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Cabinet approves the Renewal of MoU between the ICAI and CBFS, Oman

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval of the MoUs signed in 2008 and 2011 and the renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS), Oman. The MoU will facilitate working together for strengthening the accounting, financial and audit knowledge base within Oman. ICAI has a strong membership base of over 6000 members in the Middle East region and the MOU aims at providing assistance to CBFS by admitting Omani Nationals to the membership of ICAI. The aim is to work together to develop a mutually beneficial relationship in the best interests of members, students and the institutes. The MoU is also expected to provide an opportunity to the ICAI members to expand their professional horizons and, simultaneously, ICAI is expected to become an entity which aids and strengthens professional capabilities of Omani nationals. Through such activities, substantial goodwill is expected to be generated for India, Indian citizens and Indian Chartered Accountants in the Sultanate of Oman. It is also expected to lead to enhancement of remittances by Indian nationals to India. Since Oman does not have a local professional accountancy Institute and it is the ICAI which has been collaborating with CBFS, Oman in matters relating to the profession. The MoU is expected to make a positive impact for the Indian Chartered Accountants currently working in Oman and other markets and for those Indian professionals who intend to move to Oman for pursuing their profession there. As such, enhanced employment opportunities are expected to be created for Indian professionals in the Sultanate of Oman. Background: The ICAI is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament of India. The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. CBFS is a Government organization established by a Royal Decree of the Sultanate of Oman in 1983, with the objectives of educating and training bankers and encouraging research in Banking and Financial subjects. It is under the juristic supervision of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) and is supported by the commercial banks operating in the Sultanate. Over the last three decades, the College has been helping the financial services industry in Oman to meet its human resource development needs by offering academic and training courses that are tailor-made for the emerging needs of Oman.
PM condoles the passing away of Padma Shri Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of Padma Shri Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Padma Shri Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha Ji was a multi-faceted personality. He made outstanding efforts to popularise the great Lepcha culture. His works are respected across generations. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Cabinet approves promotion to the officers of Indian Trade Service to the Senior Administrative Grade

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved in- situ promotion of officers of the Indian Trade Service (ITS), belonging to 1989 to 1991 batches, to the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level, on personal basis, as a onetime relaxation, with the condition that, as and when vacancies at SAG arise on the cadre post, these officers would be adjusted against the vacant cadre posts and the posts held by these officers at present, would be retained at the original level of Junior Administrative Grade (JAG), after their retirement or being covered against the original sanctioned strength of SAG. This approval would enable the Government to retain and gainfully utilize these senior ITS officers, with significant domain knowledge, in various positions in the areas of trade promotion and trade defense to help in achieving the objective of accelerated growth of India’s export sector. Grant of promotion to SAG level will also enable these officers to be considered for empanelment under the Central Staffing Scheme and add to the pool of officers available for serving the Government of India under the said scheme in different Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India. Indian Trade Service was created as a Central Group ‘A’ Service to cater to the growing need of an organized cadre to handle various aspects of India’s international trade and trade promotion.
PM’s statement to media at the start of the Winter Session of Parliament

Namaskar friends, You all are welcome to the Winter Session. This session is important. I hope that we all strive towards accomplishing the maximum possible tasks that are of public importance and significant to the country for the welfare of the people and the country. I believe that all the members of the House will move ahead with this spirit. We have been relentlessly striving to have discussions on different issues. The discussion could be an open one and a heated one but it must take place. There might be debates, discussions and conversations but I would like to request the House to work even beyond the stipulated time and all the important subjects of discussion must reach to a conclusion. Efforts should be towards making the discussion more meaningful and robust. And I believe that all the political parties who will be facing the test in the month of May will make the most out of this session keeping in mind the welfare of the public and not for the interests of their respective parties. With this belief, my best wishes to you all. Thank you!
Introduction of comprehensive Anti-hijacking Bill 2014

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for introduction of the comprehensive Anti-Hijacking Bill 2014. The current law, the Anti-Hijacking Act, 1982, was last amended in 1994. After the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 in December, 1999, it was felt necessary for providing the award of death penalty to perpetrators of the act of hijacking. The incident of 9/11, where aircrafts were used as weapons, also created the need to further amend the existing Act. The Anti-Hijacking (Amendment) Bill, 2010 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in August, 2010. During the process of amendment, a global diplomatic Conference was held at Beijing in August-September, 2010. India is a signatory to the Beijing Protocol signed at the Conference. This Protocol brought out new principal offences combined with ancillary offences, enlarged the scope of ‘hijacking’, expanded jurisdiction and strengthened extradition and mutual assistance regimes. The Bill provides death punishment for the offence of the highjacking, where such offence results in the death of a hostage or of a security personal; or with imprisonment for life and the moveable and immoveable property of such persons shall also be liable to be confiscated. Keeping in view these facts, the Cabinet has given approval for:- (i). Ratification of the Beijing Protocol, 2010; (ii). Repealing of the Anti-Hijacking Act, 1982 as amended in 1994; (iii). Withdrawal of the Anti-Hijacking Amendment Bill, 2010 and (iv). Introduction of a new Anti-Hijacking Bill, 2014.
Cabinet approves USOF support to BSNL for Rural Wire-line connections installed prior to 1.4.2002

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal to extend subsidy support of Rs. 1,250 crore to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), as compensation for deficit incurred by BSNL in operating the Rural Wire-line connections installed prior to 1st April, 2002. The eligible rural wire-line connections installed prior to 1.4.2002 is 32.32 lakh, across India as on 31.3.2014. The Cabinet also approved that the above subsidy support would be the last and final payment and no further request from BSNL for financial/subsidy support from USOF on this count shall be considered. In order to make Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) eligible for subsidy funding on nomination basis from USOF, amendment will be required in Rule 526 of the Indian Telegraph Rules (ITRs), 1951. It stipulates that the criteria for selection of Universal Service Providers shall be made by bidding process from amongst eligible entities for implementation of USOF schemes. Corresponding Amendment in Rule 525 will also be required. Full/lump-sum amount of Rs. 1,250 Crore shall be disbursed, consequent to necessary amendment of the ITRs and signing of USOF agreement with BSNL. Utilization certificate of’ the USOF subsidy disbursed towards operation and maintenance of the rural wire-line connections would be submitted by BSNL. Background: USOF since its inception in 2002 has been providing subsidy for BSNL for the rural wire line connections installed prior to 1.4.2002. A total of Rs. 8,692 crore has been extended as USOF subsidy support till date, for the rural wire-line connections, installed by BSNL prior to 1.4.2002. The details are as follows: USOF Scheme Basis Amount (Rs. crore) Period of support RDEL-D Difference between regulated rental and actual rental 1192 1st April 2002 to 31st January 2004 RDEL-P TRAI recommendations dated 27.03.2008 6000 18th July 2008 to 17th July 2011 RDEL-P TRAI recommendations dated 14.05.2012 1500 18th July 2011 to 17th July 2012 The TRAI in its report dated 14.05.2012 had recommended amount of subsidy support-of Rs. 1,500 crore for the period 18th July 2011 to 17th July 2012 and Rs. 1,250 crore for the 18th July 2012 to 17th July 2013. Telecom Commission, in its meeting dated 11.12.2012, considered the views of the TRAI and USOF and directed that an assessment be carried out of the current status of the infrastructure. Telecom Commission/EFC in its meeting dated 14th July 2015 considered the findings of the evaluation/assessment study conducted by National Institute of Communication Finance and recommended the subsidy support of Rs. 1250 crore to BSNL from USOF, as compensation for deficit incurred by BSNL in operating the Rural Wire-line connections installed prior to 1st April 2002 Telecom Commission also recommended that the subsidy support of Rs. 1250 crore would be the last and final payment and no further request from BSNL for financial/subsidy support from USOF on this count shall be considered.
Approval for signing and ratifying SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Regional Railways Agreement

The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved signing and ratifying the SAARC Regional Railways Agreement by India, as a member State of SAARC. SAARC region is considered one of the least networked regions in terms of physical and soft connectivity leading to high costs and low volumes of trade recognizing which the leaders of the SAARC countries agreed that better transport infrastructure and linkages among the SAARC countries was necessary. A study viz. the SAARC Regional Multi Modal Transport Study (SRMTS) of 2005 undertaken by SAARC Secretariat had recommended multilateral agreements permitting free movement of people, goods and services within SAARC region in the Road and Rail sector and this was endorsed by the SAARC countries in the Summit level and Transport Ministers meetings. Accordingly, the Regional Rail Agreement (RRA) was drafted by India for SAARC countries in 2008. Since then, the draft Agreement has been discussed in the three meetings of the Expert Group on Regional Rail Agreement and in the meetings of Inter-Governmental Group on Transport (IGGT) and the text of the Agreement proposed now for signature was finalized in the 5th IGGT held in New Delhi on 30th September, 2014. The SAARC Regional Railways Agreement will strengthen transport connectivity in the SAARC Region. Strengthened rail and transport connectivity will not only provide stimulus to the economic development in the region as a whole but also promote social and cultural contact and encourage tourism amongst the Member States. The Regional Rail Agreement will also enable low cost, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation in the SAARC region and provide trade and economic links for the land locked countries and semi isolated regions.
PM’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha, on the farewell of Vice President Hamid Ansari

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today joined other members of the Rajya Sabha, in bidding farewell to Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari. The Prime Minister noted that Shri Ansari’s family has an illustrious history of over 100 years in public life. The Prime Minister said that the Vice President had been a career diplomat, and he had benefited from the Vice President’s insights on diplomatic issues on several occasions. The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to Shri Hamid Ansari.
PM greets people of Uttarakhand on their Statehood Day

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Uttarakhand on their Statehood Day. The Prime Minister said, “à¤‰à¤¤à¥�à¤¤à¤°à¤¾à¤–à¤‚à¤¡ à¤•à¥‡ à¤¨à¤¿à¤µà¤¾à¤¸à¤¿à¤¯à¥‹à¤‚ à¤•à¥‹ à¤°à¤¾à¤œà¥�à¤¯ à¤•à¥‡ à¤¸à¥�à¤¥à¤¾à¤ªà¤¨à¤¾ à¤¦à¤¿à¤µà¤¸ à¤•à¥€ à¤¹à¤¾à¤°à¥�à¤¦à¤¿à¤• à¤¬à¤§à¤¾à¤ˆà¥¤ à¤ªà¥�à¤°à¤—à¤¤à¤¿ à¤•à¥‡ à¤ªà¤¥ à¤ªà¤° à¤…à¤—à¥�à¤°à¤¸à¤°, à¤ªà¥�à¤°à¤¾à¤•à¥ƒà¤¤à¤¿à¤• à¤¸à¤‚à¤ªà¤¦à¤¾ à¤”à¤° à¤¨à¥ˆà¤¸à¤°à¥�à¤—à¤¿à¤• à¤¸à¥Œà¤‚à¤¦à¤°à¥�à¤¯ à¤¸à¥‡ à¤­à¤°à¤ªà¥‚à¤° à¤¯à¤¹ à¤ªà¥�à¤°à¤¦à¥‡à¤¶ à¤�à¤¸à¥‡ à¤¹à¥€ à¤µà¤¿à¤•à¤¾à¤¸ à¤•à¥€ à¤¨à¤¿à¤¤ à¤¨à¤ˆ à¤Šà¤‚à¤šà¤¾à¤‡à¤¯à¥‹à¤‚ à¤•à¥‹ à¤›à¥‚à¤¤à¤¾ à¤°à¤¹à¥‡à¥¤”
PM greets the people on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. “à¤…à¤•à¥�à¤·à¤¯ à¤¤à¥ƒà¤¤à¥€à¤¯à¤¾ à¤•à¥‡ à¤ªà¤¾à¤µà¤¨ à¤ªà¤°à¥�à¤µ à¤ªà¤° à¤†à¤ª à¤¸à¤­à¥€ à¤•à¥‹ à¤¹à¤¾à¤°à¥�à¤¦à¤¿à¤• à¤¶à¥�à¤­à¤•à¤¾à¤®à¤¨à¤¾à¤¯à¥‡à¤‚à¥¤ à¤¯à¥‡ à¤ªà¤°à¥�à¤µ à¤†à¤ª à¤¸à¤­à¥€ à¤•à¥‡ à¤œà¥€à¤µà¤¨ à¤®à¥‡à¤‚ à¤¸à¥�à¤–, à¤¸à¤®à¥ƒà¤¦à¥�à¤§à¤¿ à¤”à¤° à¤¸à¤«à¤²à¤¤à¤¾ à¤•à¤¾ à¤¸à¤‚à¤¦à¥‡à¤¶ à¤²à¥‡à¤•à¤° à¤†à¤¯à¥‡”, the Prime Minister said.
PM launches various projects of Kandla Port Trust

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today launched various projects of Kandla Port Trust at Gandhidham in Gujarat. He unveiled plaques to mark the laying of Foundation Stone for construction of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Centre; and the development of the 14th and 16th General Cargo Berth. He handed over Letters of Award for Construction of Interchange-cum-ROB at Kutch Salt Junction; Deployment of two Mobile Harbour Cranes; and Mechanization for handling of fertilisers at Kandla Port. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari said that the Sagarmala project, and port-led development would have a positive impact on the State of Gujarat, and would lead to job creation as well. Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani spoke of the rich maritime traditions of the State, and added that the spirit continues even today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people for the warm welcome accorded to him on the way from the helipad to the venue of the function. He said the people of Kutch are well aware of the importance of water. He spoke of the rich and glorious history and culture of the Kutch region. The Prime Minister said that if India wants to make a place for itself in global trade, it should have the best of arrangements in the port sector. The combination of infrastructure and efficiency is vital for the port sector to thrive, he said, adding that the Kandla Port has emerged as one of the finest in Asia. The Prime Minister said that the Chabahar port, being developed with Indian participation in Iran, would further spur the growth of Kandla Port. The Prime Minister also mentioned the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Center whose Foundation Stone was laid today. The Prime Minister asked the people to resolve to make whatever contribution they can for the nation over the next five years, in the run-up to the seventy-fifth anniversary of Independence. Stating that the nation is celebrating the centenary year of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay, the Prime Minister suggested that Kandla Port Trust be renamed as “Deendayal Port Trust – Kandla.”
Tribal children’s musical band to perform in front of Prime Minister in Kevadia on 31st October

Children who once used to beg at Ambaji temple will now perform in Kevadia after PM’s encouragement Band had performed earlier also during PM’s visit to Ambaji on 30th September A musical band of Tribal children of Ambaji town of Banaskantha district will perform in front of the Prime Minister in Kevadia on 31st October. Prime Minister will visit Kevadia on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. It is not the first time that the musical band will perform for the Prime Minister. On 30th September, 2022, when the Prime Minister visited Ambaji, Gujarat and dedicated to Nation/laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth over ₹7200 crores, the band had performed welcoming the Prime Minister, when he was arriving for the public function. Prime Minister not only appreciated and enjoyed the young band’s performance but he made sure that he personally interacted with them before the public function started. To encourage his young friends, Prime Minster asked for a group photo with them. The story of these tribal children, who have learned such exceptional musical skills is worth telling. The children were once fighting for their basic needs and a chance to get educated. They were often found near Ambaji temple where they used to beg in front of the visitors. A local NGO named Shree Shakti Seva Kendra based in Ambaji worked with such children, to not only educate them but also identify the skills in which they are good. The tribal children with musical band were also skilled by the NGO Shree Shakti Seva Kendra. Prime Minister enjoyed and appreciated the young band’s performance so much that he ensured that the band was invited to Kevadia on 31st October on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, so that they can also participate and perform on the historic day. On 31st October, Prime Minister will visit Kevadia and pay homage to Sardar Patel on his 147th birth anniversary. He will also participate at the Ekta Diwas Parade and will interact with Officer Trainees belonging to various Civil Services undergoing Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.
PM condoles the passing away of Sadashiv Amrapurkar

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has condoled the passing away of renowned actor, Shri Sadashiv Amrapurkar. “We will remember Shri Sadashiv Amrapurkar as a versatile actor, popular across generations. Rest in Peace. My deepest condolences to his family,” the Prime Minister said in a tweet.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) to support Ease of Doing Business in India

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) to support Ease of Doing Business in India. The MoU was signed earlier this month. The MoU shall enable exchange of officials from both the Governments to facilitate sharing of best practises, offering technical assistance and enhanced implementation of reforms. The collaboration shall also cover State Governments in its ambit. The UK government has shown interest to offer expertise in the following areas: a) Support to small businesses and start ups b) Starting business and registration c) Paying taxes and tax administration d) Insolvency e) Construction permits f) Getting electricity g) Risk based framework for inspection and regulatory regimes h) Trading across the borders i) Competition economics j] Getting credit k) Drafting of laws and regulations I) Reducing stock and flow of regulation m) Impact assessment of regulations Currently, India is ranked 130th out of 190 economies (as per Doing Business Report, 2017). The UK Government has achieved phenomenal improvement in Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings in recent years. The beneficiaries include the officials from Central Government Ministries / Departments and State Governments through sharing of best practises, capacity building etc. Each side shall bear the cost of travel and logistics for its officials as well as for co-hosting trainings/ seminar/conferences. The MoU shall facilitate various agencies of the UK government to offer professional courses on better regulation drafting for officials, capacity-building of frontline inspectors, sharing of best practises, etc. The collaboration is expected to expedite adoption of innovative practises by the Government of India, State Governments and their agencies leading to easing of regulatory environment in the country and fostering of conducive business climate in India.
Cabinet approves The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2019

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to introduce The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019. The Bill will be introduced in the ensuing Session of Parliament. The Bill provides a mechanism for their social, economic and educational empowerment. Impact The Bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalized section and bring them into the mainstream of society. This will lead to inclusiveness and will make the transgender persons productive members of the society. Background Transgender community is among one of the most marginalized communities in the country because they don’t fit into the stereotypical categories of gender of ‘men’ or ‘women’. Consequently, they face problems ranging from social exclusion to discrimination, lack of education facilities, unemployment, lack of medical facilities and so on. The Bill shall empower the transgender community socially, educationally and economically.