General Affairs
UNESCO declares Ahmedabad as world heritage city
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Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and BJP president Amit Shah tonight hailed the declaration of Ahmedabad as world heritage city by UNESCO.
"Just inscribed as UNESCO world heritage site: Historic city of Ahmedabad #India", UNESCO said in a tweet tonight.
Expressing delight at the announcement, Rupani said in a tweet, "Thrilled to learn that Ahmedabad has been recognised as UNESCO World heritage city, first of its kind in India".
"Delighted to know that UNESCO has declared Ahmedabad as World Heritage City. Proud moment for every Indian," the BJP national president said in a tweet.
Ahmedabad was in the race for the prestigious title along with Delhi and Mumbai.
The walled city of Ahmedabad believed to be founded by Ahmed Shah some six hundred years earlier has 26 ASI-protected structures, hundreds of pols that capture the essence of community living and numerous sites associated with Mahatma Gandhi who lived here from 1915 to 1930.
In 1984, the first study for conserving heritage structures was carried out in the city. A heritage cell was also set up by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
The city had featured in UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage cities on March 31, 2011.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and BJP president Amit Shah tonight hailed the declaration of Ahmedabad as world heritage city by UNESCO.
"Just inscribed as UNESCO world heritage site: Historic city of Ahmedabad #India", UNESCO said in a tweet tonight.
Expressing delight at the announcement, Rupani said in a tweet, "Thrilled to learn that Ahmedabad has been recognised as UNESCO World heritage city, first of its kind in India".
"Delighted to know that UNESCO has declared Ahmedabad as World Heritage City. Proud moment for every Indian," the BJP national president said in a tweet.
Ahmedabad was in the race for the prestigious title along with Delhi and Mumbai.
The walled city of Ahmedabad believed to be founded by Ahmed Shah some six hundred years earlier has 26 ASI-protected structures, hundreds of pols that capture the essence of community living and numerous sites associated with Mahatma Gandhi who lived here from 1915 to 1930.
In 1984, the first study for conserving heritage structures was carried out in the city. A heritage cell was also set up by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
The city had featured in UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage cities on March 31, 2011.
India raises issue of Khalistan with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on sidelines of G20 Summit
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, raised the issue of Khalistan and pro-Khalistani groups that are still active in Canada. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg.
This was an opportunity for India to share its concerns in person after pictures had emerged in May of Prime Minister Trudeau attending a Nagar Kirtan event in Toronto that featured Khalistani flags and posters of extremist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today when asked whether the issue of Khalistan figured during talks between Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart, a spokesperson Ministry of External Affairs said, "The issues, which are of common concern, were discussed. Extremism and terrorism are problems that affect not only India, but all parts of the world. No country, unfortunately, is left untouched. So, there were a number of issues of mutual concern that were discussed".
INDIA LODGES PROTEST WITH CANADA
A riled Indian govt lodged a strong protest both in Canada and with the Canadian mission in Delhi regarding the attendance of the Canadian premier at the Khalsa Day event that celebrated the carrying of a motion in the Ontario Assembly describing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide".
Trudeau was the first Canadian Prime Minister to attend the event since Paul Martin in 2005.
India and Canada are working out details for the visit of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to India later this year. And controversies such as this ahead of the visit are 'unnecessary' and 'avoidable'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, raised the issue of Khalistan and pro-Khalistani groups that are still active in Canada. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg.
This was an opportunity for India to share its concerns in person after pictures had emerged in May of Prime Minister Trudeau attending a Nagar Kirtan event in Toronto that featured Khalistani flags and posters of extremist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today when asked whether the issue of Khalistan figured during talks between Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart, a spokesperson Ministry of External Affairs said, "The issues, which are of common concern, were discussed. Extremism and terrorism are problems that affect not only India, but all parts of the world. No country, unfortunately, is left untouched. So, there were a number of issues of mutual concern that were discussed".
INDIA LODGES PROTEST WITH CANADA
A riled Indian govt lodged a strong protest both in Canada and with the Canadian mission in Delhi regarding the attendance of the Canadian premier at the Khalsa Day event that celebrated the carrying of a motion in the Ontario Assembly describing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide".
Trudeau was the first Canadian Prime Minister to attend the event since Paul Martin in 2005.
India and Canada are working out details for the visit of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to India later this year. And controversies such as this ahead of the visit are 'unnecessary' and 'avoidable'.
Darjeeling abandoned: Bimal Gurung hiding, CM Mamata Banerjee playing waiting game, MP Ahluwalia missing
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Hundreds of protesters came back on the streets of Darjeeling yesterday as fresh violence erupted in the hills. Gorkhaland supporters torched a police outpost, a toy train station and clashed with the police at two places.
Three protesters identified as Samir Gurung, Suraj Sundas and Tashi Bhutia, who was a GNLF worker died in the clashes with security forces. The Gorkhaland Janmukti Morcha (GJM) alleged that security forces fired at the protesters. The CRPF and police have denied the charge.
With fresh violence in Darjeeling Hills, the Mamata Banerjee government called back Army to the city. Two columns of the Army comprising around 100 personnel were deployed at Sonada and Darjeeling.
BIMAL GURUNG IS HIDING
Today is the 25th day of indefinite strike called by GJM chief Bimal Gurung over making Bangla mandatory in all the schools of West Bengal including those in Darjeeling.
But, ironically, after launching the protest Bimal Gurung is in hiding. He came out briefly to address press on July 4 stating that the indefinite strike would continue.
While Gurung is not on the streets with protesters, his supporters are accused of attacking policemen, damaging public property, committing arson and intimidating shopkeepers who try to open shops.
Before fresh violence erupted yesterday the Gorakhaland agitation had started showing signs of fatigue with the tourism - the pivot of local economy - stopped, offices closed rendering salary cut to employees and absence of leadership.
MAMATA BANERJEE'S WAITING GAME
Gorkhaland agitation erupted on June 9 when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held cabinet meeting in Darjeeling's Raj Bhavan. It was the first cabinet meeting of West Bengal government at Raj Bhavan in Darjeeling in 45 years.
Mamata Banerjee has not visited the trouble-hit region since then. Mamata Banerjee seems to be playing waiting game. Though, she has offered for talks with the GJM but her statement makes it clear that she is ready to wait.
Mamata Banerjee said, "If peace returns in the next 10-15 days, I can call the hill parties for talks. But, let us restore peace first."
The West Bengal Chief Minister is prepared to wait for another 10-15 days of trouble and violence in Darjeeling.
Mamata Banerjee also said, "The government has shown enough restraint in the interest of the people of the hills. Peace has to return to the hills."
Even though the GJM has vowed to continue the strike and rallies are being held in different parts of the region every day, people's participation is reported to be declining. People attending these rallies have been found sneaking out into neighbourhood shops and grocery stores to buy essentials and stock vegetables and ration.
The agitation may be losing the steam like any other mass movement. Mamata Banerjee seems to be waiting for that day when people and protesters are tired of GJM sponsored indefinite shutdown before she looks for a way forward.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee is diverting the blame on to the Centre for "not cooperating." Centre snapped back saying that the Mamata government refused 400 central security forces.
DARJEELING MP SS AHLUWALIA MISSING
The people in the Darjeeling hills have been voting for the BJP in last few elections. Union Minister of State for Agriculture S S Ahluwalia is the Lok Sabha member from Darjeeling.
SS Ahluwalia had promised to take up the issue of Gorkhaland during his election campaign in 2014. But, the Darjeeling hills have been burning for 25 days now over the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state, the Union Minister has visited his own constituency.
At least eight persons have died and more than 100 have been injured in violence over demand for Gorkhaland, which Ahluwalia promised his voter to raise at appropriate level while seeking their support.
Hundreds of protesters came back on the streets of Darjeeling yesterday as fresh violence erupted in the hills. Gorkhaland supporters torched a police outpost, a toy train station and clashed with the police at two places.
Three protesters identified as Samir Gurung, Suraj Sundas and Tashi Bhutia, who was a GNLF worker died in the clashes with security forces. The Gorkhaland Janmukti Morcha (GJM) alleged that security forces fired at the protesters. The CRPF and police have denied the charge.
With fresh violence in Darjeeling Hills, the Mamata Banerjee government called back Army to the city. Two columns of the Army comprising around 100 personnel were deployed at Sonada and Darjeeling.
BIMAL GURUNG IS HIDING
Today is the 25th day of indefinite strike called by GJM chief Bimal Gurung over making Bangla mandatory in all the schools of West Bengal including those in Darjeeling.
But, ironically, after launching the protest Bimal Gurung is in hiding. He came out briefly to address press on July 4 stating that the indefinite strike would continue.
While Gurung is not on the streets with protesters, his supporters are accused of attacking policemen, damaging public property, committing arson and intimidating shopkeepers who try to open shops.
Before fresh violence erupted yesterday the Gorakhaland agitation had started showing signs of fatigue with the tourism - the pivot of local economy - stopped, offices closed rendering salary cut to employees and absence of leadership.
MAMATA BANERJEE'S WAITING GAME
Gorkhaland agitation erupted on June 9 when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held cabinet meeting in Darjeeling's Raj Bhavan. It was the first cabinet meeting of West Bengal government at Raj Bhavan in Darjeeling in 45 years.
Mamata Banerjee has not visited the trouble-hit region since then. Mamata Banerjee seems to be playing waiting game. Though, she has offered for talks with the GJM but her statement makes it clear that she is ready to wait.
Mamata Banerjee said, "If peace returns in the next 10-15 days, I can call the hill parties for talks. But, let us restore peace first."
The West Bengal Chief Minister is prepared to wait for another 10-15 days of trouble and violence in Darjeeling.
Mamata Banerjee also said, "The government has shown enough restraint in the interest of the people of the hills. Peace has to return to the hills."
Even though the GJM has vowed to continue the strike and rallies are being held in different parts of the region every day, people's participation is reported to be declining. People attending these rallies have been found sneaking out into neighbourhood shops and grocery stores to buy essentials and stock vegetables and ration.
The agitation may be losing the steam like any other mass movement. Mamata Banerjee seems to be waiting for that day when people and protesters are tired of GJM sponsored indefinite shutdown before she looks for a way forward.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee is diverting the blame on to the Centre for "not cooperating." Centre snapped back saying that the Mamata government refused 400 central security forces.
DARJEELING MP SS AHLUWALIA MISSING
The people in the Darjeeling hills have been voting for the BJP in last few elections. Union Minister of State for Agriculture S S Ahluwalia is the Lok Sabha member from Darjeeling.
SS Ahluwalia had promised to take up the issue of Gorkhaland during his election campaign in 2014. But, the Darjeeling hills have been burning for 25 days now over the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state, the Union Minister has visited his own constituency.
At least eight persons have died and more than 100 have been injured in violence over demand for Gorkhaland, which Ahluwalia promised his voter to raise at appropriate level while seeking their support.
Indian Army ready for long haul in Dokalam
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The Indian Army is ready for a long haul in holding onto its position in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction, notwithstanding China ratcheting up rhetoric against India demanding pulling back of its troops.
The Indian soldiers deployed in the disputed area have pitched in tents, in an indication that they are unlikely to retreat unless there was reciprocity from China's PLA personnel in ending the face-off at an altitude of around 10,000 feet in the Sikkim section.
A steady line of supplies is being maintained for the soldiers at the site, official sources said, signalling that Indian Army is not going to wilt under any pressure from China.
At the same time, they sounded confident of finding a diplomatic solution to the dispute, citing resolution of border skirmishes in the past through diplomacy.
Though China has been aggressively asserting that it was not ready for any "compromise" and that the "ball is in India's court", the view in the security establishment here is that there cannot be any unilateral approach in defusing the tension.
Both the countries had agreed to a mechanism in 2012 to resolve border flare ups through consultations at various levels.
The mechanism has not worked so far in the current case as the standoff near the Bhutan tri-junction, triggered by China's attempt to build a road in the strategically important area, has dragged on for over three weeks.
New Delhi has already conveyed to China that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India. The road link could give China a major military advantage over India.
Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.
China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the dispute in the area. India argues that since it is a tri-junction involving the three countries, it also has a say in the issue, specially in the backdrop of 2012 agreement between special representatives of the two countries, that have till now held 19 rounds of talks.
Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China. As a close friend and neighbour, Bhutan enjoys diplomatic and military support from India.
Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.
The Indian Army is ready for a long haul in holding onto its position in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction, notwithstanding China ratcheting up rhetoric against India demanding pulling back of its troops.
The Indian soldiers deployed in the disputed area have pitched in tents, in an indication that they are unlikely to retreat unless there was reciprocity from China's PLA personnel in ending the face-off at an altitude of around 10,000 feet in the Sikkim section.
A steady line of supplies is being maintained for the soldiers at the site, official sources said, signalling that Indian Army is not going to wilt under any pressure from China.
At the same time, they sounded confident of finding a diplomatic solution to the dispute, citing resolution of border skirmishes in the past through diplomacy.
Though China has been aggressively asserting that it was not ready for any "compromise" and that the "ball is in India's court", the view in the security establishment here is that there cannot be any unilateral approach in defusing the tension.
Both the countries had agreed to a mechanism in 2012 to resolve border flare ups through consultations at various levels.
The mechanism has not worked so far in the current case as the standoff near the Bhutan tri-junction, triggered by China's attempt to build a road in the strategically important area, has dragged on for over three weeks.
New Delhi has already conveyed to China that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India. The road link could give China a major military advantage over India.
Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.
China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the dispute in the area. India argues that since it is a tri-junction involving the three countries, it also has a say in the issue, specially in the backdrop of 2012 agreement between special representatives of the two countries, that have till now held 19 rounds of talks.
Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China. As a close friend and neighbour, Bhutan enjoys diplomatic and military support from India.
Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.
Cyber crooks duping people in the name of Modi's pet projects
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Cyber crooks are rampantly carrying out fraudulent activities in the name of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), conning gullible customers under the garb of various central schemes.
One such incident has come forward where a Nigerian has been netted by the CBI for allegedly running a racket, whereby he impersonated PMO officials and duped people.
In April 2017, the deputy secretary of PMO wrote a complaint to the CBI alleging that a person named Manjit Singh from Himachal Pradesh claimed to have been duped by a woman named Smita Rani who introduced herself as the processing officer of the PMO Trust Fund Loan. It is alleged that Singh was offered a loan of Rs 1.5 crore on the pretext of a non-existent scheme.
Investigation into the alleged offence led to 34-year-old Nigerian Tiamiyu Adedamola Williams and some other unknown person who may have been operating from Pune and other places. According to the charge sheet, to make the act real, Williams and his gang purchased a domain in the name of trans.org.in.
An email was sent through info@pmotrust.org, to Singh who was told that he was shortlisted for a programme inaugurated by the PMO and his nomination was issued for the PMO Trust Fund and Loan Scheme.
He was sent a file number and asked to submit his valid identity proof and the amount he wanted as a loan for the nomination. Later, another mail was shot to Singh purported to be from Vivek Kumar, director of the PMO Trust Fund, stating that approval has been issued by the PMO.
THE CHARGESHEET
According to the charge sheet, Singh was told, "The scheme was initiated by the PMO and is part of the poverty alleviation process put in place by the NDA government. It was also informed that this scheme was initiated for the selected approved candidate to express the gratitude and support to the people of the country and to mark the 70th year of independence. This mode was initiated to support candidates in their business and promote the Make In India campaign."
Singh was asked to deposit Rs 35,000 as registration for the loan. The cyber crook did not just stop at that. Some more mails were sent to Singh with attached forms purported to be from the Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of India.
Having trapped Singh, Williams and the others allegedly sent a mail asking him to get a premium account with RBI. For this, he was asked to pay an additional Rs 65,000. Sensing fraud, Singh wrote a complaint to the PMO instead of making further payments.
While the CBI was successful in netting Williams, it is still in search of the other accused who are part of the scam.
Cyber crooks are rampantly carrying out fraudulent activities in the name of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), conning gullible customers under the garb of various central schemes.
One such incident has come forward where a Nigerian has been netted by the CBI for allegedly running a racket, whereby he impersonated PMO officials and duped people.
In April 2017, the deputy secretary of PMO wrote a complaint to the CBI alleging that a person named Manjit Singh from Himachal Pradesh claimed to have been duped by a woman named Smita Rani who introduced herself as the processing officer of the PMO Trust Fund Loan. It is alleged that Singh was offered a loan of Rs 1.5 crore on the pretext of a non-existent scheme.
Investigation into the alleged offence led to 34-year-old Nigerian Tiamiyu Adedamola Williams and some other unknown person who may have been operating from Pune and other places. According to the charge sheet, to make the act real, Williams and his gang purchased a domain in the name of trans.org.in.
An email was sent through info@pmotrust.org, to Singh who was told that he was shortlisted for a programme inaugurated by the PMO and his nomination was issued for the PMO Trust Fund and Loan Scheme.
He was sent a file number and asked to submit his valid identity proof and the amount he wanted as a loan for the nomination. Later, another mail was shot to Singh purported to be from Vivek Kumar, director of the PMO Trust Fund, stating that approval has been issued by the PMO.
THE CHARGESHEET
According to the charge sheet, Singh was told, "The scheme was initiated by the PMO and is part of the poverty alleviation process put in place by the NDA government. It was also informed that this scheme was initiated for the selected approved candidate to express the gratitude and support to the people of the country and to mark the 70th year of independence. This mode was initiated to support candidates in their business and promote the Make In India campaign."
Singh was asked to deposit Rs 35,000 as registration for the loan. The cyber crook did not just stop at that. Some more mails were sent to Singh with attached forms purported to be from the Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of India.
Having trapped Singh, Williams and the others allegedly sent a mail asking him to get a premium account with RBI. For this, he was asked to pay an additional Rs 65,000. Sensing fraud, Singh wrote a complaint to the PMO instead of making further payments.
While the CBI was successful in netting Williams, it is still in search of the other accused who are part of the scam.
Business Affairs
PM Modi seeks UK's help in return of economic offenders
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As India works hard to ensure return of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pressed upon his British counterpart Theresa May to ensure UK's cooperation to bring back economic offenders.
Mallya has been in the UK for months, escaping arrest warrants against him, while a court in London is also hearing a case regarding his return to India.
Modi today met May during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here and sought UK's help in this regard.
Both leaders also talked about the complete range of India-UK ties.
In a tweet after the meeting, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said the Prime Minister asked for UK's "cooperation for return of escaped Indian economic offenders".
Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore, has been in the UK since March 2016.
In April, he had attended a central London police station for his arrest and was released on conditional bail a few hours later after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds, assuring the court of abiding by all conditions associated with extradition proceedings, such as the surrender of his passport and a ban on him possessing any travel documents.
India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992, but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement - Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.
"Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @theresa_may met and held talks on the complete range of India-UK ties," India's PMO said in a tweet.
As India works hard to ensure return of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pressed upon his British counterpart Theresa May to ensure UK's cooperation to bring back economic offenders.
Mallya has been in the UK for months, escaping arrest warrants against him, while a court in London is also hearing a case regarding his return to India.
Modi today met May during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here and sought UK's help in this regard.
Both leaders also talked about the complete range of India-UK ties.
In a tweet after the meeting, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said the Prime Minister asked for UK's "cooperation for return of escaped Indian economic offenders".
Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore, has been in the UK since March 2016.
In April, he had attended a central London police station for his arrest and was released on conditional bail a few hours later after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds, assuring the court of abiding by all conditions associated with extradition proceedings, such as the surrender of his passport and a ban on him possessing any travel documents.
India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992, but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement - Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.
"Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @theresa_may met and held talks on the complete range of India-UK ties," India's PMO said in a tweet.
PM to meet state chief secretaries to push development agenda
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to meet all chief secretaries together, probably for the first time, on Monday to fast-track all-round development of states by taking a cohesive approach.
At the upcoming national conference of chief secretaries, finance secretaries and planning secretaries of states, Modi will deliberate on the issue and take stock of their position on various fronts.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the day-long national conference of chief secretaries and other officials on July 10," a source said.
The prime minister's presence is expected to ensure better coordination with states with a view to removing "regional imbalance and disparities".
Niti Aayog Member Bibek Debroy will make a presentation on 'An analysis of financial position of states, post 14th Finance Commission'. He will also speak about 'Re-engineering the government' that can improve delivery by states.
Quality Council of India Chairman Adil Zainlubhai is scheduled to address the audience on 'Moving away from inputs to outcomes and their monitoring on dashboards' to set the tone for outcome-based budgets and online monitoring of public finance management.
Many other issues are also set to come up for discussion, which include less-cash economy, ranking on the basis of ease of doing business, direct benefit transfer, agriculture, health and nutrition, targeting Olympic medals, promotion of electric vehicles and leveraging e-marketplace by states.
States would list out their best practices and put on table different issues handled by them in the most efficient and effective manner.
Andhra Pradesh, for one, will give a presentation on online management of outcome-based public finance system on a real-time basis. Similarly, Rajasthan will give out details on its electronically managed public distribution system, 'e-PDS', for efficient public service delivery under Annapoorana Bhandar Yojana.
Positive impact of cash payment under a nutrition programme in Bihar and a presentation by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation on public-private partnership for setting up drinking water and sewage treatment plants are part of the broader agenda too.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to meet all chief secretaries together, probably for the first time, on Monday to fast-track all-round development of states by taking a cohesive approach.
At the upcoming national conference of chief secretaries, finance secretaries and planning secretaries of states, Modi will deliberate on the issue and take stock of their position on various fronts.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the day-long national conference of chief secretaries and other officials on July 10," a source said.
The prime minister's presence is expected to ensure better coordination with states with a view to removing "regional imbalance and disparities".
Niti Aayog Member Bibek Debroy will make a presentation on 'An analysis of financial position of states, post 14th Finance Commission'. He will also speak about 'Re-engineering the government' that can improve delivery by states.
Quality Council of India Chairman Adil Zainlubhai is scheduled to address the audience on 'Moving away from inputs to outcomes and their monitoring on dashboards' to set the tone for outcome-based budgets and online monitoring of public finance management.
Many other issues are also set to come up for discussion, which include less-cash economy, ranking on the basis of ease of doing business, direct benefit transfer, agriculture, health and nutrition, targeting Olympic medals, promotion of electric vehicles and leveraging e-marketplace by states.
States would list out their best practices and put on table different issues handled by them in the most efficient and effective manner.
Andhra Pradesh, for one, will give a presentation on online management of outcome-based public finance system on a real-time basis. Similarly, Rajasthan will give out details on its electronically managed public distribution system, 'e-PDS', for efficient public service delivery under Annapoorana Bhandar Yojana.
Positive impact of cash payment under a nutrition programme in Bihar and a presentation by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation on public-private partnership for setting up drinking water and sewage treatment plants are part of the broader agenda too.
Print new MRP on unsold stock after factoring in input tax: Govt
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The companies should not print new MRP on unsold stock manufactured, packed or imported prior to July "mechanically" but after taking into account extra availability of input tax credit under the GST, the government said today.
On July 4, the Consumer Affairs Ministry relaxed norms under the Legal Metrology (packaged commodities) rule and allowed companies to clear unsold stocks by September with new MRP factoring GST. A circular was issued in this regard.
In a joint statement, consumer affairs and finance ministries clarified that in the circular the phrase "the increased amount of tax due to GST", if any means "the effective increase in the tax liability calculated after taking into consideration extra availability of input tax credit under GST (including deemed credit available to the traders under CGST)".
Thus, the declaration of new MRP on unsold stock manufactured/packed/ imported prior to July 1, 2017 should not be done mechanically but after factoring in and taking into consideration extra availability of input tax credit under GST including deemed credit available to traders under provision to subsection (3) of section 140 of the CGST Act,2017, it added.
The GST has been rolled out from July 1, under which VAT and octroi are subsumed and there is single tax nationwide.
The companies should not print new MRP on unsold stock manufactured, packed or imported prior to July "mechanically" but after taking into account extra availability of input tax credit under the GST, the government said today.
On July 4, the Consumer Affairs Ministry relaxed norms under the Legal Metrology (packaged commodities) rule and allowed companies to clear unsold stocks by September with new MRP factoring GST. A circular was issued in this regard.
In a joint statement, consumer affairs and finance ministries clarified that in the circular the phrase "the increased amount of tax due to GST", if any means "the effective increase in the tax liability calculated after taking into consideration extra availability of input tax credit under GST (including deemed credit available to the traders under CGST)".
Thus, the declaration of new MRP on unsold stock manufactured/packed/ imported prior to July 1, 2017 should not be done mechanically but after factoring in and taking into consideration extra availability of input tax credit under GST including deemed credit available to traders under provision to subsection (3) of section 140 of the CGST Act,2017, it added.
The GST has been rolled out from July 1, under which VAT and octroi are subsumed and there is single tax nationwide.
Less mango export from UP this year as prices soar higher than usual
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Mango growers of Uttar Pradesh have suffered losses this year due to poor production owing to adverse weather conditions.
"This year mango production will be between 10 lakh tonnes to 15 lakh tonnes only. There is 70 per cent drop in mango production as compared to previous year. The exports from UP are also negligible as due to low production, mango growers are not able to export it", President All India Mango Growers Association (AIMGA) Insram Ali told PTI.
"Some mango growers are exporting, but the total export will be very less", he said.
"Last year there was bumper production of about 44 lakh tonnes mangoes. But this year production has gone down by one-third," Ali said.
Last year, due to bumper produce, the juicy mangoes were in the reach of common man and the rates hovered between just Rs 20-40 a kg but this year it is over Rs 50 per kg.
The mango belts in Uttar Pradesh, which include Lucknow (Lucknow, Malihabad, Bakshi-ka-Talaab), Saharanpur and Sambhal-Amroha-Muzaffarnagar districts had registered poor flowering this season due to which mango lovers abroad had to be disappointed, he said.
In Uttar Pradesh, mango is produced in 2.5 lakh hectare.
Popular varieties like chausa, dashehari, fazli, gulab khas, langra, mallika and amrapali are produced in the state.
Renowned mango grower Haji Kalimullaha Khan, a Padamshri awardee and known for developing a rare technique for growing more than 300 varieties of mangoes of different shapes, sizes and hues on one tree, said there was a decline in mango production this year.
The Lucknow belt, which produces world famous Dussehri mangoes besides langda and chausa, alone comprises 30-40 per cent of the states annual mango production.
During 2010, the total arrival of mango in the market from Lucknow region was roughly 87,000 tonnes. The corresponding figures for 2008 and 2009 stood at 52,000 tonnes and 34,000 tonnes, respectively, official sources said.
Delhi is the biggest market for Uttar Pradesh mangoes, followed by Punjab.
About the state governments 3-day mango festival which ended yesterday, Ali said, "The event was just a show off and hardly benefited mango growers".
A three-day mango festival was organised by the UP tourism department to promote mango growers and mango product manufacturers.
The mouth-watering biryani synonymous with the City of Nawabs acquired a fruity flavour with a dash of mango during the festival.
Aam biryani, murg-aam and aam-murg korma were among the many other dishes prepared from mango, the king of fruits.
A number of other dishes prepared from mango like aam malai tikka, aam shahi paneer and aam kaleji were also displayed on the table at the event.
Mango growers of Uttar Pradesh have suffered losses this year due to poor production owing to adverse weather conditions.
"This year mango production will be between 10 lakh tonnes to 15 lakh tonnes only. There is 70 per cent drop in mango production as compared to previous year. The exports from UP are also negligible as due to low production, mango growers are not able to export it", President All India Mango Growers Association (AIMGA) Insram Ali told PTI.
"Some mango growers are exporting, but the total export will be very less", he said.
"Last year there was bumper production of about 44 lakh tonnes mangoes. But this year production has gone down by one-third," Ali said.
Last year, due to bumper produce, the juicy mangoes were in the reach of common man and the rates hovered between just Rs 20-40 a kg but this year it is over Rs 50 per kg.
The mango belts in Uttar Pradesh, which include Lucknow (Lucknow, Malihabad, Bakshi-ka-Talaab), Saharanpur and Sambhal-Amroha-Muzaffarnagar districts had registered poor flowering this season due to which mango lovers abroad had to be disappointed, he said.
In Uttar Pradesh, mango is produced in 2.5 lakh hectare.
Popular varieties like chausa, dashehari, fazli, gulab khas, langra, mallika and amrapali are produced in the state.
Renowned mango grower Haji Kalimullaha Khan, a Padamshri awardee and known for developing a rare technique for growing more than 300 varieties of mangoes of different shapes, sizes and hues on one tree, said there was a decline in mango production this year.
The Lucknow belt, which produces world famous Dussehri mangoes besides langda and chausa, alone comprises 30-40 per cent of the states annual mango production.
During 2010, the total arrival of mango in the market from Lucknow region was roughly 87,000 tonnes. The corresponding figures for 2008 and 2009 stood at 52,000 tonnes and 34,000 tonnes, respectively, official sources said.
Delhi is the biggest market for Uttar Pradesh mangoes, followed by Punjab.
About the state governments 3-day mango festival which ended yesterday, Ali said, "The event was just a show off and hardly benefited mango growers".
A three-day mango festival was organised by the UP tourism department to promote mango growers and mango product manufacturers.
The mouth-watering biryani synonymous with the City of Nawabs acquired a fruity flavour with a dash of mango during the festival.
Aam biryani, murg-aam and aam-murg korma were among the many other dishes prepared from mango, the king of fruits.
A number of other dishes prepared from mango like aam malai tikka, aam shahi paneer and aam kaleji were also displayed on the table at the event.
Centre did not play big brother role in fixing GST rates: Nirmala Sitharaman
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Maintaining that the Centre was not playing big brother role, Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman today suggested that any state could forego its share of GST if it wanted to lessen the tax burden.
Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, made this remark referring to the agitation by Tamil Nadu film industry over the high rates of tax on cinema tickets.
"In fact, they (Tamil film industry) have no issue with the GST. It is the additional 30 per cent local bodies tax levied by the state government that they are agitated about," the minister told reporters here today.
"The Centre didn't play big brother role in fixing rates (under GST). If it (tax rate) has been agreed, it has been collectively agreed by the GST Council, a body representing 29 states and seven Union Territories and a lone member (the Centre).
"GST Council is a constitutional committee and the correct strength of it is in the states. This is a classic example for cooperative federalism," the minister pointed out.
GST rates were fixed by following the revenue-neutral philosophy, she added.
Asked why liquor and petroleum products were not brought under the ambit of GST, she said the states requested that a decision on them be deferred.
"It is on the request of the state governments that petroleum products and liquor are not yet brought under GST," she said.
Sitharaman said problems related to the implementation of GST were "largely settled" and the Centre was conducting a public interaction week across the country to enhance awareness among traders.
Replying to another question, the union minister said GST would be favourable for investments as the tax structure would be uniform across the country.
"Investors now need not worry about tax rates, say in Andhra Pradesh or Odisha. Also, they can have clear assessment of the costs (on raw materials) as there is a single tax. GST will also help exports as the logistic cost will reduce," the minister noted.
Later, she addressed traders and industry representatives to clarify doubts on GST.
Maintaining that the Centre was not playing big brother role, Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman today suggested that any state could forego its share of GST if it wanted to lessen the tax burden.
Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, made this remark referring to the agitation by Tamil Nadu film industry over the high rates of tax on cinema tickets.
"In fact, they (Tamil film industry) have no issue with the GST. It is the additional 30 per cent local bodies tax levied by the state government that they are agitated about," the minister told reporters here today.
"The Centre didn't play big brother role in fixing rates (under GST). If it (tax rate) has been agreed, it has been collectively agreed by the GST Council, a body representing 29 states and seven Union Territories and a lone member (the Centre).
"GST Council is a constitutional committee and the correct strength of it is in the states. This is a classic example for cooperative federalism," the minister pointed out.
GST rates were fixed by following the revenue-neutral philosophy, she added.
Asked why liquor and petroleum products were not brought under the ambit of GST, she said the states requested that a decision on them be deferred.
"It is on the request of the state governments that petroleum products and liquor are not yet brought under GST," she said.
Sitharaman said problems related to the implementation of GST were "largely settled" and the Centre was conducting a public interaction week across the country to enhance awareness among traders.
Replying to another question, the union minister said GST would be favourable for investments as the tax structure would be uniform across the country.
"Investors now need not worry about tax rates, say in Andhra Pradesh or Odisha. Also, they can have clear assessment of the costs (on raw materials) as there is a single tax. GST will also help exports as the logistic cost will reduce," the minister noted.
Later, she addressed traders and industry representatives to clarify doubts on GST.
General Awareness
12th G20 Summit held in Hamburg, Germany
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The 2017 G20 Summit was the 12th meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20), which was held on 7thand 8th July, 2017, in Hamburg, Germany.
- The theme for this year’s G20 Summit was “Shaping an Inter-connected World”.
- The progress on decisions since the Hangzhou Summit last year was reviewed and deliberations were held on issues such as terrorism, climate, sustainable development, growth and trade, digitalisation, health, employment, migration, women’s empowerment, and partnership with Africa
- The summit this year also witnessed massive protests. The protests were based on views that G20 has failed to solve many of the issues threatening world peace.
PM Modi Visit to Germany for G20 Summit:
On 7th and 8th July, 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.
- He reached Germany straight from Israel after wrapping up his historic three-day visit.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed upon his British counterpart Theresa May to ensure UK’s cooperation to bring back economic offenders.
- He also met Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
- Prime Minister Modi had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. The two leaders briefly reviewed progress in bilateral relations, including in important projects, since their last meeting in Japan.
- Continuing his series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, PM Modi also met South Korean President Moon Jae-in. He congratulated in person Moon on his victory in presidential elections.
- PM Modi’s discussions with Italy’s Prime Minister Gentiloni focused on promoting bilateral relations, particularly trade and investment and people-to-people ties.
- Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg gifted a symbolic football to PM Modi. During his meeting with Erna Soberg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Norwegian pension funds to invest in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
G20 Summit: India among Majority Nations on Climate Change, Terrorism
At the G20 Summit, a consensus emerged on issues like fight against terror, global warming and protectionism among majority of the world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- As per official sources, there was near unanimity on the need for a stronger concerted global effort to fight the terror menace and to clamp down on terrorist financing and safe havens.
- Several world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Modi called for greater coordination and more measures to fight terrorism.
- PM Modi told the G20 meet that some countries were using terror as a tool to achieve political objectives and pressed for “deterrent” action collectively by the G-20 members against such nations.
G20 nations pledge to strengthen health systems
On July 8, 2017, the G20 nations, including India, pledged to strengthen health systems and also combat the menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which the grouping termed as a “growing threat” to public health and economic growth.
- The nations, including India, recalled that universal health coverage is a goal adopted in the 2030 Agenda and recognised that strong health systems are important to effectively address health crises.
- Terming AMR as a growing threat to public health and economic growth, the G20 pledged that to tackle its spread in humans, animals and the environment, nations will aim to have implementation of their respective National Action Plans based on a ‘One-Health’ approach.
- G20 leaders pledged to strive to fully eradicate polio.
- The nations highlighted the importance of fostering research and development, in particular for priority pathogens as identified by the WHO and tuberculosis.
- The nations also supported the World Health Organisation’s central coordinating role, especially for capacity building and response to health emergencies, while encouraging full implementation of its emergency reform.
G 20 countries leaders agree for action, targeted exchange of information on terrorism
On July 7, 2017, G20 leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to facilitate swift and targeted exchange of information between intelligence, law enforcement and judicial authorities to crackdown on the global scourge of terrorism and to check its funding sources.
- G20 leaders also asked the private sector, including the communication firms, to join the fight against radicalisation by curbing internet misuse for terror propaganda.
- In a 21-point declaration, G20 nations have agreed to work to improve the existing international information architecture in the areas of security, travel and migration, including INTERPOL, ensuring the necessary balance between security and data protection aspects.
- The G20 nations said border agencies will strengthen cooperation to detect travel for terrorist purposes, including by identifying priority transit and destination countries of terrorists.
- Coordination will be enhanced to address the evolving threats and potential vulnerabilities in aviation security systems and exchange information on risk assessments.
- In efforts to choke funding for terror activities, the G20 leaders reiterated their resolve to make the international financial system entirely hostile to terrorist financing and deepen exchange of information, including working with the private sector.
- The declaration identified that low cost attacks by small cells and individuals funded by small amounts of money transferred through a wide range of payment means are an increasing challenge.
- Stressing that there should be no “safe spaces” for terrorist financing anywhere in the world, the G20 nations expressed their commitment to intensify capacity building and technical assistance, especially in relation to terrorist financing hot-spots.
- The leaders highlighted the importance of providing appropriate support to the victims of terrorist acts.
G20 Adopts $1bn Women Entrepreneur Plan For Developing Nations
On July 8, 2017, G20 leaders adopted a World Bank funding plan of up to USD 1 billion for women entrepreneurs in developing nations, an initiative championed by US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump.
- The initiative was launched by World Bank President Jim Yong Kim in the presence of Ivanka Trump and her father as also G20 host Angela Merkel and other world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and IMF chief Christine Lagarde.
- For the facility, the World Bank serves as trustee to improve women’s access to capital, provide technical assistance and invest in other projects and programs that support women entrepreneurs and women-owned SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in World Bank client countries.
- The facility is expected to raise up to $1 billion of financing to support women entrepreneurs. An initial grant financing of around $200 million from G20 and non-G20 donors aims to leverage an additional $800 million in commercial as well as international financial institution funding.
PM Modi presents 10-point action plan on counter terrorism for G-20 nations
At G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the action plan against terror and presented a 10-point action agenda for it.
PM Modi’s 10-point Action Plan
(i)Deterrent action against nations supporting terrorism must be made compulsory, such nations should be barred from G20
(ii)G20 nations must exchange lists of suspected terrorists and their supporters
(iii)Legal processes such as extradition should be simplified and expedited
(iv)Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism should be adopted soon
(v)UNSC resolutions and other international processes should be effectively implemented
(vi)G20 nations should give emphasis to de-radicalisation programmes and exchange best practices
(vii)Terror financing should be curtailed by means of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and other means
(viii)Weapons and Explosive Action Task Force (WEATF) should be constituted on lines of FATF so that source of weapons to the terrorists is stopped
(ix)G20 nations should cooperate in cyber security, with a focus on terrorist activities
(x)National Security Advisors on Counter Terrorism mechanism should be constituted
Quick facts about G20:
Formed in year 1999, G20 (Group of Twenty) is a political forum of industrialised and developing economies that deliberates upon range of global and regional issues which affects the global economy.
- G20 accounts for 85% of Global Gross Domestic Product and 80% of world trade.
- It represents 66% of the world’s population.
- United States, Argentina, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, India, Russia, Italy, China, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, Indonesia, Brazil, France, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and European Union are the current member of G20.
The 2017 G20 Summit was the 12th meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20), which was held on 7thand 8th July, 2017, in Hamburg, Germany.
- The theme for this year’s G20 Summit was “Shaping an Inter-connected World”.
- The progress on decisions since the Hangzhou Summit last year was reviewed and deliberations were held on issues such as terrorism, climate, sustainable development, growth and trade, digitalisation, health, employment, migration, women’s empowerment, and partnership with Africa
- The summit this year also witnessed massive protests. The protests were based on views that G20 has failed to solve many of the issues threatening world peace.
PM Modi Visit to Germany for G20 Summit:
On 7th and 8th July, 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.
- He reached Germany straight from Israel after wrapping up his historic three-day visit.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed upon his British counterpart Theresa May to ensure UK’s cooperation to bring back economic offenders.
- He also met Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
- Prime Minister Modi had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. The two leaders briefly reviewed progress in bilateral relations, including in important projects, since their last meeting in Japan.
- Continuing his series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, PM Modi also met South Korean President Moon Jae-in. He congratulated in person Moon on his victory in presidential elections.
- PM Modi’s discussions with Italy’s Prime Minister Gentiloni focused on promoting bilateral relations, particularly trade and investment and people-to-people ties.
- Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg gifted a symbolic football to PM Modi. During his meeting with Erna Soberg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Norwegian pension funds to invest in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
G20 Summit: India among Majority Nations on Climate Change, Terrorism
At the G20 Summit, a consensus emerged on issues like fight against terror, global warming and protectionism among majority of the world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- As per official sources, there was near unanimity on the need for a stronger concerted global effort to fight the terror menace and to clamp down on terrorist financing and safe havens.
- Several world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Modi called for greater coordination and more measures to fight terrorism.
- PM Modi told the G20 meet that some countries were using terror as a tool to achieve political objectives and pressed for “deterrent” action collectively by the G-20 members against such nations.
G20 nations pledge to strengthen health systems
On July 8, 2017, the G20 nations, including India, pledged to strengthen health systems and also combat the menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which the grouping termed as a “growing threat” to public health and economic growth.
- The nations, including India, recalled that universal health coverage is a goal adopted in the 2030 Agenda and recognised that strong health systems are important to effectively address health crises.
- Terming AMR as a growing threat to public health and economic growth, the G20 pledged that to tackle its spread in humans, animals and the environment, nations will aim to have implementation of their respective National Action Plans based on a ‘One-Health’ approach.
- G20 leaders pledged to strive to fully eradicate polio.
- The nations highlighted the importance of fostering research and development, in particular for priority pathogens as identified by the WHO and tuberculosis.
- The nations also supported the World Health Organisation’s central coordinating role, especially for capacity building and response to health emergencies, while encouraging full implementation of its emergency reform.
G 20 countries leaders agree for action, targeted exchange of information on terrorism
On July 7, 2017, G20 leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to facilitate swift and targeted exchange of information between intelligence, law enforcement and judicial authorities to crackdown on the global scourge of terrorism and to check its funding sources.
- G20 leaders also asked the private sector, including the communication firms, to join the fight against radicalisation by curbing internet misuse for terror propaganda.
- In a 21-point declaration, G20 nations have agreed to work to improve the existing international information architecture in the areas of security, travel and migration, including INTERPOL, ensuring the necessary balance between security and data protection aspects.
- The G20 nations said border agencies will strengthen cooperation to detect travel for terrorist purposes, including by identifying priority transit and destination countries of terrorists.
- Coordination will be enhanced to address the evolving threats and potential vulnerabilities in aviation security systems and exchange information on risk assessments.
- In efforts to choke funding for terror activities, the G20 leaders reiterated their resolve to make the international financial system entirely hostile to terrorist financing and deepen exchange of information, including working with the private sector.
- The declaration identified that low cost attacks by small cells and individuals funded by small amounts of money transferred through a wide range of payment means are an increasing challenge.
- Stressing that there should be no “safe spaces” for terrorist financing anywhere in the world, the G20 nations expressed their commitment to intensify capacity building and technical assistance, especially in relation to terrorist financing hot-spots.
- The leaders highlighted the importance of providing appropriate support to the victims of terrorist acts.
G20 Adopts $1bn Women Entrepreneur Plan For Developing Nations
On July 8, 2017, G20 leaders adopted a World Bank funding plan of up to USD 1 billion for women entrepreneurs in developing nations, an initiative championed by US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump.
- The initiative was launched by World Bank President Jim Yong Kim in the presence of Ivanka Trump and her father as also G20 host Angela Merkel and other world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and IMF chief Christine Lagarde.
- For the facility, the World Bank serves as trustee to improve women’s access to capital, provide technical assistance and invest in other projects and programs that support women entrepreneurs and women-owned SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in World Bank client countries.
- The facility is expected to raise up to $1 billion of financing to support women entrepreneurs. An initial grant financing of around $200 million from G20 and non-G20 donors aims to leverage an additional $800 million in commercial as well as international financial institution funding.
PM Modi presents 10-point action plan on counter terrorism for G-20 nations
At G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the action plan against terror and presented a 10-point action agenda for it.
PM Modi’s 10-point Action Plan
(i)Deterrent action against nations supporting terrorism must be made compulsory, such nations should be barred from G20
(ii)G20 nations must exchange lists of suspected terrorists and their supporters
(iii)Legal processes such as extradition should be simplified and expedited
(iv)Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism should be adopted soon
(v)UNSC resolutions and other international processes should be effectively implemented
(vi)G20 nations should give emphasis to de-radicalisation programmes and exchange best practices
(vii)Terror financing should be curtailed by means of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and other means
(viii)Weapons and Explosive Action Task Force (WEATF) should be constituted on lines of FATF so that source of weapons to the terrorists is stopped
(ix)G20 nations should cooperate in cyber security, with a focus on terrorist activities
(x)National Security Advisors on Counter Terrorism mechanism should be constituted
PM Modi’s 10-point Action Plan
(i)Deterrent action against nations supporting terrorism must be made compulsory, such nations should be barred from G20
(ii)G20 nations must exchange lists of suspected terrorists and their supporters
(iii)Legal processes such as extradition should be simplified and expedited
(iv)Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism should be adopted soon
(v)UNSC resolutions and other international processes should be effectively implemented
(vi)G20 nations should give emphasis to de-radicalisation programmes and exchange best practices
(vii)Terror financing should be curtailed by means of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and other means
(viii)Weapons and Explosive Action Task Force (WEATF) should be constituted on lines of FATF so that source of weapons to the terrorists is stopped
(ix)G20 nations should cooperate in cyber security, with a focus on terrorist activities
(x)National Security Advisors on Counter Terrorism mechanism should be constituted
Quick facts about G20:
Formed in year 1999, G20 (Group of Twenty) is a political forum of industrialised and developing economies that deliberates upon range of global and regional issues which affects the global economy.
- G20 accounts for 85% of Global Gross Domestic Product and 80% of world trade.
- It represents 66% of the world’s population.
- United States, Argentina, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, India, Russia, Italy, China, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, Indonesia, Brazil, France, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and European Union are the current member of G20.
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