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Cabinet approves MoU between India and Sao Tome and Principe on cooperation in the field of Medicinal Plants

The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Sao Tome and Principe on cooperation in the field of Medicinal Plants. The MoU was signed on 14.03.2018. Background: India is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity, having 15 agro-climatic zones. Out of the 17000-18000 species of flowering plants, more than 7000 are estimated to have medicinal usage in folk and documented systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha & Homoeopathy (AYUSH System of Medicine). About 1178 species of medicinal plants are estimated to be in trade of which 242 species have annual consumption levels in excess of 100 metric tonnes/year. Medicinal plants are not only a major resource base for the traditional medicine & herbal industry but also provide livelihood and health security to a large segment of Indian population. There is global resurgence in traditional and alternative health care systems resulting in world herbal trade which stands at US$ 120 billion and is expected to reach US$ 7 trillion by 2050. Moreover, there are a large number of medicinal plants, particularly those found in tropical region, which are common to the two countries given similar geo-climatic factors. Keeping in view the need for promotion and propagation of AYUSH systems, of medicine and Medicinal Plants Sector in Sao Tome and Principe, our standard draft MoU for country to country cooperation in field of Medicinal Plants was shared with the concerned authorities of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.
PM condoles demise of Shri Ram Swaroop Sharma

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Shri Ram Swaroop Sharma. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Shri Ram Swaroop Sharma was a dedicated leader, who was always committed to solving people’s problems. He worked tirelessly for the betterment of society. Pained by his untimely and unfortunate demise. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”
PM calls on senior leaders Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri George Fernandes

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today made a courtesy call on former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Prime Minister also made a courtesy call on former Union Minister Shri George Fernandes.
PM reviews drought and water scarcity situation at high level meeting with Jharkhand CM

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired a high level meeting on the drought and water scarcity situation in parts of Jharkhand. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das, was present in the meeting. Senior officials from the Government of India, and the State of Jharkhand, were also present. Rs 273 crore was released to the State as central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2015-16. A further amount of Rs. 143.25 crore has been released as first instalment of SDRF for 2016-17. The State has disbursed Rs. 376 crore to 12 lakh farmers under SDRF, through DBT. Insurance claims of Rs. 53 crore were also settled through DBT. Jharkhand plans to double its irrigated area from 19 per cent to 40 per cent in the next two years. One lakh farm ponds are planned to be built under the State Plan, and an additional five lakh farm ponds will be built under MNREGA. The State is promoting fishery in the water bodies. The Prime Minister called for a mass movement to be generated for water conservation and rainwater harvesting in a comprehensive manner, and said youth organizations including NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Scouts and Guides should be involved in creation of water storage structures. The Chief Minister informed that tenders for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana have been finalized in the State. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of regular monitoring of the progress towards implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. The Prime Minister also called for generating a mass movement for soil health cards. He said ‘mobilization, momentum and mechanism’ are all required to make the soil health card programme a success. He said soil testing should be developed as a skill, and loans can be given for setting up labs through MUDRA. Emphasizing the use of technology, the Prime Minister called for reporting of assets created by MNREGA, through geo-tagging and uploading of photographs with hand-held devices. He also called for all water bodies to be identified through unique numbers and geo-tagging. The meeting ended with a resolve on the part of the Centre and State to work together.
PM attends Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi attended Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. In the ceremony Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations were conferred. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “Attended the ceremony in which Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations were conferred.”
PM addresses on the 50th Statehood day of Tripura

Praises the unity and collective efforts of the people of the state “Tripura is becoming a land of opportunities through relentless efforts of the double engine government” “Through the construction of the connectivity infrastructure, the state is fast becoming the hub of the trade corridor” The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute to the people who have contributed to the establishment and development of Tripura. He acknowledged the dignity and contribution of the state from the period of Manikya Dynasty. He praised the unity and collective efforts of the people of the state. He was speaking on the occasion of the 50th Statehood day of Tripura today. The Prime Minister underlined the three years of meaningful development and said that Tripura is becoming a land of opportunities under the aegis of relentless efforts of the double engine government. Highlighting the state’s excellent performance on many of the development parameters, the Prime Minister said that through the construction of the connectivity infrastructure, the state is fast becoming the hub of the trade corridor. Today, along with roads, railways, air and inlay waterways are also connecting Tripura with the rest of the world. The double engine government fulfilled the long pending demand of Tripura and got access to the Chittagong sea port in Bangladesh. The state received the first cargo from Bangladesh through Akhaura Integrated Check Post in 2020. The Prime Minister also mentioned the recent expansion of Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport. The Prime Minister talked about good work in the state regarding providing pucca houses to the poor and use of new technology in housing construction. These Light House Projects (LHP) are going on in six states and Tripura is one of them. He said that the work of the last three years is just a beginning and Tripura’s real potential is yet to be realized. He said that the measures in the fields ranging from transparency in the administration to infrastructure development will prepare the state for decades to come. Campaigns like saturation of benefits and facilities in all the villages will make the lives of the people of Tripura easier and better, he said. The Prime Minister said as India will attain 100 years of Azadi, Tripura will also complete 75 years of statehood. “This is a great period for new resolutions and new opportunities”, the Prime Minister added.
PM welcomes the first Air Freight Corridor flight from Kabul to India; thanks President Ghani for the initiative

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has welcomed the first Air Freight Corridor flight from Kabul to India. Prime Minister thanked Afghan President H.E. Ashraf Ghani for the initiative. “Happy to welcome the first Air Freight Corridor flight from Kabul. Direct connectivity between India and Afghanistan will usher prosperity. I thank President Ashraf Ghani for the initiative”, the Prime Minister said.
Text of Prime Minister’s statement on the BRICS Business Council

Excellencies, Distinguished members of the Business Council Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe, economic forces are becoming increasingly important in global relationships. Domains like Trade, Technology, Tourism, Talent and Tradition have the power to redefine existing paradigms. I am thus pleased, that we established, the BRICS Business Council, in Durban, last year. It is important, that our business leaders lead the effort in promoting trade, investment and manufacturing ties, among our countries. I appreciate the work done by the Council. Various enabling agreements, and MoUs; have already been signed between BRICS Development Banks, to promote intra-BRICS trade and investment. I would suggest the Business Council work in close coordination with the Development Banks, and, the Contact Group on Trade and Investment Issues. The suggestions presented in the Annual Report are important. The Council should work closely with BRICS Sherpas to see how these suggestions can be taken forward. I am also happy to note that the Council has gone beyond BRICS to make concrete proposals for contributing to the growth, and development of the larger African region. India remains committed to partnering with African countries in their developmental initiatives. I once again, express my appreciation for the good work that has been done.
PM condoles passing away of Shri Laxman Jagtap, MLA in Maharashtra Assembly

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief after the passing away of Shri Laxman Jagtap, MLA in the Maharashtra Assembly. The Prime Minister tweeted; “Pained by the passing away of MLA in the Maharashtra Assembly Shri Laxman Jagtap Ji. He made a great contribution to public welfare and for the development of Pune and the surrounding areas. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Philippines on agriculture and related fields

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Philippines in the field of agriculture and related fields. The MoU will improve bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and will be mutually beneficial to both countries. It will promote understanding of best agricultural practices in the two countries and will help in better productivity as well as improved global market access. This MoU provides for cooperation in the fields of rice production and processing, multi cropping system, dryland farming systems, bio-organic farming, solid and water conservation and management, soil fertility, sericulture, agro forestry, livestock improvement etc. The MoU provides for constitution of Joint Working Group composed of equal number of representatives. The Joint Working Group shall meet once every two years alternatively in the Philippines and India.
PM to visit Kerala tomorrow on January 15, 2019

Kollam bypass on NH-66 to be inaugurated by PM PM to visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will visit Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala tomorrow on January 15, 2019. In Kollam, Prime Minister will inaugurate Kollam bypass on NH-66. It is a 13 km long 2 lane bypass, with a project cost of Rs. 352 crore. It includes 3 major bridges over the Ashtamudi Lake, having a total length of 1540 metres. This project will reduce travel time between Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram, and will also decongest traffic in Kollam town. In Thiruvananthapuram, PM Shri Narendra Modi will visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple . He is likely to unveil a plaque to mark the launch of some visitor facilities. This will be the third official visit of the Prime Minister to Kollam. His first visit to the city was in December 2015, when he unveiled the statue of R. Sankar. Subsequently, the Prime Minister visited Kollam in April 2016, hours after the fire tragedy.
Cabinet approves expenditure sanction for Integrated E-filing and Centralized Processing Centre 2.0 Project

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to expenditure sanction of Rs.4,241.97 crore for Integrated E-filing & Centralized Processing Center 2.0 Project of the Income Tax Department. The Union Cabinet also approved the expenditure sanction for the consolidated cost of Rs.1,482.44crore of the existing CPC-ITR 1.0 project upto FY 2018-19. The broad objectives of this project are listed as under: a. Faster and accurate outcomes for taxpayer. b. First time right approach, c. Enhancing user experience at all stages. d. Improving taxpayer awareness and education through continuous engagement. e. Promoting voluntary tax compliance. f. Managing outstanding demand. This approval has significant benefits for the Department and taxpayers through various functionalities such as pre-filling of ITR and acceptance by taxpayer as a means to improve accuracy and to reduce refund/processing turnaround time drastically, facilitation to taxpayers in resolving outstanding tax demands; integrated contact centers for taxpayer assistance and tax payer outreach program through digital media and employer/partner accreditation program to bring significant enhancement in services to taxpayers. The decision will ensure horizontal equity by processing returns filed by all categories of taxpayers across the country in a consistent, uniform, rule driven, identity blind manner. This will assure fairness in tax treatment to every taxpayer irrespective of their status. By faster processing of returns and issue of refunds to the taxpayer’s bank account directly without any interface with the Department, by adhering to international best practices and standards (ISO certification) and by providing processing status updates and speedy communication using mobile app, email, SMS and on the Department website, the decision will ensure transparency and accountability. The proposal ensures the continuation of the Department’s goal towards business transformation through technology. The E-filing and CPC projects have enabled end to end automation of all processes within the Department using various innovative methods to provide taxpayer servicesand to promote voluntary compliance.
Amendments to the Appropriation Acts and the Repealing and Amending Bill pending for consideration in Rajya Sabha

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today gave its approval to move official Amendments in the Appropriation (Acts) Repeal Bill, 2015 and the Repealing and Amending (Third) Bill, 2015 respectively and to pursue for consideration of the said Bills pending in Rajya Sabha. The enactments repealed in reality have lost their meaning and are still on the Statute-Books. The repealing of Acts whose terms have ended, will in no way cause any negative impact on actions that were validly taken under these laws and have become irrelevant or dysfunctional and their repeal will serve the purpose of cleaning the Statute-Book and reduce the burden on the Statute-Book.
PM congratulates all those who have cleared the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2021

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated all those who have cleared the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2021. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said; “Congratulations to all those who have cleared the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2021. My best wishes to these youngsters who are embarking on their administrative careers at an important time of India’s development journey, when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.” “I fully understand the disappointment of those who couldn’t clear the Civil Services Exam but I also know that these are outstanding youngsters who will make a mark in any field they pursue and make India proud. My best wishes to them.”
PM chairs meeting of the Council on Climate Change

• PM calls for a paradigm shift in global attitudes towards climate change, from “carbon credit”, towards “green credit” • PM: Global awareness on climate change is an opportunity to improve quality of life of citizens • PM calls for consortium of nations with greatest solar energy potential The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today called for a paradigm shift in global attitudes towards climate change, from “carbon credit”, towards “green credit.” Chairing a meeting of the Prime Minister`s Council on Climate Change, Shri Narendra Modi said that instead of focusing on emissions and cuts alone, focus should shift on what we have done for clean energy generation, energy conservation and energy efficiency, and what more can be done in these areas. Shri Narendra Modi called for a careful evaluation of all the initiatives that have been taken by India in this regard. These include, to mention some: initiatives in solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, and transportation projects that have reduced distances or travel times. The Prime Minister said India looks at the global concern and awareness on Climate Change, as a great opportunity for working towards improving the quality of life of its citizens, and making a positive contribution for mankind. The Prime Minister emphasized India`s “sanskar” (traditions) and “soch” (thinking), where “prakriti prem” (love of nature) was imbibed among people from childhood. The Prime Minister recalled his meeting with leaders of Pacific island nations in Fiji in November 2014, and the apprehension they had over the issue of climate change. The Prime Minister called for a consortium of all nations who have the greatest solar energy potential. He called upon them to join hands with India for innovation and cutting-edge research that would reduce the cost of solar energy, making it more accessible to people. The Prime Minister called for a review of curricula in architecture and civil engineering colleges, to include energy efficient design in a big way. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Shri Arun Jaitley, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Ms. Uma Bharti, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Shri Prakash Javadekar, and Shri Piyush Goyal. The meeting was also attended by Shri R.K Pachauri, Shri Nitin Desai, Shri Ajay Mathur, Shri J.M. Mauskar, Shri Chandrashekhar Dasgupta and other members of the Council.
Constitution of Empowered Committee of Secretaries to process recommendations of 7th CPC

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for setting up an Empowered Committee of Secretaries under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary, in order to process the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) in an overall perspective. The Empowered Committee of Secretaries will function as a Screening Committee to process the recommendations with regard to all relevant factors of the 7th CPC in an expeditious detailed and holistic fashion.
PM’s statement to media ahead of Winter Session of Parliament

Namaskar Friends, This is the last session of 2019, and it is also a very crucial session because this is the 250th session of Rajya Sabha. The 250th session of Rajya Sabha is beginning with very inspiring memories of its journey of 250 sessions. Similarly, during this session, on the 26th, we have our Constitution Day. While we are celebrating 70 years of our Constitution, this Constitution incorporates the unity, integrity, diversity and beauty of India and is the driving force for the country. So through this House70 years of the Constitution can become an opportunity for the countrymen to become awaken. In the past, there has been an opportunity to meet the leaders of almost all the political parties. The last time after the formation of the new government the session witnessed unprecedented achievements due to the active positive role of everyone, due to the cooperation of all the parties and the cooperation of all the honourable MPs. And I take pride in publicly saying that this achievement does not belong to the government; it does not belong to the Treasury Bench; this achievement belongs to the entire House and all the MPs and that is why I once again express my gratitude to all the MPs for their active and positive role, and I hope that this session will also help in speeding up the journey of development of the country. We, from the Parliament, must express the capability of progressing at an equal pace with the world. We want open discussion on all issues. It is necessary to have the best debate. Be it a debate, a discussion, or a dialogue, everyone must put one’s intelligence to its maximum level and contribute to enrich the discussion of the House. The outcome of that is useful for the bright future of the country. So, with my best wishes to all the MPs, I thank you very much!
Signing of Revised Air Services Agreement between India and Seychelles

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for the signing of the revised Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Seychelles to modernize and update the existing ASA signed on 30.10.1978. The ASA signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Seychelles and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries. As a result of this agreement, the number of flights between India and Seychelles has been increased from three per week to seven per week.
Cabinet approves Treaty between India and Poland concerning Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Government of the Republic of India and the Republic of Poland with a view to enhance capability and effectiveness of both countries in investigation and prosecution of crimes, including crimes related to terrorism through mutual legal assistance. Benefits: The Treaty aims to enhance effectiveness of both the countries in investigation and prosecution of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. In the context of transnational crime and its linkages to terrorism, the proposed Treaty will provide a broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation with Poland in investigation and prosecution of crime as well as in tracing, restrain and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime as well as the funds meant to finance terrorist acts. After signing and ratification of the Treaty, suitable Gazette Notifications will be issued under the relevant provisions of Cr.P.C. 1973 to give effect to the provisions of the Treaty in India. The Gazette notification is accessible to general public outside the Government domain and it will provide increased awareness and transparency on mutual cooperation between India and Poland in the field of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. It will increase effectiveness of India in tackling criminal activities involving Poland. Once in operation, the Treaty will be instrumental in gaining better inputs and insights in the modus operandi of organized criminals and terrorists. These in turn can be used to fine tune policy decisions in the field of internal security.