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Cabinet approves Delegation of Powers to Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Finance to approve the award of the Blocks/Contract Areas to successful bidders

Boost to Ease of Doing Business in Petroleum & Natural Gas Sector In line with the Government initiative of ease of doing business, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for delegating the powers to Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Finance Minister to award the Blocks/Contract Areas to successful bidders under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) after International Competitive Bidding (ICB) based on the recommendations of Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECS). Under HELP, Blocks are to be awarded twice in a year. Therefore, this delegation of powers will expedite the decision making process on awarding blocks and give a boost to the initiative of ease of doing business. Impact: Under the NELP Policy, ECS considers the Bid Evaluation Criteria (BEC), conducts negotiations with the bidders wherever necessary and make recommendations to CCEA on award of blocks. The CCEA approves the award of blocks. The entire process, including Inter Ministerial Consultations (IMC) is quite lengthy and time consuming. In consonance with the Government initiative of ‘Ease of Doing Business’, it is desirable to shorten the duration of time taken for award of the Blocks / Contract Areas. Under the New Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy’ the competitive bidding will be continuous and blocks will be awarded twice a year. Background: Government of India launched a new policy regime for Exploration & Production (E&P) sector namely Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2016 which is paradigm shift from earlier policy regime. The main features of new Policy regime are Revenue Sharing Contract, single Licence for exploration and production of conventional as well as unconventional Hydrocarbon resources, marketing & pricing freedom, etc. Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) under HELP, is main innovative feature wherein investor can carve out Blocks of their own interest and submit an Expression of Interest (Eol) throughout the year. Based on the areas for which expression of interest has been expressed bidding will be conducted every 6 months. Government received an overwhelming response in first Eol cycle of OALP which started on 1st July, 2017 and closed on 15thNovember, 2017. In the first Bid round, 55 blocks, having an area of 59282 sq.km spreading across 11 States have been offered for bidding. The bidding process is being handled through a secured and dedicated e-bidding portal.
PM meets First Lady of the Republic of Korea

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with H. E. Mrs. Kim Jung-sook, First Lady of the Republic of Korea today. First Lady Kim is visiting India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. She will be the Chief Guest at the Deepotsav event being organized by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh and the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Memorial of Queen Suriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) in Ayodhya on 6 November 2018. Ayodhya and Korea have a deep historical connection through the legendary Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, who traveled to Korea in 48 CE and married Korean King Suro. In their meeting today, the Prime Minister and First Lady Kim discussed the deep civilizational and spiritual links between India and Korea, and exchanged views on promoting people-to-people exchanges. First Lady Kim congratulated the Prime Minister on being awarded the Seoul Peace Prize. The Prime Minister said that this honour truly belongs to the people of India. The Prime Minister also warmly recalled the successful visit of President Moon Jae-in to India in July 2018, which imparted fresh momentum to India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
PM congratulates Saina Nehwal on winning World Badminton Championships Silver Medal

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has congratulated Ms. Saina Nehwal on winning the Silver Medal at the World Badminton Championships. “A Silver at the World Badminton Championships is a momentous feat. Congratulations to Ms. Saina Nehwal. Her accomplishments truly inspire,” the Prime Minister said.
PM interacts with CEOs and Experts of Global Oil and Gas Sector

Our goal is to make India Aatmanirbhar in the oil & gas sector: PM PM invites CEOs to partner with India in exploration and development of the oil & gas sector in India Industry leaders praise steps taken by the government towards improving energy access, energy affordability and energy security Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the CEOs and Experts of the global oil and gas sector earlier today, via video conferencing. Prime Minister discussed in detail the reforms undertaken in the oil and gas sector in the last seven years, including the ones in exploration and licensing policy, gas marketing, policies on coal bed methane, coal gasification, and the recent reform in Indian Gas Exchange, adding that such reforms will continue with the goal to make India ‘Aatmanirbhar in the oil & gas sector’. Talking about the oil sector, he said that the focus has shifted from ‘revenue’ to ‘production’ maximization. He also spoke about the need to enhance storage facilities for crude oil. He further talked about the rapidly growing natural gas demand in the country. He talked about the current and potential gas infrastructure development including pipelines, city gas distribution and LNG regasification terminals. Prime Minister recounted that since 2016, the suggestions provided in these meetings have been immensely useful in understanding the challenges faced by the oil and gas sector. He said that India is a land of openness, optimism and opportunities and is brimming with new ideas, perspectives and innovation. He invited the CEOs and experts to partner with India in exploration and development of the oil and gas sector in India. The interaction was attended by industry leaders from across the world, including Dr. Igor Sechin, Chairman & CEO, Rosneft; Mr. Amin Nasser, President & CEO, Saudi Aramco; Mr. Bernard Looney, CEO, British Petroleum; Dr. Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman, IHS Markit; Mr. Olivier Le Peuch, CEO, Schlumberger Limited; Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited; Mr Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Limited, among others. They praised several recent achievements of the government towards improving energy access, energy affordability and energy security. They appreciated the leadership of the Prime Minister towards the transition to cleaner energy in India, through visionary and ambitious goals. They said that India is adapting fast to newer forms of clean energy technology, and can play a significant role in shaping global energy supply chains. They talked about ensuring sustainable and equitable energy transition, and also gave their inputs and suggestions about further promotion of clean growth and sustainability.
PM at 8th Convocation of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Unveils various facilities at the University Our aim is to reduce India’s carbon footprint by 30-35% and increase the share of natural gas by 4 times : PM Urges the youth of the 21st century to move forward with a Clean Slate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi graced the 8th Convocation of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He laid the foundation stone of ‘45 MW Production Plant of Monocrystalline Solar PhotoVoltaic Panel’ and ‘Centre of Excellence on Water Technology’. He also inaugurated ‘Innovation and Incubation Centre – Technology Business Incubation’, ‘Translational Research Centre’ and ‘Sports Complex’ at the University. Addressing the students, the Prime Minister said it is not an easy thing to graduate at a time when the World is facing such a big crisis, but your abilities are much bigger than these challenges. He added that students are entering the industry at a time when due to pandemic, major changes are taking place in the energy sector across the world. The Prime Minister remarked that in this way, today the energy sector in India, has immense potential for growth, Entrepreneurship and employment. He announced that today the country is moving forward with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 30-35% and efforts are taken to increase the share of Natural Gas in our energy needs by 4 times in this decade. Work is on to double the oil refining capacity in the next five years, Energy security related startup ecosystem is being strengthened and a fund has been created for students and professionals, the Prime Minister informed. . The Prime Minister asked the students to have purpose in life. He stressed that it’s not that successful people don’t have problems, but the one who accepts challenges, confronts them, defeats them, solves problems, only succeeds. He added those who take on challenges, later succeed in life. He said youth of the 1922-47 period sacrificed everything for freedom. He urged the students to live for the country and join the movement of Atmanirbhar Bharat and develop a sense of responsibility. The Prime Minister remarked that the seed of success lies in a sense of responsibility and a sense of responsibility should be turned to the purpose of life. He pointed out that the same people are successful in life, do something by which there is a sense of responsibility in their lives. Those who fail are the ones who live in the Sense of Burden. He added a sense of responsibility also gives rise to a sense of opportunity in a person’s life. He said India is progressing ahead in many sectors and young graduates must march ahead with commitment. He also emphasized on protecting nature and the environment. The Prime Minister urged the present generation, the youth of the 21st century, to move forward with a Clean Slate. Clean Slate and Clean Heart means clear intentions. He remarked that the hopes and expectations of the world are high from India in the 21st century and India’s hopes and expectations are associated with the students and professionals.
Signing and Ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratification of the Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been designated as the Central Authority under Article 15 of the Convention. The BIMSTEC comprises of seven countries viz., Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The establishment of regional arrangements for mutual assistance in criminal matters will greatly contribute to more effective cooperation in the control of criminal activities. The Convention aims to extend widest measures of assistance to each other through mutual cooperation for enhancing capability and effectiveness of the Member States in investigation and prosecution of crimes, including crimes related to terrorism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering and cyber-crimes. After signing as well as ratification of the Convention from the Indian side, the Instrument of Ratification will be deposited to the Secretary-General of. BIMSTEC and the Convention shall enter into force on 30th day of the deposit of last instrument of ratification.
PM’s opening remarks in the India-Uzbekistan virtual summit

Excellency, Namaskar! First of all, I wish to congratulate you for entering your 5th year of office on 14th December. I was looking forward to visit Uzbekistan this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic my visit could not materialize, but I am happy that in this era of “Work From Anywhere” we are meeting virtually today. Excellency, India and Uzbekistan are two historic civilizations. We have been maintaining regular contacts since ancient times. There is immense resemblance in our understanding and approach to the challenges and opportunities of our region. And thus our bonding has always been strong. During your visits to India in 2018 and 2019, we had the opportunity to discuss many issues, which gave new momentum to our relations. Excellency, We have similar concerns about extremism, fundamentalism and separatism. We both stand firmly together against terrorism. We also have an identical approach on regional security issues. We both agree that the Afghan peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. It is essential that the gains of the last two decades are preserved. India and Uzbekistan together took the initiative of India-Central Asia Dialogue which commenced its journey from Samarkand last year. Excellency, Over the last few years our economic partnership has also strengthened. We also want to further intensify our development partnership with Uzbekistan. I am glad to know that many projects are being considered under the Indian Line of Credit. We are ready to share India’s expertise and experience in compliance with your development priorities. India has immense potential in areas such as infrastructure, IT, education, health, training and capacity building, which can be of much use to Uzbekistan. The establishment of a Joint Working Group on Agriculture between our two countries is a notable and positive step. This shall facilitate opportunities to expand our mutual agricultural trade helping the farming community of both the countries. Excellency, Our security partnership is becoming a strong pillar of bilateral relations. Last year our armed forces had their first joint military exercise. We are jointly moving ahead in the areas of space and atomic energy too. It is also a matter of satisfaction that during this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic, both countries have fully supported each other. Whether it’s related to supply of medicines or safe repatriation of each other’s citizens. Cooperation among our States is also increasing. Cooperation between Haryana and Fargana is now being outlined based on the successful model of Gujarat and the Andijan. Excellency, Uzbekistan is undergoing significant reforms under your able leadership and in India too we are moving ahead on the path of reforms. This will expand the possibilities of mutual cooperation between us in the post-COVID era. I am sure that our discussion today will provide new direction and energy to this effort. Excellency, Now it is my honor to invite you for your Opening Remarks.
Union Cabinet Secretary reviews the Air Pollution Situation

Union Cabinet Secretary today reviewed the progress made in the arrangements,since Sunday,to control Air Pollution in the National Capital Region. It was observed that the cases of crop stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana still continues continued and that there is a need for more focussed action. These States have now been directed that more monitoring teams should be deployed on the field to ensure that the violators are taken to task by imposing suitable penalties. The situation in the capital where different agencies are coordinating was also discussed and it was felt that there was a need for enhanced efforts to control the situation. The states have also been directed to ensure that they are fully prepared for meeting any exigency in the future.
PM addresses India-France Business Summit in Chandigarh. 16 Agreements exchanged

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the India-France Business Summit in Chandigarh today. The Prime Minister appreciated France for the manner in which it coordinated the CoP-21 negotiations. He recalled that President Hollande had spoken to him over phone and had shared the outline of the proposed agreement, shortly before it was announced. The Prime Minister recalled the deadly terror attack in Paris a few days before the CoP-21 meeting, and said France has shown the way to combat terrorism without deviating from its core principles. He said India will stand shoulder to shoulder with France in the fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister spoke at length about the complementarities between India and France, and said both countries are in fact made for each other. Speaking about the security and defence sector, the Prime Minister said Indian talent and French manufacturing capability can together make the world a more secure place. In this context, he mentioned cyber-security as well. The Prime Minister said French companies are well invested in India. He asserted that retrospective tax was a thing of the past, and a closed chapter. He mentioned the initiatives of Mission Innovation, involving India, US and France, and the International Solar Alliance. 16 MoUs and Agreements were exchanged at the Summit.
Cabinet approves Transfer of 10 In-orbit Communication Satellites from Government of India to M/s. New Space India Ltd.(NSIL)

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the transfer of 10 in-orbit communication satellites from Government of India (Gol) to M/s.NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL), a wholly owned Public Sector Enterprise of GOI under the administrative control of the Department of Space. The Union Cabinet has also approved increasing the authorized share capital of NSIL from Rs.1000 crore to Rs.7500 crore. Transfer of these assets to NSIL will further provide the desired financial autonomy to the company to realize capital intensive programmes/ projects and thereby offering huge employment potential and technology spin-off to other sectors of the economy. This approval is expected to trigger domestic economic activity in space sector and increase India’s share in the global space market. The Space Sector reforms mandated NSIL to undertake end-to-end commercial space activities and function as a full-fledged satellite operator. NSIL functioning as a single-window operator will also facilitate the ease of doing business in space sector. NSIL Board will now be empowered to price the transponders as per the market dynamics and global trends in the Satellite Communication sector. NSIL is also authorized to offer and allocate capacity as per its internal policies and guidelines.
PM remembers Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has remembered Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversary. “Remembering Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Chandra Shekhar Azad and their rich contribution to India’s freedom struggle, on their birth anniversary”, the Prime Minister said.
PM’s address at Global Summit on Supply Chain Resilience

Your Excellency- President Biden, I thank you for taking this Summit initiative on the important subject of supply chain resilience. As soon as you took over, you said, “America is back”. And in such a short time, we are all seeing this happening, and therefore, I would say, Welcome Back! Excellencies, In the initial months of the pandemic, we all felt the shortage of raw materials to produce vaccines, health equipment and essential medicines. Now that the world is gearing up for economic recovery, the supply problems of semiconductors and other commodities are coming in the way of healthy growth. Who in the world thought there would ever be a shortage of shipping containers? Excellencies, India has accelerated the export of vaccines to improve the global supply of vaccines. We are also working with our Quad partners to supply better and affordable Covid-19 vaccine in the Indo-Pacific region. India is gearing up to produce 5 billion COVID vaccine doses for the world next year. It is also very important that there is no hindrance in the supply of raw material. Excellencies, I believe that three aspects are most important to improve global supply chains – Trusted Source, Transparency and Time-Frame. It is necessary that our supply must be from Trusted Sources. It is also important for our shared security. Trusted sources must be such that they do not have a reactive tendency so that the supply chain is protected from a tit for tat approach. For the reliability of the supply chain, it is also necessary that there must be transparency in it. Due to lack of transparency, today we are seeing that many companies in the world are facing the shortage of small things. If there is no timely supply of essential things, it may lead to bigger losses. We have clearly realized this in pharma and medical supplies in the Corona times. So to ensure supply within a time-frame, we have to diversify our supply chains. And for this, alternative manufacturing capacity will have to be developed in developing countries. Excellencies, India has built its credibility as Trusted Sources of pharmaceuticals, IT and other items. We look forward to playing our role in clean technology supply chain as well. I suggest that we instruct our teams to meet quickly to come up with further action plan within a certain time frame, based on our shared democratic values. Thank you.
PM requests all those who are eligible to get Covid Precaution Dose

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has requested all those who are eligible to get Covid Precaution Dose as India began administering Precaution Doses. He also applauded those who have got vaccinated today. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “India began administering Precaution Doses. Kudos to those who have got vaccinated today. I would request all those who are eligible to get vaccinated. As we all know, vaccination remains among the most effective means to fight COVID-19.”