Current Affairs August 2018 - National

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1 - Government withdrew FRDI Bill from Lok Sabha

The Union Government withdrew the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill from the Lok Sabha due to concerns over the proposed bail-in clause to resolve a failing bank and insurance cover on bank deposits.

The bill was introduced in August 2017 in the House and then referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament. The Committee tabled its report and had agreed with the government's proposal to withdraw the bill.

2 - Over 1,11,80,000 farmers register on e-NAM platform till 31^st of July

Over 1,11,80,000 farmers from 16 states and two Union Territories have registered on e-NAM platform till 31^st of July, 2018. A total of 585 mandis of the country have been integrated in the e-NAM platform till 31^st March, 2018. Government has approved the integration of another 415 wholesale regulated markets with e-NAM platform by 2019-20 to increase the number of regulated mandis.

e-NAM platform promotes better marketing opportunities for the farmers to sell their produce through online competitive and transparent price discovery system and online payment facility.

3 - Government created National Testing Agency

The Union Government has created National Testing Agency (NTA) as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher education, which were being conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The objective is to have a specialized and dedicated body for conducting these high-stake entrance examinations.

NTA will be a self-sustained organization. However, in order to set up and start its operations, a provision of Rs.25 crore as one-time grant has been made, out of which a sum of Rs.10 crore has been released.

4 - Health Ministry signed MoU with MoE&IT to facilitate access of AB–NHPM to the last mile

National Health Agency (NHA), the apex body for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM), and Common Service Centres (CSC) scheme under the Digital India Programme, have signed an MoU with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to facilitate access of AB–NHPM to the last mile.

AB-NHPM targets approximately 10.74 crore poor, deprived families and has identified occupational category of urban workers’ families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, for both rural and urban India.

5 - Cabinet approved Extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS)

The Union Cabinet has approved the first extension of Concessional Financing Scheme(CFS) to support Indian Entities bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects abroad for another five years from 2018 to 2023.

The Scheme is presently being operated through the Export-Import Bank of India, which raises resources from the market to provide concessional finance. Government of India (GoI) provides counter guarantee and interest equalization support of 2% to the EXIM Bank.

6 - Cabinet approved re-structuring of the Agricultural Scientists' Recruitment Board (ASRB)

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for restructuring of Agricultural Scientists'Recruitment Board (ASRB). The ASRB will now be a 4 Member body instead of 3 Members. It will have a Chairperson and 3 Members. ASRB would be for a period of three years or till attainment of 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.

For the purpose of autonomy, secrecy, accountability and efficient functioning ASRB shall be delinked from ICAR and to be attached with Deptt. of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE) under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.

7 - Cabinet approved Raising of Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) for Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)

The Union Cabinet has approved the following:

• Raising funds up to Rs.15,000 crore as Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) (Gol Fully Serviced Bonds) for Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) [SBM(G)] during the financial year 2018-19 through NABARD.

• Expansion of the scope of work of the Society named International Centre for Drinking Water Quality to authorise it for receiving EBR funds for SBM(G), disbursement of the same to the Sates/UTs implementing agencies, and its repayment.

• To change the name of the Society to "National Centre for Drinking Water, Sanitation and Quality" in place of "International Centre for Drinking Water Quality".

8 - Cabinet approved opening of 13 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in seven States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal for opening of 13 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) in seven States and a second Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya(JNV) in Alot, District Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.

These 13 schools are in Banda (Uttar Pradesh), Washim (Maharashtra), Chakpikarong (Manipur), Parbhani (Maharashtra), Nawada (Bihar), Mirjapur (Uttar Pradesh), Bhadohi ("Uttar Pradesh), Palamau (Jharkhand), Siddipet (Telangana), Kudamalakunte, (Karnataka), CISF Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh), Devkund (Bihar) and Baoli (Uttar Pradesh).

9 - Cabinet approved grant of Interest Free Loan to fertilizer revival projects at Sindri, Gorakhpur and Barauni

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of Department of Fertilizers to grant Interest Free Loan (IFL) equivalent to the interest during construction (IDC) component of Rs.422.28 crore, 415.77 crore and 419.77 crore for Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni projects respectively to Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Limited (HURL) fertilizer projects.

The total value of the IFL will be Rs.1257.82 crore. The IFL shall cover only the interest accrued during the scheduled period of construction and any escalation due to time or cost overrun will be borne by the JV Company.

10 - Cabinet approved issue of fresh equity up to 15% of the paid up equity capital by Hindustan Copper Limited

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for issue of fresh 13,87,82,700 equity shares to the extent of 15% of paid up equity capital efface value of Rs. 5/- each by Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) through the Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) route as per SEBI and other applicable guidelines.

As a result, Gol shareholding in HCL will come down from 76.05% to 66.13%. Further, the paid-up share capital of HCL will increase from the present Rs. 462.61 crores to Rs. 532 crores. HCL will use the proceeds of QIP to meet its expansion/capex plan.

11 - Government launched Seva Bhoj Yojna scheme

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India has launched the new scheme namely Seva Bhoj Yojna starting from 01.08.2018, with a total outlay of Rs. 325.00 Crores for Financial Years 2018-19 and 2019-20.

The scheme envisages to reimburse the Central Government share of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) so as to lessen the financial burden of such as Religious/Charitable Institutions who provide Food/Prasad/Langar (Community Kitchen)/Bhandara free of cost without any discrimination to Public/Devotees.

12 - SAATHI Initiative launched

Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Power have joined hands under the initiative SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries) in order to sustain and accelerate the adoption of energy efficient textile technologies in the power-loom sector and cost savings due to use of such technology.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a Public Sector entity under the administrative control of Ministry of Power, will replace old inefficient electric motors with energy efficient IE3 motors which will result in energy and cost saving up to 10-15% in the first phase.

13 - Implementation of E-Pashudhan Haat Scheme

Government has launched e-Pashu Haat portal (www.epashuhaat.gov.in) for connecting breeders and farmers of indigenous breeds. Through the portal, farmers can obtain information on location of quality indigenous germplasm in the form of live animals, semen doses and embryos.

This portal is playing crucial role in development and conservation of indigenous breeds. Complete information along with pedigree and productivity details of 80,433 live animals, 80.36 million semen doses and 364 embryos are available on the portal (as on 31.07.2018).

14 - National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 Passed in Parliament

National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 was passed by Rajya Sabha. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot moved in Rajya Sabha Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Third Amendment) Bill, 2017 and further Amendments made by the Lok Sabha.

The Bill seeks to repeal National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. The Act established National Commission for Backward Classes. The Commission has the power to examine requests for inclusion and exclusion of backward classes, and advise the central government in this regard.

15 - Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for permanent campus for NSTI

The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, laid the foundation stone for permanent campus of National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) for Women at Mohali, Punjab.

This is the first NSTI Institute for Punjab and only one of its kind in India which is exclusively for women. He also launched a unique Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) which would admit differently abled persons as well, also a first of its kind in India at Mohali. The Institute is presently operating out of temporary campus at Rajpura.

16 - Ministry of Electronics and IT launched E-Aksharayan

Ministry of Electronics and IT, Mr Ajay Prakash Sawhney, launched e-Aksharayan in 7 Indian languages. E-Aksharayan is desktop software for converting scanned printed Indian Language documents into a fully editable text format in Unicode encoding. The software e-Aksharayan was launched in 7 Indian languages. They are namely: Hindi, Bangla, Malayalam, Gurmukhi, Tamil, Kannada & Assamese.

The minister also released Mobile Testing Data in all 22 Indian languages useful in testing the display as well as input in mobile handsets IS standard 16333 (Part 3).

17 - BEML signed agreement with HEC for making mining equipment

BEML has signed a memorandum of understanding with Heavy Engineering Corporation Ltd (HEC) to produce heavy mining equipment. The MoU will result into additional Rs. 150-200 crore revenue for both PSUs. The collaboration will entail re-entering rope shovels and walking draglines manufacturing with higher indigenisation.

The MoU will help leverage manufacturing capabilities of each other in order to bring down delivery time, reduce working capital and create capability for high capacity equipment to meet the growing demand.

18 - IWAI launched a dedicated portal: FOCAL

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has launched a dedicated portal called the Forum of Cargo-Owners and Logistics-Operators (FOCAL) to connect cargo owners and shippers with real time data on availability of vessels.

The landmark e-connect measure will enable direct interaction among the vessel operators, shippers and cargo owners as currently, there is no platform to know the availability of vessels in the market. At present the cost of logistics in India, at 15% of GDP, is about twice those in the United States.

19 - NITI Aayog launched Move Hack, global mobility hackathon

NITI Aayog has launched Move Hack, a global mobility hackathon to crowdsource solutions aimed at the future of mobility in India. It is one of the largest hackathons globally. Move Hack is focused on 10 themes and structured over three legs: online, followed by Singapore leg, and the finals in New Delhi.

The hackathon has two-pronged campaign approach: (a) “Just Code It”: aimed at solutions through innovations in technology/product/software and data analysis, and (b) “Just Solve It”: innovative business ideas or sustainable solutions to transform mobility infrastructure through technology.

20 - Government launched logo, tagline for Geographical Indications

Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu launched a logo and tagline for Geographical Indications (GI) to increase awareness about intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the country.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Some of the examples of registered Indian GIs are Darjeeling Tea, Tirupathi Laddu, Kangra Paintings, Nagpur Orange, Kashmir Pashmina etc.

21 - Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana achieved 5 crore mark

Loksabha Speaker Smt. Sumitra Mahajan handed over 5 croreth LPG connection under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to Smt. Takrdiran of Delhi in the Parliament House. The government had launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on 1^st May, 2016.

PMUY achieved the initial target of providing 5 crore LPG connection to BPL households in a record time of 28 months from its launch. In the current year, considering the huge success of the Scheme, target was revised to 8 crores with budgetary allocation of Rs. 12,800 crores.

22 - Supreme Court has three women judges for the first time

For the first time, the Supreme Court has three sitting woman judges after the elevation of Madras High Court Chief Justice Indira Banerjee as the Supreme Court judge. The other two judges are Justices R Bhanumathi and Indu Malhotra.

Justice Banerjee would become the eighth woman judge in the history of the Supreme Court. The President of India appointed Justice Indira Banerjee, Orissa HC CJ Vineet Saran and Uttarakhand HC CJ K M Joseph as judges of the Supreme Court. Currently, the SC has 22 judges.

23 - Government approved research projects worth over Rs. 100 crore under ‘IMPRINT-2’ scheme

Government has approved 122 new research projects of Rs. 112 crore under its Impacting Research Innovation and Technology ‘IMPRINT-2’ scheme. The initiative aims to advance research in energy, security, and healthcare domains in the high education institutions.

IMPRINT is the first of its kind government-supported initiative to address the major science and engineering challenges that India must address and champion to enable, empower and embolden the nation for inclusive growth and self-reliance.

24 - PHDCCI and CNI sign MoU to set up Indo-Nepal Centre

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish India-Nepal Centre. It will further strengthen economic engagement between the two countries.

The MoU aims to promote Indian investment in Nepal, work with Indian ventures in Nepal to resolve problems being faced by them, promote industrialization in Nepal and provide training to Nepali entrepreneurs.

25 - Startup India launched Academia Alliance Programme

Startup India launched the Startup Academia Alliance programme with an aim to fulfill the Government of India’s mission to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in the country. It is a unique mentorship opportunity between academic scholars and startups working in similar domains.

The first phase of Startup Academia Alliance was kickstarted through partnering with Regional Centre for Biotechnology, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Council on Energy, Environment and Water, and TERI School of Advanced Studies.

26 - World’s first thermal battery plant inaugurated in India

The world’s first-ever facility to create thermal batteries was inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh by the state Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The plant is owned by Bharat Energy Storage Technology Pvt Ltd (BEST). The thermal batteries are based on alternative sources of energy production, and their presence is expected to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.

BEST aims to commercially open up the plant by May 2019, where it could provide an initial capacity of 1000MW. By 2025, BEST aims to expand the capacity of its thermal battery plant to 10GW.

27 - Union Government sets up GoM to decide on RCEP talks

The Union Government has set up a four-member group of ministers (GoM) headed by trade minister Suresh Prabhu to advise prime minister Narendra Modi on whether to continue with or withdraw from the 16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) comprises 10 Asean group members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam) and their six FTA partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

28 - Government launched Bidder Information Management System and Bhoomi Rashi - PFMS Linkage Portals

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) and Bhoomi Rashi and PFMS linkage. They are aimed at expediting pre construction processes relating to bidding and land acquisition respectively.

BIMS is aimed at streamlining the process of pre-qualification of bidders for EPC Mode of contracts for National Highway works. Bhoomi Rashi comprises the entire revenue data of the country. With integration of Bhoomi Rashi with PFMS, payment of Compensation by the Ministry to the beneficiaries will be just-in-time.

29 - NITI Aayog indentified 117 districts as Aspirational Districts for RUSA Scheme

NITI Aayog has identified 117 districts as ‘Aspirational Districts’ for Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). During the second phase of the RUSA scheme, central assistance is provided for opening of new Model Degree Colleges (MDCs) in ‘Aspirational Districts’.

The Project Approval Board (PAB) of RUSA has approved central support for one MDC each in 70 such districts. During the first phase of RUSA, central assistance to States has been provided for creation of one Model Degree College each in 60 EBDs.

30 - Defence industrial corridor launched in Aligarh

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a defence industrial corridor in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The move is part of the government's efforts to develop specialised zones dedicated to defence production in the state. Six nodal points, Agra, Aligarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Chitrakoot and Jhansi have been identified in state for the corridor.

32,000 hectares of land has been earmarked for the corridor, which will come at a cost of Rs. 20,000 crore and is likely to create jobs for at least 2.5 lakh people.

31 - Parliament passed Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018

Parliament has passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018 after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha had already passed it.

The Bill seeks to clarify that allottees under a real estate project should be treated as financial creditors.

As per the bill, home buyers will get due representation in the Committee of Creditors that takes a call on resolution proposals, making them an integral part of the decision making process.

32 - Parliament passed Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018

Parliament has passed the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018 after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha had already passed it.

The Bill allows State governments to establish commercial courts at the district level, even in territories where high courts have ordinary original civil jurisdiction. In areas where high courts do not have original jurisdiction, state governments may set up commercial appellate courts at the district level to consider appeals from commercial courts below the level of a district judge.

33 - Lok Sabha passed Arbitration & Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2018 for discussion

Lok Sabha has passed the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2018. It will amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The Bill seeks to establish an independent body called the Arbitration Council of India for the promotion of arbitration, mediation, conciliation and other alternative dispute redressal mechanisms.

The legislation provides for time-bound settlement of disputes as well as accountability of the arbitrator. It will improve ease of doing business as well as India’s ranking.

34 - NITI Aayog hosted Investors’ conference for holistic development of Islands

NITI Aayog hosted the investors’ conference for the holistic development of Islands in New Delhi with the objective to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly development of projects in Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep islands. Island Development Agency (IDA) headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh had directed NITI Aayog to steer the holistic development of islands.

Under the program in the first phase 10 Islands in Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep have been taken up for holistic development.

35 - National Sports University Bill passed in Parliament

Parliament has passed the National Sports University Bill 2018 after the Rajya Sabha approved it. Lok Sabha had already passed it. The Bill seeks to establish a first-of-its-kind National Sports University in Manipur for the promotion of sports.

The Chancellor of the University will be from the sports field and the academic council as well as academic activities will have members from sports field. It is a major step towards bringing to reality Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing a world-class 360-degree sports ecosystem in India.

36 - Lok Sabha passed amendments to CGST, IGST, GST compensation bills

Lok Sabha has passed the Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, Union Territory Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill and the Good and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill.

The four Bills seek to amend the Goods and Services Tax laws to make return forms simpler and raise the turnover threshold for availing composition scheme to 1.5 crore rupees.

37 - Parliament passed SC/ST amendment Bill

Parliament has passed the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018, after the Rajya Sabha approved it. The Lok Sabha had already passed it. The amended bill has done away with the provision of seeking prior permission for the arrest of those committing atrocities against Dalits.

Under the legislation, there is a provision of setting up special courts to deal with the cases related to atrocities against SCs and STs.

38 - Centre asked transport authorities to accept DL, RC through DigiLocker platform

Road Transport and Highways Ministry has asked the transport authorities to accept Driving Licence, Registration Certificate and other documents presented through DigiLocker platform.

The DigiLocker platform of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the mParivahan mobile app of the Road Transport and Highways Ministry has the facility to pull a citizen's Driving Licence or the Registration Certificate or any other certificate in an electronic form.

39 - SC approved draft constitution of BCCI with some modifications

The Supreme Court has approved draft constitution of BCCI with some modifications. The modifications are based on the suggestions given by the supreme court appointed amicus curiae Gopal Subramanium on the draft constitution of the BCCI.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra modified the 'one state-one vote' policy and granted full membership to Saurashtra, Vadodara, Mumbai and Vidarbha cricket associations. The bench restored the permanent membership to Railways, Services and Universities. The apex court also directed the state cricket associations to adopt the BCCI constitution within 30 days.

40 - Ministries of AYUSH and Tribal Affairs ink MoU to promote Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Ministries of AYUSH and Tribal Affairs inked a Memorandum of Understanding to promote Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, MAPs and forest produce for livelihood development of tribal people. The MoU will empower the tribal gatherers engaged in collection and sale of minor forest produce which is a major source of livelihood of the people in tribal areas.

Under the MoU, National Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Board will identify potential medicinal plant species of the tribal areas. It will also support training and awareness programme on Good and Agricultural Practices and Good Field Collection Practices.

41 - Government introduced DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018 in Lok Sabha

The government introduced DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018 in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to provide regulation for the use and application of DNA Technology for establishing the identity of certain categories of persons including the victims, offenders, suspects, under trials, missing persons and others.

The primary intended purpose for enactment of "The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill" is for expanding the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country.

42 - Union Minister Suresh Prabhu launched Mobile App Niryat Mitra

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Aviation Suresh Prabhu launched Niryat Mitra – mobile App in New Delhi. The app is developed by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). It provides wide range of information, viz., policy provisions for export and import, applicable GST rate, available export incentives, tariff, preferential tariff, market access requirements – SPS and TBT measures.

The app works internally to map the ITC HS code of other countries with that of India and provides all the required data without the users bothering about the HS code of any country.

43 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Indonesia on Health cooperation

The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia on health cooperation.

The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:

• Research and development, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and IT-based medical equipment;

• Human Resource Development;

• Health services; and

• Any other area as may be mutually agreed upon.

44 - Cabinet approved signing of MoU between India and Canada on collaboration among Chartered Accountant Institutions

The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the "Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)" between "Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)" and "Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)".

The aim is to work together to develop a mutually beneficial relationship in the best interest of ICAI members, students and their organizations. The MoU would help encourage young Indian Chartered Accountants to take up the recognition of "CPA Canada" professional designation to further help them pursue professional opportunities in Canada.

45 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Korea on Trade Remedy Cooperation

The Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Korea on Trade Remedy Cooperation.

The MoU was signed in July 2018 during the State visit of President of Korea to India. The MoU will promote cooperation between the two countries in the area of trade remedies viz. anti-dumping, subsidy and countervailing and safeguard measures, which will enhance the bilateral trade relations.

46 - Cabinet approved Concession Agreements & Land Lease Agreements for revival of Gorakhpur & Sindri units of FCIL

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal −

• to provide land on lease to Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL);

• to provide the Concession Agreements & Land Lease Agreements for the revival of Gorakhpur & Sindri units of Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited (FCIL) and Barauni unit of Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited (HFCL) by HURL; and

• to authorize Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to approve Substitution Agreements and approve other agreements, if any to be signed between FCIL/HFCL and HURL for the three projects at Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni

47 - Cabinet approved joint issue of postage stamp between India and South Africa

The Union Cabinet was apprised of joint issue of Postage Stamps on India-South Africa on the theme, "20 Years of Strategic Partnership between India and South Africa". The joint stamps were released in June 2018.

The Commemorative Postage Stamps on India-South Africa: Joint Issue depicts image of Deendayal Upadhyaya and Oliver Reginald Tambo of South Africa. An MoU was signed to this effect between India and South Africa in May 2018.

48 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Indonesia on Scientific and Technological Cooperation

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

The objective of the MoU is to promote cooperation in the fields of science and technology between India and Indonesia on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. The stake-holders will include researchers from scientific organizations, academia, R&D laboratories and companies from India and Indonesia.

49 - Cabinet approved raising of four additional battalions of National Disaster Response Force

The Union Cabinet has given the approval for raising of four additional battalions of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to strengthen India's disaster response set up at an estimated cost of Rs. 637 crore.

The objective of raising four additional battalions is to reduce the response time keeping in view the vast geographic area of the country. These four battalions will initially be raised as two battalions in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and one battalion each in Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Rifles (ARs). Later these four battalions will be converted into NDRF battalions.

50 - Cabinet approved release of pulses to States with Central Subsidy of Rs. 15 per Kg

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the release of pulses to States/UTs at discounted rate to be utilized for various Welfare Schemes from the stock of pulses procured under Price Support Schemes (PSS).

Under this approved Scheme, the States/UT Governments are offered to lift 34.88 lakh MT of Tur, Chana, Masoor, Moong and Urad at discount of Rs. 15 per Kg over the prevailing wholesale market price of the sourcing state on First come first serve basis. Government will spend Rs. 5,237 crore for implementation of this Scheme.

51 - CIL sign MoU with NSDF & NSDC for Skill Development

Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has entered into a tripartite MoU with National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill Development Center (NSDC) under Skill India Mission of Govt. of India for standardization of Skills and Training & Assessment of their employees as well as Contractual Workers, Project affected Persons (PAP), Youth & Women in its command area to bring them in line with NSDC Qualifications.

Till date, Rs. 15 Crores (approx.) have been spent on the project to impart training to 39953 persons (including 4700 contractual workers).

52 - Health Ministry signed MoU with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

The Union Health Ministry has signed MoU with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for working in a cooperative partnership to improve the health and well-being of students in tribal schools.

The main objectives of this memorandum are:

• To provide age appropriate information about health and nutrition to the children in schools

• To promote healthy behaviors among the children that they will inculcate for life

• To detect and treat diseases early in children and adolescents including identification of malnourished and anemic children with appropriate referrals to PHCs and hospitals

• To promote use of safe drinking water in schools

• To promote safe menstrual hygiene practices by girls

• To promote yoga and meditation

53 - Unnat Bharat Programme 2.0 covers 750 Higher Educational Institutes

The recently launched Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0, which is the phase-2 of scheme, covers 750 Higher Educational Institutes. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan aims to link the Higher Education Institutions with at least 5 villages, so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base. Currently 688 Institutions covering 33 States/UT’s are participating under the scheme.

54 - National Energy Storage Mission

NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute’s joint report on India’s Energy Storage Mission has proposed three-stage solution approach i.e. creating an environment for battery manufacturing growth; scaling supply chain strategies; and scaling of battery cell manufacturing.

• Key areas for energy storage application include:

• integrating renewable energy with distribution and transmission grids;

• setting Rural micro grids with diversified loads or stand-alone systems; and

• developing Storage component of electric mobility plans.

55 - Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh of Railways

The ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)’ was introduced for works relating to renewal, replacement, upgradation of critical safety assets. The Fund has a corpus of ?1 lakh crore over a period of five years, having an assured annual outlay of ?20,000 crore with ?15,000 crore as contribution from Gross Budgetary Support and ?5,000 crore from internal resources of the Railways.

In 2017-18, out of the outlay of ?20,000 crore, expenditure of ?16091 crore has been incurred out of RRSK. In the current year, ?3256 crore have been spent till end of June, 2018.

56 - TRIFED signed MoU with National Medicinal Plant Board to promote Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed MoU with National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH. It aims to promote Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) forest produce for livelihood development of tribal people by promoting primary level value addition to MAPs produced from forest area at grassroots level.

The MoU will be an important milestone in mainstreaming the tribal community by empowering the tribal gatherers engaged in collection & sale of (Main Forest Produce)MFPs/NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Produce).

57 - President of India inaugurated ‘One District One Product’ Summit

The President of India, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the ‘One District One Product’ Summit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Under the ‘One District One Product’ scheme, the Uttar Pradesh state government has set a goal of providing employment to 25 lakh people in five years through the financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 crores. It is aimed to enhance skills of local people as well as increase the reach to products.The scheme is also aimed to result in economic progress of artisans of Uttar Pradesh.

58 - TRAI launched integration of TRAI Mobile apps on UMANG platform

TRAI has now integrated its Mobile Apps namely DND 2.0 &MyCall with UMANG Platform. UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is developed by National e-Governance Division. It provides a unified approach where citizens can install one application to avail multiple government services.

Umang has more than 50 lakh downloads and TRAI apps individually have more than 4 lakh downloads. DND (Do Not Disturb) Services App enables smart phone users to register their mobile number under DND and TRAI MyCall is an intuitive and user friendly application for Crowdsourced Voice Call Quality Monitoring.

59 - Parliament passed Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018

The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha by Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State, Ministry of AYUSH. It amends the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 and replaces the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 that was promulgated on May 18, 2018. The Bill amends the 1973 Act to provide for the supersession of the Central Council.

Some of other amendments include: homoeopathy colleges should seek permission from the central government within one year of establishment of any new course; restriction of board members upto 7 in Board of Governors, etc.

60 - Lok Sabha approved government’s additional expenditure demand

An additional demand of Rs. 11,697.92 crore as additional expenditure has been approved by LokSabha, for the current fiscal. Voice votes have passed supplementary demands for grants for 2018-19 and demands for excess grants for 2015-16, along with the required bills. Budget was approved on the basis of fact that there is least deviation found between the planned and actual estimates.

Out of the total demand, the net cash outgo stands at Rs. 5,951,22 crore and the government's gross additional expenditure atood at Rs. 5,745.68 crore.

61 - PM Modi announced Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of world's largest government-funded programme - the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan (Ayushman Bharat). It will be launched on the birth anniversary of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay on 25^th of September.

Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to cover approximately 50 crore beneficiaries and provide health cover up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. The insurance scheme will cover pre and post-hospitalisation expenses.

62 - Government proposed new transaction structure for future of greenfield airports

The government has proposed a new transaction structure for future of greenfield airports to address the challenges regarding airport infrastructure development. This is being proposed under Nextgen Airports For Bharat (NABH), Nirman initiative and its guiding principles are affordability, sustainability and predictability.

The aim of the initiative is to expand airport capacity more than five times to handle a billion trips a year. The ‘Maximum Blended Aeronautical Yield’ (MBAY) in terms of INR per passenger shall be pre-determined by the Concessioning Authority at the beginning of the Concession Period.

63 - SC accepted Centre's suggestion to have hologram-based coloured stickers on vehicles to indicate nature of fuel

The Supreme Court has accepted the suggestions of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to have hologram-based coloured stickers on vehicles which would indicate the nature of fuel being used.

The bench was headed by Justice M B Lokur. Hologram-based sticker of light-blue colour will be used for petrol and CNG run vehicles while similar sticker of orange colour would be placed on diesel vehicles. The apex court also asked to consider having green number plates for electric and hybrid vehicles.

64 - Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad released ‘Digital North East Vision 2022’

Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad has released the ‘Digital North East Vision 2022’ in Guwahati. The Vision Document emphasizes leveraging digital technologies to transform lives of people of the north east and enhance the ease of living.

The Vision Document identifies eight digital thrust areas - Digital Infrastructure, Digital services, Digital empowerment, Promotion of Electronics Manufacturing, Promotion of IT and ITes including BPOs, Digital Payments, Innovation & Startups and Cyber security.

65 - Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated NDMC Smart City projects

The Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh inaugurated a slew of Smart City projects undertaken by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in New Delhi. New Delhi was among the 20 cities included in January, 2016 in the First Phase of the Smart City Mission announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The various projects inaugurated by Mr. Rajnath Singh include Smart Poles, Solar Tree, Ideation Centre, 50 LED interactive screens, Ambedkar Vatika and two hi-tech nurseries, four mechanical road sweepers, two litter picking machines and ten auto tippers. He also launched MTNL’s hi-speed Broadband on Optical Fiber & Hi-Speed Wi-Fi in Connaught Place.

66 - Ministry of AYUSH introduced new Central Sector scheme for promoting Pharmacovigilance of AYUSH Drugs

Ministry of AYUSH has introduced new Central Sector scheme for promoting pharmacovigilance of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Drugs. The prime objective of the scheme is to develop the culture of documenting adverse effects and undertake safety monitoring of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and surveillance of misleading advertisements appearing in the print and electronic media.

Government in the first instance has sanctioned grant of Rs 10.60 Crore to All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi to establish the proposed pharmacovigilance network.

67 - Mobility Pitch competition for budding startups in the mobility field

NITI Aayog has launched “Pitch to MOVE” - a mobility pitch competition that aims to provide budding entrepreneurs of India a unique opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a distinguished jury. Startups working in the various fields of mobility can pitch their ideas to industry leaders and Venture Capitalists for raising investments. Winners of the event will be felicitated by Hon’ble PM during the Global Mobility Summit.

“Pitch to MOVE” is organised by NITI Aayog in collaboration with Invest India and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

68 - Santhali became India’s first tribal language to have its own Wikipedia edition

Wikipedia launched its edition in Santhali tribal language. With this, Santhali became first Indian tribal language to get its edition on Wikipedia. Santhali Wikipedia got nod from the language committee of the Wikimedia Foundation. At present, Santhali Wikipedia has content of about 70,000 words.

Santhali is a tribal language spoken in few parts of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Santhali was created in Ol Chiki script. The script was invented by Raghunath Murmu.

69 - Government provided green fund of Rs. 66000 crore for forest cover

Green funds worth Rs. 66000 crores have been released by government to increase the India's forest cover. Government has also specified rules for utilisation of the money by states and Union Territories such as monitoring, conservation, compensation for diverting forest and non-forest purposes regeneration of forests, forest fire prevention and pest control in forest and soil.

The proportion to be utilized for forests will be 80:20. 80% of the compensatory afforestation amount will be utilized by states for plantation and 20% will be used for 11 listed works to strengthen forest related infrastructure.

70 - Government approved proposal for setting up of water aerodromes in India

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu gave nod to establish water aerodromes near locations of tourist and religious importance. Under the first phase of development, water aerodromes will be established at Chilika Lake in Odisha, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat. The sites approved under the project belong to states Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. A water aerodrome licence would be valid for two years with a provisional licence initially issued for a period of six months.

A water aerodrome is an area of open water used regularly by seaplanes for landing and taking off.

71 - Government announced 50% reservation for women in RPF jawans recruitment

Union Railway Ministry announced 50% reservation for women in RPF jawans recruitment. RPF, introduced for the first time in the central act of 1957, has as many as 70,000 people working with it, making it one of the biggest workforces in India.

Around 13,00,00 vacancies will be offered through a recruitment process in Railways where 9500-10000 RPF jawans will be employed in the upcoming recruitment. It has been done with an aim to increase women employment in Indian Railways.

72 - Ministry of Railways launched “Digital Screens”

Ministry of Railways launched “Digital Screens” on Independence Day to spread awareness about Indian Railways Heritage. The project aims at showcasing the legacy of Indian Railways through one to two minute-long movie clips on digital LED screens at the entrance gate of railway stations and also at different comfort areas. The short films will showcase heritage buildings, locomotives and much more to make people aware of the rich heritage of Indian Railways.

In addition, QR code based posters on Railway Heritage are also being displayed so that passengers can scan the QR code on their mobile to view video of Railway heritage.

73 - EAM Sushma Swaraj inagurated 'Panini Language Laboratory' in Mauritius

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated "Panini Language Laboratory" at Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) in Mauritius. The Lab has been gifted by the Government of India and it will help MGI in teaching of all Indian languages in Mauritius. Lab is equipped with all modern technologies and facilities need to be build up in India also to promote Hindi and regional languages.

The leaders of both the countries exchanged views on furthering cooperation between the two countries.

74 - Union Government unveiled Draft UDAN Scheme for international routes

The Union Government has unveiled a draft scheme for extending the affordable air travel programme UDAN to international circuits, with state governments identifying the routes for operation. The draft International Air Connectivity (IAC) scheme envisages to increase the international ticketing to 20 crore by 2027.

UDAN was launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable for people through subsidised ticket rates and to provide air connectivity to smaller towns. The scheme has proposed to set up an International Air Connectivity Fund (IACF) - a dedicated fund for providing subsidy support under the scheme.

75 - Myanmar media group signed MoU with Prasar Bharati

Prasar Bharati and Mizzima Media Group of Myanmar signed an MoU to realize cooperation and collaboration in broadcasting and content sharing.

The Agreement will realize cooperation and collaboration in broadcasting and envisions content-sharing covering a wide range of genres, including culture, entertainment, education, science, news and sports along with other areas of mutual interest. This MoU will give further boost to centuries old ties of India and Myanmar. Besides, it will also act to spread India's soft power in its neighbourhood.

76 - Pranab Mukherjee and Arvind Kejriwal launch ‘Neta’ App

Former President Pranab Mukherjee and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched an app called National Electoral Transformation or NETA mobile application. The app allows voters to rate and review their political representatives and hold them accountable as well. The app was developed by Pratham Mittal.

Over 1.5 crore verified voters have already rated or reviewed local leaders across 543 parliamentary constituencies and 4,120 Assembly constituencies on the app, within eight months.

77 - TRIFED makes record procurement and sale of tribal products

TRIFED has made record procurement of tribal products worth Rs. 204.88 Lakhs in the month of July, 2018 and cumulative procurement of Rs. 769.36 Lakhs during 2018-19. There is an increase of 864% during the month of July, 2018 and 511% during the 2018-19 in comparison to 2017-18. The above purchases during the month of July, 2018 have been made from 149 Tribal Producers associated with 23,127 tribal families giving livelihood to approximately 64,755 tribal beneficiaries.

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) is a national-level apex organization functioning, to bring about a multi-dimensional transformation of the tribal society.

78 - NITI Aayog launched 5 thematic reports on sustainable development in Indian Himalayan region

Recognizing the uniqueness of the Himalayas and the challenges for sustainable development, NITI Aayog launched 5 Working Groups (WGs) to prepare a roadmap for actions in 5 thematic areas. The themes include: Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security, Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region, Transformative Approach to Shifting Cultivation, Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship Landscape in Himalayas and Data/Information for Informed Decision Making.

The reports from the five working groups discuss the significance, the challenges, the ongoing actions and a future roadmap.

79 - CJI launched applications to facilitate litigants and lawyers

The Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra launched various applications for the benefit of the litigants and lawyers. Union Minister of Law and Justice released brochures to increase awareness about eCourt initiatives and user manuals on the applications and services provided under eCourts Project to publicize work done under eCourts Project and to enable litigants, lawyers and other stake holders to avail these services.

Three applications of e-filing, e-pay, and NSTEP (National Service and Tracking of Electronic Processes) created under the eCourts project were launched.

80 - 2^nd Protocol amending India – Singapore CECA signed

India and Singapore signed the Second Protocol amending the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in New Delhi. The signing of the Second Protocol, amending CECA, will boost bilateral trade between India and Singapore. The CECA was the first comprehensive agreement covering trade in goods, services and investments, which India had signed with any of its trading partners.

The Protocol amending CECA will give effect to the provisions agreed between India and Singapore during the closure of the Second Review of India Singapore CECA. Singapore is the second largest trading partner of India within ASEAN.

81 - India’s first ISTS connected wind power project commissioned

Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) conducted India’s first auction of wind power projects in February 2017 at the tariff of Rs. 3.46. This was a 1000 MW bid for projects to be connected on ISTS (Inter State Transmission System) wherein power generated from rich renewable state could be transmitted to other renewable deficient states.

This 126 MW ISTS project marks the beginning of capacity additions in wind power based on market discovered tariffs, in line with the Government’s plan of 175 GW RE by the year 2022.

82 - Government unveiled corporate sports policy for CPSEs

The government unveiled corporate sports policy for CPSEs. It will provide a policy framework for CPSEs for their sports promotion.

The policy will give adequate access to sports and support them for wholesome recreation, positive health, competitive excellence and social harmony. CPSEs will strive to groom sizeable number of medal hopes for the Olympics, in particular for the Olympic Games being held in 2024. Under the policy, CPSEs will discharge their responsibility through infrastructural and institutional support for talent spotting, scholarships, training and coaching. CPSEs will allocate a specific budget for sports activities.

83 - Shri Nitin Gadkari signed MoU with Chief Ministers of 6 states

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Water Resources signed a MoU with the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh for the construction of Rs. 3966.51 crore Lakhwar Multi-Purpose project in the Upper Yamuna Basin.

The Lakhwar project envisages construction of a 204 m high concrete dam across river Yamuna near Lohari village in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand with a live storage capacity of 330.66 MCM. This storage will provide irrigation for 33,780 hectares land, availability of 78.83 MCM water and generate 300 MW of power.

84 - Government of India and ADB signed $375 million loan to improve irrigation efficiency in Madhya Pradesh

Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $375 million loan agreement to contribute to double farming incomes in Madhya Pradesh by expanding irrigation networks and system efficiency. The Madhya Pradesh Irrigation Efficiency Improvement Project will develop 125,000 hectares of new, highly efficient and climate resilient irrigation networks and improve water use efficiency in more than 400 villages, benefiting over 800,000 people in Madhya Pradesh.

The ADB funds will be used to develop a large-scale pressurized and automated irrigation system for boosting irrigation efficiency.

85 - MoU signed between Department of Biotechnology and International Energy Agency

The Department of Biotechnology and the International Energy Agency (IEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Enhancing Innovation for Clean Energy Transition.

The MoU seeks to deepen co-operation in support of clean energy innovations to accelerate the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of clean energy technologies in India and will help support the generation of data for policymaking and improve knowledge of good policy practices for innovation in India and around the world. This MoU also has a provision for activities such as training and capacity building and accelerating energy innovation by identifying sources of finance.

86 - Google announced creation of new platform 'Navlekha' for Indian publishers

Google announced creation of new platform 'Navlekha' for Indian regional language publishers to publish their content online, without facing the trouble of selling printed copies. Navlekha, a Google initiative, helps to make offline content fully editable and publishable online without expert digital knowledge. It is beneficial, since online content is for free. Google team will maintain online publications.

Google justifies that a simple application will be able to create a webpage out of scanned copies of pages.

87 - Government formed new science and technology council

A 21-member science and technology council is constituted to advise Prime Minister Narendra Modi on subjects related to science, technology and innovations. It is named as ‘Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council’ (PM-STIAC). The council will be headed by K Vijay Raghavan, the principal scientific adviser to the Union Government.

The PM-STIAC will advice on science, technology and innovations matters, monitor PM’s vision’s implementation, provide action oriented and future preparedness advice and assist government on solving socio economic problems.

88 - NITI Aayog to organize two-day MOVE-Global Mobility Summit

NITI Aayog will organise a two-day MOVE- Global Mobility Summit in New Delhi. The Summit will constitute three designated components – the Conclave, Digital Exhibition, and Featured Events. It will help drive the government’s goals for vehicle electrification, renewable energy integration and job growth and also speed up India’s transition to a clean energy economy.

MOVE Summit aims to bring together and engage with key stakeholders within the rapidly transforming global mobility landscape. The Conclave would include panel discussions featuring global CEOs and transport ministers from across the world.

89 - ISRO to outsource production of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and Small Satellite Launch Vehicles to private Industries

The Indian Space Research Organization will outsource the production of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and Small Satellite Launch Vehicles to private Industries. ISRO will concentrate on Gaganyaan, India’s first manned mission to outer space. As part of the Gaganyaan programme, ISRO will take up first unmanned mission by December 2020, the second by June 2021, before embarking upon the manned mission by December 2021.

Orbital module comprising of a crew module and a Service module is designed to carry three astronauts to a 400 kilometre orbit around the Earth for seven days.

90 - India and the World Bank signed 300 million$ loan agreements

Indian government and the World Bank signed $300 mn loan agreement for India Energy Efficiency Scale up program. They signed 220 million dollar loan agreement and an 80 million guarantee agreement for the efficiency scale-up program.

The Program, to be implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited, will help scale-up the deployment of energy saving measures in residential and public sectors, strengthen EESL’s institutional capacity, and enhance its access to commercial financing. Under the program, EESL will deploy 219 mn LED bulbs and tube lights, 5.8 mn ceiling fans, and 7.2 mn street lights, which will be supplied by private sector manufacturers and suppliers.

91 - Minister of Railways & Coal, inaugurated Smart Railway Conclave organised by FICCI

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways & Coal, inaugurated Smart Railway Conclave organised by FICCI. Smart Railway Conclave emphasised on smart planning, smart project implementation being put into effect holistically in Railways. Indian Railway is working on putting a GPS device on every locomotive, focus on removing permanent speed restrictions, getting 150,000 bridges audited and improved, make 6,000 Railway stations to be all Wi-Fi enabled and have smarter time tables.

Railways’ engineers have figured out a solution for diesel engines: the cost for overhauling the diesel engine, same or less will be spent on converting it to electric.

92 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Bulgaria

The Union Cabinet approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bulgaria for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism. The main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding were to expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector, exchange information and data related to tourism, establish exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development and promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.

The signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Bulgaria will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this important source market.

93 - Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Republic of Korea

The Union Cabinet approved MoU on the cooperation between Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), India and Republic of Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) to strengthen and promote scientific and technical cooperation in the field of railways.

The MoU will provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector with its Korean counterpart. It will facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents, training and seminars/workshops focusing on specific technology areas and other interactions for knowledge sharing.

94 - Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland for cooperation in the field of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.

The MoU aims to develop bilateral cooperation in the field of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries for the purpose of increasing production and productivity of Indian livestock and fisheries. MoU will improve livestock health, livestock breeding and Fisheries aiming at enhancing Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Products for domestic consumption and export.

95 - Cabinet approved signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Morocco

The Union Cabinet approved the revised air services agreement to be signed between India and Morocco. The Air Services Agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Morocco and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries. It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.

The existing Air Services Agreement signed in 2004 did not have updated clauses on Safety, Security, Designation of Airlines, Commercial Activities, Tariffs etc.

96 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and USA

Union Cabinet approved MoU between Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Federal Insurance Office, USA. The MoU provides a framework for cooperation and coordination, including for the exchange of information and research assistance with respect to each Authority’s overview and other lawful responsibilities.

Under the agreement, both the countries intend to share their experiences on various regulatory functions and to provide mutual assistance including training activities. India and USA have also agreed to continue to facilitate cooperation on international standard-setting activities, financial stability and the development and implementation of consumer protection.

97 - Cabinet approved umbrella scheme O-SMART

The Cabinet Committee approved umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modelling and Science (O-SMART)”. The scheme will be implemented during the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20 at an overall cost of Rs. 1623 crore. The scheme encompasses a total of 16 sub-projects addressing ocean development activities such as Services, Technology, Resources, Observations and Science.

The services rendered under the O-SMART will provide economic benefits to a number of user communities in the coastal and ocean sectors. The technologies being developed under this Scheme will help in harnessing the vast ocean resources from the seas around India.

98 - Union HRD Minister launches the 3^rd edition of Smart India Hackathon-2019

Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar, inaugurated the third edition of World’s Biggest Open Innovation Model - Smart India Hackathon 2019. SIH-2019 is a nationwide initiative to provide students a platform to solve some of pressing problems we face in our daily lives, and thus inculcate a culture of product innovation and a mindset of problem solving.

SIH-2019 will have over 1 Lakh+ students from around 3000 institutions will have the opportunity to work on challenges faced within the Public Sector Organizations and the Union Ministries.