Daily PIB Analysis For UPSC/IAS | 17th January 2019 -

Table of Contents

Cabinet

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Australia on the safety in Mines, Testing and Research Station
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India and Department of Natural Resource Mines and Energy, Queensland Government, Australia through the Safety in Mines, Testing and Research Station (SIMTARS). implementation of risk based safety management system, providing training, modernising R&D laboratory of DGMS. The memorandum of understanding will become operative from the date of signing and remain in effect for three years. Background: Mining accident rates in Australia is the lowest in the world. Australia has pioneered in conceptualising and implementing risk based Safety Management Plans for the mining sector using the technique of hazard identification and risk assessment. SIMTARS is known to have exclusive expertise in Mines Safety Management Systems.

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.4,241.97crore Project of the Income Tax Department. 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.
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.
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.

Cabinet approves recapitalisation of ExportImport Bank of India Issuance of Recapitalization Bonds by Government of India to the tune of Rs.6,000 crore for capital infusion in Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank). The equity will be infused in two tranches of Rs. 4,500 crore in FY 2018-19 and Rs.1,500 crore in FY 2019-20 respectively. The Cabinet also approved an increase in the authorized capital of Exim Bank from Rs. 10,000 crore to Rs. 20,000 crore. The recapitalisation bonds will be on the lines issued to Public Sector Banks.

Exim Bank is the principal export credit agency for India.
The infusion of capital into Exim Bank will enable it to augment capital adequacy and support Indian exports with enhanced ability.
The infusion will give an impetus to anticipate new initiatives like supporting Indian textile industries, likely changes in Concessional Finance Scheme (CFS), likelihood of new LoCs in future in view of India’s active foreign policy and strategic intent.
Exim Bank of India (Exim Bank) was established in 1982 under an Act of Parliament as the apex financial institution for financing, facilitating and promoting India’s international trade. The Bank primarily lends for exports from India including supporting overseas buyers and Indian suppliers for export of developmental and infrastructure projects, equipment, goods and services from India. It is regulated by RBI.

Numligarh Refinery Assam capacity to be expanded from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA
Cabinet approves setting up of crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and Product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri Expansion to meet petroleum products demand in Northeast It will generate direct and indirect employment in Assam and is a part of the Government’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North East.

Gandhi Peace Prize for 2015,2016,2017 and 2018 announced.
Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari for the year 2015 for their contribution in Rural Development, Education , Development of natural resources.
For 2016 jointly to Akshaya Patra Foundation for its contribution in providing mid-day meals to millions of children across India and Sulabh International for its contribution in improving the condition of sanitation in India and emancipation of manual scavengers.
Ekal Abhiyan Trust for the year 2017 for their contribution in providing Education for Rural and Tribal Children in remote areas pan India, Rural Empowerment, Gender and Social Equality
Shri Yohei Sasakawa for the year 2018 for his contribution in Leprosy Eradication in India and across the world.
The annual award was instituted by the Government of India in 1995 during the commemoration of 125th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The award carries an amount of Rs 1 Crore, a Citation in a scroll, a plaque as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item.

Work in Full Swing on Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Stretch in Uttarakhand
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is engaged in construction of Tawaghat-Ghatiabagarh-Lipulekh axis in Uttarakhand that forms important part of KailashMansarovar Yatra route. The road upto Lakhanpur from Tawaghat measuring 23 kilometres has already been connected. Similarly, the road beyond Budhi village upto Lipulekh pass is 51 kilometres long has also been connected. At present, BRO under project Hirak is engaged in constructing road between Lakhanpur to Budhi in 16.5 kilometres length, which passes through rugged and inaccessible terrain.

Saksham 2019, annual event of PCRA, launched
‘Saksham’, an annual high intensity one-month long peoplecentric mega campaign of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was launched here today by Sh. Rajiv Bansal, Addl. Secretary & Financial Adviser, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. ‘Saksham’ Cycle Day in 200 cities, Cyclothons, Short Film making contest on MyGov, Workshops for drivers of commercial vehicles, Seminars for housewives/cooks on adopting simple fuel saving measure, Nationwide campaign through Radio, TV, Digital Cinemas, Outdoor media etc. will be conducted, with a focus on reaching out to various segments of fuel users. PCRA is going to utilize the social media platforms for various customized campaigns through Facebook, twitter, MyGov platform.

National Selection Committee finalises names for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2019
The National Selection Committee under the Chairpersonship of WCD Minister has finalized the names of awardees for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2019. The Government of India has been conferring the National Award on Children for their exceptional achievement in the fields of innovation, scholastic, sports, arts, culture, social service, music or any other field deserving recognition. Traditionally, these awards have been given away by Hon’ble President of India. Under this scheme, awards will be given in two categories (i)Bal Shakti Puruskar to individuals and (ii) Bal Kalyan Puraskar for institutions/individuals working for children . The WCD ministry has shortlisted 26 awardees including one joint award for National Child Award (now renamed as Bal Shakti Puraskar) under the category of innovation, scholastic, sports, arts & culture, social service and bravery.