnecessary litigations by Governmentdepartments, Government bodies and joint affidavits before the Courts etc.Reduction of pendency in cases is his priority. An alternative dispute redressal mechanismwill speed up the disposal of cases. High Courts are being requested to encouragejudicial officers to resolve civil disputes through mediation and reconciliation. Governmentwill give full support in 13th Finance Commission to provide infrastructure for settingup Mediation Centres, he said.

Ministry is planning to set up commercial division in the Courts after receiving reportsfrom Law Commission. Increasing the strength of Judges in various High Courts from906 to 1112 is also government's priority for which Hon'ble Chief Justice of India hasgiven his approval.

Making the mention of North-Eastern States, he said that separate High Courts forNorth Eastern States of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura have been established andfor Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram would be taken up.

Implementation of Phase I of the e-courts is almost complete at a cost of Rs.935 croresand Phase-II of e-courts has been planned at a cost of Rs.2765 crores, he said.

Documents

PIB Nov 16 to Nov 22