General Affairs
India Is Messenger Of World Peace, Says PM Modi
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Describing India as a "messenger of peace", Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the country has always contributed towards global peace, unity and harmony through UN missions across the world.
He said India is the third highest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, with around 7,000 of its security personnel deployed on various missions across the world.
Besides, the Indian forces have imparted peacekeeping training to their counterparts from 85 countries and have been providing medical services to people of a number of countries, PM Modi said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.
In his 30-minute broadcast, he also talked about India's tradition of respecting the nature through festivals like 'Chhat' and referred to the ongoing cleanliness campaign.
He mentioned the role played by Sardar Vallabhai Patel in laying the foundation of the country's unity and urged people to participate in the 'Run for Unity' to be organised on the late leader's birth anniversary on October 31, which also happens to be the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi.
Talking about the upcoming Children's Day which is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru on November 14, PM Modi expressed concern that children are nowadays getting afflicted by diabetes.
He said ailments like diabetes occur mainly due to lifestyle and exhorted the children to play outdoors more to be healthy and escape such ailments.
He also referred to the just-concluded FIFA Under-17 World Cup held in India for the first time and expressed happiness over the host team's performance, saying it had won hearts, if not medals.
PM Modi also spoke about the upcoming Guru Nanak Jayanti which falls on November 4 and hailed the first Sikh Guru, describing him as a "world guru" who thought about the welfare of the entire humanity.
Hailing the Indian armed forces, the prime minister mentioned his recent visit to Gurez near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu Kashmir to spend Diwali with the brave security perosnnel.
Describing it as an "unforgettable" experience, he lauded the "struggle, dedication and sacrifices" of the armed forces personnel who work in extremely difficult conditions at the borders to protect the country.
He said the Indian forces are deployed not only on the Indian borders but play a role to establish peace across the world in the form of UN peacekeeper and make the country proud.
Referring to the UN Day celebrated on October 24, he said it is an occasion to remember the efforts of the UN to establish peace in the world.
"We are believers of 'vasudev kutumbakam', which means the whole world is one. And because of this belief, India has been an active participant in the UN's key initiatives," PM Modi said.
"India, as a messenger of peace, has always vouched for peace, unity and harmony in the world. It is our belief that everyone should live in peace and harmony and move towards a better and peaceful tomorrow," the prime minister said.
He said as of August 2017, India has participated in about 50 out of 71 UN peacekeeping operations undertaken in countries like Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Congo, Cyprus, Liberia, Lebanon and Sudan. Indian women personnel too have contributed in this endeavour in an active manner.
In Congo and South Sudan, hospitals run by Indian armed forces have treated over 20,000 people and saved most of them. Not only have the Indian troops saved the people of those countries but also conducted people-friendly operations.
"The brave soldiers from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha have spread the message of peace and harmony across the world," PM Modi said.
He said the peacekeeping operations are not easy and the Indian soldiers have to work in diverse nations and adapt to local conditions, requirements and culture.
While talking about India's association with the UN, he noted that both the Indian Constitution and the UN Charter begin with the words "we the people'.
He added that the UN Declaration of Human Rights had initially the wording 'all men are born free and equal' but it was changed to 'all human beings are born free and equal' after efforts by Indian representative Hansa Mehta.
This, he said, was to ensure respect for women. During the programme, PM Modi also talked about Sister Nivedita, an Irish lady whose original name was Margaret Elizabeth Nobel, and recounted her service to the Indian people during the British rule.
"Sister Nivedita was deeply hurt by the atrocities committed during the British rule. The British had not only made us a colony but also tried to enslave us mentally. They continuously tried to deride our culture to create an inferiority complex among us," he said.
He also said that khadi sale at just one outlet in Delhi on the last Dhanteras on October 17 was a record Rs. 1.2 crore.
"The 'Mann Ki Baat' (programme) is praised and sometimes it is criticised. But when I see the impact of 'Mann Ki Baat', my belief becomes a conviction that the programme has forged an unbreakable bonding with the people,"PM Modi said.
He said an example in this regard was the sale of khadi and handloom, which he had been advocating strongly through the "Mann Ki Baat' programme.
The sale of khadi and handloom witnessed 90 per cent increase during this Diwali against the previous year's figure, the prime minister said.
"Earlier, it was 'khadi for nation' and we talked about 'khadi for fashion'. But lately we realised that 'khadi for transformation' is taking the place of 'khadi for nation' and 'khadi for fashion'."
The prime minister also referred to some recent sports events like the Asia Cup Hockey and Denmark Open Tennis tournament. He hailed India's victory in the Asia Cup after 10 years and lauded K Srikanth for winning the Denmark Open after Indonesia Open and Australia Open.
He said India is the third highest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, with around 7,000 of its security personnel deployed on various missions across the world.
In his 30-minute broadcast, he also talked about India's tradition of respecting the nature through festivals like 'Chhat' and referred to the ongoing cleanliness campaign.
He mentioned the role played by Sardar Vallabhai Patel in laying the foundation of the country's unity and urged people to participate in the 'Run for Unity' to be organised on the late leader's birth anniversary on October 31, which also happens to be the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi.
Talking about the upcoming Children's Day which is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru on November 14, PM Modi expressed concern that children are nowadays getting afflicted by diabetes.
He said ailments like diabetes occur mainly due to lifestyle and exhorted the children to play outdoors more to be healthy and escape such ailments.
He also referred to the just-concluded FIFA Under-17 World Cup held in India for the first time and expressed happiness over the host team's performance, saying it had won hearts, if not medals.
PM Modi also spoke about the upcoming Guru Nanak Jayanti which falls on November 4 and hailed the first Sikh Guru, describing him as a "world guru" who thought about the welfare of the entire humanity.
Hailing the Indian armed forces, the prime minister mentioned his recent visit to Gurez near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu Kashmir to spend Diwali with the brave security perosnnel.
Describing it as an "unforgettable" experience, he lauded the "struggle, dedication and sacrifices" of the armed forces personnel who work in extremely difficult conditions at the borders to protect the country.
He said the Indian forces are deployed not only on the Indian borders but play a role to establish peace across the world in the form of UN peacekeeper and make the country proud.
Referring to the UN Day celebrated on October 24, he said it is an occasion to remember the efforts of the UN to establish peace in the world.
"We are believers of 'vasudev kutumbakam', which means the whole world is one. And because of this belief, India has been an active participant in the UN's key initiatives," PM Modi said.
"India, as a messenger of peace, has always vouched for peace, unity and harmony in the world. It is our belief that everyone should live in peace and harmony and move towards a better and peaceful tomorrow," the prime minister said.
He said as of August 2017, India has participated in about 50 out of 71 UN peacekeeping operations undertaken in countries like Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Congo, Cyprus, Liberia, Lebanon and Sudan. Indian women personnel too have contributed in this endeavour in an active manner.
In Congo and South Sudan, hospitals run by Indian armed forces have treated over 20,000 people and saved most of them. Not only have the Indian troops saved the people of those countries but also conducted people-friendly operations.
"The brave soldiers from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha have spread the message of peace and harmony across the world," PM Modi said.
He said the peacekeeping operations are not easy and the Indian soldiers have to work in diverse nations and adapt to local conditions, requirements and culture.
While talking about India's association with the UN, he noted that both the Indian Constitution and the UN Charter begin with the words "we the people'.
He added that the UN Declaration of Human Rights had initially the wording 'all men are born free and equal' but it was changed to 'all human beings are born free and equal' after efforts by Indian representative Hansa Mehta.
This, he said, was to ensure respect for women. During the programme, PM Modi also talked about Sister Nivedita, an Irish lady whose original name was Margaret Elizabeth Nobel, and recounted her service to the Indian people during the British rule.
"Sister Nivedita was deeply hurt by the atrocities committed during the British rule. The British had not only made us a colony but also tried to enslave us mentally. They continuously tried to deride our culture to create an inferiority complex among us," he said.
He also said that khadi sale at just one outlet in Delhi on the last Dhanteras on October 17 was a record Rs. 1.2 crore.
"The 'Mann Ki Baat' (programme) is praised and sometimes it is criticised. But when I see the impact of 'Mann Ki Baat', my belief becomes a conviction that the programme has forged an unbreakable bonding with the people,"PM Modi said.
He said an example in this regard was the sale of khadi and handloom, which he had been advocating strongly through the "Mann Ki Baat' programme.
The sale of khadi and handloom witnessed 90 per cent increase during this Diwali against the previous year's figure, the prime minister said.
"Earlier, it was 'khadi for nation' and we talked about 'khadi for fashion'. But lately we realised that 'khadi for transformation' is taking the place of 'khadi for nation' and 'khadi for fashion'."
The prime minister also referred to some recent sports events like the Asia Cup Hockey and Denmark Open Tennis tournament. He hailed India's victory in the Asia Cup after 10 years and lauded K Srikanth for winning the Denmark Open after Indonesia Open and Australia Open.
Railways To Invest $150 Billion, Create 1 Million Jobs In 5 Years: Minister Piyush Goyal
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The Railways is looking to invest over US $150 billion over the next five years which would help create one million additional jobs, minister Piyush Goyal has said.
Mr Goyal, who took over as the rail minister after a Cabinet reshuffle in August, said he was trying to give the national transporter a "new direction".
"During the next five years, the Railways alone will be looking at an investment of upwards of USD 150 billion. And when I translate that into jobs, I see a million jobs being created only through investments in the railway sector," he said.
The Railways can play an important role in "aggressively pursuing" government agenda to provide safe, secure, comfortable travel, he said addressing an awards function organised by the business daily Economic Times in Mumbai last night.
A focus on infrastructure could also help increase local manufacturing, he said.
Mr Goyal said his ministry was also compressing the time taken for complete electrification of rail lines to four years from the earlier plan of 10 years, which would help cut costs by around 30 per cent for the loss-making Railways.
This electrification initiative would help save the national transporter around Rs. 10,000 crore per annum on fuel bill, he said.
Earlier this month, Mr Goyal had said the Railways would create one million jobs within the next 12 months.
In 2015, his predecessor Suresh Prabhu had said the Railways needed investments of Rs. 8.5 trillion over the next five years, and invited overseas investors for the same.
Mr Prabhu had also secured a debt funding worth Rs. 1.5 trillion from Life Insurance Corporation to fund various projects.
It is not clear whether Mr Goyal's USD 150 billion is part of Mr Prabhu's Rs. 8.5 trillion investments.
Mr Goyal, who took over as the rail minister after a Cabinet reshuffle in August, said he was trying to give the national transporter a "new direction".
The Railways can play an important role in "aggressively pursuing" government agenda to provide safe, secure, comfortable travel, he said addressing an awards function organised by the business daily Economic Times in Mumbai last night.
A focus on infrastructure could also help increase local manufacturing, he said.
Mr Goyal said his ministry was also compressing the time taken for complete electrification of rail lines to four years from the earlier plan of 10 years, which would help cut costs by around 30 per cent for the loss-making Railways.
Earlier this month, Mr Goyal had said the Railways would create one million jobs within the next 12 months.
In 2015, his predecessor Suresh Prabhu had said the Railways needed investments of Rs. 8.5 trillion over the next five years, and invited overseas investors for the same.
Mr Prabhu had also secured a debt funding worth Rs. 1.5 trillion from Life Insurance Corporation to fund various projects.
It is not clear whether Mr Goyal's USD 150 billion is part of Mr Prabhu's Rs. 8.5 trillion investments.
Army Finalises Mega Procurement Plan To Replace Weapons, Modernise Infantry
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The Army has finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation under which a large number of light machine guns, battle carbines and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs. 40,000 crore to replace its ageing and obsolete weapons.
The broad process to acquire around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines has been finalised and the defence ministry is on the same page with the Army in moving ahead with the procurement, official sources told news agency PTI.
The world's second largest standing Army has been pressing for fast-tracking the procurement of various weapons systems considering the evolving security threats including along India's borders with Pakistan and China.
Apart from kick-starting the procurement process, the government has also sent a message to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to expedite its work on various small arms, particularly on an LMG.
The sources said a fresh RFI (request for information) to procure the LMGs will be issued in the next few days, months after the defence ministry scrapped the tender for the 7.62 calibre guns as there was only one vendor left after a series of field trials. The plan is to initially procure around 10,000 LMGs.
The Army has also finalised the specifications for a new 7.62 mm assault rifle and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the defence ministry's highest decision making body on procurement, is expected to give the go-ahead for the much-needed procurement soon.
"The General Service Quality Requirements (GSQR) for the new assault rifle has been finalised. The procurement plan will soon be placed before the DAC for approval," said a senior official, who is part of the acquisition process.
In June, the Army had rejected an assault rifle built by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns failed the firing tests.
The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to a variety of reasons including the Army's failure to finalise the specifications for it. The Army needs around 7 lakh 7.62x51 mm assault guns to replace its INSAS rifles.
The Army had issued RFI for the rifles in September last year and around 20 firms responded to it. An RFI or Request For Information is a process whose purpose is to collect information about capabilities of various vendors.
In June, the Army had kick-started the initial process to procure around 44,600 carbines, nearly eight months after a tender for it was retracted, also due to single-vendor situation. Around half a dozen firms including a few global arms manufacturers have responded to the RFI.
Army sources said various specifications for the LMGs and battle carbines were tweaked to ensure that the problem of single vendor does not recur.
The combined cost of the LMGs, assault rifles and carbines will be in excess of Rs. 40,000 crore, said an official.
On DRDO missing a number of deadlines in finalising the LMG, an official said the defence secretary has called a meeting this week of all stakeholders to discuss the project.
"The infantry modernisation plan is a major initiative of the Army and it will significantly bolster the overall capability of the foot soldiers," said a senior army official.
The issue was extensively discussed at the recently-concluded Army Commanders conference which felt modernisation of the Army must be in tune with the evolving security threat facing the country.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conveyed to the Army during the conference that modernisation of the force was a priority for the government and all its "deficiencies" will be addressed to strengthen its combat capability.
The broad process to acquire around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines has been finalised and the defence ministry is on the same page with the Army in moving ahead with the procurement, official sources told news agency PTI.
Apart from kick-starting the procurement process, the government has also sent a message to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to expedite its work on various small arms, particularly on an LMG.
The sources said a fresh RFI (request for information) to procure the LMGs will be issued in the next few days, months after the defence ministry scrapped the tender for the 7.62 calibre guns as there was only one vendor left after a series of field trials. The plan is to initially procure around 10,000 LMGs.
The Army has also finalised the specifications for a new 7.62 mm assault rifle and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the defence ministry's highest decision making body on procurement, is expected to give the go-ahead for the much-needed procurement soon.
"The General Service Quality Requirements (GSQR) for the new assault rifle has been finalised. The procurement plan will soon be placed before the DAC for approval," said a senior official, who is part of the acquisition process.
In June, the Army had rejected an assault rifle built by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns failed the firing tests.
The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to a variety of reasons including the Army's failure to finalise the specifications for it. The Army needs around 7 lakh 7.62x51 mm assault guns to replace its INSAS rifles.
The Army had issued RFI for the rifles in September last year and around 20 firms responded to it. An RFI or Request For Information is a process whose purpose is to collect information about capabilities of various vendors.
In June, the Army had kick-started the initial process to procure around 44,600 carbines, nearly eight months after a tender for it was retracted, also due to single-vendor situation. Around half a dozen firms including a few global arms manufacturers have responded to the RFI.
Army sources said various specifications for the LMGs and battle carbines were tweaked to ensure that the problem of single vendor does not recur.
The combined cost of the LMGs, assault rifles and carbines will be in excess of Rs. 40,000 crore, said an official.
On DRDO missing a number of deadlines in finalising the LMG, an official said the defence secretary has called a meeting this week of all stakeholders to discuss the project.
"The infantry modernisation plan is a major initiative of the Army and it will significantly bolster the overall capability of the foot soldiers," said a senior army official.
The issue was extensively discussed at the recently-concluded Army Commanders conference which felt modernisation of the Army must be in tune with the evolving security threat facing the country.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conveyed to the Army during the conference that modernisation of the force was a priority for the government and all its "deficiencies" will be addressed to strengthen its combat capability.
Mann Ki Baat Criticised Also, But Has Built Unbreakable Bond: PM Modi
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In his monthly radio address that focussed on lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mann ki Baat underlined the importance of making "small regular changes" to transform habits and encourage children to play in open grounds.
PM Modi also spoke about the unbreakable bond that his monthly radio address had developed with people.
"Mann ki Baat has been applauded; it has also attracted criticism," he said, about the radio programme that completed three years in September.
"But whenever I look at the overall outcome of 'Mann Ki Baat', it reinforces my belief, that it has developed a 100 per cent unbreakable bond with the people," PM Modi continued.
By way of example of the impact that the programme has had, PM Modi said his advocacy of the use of handloom and Khadi had led to a spike in sales of Khadi products.
One Khadi store in Delhi had made a record sale of Rs. 1.2 crores on Dhanteras this year. Elsewhere, Khadi gift coupon sales had shot up by 680 per cent and total sales of Khadi and Handicrafts have gone up by nearly 90 per cent over the last year.
The opposition Congress has been a lead critic of the programme, accusing PM Modi of only speaking his mind and not listening to people.
Campaigning in Gujarat earlier this month, for instance, Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at PM Modi's programme, telling a rally that the Congress, "will not talk about our Mann ki Baat, we will listen to your Mann ki Baat".
In today's programme, PM Modi responded to an audio message from a doctor that spoke about diabetes.
PM Modi shared the concern, saying diseases such as lifestyle were once considered to be age-related diseases.
"It is indeed surprising today, when we hear that children are suffering from diabetes.
"One of the main reasons for being afflicted with such diseases at a young age is the lack of physical activity in our lifestyle and the changes in our eating habits," he said, asking parents to send children out to play in open grounds and even accompany them.
Children should be made to take the stairs instead of taking the lift, he said, advising people to go for a walk with the children after dinner.
He also asked children to practise Yoga 30 minutes before school.
PM Modi also spoke about the unbreakable bond that his monthly radio address had developed with people.
"Mann ki Baat has been applauded; it has also attracted criticism," he said, about the radio programme that completed three years in September.
"But whenever I look at the overall outcome of 'Mann Ki Baat', it reinforces my belief, that it has developed a 100 per cent unbreakable bond with the people," PM Modi continued.
By way of example of the impact that the programme has had, PM Modi said his advocacy of the use of handloom and Khadi had led to a spike in sales of Khadi products.
One Khadi store in Delhi had made a record sale of Rs. 1.2 crores on Dhanteras this year. Elsewhere, Khadi gift coupon sales had shot up by 680 per cent and total sales of Khadi and Handicrafts have gone up by nearly 90 per cent over the last year.
The opposition Congress has been a lead critic of the programme, accusing PM Modi of only speaking his mind and not listening to people.
Campaigning in Gujarat earlier this month, for instance, Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at PM Modi's programme, telling a rally that the Congress, "will not talk about our Mann ki Baat, we will listen to your Mann ki Baat".
In today's programme, PM Modi responded to an audio message from a doctor that spoke about diabetes.
PM Modi shared the concern, saying diseases such as lifestyle were once considered to be age-related diseases.
"It is indeed surprising today, when we hear that children are suffering from diabetes.
"One of the main reasons for being afflicted with such diseases at a young age is the lack of physical activity in our lifestyle and the changes in our eating habits," he said, asking parents to send children out to play in open grounds and even accompany them.
Children should be made to take the stairs instead of taking the lift, he said, advising people to go for a walk with the children after dinner.
He also asked children to practise Yoga 30 minutes before school.
Latest From Shivraj Chouhan: Indore's Road Better Than Washington DC
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Panned for his recent declaration that roads in Madhya Pradesh were superior than those in the US, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while talking to NDTV, reiterated that he would prefer the Super Corridor to reach the Indore Airport than take the road from the Washington DC Airport to the city. After his remarks sparked instant backlash, he asked his critics "if the roads were better in his state, why wouldn't he mention it?"
His government soon released a series of photographs which compared the state's smooth and shiny roads with potholed and scarred roads in metropolitan cities like New York and Los Angeles. The United States' road network exceeds 65.8 lakh km, the world's longest and biggest road network.
While asserting that the government has constructed 1.75 lakh km of roads in the state and "connected all villages with roads" in the last decade or so, he admitted that America has good infrastructure too, but said he wanted to change the attitude that "everything is great in America, and everything is bad in India".
To support his claim, he highlighted women's participation in local and national politics which he said was "far greater in India". He said that "50% mayors here are women" and "we have had a woman prime minister and president" whereas in the US "hote hote reh gaya(something that was about to happen but didn't)" in reference to Hillary Clinton's defeat in the Presidential election last year. Mr Chouhan, who was in New York for a week with an objective to attract investors to Madhya Pradesh, stressed that his remarks should be seen in the context that it is "his duty, and responsibility to market Madhya Pradesh." He met investors in Washington DC and New York and announced a R
s. 100 crore entrepreneurship venture capital fund for Madhya Pradesh. He also held talks with US defence manufacturers who showed interest in his state.
His remarks had also prompted the Congress to demand the revocation of his diplomatic visa for "violating diplomatic limitations" by commenting on condition of roads in US. State Congress president Arun Yadav even appealed to US President Donald Trump to "register a case against the MP CM under the law of the land for insulting America".
Shifting gears to 2019 elections, when asked if nationalism and development would continue be the BJP's chief election promises, Mr Chouhan said his focus would only be "development, development and development".
Steering clear of the latest controversies around Taj Mahal and Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary, he said he supports the party's view and that "the party's opinion is my opinion".
His government soon released a series of photographs which compared the state's smooth and shiny roads with potholed and scarred roads in metropolitan cities like New York and Los Angeles. The United States' road network exceeds 65.8 lakh km, the world's longest and biggest road network.
While asserting that the government has constructed 1.75 lakh km of roads in the state and "connected all villages with roads" in the last decade or so, he admitted that America has good infrastructure too, but said he wanted to change the attitude that "everything is great in America, and everything is bad in India".
s. 100 crore entrepreneurship venture capital fund for Madhya Pradesh. He also held talks with US defence manufacturers who showed interest in his state.
His remarks had also prompted the Congress to demand the revocation of his diplomatic visa for "violating diplomatic limitations" by commenting on condition of roads in US. State Congress president Arun Yadav even appealed to US President Donald Trump to "register a case against the MP CM under the law of the land for insulting America".
Shifting gears to 2019 elections, when asked if nationalism and development would continue be the BJP's chief election promises, Mr Chouhan said his focus would only be "development, development and development".
Steering clear of the latest controversies around Taj Mahal and Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary, he said he supports the party's view and that "the party's opinion is my opinion".
Business Affairs
Government, bank staff to biometrically sign off Aadhaar card enrolment
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The UIDAI will soon evolve a process for authorised employees of banks, post offices and the government to biometrically sign off Aadhaar enrolment and updation form collection, as the process of applying for the 12-digit identifier moves into such premises. The move is aimed at addressing the security concerns around collection of biometric and other information, Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO of the Aadhaar-issuing body, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), told PTI.
The UIDAI had earlier asked states to ensure that enrolments, even those by private agencies, shift to government or municipal premises from external private operator run sites. Moreover, it has directed private as well as public sector banks to set up Aadhaar enrolment facility in at least one out of 10 branches. "The enrolment and updates will happen largely in banks, post office and government premises.
There also, during enrolment, the authorised employee of the banks, post offices or the government will have to biometrically sign the Aadhaar enrolment or updation application," Pandey said. A process for this additional layer of security and supervision is being evolved and the proposed mechanism is likely to be in place by January, he added. The mechanism entails a staff, authorised for the purpose, to biometrically sign off the application form after it is received.
Earlier, data collection was by a private operator and the form was verified by government-appointed verifier. But now the biometric signature of the designated official will be taken, fortifying the collection process and making it more secure, according to the UIDAI. "Earlier the private operator - even though he was a certified operator - used to sign it, now it will have to be counter signed through biometrics by a government, bank or post office employee," Pandey added.
The UIDAI will soon evolve a process for authorised employees of banks, post offices and the government to biometrically sign off Aadhaar enrolment and updation form collection, as the process of applying for the 12-digit identifier moves into such premises. The move is aimed at addressing the security concerns around collection of biometric and other information, Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO of the Aadhaar-issuing body, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), told PTI.
The UIDAI had earlier asked states to ensure that enrolments, even those by private agencies, shift to government or municipal premises from external private operator run sites. Moreover, it has directed private as well as public sector banks to set up Aadhaar enrolment facility in at least one out of 10 branches. "The enrolment and updates will happen largely in banks, post office and government premises.
There also, during enrolment, the authorised employee of the banks, post offices or the government will have to biometrically sign the Aadhaar enrolment or updation application," Pandey said. A process for this additional layer of security and supervision is being evolved and the proposed mechanism is likely to be in place by January, he added. The mechanism entails a staff, authorised for the purpose, to biometrically sign off the application form after it is received.
Earlier, data collection was by a private operator and the form was verified by government-appointed verifier. But now the biometric signature of the designated official will be taken, fortifying the collection process and making it more secure, according to the UIDAI. "Earlier the private operator - even though he was a certified operator - used to sign it, now it will have to be counter signed through biometrics by a government, bank or post office employee," Pandey added.
ONGC Q2 net profit rises over 3% to Rs 5,131 crore
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State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on Saturday reported a 3.1 per cent rise in its second quarter net profit as impressive gain from rising oil prices were taken away by fall in government mandated natural gas rates.
Net profit of Rs 5,131 crore in July-September was 3.1 per cent higher than Rs 4,975 crore in the same period last year, the company said in a press statement here.
Revenue was up 3.1 per cent at Rs 18,966 crore.
ONGC got $51.22 for every barrel of crude oil it produced in the quarter, up 6.9 per cent over $47.92 per barrel realisation in September quarter of the last fiscal.
For the fields operated jointly with private firms, the realisation was up 8.5 per cent to $45.89 per barrel.
But the company got $2.48 per million British thermal unit for natural gas produced during July-September, down from $3.06 realised a year back.
ONGC said oil production was up almost 1 per cent to 6.45 million tonnes in Q2 while natural gas output was up 7.7 per cent at 6.25 billion cubic metres.
The company Board approved an interim dividend of 60 per cent -- Rs 3 on each equity share of Rs 5.
"The total payout on this account will be Rs 3,850 crore," the statement said.
State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on Saturday reported a 3.1 per cent rise in its second quarter net profit as impressive gain from rising oil prices were taken away by fall in government mandated natural gas rates.
Net profit of Rs 5,131 crore in July-September was 3.1 per cent higher than Rs 4,975 crore in the same period last year, the company said in a press statement here.
Revenue was up 3.1 per cent at Rs 18,966 crore.
ONGC got $51.22 for every barrel of crude oil it produced in the quarter, up 6.9 per cent over $47.92 per barrel realisation in September quarter of the last fiscal.
For the fields operated jointly with private firms, the realisation was up 8.5 per cent to $45.89 per barrel.
But the company got $2.48 per million British thermal unit for natural gas produced during July-September, down from $3.06 realised a year back.
ONGC said oil production was up almost 1 per cent to 6.45 million tonnes in Q2 while natural gas output was up 7.7 per cent at 6.25 billion cubic metres.
The company Board approved an interim dividend of 60 per cent -- Rs 3 on each equity share of Rs 5.
"The total payout on this account will be Rs 3,850 crore," the statement said.
Hindustan Unilever to shell out Rs 2,000 cr for dividend payment in FY18
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FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) will loosen its purse strings by Rs 2,084 crore for paying dividend to shareholders as well as the dividend distribution tax in the current fiscal.
The board of the consumer goods maker has declared an interim dividend of Rs 8 per share of face value Re 1 each for the year ending March 2018.
The dividend amounting to Rs 1,732 crore will cover about 216 crore shares, Hindustan Unilever said in an investor presentation.
Besides, there is a Rs 352 crore dividend distribution tax which will be borne by the company.
Last fiscal, the company had paid dividends amounting to Rs 1,515 crore for similar number of shares, down 14.32 per cent. The dividend distribution tax was Rs 308 crore last year.
"The companys Dividend Distribution Policy shall ensure that it returns cash from operations that is in excess of its immediate and foreseeable needs back to the shareholders over the long term," an HUL spokesperson told PTI.
The board has declared an interim dividend due to strong overall performance in a challenging business environment, the spokesperson added.
HUL reported a 16.42 per cent jump in standalone net profit at Rs 1,276 crore for the September quarter on the back of lower expenses, despite short-term challenges including transition to the new GST regime from July 1.
The company had posted a net profit of Rs 1,096 crore during the same period of the previous fiscal.
Net sales during the quarter under review stood at Rs 8,199 crore as against Rs 8,335 crore in the year-ago period, down 1.63 per cent.
HULs expenses in the second quarter were down 5.95 per cent at Rs 6,748 crore compared to Rs 7,175 crore during July-September last fiscal.
FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) will loosen its purse strings by Rs 2,084 crore for paying dividend to shareholders as well as the dividend distribution tax in the current fiscal.
The board of the consumer goods maker has declared an interim dividend of Rs 8 per share of face value Re 1 each for the year ending March 2018.
The dividend amounting to Rs 1,732 crore will cover about 216 crore shares, Hindustan Unilever said in an investor presentation.
Besides, there is a Rs 352 crore dividend distribution tax which will be borne by the company.
Last fiscal, the company had paid dividends amounting to Rs 1,515 crore for similar number of shares, down 14.32 per cent. The dividend distribution tax was Rs 308 crore last year.
"The companys Dividend Distribution Policy shall ensure that it returns cash from operations that is in excess of its immediate and foreseeable needs back to the shareholders over the long term," an HUL spokesperson told PTI.
The board has declared an interim dividend due to strong overall performance in a challenging business environment, the spokesperson added.
HUL reported a 16.42 per cent jump in standalone net profit at Rs 1,276 crore for the September quarter on the back of lower expenses, despite short-term challenges including transition to the new GST regime from July 1.
The company had posted a net profit of Rs 1,096 crore during the same period of the previous fiscal.
Net sales during the quarter under review stood at Rs 8,199 crore as against Rs 8,335 crore in the year-ago period, down 1.63 per cent.
HULs expenses in the second quarter were down 5.95 per cent at Rs 6,748 crore compared to Rs 7,175 crore during July-September last fiscal.
Can't let shadow economy to be larger than real economy: Arun Jaitley
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Terming tax-paying as a "patriotic duty", Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said given our aspiration to be a dominant player on the world stage, we cannot afford to be a place where the shadow economy is bigger than the real economy.
"You cant have an economy where the size of the shadow economy is much bigger than the apparent economy itself," Jaitley said here this evening.
Without naming the note-ban and GST rollout, both of which have slowed down the economic engine, he said the process of making a cleaner economy is set in motion to achieve the aspirations like being a developed economy and the fastest growing among major economies of the world.
While addressing an ET awards function here, he said government has been taking steps "one by one" towards this direction and some impact is already visible like an enlarged tax base, jump in digital transactions and squeezing out cash from the economy.
Conceding that there will be some "noise and grievances" because of the implementation of tax reforms like GST, he said paying taxes is essential.
"Paying taxes is always a fundamental duty of every citizen. Its a patriotic duty to be a part of that structure, rather than outside the structure. It is only then that the implementation will really show its larger, longer-term impacts," he said.
It can be noted that the note-ban and the hasty rollout of GST are the main reasons for the sluggish growth, with the GDP growth falling for sixth straight quarters to 5.6 per cent in the June quarter.
Without mentioning any specific criticism, he asserted that tax rates in the country are the lowest in the world and added that this will help the agenda of widening the tax base.
On direct taxes side, he said government has reduced them in such a way where the lowest tax slab is 5 per cent, while on the indirect tax side, it is as low as 1 per cent.
It can be noted that the Tamil film Mersal which is in controversy right now for criticising GST and note ban, has a mention of the 7 per cent GST in Singapore.
He said the process of structural reforms has a long way to go and added that government has grabbed a lot of low hanging fruits, like increasing FDI caps in multiple sectors.
Terming the introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code as a "belated reform" he expected the measure to bear fruits going forward.
Claiming that government is "extremely transparent" when it comes to banking matters he said he wants a system which shows the true health of the system.
"Our banks have lent excessively. And while we were lending excessively, we were through the various restructuring processes of evergreening those loans. Till 2015, nobody knew what the real picture was. The real picture was hidden below carpet. No economy can really survive if the main source of finance is in such non-transparent position itself," he said.
He hoped that global investors will appreciate the Rs 2.11 trillion fund infusion into state-run banks.
Terming tax-paying as a "patriotic duty", Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said given our aspiration to be a dominant player on the world stage, we cannot afford to be a place where the shadow economy is bigger than the real economy.
"You cant have an economy where the size of the shadow economy is much bigger than the apparent economy itself," Jaitley said here this evening.
Without naming the note-ban and GST rollout, both of which have slowed down the economic engine, he said the process of making a cleaner economy is set in motion to achieve the aspirations like being a developed economy and the fastest growing among major economies of the world.
While addressing an ET awards function here, he said government has been taking steps "one by one" towards this direction and some impact is already visible like an enlarged tax base, jump in digital transactions and squeezing out cash from the economy.
Conceding that there will be some "noise and grievances" because of the implementation of tax reforms like GST, he said paying taxes is essential.
"Paying taxes is always a fundamental duty of every citizen. Its a patriotic duty to be a part of that structure, rather than outside the structure. It is only then that the implementation will really show its larger, longer-term impacts," he said.
It can be noted that the note-ban and the hasty rollout of GST are the main reasons for the sluggish growth, with the GDP growth falling for sixth straight quarters to 5.6 per cent in the June quarter.
Without mentioning any specific criticism, he asserted that tax rates in the country are the lowest in the world and added that this will help the agenda of widening the tax base.
On direct taxes side, he said government has reduced them in such a way where the lowest tax slab is 5 per cent, while on the indirect tax side, it is as low as 1 per cent.
It can be noted that the Tamil film Mersal which is in controversy right now for criticising GST and note ban, has a mention of the 7 per cent GST in Singapore.
He said the process of structural reforms has a long way to go and added that government has grabbed a lot of low hanging fruits, like increasing FDI caps in multiple sectors.
Terming the introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code as a "belated reform" he expected the measure to bear fruits going forward.
Claiming that government is "extremely transparent" when it comes to banking matters he said he wants a system which shows the true health of the system.
"Our banks have lent excessively. And while we were lending excessively, we were through the various restructuring processes of evergreening those loans. Till 2015, nobody knew what the real picture was. The real picture was hidden below carpet. No economy can really survive if the main source of finance is in such non-transparent position itself," he said.
He hoped that global investors will appreciate the Rs 2.11 trillion fund infusion into state-run banks.
Businesses under composition scheme to soon start filing GST returns
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Businesses which opted for composition scheme in the July-September quarter will get to file their maiden GST returns soon. Around 15 lakh businesses opted for composition scheme, which allows them to pay taxes at a concessional rate and makes compliance easy, till September under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that rolled out from July 1.
"We are ready with GSTR-4 which will be used by composition scheme businesses for filing returns. The utility will be available on GSTN portal soon," GST Network CEO Prakash Kumar told PTI. As per the GST laws, for July-September quarter businesses, with turnover of up to Rs 75 lakh, opting for composition scheme can file quarterly returns and pay taxes. The scheme is optional under which manufacturers other than those of ice cream, pan masala and tobacco products have to pay a 2 per cent tax on their annual turnover. The tax rate is 5 per cent for restaurant services and 1 per cent for traders.
There are over 1 crore registered businesses under the GST, which has amalgamated over a dozen taxes to make India a single market for seamless flow of goods and services. The GST Council had earlier this month raised the turnover threshold from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore for businesses to opt for the scheme. Hence, those with turnover of up to Rs 1 crore can take advantage of composition scheme beginning October 1.
Also, a group of state finance ministers have been set up to make the scheme more attractive. The objective behind the composition scheme is to bring simplicity and reduce the compliance cost for small taxpayers.
As per the Central GST Act, businesses are eligible to opt for the composition scheme if a person is not engaged in any inter-state outward supplies of goods and not into making any supply of goods through an electronic commerce operator who is required to collect tax at source.
While a regular taxpayer has to pay taxes on a monthly basis, a composition supplier is required to file only one return and pay taxes on a quarterly basis. Also, a composition taxpayer is not required to keep detailed records that a normal taxpayer is supposed to maintain.
Businesses which opted for composition scheme in the July-September quarter will get to file their maiden GST returns soon. Around 15 lakh businesses opted for composition scheme, which allows them to pay taxes at a concessional rate and makes compliance easy, till September under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that rolled out from July 1.
"We are ready with GSTR-4 which will be used by composition scheme businesses for filing returns. The utility will be available on GSTN portal soon," GST Network CEO Prakash Kumar told PTI. As per the GST laws, for July-September quarter businesses, with turnover of up to Rs 75 lakh, opting for composition scheme can file quarterly returns and pay taxes. The scheme is optional under which manufacturers other than those of ice cream, pan masala and tobacco products have to pay a 2 per cent tax on their annual turnover. The tax rate is 5 per cent for restaurant services and 1 per cent for traders.
There are over 1 crore registered businesses under the GST, which has amalgamated over a dozen taxes to make India a single market for seamless flow of goods and services. The GST Council had earlier this month raised the turnover threshold from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore for businesses to opt for the scheme. Hence, those with turnover of up to Rs 1 crore can take advantage of composition scheme beginning October 1.
Also, a group of state finance ministers have been set up to make the scheme more attractive. The objective behind the composition scheme is to bring simplicity and reduce the compliance cost for small taxpayers.
As per the Central GST Act, businesses are eligible to opt for the composition scheme if a person is not engaged in any inter-state outward supplies of goods and not into making any supply of goods through an electronic commerce operator who is required to collect tax at source.
While a regular taxpayer has to pay taxes on a monthly basis, a composition supplier is required to file only one return and pay taxes on a quarterly basis. Also, a composition taxpayer is not required to keep detailed records that a normal taxpayer is supposed to maintain.
General Awareness
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 – Overview
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17th edition of FIFA U-17 World Cup took place in India from 6th – 28th October 2017. FIFA U-17 is a biennial international football tournament of men’s under-17 national teams organised by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
England Crowned Champions After Stunning Comeback Vs Spain
- England has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup
- In the final match, England defeated Spain by 5-2.
- The final match was held on October 28, 2017 in Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan/Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Phil Foden and Rhian Brewster lead Under-17 World Cup awards
Phil Foden of England has been adjudged tournament’s best player and has been awarded ‘Golden Ball’.
- Another Player from England, Rhian Brewster who scored the most goals in the tournament (8 goals) has been awarded ‘Golden Shoe’.
- Gabriel Brazao the goalkeeper of Brazil’s national football team has won the ‘Golden Glove’.
India’s first match: Amarjit Singh and Co lose 3-0 to Americans
India’s first match in FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 was against USA.
- The match was played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on October 6, 2017.
- Indian team under Captain Amarjit Singh lost the match to Americans by 3-0.
USA-Based Namit Deshpande becomes the First NRI to Play for India’s U17 World Cup Team
Namit Deshpande, from Maryland, USA, created history by becoming the first Non Resident Indian (NRI) to represent India in an International football match across any age group.
- In the FIFA U-17 world Cup 2017, Central defender Namit Deshpande was a part of the Indian U-17 football team in a match against Colombia on October 9, 2017.
- Namit Deshpande had sent his clipping to All India Football Federation (AIFF) and was selected on basis of his skills.
Jeakson Singh creates history by scoring India’s first ever goal in FIFA World Cup
Jeakson Singh created history when he scored India’s first goal in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2017 during a match against Colombia on October 9, 2017.
- Jeakson is a defensive midfielder. He is the cousin of Amarjit Singh, the Captain of India U-17 Football national team.
- He hails from Manipur and has trained for several years in Chandigarh at the Chandigarh Football Academy (CFA).
FIFA U-17 WC in India becomes most attended in event’s history
17th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup which took place in India from 6th-28th October, 2017, became the most attended in the history of the event.
- Total attendance at all matches played in this tournament reached 1347133 surpassing the earlier 1230976 attendance recorded at the 1st edition which took place in China in 1985.
- 2011 edition in Mexico attracted a total of 1002314 spectators and is the third one which was attended by more than one million spectators.
Other Important Facts related to FIFA U-17 World Cup:
The official Mascotfor the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, clouded leopard named ‘Kheleo’ was revealed on February 10, 2017 in New Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The clouded leopard is a rare and vulnerable wild cat which can be found in the Himalayan foothills.
- The official ball for Under-17 football World Cupis called ‘Krasava’, a word generally used by Russian sports fans to describe a striking performance. The ball is manufactured by ‘Adidas’ and the pattern on it features a striking red design with jagged lines running through it.
- Switzerland’s Esther Staubli became the first female football referee to officiate a match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. She was the referee for the match between Japan and New Caledonia in the final round group E match on October 14, 2017 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 – Venues
Stadium City Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan/Salt lake Stadium Kolkata, West Bengal Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium/Fatorda Stadium Margao, Goa DY Patil Stadium Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium Guwahati, Assam Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium Kochi, Kerala Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium New Delhi
17th edition of FIFA U-17 World Cup took place in India from 6th – 28th October 2017. FIFA U-17 is a biennial international football tournament of men’s under-17 national teams organised by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
England Crowned Champions After Stunning Comeback Vs Spain
- England has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup
- In the final match, England defeated Spain by 5-2.
- The final match was held on October 28, 2017 in Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan/Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Phil Foden and Rhian Brewster lead Under-17 World Cup awards
Phil Foden of England has been adjudged tournament’s best player and has been awarded ‘Golden Ball’.
- Another Player from England, Rhian Brewster who scored the most goals in the tournament (8 goals) has been awarded ‘Golden Shoe’.
- Gabriel Brazao the goalkeeper of Brazil’s national football team has won the ‘Golden Glove’.
India’s first match: Amarjit Singh and Co lose 3-0 to Americans
India’s first match in FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 was against USA.
- The match was played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on October 6, 2017.
- Indian team under Captain Amarjit Singh lost the match to Americans by 3-0.
USA-Based Namit Deshpande becomes the First NRI to Play for India’s U17 World Cup Team
Namit Deshpande, from Maryland, USA, created history by becoming the first Non Resident Indian (NRI) to represent India in an International football match across any age group.
- In the FIFA U-17 world Cup 2017, Central defender Namit Deshpande was a part of the Indian U-17 football team in a match against Colombia on October 9, 2017.
- Namit Deshpande had sent his clipping to All India Football Federation (AIFF) and was selected on basis of his skills.
Jeakson Singh creates history by scoring India’s first ever goal in FIFA World Cup
Jeakson Singh created history when he scored India’s first goal in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2017 during a match against Colombia on October 9, 2017.
- Jeakson is a defensive midfielder. He is the cousin of Amarjit Singh, the Captain of India U-17 Football national team.
- He hails from Manipur and has trained for several years in Chandigarh at the Chandigarh Football Academy (CFA).
FIFA U-17 WC in India becomes most attended in event’s history
17th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup which took place in India from 6th-28th October, 2017, became the most attended in the history of the event.
- Total attendance at all matches played in this tournament reached 1347133 surpassing the earlier 1230976 attendance recorded at the 1st edition which took place in China in 1985.
- 2011 edition in Mexico attracted a total of 1002314 spectators and is the third one which was attended by more than one million spectators.
Other Important Facts related to FIFA U-17 World Cup:
The official Mascotfor the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, clouded leopard named ‘Kheleo’ was revealed on February 10, 2017 in New Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The clouded leopard is a rare and vulnerable wild cat which can be found in the Himalayan foothills.
- The official ball for Under-17 football World Cupis called ‘Krasava’, a word generally used by Russian sports fans to describe a striking performance. The ball is manufactured by ‘Adidas’ and the pattern on it features a striking red design with jagged lines running through it.
- Switzerland’s Esther Staubli became the first female football referee to officiate a match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. She was the referee for the match between Japan and New Caledonia in the final round group E match on October 14, 2017 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 – Venues
| Stadium | City |
| Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan/Salt lake Stadium | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium/Fatorda Stadium | Margao, Goa |
| DY Patil Stadium | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium | Guwahati, Assam |
| Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium | Kochi, Kerala |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium | New Delhi |
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