General Affairs
50,000 Farmers In Mumbai For Protest To March To Azad Maidan At Midnight
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After walking with blistered feet for about 180 km in the blazing sun over the last five days, thousands of farmers from Maharashtra's Nashik district entered Mumbai today, turning the arterial roads of India's financial capital into a sea of red. Their numbers swelled from 35,000 to 50,000 over the day, the organisers said. Tomorrow, they plan to gherao the state assembly to press for their demands of a complete loan waiver, fair pay and transfer of adivasi land to farmers who have been tilling it for years. The tribals have joined the protest in huge numbers. The huge crowd that has camped at the KJ Somaiya Ground, will start to move towards Azad maidan around midnight.
This evening, as the procession teemed into Mumbai, Girish Mahajan, senior minister in the cabinet of Devendra Fadnavis, welcomed the march at Mulund in suburban Mumbai. "We are sad that farmers have come all the way to protest," he said, adding that the government, which has met some earlier demands, will consider the fresh wish-list.
The opposition Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena, which is part of the ruling alliance, have extended support to the farmers' demands. Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray met the farmers today. But the farmers are not happy. They want the Sena to speak as representatives of the government and not as a political party.
In November last year, the Devendra Fadnavis government had announced loan waiver for farmers after the state witnessed a 10-day long protest by farmers. Without mentioning figures or who would be eligible, he had promised that it would be the "biggest loan waiver in Maharashtra's history". Last month, state Governor Vidyasagar Rao told the state assembly that said the government has transferred more than Rs. 12,000 crore into bank accounts of more than 3.1 million farmers.
But the farmers also want the implementation of the Swaminathan Committee report, which says farmers should be paid one-and-a-half times the cost of production and the Minimum Support Price should be fixed keeping this in mind.
The farmers, who had camped at the KJ Somaiya Ground in Sion, will start to move towards the Azad maidan around midnight, from where they will proceed to the state assembly tomorrow morning.
Sources said the protesters will not be allowed to proceed beyond the Somaiya ground and a delegation will be allowed to come to the Vidhan Bhavan to meet the Chief Minister. The farmers say the march to the assembly is on, but the Left-affiliated All India Kisan Sabha or AIKS, which is spearheading the protest, also say they are willing to consider what the government offers.
Ashok Dhawle, president of the AIKS, said 50,000 people have joined the protests and the number will grow tomorrow. Assuring that the protests will not disturb the city, he said, "We will begin our rally after 11 am so that students appearing for their Class 10 board exam don't face any difficulties".
Today's protests have not affected traffic in Mumbai, which last year was witness to the huge, silent protests by Maratha groups. Refusing to comment on whether they would be allowed to march to the assembly building tomorrow, city police chief Deven Bharti said, "Top ministers are speaking to them".
This evening, as the procession teemed into Mumbai, Girish Mahajan, senior minister in the cabinet of Devendra Fadnavis, welcomed the march at Mulund in suburban Mumbai. "We are sad that farmers have come all the way to protest," he said, adding that the government, which has met some earlier demands, will consider the fresh wish-list.
The opposition Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena, which is part of the ruling alliance, have extended support to the farmers' demands. Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray met the farmers today. But the farmers are not happy. They want the Sena to speak as representatives of the government and not as a political party.
In November last year, the Devendra Fadnavis government had announced loan waiver for farmers after the state witnessed a 10-day long protest by farmers. Without mentioning figures or who would be eligible, he had promised that it would be the "biggest loan waiver in Maharashtra's history". Last month, state Governor Vidyasagar Rao told the state assembly that said the government has transferred more than Rs. 12,000 crore into bank accounts of more than 3.1 million farmers.
But the farmers also want the implementation of the Swaminathan Committee report, which says farmers should be paid one-and-a-half times the cost of production and the Minimum Support Price should be fixed keeping this in mind.
The farmers, who had camped at the KJ Somaiya Ground in Sion, will start to move towards the Azad maidan around midnight, from where they will proceed to the state assembly tomorrow morning.
Sources said the protesters will not be allowed to proceed beyond the Somaiya ground and a delegation will be allowed to come to the Vidhan Bhavan to meet the Chief Minister. The farmers say the march to the assembly is on, but the Left-affiliated All India Kisan Sabha or AIKS, which is spearheading the protest, also say they are willing to consider what the government offers.
Ashok Dhawle, president of the AIKS, said 50,000 people have joined the protests and the number will grow tomorrow. Assuring that the protests will not disturb the city, he said, "We will begin our rally after 11 am so that students appearing for their Class 10 board exam don't face any difficulties".
Today's protests have not affected traffic in Mumbai, which last year was witness to the huge, silent protests by Maratha groups. Refusing to comment on whether they would be allowed to march to the assembly building tomorrow, city police chief Deven Bharti said, "Top ministers are speaking to them".
Centre Asks Poll Panel If Enrolling Voters Through The Year Is Feasible
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In what may be good news for young women and men waiting to register themselves as voters, the Centre has asked the Election Commission whether it was feasible to allow the citizens enroll as voters throughout the year as soon as they turn 18 years of age.
As of now, an individual who has attained the age of 18 years, as on January 1 of that year, is eligible to be registered in the voters' list. People born thereafter can register as voters only the next year. In other words, a person turning 18 after January 1, 2018 cannot vote if an election takes place that year.
Since the mid-seventies, the poll panel had been insisting that there should be "multiple" cut off dates for those turning 18 to get registered as voters.
While the Election Commission proposed January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 as four cut-off dates, the law ministry had in 2016 said two cut off dates of January 1 and July 1 would be fine.
A bill was also prepared to amend the electoral law.
However, the Centre has now decided to examine whether people turning 18 can be "automatically" registered as voters throughout the year, senior government and Election Commission functionaries said.
The poll panel has been asked to reconfigure the software and flag the practical difficulties the move could throw up.
"Election Commission has experts. Moreover, they register the voters. So they are the people to examine whether the proposal is feasible," a senior government functionary said.
The Election Commission's proposal had earlier run into legal hurdles as the government was of the view that that it would need a constitutional amendment. But now, the EC and the law ministry have agreed that the Representation of the People Act would have be amended by a simple bill.
A proposal made in the early 1970s had suggested multiple cut off dates of January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 for those attaining the required age to register as voters. But the proposal could not take off.
Interestingly, when the Election Commission had earlier mooted the idea, it had sent a copy of the same to the Jammu and Kashmir government. The state government had in fact implemented the idea that day. Therefore, the state has multiple cut-off dates for people to register as voters.
On an average, over one crore new voters in the age group of 18-19 years get registered annually in the country.
As of now, an individual who has attained the age of 18 years, as on January 1 of that year, is eligible to be registered in the voters' list. People born thereafter can register as voters only the next year. In other words, a person turning 18 after January 1, 2018 cannot vote if an election takes place that year.
Since the mid-seventies, the poll panel had been insisting that there should be "multiple" cut off dates for those turning 18 to get registered as voters.
While the Election Commission proposed January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 as four cut-off dates, the law ministry had in 2016 said two cut off dates of January 1 and July 1 would be fine.
A bill was also prepared to amend the electoral law.
However, the Centre has now decided to examine whether people turning 18 can be "automatically" registered as voters throughout the year, senior government and Election Commission functionaries said.
The poll panel has been asked to reconfigure the software and flag the practical difficulties the move could throw up.
"Election Commission has experts. Moreover, they register the voters. So they are the people to examine whether the proposal is feasible," a senior government functionary said.
The Election Commission's proposal had earlier run into legal hurdles as the government was of the view that that it would need a constitutional amendment. But now, the EC and the law ministry have agreed that the Representation of the People Act would have be amended by a simple bill.
A proposal made in the early 1970s had suggested multiple cut off dates of January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 for those attaining the required age to register as voters. But the proposal could not take off.
Interestingly, when the Election Commission had earlier mooted the idea, it had sent a copy of the same to the Jammu and Kashmir government. The state government had in fact implemented the idea that day. Therefore, the state has multiple cut-off dates for people to register as voters.
On an average, over one crore new voters in the age group of 18-19 years get registered annually in the country.
$1 Trillion Needed To Achieve 1TW Solar Power Capacity By 2030: French President Emmanuel Macron
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French President Emmanuel Macron today said $1 trillion will be needed to achieve one terawatt (TW) of solar power capacity worldwide by 2030.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he said there are financing and regulation hurdles for achieving the target which need to be cleared by government, private sector and civil society coming together.
Without any names, he referred to countries quitting the historic Paris Climate agreement and said that the International Solar Alliance nations came together to "deliver complete results".
The oblique reference was to US President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, which was signed by nearly 200 countries in December 2015 in an effort to curb global greenhouse gas emission and limit global warming to within 2 degrees Celsius.
In November last year, Syria signed the deal, leaving the United States as the only country in the world not to support the framework deal to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
"They (ISA member nations) started to act and to deliver complete results. They didn't wait, they didn't stop because few countries decided to just leave the floor and the Paris agreement," he said. "Because they decided it was good for them, their children and grandchildren and they decided to act and keep acting."
President Macron said countries represented at International Solar Alliance represent three-fourths of the world population. As much as 20-50 per cent of the population do not have access to power, he said.
The joint goal is to have 1 TW of solar energy by 2030 for which "we need $1,000 billion," he said.
"We know the hurdles... (there) are financial hurdles, regulations, capacity hurdles as well. We shall therefore lift every single one of them," he said. "To that effect, it is not enough to look at what governments are doing. We need a new international deal with the private sector, the international public sector and the civil society as well."
"It is common good and it is for the development of all countries," he said.
The French president said three primary things need to be done. Firstly, identify solar energy potential in each country, their projects and financing requirement. Secondly, mobilise available finance and thirdly to provide a favourable framework.
International Solar Alliance, he said, will bring member nations financing as well as share expertise between them.
On financing, he said, the French Development Agency will allocate 700 million euros in additional spending to its commitment to solar energy by 2022, taking the total commitment to 1 billion euros.
"But in order to reach the 1,000 billion dollars by 2030, to reach the 1 TW of solar energy, we need private investors," he said, adding that the alliance will provide a favourable framework.
"It means that we will improve the regulations, the terms in order to support investments in renewable. It is also about improving public procurement and to provide efficient policies," he said, urging nations to facilitate purchase and supply of electricity generated from solar energy.
Stating that existing guarantees need to be reviewed, he said, "We need appropriate guarantee tools. The existing ones are too expensive and do not cover all of the risks".
Lauding India for showing the world the way in scaling up solar power generation capacity, he said, renewable capacity has within two years gone up from 39 gigawatt to 63 GW, while that of solar energy has soared by 140 per cent.
"India proves that it is possible. What you are in the process of succeeding in doing is being watched by the entire world," he said. "You are attracting investment, you are supporting them, you are training young people and so this is what we shall be doing. This is what 121 countries of the alliance in Asia, Africa, Latin America shall be doing."
Later he tweeted: "We make Delhi this weekend the world capital of the sun. Through our presence, we seal an alliance to make the energy of the sun accessible to everyone".
"Countries with the most solar potential are often the most in need of energy, but only a small share of electricity generation. With ISA Summit, we bring capabilities closer to needs," he said in a tweet.
Seven months ago, when Prime Minister Modi came to Paris, all was done to make the International Solar Alliance Summit, which was an agreement in principle, a reality. "It's done today."
"We did not come from all continents to deliver additional speeches that will soon be forgotten. We came to ask the topics on the table and give access to solar energy in the world," he added.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he said there are financing and regulation hurdles for achieving the target which need to be cleared by government, private sector and civil society coming together.
Without any names, he referred to countries quitting the historic Paris Climate agreement and said that the International Solar Alliance nations came together to "deliver complete results".
The oblique reference was to US President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, which was signed by nearly 200 countries in December 2015 in an effort to curb global greenhouse gas emission and limit global warming to within 2 degrees Celsius.
In November last year, Syria signed the deal, leaving the United States as the only country in the world not to support the framework deal to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
"They (ISA member nations) started to act and to deliver complete results. They didn't wait, they didn't stop because few countries decided to just leave the floor and the Paris agreement," he said. "Because they decided it was good for them, their children and grandchildren and they decided to act and keep acting."
President Macron said countries represented at International Solar Alliance represent three-fourths of the world population. As much as 20-50 per cent of the population do not have access to power, he said.
The joint goal is to have 1 TW of solar energy by 2030 for which "we need $1,000 billion," he said.
"We know the hurdles... (there) are financial hurdles, regulations, capacity hurdles as well. We shall therefore lift every single one of them," he said. "To that effect, it is not enough to look at what governments are doing. We need a new international deal with the private sector, the international public sector and the civil society as well."
"It is common good and it is for the development of all countries," he said.
The French president said three primary things need to be done. Firstly, identify solar energy potential in each country, their projects and financing requirement. Secondly, mobilise available finance and thirdly to provide a favourable framework.
International Solar Alliance, he said, will bring member nations financing as well as share expertise between them.
On financing, he said, the French Development Agency will allocate 700 million euros in additional spending to its commitment to solar energy by 2022, taking the total commitment to 1 billion euros.
"But in order to reach the 1,000 billion dollars by 2030, to reach the 1 TW of solar energy, we need private investors," he said, adding that the alliance will provide a favourable framework.
"It means that we will improve the regulations, the terms in order to support investments in renewable. It is also about improving public procurement and to provide efficient policies," he said, urging nations to facilitate purchase and supply of electricity generated from solar energy.
Stating that existing guarantees need to be reviewed, he said, "We need appropriate guarantee tools. The existing ones are too expensive and do not cover all of the risks".
Lauding India for showing the world the way in scaling up solar power generation capacity, he said, renewable capacity has within two years gone up from 39 gigawatt to 63 GW, while that of solar energy has soared by 140 per cent.
"India proves that it is possible. What you are in the process of succeeding in doing is being watched by the entire world," he said. "You are attracting investment, you are supporting them, you are training young people and so this is what we shall be doing. This is what 121 countries of the alliance in Asia, Africa, Latin America shall be doing."
Later he tweeted: "We make Delhi this weekend the world capital of the sun. Through our presence, we seal an alliance to make the energy of the sun accessible to everyone".
"Countries with the most solar potential are often the most in need of energy, but only a small share of electricity generation. With ISA Summit, we bring capabilities closer to needs," he said in a tweet.
Seven months ago, when Prime Minister Modi came to Paris, all was done to make the International Solar Alliance Summit, which was an agreement in principle, a reality. "It's done today."
"We did not come from all continents to deliver additional speeches that will soon be forgotten. We came to ask the topics on the table and give access to solar energy in the world," he added.
PM Modi Supports Concessional Financing Of Solar Projects
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called for concessional financing and less-risky funds for solar projects to raise the share of solar power in the energy basket, provide cheaper electricity and cut carbon emissions.
Speaking at the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he said India will generate 175 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2022.
This would be more than double the present renewable energy capacity and would be enough to overtake renewable expansion in the European Union for the first time.
PM Modi, the chief architect of ISA that seeks to bring together 121 nations, presented 10 action points including making affordable solar technology available to all nations, raising the share of electricity generated from photovoltaic cells in the energy mix and framing regulations and standards to support the initiative.
He said better and cheaper solar technology should be easily available to all nations. "We have to increase the share of solar in energy mix," he said.
Also, innovation has to be encouraged so as to provide solutions to different needs. "We have to provide concessional financing and less-risky funds for solar projects," he said.
The International Solar Alliance's major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000 GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over $1 trillion towards solar energy by 2030.
Regulatory aspects as well as standards have to be framed which will expedite adoption of solar solutions, PM Modi said, adding that consultancy support has to be development for putting up bankable solar projects in developing countries.
Stressing on inclusiveness, he said a vast network of centres of excellence has to be created.
Solar energy policy has to be to looked at in totality for development so that it can contribute to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), he said. "We have to strengthen ISA Secretariat and make it more professional."
Prime Minister Modi called for rising above narrow private goals to make collective effort for the betterment of the mankind.
He said India has launched the "world's biggest renewable energy programme with a target to generate 175 GW of electricity from renewable sources."
Of these, 100 GW is to come from solar and 60 GW from wind. "Of the target for solar energy generation, we have already achieved 20 GW installed solar power," he said.
India needs around $83 billion between FY2018 and FY2022 to meet its 175 GW target, according to industry estimates.
Electricity from renewable sources is cheap, reliable and clean. Besides providing an alternative to polluting coal-based electricity generation, photovoltaic (PV) has big potential to power irrigation and reduce the use of back-up diesel generators.
At present, the country's renewable energy installed capacity is 63 GW. Solar and wind power tariffs have dropped to an all-time low of Rs. 2.44 per unit and Rs. 3.46 per unit, among the lowest in the world.
As a demonstration of India's commitment to the International Solar Alliance, PM Modi said 500 training slots will be created for member countries and a solar technology mission will be started to lead research and development in the sector.
To supplement solar energy generation, India has distributed 28 crore LED bulbs in the last three years which have helped save $2 billion and 4 GW of electricity, the prime minister said.
International Solar Alliance, headquartered in Gurgaon is now a treaty-based inter-governmental organisation that was established following the Paris Declaration as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its member countries.
Prime Minister Modi said of the 121 countries associated with ISA, 61 have already joined the alliance and 32 have ratified the Framework Agreement.
"In India, the 'Vedas' considered the Sun as the spirit of the world thousands of years ago. In India, the Sun is considered to be the nutrition needed to sustain life. Today, when we are looking for a way to tackle the challenge of Climate Change, then we have to look at the balanced and holistic view of India's ancient philosophy," he said.
Prime Minister Modi had, in a speech at London's Wembley Stadium in 2015, proposed the idea of an inter-governmental organisation comprising of 121 countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, with an aim to promote solar energy.
ISA was launched by PM Modi at the India-Africa Summit in New Delhi and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in October 2015 and November 2015, respectively.
Today, heads of 23 nations and 10 ministerial representatives gathered in New Delhi for the alliance's first summit. The summit was co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking on the occasion, President Macron said $1 trillion will be needed to achieve one terawatt (TW) of solar power capacity by 2030.
"The development of solar energy will not just lead to our prosperity, but will also reduce the carbon footprint of the earth," PM Modi said today.
Stating that better and affordable solar technology is available to all must be ensured, he said, results would be even better if other forms of energy are linked to solar.
Solar energy can have a variety of uses - agriculture, solar water pumps, clean cooking. "We need to encourage innovation in the solar energy sector to find different uses for it," he said.
Speaking at the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he said India will generate 175 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2022.
This would be more than double the present renewable energy capacity and would be enough to overtake renewable expansion in the European Union for the first time.
PM Modi, the chief architect of ISA that seeks to bring together 121 nations, presented 10 action points including making affordable solar technology available to all nations, raising the share of electricity generated from photovoltaic cells in the energy mix and framing regulations and standards to support the initiative.
He said better and cheaper solar technology should be easily available to all nations. "We have to increase the share of solar in energy mix," he said.
Also, innovation has to be encouraged so as to provide solutions to different needs. "We have to provide concessional financing and less-risky funds for solar projects," he said.
The International Solar Alliance's major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000 GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over $1 trillion towards solar energy by 2030.
Regulatory aspects as well as standards have to be framed which will expedite adoption of solar solutions, PM Modi said, adding that consultancy support has to be development for putting up bankable solar projects in developing countries.
Stressing on inclusiveness, he said a vast network of centres of excellence has to be created.
Solar energy policy has to be to looked at in totality for development so that it can contribute to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), he said. "We have to strengthen ISA Secretariat and make it more professional."
Prime Minister Modi called for rising above narrow private goals to make collective effort for the betterment of the mankind.
He said India has launched the "world's biggest renewable energy programme with a target to generate 175 GW of electricity from renewable sources."
Of these, 100 GW is to come from solar and 60 GW from wind. "Of the target for solar energy generation, we have already achieved 20 GW installed solar power," he said.
India needs around $83 billion between FY2018 and FY2022 to meet its 175 GW target, according to industry estimates.
Electricity from renewable sources is cheap, reliable and clean. Besides providing an alternative to polluting coal-based electricity generation, photovoltaic (PV) has big potential to power irrigation and reduce the use of back-up diesel generators.
At present, the country's renewable energy installed capacity is 63 GW. Solar and wind power tariffs have dropped to an all-time low of Rs. 2.44 per unit and Rs. 3.46 per unit, among the lowest in the world.
As a demonstration of India's commitment to the International Solar Alliance, PM Modi said 500 training slots will be created for member countries and a solar technology mission will be started to lead research and development in the sector.
To supplement solar energy generation, India has distributed 28 crore LED bulbs in the last three years which have helped save $2 billion and 4 GW of electricity, the prime minister said.
International Solar Alliance, headquartered in Gurgaon is now a treaty-based inter-governmental organisation that was established following the Paris Declaration as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its member countries.
Prime Minister Modi said of the 121 countries associated with ISA, 61 have already joined the alliance and 32 have ratified the Framework Agreement.
"In India, the 'Vedas' considered the Sun as the spirit of the world thousands of years ago. In India, the Sun is considered to be the nutrition needed to sustain life. Today, when we are looking for a way to tackle the challenge of Climate Change, then we have to look at the balanced and holistic view of India's ancient philosophy," he said.
Prime Minister Modi had, in a speech at London's Wembley Stadium in 2015, proposed the idea of an inter-governmental organisation comprising of 121 countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, with an aim to promote solar energy.
ISA was launched by PM Modi at the India-Africa Summit in New Delhi and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in October 2015 and November 2015, respectively.
Today, heads of 23 nations and 10 ministerial representatives gathered in New Delhi for the alliance's first summit. The summit was co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking on the occasion, President Macron said $1 trillion will be needed to achieve one terawatt (TW) of solar power capacity by 2030.
"The development of solar energy will not just lead to our prosperity, but will also reduce the carbon footprint of the earth," PM Modi said today.
Stating that better and affordable solar technology is available to all must be ensured, he said, results would be even better if other forms of energy are linked to solar.
Solar energy can have a variety of uses - agriculture, solar water pumps, clean cooking. "We need to encourage innovation in the solar energy sector to find different uses for it," he said.
Take Steps For Safety Of Women: Kamal Haasan Tells Tamil Nadu Government
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Makkal Neethi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan today alleged that the law and order in Tamil Nadu was deteriorating and asked the government to take steps for the safety of women.
The actor-turned-politician was apparently referring to the recent incidents of assault on women in the state including the murder of a college student in Chennai a couple of days ago.
"The way women are treated here currently is shameful and they are facing lot of threats and problems on the roads," he told reporters in Erode, adding the government should to take steps to provide safety to women.
The MNM founder also dismissed allegations that he was receiving funds from Christian missionaries, saying, "All I can do is laugh it off."
On the Cauvery issue, Mr Haasan appealed to the centre to form the Cauvery Management Board.
He condemned the defacement of statues of leaders in Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country, but said he was against erection of such statues. "No one should be allowed to disfigure the statues once they are erected and I condemn the same," he added.
Mr Haasan visited Periyar Anna Memorial House here run by the government where rationalist leader E V Ramasamy, fondly called Periyar, was born.
The MNM leader, who is on a state-wide tour, addressed meetings at various places in Erode district.
Mr Haasan took the political plunge by launching the Makkal Needhi Mayyam at Madurai on February 21, saying his outfit was committed to politics free from "games of caste and religion" and would focus on good governance.
The actor-turned-politician was apparently referring to the recent incidents of assault on women in the state including the murder of a college student in Chennai a couple of days ago.
"The way women are treated here currently is shameful and they are facing lot of threats and problems on the roads," he told reporters in Erode, adding the government should to take steps to provide safety to women.
The MNM founder also dismissed allegations that he was receiving funds from Christian missionaries, saying, "All I can do is laugh it off."
On the Cauvery issue, Mr Haasan appealed to the centre to form the Cauvery Management Board.
He condemned the defacement of statues of leaders in Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country, but said he was against erection of such statues. "No one should be allowed to disfigure the statues once they are erected and I condemn the same," he added.
Mr Haasan visited Periyar Anna Memorial House here run by the government where rationalist leader E V Ramasamy, fondly called Periyar, was born.
The MNM leader, who is on a state-wide tour, addressed meetings at various places in Erode district.
Mr Haasan took the political plunge by launching the Makkal Needhi Mayyam at Madurai on February 21, saying his outfit was committed to politics free from "games of caste and religion" and would focus on good governance.
Business Affairs
PM Modi calls for concessional, less-risky financing for solar projects
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called for concessional financing and less-risky funds for solar projects to raise the share of solar power in the energy basket, provide cheaper electricity and cut carbon emissions.
Speaking at the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he said India will generate 175 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2022.
This would be more than double the present renewable energy capacity and would be enough to overtake renewable expansion in the European Union for the first time.
Modi, the chief architect of ISA that seeks to bring together 121 nations, presented 10 action points including making affordable solar technology available to all nations, raising the share of electricity generated from photovoltaic cells in the energy mix and framing regulations and standards to support the initiative.
He said better and cheaper solar technology should be easily available to all nations. "We have to increase the share of solar in energy mix," he said.
Also, innovation has to be encouraged so as to provide solutions to different needs. "We have to provide concessional financing and less-risky funds for solar projects," he said.
The ISA's major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000 GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over USD 1 trillion into solar energy by 2030.
Regulatory aspects as well as standards have to be framed which will expedite adoption of solar solutions, Modi said, adding that consultancy support has to be developed for putting up bankable solar projects in developing countries.
Stressing on inclusiveness, he said a vast network of centres of excellence has to be created.
Solar energy policy has to be to looked at in totality for development so that it can contribute to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), he said. "We have to strengthen ISA Secretariat and make it more professional."
Modi called for rising above narrow private goals to make collective effort for the betterment of the mankind.
He said India has launched the "world's biggest renewable energy programme with a target to generate 175 GW of electricity from renewable sources."
Of these, 100 GW is to come from solar and 60 GW from wind. "Of the target for solar energy generation, we have already achieved 20 GW installed solar power," he said.
India needs some USD 83 billion between FY2018 and FY2022 to meet its 175 GW target, according to industry estimates.
Electricity from renewable sources is cheap, reliable and clean. Besides providing an alternative to polluting coal-based electricity generation, photovoltaic (PV) has big potential to power irrigation and reduce the use of back-up diesel generators.
At present, the country's renewable energy installed capacity is 63 GW. Solar and wind power tariffs have dropped to an all-time low of Rs 2.44 per unit and Rs 3.46 per unit, among the lowest in the world.
China is targeting over 360 GW of renewable capacity generation during the period.
As a demonstration of India's commitment to ISA, Modi said 500 training slots will be created for member countries and a solar technology mission will be started to lead R&D in the sector.
To supplement solar energy generation, India has distributed 28 crore LED bulbs in the last three years which have helped save USD 2 billion and 4 GW of electricity, the prime minister said.
ISA, headquartered in Gurgaon near here, is now a treaty-based inter-governmental organisation that was established following the Paris Declaration as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its member countries.
The Prime Minister said of the 121 countries associated with ISA, 61 have joined the alliance and 32 have ratified the Framework Agreement.
Indian vedas have since thousands of years considered sun as the soul of the universe and a nourisher of life. "We have to look at this ancient balanced and all-encompassing philosophy when we today look for ways to deal with the challenge of climate change," he said.
Modi had in a speech at Londons Wembley Stadium in 2015 proposed the idea of an inter-governmental organisation comprising of 121 countries, which lie either completely or partly between the two tropics, with an aim to promote solar energy.
ISA was launched by him at the India Africa Summit in New Delhi and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in October 2015 and November 2015, respectively.
Today, heads of 23 nations and 10 ministerial representatives gathered here for alliances first summit. The summit was co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking on the occasion, Macron said USD 1 trillion will be needed to achieve one terawatt (TW) of solar power capacity by 2030.
"The development of solar energy will not just lead to our prosperity, but will also reduce the carbon footprint of the earth," Modi said today.
Stating that better and affordable solar technology is available to all must be ensured, he said, results would be even better if other forms of energy are linked to solar.
Solar energy can have a variety of uses - agriculture, solar water pumps, clean cooking. "We need to encourage innovation in the solar energy sector to find different uses for it," he said.
Speaking at the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he said India will generate 175 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2022.
This would be more than double the present renewable energy capacity and would be enough to overtake renewable expansion in the European Union for the first time.
Modi, the chief architect of ISA that seeks to bring together 121 nations, presented 10 action points including making affordable solar technology available to all nations, raising the share of electricity generated from photovoltaic cells in the energy mix and framing regulations and standards to support the initiative.
He said better and cheaper solar technology should be easily available to all nations. "We have to increase the share of solar in energy mix," he said.
Also, innovation has to be encouraged so as to provide solutions to different needs. "We have to provide concessional financing and less-risky funds for solar projects," he said.
The ISA's major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000 GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over USD 1 trillion into solar energy by 2030.
Regulatory aspects as well as standards have to be framed which will expedite adoption of solar solutions, Modi said, adding that consultancy support has to be developed for putting up bankable solar projects in developing countries.
Stressing on inclusiveness, he said a vast network of centres of excellence has to be created.
Solar energy policy has to be to looked at in totality for development so that it can contribute to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), he said. "We have to strengthen ISA Secretariat and make it more professional."
Modi called for rising above narrow private goals to make collective effort for the betterment of the mankind.
He said India has launched the "world's biggest renewable energy programme with a target to generate 175 GW of electricity from renewable sources."
Of these, 100 GW is to come from solar and 60 GW from wind. "Of the target for solar energy generation, we have already achieved 20 GW installed solar power," he said.
India needs some USD 83 billion between FY2018 and FY2022 to meet its 175 GW target, according to industry estimates.
Electricity from renewable sources is cheap, reliable and clean. Besides providing an alternative to polluting coal-based electricity generation, photovoltaic (PV) has big potential to power irrigation and reduce the use of back-up diesel generators.
At present, the country's renewable energy installed capacity is 63 GW. Solar and wind power tariffs have dropped to an all-time low of Rs 2.44 per unit and Rs 3.46 per unit, among the lowest in the world.
China is targeting over 360 GW of renewable capacity generation during the period.
As a demonstration of India's commitment to ISA, Modi said 500 training slots will be created for member countries and a solar technology mission will be started to lead R&D in the sector.
To supplement solar energy generation, India has distributed 28 crore LED bulbs in the last three years which have helped save USD 2 billion and 4 GW of electricity, the prime minister said.
ISA, headquartered in Gurgaon near here, is now a treaty-based inter-governmental organisation that was established following the Paris Declaration as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its member countries.
The Prime Minister said of the 121 countries associated with ISA, 61 have joined the alliance and 32 have ratified the Framework Agreement.
Indian vedas have since thousands of years considered sun as the soul of the universe and a nourisher of life. "We have to look at this ancient balanced and all-encompassing philosophy when we today look for ways to deal with the challenge of climate change," he said.
Modi had in a speech at Londons Wembley Stadium in 2015 proposed the idea of an inter-governmental organisation comprising of 121 countries, which lie either completely or partly between the two tropics, with an aim to promote solar energy.
ISA was launched by him at the India Africa Summit in New Delhi and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in October 2015 and November 2015, respectively.
Today, heads of 23 nations and 10 ministerial representatives gathered here for alliances first summit. The summit was co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking on the occasion, Macron said USD 1 trillion will be needed to achieve one terawatt (TW) of solar power capacity by 2030.
"The development of solar energy will not just lead to our prosperity, but will also reduce the carbon footprint of the earth," Modi said today.
Stating that better and affordable solar technology is available to all must be ensured, he said, results would be even better if other forms of energy are linked to solar.
Solar energy can have a variety of uses - agriculture, solar water pumps, clean cooking. "We need to encourage innovation in the solar energy sector to find different uses for it," he said.
PSBs recapitalisation should be part of broader package of financial reforms: IMF
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The IMF has said that the recapitalisation of public sector banks (PSBs) should be part of a broader package of financial reforms to speed up the resolution of non-performing assets (NPAs), which has attracted more attention in view of the Nirav Modi case. In the view of the International Monetary Fund , recent policy reforms to address vulnerabilities in the banking and corporate sectors in India have been significant, IMF Deputy Managing Director Tao Zhang said ahead of his visit to India.
The asset quality review, initiated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in December 2015, prompted banks to take steps to recognise all nonperforming assets and ensure appropriately provisioned balance sheets by March 2017. Other important steps include the new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, adopted in May 2016; and more recently, the announcement of a major recapitalisation of India's PSBs, he said.
According to a recent Assocham-Crisil study, India's banking sector will be saddled with gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) worth a staggering Rs 9.5 lakh crore by March-end, up from Rs 8 lakh crore in the year-ago period.
"While all are welcome steps, we think the PSB recapitalisation should be part of a broader package of financial reforms to speed up the resolution of NPAs, improve PSB governance, reduce the role of the public sector in the financial system, and enhance bank lending capacity and practices," Zhang told PTI in an interview.
Zhang, however, did not respond to specific question related to the case of Indian diamond merchants Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, who are being investigated for their alleged USD 2 billion swindling of money from the Punjab National Bank.
"We have seen the reports. As a matter of practice, we do not comment on the operations of individual financial institutions. In general terms, what I can say is that we support the authorities' ongoing efforts to strengthen the soundness and resilience of India's financial system," he said.
A team of experts recently conducted an assessment in the context of India's participation in the IMF/World Bank Financial System Stability Assessment Program (FSAP), he noted.
"The experts found that the RBI has made progress in strengthening banking supervision since the previous assessment in 2011. For instance, a risk-based supervisory approach has been introduced and Basel III norms have been implemented, as is now increasingly common around the world," Zhang said.
"Nevertheless, the experts recommended legal changes to enable the RBI to extend all the powers currently exercised over private sector banks to public sector ones; in particular, regarding Board member dismissals, mergers, and license revocation," he said.
"Having said that, banks' operational risk management, risk culture, internal control frameworks and external audit function should typically play a central role in preventing fraud," Zhang said in response to a question.
The asset quality review, initiated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in December 2015, prompted banks to take steps to recognise all nonperforming assets and ensure appropriately provisioned balance sheets by March 2017. Other important steps include the new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, adopted in May 2016; and more recently, the announcement of a major recapitalisation of India's PSBs, he said.
According to a recent Assocham-Crisil study, India's banking sector will be saddled with gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) worth a staggering Rs 9.5 lakh crore by March-end, up from Rs 8 lakh crore in the year-ago period.
"While all are welcome steps, we think the PSB recapitalisation should be part of a broader package of financial reforms to speed up the resolution of NPAs, improve PSB governance, reduce the role of the public sector in the financial system, and enhance bank lending capacity and practices," Zhang told PTI in an interview.
Zhang, however, did not respond to specific question related to the case of Indian diamond merchants Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, who are being investigated for their alleged USD 2 billion swindling of money from the Punjab National Bank.
"We have seen the reports. As a matter of practice, we do not comment on the operations of individual financial institutions. In general terms, what I can say is that we support the authorities' ongoing efforts to strengthen the soundness and resilience of India's financial system," he said.
A team of experts recently conducted an assessment in the context of India's participation in the IMF/World Bank Financial System Stability Assessment Program (FSAP), he noted.
"The experts found that the RBI has made progress in strengthening banking supervision since the previous assessment in 2011. For instance, a risk-based supervisory approach has been introduced and Basel III norms have been implemented, as is now increasingly common around the world," Zhang said.
"Nevertheless, the experts recommended legal changes to enable the RBI to extend all the powers currently exercised over private sector banks to public sector ones; in particular, regarding Board member dismissals, mergers, and license revocation," he said.
"Having said that, banks' operational risk management, risk culture, internal control frameworks and external audit function should typically play a central role in preventing fraud," Zhang said in response to a question.
PNB fraud: RBI initiates special audit of PSBs with focus on trade finance
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Rattled by spate of banking frauds, RBI has initiated special audit of state-owned lenders with focus on trade financing activities, especially relating to issuance of letters of undertakings (LoUs) by them, banking sources said.
In addition, the RBI has asked all banks for details of the LoUs they had written, including the amounts outstanding, and whether the banks had pre-approved credit limits or kept enough cash on margin before issuing the guarantees.
Most of the big banking frauds which were unearthed in the recent past, including the one perpetuated by diamantaire Nirav Modi and his associates, pertain to trade finance. Also, many of the willful default cases have their roots in trade finance, the sources told PTI.
In view of the recent Rs 12,646-crore PNB scam, done through fraudulent issuance of LoUs by connivance of the bank's staff, it was pertinent for the regulator RBI to examine the issue of trade finance which also included issuance of letter of credit (LC) and LoUs, sources said.
Soon after Nirav Modi case came to light, the CBI registered a case against a Delhi-based diamond jewellery exporter Dwarka Das Seth International for an alleged bank loan fraud to the tune of Rs 389.85 crore towards Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC).
Dwarka Das Seth International availed various credit facilities from OBC between 2007-12.
Also, in the Bank of Baroda fraud case of 2015, two Delhi-based businessmen cheated it of Rs 6,000 crore by using the trade finance mechanism.
Investigations in BoB fraud case revealed major irregularities relating to trade finance as several forex transactions were done mainly via advance remittances for import, through newly-opened current accounts. Heavy cash transactions -- sometimes four or five times a day -- were also noticed.
Besides, the government on its part recently asked the state-owned banks to scrutinize all cases of non-performing assets (NPAs) exceeding Rs 50 crore for possible fraud and report the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Banks have also been asked by the finance ministry to come up with a "pre-emptive" action plan within a fortnight to combat rising operational and technical risks, and assign clear accountability to senior functionaries.
In addition, the RBI has asked all banks for details of the LoUs they had written, including the amounts outstanding, and whether the banks had pre-approved credit limits or kept enough cash on margin before issuing the guarantees.
Most of the big banking frauds which were unearthed in the recent past, including the one perpetuated by diamantaire Nirav Modi and his associates, pertain to trade finance. Also, many of the willful default cases have their roots in trade finance, the sources told PTI.
In view of the recent Rs 12,646-crore PNB scam, done through fraudulent issuance of LoUs by connivance of the bank's staff, it was pertinent for the regulator RBI to examine the issue of trade finance which also included issuance of letter of credit (LC) and LoUs, sources said.
Soon after Nirav Modi case came to light, the CBI registered a case against a Delhi-based diamond jewellery exporter Dwarka Das Seth International for an alleged bank loan fraud to the tune of Rs 389.85 crore towards Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC).
Dwarka Das Seth International availed various credit facilities from OBC between 2007-12.
Also, in the Bank of Baroda fraud case of 2015, two Delhi-based businessmen cheated it of Rs 6,000 crore by using the trade finance mechanism.
Investigations in BoB fraud case revealed major irregularities relating to trade finance as several forex transactions were done mainly via advance remittances for import, through newly-opened current accounts. Heavy cash transactions -- sometimes four or five times a day -- were also noticed.
Besides, the government on its part recently asked the state-owned banks to scrutinize all cases of non-performing assets (NPAs) exceeding Rs 50 crore for possible fraud and report the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Banks have also been asked by the finance ministry to come up with a "pre-emptive" action plan within a fortnight to combat rising operational and technical risks, and assign clear accountability to senior functionaries.
French investment to bring tech, wealth and create jobs, says Suresh Prabhu
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Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu today said France is keen on investing big in India, which will bring technology and wealth, and create jobs for the country's youth.
Prabhu yesterday met a high-level delegation from France in New Delhi.
India's "strategic partner" is a technologically advanced country, and the relationship with France will help the country grow in a big way, he said today.
"France has always been our strategic partner. In 1998, after we tested nuclear bombs, France stood with us. The country helped us strategically and technologically, as it is a technologically advanced country," the minister told reporters at the sidelines of an event here.
Prabhu said he met a trade delegation from France, which included ministers and industry leaders, for around two-and-a-half hours yesterday.
"They want to invest in the country in a large number along with their technological knowledge. Technology and wealth will come in India and this will also create jobs. So I understand that the expanding ties with France will help our country in a big way," he said.
Indian and French companies and government entities yesterday signed deals in New Delhi worth 13 billion Euro (over Rs 1 lakh crore) across areas like aviation, renewable energy and waste management.
On being given additional charge of civil aviation ministry, Prabhu said that he would take the charge before making any statement.
He was yesterday given additional charge of the civil aviation ministry, a day after the resignation of TDP's Ashok Gajapathi Raju after party supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu decided to pull out his ministers from the Union cabinet.
Speaking at a gathering during a start-up summit at Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Prabhu urged start-up aspirants to "venture into the unknown territory" and undertake projects that have not been taken before, to succeed.
"First identify the gaps that exist in the market place. If you fill the gap, you will be succssful.. Understand a gap but also create a business model around it," he said.
Asking them to listen to their "intuition", the Union minister said, "If you dont believe in your inner voice, you wont succeed. Also, dont emulate any of the successful people and dont think only about jobs, there are more opportunities waiting for you."
Prabhu yesterday met a high-level delegation from France in New Delhi.
India's "strategic partner" is a technologically advanced country, and the relationship with France will help the country grow in a big way, he said today.
"France has always been our strategic partner. In 1998, after we tested nuclear bombs, France stood with us. The country helped us strategically and technologically, as it is a technologically advanced country," the minister told reporters at the sidelines of an event here.
Prabhu said he met a trade delegation from France, which included ministers and industry leaders, for around two-and-a-half hours yesterday.
"They want to invest in the country in a large number along with their technological knowledge. Technology and wealth will come in India and this will also create jobs. So I understand that the expanding ties with France will help our country in a big way," he said.
Indian and French companies and government entities yesterday signed deals in New Delhi worth 13 billion Euro (over Rs 1 lakh crore) across areas like aviation, renewable energy and waste management.
On being given additional charge of civil aviation ministry, Prabhu said that he would take the charge before making any statement.
He was yesterday given additional charge of the civil aviation ministry, a day after the resignation of TDP's Ashok Gajapathi Raju after party supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu decided to pull out his ministers from the Union cabinet.
Speaking at a gathering during a start-up summit at Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Prabhu urged start-up aspirants to "venture into the unknown territory" and undertake projects that have not been taken before, to succeed.
"First identify the gaps that exist in the market place. If you fill the gap, you will be succssful.. Understand a gap but also create a business model around it," he said.
Asking them to listen to their "intuition", the Union minister said, "If you dont believe in your inner voice, you wont succeed. Also, dont emulate any of the successful people and dont think only about jobs, there are more opportunities waiting for you."
UIDAI flags low Aadhaar enrollment in 2,500 bank branches, seeks corrective action
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The UIDAI has flagged low Aadhaar enrollment and updation at nearly 2,500 out of over 7,000 bank branches that have started the facility, and instructed banks to take immediate steps to correct the situation.
The Aadhaar-issuing body is of the view that the enrollment or updation activity carried out in each of these laggard branches must be at least 16 per day.
Moreover, they should cater to all the customers for Aadhaar enrollment and updation, even if an individual does not have an account with that particular branch.
"The total enrollments or updation that can happen in a branch are 40 to 50 a day. We have said it could be a little lower or higher, but they need to bring it to at least 16 per branch per day to start with," Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), CEO, Ajay Bhushan Pandey told PTI recently.
Pandey said that logging less than 16 enrollments or updation instances by one bank branch means that people are not approaching such branches for Aadhaar-related activity.
Hence, banks have to take "proactive efforts" and create awareness about the Aadhaar facility.
"People should also go and visit branches for such work. All the information about the bank branches which are offering enrollment and updation facility is on our website," he said.
Over 7,000 branches of private and public sector banks have opened Aadhaar enrollment and updation centres within their premises, as against the stipulated over 13,851 branches that are required to do so.
Even the statistics on Aadhaar centres in post offices is looking up, Pandey said, adding that nearly 1,500 post offices were now offering Aadhaar facility.
The UIDAI has been in regular touch with the banks to see that issues being faced, if any, are resolved; and is also tracking the progress on opening up of more Aadhaar centres in banks.
Besides the 2,500 branches for which the UIDAI has flagged the issue, the remaining bank branches are witnessing satisfactory level of activity, he said.
In fact, bank branches and post offices together are seeing enrollment and updation activity to the tune of 70,000 per day, Pandey said.
The Bank Aadhaar Kendras are being set up with a view to make the Aadhaar verification process of bank accounts convenient for the people, and also to have more Aadhaar centres across the country.
The move is also aimed at providing convenience and more secure Aadhaar enrollment and updation facilities for Indian residents.
The Aadhaar-issuing body is of the view that the enrollment or updation activity carried out in each of these laggard branches must be at least 16 per day.
Moreover, they should cater to all the customers for Aadhaar enrollment and updation, even if an individual does not have an account with that particular branch.
"The total enrollments or updation that can happen in a branch are 40 to 50 a day. We have said it could be a little lower or higher, but they need to bring it to at least 16 per branch per day to start with," Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), CEO, Ajay Bhushan Pandey told PTI recently.
Pandey said that logging less than 16 enrollments or updation instances by one bank branch means that people are not approaching such branches for Aadhaar-related activity.
Hence, banks have to take "proactive efforts" and create awareness about the Aadhaar facility.
"People should also go and visit branches for such work. All the information about the bank branches which are offering enrollment and updation facility is on our website," he said.
Over 7,000 branches of private and public sector banks have opened Aadhaar enrollment and updation centres within their premises, as against the stipulated over 13,851 branches that are required to do so.
Even the statistics on Aadhaar centres in post offices is looking up, Pandey said, adding that nearly 1,500 post offices were now offering Aadhaar facility.
The UIDAI has been in regular touch with the banks to see that issues being faced, if any, are resolved; and is also tracking the progress on opening up of more Aadhaar centres in banks.
Besides the 2,500 branches for which the UIDAI has flagged the issue, the remaining bank branches are witnessing satisfactory level of activity, he said.
In fact, bank branches and post offices together are seeing enrollment and updation activity to the tune of 70,000 per day, Pandey said.
The Bank Aadhaar Kendras are being set up with a view to make the Aadhaar verification process of bank accounts convenient for the people, and also to have more Aadhaar centres across the country.
The move is also aimed at providing convenience and more secure Aadhaar enrollment and updation facilities for Indian residents.
General Awareness
First ever ‘crime-free zone’ along international border launched
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Context: In a first for both countries, the director generals of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have declared an 8.3 km stretch of the Indo-Bangladesh border as a ‘crime-free zone’.
The Crime-free zone:
The stretch covers the Gunarmath and Kalyani Border Out Posts (BOPs) in India and the Puthkhali and Daulatpur BOPs across the border. This stretch is one of the most vulnerable with cattle smuggling and other criminal activities prevalent.
How this zone works?
Both border guarding forces with the help of the civil administrations of the two countries, NGOs and the local populance will help in ensuring that no crime takes place along the stretch. Both the forces will work together to ensure that no crime or anti-social activity occurs along this stretch.
Way ahead:
This is a pilot project that will be reviewed after 5-6 months. The stretch will be extended to other trouble-prone areas. The idea is to target the more difficult areas along the 913 km of Indo-Bangladesh border under the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier.
Background:
Bangladesh and India share a 4,156 km long international border. This includes 262 km in Assam, 856 km in Tripura, 180 km in Mizoram, 443 km in Meghalaya, and 2,217 km in Bengal.
Context: In a first for both countries, the director generals of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have declared an 8.3 km stretch of the Indo-Bangladesh border as a ‘crime-free zone’.
The Crime-free zone:
The stretch covers the Gunarmath and Kalyani Border Out Posts (BOPs) in India and the Puthkhali and Daulatpur BOPs across the border. This stretch is one of the most vulnerable with cattle smuggling and other criminal activities prevalent.
How this zone works?
Both border guarding forces with the help of the civil administrations of the two countries, NGOs and the local populance will help in ensuring that no crime takes place along the stretch. Both the forces will work together to ensure that no crime or anti-social activity occurs along this stretch.
Way ahead:
This is a pilot project that will be reviewed after 5-6 months. The stretch will be extended to other trouble-prone areas. The idea is to target the more difficult areas along the 913 km of Indo-Bangladesh border under the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier.
Background:
Bangladesh and India share a 4,156 km long international border. This includes 262 km in Assam, 856 km in Tripura, 180 km in Mizoram, 443 km in Meghalaya, and 2,217 km in Bengal.
The Crime-free zone:
The stretch covers the Gunarmath and Kalyani Border Out Posts (BOPs) in India and the Puthkhali and Daulatpur BOPs across the border. This stretch is one of the most vulnerable with cattle smuggling and other criminal activities prevalent.
How this zone works?
Both border guarding forces with the help of the civil administrations of the two countries, NGOs and the local populance will help in ensuring that no crime takes place along the stretch. Both the forces will work together to ensure that no crime or anti-social activity occurs along this stretch.
Way ahead:
This is a pilot project that will be reviewed after 5-6 months. The stretch will be extended to other trouble-prone areas. The idea is to target the more difficult areas along the 913 km of Indo-Bangladesh border under the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier.
Background:
Bangladesh and India share a 4,156 km long international border. This includes 262 km in Assam, 856 km in Tripura, 180 km in Mizoram, 443 km in Meghalaya, and 2,217 km in Bengal.
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