Phase 1 of Bharat Net project to be completed by December 2017 On October 26, 2017, Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications announced that first phase of the Bharat Net project (National Optic Fibre Network) will be completed by December 2017, and will thereby provide internet access to 100000 gram panchayats across India. a. This announcement was made […]
Centre releases Rs 8,698 cr as GST compensation to states Central Government has released Rs 8698 crore as compensation to states for revenue loss following implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). i. All states except Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh have been given compensation for the first two months (July-August) after GST rollout. ii. Under GST framework, a cess
Ministry of External Affairs Launches “#AsktheSpokesperson” for better understanding of foreign policy On 27th October 2017, the Ministry of External Affairs launched the “#AsktheSpokesperson” initiative on Twitter, to create better awareness and understanding of foreign policy issues to general public. #AsktheSpokesperson: i. The inaugural session of #AsktheSpokesperson initiative was held on 27th October 2017 on the External
Karnataka cabinet approves transgender policy On October 26, 2017, Karnataka state cabinet approved a policy which seeks to provide legal protection to transgender community and thereby safeguard them from social and sexual exploitation. i. The objective of this policy is to remove the stigma attached to the transgender community and integrate them into mainstream of the society. ii. Under the policy,
CVC to launch new ‘integrity index’ to rank govt departments over anti-corruption measures In a bid to practice preventive vigilance, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) will develop an ‘Integrity Index’, which will annually rank government entities viz. Public Sector Undertakings, Public Sector Banks and Financial Institution, Departments and Ministries of Government of India on anti-corruption measures which will include
Centre approves mega Rs 7-lakh crore project to develop 83,000 km highways in 5 years On October 24, 2017, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a mega plan to build thousands of kilometres of roads and highways across India over the next five years. i. As per the broad contours of the plan, 83677 km of roads,
Paika Bidroha to be named as 1st War of Independence On October 23, 2017, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar mentioned that from the next academic session, ‘Paika Bidroha’ (Paika rebellion) of 1817 will included in history text books as ‘the First War of Independence’. i. In July 2017, the then President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated year-long celebration of Bi-Centenary of the Paika Bidroha of Odisha.
Haryana to introduce ‘PGs for cattle’ to boost milk production On October 22, 2017, Haryana State Government announced to set up ‘PGs (Paying Guests) for cattle’, through which people living in high-rises or in urban areas will be able to rear their own cattle and produce quality milk for their personal consumption. i. Under this initiative, Haryana State Government will earmark 50
Kandla Port gets green nod to develop Rs 1,176 crore smart city Government-owned Kandla Port Trust has received environment clearance for setting up a smart industrial port city in Kutch, Gujarat About Smart Port Cities to be developed by Kandla Port Trust: i. As per the proposal, smart industrial port cities will be set up at two separate sites
Government sets up expert group for suggestions on artificial intelligence policy Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has set up an internal committee which will provide suggestions to Indian government on framing a national policy on artificial intelligence (AI). i. This internal committee comprising of experts will advise the IT ministry on the most appropriate technology for India
India among five countries responsible for 50% newborn deaths As per a report titled “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality 2017”, India along with Pakistan, Nigeria, Congo and Ethiopia is responsible for half of all new-born deaths in the world. i. This report has been authored by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank Group and
Assam govt rolls out new Tourism policy On October 19, 2017, Assam State Government rolled out ‘Tourism Policy of Assam 2017’ with an aim to increase tourist inflow in the state by at least two to three times within next five years. i. ‘Tourism Policy of Assam 2017’ will be effective from January 2018 to December 2022. ii. To channelize
Assam approved new IT policy On October 17, 2017, Assam State Government approved a new Information Technology (IT) Policy. More Details about Assam Govt’s ne IT Policy: i. Under the new IT policy, companies involved in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO),companies engaged in software development and firms carrying out research will be provided financial support. ii. Call centres will receive one-time
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister launches Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana On October 16, 2017 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the ambitious ‘Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojna’ in the presence of the farmers at the Krishi Upaj Mandi in Khurai, Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. i. The objective of this scheme is to ensure reasonable prices to the farmers for their agriculture produces
Punjab police launches foot patrolling in all districts On October 16, 2017, Punjab police launched foot patrolling i.e. an initiative whereby police personnel will patrol designated areas on foot to keep a watch on anti-social elements. Foot Patrolling by Punjab Police: i. This initiative has been launched in all districts of Punjab. ii. Objective of foot patrolling is to