Current Affairs Feb 2019 - Miscellaneous

The Projects/Plans/Policies/MoUs Approved by Cabinet Ministry in February 2019

Following are the important projects/plans/policies/MoUs those were approved by Government of India in the month of December −

Approved On February 06, 2019

1 - Cabinet Approved Establishment of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for establishment of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for Conservation, protection, and development of cows and their progeny.

The objective of setting up Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog is to conserve, protect, and develop cattle population in the country. It also includes the development and conservation of indigenous breeds. The scheme will likely to increase the growth of livestock sector and benefit women and small and marginal farmers.

2 - Cabinet Approved Proposal for Official Amendments to the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018

The Union Cabinet has given its approval to move official amendments to the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018. The action has been taken on the report of the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF).

The Bill namely “Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018,” was introduced in Parliament on 18^th July, 2018. It delivers a comprehensive legislation to deal with the menace of illicit deposit schemes in the country.

The salient features of the ‘Bill’ are:

The Bill contains a substantive banning clause which bans Deposit Takers from promoting, operating, issuing advertisements or accepting deposits in any Unregulated Deposit Scheme. The principle is that the Bill would ban unregulated deposit taking activities altogether, by making them an offence ex-ante rather than the existing legislative-cum-regulatory framework which only comes into effect ex-post with considerable time lags.
The Bill creates three different types of offences, namely, running of Unregulated Deposit Schemes, fraudulent default in Regulated Deposit Schemes, and wrongful inducement in relation to Unregulated Deposit Schemes.
The Bill provides for severe punishment and heavy pecuniary fines to act as deterrent.
The Bill has adequate provisions for disgorgement or repayment of deposits in cases where such schemes nonetheless manage to raise deposits illegally.
The Bill provides for attachment of properties/assets by the Competent Authority, and subsequent realization of assets for repayment to depositors.
Clear-cut time lines have been provided for attachment of property and restitution to depositors.
The Bill enables creation of an online central database, for collection and sharing of information on deposit-taking activities in the country.
The Bill defines “Deposit Taker” and “Deposit” comprehensively.
“Deposit Takers” include all possible entities (including individuals) receiving or soliciting deposits, except specific entities such as those incorporated by legislation.
“Deposit” is defined in such a manner that deposit-takers are restricted from camouflaging public deposits as receipts, and at the same time, not to curb or hinder acceptance of money by an establishment in the ordinary course of its business.
Being a comprehensive Union Law, the Bill adopts best practices from State laws, while entrusting the primary responsibility of implementing the provisions of the legislation to the State Governments.

3 - Cabinet Approved Establishment of Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court at Jalpaiguri

The Union Cabinet has approved the setup of Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court at Jalpaiguri. The Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court at Jalpaiguri would have jurisdiction over four districts namely −

Darjeeling
Kalimpong
Jalpaiguri
Cooch Behar

4 - Cabinet Approved Establishment of a Unified Authority for Regulating All Financial Services in IFSCs in India

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a unified authority for regulating all financial services in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India. It is the result done through International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019.

Presently, the banking, capital markets and insurance sectors in IFSC are regulated by multiple regulators, such as RBI, SEBI and IRDAI. The objective behind such set up is that - the unified authority would provide the much needed impetus to further development of IFSC in India in-sync with the global best practices.

Salient Features of the IFSCs:

The first IFSC in India has been set up at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
It would provide Indian corporates easier access to global financial markets.
It would also compliment and promote further development of financial markets in India.

5 - Cabinet Approved Introduction of National Institutes of Food Technology

The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2019. The objective of the bill is to confer the status of Institutions of National Importance to National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) located at Kundli, Haryana.

In addition to this, the bill is also intended to regulate status of the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) located at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

Benefits

Following are the major benefits of the scheme:

The legislation would provide for functional autonomy to the institutes to:

design and develop courses
undertake research activities
leverage enhanced status in their academic pursuits (so that they become world class institutes)

The institutes would implement the reservation policy of the Government and would also undertake special outreach activities for the benefits of concerned stakeholders.
It would enable the institutes to provide world class teaching and research experience by adopting innovative practices.

6 - Cabinet Approved Framework Agreement Between India and Indonesia

The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the Framework Agreement between India and Indonesia. The agreement focuses on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Furthermore, the Framework Agreement, which was signed and exchanged at Jakarta on May 30, 2018 will strengthen the cooperation between India and Indonesia. This agreement will help in setting up ISRO's TTC station and IRIMS station in Indonesia.

Highlights

The Framework Agreement shall enable the following potential interest areas of cooperation such as −

space science
exploration of outer space
use of space technology
remote sensing of the earth
operation and maintenance of the integrated BIAK TTC station
hosting of Indian ground station
hosting of IRIMS station
kind support for launching LAPAN made satellites
cross utilization of ground stations

7 - Cabinet Approved Proposal for Higher Allocation of Power to Home State

The Union Cabinet has approved the Proposal of Ministry of Power to allocate 85% power to the Government of Telangana generated from Telangana Super Thermal Power Project (4000MW) of NTPC Ltd. In addition to this, approved 85% power to the State Government of Jharkhand, which is generated from the expansion project of Patratu Thermal Power Station (4000MW) of Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL), a subsidiary company of NTPC Ltd.

At present, Phase-I of both the projects are under construction. Telangana Super Thermal Power Project expected to commission in third quarter of 2020-2021. And, Phase-I of Patratu Super Thermal Power Station expected to commission in fourth quarter of 2022-2023.

8 - Cabinet Approved MoU between India and Uzbekistan

The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of e-Governance with Uzbekistan.

The Agreement between India and Uzbekistan intended to promote close cooperation in the areas of:

e-Governance
IT education
Implementation and roll out of generic configurable e-Governance products/devices in various sectors
development of Data Centers

9 - Cabinet Approved Abolition of Institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman and Indirect Tax Ombudsman

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for Abolition of Institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman and Indirect Tax Ombudsman.

In 2003, the Institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman was created to deal with grievances of public related to settlement of complaints relating to Income Tax. But the Institution could not fulfil the objective adequately and failed to achieve its goals. As result of this, it has been observed that the tax payers started preferring alternate methods of grievance redressal such as CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System), Aaykar Seva Kendras etc.

10 - Cabinet Approved MoU Between India and Finland in the Field of Biotechnology

The Union Cabinet has approved the MoU between India and Finland. The agreement will be collaborating the mutual interest in the field of Biotechnology. Further, it will be funding and implementing ambitious industry-led innovative and transnational projects within the broad scope of research development and innovation.

The MoU will support creation of long-term Research, Development & Innovation collaboration mechanism. It will set up and strengthen cooperative network between Indian and Finnish organizations. It will also facilitate knowledge sharing and knowledge generation among scientists, researchers, and industry in the two countries.

11 - Cabinet Approved MoU between India and the UAE on Development Cooperation in Africa

The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the United Arab Emirates. The MoU specifically will focus on the Development Cooperation in Africa.

The MoU necessitates the setting up of a framework of cooperation between the two countries for implementing development partnership projects and programmes in Africa. Hopefully, the proposal will help to strengthen political and economic linkages between India and the countries of Africa. It will also serve India’s broader strategic interests.

12 - Cabinet Approved Signing of Agreement Between India and Ukraine

The Union Cabinet has approved Signing of Agreement between the India and Ukraine. The agreement will cooperate in the field of Agriculture and Food Industry.

To materialize the agreement, a Joint Working Group comprising of representatives from both countries would be constituted. They will discuss the task and prepare plans of cooperation in identified sectors. They will also monitor the implementation of tasks determined by the Parties.

13 - Cabinet Approved MoU between India and Maldives

The Union Cabinet has approved ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Maldives. The agreement is signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (of India) and the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resource and Agriculture (of Maldives).

Resource and Agriculture (of Maldives). The objective of the agreement is to set up mutual cooperation to improve the ecosystem for agribusiness provides for cooperation in the fields −

Agriculture census
Agribusiness
Integrated farming system
Improved seeds
Soil health management
Research
Capacity building of local agribusiness
Enhancing knowledge of entrepreneurs in the areas of food security and nutrition, developing climate resilient agriculture system
Establishing facilities to test pesticide residues and so on.

14 - Cabinet Approved MoU Between India and Brazil

The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Brazil. The agreement has objective to cooperate in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy.

Both India and Brazil are rich in biodiversity with a large range of health practices. All these are based on medicinal plants and history of use of traditional medicine. Ayurveda, Yoga and other traditional systems are popular in India as well as in Brazil.

The agreement will enhance bilateral cooperation between India and Brazil in the areas of Traditional System of Medicine.

15 - Cabinet Approved MoU Between India and Norway

The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Norway. The agreement will focus on Ocean Dialogue (between India & Norway).

Norway is a global leader in the area of Blue Economy and has cutting-edge technologies. Besides, it has also expertise in the fields of fisheries, hydrocarbons, renewable energy, sustainable harnessing of ocean resources and maritime transport.

Therefore, it is expected that this MoU will create opportunities for collaboration in areas such as −

Exploitation of hydrocarbons and other marine resources
Management of ports and tourism development for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders within the framework of the Joint Task Force (JTF)
It will contribute to the objective of Food Security through infusion of new technologies in fisheries and aquaculture
It will further offer a platform for businesses in both countries to execute profitable ventures, and
Scientists and researchers may collaborate on studying ocean ecosystem also in the context of the Arctic region

16 - Cabinet Approved MoU Between India and Election Management Bodies of Namibia and Panama

The Union Cabinet chair has approved the proposal for an MoU between India and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) as well as with Electoral Tribunal of Panama (ETP). The objective of the agreement is to cooperate in the field of electoral management and administration.

The agreement is designed to promote bilateral cooperation, aimed at building technical assistance/capacity support for the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and with Electoral Tribunal of Panama (ETP). In addition to this, it will also cooperate in the field of electoral management and administration.

Major Features of the agreement are:

Promotion of cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration such as:

promotion of exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of organizational and
technical development of electoral process;

Support in exchanging information
Institutional strengthening and capacity building
Training of personnel
Holding regular consultations, and so on

17 - Cabinet Approved “Amendment of Constitution to provide for reservation for Economically Weaker Sections”

The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the revised Office Memorandum (OM) relating to the Cabinet Note on “Amendment of Constitution to provide for reservation for Economically Weaker Sections”.

The objective of such amendment is to promote social equity by providing opportunities in higher education and employment to those who have been deprived by virtue of their economic status.

Approved On February 13, 2019

18 - Cabinet Approved MoU between India and Saudi Arabia

The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of tourism. The agreement is signed between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The objective of agreement is to strengthen cooperation in the field of Tourism. It is believed that Saudi Arabia is one of the potential tourist generating market for India from the Middle East.

The objectives of the agreement are:

Exchanging information and expertise in Legislations in the fields of:

tourism development
Hotels development
resorts and tourist accommodation facilities
Tourism data and statistics
Exhibition events and other tourism activities in States of the Parties
Tourism development, planning and investment
Licensing, operating and marketing tourism facilities
Agricultural Tourism
Desert tourism

Exchanging media publications, tourism related films, and encourage exchanging of visits between experts and tourism media representatives in the States of the Parties.
Introducing tourism investment opportunities available in the States of the Parties; encourage mutual tourism investment in tourism projects.
Encouraging organizing joint tourism events; participate in exhibitions, conferences and seminars held in the States of the Parties thus contributing to tourism development and crystalizing a joint tourism vision.
Encouraging public and private education facilities working the tourism education and training field in the States of the Parties.
Exchanging innovative experience and technologies in the tourism field, and consultation services.
Cooperation and coordinating in international forums and organizations concerned with tourism affairs.

19 - Cabinet Approved Revision in the list of Scheduled Tribes of Chhattisgarh

The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Cabinet note on the proposal for official Amendments in The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016. Now, it will modify the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) of Chhattisgarh.

This Act may be called the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Once the Bill becomes an Act, member of the communities newly listed in the revised list of Scheduled Tribes of Chhattisgarh can avail the benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes under the existing schemes of the Government.

Following are the major changes that will be made in list of Scheduled Tribes of Chhattisgarh −

In entry 5, after "Bharia Bhumia,", the following shall be inserted, namely:

"Bhuinya, Bhuiyan, Bhuyan,"

For entry 14, the following entry shall be substituted, namely:

"14. Dhanwar, Dhanuhar, Dhanuwar"

For entries 32 and 33, the following entries shall be substituted, namely:

"32. Nagesia, Nagasia, Kisan 33. Oraon, Dhanka, Dhangad"

For entry 41, the following entry shall be substituted, namely:

"41. Sawar, Sawara, Saunra, Saonra"

After entry 42, the following entry shall be inserted, namely:

"43. Binjhia"

20 - Cabinet Approved Introduction of Registration of Marriage of NRI Bill 2019

The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Bill, 2019. This Bill will create more accountability and offer more protection against exploitation of Indian citizens, mostly women by their NRI spouses.

Further, the Bill will serve as a deterrent to NRIs against harassment of their spouses and benefit Indian women married to NRIs worldwide.

Once the Bill is passed, marriages performed with NRIs would be registered in India or Indian Missions & Posts abroad. Besides, necessary changes would be carried out in the:

Passports Act, 1967
Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 by insertion of Section 86A

21 - Cabinet Approved MoU between India and Finland for Peaceful Use of Outer Space

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Finland on cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of outer space. The MoU has already been signed on January 10, 2019 at New Delhi.

The MoU is designed to facilitate to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space. Therefore, cooperation with the Government of Finland would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity.

Salient Features

Following are the important features of MoU:

Remote sensing of the earth
Satellite communication and satellite based navigation
Space science and planetary exploration
Development, testing and operation of space objects and ground system
Launching of Finnish Space objects by Indian launch vehicles
Processing and use of space data
Developing innovative applications and solutions based on space technologies and use of artificial intelligence
Cooperation around emerging New Space opportunities and data ecosystems and sustainable used of outer space

Approved On February 19, 2019

22 - Cabinet Approved Proposal for Promulgation of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage)

The Union Cabinet has approved Proposal for Promulgation of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Second Ordinance, 2019. The objective of such proposed Ordinance is to protect the rights of married Muslim women.

Following are the two proposals:

Promulgation of an Ordinance, namely the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Second Ordinance, 2019, as per Appendix-III (pages (9 to 12) under clause (1) of article 123 of the Constitution; and
Move necessary official amendments in the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 pending in Rajya Sabha to replace the aforesaid Ordinance with such modifications of drafting and consequential nature as may be considered necessary.

Benefits

Following are the major benefits of the Ordinance:

It will protect the rights of married Muslim women.
It will prevent divorce by the practice of instantaneous and irrevocable ‘talaq-e-biddat’ by the husbands.
It will discourage the practice of triple talaq i.e. talaq-e-biddat.
It will provide the rights of subsistence allowance, custody of minor children to victims of triple talaq i.e. talaq-e-biddat.

23 - Cabinet Approved MoU between India and Morocco

The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Morocco. The MoU will facilitate Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications.

The MoU, which was signed on January 22, 2019, has the following benefits:

The MoU is designed to enhance and strengthen the cooperation between India and Morocco in the field of Education and Human Resource Development.
The collaboration in the field of education will enable experience sharing and thereby improving the platform to cater to the needs of various target groups.
Further, the collaboration is expected to increase the inflow of Moroccan students to India under the Study in India Programme.

24 - Cabinet Approved MoU Between Korea and India

The Central Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Korean National Police Agency, Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Home Affairs, India. The objective of the MoU on combating transnational crime and developing police cooperation is proposed to be signed.

The MOU will improve the effectiveness of both countries in the prevention and suppression of crimes such as crime relating to terrorism and transnational organized crime. Further, it will establish a framework for enhancing cooperation between the officials of intelligence and law-enforcement agencies of the two countries.

25 - Cabinet Approved Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Union Cabinet has approved the Continuation of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme during 14^th Finance Commission period and beyond. Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Ministry of Tourism is developing critical tourism infrastructure in the country in a sustainable and inclusive manner. The objective of such move is to make India into a world class tourist destination.

Further, the focus under the scheme is to develop following public facilities:

Last mile connectivity
Tourist reception centers
Way side amenities
Solid waste management
Illumination
Landscaping
Parking (where private sector is not willing to invest)

Major Objectives

Following are the major objectives of the scheme:

Develop circuits having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner
Promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods in the identified regions
Enhance the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner by developing world class infrastructure in the circuit/destinations
Follow community based development and pro-poor tourism approach
Create awareness among the local communities about the importance of tourism for them in terms of increased sources of income, improved living standards and overall development of the area
Create employment through active involvement of local communities
Harness tourism potential for its effects in employment generation and economic development
Make full use of the potential and advantages in terms of available infrastructure, national culture and characteristic strong points of each and every region throughout the country by development of theme based circuits

26 - Cabinet Approved Continuation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana

The Union Cabinet has approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana i.e. Gramin (PMAY-G) beyond March, 2019 (PMAY-G) Phase-II.

The objective is to cover the left out rural households who are houseless and/or living in dilapidated houses. 1.95 crore would be provided for pucca houses by 2022.

Highlights

Total target for construction of 1.95 crore houses under PMAY-G Phase-II upto 2022
Continuation of rural housing scheme Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana
Gramin (PMAY-G) in Phase-ll till 2019-20 as per the existing norms of PMAY-G Phase-l, with a target of 60 lakh houses involving financial implication of Rs. 76,500 crores (Central' Share of Rs. 48,195 crore and State share of Rs. 28,305 crores)
Continuation of the scheme beyond 2019-20 upto 2021-22 in the next finance commission cycle, after due appraisal and approval based on third party evaluation of scheme/programme as per the extant procedure
Inclusion of additional eligible households from the final Awaas+ list into the Permanent Wait List (PWL) of PMAY-G, with a ceiling of 1.95 Cr, on priority for those States/UTs where PWL is exhausted and allocate target to these States/UTs with the approval of the Minister of Rural Development in consultation with the Ministry of Finance
Continuation of Program Management Unit (PMU) and National Technical Support Agency (NTSA) till 2019-20
Borrowing for additional financial requirement through existing mechanism of EBR till the validity of the scheme
Reduction in administrative expenses from 4% to 2% of programme funds
2% of the programme funds allocated for administrative component, shall be bifurcated
0.30% of the programme funds shall be retained at the central level
The remaining 1.70% of the programme fund shall be released to the States/UTs as Administrative Fund