#railways defence tender

[hardynwa]

Court sentences Chinese to death for killing Nigerian girlfriend

A Kano-based High Court on Tuesday pronounced a death sentence by hanging on Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, 47, who stabbed his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani, 22, to death. A resident at Kano Railway quarters, Geng-Quangrong, was convicted on one count charge bordering on culpable homicide. While delivering judgment, Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, upheld that the prosecution had proven its case beyond any reasonable doubt, adding that, “The defendant’s testimony is inconsistent I hereby find him guilty.” Earlier, the prosecution counsel, the Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, informed the court that the convict committed the offence on September 16, 2022 at Janbulo Quarters Kano. According to him, on the same date at about 9pm, the convict stabbed the deceased with a knife in her house located at Janbulo Quarters, Kano for undisclosed reason. “The victim was promptly rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, where she was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor,” he added. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. During the trial, the prosecution presented six witnesses to prove their case against the defendant, including his four exhibits. The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravenes the provision of Section 221(b) of the Penal Code. The defence counsel, Muhummad Dan’azumi, presented the defendant to defend himself and one other witness, who tendered five exhibits. Dan’azumi urged the court to recommend the defendant for a prerogative of mercy under Section 313 of ACJL. In his testimony, the accused, Frank said, “I didn’t kill Ummulkhulsum intentionally but stabbed her in self-defence after she grabbed my testacles.” He pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in its judgment. Speaking with journalists shortly after the verdict, the victim’s mother, Hajiya Fatima Zubairu, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s death sentence, acknowledging that it will serve as a deterrent in the future for anyone who takes the law into his hands. Read the full article

[tenderontime]

Latest Germany Tenders, Government Tenders and Online Auctions in Germany - TendersOnTime

Find latest Germany Tenders online, eprocurement, etenders, public tender, transport tenders, ethiopian tenders, railway tender, security tenders, civil tenders, vehicle tenders, civil work tender, electrical tender, ministry of defence online tenders, european tenders, online e tender, bidding and other Global Germany Public Procurement Business Opportunities. For Information about tenders visit TenderOnTime website.

[eservicesbandhu]

[greatworldwar2]

• Panzerzug BP42

The Panzerzug German (armour train) type BP42 and later BP44 models were German heavy armoured they introduced significant designs of a versatile and well-equipped nature, including railcars which housed anti-aircraft gun turrets, or designed to load and unload tanks and railcars which had complete armour protection with a large concealed gun/howitzer. Germany also had fully armoured locomotives which were used on such trains.

Germany made use of armoured trains from the beginning of the Second World War. Extensive use was made of captured material, and new trains were built for the invasion of Russia in 1941. Military success was followed by lengthening supply lines, and armoured trains were needed to protect the railways from partisan activity. Attack, defence, patrol and maintenance of communications, even artillery support: there was a wide variety of potential roles for the armoured train. In May 1942 the decision was made to create a standard design of train - the BP42 - which, with a few improvements and modifications, was to serve to the end of the war. Eleven BP42 trains were constructed, and several older trains were re-configured to approximate to this standard, using the existing stock. Additional anti-tank firepower was later added, to make the BP44.

The complete BP42/BP44 train was symmetrical. In the centre was an armoured locomotive Matador kit ATG-1. This had an armoured tender behind, and an identical auxiliary tender ATG-2 in front to increase range. Next came artillery wagons ATG-3, each with some accommodation, for kitchen or medical purposes. The gun, a 7.2cm or 10 cm howitzer, was housed in a ten-sided revolving turret. Outside these came two nearly identical wagons. One was the infantry wagon ATG-5, and the other the command wagon ATG-4, nearly identical but distinguishable by minor differences in the roof plates and by its radio aerials. Outside these came an artillery and flak wagon ATG-6. The flak was the 2 cm Flakvierling, and the turret was identical with that of the artillery wagon. Armour for all units was between 1.5 and 3 cm. This extended down to protect the bogies. Articulating armour plates allowed the crew to move between the wagons under cover. The train's armament was strengthened by the addition of two tanks, to enable it to combat enemy attacks. A ramp at the outer end of the wagon enabled the tank to disembark rapidly. Typically two Czech 38T tanks were carried: not a match for the later enemy tanks, particularly in the East, but reliable, and highly effective against partisans.

The BP44 was the improved version of the BP 42, introduced in 1944. The most visible change was the replacement of the pusher cars with Panzerjäger wagons ATG-9. Essentially these were flat cars with a low superstructure carrying the Panzer IV turret armed with the long 7.5cm KwK L/48. This gave some measure of protection against tank attack. Strengthening of the armour plate was largely precluded by the resulting weight increase. An order was placed for 46 Panzerjäger wagons, but may not have been fully implemented. BP42 and BP44 trains were also provided with two Panhard Armoured Cars, able to operate normally but also supplied with alternative rail wheels for scouting along the tracks. The wheels not in use were typically carried in addition cars.

The BP42/44 trains were formidable weapons. They had considerable firepower in their own right and their crew of in excess of 130 men was able to launch effective infantry action with armoured support. They were ponderous, and in some situations found difficulty combating the guerrilla tactics of partisans. They were vulnerable to mine-traps, and their great firepower was at times not fully useable. As the tide turned against Germany by 1943, they proved very effective in the defensive fighting and protection of rail communications from the advancing Russians.

This post was suggested by @archangel7609

[theinnernetsurfer]

#2.3 – What can we do? What is the government doing?

Hi! I hope you’ve read #2, #2.1 and #2.2 before getting here. If not, please click on their links.😊

—

As with most things in life, the coronavirus too shall pass.

But from what we've seen in the last three months, it's set to stay longer than we all initially anticipated. Till a vaccine comes around, our focus should be on how we can position ourselves, to not only survive this period, but also come out stronger on the other side?

First, we must realise that though the lockdowns have ended, the threat to human life remains. History tells us that - the Spanish Flu of 1918 was most devastating in its second wave. And there could very well be a second wave of the coronavirus in India. So let's continue to be cautious, wear masks, exercise social distancing and maintain a high level of hygiene.

Second, since the economy has slowed down, and it looks like we're going to be in a recession for the next 2-4 years, we must invest in ourselves. Improve our skills and build new ones. One could use this time to improve one's health, mind-space, digital expertise, and so on.

Three key lessons ring through for individuals and organisations alike -

Be more conscious of how your actions affect Mother Nature.

Debt is a double edged sword. If you have any, pay it off as soon as possible.

Invest in digital.

While science and healthcare have do the heavy lifting of saving lives, policymakers must shoulder the burden by saving livelihoods and incomes.

Let's look at what the chief commander - the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the captain of the ship - the Government of India (GOI) have been doing to steer the ship to safety.

Reserve Bank of India

The RBI’s job is to regulate the flow of money in the economy, with the goal of controlling inflation. How does it do this? Well, the RBI regulates all the banks and NBFCs. And those two, put together, effect the flow of most of the liquidity in the system.

The RBI has taken a number of steps to free up liquidity and add more of it, to keep the economic time machine ticking. The rationale is - when businesses find themselves in a hole, they need extra liquidity for some time to dig their way out. By making liquidity available to the banks, the RBI has encouraged them to lend, and this should revive the economy ie. bring back the flow of money!

Yes, there could be some damage, like, rise in inflation (since more money is available but activity levels are still low), and some defaults by borrowers who are unable to dig their way out of this situation. But the other alternative is the death of many, many businesses.

Here is a simplified version of steps taken by RBI -

For the banks -

Banks are required to keep a certain percentage of its deposits with the RBI and an additional percentage with themselves, as a safety measure to meet withdrawal requests. These percentages have been reduced by the RBI. This frees up money for lending.

Lent money to banks at attractive rates. This additional money was to be used to purchase corporate bonds, commercial papers and non-convertible debentures. This would ease redemption pressures being faced by companies borrowing through bonds.

Guided banks to put in place disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Example - alternative data sites, etc.

Allowed banks to participate in offshore currency markets. This allows banks to hedge their risks.

Reduced compliance and regulatory burden on banks.

Added funds to NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) and NHB (National Housing Bank). These provide long term funding to agriculture and rural sectors, small industries, housing finance companies, NBFCs and micro-finance institutions.

The RBI is the banker for the Central Government and State Governments. States are allowed to borrow up to certain limits only. These limits have been increased and terms of borrowing have been relaxed.

Other measures -

Eased compliances on exports.

Offered a liquidity facility to mutual funds, to support them during mass redemption pressure during this time.

For the benefit of all borrowers - offered moratorium period on loans taken from all financial institutions, and then extended the period due to continued stress.

Government of India

The GOI is similar to a team of whole time directors who run a massive company called India. They’re tasked with a wide range of functions. From an economic policy standpoint however, the GOIs job is to achieve the economic growth target in an inclusive manner, and reduce unemployment. How is this done? By supporting the business and entrepreneurial environment in the country through - development projects, tax and regulatory policies, fair and approachable departments, attracting foreign investment, access to finance, and so on.

The GOI has taken the following steps to save lives and livelihoods, and to reposition India as a stronger economy. It's an ambitious plan covering a multitude of topics, and execution will be key.

For economically backward classes - Direct benefit transfers, free ration, free gas cylinders, special credit facility for street vendors, doubled cap of collateral free loans to women in self-help groups, loan relief.

Financial support to - senior citizens, widows, specially abled, women jan-dhan account holders.

For migrant labour - shelters created for urban homeless providing three meals a day + essentials (face masks and hand sanitisers), free food grains, MGNREGA support to returning migrants, etc.

For frontline workers - free - medical insurance with ₹50 lakh cover, masks, hydroxychloroquine tablets, PPEs.

For farmers - direct benefit transfers, distribution of many more kisan credit cards, and agri loans with moratorium benefit announced.

Total overhaul of the agriculture supply chain planned through a new central act (coming soon). Through cluster based approaches micro enterprises will be formalised. Schemes for transportation and storage of all fruits and vegetables announced. These reforms will allow farmers to access a wider market and get better prices for their produce, and should attract participation from the private sector, agri entrepreneurs and startups.

For MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) measures like - collateral free loans, equity infusion, TDS relaxations, eased compliance, provident fund contribution. Disallowing global participation in tenders up to ₹250 Crores. Liquidity support to lenders.

For formal economy workers - health and safety code made applicable, annual health check-up and appointment letters made mandatory.

Tech driven online education - Radio and podcasts to be used. 3 channels launched, 12 in pipeline. Support for visually and hearing impaired students. Health and emotional well being support for students, families and teachers launched. Top 100 universities to be permitted to start online courses.

Reforms focused on the ease of doing business announced - empowered group of secretaries appointed to fast-track clearances, project development cells within each ministry to be set up, states to be ranked on investment attractiveness to promote healthy competition.

Sector specific initiatives announced in - power sector, battery storage, coal mining, minerals, defence, aviation, social infrastructure (roads, railways, public facilities, etc), space exploration. This should bring in more private participation and hence improve efficiency.

Some other initiatives -

Changed FDI policy to protect Indian companies from opportunistic acquisitions from abroad.

Infused liquidity into power distribution companies.

Schemes announced for converting government funded housing in cities into affordable rental complexes. And incentivising development of affordable rental housing.

Set up PM Cares fund - to combat the pandemic.

Set up a Rural Infrastructure Fund.

Afforestation initiatives launched to help restore ecological balance and provide jobs.

Provided financial support to dairy corporations and beekeeping initiatives.

Offered relief to fisheries industry.

Vaccination and tagging of animals done on a large scale.

Though I'm concerned about the spread of the pandemic, the ominous second wave, and the cruel impact COVID will have on our country's fiscal deficit (amount by which government spending exceeds government revenue) - I genuinely feel optimistic about the prospect of India coming out stronger on the other side of this financial crisis.

[bigyack-com]

What the tale of Train 18 tells us about India | Opinion - analysis

The year 2020 is bound to be marked by government efforts to boost economic growth and dispel the cloud of gloom hanging over the economy. One of the main thrusts will be the Prime Minister’s Make in India campaign. In his Independence Day Speech last year the Prime Minister singled out Train 18 or the Vande Bharat semi-high-speed intercity express as an example of India’s manufacturing capability. What has happened to the train since questions the government’s willingness to abandon bad habits which impede manufacturing in the government sector.For 25 or more years now, railways around the world have been switching from trains pulled by separate locomotives to trains which have their engines built into them and drivers’ cabins at both ends. Complete trains are faster, easier to maintain, consume less energy, and can be operated more efficiently. While the world has been moving on the Railway Board has been dithering over whether to manufacture the new trains in India or import them and departments have been feuding over who should be responsible for them if they are to be manufactured. Some in the higher echelons of the railways argued that India didn’t need this type of train ignoring the evidence of their success elsewhere in the world.Eventually a team of engineers at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai persuaded the Railway Board to allow them to manufacture a modern train. They designed and manufactured it within 18 months in contrast to the usual long-drawn out process involved in designing any new rolling stock. It was an Indian product designed and manufactured at a price no foreign manufacturer could compete with.Plans were made to manufacture 40 Vande Bharats in the next three years. But then although two trains were running without any problems, one from Delhi to Varanasi, and the other from Delhi to Katra, the Railway Board ordered manufacturing to stop and the specifications were redrawn in the Railways Research, Designs, and Standards Board . The standard practice of suggesting there is something wrong with a project was adopted by instituting vigilance enquiries against all the top members of the Vande Bharat team. Now the Ministry of Railways has announced that it is inviting global tenders for Vande Bharat trains which take care of improvements suggested by the Chief Commissioner for Railway Safety. The Chief Commissioner had cleared the original trains but now he has apparently found they need additional fire and safety protection. The other improvements promised are faster acceleration, more passenger comfort, and greater operational flexibility. Of course, safety is important but could not improvements, if called for, be incorporated in the original trains? As for the rest of the improvements, do they justify derailing the original Vande Bharat train and starting all over again with the delay and the cost involved? Is not this yet another example of ignoring the adage “the best is the enemy of the good.” The Defence Ministry has a particularly bad record of failing to procure equipment because of this bad habit. Train 18 is the story of a team which overcame the complex bureaucracy, the archaic procedures, the inter-departmental rivalries that have led to the railways’ failure to realise their potential. The lack of respect for the team’s achievement and their personal humiliation will inevitably encourage another bad habit of government organisations, the habit of doing nothing and agreeing to nothing in order to avoid any risk of getting into trouble. With the intervention of the vigilance authorities in mind, who will want to sign any contract for the new trains especially now that global bids have been invited. This brings me to a third bad habit highlighted by the Vande Bharat story – the common misuse of vigilance and other regulatory bodies to give a person or a project a bad name. Indian Railways have given a bad name to people and a project India was rightly proud of. The views expressed are personal Read the full article

[juudgeblog]

CVC guidelines with respect to government contracts

In this article, Raghav Ajmeria of Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College, Pune CVC guidelines with respect to government contracts.

Introduction

Public Procurement is a part of government operations for the smooth functioning of a country, but it doesn’t create a situation of corruption less procurements because we know that businessmen today can go to any extent to make profits in his/her business. Procurement is one such area which is vulnerable to fraud and corruption. No one knows here who can initiate the fraud it can be a contracting public officer or a goods supplier. According to the World Bank, it has estimated that roughly $1.5 trillion in public contract awards are influenced by corruption.

To be a developed nation, the country has to overcome the problem of corruption. Corruption reduces the quality of the goods and services rendered, so the CVC in this matter works and regulates so that the businessmen can’t just gain unnecessary profits. The commission has always ensured regarding the fair play of all procurements. The CVC’s main feature is taking into account the practices and procedures, being followed by various organisations are effective for the economy or not.

What is CVC?

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is the agency that is endorsed with the responsibility to oversee the promotion of good governance. The CVC has examined public procurements and works accordingly to improve the practices. According to a study of the Central Vigilance Commission, the Indian Railways adopts well-defined procedures governing the open tender and limited tender systems.

What is public procurement?

Public procurement of goods, services and constructions on behalf of public by government agencies. The government procurements comprise about 25 to 30 % of its gross domestic production(GDP). To achieve economic strengthening the government has adopted the method of procurement.

Why CVC has made guidelines regarding public procurement?

School, colleges, houses, hospital, roads, dams, and bridges these are the kind of public projects which is a great opportunity to corruption as it takes lots of money. Public procurement isn’t just about corruption, it is more than that because public procurement reduces the quality of the products which can cost lives of any individual. According to a research corruption can add as much as 50 percent to a project’s costs. Good procurement system works with transparency and clear regulations of the commissions that work above them. To meet the definition of a good procurement the government has introduced an apex body to bound the bidders by certain guidelines which can prevent corruption and give us a better quality of goods and services. In this matter the Central Vigilance Commission has issued guidelines to increase transparency and objectivity in public procurement.

Review of regulatory framework for public procurement in India

The constitution of India does not have any properly stated article on public procurement in India but however, the article no.299 states that all contracts made in the exercise of executive power of the union or state shall be supposed to be made by the President or by the Governor. There is no national legislation regarding the public procurement in India. Certain states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have framed legislation regarding public procurement. Public procurement today in India is a major activity to develop the nation’s security, economy, better infrastructure, defence.

Key Issues in Regulatory and Legal framework

Multiple guidelines

There is no single body defining the regulations regarding the policies and rules of public procurement in India. There are many loopholes and gaps regarding procurement as the there are various guidelines and models issued by the CVC regarding public procurement. In addition, not all these guidelines are available at a single source.

Absence of Standard procedures, contracts, and tender documents

Just because of the absence of an act with respect to public procurement allows the government to tweak the guidelines intentionally or unintentionally to benefit the stakes.

Present monitoring system – A weakness

CAG audits the tendering process. However, these audits are carried out after the damage is done. External audits fail in their effectiveness as the findings often do not attract the requisite attention of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee. The external audits usually fails in their effectiveness as the findings often do not attract the attention of parliamentary accounts committee.

Need for a public procurement law

Till today there has not been a single law or act regarding the public procurement. The CVC sometimes issues notifications regarding the procurement for the clarification process but there is not central department for the same. Accordingly, basic rules and regulations regarding the public procurement should be introduced for the better work.

Barriers to entry in public procurement in India

There is a tendency among the procurers to not to choose the big firms and this is done to ensure the quality of supply and reduce the cost of bids. However, this may lead to the entrance of new entities and which may result in an inefficient outcome.

Bureaucratic Hassles and complex procedures

A very dull process for participation sometimes creates severe barriers to the procurement. New firms are usually dependent on the approving authority but approval is not that easy as it seems. The approval takes a lot time and lot of corruption as the new firms have to go through a lengthy administrative procedure. The procedure is that’s why a complex one.

Identification and listing of anti-competitive provisions and practices

In India, the major laws and regulations belong to the pre-independence era and various amendments has to be made in regarding that. There has not been a proper policy regarding the procurement in India. The competition regulation may appear different in India because of the coming of Competition act, 2002 first and its policy after. The rules regarding the procurement have been proven weak from the competition angle. If we see according to the competition angle the concerned law has gone against the spirit of competition in the given area.

Guidelines on Tenders

Proper consultancy

The first and foremost feature of a consultant is that he/she should draw attention towards the guidelines of CVC, GFR issued by ministry of finance, relevant and extant instructions of government of India. Any consultant before giving any consult or advice to the department/organisation, the consultant should have knowledge about every little detail.

The issue of role and professional liability of consultants in government contracts has been under consideration in the commission for quite sometime

There should be an advisory to the consultants to keep in view the transparency and to provide equal opportunity to all the bidders and tenders.

The consultants shall avoid any kind of conflicts while discharging the contractual obligations and bring beforehand any possible instance of conflict of interest to the knowledge of the employer.

Before reaching the conclusions an employer must be fully consulted so that accordingly he would be accepting the advice and rendering the services.

Notice inviting offers

The tender applications regarding the notice invitation could be rejected without assigning any reason.

This clause is apparently incorporated in tender enquiries to safeguard the interest of the organisation in exceptional circumstance and to avoid any legal dispute, in such cases.

Shortcomings in the bidding process

Before the time of bidding, everyone should be aware of the evaluation criteria which the organisation is adopting should be made explicit at the time of inviting the offers so that the basic concept of transparency and equality is satisfied.

The acceptance and rejection of the proposal must be on justified grounds according to laid down prescriptions, leaving no rooms for complaints.

Requirements for e-procurement systems

The commission has been advocating regarding use of the technology for activities prone to corruption in 2006 and one of the remarkable initiative was adopting the e-procurement for goods, services, and works by all ministry/organisations commissions/departments advised all the organisation for the security of e-procurement systems and to get their system certified by Department of information technology (DIT).

The e-procurement system was basically introduced to reduce corruption and the organisations more effective and fast.

Consideration of Indian agents

The commission throughout the years have been stressing on the need to observe transparency and determination of fair prices while dealing with the tender services.

There has been number of references received in the commission citing certain situations and difficulties being faced in dealing with traders.

After the references received the commission has decided that in all cases of procurement, the following guidelines may be followed:

In a tender, either the Indian agent on behalf of the principal/OEM or principal/OEM itself can bid but both cannot bid simultaneously for the same item or product in the same tender.

If an agent submits bid on behalf of one principal/OEM, he cannot submit bid on behalf of another principal/OEM, in the same tender or same project.

The tender conditions must be carefully prepared keeping in view the above guidelines.

Projects funded by the world bank and other international agencies

It is clarified that the commission’s guidelines would not be applicable to projects funded by the World bank, IMF, etc. as part 2 of the commission’s circular.

Mobilisation advance

The mobilisations advance should not be paid in advance of more than 2 months.

To keep check on the contractor mis using the advance when the work is delayed.

Post-tender negotiations

As per circular the post tender negotiation could be a source of corruption. According to the commission, there cannot be any post tender negotiations except under certain circumstances.

E-tendering systems

It is clarified that while ensuring fair play, transparency, and open tendering procedure for e-tendering solutions, the organisations must take due care to see that effective security provisions are made in the system to prevent any misuse.

The Integrity Pact

The pact is basically between the bidders and the buyers committing the persons/officials of the both side to not to commit any sort of illegal practice or corrupt practice at any stage of the contract .

The Commission has, through its Office recommended adoption of Integrity Pact and provided basic guidelines for its implementation in respect of major procurements in the Government Organizations.

Time-bound processing of procurement

The Commission has observed that at times the processing of tenders is inordinately delayed which may result in time and cost overruns and also invite criticism from the Trade Sector. It is, therefore, essential that tenders are finalized and contracts are awarded in a time bound manner within original validity of the tender, without seeking further extension of validity

Details regarding tender on notice board or websites

The commission has directed the organisations to adopt the practice regarding the publications that they’ll publish as soon as the details of all such cases regarding tenders or out of turn allotments or discretion exercised in favour of an employee/party.

All organisations must post a one month summary regarding their tender.

Pre-qualification criteria

The Commission has received complaints regarding discriminatory pre qualification criteria incorporated in the tender documents by various Deptts./Organisations. It has also been observed during intensive examination of various works/contracts by CTEO that the prequalification criteria is either not clearly specified or made very stringent/very lax to restrict/facilitate the entry of bidders.

Tender Sample Clause

The Commission has received complaints that some organizations. The offers are rejected on the basis of tender samples not conforming to the requirements of feel, finish and workmanship as per the ‘master sample’ though the bidders confirm in their bids that supply shall be made as per the tender specifications, stipulated in the bid documents.

Conclusion

The context of corruption in public sector is very wide. Corruption is the key to public losses because the money created through the corruption is that amount of ineffectiveness or inefficiency used in the projects that is projected outcomes are of inferior quality. Proper checks on methods and regulations by the government authorities will create a situation and environment for a corruption-free procurement. Good public procurement is a method that will boost the economic strength and it will also reduce the problems of unemployment, low education rate, sex ratio.

  The post CVC guidelines with respect to government contracts appeared first on iPleaders.

CVC guidelines with respect to government contracts syndicated from http://ift.tt/2vKNZDn

[loyallogic]

CVC guidelines with respect to government contracts

In this article, Raghav Ajmeria of Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College, Pune CVC guidelines with respect to government contracts.

Introduction

Public Procurement is a part of government operations for the smooth functioning of a country, but it doesn’t create a situation of corruption less procurements because we know that businessmen today can go to any extent to make profits in his/her business. Procurement is one such area which is vulnerable to fraud and corruption. No one knows here who can initiate the fraud it can be a contracting public officer or a goods supplier. According to the World Bank, it has estimated that roughly $1.5 trillion in public contract awards are influenced by corruption.

To be a developed nation, the country has to overcome the problem of corruption. Corruption reduces the quality of the goods and services rendered, so the CVC in this matter works and regulates so that the businessmen can’t just gain unnecessary profits. The commission has always ensured regarding the fair play of all procurements. The CVC’s main feature is taking into account the practices and procedures, being followed by various organisations are effective for the economy or not.

What is CVC?

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is the agency that is endorsed with the responsibility to oversee the promotion of good governance. The CVC has examined public procurements and works accordingly to improve the practices. According to a study of the Central Vigilance Commission, the Indian Railways adopts well-defined procedures governing the open tender and limited tender systems.

What is public procurement?

Public procurement of goods, services and constructions on behalf of public by government agencies. The government procurements comprise about 25 to 30 % of its gross domestic production(GDP). To achieve economic strengthening the government has adopted the method of procurement.

Why CVC has made guidelines regarding public procurement?

School, colleges, houses, hospital, roads, dams, and bridges these are the kind of public projects which is a great opportunity to corruption as it takes lots of money. Public procurement isn’t just about corruption, it is more than that because public procurement reduces the quality of the products which can cost lives of any individual. According to a research corruption can add as much as 50 percent to a project’s costs. Good procurement system works with transparency and clear regulations of the commissions that work above them. To meet the definition of a good procurement the government has introduced an apex body to bound the bidders by certain guidelines which can prevent corruption and give us a better quality of goods and services. In this matter the Central Vigilance Commission has issued guidelines to increase transparency and objectivity in public procurement.

Review of regulatory framework for public procurement in India

The constitution of India does not have any properly stated article on public procurement in India but however, the article no.299 states that all contracts made in the exercise of executive power of the union or state shall be supposed to be made by the President or by the Governor. There is no national legislation regarding the public procurement in India. Certain states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have framed legislation regarding public procurement. Public procurement today in India is a major activity to develop the nation’s security, economy, better infrastructure, defence.

Key Issues in Regulatory and Legal framework

Multiple guidelines

There is no single body defining the regulations regarding the policies and rules of public procurement in India. There are many loopholes and gaps regarding procurement as the there are various guidelines and models issued by the CVC regarding public procurement. In addition, not all these guidelines are available at a single source.

Absence of Standard procedures, contracts, and tender documents

Just because of the absence of an act with respect to public procurement allows the government to tweak the guidelines intentionally or unintentionally to benefit the stakes.

Present monitoring system – A weakness

CAG audits the tendering process. However, these audits are carried out after the damage is done. External audits fail in their effectiveness as the findings often do not attract the requisite attention of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee. The external audits usually fails in their effectiveness as the findings often do not attract the attention of parliamentary accounts committee.

Need for a public procurement law

Till today there has not been a single law or act regarding the public procurement. The CVC sometimes issues notifications regarding the procurement for the clarification process but there is not central department for the same. Accordingly, basic rules and regulations regarding the public procurement should be introduced for the better work.

Barriers to entry in public procurement in India

There is a tendency among the procurers to not to choose the big firms and this is done to ensure the quality of supply and reduce the cost of bids. However, this may lead to the entrance of new entities and which may result in an inefficient outcome.

Bureaucratic Hassles and complex procedures

A very dull process for participation sometimes creates severe barriers to the procurement. New firms are usually dependent on the approving authority but approval is not that easy as it seems. The approval takes a lot time and lot of corruption as the new firms have to go through a lengthy administrative procedure. The procedure is that’s why a complex one.

Identification and listing of anti-competitive provisions and practices

In India, the major laws and regulations belong to the pre-independence era and various amendments has to be made in regarding that. There has not been a proper policy regarding the procurement in India. The competition regulation may appear different in India because of the coming of Competition act, 2002 first and its policy after. The rules regarding the procurement have been proven weak from the competition angle. If we see according to the competition angle the concerned law has gone against the spirit of competition in the given area.

Guidelines on Tenders

Proper consultancy

The first and foremost feature of a consultant is that he/she should draw attention towards the guidelines of CVC, GFR issued by ministry of finance, relevant and extant instructions of government of India. Any consultant before giving any consult or advice to the department/organisation, the consultant should have knowledge about every little detail.

The issue of role and professional liability of consultants in government contracts has been under consideration in the commission for quite sometime

There should be an advisory to the consultants to keep in view the transparency and to provide equal opportunity to all the bidders and tenders.

The consultants shall avoid any kind of conflicts while discharging the contractual obligations and bring beforehand any possible instance of conflict of interest to the knowledge of the employer.

Before reaching the conclusions an employer must be fully consulted so that accordingly he would be accepting the advice and rendering the services.

Notice inviting offers

The tender applications regarding the notice invitation could be rejected without assigning any reason.

This clause is apparently incorporated in tender enquiries to safeguard the interest of the organisation in exceptional circumstance and to avoid any legal dispute, in such cases.

Shortcomings in the bidding process

Before the time of bidding, everyone should be aware of the evaluation criteria which the organisation is adopting should be made explicit at the time of inviting the offers so that the basic concept of transparency and equality is satisfied.

The acceptance and rejection of the proposal must be on justified grounds according to laid down prescriptions, leaving no rooms for complaints.

Requirements for e-procurement systems

The commission has been advocating regarding use of the technology for activities prone to corruption in 2006 and one of the remarkable initiative was adopting the e-procurement for goods, services, and works by all ministry/organisations commissions/departments advised all the organisation for the security of e-procurement systems and to get their system certified by Department of information technology (DIT).

The e-procurement system was basically introduced to reduce corruption and the organisations more effective and fast.

Consideration of Indian agents

The commission throughout the years have been stressing on the need to observe transparency and determination of fair prices while dealing with the tender services.

There has been number of references received in the commission citing certain situations and difficulties being faced in dealing with traders.

After the references received the commission has decided that in all cases of procurement, the following guidelines may be followed:

In a tender, either the Indian agent on behalf of the principal/OEM or principal/OEM itself can bid but both cannot bid simultaneously for the same item or product in the same tender.

If an agent submits bid on behalf of one principal/OEM, he cannot submit bid on behalf of another principal/OEM, in the same tender or same project.

The tender conditions must be carefully prepared keeping in view the above guidelines.

Projects funded by the world bank and other international agencies

It is clarified that the commission’s guidelines would not be applicable to projects funded by the World bank, IMF, etc. as part 2 of the commission’s circular.

Mobilisation advance

The mobilisations advance should not be paid in advance of more than 2 months.

To keep check on the contractor mis using the advance when the work is delayed.

Post-tender negotiations

As per circular the post tender negotiation could be a source of corruption. According to the commission, there cannot be any post tender negotiations except under certain circumstances.

E-tendering systems

It is clarified that while ensuring fair play, transparency, and open tendering procedure for e-tendering solutions, the organisations must take due care to see that effective security provisions are made in the system to prevent any misuse.

The Integrity Pact

The pact is basically between the bidders and the buyers committing the persons/officials of the both side to not to commit any sort of illegal practice or corrupt practice at any stage of the contract .

The Commission has, through its Office recommended adoption of Integrity Pact and provided basic guidelines for its implementation in respect of major procurements in the Government Organizations.

Time-bound processing of procurement

The Commission has observed that at times the processing of tenders is inordinately delayed which may result in time and cost overruns and also invite criticism from the Trade Sector. It is, therefore, essential that tenders are finalized and contracts are awarded in a time bound manner within original validity of the tender, without seeking further extension of validity

Details regarding tender on notice board or websites

The commission has directed the organisations to adopt the practice regarding the publications that they’ll publish as soon as the details of all such cases regarding tenders or out of turn allotments or discretion exercised in favour of an employee/party.

All organisations must post a one month summary regarding their tender.

Pre-qualification criteria

The Commission has received complaints regarding discriminatory pre qualification criteria incorporated in the tender documents by various Deptts./Organisations. It has also been observed during intensive examination of various works/contracts by CTEO that the prequalification criteria is either not clearly specified or made very stringent/very lax to restrict/facilitate the entry of bidders.

Tender Sample Clause

The Commission has received complaints that some organizations. The offers are rejected on the basis of tender samples not conforming to the requirements of feel, finish and workmanship as per the ‘master sample’ though the bidders confirm in their bids that supply shall be made as per the tender specifications, stipulated in the bid documents.

Conclusion

The context of corruption in public sector is very wide. Corruption is the key to public losses because the money created through the corruption is that amount of ineffectiveness or inefficiency used in the projects that is projected outcomes are of inferior quality. Proper checks on methods and regulations by the government authorities will create a situation and environment for a corruption-free procurement. Good public procurement is a method that will boost the economic strength and it will also reduce the problems of unemployment, low education rate, sex ratio.

  The post CVC guidelines with respect to government contracts appeared first on iPleaders.

CVC guidelines with respect to government contracts published first on http://ift.tt/2gOI9L4

[axomlive]

Intel alerts on malware attack, Railways says it updates firewalls (Ld)

New Post has been published on http://www.asomlive.com/news/intel-alerts-on-malware-attack-railways-says-it-updates-firewalls-ld.html

Intel alerts on malware attack, Railways says it updates firewalls (Ld)

At the time when the nation is yet to recover from the shock of losing 20 Indian troops in a violent clash with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, another shocker has come to light with news coming of malware hitting the Indian Railways network and snooping its data for foreign countries, including train movements, sources in the intelligence agencies said on Friday.

Meanwhile, Railways Board Chairman V.K. Yadav said that the national transporter keeps on receiving malware security threats and the engineers in the railways keep on taking all precautions and keeps on updating the firewalls to prevent data theft.

The news comes a day after the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation Limited (DFCCIL) decided to terminate the 417-km signaling project worth Rs 471 crore with Chinese firm Beijing National Railway Research and Design Institute of Signal and Communication Group Company Limited (BNRRDISC) due to non-performance.

According to intelligence agency sources, the system of the Railways has been hit by the APT 36 Malware campaign. The source said that the intel agencies have also alerted the Railway Board to instantly disconnect the system with the Internet and change the password immediately.

The source said the APT 36 Malware is connected to Pakistan, which is a close ally of China. The source further said that following the red flag from the intel agencies, the system of a senior Principal Executive Director of the Railways, working in its vigilance department, has been taken for cleaning the malware threat.

As per the source, through the APT 36 Malware campaign, data stored in the Indian Railways systems were being stolen and stored in foreign locations, including the movement of the trains.

He further claimed that the APT 36 Malware also tried to take defense movement data.

The source said the APT 36 Malware effect was reported from at least four systems of the Indian Railways.

Responding to queries, the Railways Board Chairman said: “Whether it is our systems or the IRCTC, we continuously update it with firewalls, and it is an ongoing process we get the updates.”

Yadav said that our system is updated from time to time. “We get malware threat on a regular basis. And we look at it continuously,” he said.

When pressed further about the malware threat in four railways systems, he said: “It has not come to our notice that some information has been leaked. Our systems are secure and our engineers keep on working on it.”

According to intel sources, besides Railways, there was also malware threat in the defence, Central Police Organisations, education, and healthcare sectors, the source said.

In view of the threat, the intel agencies have asked the departments concerned to change the passwords of emails and online services from secure computers, format the hard-disk of the affected computers after taking a back-up, and re-install the operating systems and other software.

Sources in the Railways had said on Thursday that DFFCIL, which is looking after the work of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, has decided to terminate the tender with BNRRDISC.

A source in the Railway Ministry said that it has informed the Railway Board and the World Bank to take the final decision in the matter.

The source said the project was awarded to the Chinese firm in 2016 for signaling and telecommunication work in the 417-km Kanpur-Deen Dayal Upadhyaya section of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC).

The source disclosed that the contract was awarded to the Beijing National Railway Research and Design Institute in June 2016. The source further said that even after four years, the progress in the project was only 20 percent. The issues that led to the termination of the project are reluctance by the company to furnish technical documents, as per the contract agreement, such as the logic design of electronic interlocking.

The source further said that other issues like the non-availability of their engineers and authorized personnel on-site was a serious constraint. Even physical work could not progress as they have no tie-up with local agencies.

The 3,373-km DFC, a flagship project of the Railways, aims to augment rail transport capacity to meet the growing requirement of movement of goods by segregating freight from passenger traffic.

Ladakh faceoff: Indian Air Force put on high alert

[brajeshupadhyay]

Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: Eight labourers dead, over 50 injured in bus-truck collision in Madhya Pradesh's Guna

08:41 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates 

28 more test COVID-19 positive in Lucknow

Twenty eight COVID-19 samples of the total 982 have tested positive on Wednesday, King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow was quoted by news agency ANI.

"Out of the 982 samples tested on Wednesday for COVID-19, results of 28 came positive," 'read the statement from King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow.

08:32 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates 

Passenger train arrives in Karnataka from Delhi 

The first batch of passengers arrive at KSR Bengaluru railway station in a special superfast train from New Delhi on Thursday. The passengers were now being taken in buses to a place of their choice for institutional quarantine.

First batch of passengers arrive at KSR Bengaluru railway station as first special superfast train from #NewDelhi arrive in #Bengaluru. They are now being taken in buses to a place of their choice for institutional quarantine. @IndianExpress @KARailway @SWRRLY @WeAreBangalore pic.twitter.com/WYr1a76Iw2

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) May 14, 2020

08:12 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates 

Eight labourers dead, 50 injured after truck they were travelling in collides with bus in MP

Eight labourers were killed and around 50 were injured after the truck they were travelling in collided with a bus in Madhya Pradesh's Guna on Wednesday night, ANI reported.

The injured labourers have been shifted to a district hospital. They were going to their home towns in Uttar Pradesh from Maharashtra.

Madhya Pradesh: 8 labourers dead & around 50 injured after the truck they were travelling in, collided with a bus in Cantt PS area in Guna last night. Injured persons shifted to district hospital.All the 8 killed labourers were going to their native places in UP from Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/OaB9SCLpjY

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2020

07:53 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates 

Six migrant workers mowed down by state bus in Muzaffarnagar, two injured

Six migrant workers were killed and two were injured after being mowed down by a state transport bus while they were walking towards Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar late Wednesday night.

The labourers, who were headed home in Bihar on foot, were killed in the Muzaffarnagar-Saharanpur highway after a speeding bus ran over them late last night, near Ghalauli check-post. 

A case of negligence will be filed against the driver, Indian Express quoted Anil Kaparvan, SHO Kotwali police station as saying. 

👉6 migrant workers killed, mowed down by a bus in UP's Muzaffarnagar 👉Initial input suggests they were heading to their homes in Bihar on foot, cops verifying 👉Death toll of migrants by accidents during lockdowns rises to 70. 👉Details of the remaining 64 in my #THREAD 👇

— Saahil Murli Menghani (@saahilmenghani) May 14, 2020

07:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Updates 

51 people put in quarantine in Guwahati after arriving from Delhi 

Fifty one of the total 130 people who arrived from Delhi to Dibrugarh have been put in quarantine after being brought to Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati, for mandatory screening, said Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

"The remaining have been sent back to their respective districts. After their swabs are taken, these 51 would be put in quarantine," said Sarma. 

Out of the 130 people who deboarded the train from Delhi to Dibrugarh, in Guwahati, 51 were brought to Sarusajai Stadium for mandatory screening, while remaining have been sent back to their respective districts. After their swabs are taken, these 51 would be put in quarantine. pic.twitter.com/qq9rAoRYDA

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 13, 2020

07:29 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates 

Like HIV, coronavirus unlikely to go away: WHO 

The novel coronavirus could become endemic in the same way like the HIV and the populations around the world will have to learn to live with it, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday.

Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday, WHO emergencies director Dr Mike Ryan said the coronavirus "may never go away" and warned against trying to predict when the virus would disappear.

"It is important to put this on the table: this virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities, and this virus may never go away," Ryan told the virtual press conference from Geneva.

"HIV has not gone away - but we have come to terms with the virus," he said. 

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: Eight labourers were killed and around 50 were injured after the truck they were travelling in collided with a bus in Madhya Pradesh's Guna on Wednesday night, ANI reported.

The injured labourers have been shifted to a district hospital. They were going to their home towns in Uttar Pradesh from Maharashtra.

Six migrant workers were killed and two were injured after being mowed down by a state transport bus while they were walking towards Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar late Wednesday night.

The labourers, who were headed home in Bihar on foot, were killed in the Muzaffarnagar-Saharanpur highway after a speeding bus ran over them late last night, near Ghalauli check-post.

A case of negligence will be filed against the driver, Indian Express quoted Anil Kaparvan, SHO Kotwali police station as saying.

The nationwide tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases inched towards 75,000 on Wednesday with several large urban clusters reporting a further spread of the novel coronavirus, while the government unveiled measures amounting to about Rs 6 lakh crore in easy loans, additional liquidity and other incentives to help businesses fight the crisis.

The first installment of the Rs 20-lakh-crore economic package, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, came on the 50th day of the coronavirus lockdown and merely four days before the end of its third phase on 17 May.

A decision on the future course of action on the lockdown is expected in the next few days, though Modi has said that the 'fourth' phase will be an 'improved' version of third phase, in which some relaxations were already given.

On Wednesday evening, the Centre also said that the PM-CARES Fund Trust has decided to allocate Rs 3,100 crore for the fight against COVID-19, out of which nearly Rs 2,000 crore will be earmarked for purchasing ventilators and Rs 1,000 crore for migrant labourers.

Another Rs 100 crore will be given to support coronavirus vaccine development, the PMO statement said.

The trust formed on 27 March is headed by the prime minister. The other ex-officio members of the trust are the defence minister, the home minister and the finance minister.

Centre unveils first dose of Rs 20-lakh-crore economic package

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the first part of the economic package, which is aimed at making India 'self-reliant' and also promote 'local' businesses.

Sitharaman said that no global tenders will be issued for government contracts worth up to Rs 200 crore to promote Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Taking forward the new 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' (Self-Reliant India Mission), Home Minister Amit Shah separately announced that all canteens of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and the BSF will sell only indigenous products from 1 June.

These canteens cater to nearly 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel. In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said that the decision has been taken after Modi's appeal for being self-reliant and opting for local products.

There are expectations that many more steps might be announced soon to promote indigenous products, though Sitharaman said being self-reliant does not mean that India would look only inwards and become an "isolationist" country.

Modi said the measures announced by the finance minister will enhance liquidity, empower entrepreneurs and strengthen their competitive spirit, while addressing various issues faced by businesses, especially MSMEs.

The measures included Rs 3 lakh crore collateral-free automatic loan for businesses including MSMEs, which Sitharaman said would benefit 45 lakh small businesses.

Consultancy major KPMG India's Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar said MSMEs are critical for employment preservation and growth and helping them is the surest way to accelerate job creation. He also welcomed measures for improving liquidity for lenders and businesses, including by helping non-banking finance companies.

Congress leader P Chidambaram, however, said that the Centre's COVID-19 economic stimulus package had nothing for lakhs of poor and hungry migrant workers who have been walking to their homes.

India's MSME sector employs nearly 11 crore people and accounts for about 45 percent of the country's total manufacturing output, 40 percent of exports and almost 30 percent of the GDP. However, the sector has been hit hard by the lockdown, with millions of units staring at the prospect of closure and the threat of job losses.

Lakhs of migrant workers were also left jobless and homeless due to the pandemic, especially after the lockdown came into effect on 25 March.

While special trains and buses have been arranged for them in the recent weeks and continue to operate to help them reach their native places, thousands of them had to walk or even hide in trucks and containers to reach their destinations.

In the past few days, the large scale migrant movement has raised another worry of the virus getting spread further. Also, some cases have come to the light, including in Kerala, of people testing positive after being airlifted from abroad under a massive evacuation scheme of the Centre which is currently underway to bring back Indians and expatriates stranded in different countries.

COVID-19 cases in India cross 75,000-mark, toll rises to 2,415

In its morning update, the Health Ministry said the toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 2,415 and the number of cases has climbed to 74,281, registering an increase of 122 deaths and 3,525 cases since Tuesday morning. This included over 47,000 active cases and more than 24,000 people who have recovered from the infection.

However, a PTI tally of numbers disclosed by states and UTs, as of 6.45 pm, showed at least 75,144 total cases across the country. It also showed nearly 25,000 having recovered so far.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said that nine states and UTs, including Chhattisgarh, Ladakh, Manipur and Meghalaya, have not reported any new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours while Daman and Diu, Sikkim, Nagaland and Lakshadweep have not reported any cases so far.

Vardhan also said the the doubling time of cases has improved to 12.6 in the last three days, from 11 in the past 14 days. He further observed that the fatality rate is 3.2 percent and the recovery rate is pegged at 32.8 percent.

Kerala, where new cases had stopped coming up till a few days back, saw 10 more people testing positive, including four who have come from abroad.

At the same time, large numbers of new cases continued to come up in Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, among some other states and UTs.

Maharashtra saw the highest single-day jump in cases on Wednesday, with 1,495 new patients testing positive in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state, which is one of the worst hit, crossed 25,000 and toll reached 975.

Mumbai accounts for over 60 percent of all cases in Maharashtra, with around 1500 cases.

Lockdown eased in England, Saudi Arabia announces Eid curfew

The sound of a crisply struck golf ball could be heard in England for the first time in nearly two months as golf courses reopened on Wednesday as part of a modest easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions that has bred confusion and an increase in the use of public transport, AP reported.

People in England are allowed to exercise more than once a day and with one person from outside their household, provided they remain two meters (around 6.5 feet) apart. Other sporting activities, such as tennis and swimming in lakes and fishing, are allowed too.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced a new 24-hour nationwide curfew from 23 May and during the Eid holidays to curb the COVID-19 spread, CNN reported.

In Italy, the number of calls to a government run anti-violence helpline rose by 73 percent during the coronavirus lockdown, the report added.

via Blogger https://ift.tt/2Z2B69g

[bharatiyamedia-blog]

India's overseas coverage for subsequent 5 years: New Delhi should stave off Chinese language affect on Myanmar by means of commerce, improvement help

http://tinyurl.com/y4k95o74 Editor’s word: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tour of the Maldives is his first worldwide go to after having taken oath for the second time. His 2014 swearing-in ceremony featured leaders from SAARC nations as particular invitees, whereas in 2019, it was the BIMSTEC leaders and people from Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius who had been in attendance, underlining the significance the prime minister locations on worldwide relations. That is the eighth in a series of articles that appears at key overseas coverage targets for the Modi authorities because it appears to the subsequent 5 years. *** For the Indian overseas coverage institution, particularly beneath the present Narendra Modi authorities, Myanmar has been a pivotal nation. Strategically positioned on the intersection of South and Southeast Asia, it’s at a civilisational crossroads of kinds. As Myanmar is the one ASEAN member state to share a border with India, the nation is the place New Delhi’s Act East Coverage (AEP) and ‘Neighbourhood First’ coverage (NFP) overlap. The primary time period of the Modi authorities witnessed a lot exercise on the japanese entrance, with the AEP and NFP collectively birthing a brand new template of outreach. Many of the work occurred beneath three key clusters: commerce relations, developmental co-operation and safety collaboration. A fourth sub-cluster was the availability of humanitarian help to ease the Rohingya disaster, which erupted in August 2017 following an assault by Rohingya insurgents on Myanmar border police outposts in northern Rakhine State. The upward tenor of the bilateral ties was additional embellished by a slew of high-level visits from either side, together with a visit by Modi to Myanmar in September 2017, a rare eight-day visit by the Commander-in-Chief of the omnipotent Tatmadaw (Myanmar defence forces), Senior Normal Min Aung Hlaing, to India in July 2017, and a go to by Myanmar President, Win Myint, to India in December 2018. In some ways, the renewal of the New Delhi-Naypyitaw relationship was watered by the democratic transition in Myanmar that noticed the election of a civilian authorities in 2015, led by Aung San Suu Kyi’s Nationwide League for Democracy (NLD). Subsequent occasions, significantly the regular souring of the connection between Myanmar and the West over the Rohingya disaster, noticed Naypyitaw directing its deal with fortifying its relationships with old-time regional companions, New Delhi being a outstanding one. The opposite, in fact, is China. Narendra Modi with Aung San Suu Kyi. File picture. PTI As geopolitical circumstances would have it, India has slowly emerged as a vital counterbalancing ally for the Tatmadaw and the NLD authorities as a extra assertive Beijing expands its financial presence and political clout in Myanmar. This has basically translated to stronger political complementarities between the Modi and Suu Kyi administrations and deeper military-to-military collaborations. Thus, when famous journalist and shut Myanmar-watcher, Bertil Lintner, recently noted that India and Myanmar have gotten “brothers in arms”, he was actually not exaggerating. But, as the federal government in New Delhi prepares for a second consecutive time period, a lot work stays to be completed throughout all fronts. On this regard, three points stay most crucial for India in Myanmar: swift implementation of proposed improvement tasks, diversifying its commerce profile, and taking an ethical, justice-oriented stance on the Rohingya disaster. Collectively, these may help New Delhi mount an efficient geopolitical response to China’s quickly rising clout in Myanmar, which is actually one in all India’s key targets within the nation. Whereas every of the three parts requires a definite strategy from numerous wings of the Indian institution, the Modi authorities wants finer inter-ministerial and inter-departmental coordination to complement its presence in Myanmar. On the event help entrance, the Modi authorities has completed properly to steadily scale up core budgetary assist to Myanmar. In actual fact, the estimated allocations within the final two union budgets (FY 2018-19 and FY 2019-20, interim) are the best ever prolonged to the japanese neighbour by New Delhi, however the actuals spendings which can be but to be made public. Moreover, the EXIM Financial institution additionally prolonged a $198.96 million Line of Credit score to the Myanmar International Commerce Financial institution (MFTB) in 2015. Many of the Indian cash has gone into funding Small Growth Initiatives (SDPs) across a host of sectors, reminiscent of connectivity, Info Know-how, agriculture, schooling, capacity-building, and different coaching infrastructure. Of those, the Border Space Growth Venture (BADP), which goals to enhance inside connectivity and social infrastructure in Sagaing Division and Chin State (each bordering India), is of specific significance. India might very properly increase this developmental template to the underdeveloped hinterlands of Myanmar, permitting New Delhi to play a pivotal position in bottom-up, people-centric improvement within the nation. Regardless of the advances, India wants to make sure quicker implementation of proposed tasks and hasten the completion of these beneath building. Amongst the latter, the Rs 2,904.04-crore Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Venture (KMMTTP) is essentially the most essential by way of connecting India and Myanmar alongside the japanese sub-region. Presently in its final stages, the Modi authorities should prioritise the swift completion of the long-pending mission, which additionally entails India taking operational management of the Sittwe port in Rakhine State. On this regard, the newly-established Logistics Division throughout the Ministry of Commerce can play a decisive position in guaranteeing quicker tendering of building assets. Speedy implementation of big-ticket tasks such because the KMMTTP turn out to be much more crucial for India given the frontal competitors it faces from China. Beijing is already in partial management of a deep-sea port in Kyauk Phyu (additional south of Sittwe in Rakhine), and shortly plans to build an SEZ round it. As a part of this, it’s also working a twin oil-and-gas pipeline from the Rakhine shoreline to Yunnan Province. The Xi authorities has additionally signed a CPEC-like settlement with Myanmar, referred to as the China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), elements of which entail building of an expressway and a superfast railway line from southern China all the way in which to Rakhine State by way of the central city centres. On the bilateral commerce entrance, the second Modi authorities has a stable headstart: over the previous one 12 months, the total trade value has gone up by 19.2 % (or $15.four million). As well as, a better quantity of products, price $128.9 million, was traded throughout the land border checkpoints in Tamu-Moreh, Reed and Htalana. Nevertheless, most of this overland commerce is informal in nature, and in addition contains illicit exchanges. New Delhi might work in the direction of partially formalising and diversifying this border commerce by means of correct checkpoint registry mechanisms, as additionally mused upon by the present Indian ambassador to Myanmar in a recent interview. On the identical time, there’s a lot sense in permitting a few of the localised casual commerce to proceed, on which many border communities rely for his or her on a regular basis sustenance. On the safety entrance, there was a flurry of exercise. Whilst India went to polls starting April, the Indian military had already performed “joint” operations in February with its Myanmar counterpart to contain ethnic Rakhine insurgents alongside the Mizoram-Chin State border. Later, in Might, it staged a second spherical of “coordinated” operations in opposition to the Nationwide Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-Ok) and three different Indian Insurgents Teams (IIGs) alongside the Manipur-Sagaing border. The Tatmadaw had separately acted in opposition to the NSCN-Ok in February. Nevertheless, the Tatmadaw has refused to publicly admit any “joint” operations with India, as an alternative emphasising on its assist position in apprehending Indian insurgents working in Burmese territory. Whereas this may be considerably embarrassing for India, it was not totally unexpected given the Tatmadaw’s personal regional political compulsions, particularly with China respiratory down its neck. But, beneath the Modi authorities’s first time period, the safety institutions of India and Myanmar grew nearer than ever earlier than. Again in July 2018, the Indian authorities formally expressed its need to modernise the Myanmar military and navy, which later manifested in big-ticket arms deals, bilateral training exercises and high-level visits from either side, together with a recent meeting of Indian defence secretary, Sanjay Mitra, with the Tatmadaw’s Commander-in-Chief. Evidently, by negotiating by means of previous bitterness, each militaries have incrementally constructed belief and synergy, not simply alongside the overland border, but in addition the geostrategically pivotal Bay of Bengal maritime sector. For India, partnerships within the latter maintain the important thing to preserving an bold China at bay. Nevertheless, India’s outreach to the Tatmadaw has a problematic and morally doubtful angle to it. The Myanmar army right this moment stands accused by a bunch of worldwide entities, together with a United Nations Fact-Finding Mission, of great battle crimes, together with genocide, perpetrated in opposition to the stateless Rohingya Muslim neighborhood in Rakhine State and different ethnic minorities in Shan and Kachin States. The Worldwide Prison Court docket (ICC), too, is operating a parallel inquiry in opposition to senior Tatmadaw generals. India, on its half, has refused to take a robust stance on this, as an alternative insisting on the “complexity” of the problem and Myanmar’s sovereignty. In its second time period, the Modi authorities should reverse this if it needs to ascertain India as a accountable and morally agency regional energy. On the very least, it should pressurise the Tatmadaw to permit an unbiased United Nations physique to analyze its alleged wrongdoings, and prosecute the responsible accordingly. Concurrently, it should persuade the Suu Kyi authorities to shift its emphasis on bringing accountability for alleged battle crimes and internally pressurise the Tatmadaw to ship justice. Whereas it is a lengthy shot, given Suu Kyi’s delicate relationship with the army, New Delhi should do its bit. In all, the Modi authorities has a lot to look ahead to in Myanmar, largely based mostly on the numerous quantity of labor it has already achieved. It should do every thing to struggle the complacency that the Indian institution is notorious for and solely speed up the tempo of present interventions to ship on time. That’s, surely, essentially the most sustainable method to stave off, or at the least stability, China’s affect in Myanmar, and concurrently, take the AEP and NFP to loftier heights. *** Learn earlier elements of the sequence: Part I: India’s foreign policy targets with respect to Pakistan Part II: India’s foreign policy targets with respect to Pakistan’s obstructionist role in Central Asia Part III: Chumming up to US sure is beneficial for New Delhi but it can’t ignore robustness of ties with Russia Part IV: Expanding bilateral ties with Bangladesh vital for New Delhi’s ‘Act East’ targets Part V: India’s foreign policy for next 5 years: New Delhi should convey to US in no uncertain terms how importance of better ties hinges on favourable trade policies Part VI: India’s foreign policy for the next 5 years: Imran Khan’s offer for talks needs profound backing from China, Russia for serious consideration Part VII: India’s foreign policy for the next 5 years: From counter-insurgency ties to big investments, New Delhi must keep Sri Lanka warm to keep China at bay Your information to the newest cricket World Cup tales, evaluation, experiences, opinions, dwell updates and scores on https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2019.html. Observe us on Twitter and Instagram or like our Facebook web page for updates all through the continued occasion in England and Wales. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function() {n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)} ; if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '259288058299626'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "http://connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.9&appId=1117108234997285"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); window.fbAsyncInit = function () { FB.init({appId: '1117108234997285', version: 2.4, xfbml: true}); // *** here is my code *** if (typeof facebookInit == 'function') { facebookInit(); } }; (function () { var e = document.createElement('script'); e.src = document.location.protocol + '//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js'; e.async = true; document.getElementById('fb-root').appendChild(e); }()); function facebookInit() { console.log('Found FB: Loading comments.'); FB.XFBML.parse(); } Source link

[eservicesbandhu]

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[tendersniper-blog]

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[competitiveguide]

Current Affairs of 8th September 2018

Indian Railways launched ‘Aapoorti’ mobile app Railway Minister Piyush Goyal launched a new mobile application named “AAPOORTI‘ of the Indian Railways e-procurement system. The new application would provide information and data related to e-tendering and e-auction related activities of the Railways. The app has also been provided with user manuals of Indian Railways’ e-procurement system. International Literacy Day - 8th September THEME 2018 : ‘Literacy and Skills Development’ September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. ISSF World Championship: Saurabh Chaudhary Clinches Gold India’s Saurabh Chaudhary continued his brilliant run of form as he clinched the 10 metres Air Pistol Junior gold at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Shooting World Championship in Changwon, South Korea. The 16-year-old produced an impressive show in the final to clinch the gold with a new junior world record. Arjun Singh Cheema claimed bronze in the same event with a score of 218 while Korea’s Hojin Lim clinched silver. 6th edition of Space Expo inaugurated The 6th edition of the biennial Bengaluru Space Expo was inaugurated by ISRO Chairman Dr.K Sivan in Bengaluru. The three-day event will showcase industry participation in Indian space programme. Dr.K Sivan also said that France will provide space medicines for Indian astronauts who will be part of India’s first Manned Space Mission Gaganyan. Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign launch on 15 Sept ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2018’ a Jan Andolan for Swachhata to be observed in the run-up to the 4th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) from 15th September to 2nd October 2018. SHS aims at accelerating the Jan-Andolan for realizing the vision of a Clean India. The launch of the campaign will be done through video conference at more than 15 locations across the country. Sikkim’s data sharing & access portal launched The first data sharing and access portal of Sikkim has been launched by Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. The data sharing and accessibility platform will improve access to information and specify new data sets and records to be collected and published. The platform is intended to be used by all state government departments and PSUs. China launched satellite to monitor sea waters China launched a marine satellite to help improve the understanding of maritime waters and climate change. A Long March-2C rocket carrying the ‘HY-1C satellite’ was launched from China. The satellite will help monitor ocean colour and water temperatures, providing basic data for research on the global oceanic environment. India to partner in Izmir International show India is the partner country in the ‘Izmir International trade show‘ which began on September 7, 2018, in Turkey. India will also launch a business pavilion ‘Source India’ to increase exports to Turkey and other neighbouring countries. Source India, with 75 Indian participating companies, will be a multi-product pavilion. HM inaugurated Defence & HLS Expo A three-day defence and homeland security expo began in New Delhi on September 6, 2018. The expo was inaugurated by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The objective of the expo is to enable the nation to become self-reliant in Home Land Security and Defence sector. Home Land Security (HLS) involves the protection of citizens and critical infrastructure for natural and intentional threats. Facebook to open its 1st ever Asian data centre in Singapore Facebook will invest over $1 billion to build its first Asian data centre in Singapore, which is expected to open in 2022. The new site is at Tanjong Kling, located in the western part of Singapore, and in an area formerly known as Data Centre Park. Facebook runs 15 other data centres worldwide, mostly in the US and European markets such as Ireland and Sweden. Indian navy joins exercise SLINEX-2018 Indian navy ships and aircraft have arrived in Sri Lanka to take part in the joint exercise ‘SLINEX-2018‘ to be held with Sri Lankan navy. The exercise will be conducted in two phases, namely the Harbour and Sea Phase. It will involve joint training, exchange of expertise, helicopter and maritime patrol aircraft operations, search and rescue, and manoeuvres at sea. PM to inaugurate first Global Mobility Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Global Mobility Summit called ‘MOVE’ organized by NITI Ayog in New Delhi. The focus of the summit will be on raising awareness about various aspects of Mobility and bringing together various stakeholders across different platforms. The first summit is expected to see over 2200 participants from all over the world. Anshula appointed as SBI Managing Director Anshula Kant is appointed as the Managing Director of State Bank of India. Her name was recommended by the Bank Boards Bureau for the post. The post of MD, SBI fell vacant after the resignation of B Sriram, who took over as the MD and CEO of IDBI Bank. Hriday Hazarika won gold in 10m air rifle Hriday Hazarika won gold medal for India in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle Junior event at the ongoing International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Championship. Mohammed Amir from Iran won the silver medal and Russia’s Grigorii Shamakov won bronze medal. Hriday Hazarika was the only Indian to qualify for the men’s final. 87th Izmir International Tradeshow Begins In Turkey India is the Partner Country in the 87th Izmir International tradeshow which begins in Turkey. In this tradeshow India will also be launching a mega business pavilion ‘Source India’ hosting 75 Indian companies with the aim of tie-ups in order to increase India’s exports to Turkey and other neighbouring countries. The 87th Izmir International tradeshow will be held in Izmir – the third most populous city in Turkey, after Istanbul and Ankara. ONGC discovered oil reserves in M.P., Bengal Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has made oil and gas discoveries in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal that may potentially open up two new sedimentary basins in the country. ONGC has found gas deposits in a block in Vindhyan basin in Madhya Pradesh. Oil and gas discovery has been made in Ashok Nagar of 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. India, U.S. signed COMCASA agreement India and the United States signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). The agreement is on military and security cooperation. COMCASA will facilitate access to advanced defence systems and enable India to optimally utilise its existing US-origin platforms. India and the U.S. would also hold a first-ever tri-service exercise on the east coast of India in 2019. Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore rewards Govindan Lakshamanan with Rs 10 lakh India registered its best-ever medal haul in the history of the Asian Games. The Cash rewards of Rs 40 lakh were given to gold medallists while silver and bronze winners got Rs 20 and Rs 10 lakh each. India returned home with 69 medals from the Jakarta and Palembang games. Govt. grants ‘trust’ status to Bharat Ke Veer The government has granted the status of a ‘trust’ to ‘Bharat Ke Veer’, a private initiative promoted by actor Akshay Kumar. The trust will help families of paramilitary personnel killed in action. Contributions to Bharat Ke Veer have been exempted from Income Tax. Akshay Kumar and former national badminton champion Pullela Gopichand have been included as trustees. EVs, CNG vehicles don’t need permits Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that no permits would be required for vehicles running on alternative fuel, including CNG, ethanol and electric vehicles. The move is expected to boost the demand for such vehicles in the country. A permit is an instrument issued by a State or Regional Transport Authority authorizing the use of a motor vehicle as a transport vehicle. Monetary limit for filing cases in DRT doubled The government doubled the pecuniary limit to Rs 20 lakh for filing loan recovery application in the Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRT) by banks and financial institutions. The move is aimed at helping reduce pendency of cases in DRTs. There are 39 DRTs in the country. Any bank or financial institution or a consortium of banks cannot approach DRTs if the amount due is less than Rs 20 lakh. HDFC Bank is India’s most valued brand HDFC Bank retained its top spot in the BrandZ India Top 50 for the fifth year in a row. The total brand value of HDCF bank grew by 21 percent to $21.7 billion in 2018. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) comes at the second spot due to the key role played by its pension plan business, while Tata Consultancy Services ranked third on the list. Google launches new search engine for scientists Google launched a new search engine called 'Dataset Search', which works in multiple languages, to help scientists, data journalists and others find data required for their work. The new search engine will work like Google Scholar, the company’s popular search engine for academic studies and reports. Cabinet doubles Jan Dhan accounts overdraft cap to Rs 10,000 The government has doubled the overdraft cap from Rs.5,000 to Rs.10,000 under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which provides a bank account to every individual. The age limit for availing overdraft has been increased from 60 to 65 years. About PMJDY: The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana was launched by the Narendra Modi-led government in August 2014. It was the first big mission launched by the Modi government after it assumed office in May 2014. It first aimed to provide at least one bank account for every household, along with an overdraft facility of Rs.5,000, a RuPay debit card and a personal accident insurance of Rs.1 lakh.

From Blogger https://ift.tt/2wRFxUx via www.competitiveguide.in

[bakwoodzman-blog]

Ebenezer Farrand CSN

Ebenezer Farrand was born in New York circa 1808 (or possibly in New Jersey a year earlier). Served first as a cadet then as Midshipman in the United States Navy, from March 4th 1823 and was subsequently promoted to Lieutenant. Farrand, at this time married to Elizabeth and with four young children, tendered his resignation on January 30th 1861 and applied to join the Confederate Navy a month later. He was first refused as he demanded a captaincy afloat but on March 1st was offered command of the Light House Bureau in Louisiana and took up this post on March 26th 1861. He also commanded the Navy Yard at Pensacola, Florida and/or naval facilities at Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia. As one of the first commanders appointed to the Confederate Navy, Farrand became responsible for selecting construction sites for Confederate warships along the Alabama River. This included the construction of the C.S.S. Nashville at Montgomery and of another ship at Selma. With his experience, Ebenezer Farrand would go on to hold various, short-term command posts in the CSN before his appointment to Savannah Station in 1862. He was put in charge of commanding naval defences at Drewry’s Bluff, the day following the loss of the CSS Virginia in May1862. With the fall of Yorktown and the Confederate ironclad 'Virginia' scuttled to prevent capture, the James River was open and vulnerable to Federal gunboats. On May 15th five gunboats, including the ironclads ‘Monitor’ and ‘Galena’, steamed up the James to test the Richmond defences. They encountered submerged obstacles and deadly accurate fire from Farrand's shore batteries at Drewry’s Bluff, (See photo right) suffering severe damage on the 'Galena'. Unable to proceed, the Federal Navy was compelled to turn back.  Following the Confederate victory, on Sept 16th 1862, the Confederate Congress passed a resolution expressing thanks to Commander Ebenezer Farrand, CSN, senior officer in command of the combined naval and military forces at Drewry's Bluff, ‘for the great and signal victory achieved over the naval forces of the United States in the engagement...’ Commander Farrand was also heavily praised for his ‘gallantry, courage, and endurance in that protracted fight...’ without which, by general acknowledgement, in losing, could have led to a disastrous setback for the war and their cause. From Virginia, Farrand went to Alabama to serve at the Selma Naval Foundry. In 1863, he commanded in Mobile after Admiral Buchanan was wounded and taken prisoner by Union forces in August 1864. (He was most likely appointed as Flag Officer at the time he commanded the Naval Station at Mobile, Alabama)  Flag Office (Commodore) Farrand surrendered the forces of CS Navy near the City of Mobile on May 8th 1865 but was paroled at Nanna Hubba Buff two days later on May 10th 1865, suffering from pneumonia from which he never truly recovered. After the war Ebenezer became an insurance representative in Montgomery, Alabama and, in co-ownership with another, operated a Railway Hotel in Attalla. Farrand died at Attalla in Alabama in 1873, most likely resulting from the frequent recurrences of his pneumonia which got worse in his final years.

[globaldailytribune-blog]

Comprehensive Union Budget 2018-2019

The Union budget of India is the annual budget of the Republic of India. It is mentioned in the article 112 of the Constitution of India and known as the Annual Financial statement. It is presented on 1st February, by the Finance Minister in Parliament. It is then materialized before the beginning of the new financial year in April. This year also, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has presented the Union Budget for the year 2018-2019 on 1st February 2018. According to him, the Indian economy has now become a 2.5 trillion dollar economy which is seventh largest in the world and is soon expected to become the fifth largest economy.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announces the Union Budget 2018-19 Giving final touch to the proposed Union Budget, efforts have been made to cut the rates such that it does not pose a threat to the revenue. Most of the indirect taxes are now under the coverage of the Goods and Services Tax Council. Hence, any major changes in Indirect tax are unlikely to happen. Budget 2018 is expected to have many other positive changes towards the side of direct tax. However, any tax reductions either for corporates or for individuals will be done while keeping in mind that any changes do not reduce the revenue of the government too much. One of the key focus areas of the government has been to reduce the tax burden for the salaried and the normal middle-class people. Here’s the coverage of aspects presented in the budget.

Cryptocurrencies declared illegal

While presenting the Union Budget 2018-2019, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley declared that all the cryptocurrencies, including bitcoins, are illegal. All the possible measures will be taken by the government to eliminate the use of these currencies. Cryptocurrencies are not considered as a legal tender and there are no regulations for governing such virtual currencies in India. No licence has been allotted to any company by the Reserve Bank of India to be able to operate these currencies. Apart from this declaration, he also added that increasing concerns raised several times regarding the use of virtual currencies (VC’s) and challenges related to regulation are being looked after. The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has formed a committee in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), RBI, Niti Aayog, and SBI. The report submitted by this company is being examined.

No licence to operate cryptocurrencies

Welcoming the Tax Payers

The Union Budget is formed keeping the rates of personal income tax and slabs unchanged. Three general public sector insurance companies: National Insurance Co Ltd, United India Assurance Co Ltd, and Oriental India Insurance Company will be merged into one and the entity on stock exchanges will be subsequently listed. A relief to the taxpaying individuals has been proposed by the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley applying a nominal deduction of ₹40,000 labelling the transport and medical allowance. This is minutely beneficial as the present medical and transport allowances total up, giving a tax-free salary of up to ₹34,200 p.a.             Benefits for Senior Citizens

He has further announced additional concessions for senior citizens. Earlier taxation was exempted only against ₹10,000 earned through interests on fixed deposits by the senior citizens. Extending this limit, now the interest of up to ₹50,000 earned on fixed deposits by senior citizens will be tax-free. TDS will not be deducted under the section 194A extending it for all fixed deposit and recurring deposit schemes. Incurred expenses up to ₹1 Lakh on critical illness by senior citizens will be spared. Earlier this amount was only ₹60,000 for senior citizens and ₹80,000 for very senior citizens. The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana is also proposed to be extended up to March 2020, increasing the limit up to ₹15 Lakh per senior citizen.        Education and Health of Rural People

  Proposals have been made to take care of the needs of rural families regarding the education and health. Existing 3% education tax levied on the tax payable has been increased by 1%. Education cess on personal and corporate income tax will now be 4% taken as ‘Health and Education Cess’. The government will now be able to collect an additional amount of about ₹11,000 crore, helping the BPL (below poverty line) and rural families. Their education and health needs will be taken care of. The government will also be launching a flagship scheme under which 10 crore poor families will be covered. It is being considered as a ‘game changer’. A coverage of up to Rs five lakh per family will be provided per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. Healthcare has largely been made affordable by launching this scheme. It is indeed appreciating that 40 percent of India’s population will be absorbed under this insurance scheme. It will prove to be an important step in creating a Swasth Bharat.       Benefits to Women

The target of beneficiaries has been raised to 8 crores under the Ujjwala scheme. It has been proposed to reduce the women employees contribution to 8% for the first three years of their employment against the existing rate of 12% or 10%. There is no change in the employer’s contribution. This is done for promoting more employment of women in the formal sector and enabling higher take-home wages.      Businesses

The lower corporate tax rate has been proposed to 25 percent for businesses having a turnover of up to ₹250 crore. This will benefit the entire MSME sector accounting 99 percent of companies filling the taxes. The estimated revenue due to this measure is ₹7000 crore in 2018-19. However, for businesses having a turnover of more than ₹250 crore 30% tax remains. According to Mr Jaitley, for further ease of doing business 372 action points will be carried out in a ‘mission mode’. Each state will be taking up these reforms and will compete with each other. It will develop a better business climate for investors. The government is targeting to be among the top 50 countries in the ranking of overall ease of doing business. Presently it has jumped 30 positions and reached rank 100th among 190 countries.

Defence

The defence has been allocated a total of ₹2.95 lakh crore including pensions observing a modest hike. Defence allocation has crossed the ₹1 lakh crore mark for the first time. Out of the overall allocation, ₹1,95,947 crore is the revenue component whereas ₹99,563 crore is the capital allocation. ₹1,08,853 crore has been allocated for the defence pensions which is 14.26% higher than the estimates of the last year at ₹95,000 crore. Defence allocation for this year accounts for 12.1%  of the total Central government expenditure.

Boost to Telecom Infrastructure

Referring to the work done under government’s Bharat Net project, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has announced a ₹10,000-crore outlay for creation and augmentation of the telecom infrastructure in the country. The aim of the Bharat Net project is to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats by March 2019. It has already gained an achievement connecting 1 lakh gram panchayats with a high-speed optical fibre network. Under Phase 1 of the program, this achievement has made it possible to have a broadband access over 2.5 lakh villages. Along with it, a proposal has been made to provide broadband access to five crore rural citizens by setting up 5 lakh wifi hotspots. The Department of Telecom will be supporting the establishment of 5G centres with IIT Madras to take full benefits of emerging technologies. Particularly the adoption of latest 5th generation technology is being focussed. The finance minister has doubled the allocation to ₹3,073 crore in 2018-19 for the Department of science and technology (DST) on digital India program. This step has been taken for the promotion and adopting of the latest developing technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). With the help of this, DST will invest in the development of various technologies. They will be launching a mission on cyberspace in order to support the establishment of the centre of excellence. Digital India, Startup India, Make in India, and other initiatives will be helping in the establishment of a digital society. The global economy is gradually transforming into a digital economy which proves it to be the need of the hour.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is termed as the ‘growth driver’ of the economy. Arun Jaitley declared the allocation of ₹5.97 lakh crore for 2018-19 for spending on infrastructure. Our country needs a large investment in this sector. It is important for increasing the growth of GDP and connecting the nation with a network of roads, airports, railways, and inland water along with providing good quality services to the people. It will also help in creating employment and will aid the growth. The government has increased the expenditure on infrastructure to ₹5.97 lakh crore in the year 2018-19 as compared to ₹4.94 lakh crore in the previous year 2017-18. Using an online monitoring system of Pragati alone, the targets and achievements in the infrastructure sector are personally examined by the Prime Minister. Projects of a total of ₹9.46 lakh crore have been facilitated and regularly tracked. National Highways project for highways exceeding 9000 km would be completed in the year 2018-19. A total of 35,000 km of highways would be constructed under the Phase 1 of this project. An estimated cost of ₹5.35 lakh crore will be invested in this. The government had provided a capital expenditure of ₹1,48,528 crore for the Indian Railways for 2018-19. All the trains will soon be having great facilities such as WiFi and CCTV's. In order to secure India’s defence, connectivity infrastructure is being developed in the defence areas. The government will also be focusing on seaplanes. Urbanisation is a priority and the government has already undertaken a step by launching the Smart City Mission for the same. Ninety-nine cities have been selected for an investment of ₹2.04 lakh crore. Projects like smart roads, solar roof, and intelligent transport system have already been started to be implemented in these cities. Projects worth ₹2,350 crore have already been completed and the remaining work worth ₹20,850 crore is in progress. The government will also be developing 10 tourist destinations in order to attract more and more visitors. The Union Budget 2018 has given its green signal to the 160 km long urban transportation network. A suburban rail network costing up to ₹17,000 crore will come up to promote the growth of Bengaluru metropolis.

Fiscal deficit

A fiscal deficit occurs when the total expenditure of the government exceeds the amount of revenue. An accumulation of yearly deficits leads to debt. This fiscal deficit has been 4.1% in the year 2014-15. It has been gradually decreasing since then with 3.9% in the following year and 3.5% in 2016-17. Fiscal deficit bears the overall rating of the country in the debt market. This year, the target fixed by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act was 3% but missing the target, it has been fixed at 3.3% for the year 2018-19. 

Imported Products

As proposed in the Union Budget 2018-19, imported items which include mobile handsets, cars and motorbikes, fruit juices, eatables, perfumes, and footwear will become costlier. The customs duties on these products have been hiked. However, cost of some imported items such raw cashew nuts, solar tempered glass, and raw materials and accessories of cochlear implants will be reduced. They have been made cheaper by the government reducing import duties on these items. List of imported items becoming costlier includes: Cars and Motorcycles Mobile phones Silver, Gold, Coloured gemstones, Diamonds, Imitation jewellery Vegetable, fruit juices including orange and cranberry Sunglasses Various food preparations other than soya protein Perfumes, deodorants, bath preparations, depilatories, scent sprays and similar toilet sprays, and toilet waters Sunscreen, suntan, manicure, and pedicure preparations Oral dental hygiene preparations, denture fixative pastes and powders, dental floss Pre-shave, shaving, and after-shave preparations Truck and bus radial tyres Silk Fabrics Footwear Smartwatches/wearable devices, wrist watches, pocket watches, clocks LCD/LED TV Panels Furniture, mattresses Lamps Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars, wheeled toys, dolls’ carriages, dolls, toys, and puzzles of all types. Video game consoles Equipment for sports and outdoor games, swimming pools and paddling pools. Cigarette and other lighters, candles Kites Olive oil, groundnut oil, and other edible oils. List of imported items becoming cheaper includes: Raw cashew nuts The solar tempered glass used for manufacturing solar panels/modules. Raw materials, parts or accessories used in making cochlear implants. Selected capital goods and electronics such as ball screws and linear motion guides.

Black Money

Government is highly encouraged by the success of their efforts to reduce the black money. They pledge to continue with more such policies as demonetisation in future so that the honest taxpayers continue to get rewarded and all the black money gets contained. The government had come out with plans to deal with the problem of domestic black money as well as illegal funds which are stored abroad.

Delhi Air Pollution

The ill-famed Delhi Smog issue was mentioned in the Union Budget 2018. A special scheme has been proposed to tackle with the burning of crop residue in the neighbouring states of the National Capital. Machinery will be subsidised to support Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR regarding the management of crop residue. In-situ machinery will be set up for disposing of the crop residue in a manner that does not affect the environment.

Revisions in Salaries of MPs

As according to the proposed budget 2018, there has been a hike in the salaries of the members of parliament. The salaries of the President and Vice-President of India has been increased to ₹5 lakh and ₹4 lakh per month respectively. There will also be a rise in the salaries of the Governers. MPs will now get a basic salary of ₹1,00,000 (increased from ₹50,000).   Read the full article