General Affairs
Army plans 17 tunnels between Ladakh and Arunachal to counter growing Chinese presence along LAC
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Seeking to tackle the growing Chinese military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian Army is planning to build 17 major tunnels between Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh to improve connectivity by roads for rapid deployment of troops.
The force has already given the proposal to the defence ministry, which includes nine high-priority tunnels to be built in different areas along the LAC, sources told India Today TV.
"The government is preparing to build one tunnel close to the China border in Arunachal Pradesh which would be built at an altitude of 11,000 to 12,000 feet with two lanes for military class vehicular traffic," a source in the army said.
"These tunnels would also help us to ensure that our troops remain deployed in the far flung areas in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh round the year, and if required, can be moved in rapidly," the source added.
During defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to Arunachal Pradesh recently, a particular tunnel had come up for discussion during one of the briefings, and it was noted that the tunnel would help the troops in avoiding the Se La pass at 13,000 feet and also cut short the travel distance.
"The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has already started acquiring the required land from the government of Arunachal Pradesh and work is expected to commence shortly," they said.
Seeking to tackle the growing Chinese military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian Army is planning to build 17 major tunnels between Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh to improve connectivity by roads for rapid deployment of troops.
The force has already given the proposal to the defence ministry, which includes nine high-priority tunnels to be built in different areas along the LAC, sources told India Today TV.
"The government is preparing to build one tunnel close to the China border in Arunachal Pradesh which would be built at an altitude of 11,000 to 12,000 feet with two lanes for military class vehicular traffic," a source in the army said.
"These tunnels would also help us to ensure that our troops remain deployed in the far flung areas in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh round the year, and if required, can be moved in rapidly," the source added.
During defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to Arunachal Pradesh recently, a particular tunnel had come up for discussion during one of the briefings, and it was noted that the tunnel would help the troops in avoiding the Se La pass at 13,000 feet and also cut short the travel distance.
"The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has already started acquiring the required land from the government of Arunachal Pradesh and work is expected to commence shortly," they said.
Over 22,000 Bengaluru doctors on indefinite strike over Karnataka private medical Act
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Over 22,000 doctors from nearly 6,000 medical establishments across Bengaluru will abstain from working in their outpatient departments today. Only emergency cases will be attended by the doctors.
The strike is being called in protest of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007 which makes hospitals accountable for medical negligence.
Top doctors like Devi Shetty and Sudarshan Ballal among others will sit in protest between 10 am and 6 pm here. The protest will take place at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) office in Chamarajpet.
The IMA led by Dr HN Ravindra has been on a relay hunger strike in front of the Vidhan Soudha in Belagavi where the legislative session is progressing.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too has intervened and asked the doctors to call off the strike. He said that this is but a draft bill and as promised the government will consult the doctors on the bill soon.
Siddaramaiah said that the KPME has not been tabled yet and that the agitation by the doctors by putting so many lives at stake is unfair.
The private doctors say that the Karnataka private medical establishments amendment bill includes imprisonment of doctors who may have been erred.
The government has cancelled all leaves of doctors and nurses to handle the increasing number of outpatients as the OPDs in private hospitals have stopped functioning.
Over 22,000 doctors from nearly 6,000 medical establishments across Bengaluru will abstain from working in their outpatient departments today. Only emergency cases will be attended by the doctors.
The strike is being called in protest of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007 which makes hospitals accountable for medical negligence.
Top doctors like Devi Shetty and Sudarshan Ballal among others will sit in protest between 10 am and 6 pm here. The protest will take place at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) office in Chamarajpet.
The IMA led by Dr HN Ravindra has been on a relay hunger strike in front of the Vidhan Soudha in Belagavi where the legislative session is progressing.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too has intervened and asked the doctors to call off the strike. He said that this is but a draft bill and as promised the government will consult the doctors on the bill soon.
Siddaramaiah said that the KPME has not been tabled yet and that the agitation by the doctors by putting so many lives at stake is unfair.
The private doctors say that the Karnataka private medical establishments amendment bill includes imprisonment of doctors who may have been erred.
The government has cancelled all leaves of doctors and nurses to handle the increasing number of outpatients as the OPDs in private hospitals have stopped functioning.
Why no birthday bash for Maulana Azad? Historians hit out at govt over low-key celebration
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After ensuring celebrations across universities and educational institutions on Quit India Movement anniversary, National Handloom Day, Swachh Bharat anniversary, Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, International Yoga Day and Matribhasha Diwas among others, the HRD ministry's silence on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's birth anniversary on November 11, observed as National Education Day, has sparked outrage among educationists, historians and a section of government officials.
The UGC, which sends out circulars and notices on the behest of the HRD ministry through the year, instructs universities, colleges and educational institutions to conduct events to mark various occasions, but apart from a two-hour programme in Shastri Bhawan for a closed group of government officials on November 11, it did not issue any such directive to universities to observe the day, pointed out officials.
"While there were directives to observe Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary with 'unity runs' across educational institutions and to treat the event as a 'priority', the first education minister Maulana Azad's anniversary fell off the government's priority list this year. Only a handful of government officials were called for a small meeting at the ministry on National Education Day," said a senior ministry official. "Earlier, there used to be elaborate celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan and debates and discussions were organised."
Calling it 'tokenism of the saddest kind', Syeda Hameed, educationist and Maulana Azad's biographer, told Mail Today, "This is an attempt at minimising and obliterating Maulana Azad's existence. We are not just doing disservice to a great leader but also crushing our history. His 100th birth anniversary was celebrated with much fanfare, but in a matter of a few years, he is no longer remembered, except for a few tweets by some leaders. Why is there such a huge contrast in the way Maulana Azad is commemorated? Who were the speakers at the ministry meeting? Were any of them an authority on the leader?"
Literary historian and commentator, Rakshanda Jalil added, "It is sad. We see the seeding of a certain ideology and weeding out of a worldview... the planting of ideas of icons such as Deendayal Upadhyay, whereas the weeding out of several other public icons. Why should it be left to the minorities alone to protest against this? Maulana Azad was the first education minister and hence an icon for all Indians. Why is this not offensive to everyone but just a handful?"
'BLAME UPA, NDA BOTH'
Maulana Azad's grandson and writer Firoz Bakht Ahmed, however, refused to place the blame squarely on just the BJP, but pulled up the UPA government too. "It is very unfortunate that such a great man whose contribution was no lesser than that of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru or Sardar Patel, is not even being acknowledged. While Children's Day and Teacher's Day have been popularised, very few know of National Education Day," he said.
"However, it will not be right to blame just the BJP government. In 2013, during UPA rule, Maulana Azad's 125th birth anniversary was hardly celebrated, whereas the very next year, Nehru's 125th birth anniversary was observed with much fanfare. The Congress has never looked beyond birth and death anniversaries of the Gandhi family or Nehru, whereas the BJP has glorified Veer Savarkar and KB Hedgewar," Ahmed added.
Officials in the ministry maintained that newspaper advertisements marking the occasion were issued, though in some states it could not be carried due to the model code of conduct ahead of elections. "The Prime Minister and other senior leaders tweeted on the occasion," an official added.
UGC chairman VS Chauhan clarified, "A meeting was called that lasted two hours and a lot of people remembered Maulana Azad. Good quality observation was made. We went from home to attend the meeting on a holiday. What else could have been done?"
After ensuring celebrations across universities and educational institutions on Quit India Movement anniversary, National Handloom Day, Swachh Bharat anniversary, Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, International Yoga Day and Matribhasha Diwas among others, the HRD ministry's silence on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's birth anniversary on November 11, observed as National Education Day, has sparked outrage among educationists, historians and a section of government officials.
The UGC, which sends out circulars and notices on the behest of the HRD ministry through the year, instructs universities, colleges and educational institutions to conduct events to mark various occasions, but apart from a two-hour programme in Shastri Bhawan for a closed group of government officials on November 11, it did not issue any such directive to universities to observe the day, pointed out officials.
"While there were directives to observe Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary with 'unity runs' across educational institutions and to treat the event as a 'priority', the first education minister Maulana Azad's anniversary fell off the government's priority list this year. Only a handful of government officials were called for a small meeting at the ministry on National Education Day," said a senior ministry official. "Earlier, there used to be elaborate celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan and debates and discussions were organised."
Calling it 'tokenism of the saddest kind', Syeda Hameed, educationist and Maulana Azad's biographer, told Mail Today, "This is an attempt at minimising and obliterating Maulana Azad's existence. We are not just doing disservice to a great leader but also crushing our history. His 100th birth anniversary was celebrated with much fanfare, but in a matter of a few years, he is no longer remembered, except for a few tweets by some leaders. Why is there such a huge contrast in the way Maulana Azad is commemorated? Who were the speakers at the ministry meeting? Were any of them an authority on the leader?"
Literary historian and commentator, Rakshanda Jalil added, "It is sad. We see the seeding of a certain ideology and weeding out of a worldview... the planting of ideas of icons such as Deendayal Upadhyay, whereas the weeding out of several other public icons. Why should it be left to the minorities alone to protest against this? Maulana Azad was the first education minister and hence an icon for all Indians. Why is this not offensive to everyone but just a handful?"
'BLAME UPA, NDA BOTH'
Maulana Azad's grandson and writer Firoz Bakht Ahmed, however, refused to place the blame squarely on just the BJP, but pulled up the UPA government too. "It is very unfortunate that such a great man whose contribution was no lesser than that of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru or Sardar Patel, is not even being acknowledged. While Children's Day and Teacher's Day have been popularised, very few know of National Education Day," he said.
"However, it will not be right to blame just the BJP government. In 2013, during UPA rule, Maulana Azad's 125th birth anniversary was hardly celebrated, whereas the very next year, Nehru's 125th birth anniversary was observed with much fanfare. The Congress has never looked beyond birth and death anniversaries of the Gandhi family or Nehru, whereas the BJP has glorified Veer Savarkar and KB Hedgewar," Ahmed added.
Officials in the ministry maintained that newspaper advertisements marking the occasion were issued, though in some states it could not be carried due to the model code of conduct ahead of elections. "The Prime Minister and other senior leaders tweeted on the occasion," an official added.
UGC chairman VS Chauhan clarified, "A meeting was called that lasted two hours and a lot of people remembered Maulana Azad. Good quality observation was made. We went from home to attend the meeting on a holiday. What else could have been done?"
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar meets UP CM Yogi Adityanath, no word on Ram temple
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A day before his visit to Ayodhya, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Adityanath Yogi at his residence.
Though the details of the 40-minute-long meeting were not made public, Sri Sri said it was just a formal meeting. "The matter of discussion included issues related to farmers, wellbeing of poor and cleanliness," he said after the meeting. However, he avoided questions related to the temple issue and his proposed meeting with saints.
Sri Sri has remained tight-lipped over the temple issue and his efforts made in this regard ever since he held a meeting with religious gurus last month in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, saints of Ayodhya have welcomed Sri Sri's visit, but maintained that no such meeting is proposed with him in this regard.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has said that it is keeping its eyes on all activities related to the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
"The VHP has been demanding formulation of a law in Parliament for construction of a temple in Ayodhya. There are some elements who are not related to the issue, but are active ever since the Supreme Court verdict. Sri Sri is a respectable saint and he should know that such efforts have been made in the past too, but yielded no results", Sharad Sharma, regional spokesperson of VHP told Mail Today.
The 15th 'Dharm Sansad' is scheduled to be held on November 24-25 in Pejawar Math in Uduppi (Maharashtra) and besides other issues, the issue of Ram mandir will also be discussed among saints who are gathering from all parts of India.
Mahant Ram Das of Nirmohi Akhada (one of the parties of the case) feels the matter should not be politicised. "All talks and discussions should be held within constitutional limits and there should be not be any kind of political interference in the issue," he said.
Meanwhile, another saint of the Nirmohi Akhara has welcomed Shri Shri. "We welcome him to visit our akhara and we can comment on the so-called formula (which he is having) only after meeting him," mahant Dinendra Das said.
The chief priest of Ram Janambhoomi (disputed land) Satendra Das has said that he is looking forward to meet Sri Sri. "He has visited Ayodhya earlier too and expressed his views regarding construction of the temple," he said.
A day before his visit to Ayodhya, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Adityanath Yogi at his residence.
Though the details of the 40-minute-long meeting were not made public, Sri Sri said it was just a formal meeting. "The matter of discussion included issues related to farmers, wellbeing of poor and cleanliness," he said after the meeting. However, he avoided questions related to the temple issue and his proposed meeting with saints.
Sri Sri has remained tight-lipped over the temple issue and his efforts made in this regard ever since he held a meeting with religious gurus last month in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, saints of Ayodhya have welcomed Sri Sri's visit, but maintained that no such meeting is proposed with him in this regard.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has said that it is keeping its eyes on all activities related to the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
"The VHP has been demanding formulation of a law in Parliament for construction of a temple in Ayodhya. There are some elements who are not related to the issue, but are active ever since the Supreme Court verdict. Sri Sri is a respectable saint and he should know that such efforts have been made in the past too, but yielded no results", Sharad Sharma, regional spokesperson of VHP told Mail Today.
The 15th 'Dharm Sansad' is scheduled to be held on November 24-25 in Pejawar Math in Uduppi (Maharashtra) and besides other issues, the issue of Ram mandir will also be discussed among saints who are gathering from all parts of India.
Mahant Ram Das of Nirmohi Akhada (one of the parties of the case) feels the matter should not be politicised. "All talks and discussions should be held within constitutional limits and there should be not be any kind of political interference in the issue," he said.
Meanwhile, another saint of the Nirmohi Akhara has welcomed Shri Shri. "We welcome him to visit our akhara and we can comment on the so-called formula (which he is having) only after meeting him," mahant Dinendra Das said.
The chief priest of Ram Janambhoomi (disputed land) Satendra Das has said that he is looking forward to meet Sri Sri. "He has visited Ayodhya earlier too and expressed his views regarding construction of the temple," he said.
France rejects Congress' claim of Rafale deal scam, Reliance Defence threatens legal action
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France has rejected outright allegations of scam in the Rafale fighter jet deal levelled by the Congress party.
On Tuesday, Congress had alleged that a "huge scam is brewing" in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Modi administration.
Speaking to India Today, a French diplomatic source said that while he would not want to comment on India's internal politics, there was no wrongdoing in France's signing the deal to provide India with fighter jets. "I'm not going to get into matters of domestic politics. And I strongly believe that this is a issue of India's internal politics. But this fighter jet has been selected for its outstanding performance and competitive price", the official said.
At a media briefing, Congress' communications department head Randeep Surjewala had said that complete non-transparency, flagrant violation of mandatory provisions of the defence procurement procedure, sacrificing of national interests on transfer of technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and blatant promotion of financial interests of crony capitalist friends of PM had marred the aircraft deal.
CHECK FACTS BEFORE ALLEGING SCAM: FRENCH OFFICIAL
The French official challenged those accusing the two nations of a scam to check the facts, adding that not only was the process of selection transparent, but the move would also help develop India's defence sector. "On the issue of news, check the facts. There are some pointless theories being floated. Just check the facts. This definitely is a matter of domestic politics", he said.
The official added, "The aircraft was selected through a fully transparent and competitive process. There are 50 per cent of offsets which are going to contribute positively towards development of India's defence sectors. There will be many Indian stakeholders and players and these offsets are going to strongly contribute in the defence sectors of India."
The Congress alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had caused an "insurmountable loss" of taxpayers' money in signing the deal for 36 Rafale aircraft from France for Rs 58,000 crores (7.8 billion Euros).
While the Congress did not give out any details to back its allegation that a "scam was brewing", the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence Limited has threatened to sue the opposition party if it does not retract its charge that it was unfairly picked to be the French firm's partner.
France has rejected outright allegations of scam in the Rafale fighter jet deal levelled by the Congress party.
On Tuesday, Congress had alleged that a "huge scam is brewing" in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Modi administration.
Speaking to India Today, a French diplomatic source said that while he would not want to comment on India's internal politics, there was no wrongdoing in France's signing the deal to provide India with fighter jets. "I'm not going to get into matters of domestic politics. And I strongly believe that this is a issue of India's internal politics. But this fighter jet has been selected for its outstanding performance and competitive price", the official said.
At a media briefing, Congress' communications department head Randeep Surjewala had said that complete non-transparency, flagrant violation of mandatory provisions of the defence procurement procedure, sacrificing of national interests on transfer of technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and blatant promotion of financial interests of crony capitalist friends of PM had marred the aircraft deal.
CHECK FACTS BEFORE ALLEGING SCAM: FRENCH OFFICIAL
The French official challenged those accusing the two nations of a scam to check the facts, adding that not only was the process of selection transparent, but the move would also help develop India's defence sector. "On the issue of news, check the facts. There are some pointless theories being floated. Just check the facts. This definitely is a matter of domestic politics", he said.
The official added, "The aircraft was selected through a fully transparent and competitive process. There are 50 per cent of offsets which are going to contribute positively towards development of India's defence sectors. There will be many Indian stakeholders and players and these offsets are going to strongly contribute in the defence sectors of India."
The Congress alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had caused an "insurmountable loss" of taxpayers' money in signing the deal for 36 Rafale aircraft from France for Rs 58,000 crores (7.8 billion Euros).
While the Congress did not give out any details to back its allegation that a "scam was brewing", the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence Limited has threatened to sue the opposition party if it does not retract its charge that it was unfairly picked to be the French firm's partner.
Business Affairs
Cabinet nod to setting National Anti-profiteering Authority to ensure GST benefits to buyers
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The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved establishing the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) under the Goods and Service Tax (GST) to ensure that benefit of the reduction in prices under the uniform tax regime reaches the consumers. The Cabinet consented to creating positions of Chairman and technical members of the authority which would lead to immediate establishment of the apex body. One of the key mandates of GST is to pass on the benefits of price cuts, on account of lower tax rates, to its customers.
While Finance Ministry continuously urges states and traders to conform to this norm, NAA will be able to ensure this on a more proactive manner. The NAA is aimed at reassuring consumers that Government is fully committed to take all possible steps to ensure the benefits of implementation of GST in terms of lower prices of the goods and services reach them, a government statement said.
"The 'anti-profiteering' measures enshrined in the GST law provide an institutional mechanism to ensure that the full benefits of input tax credits and reduced GST rates on supply of goods or services flow to the consumers. This institutional framework comprises the NAA, a Standing Committee, Screening Committees in every State and the Directorate General of Safeguards in the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC)," the statement further added.
As per the Cabinet decision, the NAA will be headed by a senior Secretary-level official of the Central government, with four technical members from either the Centre or the states. This is the second major GST-related decision taken by the government within a week. On November 10, the GST Council relocated 178 items from the higher 28 per cent tax slab to lower tax slabs. This was the highest number of items getting a tax rate reduction in one go since GST was rolled out.
"Affected consumers who feel the benefit of commensurate reduction in prices is not being passed on when they purchase any goods or services may apply for relief to the Screening Committee in the particular State. However, in case the incident of profiteering relates to an item of mass impact with 'All India' ramification, the application may be directly made to the Standing Committee. After forming a prima facie view that there is an element of profiteering, the Standing Committee shall refer the matter for detailed investigation to the Director General of Safeguards, CBEC, which shall report its findings to the NAA," the statement said on the working of the NAA.
It further said, "In the event the NAA confirms there is a necessity to apply anti-profiteering measures, it has the authority to order the supplier / business concerned to reduce its prices or return the undue benefit availed by it along with interest to the recipient of the goods or services. If the undue benefit cannot be passed on to the recipient, it can be ordered to be deposited in the Consumer Welfare Fund. In extreme cases, the NAA can impose a penalty on the defaulting business entity and even order the cancellation of its registration under GST."
Menawhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley assured that Indian economy is already on the road to recovery after being shaken by the recent economic policies, even as Finance Ministry is still trying to shape Goods and Services Tax into a widely agreeable tax regime. The economic parameters, he said, are showing signs of normalcy.
Jaitley was elaborating on economic reforms seen in India during the past few years at the Morgan Stanley annual conference. He agreed that there was a "temporary blip" in the economy due to structural reforms, but positive signs can be seen now.
"Our basic parameters are quite stable. And we grew between 7-8 per cent over the last three years," he said.
Finance Minister said three key structural reforms - Aadhaar, Demonetisation and GST - have enhanced transparency and helped in transition from cash to less cash economy.
Jaitley made this comment before a gathering of investors while highlighting various achievements like ease of doing business ranking by the World Bank.
"The three key structural reforms implemented by the present government in recent years viz Aadhaar, Demonetisation and GST have brought transparency and efficiency in governance and helped in transition from cash to less cash economy and from informal to formal economy," Jaitley said in address to investors.
To provide further impetus to the economy, the present government has implemented a slew of economic reforms one after the other, including the roll out of the game changing tax reform Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, 2017; introduction of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and the re-capitalisation package for the banks, he said.
Recapitalisation will help to redress the twin balance sheet problem and revive private investment, he added.
The finance minister also spoke about the major initiatives undertaken by the present government, including crackdown against black money through demonetisation and other follow-up measures, and major changes in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy regime with an aim to make it more liberal and investor friendly.
The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved establishing the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) under the Goods and Service Tax (GST) to ensure that benefit of the reduction in prices under the uniform tax regime reaches the consumers. The Cabinet consented to creating positions of Chairman and technical members of the authority which would lead to immediate establishment of the apex body. One of the key mandates of GST is to pass on the benefits of price cuts, on account of lower tax rates, to its customers.
While Finance Ministry continuously urges states and traders to conform to this norm, NAA will be able to ensure this on a more proactive manner. The NAA is aimed at reassuring consumers that Government is fully committed to take all possible steps to ensure the benefits of implementation of GST in terms of lower prices of the goods and services reach them, a government statement said.
"The 'anti-profiteering' measures enshrined in the GST law provide an institutional mechanism to ensure that the full benefits of input tax credits and reduced GST rates on supply of goods or services flow to the consumers. This institutional framework comprises the NAA, a Standing Committee, Screening Committees in every State and the Directorate General of Safeguards in the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC)," the statement further added.
As per the Cabinet decision, the NAA will be headed by a senior Secretary-level official of the Central government, with four technical members from either the Centre or the states. This is the second major GST-related decision taken by the government within a week. On November 10, the GST Council relocated 178 items from the higher 28 per cent tax slab to lower tax slabs. This was the highest number of items getting a tax rate reduction in one go since GST was rolled out.
"Affected consumers who feel the benefit of commensurate reduction in prices is not being passed on when they purchase any goods or services may apply for relief to the Screening Committee in the particular State. However, in case the incident of profiteering relates to an item of mass impact with 'All India' ramification, the application may be directly made to the Standing Committee. After forming a prima facie view that there is an element of profiteering, the Standing Committee shall refer the matter for detailed investigation to the Director General of Safeguards, CBEC, which shall report its findings to the NAA," the statement said on the working of the NAA.
It further said, "In the event the NAA confirms there is a necessity to apply anti-profiteering measures, it has the authority to order the supplier / business concerned to reduce its prices or return the undue benefit availed by it along with interest to the recipient of the goods or services. If the undue benefit cannot be passed on to the recipient, it can be ordered to be deposited in the Consumer Welfare Fund. In extreme cases, the NAA can impose a penalty on the defaulting business entity and even order the cancellation of its registration under GST."
Menawhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley assured that Indian economy is already on the road to recovery after being shaken by the recent economic policies, even as Finance Ministry is still trying to shape Goods and Services Tax into a widely agreeable tax regime. The economic parameters, he said, are showing signs of normalcy.
Jaitley was elaborating on economic reforms seen in India during the past few years at the Morgan Stanley annual conference. He agreed that there was a "temporary blip" in the economy due to structural reforms, but positive signs can be seen now.
"Our basic parameters are quite stable. And we grew between 7-8 per cent over the last three years," he said.
Finance Minister said three key structural reforms - Aadhaar, Demonetisation and GST - have enhanced transparency and helped in transition from cash to less cash economy.
Jaitley made this comment before a gathering of investors while highlighting various achievements like ease of doing business ranking by the World Bank.
"The three key structural reforms implemented by the present government in recent years viz Aadhaar, Demonetisation and GST have brought transparency and efficiency in governance and helped in transition from cash to less cash economy and from informal to formal economy," Jaitley said in address to investors.
To provide further impetus to the economy, the present government has implemented a slew of economic reforms one after the other, including the roll out of the game changing tax reform Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, 2017; introduction of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and the re-capitalisation package for the banks, he said.
Recapitalisation will help to redress the twin balance sheet problem and revive private investment, he added.
The finance minister also spoke about the major initiatives undertaken by the present government, including crackdown against black money through demonetisation and other follow-up measures, and major changes in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy regime with an aim to make it more liberal and investor friendly.
Virgin Hyperloop One signs with MoU Karnataka, Maharashtra to identify potential routes
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Virgin Hyperloop One on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Urban Development Department (KUDD) and the Maharashtra government to identify potential routes to improve mobility in both the states and connect high growth cities. The hyperloop mode uses technology in which a vehicle in a special tunnel floats above the track, using magnetic levitation, at a top speed of over 1,000 km per hour.
Besides Karnataka and Maharashtra, the company will also study the hyperloop possibility in Andhra Pradesh. The company would work with partners in these states and help navigate the regulatory requirements. The preliminary study is intended to analyse the applicability and benefits of hyperloop technology, identifying high priority routes in these states, and inform the state governments on the project viability.
"Bengaluru has been the IT hubs of the country, and all major tech giants have been functioning out of the regions. The introduction of a technology like hyperloop will further add to the pace at which the state wants to grow," said Priyank Karghe, ITBT and tourism, Karnataka. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: "A hyperloop route requires high-density traffic to become viable as a means of rapid public transit. "Mumbai and Pune, the most and seventh most populous cities in India respectively, have the potential to provide an optimal route with a high density." By reducing travel time to under 20 minutes, a hyperloop route will help intensify the connectivity between the metropolitan regions of Pune and Mumbai, transforming the two cities into India's first and largest Megapolis, he added.
The company claims the Virgin Hyperloop One technology was successfully tested at its test track in the Nevada desert in the US this summer. The company is working on similar projects in the UAE, the US, Canada, Finland and the Netherlands. "We recognise the vital role of technology in larger initiatives like that of Digital India, and we strongly believe that Virgin Hyperloop One can be a strong addition to this initiative," said Nick Earle, SVP Global Field Operations, Virgin Hyperloop One. "India is one of the most important geographies for developing hyperloop networks and reimagining the complete transportation system. With this preliminary study, we are excited to initiate the buildup of a strong foothold that we foresee in future throughout the state," he added.
Embracing disruptive innovations like hyperloop will improve connectivity and accessibility to enable transportation within major cities. In the project comes to fruition, the network could create the largest connected urban area in the world by linking over 75 million people across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
Virgin Hyperloop One on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Urban Development Department (KUDD) and the Maharashtra government to identify potential routes to improve mobility in both the states and connect high growth cities. The hyperloop mode uses technology in which a vehicle in a special tunnel floats above the track, using magnetic levitation, at a top speed of over 1,000 km per hour.
Besides Karnataka and Maharashtra, the company will also study the hyperloop possibility in Andhra Pradesh. The company would work with partners in these states and help navigate the regulatory requirements. The preliminary study is intended to analyse the applicability and benefits of hyperloop technology, identifying high priority routes in these states, and inform the state governments on the project viability.
"Bengaluru has been the IT hubs of the country, and all major tech giants have been functioning out of the regions. The introduction of a technology like hyperloop will further add to the pace at which the state wants to grow," said Priyank Karghe, ITBT and tourism, Karnataka. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: "A hyperloop route requires high-density traffic to become viable as a means of rapid public transit. "Mumbai and Pune, the most and seventh most populous cities in India respectively, have the potential to provide an optimal route with a high density." By reducing travel time to under 20 minutes, a hyperloop route will help intensify the connectivity between the metropolitan regions of Pune and Mumbai, transforming the two cities into India's first and largest Megapolis, he added.
The company claims the Virgin Hyperloop One technology was successfully tested at its test track in the Nevada desert in the US this summer. The company is working on similar projects in the UAE, the US, Canada, Finland and the Netherlands. "We recognise the vital role of technology in larger initiatives like that of Digital India, and we strongly believe that Virgin Hyperloop One can be a strong addition to this initiative," said Nick Earle, SVP Global Field Operations, Virgin Hyperloop One. "India is one of the most important geographies for developing hyperloop networks and reimagining the complete transportation system. With this preliminary study, we are excited to initiate the buildup of a strong foothold that we foresee in future throughout the state," he added.
The company claims the Virgin Hyperloop One technology was successfully tested at its test track in the Nevada desert in the US this summer. The company is working on similar projects in the UAE, the US, Canada, Finland and the Netherlands. "We recognise the vital role of technology in larger initiatives like that of Digital India, and we strongly believe that Virgin Hyperloop One can be a strong addition to this initiative," said Nick Earle, SVP Global Field Operations, Virgin Hyperloop One. "India is one of the most important geographies for developing hyperloop networks and reimagining the complete transportation system. With this preliminary study, we are excited to initiate the buildup of a strong foothold that we foresee in future throughout the state," he added.
Embracing disruptive innovations like hyperloop will improve connectivity and accessibility to enable transportation within major cities. In the project comes to fruition, the network could create the largest connected urban area in the world by linking over 75 million people across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
Cabinet approves increase in carpet area under PM Awas Yojana; realtors hail move
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If you are planning to buy house under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), there's good news for you. Cabinet has approved an increase in carpet area of houses eligible for interest subsidy under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). This will be applicable for the Middle Income Group (MIG) under PMAY. It will come into effect from January 1, 2017.
While under the MIG-I category, the carpet area of the houses has been increased from 90 square metre to 120 square metre, the area under MIG-II segment, has been increased to 150 square metre from the current 110 square metre.
Under the MIG-I category, a four-per cent interest subsidy is provided to the beneficiaries, whose annual income is between Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 12 lakh on a loan of up to Rs 9 lakh. On the other hand under the MIG-II category, the beneficiaries with an annual income of Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh get an interest subsidy of three per cent on a loan of up to Rs 12 lakh. PMAY aims to provide houses to all the urban poor by 2022.
Carpet area is the area enclosed within the walls i.e. actual area to lay the carpet. This excludes the thickness of the inner walls. Builders as of today are charging buyers on the super built-up area, which includes area of outer walls, balcony and lobbies, stairs and even elevators.
RERA is against the practice of super built up area and want to remove it. However, under PMAY, the area of the house is different for all categories and it's the carpet area and not the super area that is to be looked at.
Realtors' body CREDAI and NAREDCO hailed the government's decision to hike carpet area of houses eligible for interest subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban, saying the move would help middle income buyers and help the sector in clearing unsold homes.
NAREDCO's Chairman Rajeev Talwar and President Niranjan Hiranandani said this decision would help in meeting the aspiration of millions of MIG (middle income group) home buyers.
"This decision of government, besides helping in clearing unsold stock, will also encourage developers to launch new projects and boost economy, GDP growth and employment," they said, adding that the move would now bring the entire demand for affordable housing under the interest subvention scheme.
CREDAI's President Jaxay Shah said: "Housing for All by 2022 has taken a huge leap forward by the increase in unit size of MIG Houses under Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme."
"The average middle class in smaller towns and cities would now be able to afford bigger and better quality homes than before," Shah added.
If you are planning to buy house under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), there's good news for you. Cabinet has approved an increase in carpet area of houses eligible for interest subsidy under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). This will be applicable for the Middle Income Group (MIG) under PMAY. It will come into effect from January 1, 2017.
While under the MIG-I category, the carpet area of the houses has been increased from 90 square metre to 120 square metre, the area under MIG-II segment, has been increased to 150 square metre from the current 110 square metre.
Under the MIG-I category, a four-per cent interest subsidy is provided to the beneficiaries, whose annual income is between Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 12 lakh on a loan of up to Rs 9 lakh. On the other hand under the MIG-II category, the beneficiaries with an annual income of Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh get an interest subsidy of three per cent on a loan of up to Rs 12 lakh. PMAY aims to provide houses to all the urban poor by 2022.
Carpet area is the area enclosed within the walls i.e. actual area to lay the carpet. This excludes the thickness of the inner walls. Builders as of today are charging buyers on the super built-up area, which includes area of outer walls, balcony and lobbies, stairs and even elevators.
RERA is against the practice of super built up area and want to remove it. However, under PMAY, the area of the house is different for all categories and it's the carpet area and not the super area that is to be looked at.
Realtors' body CREDAI and NAREDCO hailed the government's decision to hike carpet area of houses eligible for interest subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban, saying the move would help middle income buyers and help the sector in clearing unsold homes.
NAREDCO's Chairman Rajeev Talwar and President Niranjan Hiranandani said this decision would help in meeting the aspiration of millions of MIG (middle income group) home buyers.
"This decision of government, besides helping in clearing unsold stock, will also encourage developers to launch new projects and boost economy, GDP growth and employment," they said, adding that the move would now bring the entire demand for affordable housing under the interest subvention scheme.
CREDAI's President Jaxay Shah said: "Housing for All by 2022 has taken a huge leap forward by the increase in unit size of MIG Houses under Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme."
"The average middle class in smaller towns and cities would now be able to afford bigger and better quality homes than before," Shah added.
Exporters can manually file GST refund claims, says CBEC
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The central government has allowed exporters to manually file claims for GST refunds before tax officers as it looks to fast-track clearance of dues to ease liquidity stress faced by them. Now exporters of services who paid IGST and those making zero rated supplies to SEZ units as well as those merchant exporters who want to claim refunds for input credit can approach their jurisdictional commissioner with their refund form.
"Due to the non-availability of the refund module on the common portal, it has been decided by the competent authority ... that the applications/documents/forms pertaining to refund claims on account of zero-rated supplies shall be filed and processed manually till further orders," the CBEC said in a circular.
The CBEC had last month started refunds for exporters of goods who have paid Integrated GST (IGST) and have claimed refund based on shipping bill by filling up Table 6A.
Now businesses making zero rated supplies or those who have paid IGST on exports or want to claim input credit will have to fill Form RFD-01A and print and approach Chief Commissioner of Central Tax and the Commissioner of State Tax for refund claim.
The provisional refund would be sanctioned by the tax officer within 7 days.
EY India Tax Partner Abhishek Jain said till now the refund filing procedure was there only for IGST paid by exporters.
"Since online system was not there for exports of services and supplies to SEZ and those exporters claiming credit for input credit, the manual system has been launched.
Starting of the refund process is a good thing, but it remains to be seen in how many days the exporters actually get the refund credited in their bank accounts," Jain added.
"Cash flows for exporters have been impacted due to lack of refunds of input taxes. The circular on manual filing would need to be followed through with speedy processing of refund claims and disbursal of refunds to address the cash flow issue faced by exporters," Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP Senior Director Saloni Roy said.
The central government has allowed exporters to manually file claims for GST refunds before tax officers as it looks to fast-track clearance of dues to ease liquidity stress faced by them. Now exporters of services who paid IGST and those making zero rated supplies to SEZ units as well as those merchant exporters who want to claim refunds for input credit can approach their jurisdictional commissioner with their refund form.
"Due to the non-availability of the refund module on the common portal, it has been decided by the competent authority ... that the applications/documents/forms pertaining to refund claims on account of zero-rated supplies shall be filed and processed manually till further orders," the CBEC said in a circular.
The CBEC had last month started refunds for exporters of goods who have paid Integrated GST (IGST) and have claimed refund based on shipping bill by filling up Table 6A.
Now businesses making zero rated supplies or those who have paid IGST on exports or want to claim input credit will have to fill Form RFD-01A and print and approach Chief Commissioner of Central Tax and the Commissioner of State Tax for refund claim.
The provisional refund would be sanctioned by the tax officer within 7 days.
EY India Tax Partner Abhishek Jain said till now the refund filing procedure was there only for IGST paid by exporters.
"Since online system was not there for exports of services and supplies to SEZ and those exporters claiming credit for input credit, the manual system has been launched.
Starting of the refund process is a good thing, but it remains to be seen in how many days the exporters actually get the refund credited in their bank accounts," Jain added.
"Cash flows for exporters have been impacted due to lack of refunds of input taxes. The circular on manual filing would need to be followed through with speedy processing of refund claims and disbursal of refunds to address the cash flow issue faced by exporters," Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP Senior Director Saloni Roy said.
EESL to float fresh tender for 10,000 electric cars by March
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State owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd, which is spearheading the government's electric mobility programme in India, is planning to come up with a fresh tender of 10,000 units by the end of this fiscal year.
EESL, a joint venture of four power PSUs--NTPC, REC, PFC and POWERGRID-- had in the past disrupted the LED bulb industry by floating bulk tenders that lead to a eight-fold decline in price of a 9 watt LED bulb in three years. In the case of electric vehicles, an industry still in its infancy in the country, it is trying a similar trick to provide a springboard for manufacturing of electric cars in the country. In August earlier this year, it came out with its first tender of 10,000 vehicles. The first phase of 500 vehicles is being supplied by the two successful bidders--Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra.
"So far, we have confirmed orders for 2,000 vehicles from various government bodies. We are confident that by June, we would be able to get orders for all the cars that would be procured from the first tender," sais Saurabh Kumar, managing director, EESL. "The first lot of vehicles under phase 1 of 500 units would be given to us by end of this month. We will come out with a fresh tender of probably the same size by March-April 2018."
The first tender had received three bids in total but Japanese automaker Nissan's global best-seller Leaf was disqualified on technical grounds. The lowest bidder was Tata Motors for its electric version of compact sedan Tigor followed by Mahindra and Mahindra for its e-Verito. Mahindra's bid was, however, much higher than Tata's but the company has offered to match Tata's price for its share--150 cars-- of the first phase.
"For the second phase, we will again offer 30 per cent of the order to Mahindra if they are ready to match the lowest bidder," Kumar added.
The clamor for electrification of vehicles has intensified in India and elsewhere over the last 12 months. Various ministers in the government have already expressed their intention to completely electrify the passenger vehicle industry by 2030. Unlike the LED bulbs where EESL directly sells the bulbs to consumers, it has no intention of doing the same for electric cars and will stay focussed only on the fleet used directly by the government.
"Right now, the government uses around 500,000 cars. Around 80 per cent of them are used for inter-city use, which makes it practical for them to be replaced by electric cars, which have a relatively limited range," Kumar said. "So we are potentially, looking at a large market over the next 5 years."
Thanks to these cars, the company has increased its investment outlook for future to Rs 10,000 crore over the next two years. This is a significant jump from the cumulative investment of Rs 3,000 crore over the last 7 years that it has made so far,
"The company is also growing in size and so is our scope of operations. We should close this year with a turnover of Rs 3,500 crore against Rs 1,200 crore last year. Our profits have also grown simultaneously. In FY 18, we should have a profit of around Rs 80 crore," he said.
State owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd, which is spearheading the government's electric mobility programme in India, is planning to come up with a fresh tender of 10,000 units by the end of this fiscal year.
EESL, a joint venture of four power PSUs--NTPC, REC, PFC and POWERGRID-- had in the past disrupted the LED bulb industry by floating bulk tenders that lead to a eight-fold decline in price of a 9 watt LED bulb in three years. In the case of electric vehicles, an industry still in its infancy in the country, it is trying a similar trick to provide a springboard for manufacturing of electric cars in the country. In August earlier this year, it came out with its first tender of 10,000 vehicles. The first phase of 500 vehicles is being supplied by the two successful bidders--Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra.
"So far, we have confirmed orders for 2,000 vehicles from various government bodies. We are confident that by June, we would be able to get orders for all the cars that would be procured from the first tender," sais Saurabh Kumar, managing director, EESL. "The first lot of vehicles under phase 1 of 500 units would be given to us by end of this month. We will come out with a fresh tender of probably the same size by March-April 2018."
The first tender had received three bids in total but Japanese automaker Nissan's global best-seller Leaf was disqualified on technical grounds. The lowest bidder was Tata Motors for its electric version of compact sedan Tigor followed by Mahindra and Mahindra for its e-Verito. Mahindra's bid was, however, much higher than Tata's but the company has offered to match Tata's price for its share--150 cars-- of the first phase.
"For the second phase, we will again offer 30 per cent of the order to Mahindra if they are ready to match the lowest bidder," Kumar added.
The clamor for electrification of vehicles has intensified in India and elsewhere over the last 12 months. Various ministers in the government have already expressed their intention to completely electrify the passenger vehicle industry by 2030. Unlike the LED bulbs where EESL directly sells the bulbs to consumers, it has no intention of doing the same for electric cars and will stay focussed only on the fleet used directly by the government.
The clamor for electrification of vehicles has intensified in India and elsewhere over the last 12 months. Various ministers in the government have already expressed their intention to completely electrify the passenger vehicle industry by 2030. Unlike the LED bulbs where EESL directly sells the bulbs to consumers, it has no intention of doing the same for electric cars and will stay focussed only on the fleet used directly by the government.
"Right now, the government uses around 500,000 cars. Around 80 per cent of them are used for inter-city use, which makes it practical for them to be replaced by electric cars, which have a relatively limited range," Kumar said. "So we are potentially, looking at a large market over the next 5 years."
Thanks to these cars, the company has increased its investment outlook for future to Rs 10,000 crore over the next two years. This is a significant jump from the cumulative investment of Rs 3,000 crore over the last 7 years that it has made so far,
"The company is also growing in size and so is our scope of operations. We should close this year with a turnover of Rs 3,500 crore against Rs 1,200 crore last year. Our profits have also grown simultaneously. In FY 18, we should have a profit of around Rs 80 crore," he said.
General Awareness
Climate Change Performance Index 2018 – India ranks 14th, Sweden ranks highest
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India has ranked 14th out of 56 nations and European Union on Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2018 released by environmental organisation Germanwatch. This marks an improvement from its 20th rank in CCPI 2017.
About Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI):
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) keeps track of countries’ efforts in combating climate change.
- It is issued by Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network.
- On the basis of standardized criteria, the index evaluates and compares the climate protection performance of 56 countries and European Unionthat together are responsible for about 90% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
- CCPI 2018 report was released on November 15, 2017 on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change negotiations (COP23) in Bonn, Germany.
Highlights of Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) Report:
Improvement in India’s rank in CCPI 2018 indicates that Indian Government is putting efforts for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by opting to transform its electricity sector towards green technology.
- China, which is one of the highest GHG emitting country, ranks 41st.
- Similar to last year’s rankings, top three rankings are still unoccupied as no country has adhered to commitments made in 2015 Paris Climate Accord that aims to keep the average global temperature rise below two degrees Celsius and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- The bottom three countries in the index are Korea (58), Iran (59) and Saudi Arabia (rank 60). These countries have not made any progress in this direction of reducing emission levels, nor have shown any ambition to do so.
- The report has taken into consideration commitments by nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent and increase energy efficiency and renewables by at least 27 per cent by year 2030.
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) – Top 10 Countries:
1 Unoccupied 2 Unoccupied 3 Unoccupied 4 Sweden 5 Lithuania 6 Morocco 7 Norway 8 United Kingdom 9 Finland 10 Latvia
India has ranked 14th out of 56 nations and European Union on Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2018 released by environmental organisation Germanwatch. This marks an improvement from its 20th rank in CCPI 2017.
About Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI):
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) keeps track of countries’ efforts in combating climate change.
- It is issued by Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network.
- On the basis of standardized criteria, the index evaluates and compares the climate protection performance of 56 countries and European Unionthat together are responsible for about 90% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
- CCPI 2018 report was released on November 15, 2017 on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change negotiations (COP23) in Bonn, Germany.
Highlights of Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) Report:
Improvement in India’s rank in CCPI 2018 indicates that Indian Government is putting efforts for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by opting to transform its electricity sector towards green technology.
- China, which is one of the highest GHG emitting country, ranks 41st.
- Similar to last year’s rankings, top three rankings are still unoccupied as no country has adhered to commitments made in 2015 Paris Climate Accord that aims to keep the average global temperature rise below two degrees Celsius and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- The bottom three countries in the index are Korea (58), Iran (59) and Saudi Arabia (rank 60). These countries have not made any progress in this direction of reducing emission levels, nor have shown any ambition to do so.
- The report has taken into consideration commitments by nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent and increase energy efficiency and renewables by at least 27 per cent by year 2030.
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) – Top 10 Countries:
| 1 | Unoccupied |
| 2 | Unoccupied |
| 3 | Unoccupied |
| 4 | Sweden |
| 5 | Lithuania |
| 6 | Morocco |
| 7 | Norway |
| 8 | United Kingdom |
| 9 | Finland |
| 10 | Latvia |
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